0620 Example Candidate Responses Paper 5

Example Candidate Responses
Paper 5
Cambridge IGCSE®
Chemistry 0620
Version 2.0
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Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Assessment at a glance..................................................................................................................................... 6
Paper 5 – Practical Test .................................................................................................................................... 8
Question 1 ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Question 2 ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Question 3 ................................................................................................................................................... 23
Example Candidate Responses: Paper 5
Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching IGCSE Chemistry (0620), and to
show how different levels of candidates’ performance (high, middle and low) relate to the subject’s
curriculum and assessment objectives.
In this booklet candidate responses have been chosen to exemplify a range of answers. Each response is
accompanied by a brief commentary explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the answers.
For each question, response is annotated with clear explanation of where and why marks were awarded or
omitted. This, in turn, is followed by examiner comments on how the answer could have been improved. In
this way it is possible for you to understand what candidates have done to gain their marks and what they
will have to do to improve their marks. At the end there is a list of common mistakes candidates made in their
answers for each question.
This document provides illustrative examples of candidate work. These help teachers to assess the standard
required to achieve marks, beyond the guidance of the mark scheme. Some question types where the
answer is clear from the mark scheme, such as short answers and multiple choice, have therefore been
omitted.
The questions, mark schemes and pre-release material used here are available to download as a zip file
from the School Support Hub as the Example Candidate Responses Files. These files are:
Question Paper 31, June 2016

Question paper 0620_s16_qp_31.pdf
Mark scheme 0620_s16_ms_31.pdf

Question Paper 51, November 2016

Question paper 0620_w16_qp_52.pdf
Mark scheme 0620_w16_ms_52.pdf

Other past papers, Examiner Reports and other teacher support materials are available on the School
Support Hub at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support
4 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

How to use this booklet
Answers by real candidates in exam

conditions. These show you the types of Examiner
answers for each level. annotations: Each
response is annotated
Discuss and analyse the answers with
with clear explanation
your learners in the classroom to
of where and why
improve their skills.
marks were awarded or
omitted. In this way it is
possible for you to
understand what
candidates have done
to gain their marks.
Examiner comments on how the answer

could have been improve.
Common mistakes a list of common mistakes

candidates made in their answers for each question.
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) 5

Assessment at a glance
All candidates must enter for three papers.
Core candidates take: Extended candidates take:
Paper 1 45 minutes Paper 2 45 minutes
A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of

the four-choice type. the four-choice type.
This paper will test assessment objectives AO1 and This paper will test assessment objectives AO1
AO2. Questions will be based on the Core syllabus and AO2. Questions will be based on the
content. Extended syllabus content (Core and
Supplement).
This paper will be weighted at 30% of the final total
mark. This paper will be weighted at 30% of the final
total mark.
and: and:
Paper 3 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 4 1 hour 15 minutes
A written paper consisting of short-answer and A written paper consisting of short-answer and
structured questions. structured questions.
This paper will test assessment objectives AO1 and This paper will test assessment objectives AO1
AO2. Questions will be based on the Core syllabus and AO2. Questions will be based on the
content. Extended syllabus content (Core and
Supplement).
80 marks
80 marks
This paper will be weighted at 50% of the final total
mark. This paper will be weighted at 50% of the final
total mark.
All candidates take
either: or:
Paper 5 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 6 1 hou
Practical Test Alternative to Practical

This paper will test assessment objective AO3. This paper will test assessment objective AO3.
Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Questions will be based on the experimental
Section 7. skills in Section 7.
The paper is structured to assess grade ranges The paper is structured to assess grade ranges
A*–G. A*–G.
40 marks 40 marks
This paper will be weighted at 20% of the final total This paper will be weighted at 20% of the final
mark. total mark.

Candidates who have studied the Core syllabus content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below
should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for
grades C to G.
Candidates who have studied the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected
to achieve a grade C or above should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These
candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.
Teachers are reminded that the latest syllabus is available on our public website at
www.cambridgeinternational.org and the School Support Hub at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support

Paper 5 – Practical Test
Question 1
Example Candidate Response – Question 1, High Examiner comments
1 Experiments 1 and 2 have been

completed successfully. Both tables
of results are completed correctly
and they are comparable to the
supervisor's results.
Mark awarded for (a) = 2 out of 2

1
Mark awarded for (b) = 2 out of 2

2 2 All the points are correctly

plotted and the line graphs are
drawn smoothly. The graphs are
clearly labelled as requested.
Mark awarded for (c) = 4 out of 4
3 The tie line is wrongly drawn

from 153 seconds. Credit is given
for reading the value from this tie
3
line.
Mark awarded for (d) (i) = 1 out of 2
4 4 The tie line shows the candidate

understands that the temperature
will have risen to 20.5 + 30 =
50.5 °C. The time of 78 s is correct
but 60 seconds need to be
subtracted from this value because
the time required is after the
magnesium has been added.
Mark awarded for (d) (ii) = 1 out of 2

5 The candidate realises the

reaction is finished. After 1 hour the
mixture would have returned to the
initial temperature recorded in the
5 table as 20.5 °C.
Mark awarded for (e) = 2 out of 2

6
6 Credit is given for ‘more results’
but the point about reliability is
ignored because it is not relevant.
Understanding that the resultant
graph would be a smoother/better
curve would have gained full credit.
7
Mark awarded for (f) = 1 out of 2
7 The candidate shows

knowledge and understanding of
the properties of polystyrene.
Mark awarded for (g) = 2 out of 2
Total mark awarded = 15 out of 18
How the candidate could have improved the answer

The candidate lost marks by not reading the questions carefully, e.g. drawing the wrong tie line. Careful
reading was required, especially when answering the more difficult questions.

Example Candidate Response – Question 1, Middle Examiner comments
1 Both experiments have been

carried out. The tables of results are
completed correctly. The first three
readings should be similar to show
the instructions have been followed as
requested.
1 Mark awarded for (b) = 2 out of 2

2 2 All points are plotted correctly.

The line graphs are not smooth and
go up at the end so only partial credit
is given for the labels.
3 The tie line is incorrectly

positioned at 138s but credit is given
for the value.
4 The candidate shows a good

3 understanding of the steps required to
work out the answer. The tie line at
48 °C is clearly shown.

4

5 The candidate does not give an

explanation for a correct answer in
terms of the reaction finishing.
5
Mark awarded for (e) = 1 out of 2
6 Reference to accuracy alone is

6 not enough. The idea of more
readings leading to a smoother graph
is required.
7 The idea that copper conducts

7 heat gains credit. There is no
explanation in terms of heat losses
causing errors in the results.

The two graphs drawn were not smooth. Graphs should be straight lines drawn with a ruler or smooth
curves.
No explanations were given in response to questions with the command word ‘Explain’.

Example Candidate Response – Question 1, Low Examiner comments
1 Experiments 1 and 2 have been

1 carried out successfully.
Both tables of results are completed

correctly.
Mark awarded for (b) = 2 out of 2

2 2 All points are plotted correctly

and the graph is smooth.
3 The candidate has read the value

correctly but fails to show clearly on
the grid how the answer is worked
3
out.
4 4 There is a lack of knowledge and

understanding.

5 The candidate gives a vague

answer which is not enough to gain
credit. The explanation that the
5 reaction is finished and the
temperature of the mixture would
return to room temperature is not
realised.
6 Mark awarded for (e) = 0 out of 2
6 No appreciation is evident here

that more results would be obtained
which would result in a smoother
graph.

7
7 There is a lack of knowledge and
understanding about the insulating
properties of polystyrene results in a
guessed answer.

The instruction to ‘Show clearly on the grid…’ was ignored.
More detail was needed in answers which showed a vague approach and a lack of knowledge and
understanding.
Common mistakes candidates made in this question

• Line graphs were not smooth.
• Tie lines were incorrect.
• Not giving explanations when requested.
• Not giving the number of points indicated by the mark allocation of the question.

Question 2
1 1 pH value is in the correct range

(0–3).
Mark awarded for (a) (i) = 1 out of 1
2 Fizzing is observed. The correct

2 tests on gases are produced and
the results of the tests are clearly
stated.
Mark awarded for (a) (ii) = 2 out of 2
Mark awarded for (a) (iii) = 2 out of

2
3
3 The expected observation is

given.
Mark awarded for (a) (iv) = 1 out of

4 1
4 pH value is in the allowed range

(10–14).
Mark awarded for (b) (i) = 1 out of 1
5 5 The wrong result is given for

when excess aqueous sodium
hydroxide is added. The answer
should be insoluble.
Mark awarded for (b) (ii) = 1 out of 2

6 The precipitate is incorrectly

described as yellow instead of
brown.
6 Mark awarded for (b) (iii) = 1 out of

2
7
7 The candidate fails to note the
presence of a precipitate.
Mark awarded for (b) (iv) = 0 out of

1

8
8 The candidate fails to work out
that the pH value of 10 obtained in
(b) (i) indicates the presence of
hydroxide ions. The presence of
iodide ions has been inferred from
an erroneous observation in (b) (iii).
Mark awarded for (d) = 0 out of 2

Some observations were not fully described, e.g. dark green precipitate was only given as dark green.

1 pH is in the correct range (0–3).

1
2 Bubbles are seen and recorded.

2 The lighted splint test is stated and
the result obtained gains full credit.
3 Bubbles are recorded and

‘limewater turns cloudy’ is the
expected test for carbon dioxide
3 gas.
Mark awarded for (a) (iii) = 2 out of 2

4
4 Cloudy, milky and turbid are not
specific descriptions for a positive
sulfate test. White precipitate is
specific.
Mark awarded for (a) (iv) = 0 out of 1
5 The candidate shows a lack of

knowledge and understanding of the
5 use of aqueous sodium hydroxide to
identify metal cations.

Mark awarded for (b) (iii) = 1 out of 2
6 The formation of precipitates in (ii)

and (iii) is not recorded.
6 Mark awarded for (b) (iv) = 0 out of 1
7 Solution Q is sulfuric acid. Hydrogen

sulfate is allowed as an alternative
7 name.
8 8 Solution R is aqueous calcium

hydroxide. This is a guessed answer.
Incorrect observations made earlier in
the question lead to this error.

Greater clarity and detail were needed when recording observations of tests carried out.

1 Solution Q is sulfuric acid. pH is in

the correct range (0–3).
2 The candidate does not record the

1 observation that the mixture
fizzes/bubbles. A test result is given but
the test using a lighted splint is not
given.
2
3 No observation is given. The

candidate shows a lack of knowledge
3 and understanding – the gas tested is
thought to be oxygen instead of carbon
dioxide.
Mark awarded for (a) (iii) = 0 out of 2
4 The vague description of a milky

precipitate instead of a white precipitate
4 is penalised.
Mark awarded for (a) (iv) = 0 out of 1
5 Solution R is aqueous calcium

5 hydroxide and a pH in the allowed
range (10–14) gained credit.

6
6 The formation of a white precipitate
which does not dissolve in excess
aqueous sodium hydroxide is the
expected observation.

7 The candidate recognises the

formation of a solid but no colour is
described. No credit is given as a
brown precipitate is not described.
7
Mark awarded for (b) (iii) = 0 out of 2
8 8 The formation of a precipitate is

recorded but the colour is described as
black instead of green.
Mark awarded for (b) (iv) = 0 out of 1

9
9 The candidate is unable to conclude
that an acid is present despite the
10 correct result for the test in (a) (i).
10 The presence of hydroxide ions has

not been inferred from the test in (b) (i).

The candidate needed to describe the tests carried out as well as the results obtained from the tests.
The candidate showed a lack of knowledge and understanding.

• Making careless observations lacking the detail necessary to correlate with the marks allocated.
• Not using the practical notes provided to identify substances from the results obtained from the tests.

Question 3
1 1 Silica is separated by filtration.
2 2 Water obtained by heating and

condensing vapour scores both
marks.
3 3 Sodium carbonate is separated

out as crystals after cooling.

The silica was separated by filtration. However, the candidate failed to purify the silica by washing it with
water and then drying.

1 1 Silica is obtained from the

mixture by filtration. The idea of
purifying the silica by washing it
with water and then drying the
residue is not realised.
2
2 Sodium carbonate is separated
by evaporation.
3
3 The candidate separates the
water successfully in Steps 1 and 2.


1 1 The candidate separates the

silica from the mixture but does not
purify it by washing with water and
drying. Distillation separates the
water. There is no detail as to how
the sodium carbonate is obtained.

The candidate failed to separate the sodium carbonate from the mixture.

• Failing to purify the silica obtained from filtration.
• Separating the water successfully by heating the mixture but not mentioning condensing/cooling the
vapour to obtain the liquid.

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Example Candidate Responses

Please follow the link below to register your interest.

® IGCSE is a registered trademark

Copyright © UCLES 2017

Question Paper 31, June 2016

Question Paper 41, June 2016

Question Paper 51, November 2016

Question Paper 61, June 2016

4 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

How to use this booklet

Answers by real candidates in exam

Examiner comments on how the answer

Common mistakes a list of common mistakes

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) 5

Core candidates take: Extended candidates take:

Paper 1 45 minutes Paper 2 45 minutes

A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of

Paper 3 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 4 1 hour 15 minutes

All candidates take

Paper 5 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 6 1 hou

Practical Test Alternative to Practical

6 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) 7

Paper 5 – Practical Test

Example Candidate Response – Question 1, High Examiner comments

1 Experiments 1 and 2 have been

Mark awarded for (a) = 2 out of 2

8 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

Example Candidate Response – Question 1, High Examiner comments

2 2 All the points are correctly

Mark awarded for (c) = 4 out of 4

3 The tie line is wrongly drawn

Mark awarded for (d) (i) = 1 out of 2

4 4 The tie line shows the candidate

Mark awarded for (d) (ii) = 1 out of 2

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) 9

Example Candidate Response – Question 1, High Examiner comments

5 The candidate realises the

Mark awarded for (e) = 2 out of 2

7 The candidate shows

Mark awarded for (g) = 2 out of 2

Total mark awarded = 15 out of 18

How the candidate could have improved the answer

10 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

Example Candidate Response – Question 1, Middle Examiner comments

1 Both experiments have been

Mark awarded for (a) = 2 out of 2

1 Mark awarded for (b) = 2 out of 2

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) 11

Example Candidate Response – Question 1, Middle Examiner comments

2 2 All points are plotted correctly.

Mark awarded for (c) = 3 out of 4

3 The tie line is incorrectly

Mark awarded for (d) (i) = 1 out of 2

4 The candidate shows a good

Mark awarded for (d) (ii) = 2 out of 2

12 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

Example Candidate Response – Question 1, Middle Examiner comments