Cambridge IGCSE Science - Combined 0653 — 2022 May/June Paper 1 · Variant 3
0653/13/M/J/22 · 40 questions · 40 marks · ≈45 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper16 pages
Mark scheme3 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.
Questions as text
Q1 · What is the outermost layer of an animal cell and a plant cell?
1 What is the outermost layer of an animal cell and a plant cell? animal cell plant cell A cell membrane cell membrane B cell membrane cell wall C cell wall cell membrane D cell wall cell wall
Mark scheme: B
Q2 · Most cars burn fossil fuels to release energy for their movement
2 Most cars burn fossil fuels to release energy for their movement. Which characteristic of living organisms is similar to this? A excretion B growth C nutrition D respiration
Mark scheme: D
Q3 · What is the definition of diffusion?
3 What is the definition of diffusion? A the downward movement of particles in the atmosphere B the movement of particles down a concentration gradient C the movement of molecules against a concentration gradient D the movement of particles from a hotter to a cooler region
Mark scheme: B
Q4 · Which large molecules are made from smaller molecules of glucose?
4 Which large molecules are made from smaller molecules of glucose? A amino acids and fatty acids B glycogen and glycerol C glycerol and fatty acids D starch and glycogen
Mark scheme: D
Q5 · A plant that lives in water is exposed to sunlight
5 A plant that lives in water is exposed to sunlight. After a short period of time, bubbles of gas are given off from the plant. Which gas do the bubbles contain, and which process produces this gas? gas process A carbon dioxide photosynthesis B carbon dioxide respiration C oxygen photosynthesis D oxygen respiration
Mark scheme: C
Q6 · The diagram shows the human alimentary canal and associated organs
6 The diagram shows the human alimentary canal and associated organs. Where does egestion occur? A B C D
Mark scheme: D
Q7 · The diagram shows a cross-section of a human heart
7 The diagram shows a cross-section of a human heart. 4 1 2 3 Which numbers correctly identify the parts of the heart? muscular wall septum left ventricle A 1 4 2 B 1 4 3 C 4 1 2 D 4 1 3
Mark scheme: A
Q8 · Which route does inspired air take to reach the alveoli?
8 Which route does inspired air take to reach the alveoli? A larynx trachea bronchi bronchioles B larynx trachea bronchioles bronchi C trachea larynx bronchi bronchioles D trachea larynx bronchioles bronchi
Mark scheme: A
Q9 · Physical activity affects our rate and depth of breathing
9 Physical activity affects our rate and depth of breathing. What happens during increased physical activity? rate of breathing depth of breathing A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases
Mark scheme: D
Q10 · Some statements about adrenaline are listed
10 Some statements about adrenaline are listed. 1 It has one target organ. 2 It is a hormone. 3 It is produced by a gland. 4 It is transported in the blood. Which statements are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 only B 1, 2 and 4 only C 2, 3 and 4 only D 1, 2, 3 and 4
Mark scheme: C
Q11 · The diagram shows a seed germinating in soil
11 The diagram shows a seed germinating in soil. soil surface shoot root Which tropic responses are taking place in the shoot and root while they are still underground? shoot root A gravitropism gravitropism B gravitropism phototropism C phototropism gravitropism D phototropism phototropism
Mark scheme: A
Q12 · In which part of the female reproductive system does fertilisation usually take place?
12 In which part of the female reproductive system does fertilisation usually take place? C B A D
Mark scheme: B
Q13 · The diagram shows part of a food web
13 The diagram shows part of a food web. python jaguar frog macaw fruit bat monkey chimpanzee insect banana tree bamboo Which type of organism is a fruit bat? A carnivore B decomposer C herbivore D producer
Mark scheme: C
Q14 · Which statement describes a molecule?
14 Which statement describes a molecule? A It consists of one nucleus surrounded by electrons. B It consists of two or more atoms bonded together. C It has a negative charge because it has gained electrons. D It has a positive charge because it has lost electrons.
Mark scheme: B
Q15 · When solid sodium carbonate is added to dilute hydrochloric acid, it dissolves and carbon…
15 When solid sodium carbonate is added to dilute hydrochloric acid, it dissolves and carbon dioxide is given off. Which statement is correct? A This is a chemical change because sodium carbonate dissolves. B This is a chemical change because the acid reacts with sodium carbonate. C This is a physical change because sodium carbonate dissolves. D This is a physical change because the acid reacts with sodium carbonate.
Mark scheme: B
Q16 · Which statement about non-metallic elements is correct?
16 Which statement about non-metallic elements is correct? A They are hard. B They are malleable. C They conduct electricity. D They have low densities.
Mark scheme: D
Q17 · Which compound contains covalent bonds?
17 Which compound contains covalent bonds? A HCl B NaCl C KCl D CaCl 2
Mark scheme: A
Q18 · Potassium nitrate can be made by the reaction of dilute nitric acid and aqueous potassium…
18 Potassium nitrate can be made by the reaction of dilute nitric acid and aqueous potassium hydroxide. Bottles containing four different aqueous solutions are shown. 1 2 3 4 HNO3 KOH NaOH KNO3 Which aqueous solutions are used to make potassium nitrate? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 3 and 4
Mark scheme: A
Q19 · What is not needed for electrolysis?
19 What is not needed for electrolysis? A a bulb B a power supply C an electrolyte D electrodes
Mark scheme: A
Q20 · Which change occurs during an endothermic reaction?
20 Which change occurs during an endothermic reaction? A The mass of a solid changes from 2.0 g to 2.5 g. B The pH of a mixture changes from 5 to 7. C The temperature of a mixture changes from 22 C to 18 C. D The volume of a gas changes from 2.0 dm3 to 1.0 dm3.
Mark scheme: C
Q21 · Carbon reacts with carbon dioxide at high temperatures
21 Carbon reacts with carbon dioxide at high temperatures. carbon + carbon dioxide carbon monoxide Which statement about the reaction is correct? A Both carbon and carbon dioxide are oxidised. B Both carbon and carbon dioxide are reduced. C The carbon is oxidised and the carbon dioxide is reduced. D The carbon is reduced and the carbon dioxide is oxidised.
Mark scheme: C
Q22 · Three powders are added to dilute sulfuric acid, as shown
22 Three powders are added to dilute sulfuric acid, as shown. magnesium powder Which powders react to produce water? dilute sulfuric acid magnesium oxide powder dilute sulfuric acid 0 0O WwW > magnesium x x KS magnesium oxide x \ x magnesium carbonate \ \ «x magnesium carbonate powder dilute sulfuric acid key ¥ = does produce water X = does not produce water
Mark scheme: C
More questions on The characteristic properties of acids and bases
Q23 · The results of two tests on substance Q are shown
23 The results of two tests on substance Q are shown. test result add dilute hydrochloric acid bubbles of colourless gas, R, to solid Q which turns limewater milky add aqueous sodium hydroxide green precipitate to a solution of Q Which cation is present in Q and what is gas R? cation present in Q gas R A iron(II) carbon dioxide B iron(II) chlorine C iron(III) carbon dioxide D iron(III) chlorine
Mark scheme: A
Q24 · Which substance does not react with chlorine?
24 Which substance does not react with chlorine? A H2 B Kr C Li D NaBr
Mark scheme: B
Q25 · Which statement about the treatment of the water supply is correct?
25 Which statement about the treatment of the water supply is correct? A After filtration and chlorination, the water contains no impurities. B Chlorine is added to remove dissolved impurities. C Water is filtered and chlorinated to remove solids and kill bacteria. D Water is filtered to remove dissolved impurities.
Mark scheme: C
Q26 · A large quantity of damp iron filings is added to clean air in a sealed container
26 A large quantity of damp iron filings is added to clean air in a sealed container. The container is left for several weeks. The composition of the air in the container changes. Which gas decreases in composition? A argon B carbon dioxide C nitrogen D oxygen
Mark scheme: D
Q27 · Methane, ethane and propane are all alkanes
27 Methane, ethane and propane are all alkanes. Their formulae are shown. methane, CH4 ethane, C2H6 propane, C3H8 Which statement is not correct? A All three compounds are hydrocarbons. B All three compounds burn. C Methane is the main constituent of natural gas. D Propane burns completely to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
Mark scheme: D
Q28 · A student has 50 identical sheets of paper
28 A student has 50 identical sheets of paper. Which procedure is used to find the thickness of one sheet of paper? A Measure the thickness of 50 sheets and then add the thickness of 49 sheets. B Measure the thickness of 50 sheets and then divide by 50. C Measure the thickness of 50 sheets and then multiply by 50. D Measure the thickness of 50 sheets and then multiply by the thickness of 49 sheets.
Mark scheme: B
More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Q29 · The mass of an empty bottle is 200 g
29 The mass of an empty bottle is 200 g. The mass of the bottle when it contains 500 cm3 of oil is 650 g. empty bottle bottle containing 500 cm3 of oil 200 g 650 g What is the density of the oil? A 0.40 g / cm3 B 0.90 g / cm3 C 1.3 g / cm3 D 1.7 g / cm3
Mark scheme: B
Q30 · A man walking on snow in normal shoes sinks into the snow
30 A man walking on snow in normal shoes sinks into the snow. The man puts on snow shoes and does not sink into the snow. snow shoe Which row explains why this happens? area of contact weight of man with snow A decreased decreased B decreased unchanged C increased decreased D increased unchanged
Mark scheme: D
Q31 · A man lifts four heavy boxes from the ground onto a high shelf, one at a time
31 A man lifts four heavy boxes from the ground onto a high shelf, one at a time. When does he develop the greatest power? A lifting a box of mass 20 kg in 3.0 s B lifting a box of mass 20 kg in 4.0 s C lifting a box of mass 30 kg in 3.0 s D lifting a box of mass 30 kg in 4.0 s
Mark scheme: C
Q32 · Which two energy resources are both non-renewable?
32 Which two energy resources are both non-renewable? A coal and tides B coal and wind C oil and coal D oil and tides
Mark scheme: C
Q33 · A mechanic cannot remove a large steel nut from a steel bolt because it is too tight
33 A mechanic cannot remove a large steel nut from a steel bolt because it is too tight. bolt nut What does the mechanic do to help remove the nut? A cool the nut and heat the bolt B heat the bolt only C heat the nut and the bolt through the same temperature rise D heat the nut only
Mark scheme: D
Q34 · A tank is full of water
34 A tank is full of water. The water at the bottom of the tank is heated. Eventually all the water in the tank becomes hot. What is the main method of energy transfer in the water? A conduction B convection C evaporation D radiation
Mark scheme: B
Q35 · A boat uses sound to find the depth of the ocean
35 A boat uses sound to find the depth of the ocean. A sound wave is directed from the boat towards the ocean floor, and 4.4 s later an echo is received back at the boat. The speed of sound in water is 1500 m / s. How deep is the ocean under the boat? A 340 m B 680 m C 3300 m D 6600 m
Mark scheme: C
Q36 · Two balloons X and Y are suspended by insulating threads
36 Two balloons X and Y are suspended by insulating threads. They are each held near a negatively charged balloon. The balloons hang as shown. insulating insulating threads threads – – – – – – – – – – – – – X – – Y ––– – – – – – – What is the charge on balloon X and what is the charge on balloon Y? balloon X balloon Y A negative negative B negative positive C positive negative D positive positive
Mark scheme: B
Q37 · Which row gives the unit for potential difference (p.d.) and the unit for electromotive…
37 Which row gives the unit for potential difference (p.d.) and the unit for electromotive force (e.m.f.)? p.d. e.m.f. A ampere newton B ampere volt C volt newton D volt volt
Mark scheme: D
Q38 · A 2.0 resistor and a 4.0 resistor are connected in series to a 12 V power supply
38 A 2.0 resistor and a 4.0 resistor are connected in series to a 12 V power supply. 12 V 2.0 Ω 4.0 Ω What is the current in the 2.0 resistor? A 0.50 A B 2.0 A C 3.0 A D 6.0 A
Mark scheme: B
Q39 · A circuit contains two lamps and a variable resistor
39 A circuit contains two lamps and a variable resistor. lamp 1 lamp 2 The resistance of the variable resistor is increased. What happens to the brightness of lamp 1 and what happens to the brightness of lamp 2? brightness of lamp 1 brightness of lamp 2 A decreases decreases B decreases increases C no change decreases D no change increases
Mark scheme: A
Q40 · What is the purpose of a fuse in an electric circuit?
40 What is the purpose of a fuse in an electric circuit? A to disconnect the circuit if the current becomes too large B to increase the voltage if the current becomes too small C to prevent someone cutting the insulation of the wiring D to stop water getting into the circuit
Mark scheme: A
What was in this paper
The subtopics covered by these 40 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.
2Electrical quantities2Energy, work and power2Gas exchange in humans2Simple molecules and covalent bonds2Air quality and climate1Alkanes1Biological molecules1Cell structure1Characteristics of living organisms1Density1Diffusion1Digestive system1Drugs1Electrical safety1Electrolysis1Exothermic and endothermic reactions1Food chains and food webs1Group VII properties1Heart1Identification of ions and gases1Photosynthesis1Physical and chemical changes1Physical quantities and measurement techniques1Preparation of salts1Pressure1Redox1Sexual reproduction in humans1Sexual reproduction in plants1Solids, liquids and gases1Sound1The characteristic properties of acids and bases1Thermal properties and temperature1Transfer of thermal energy1Water1What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2022 May/June, Paper 1 · Variant 3. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.