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0620_m26_ms_32 2026 March Chemistry 0620 Mark Scheme 3 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0620_m26_ms_322026 March Chemistry 0620 Mark Scheme 3 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Chemistry (0620) Mark Scheme 3 (Variant 2) from the 2026 March session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 0620_m26_ms_32 · 0620/32/f/m/26 ms · 0620/32 Feb/March 2026 ms

This mark scheme corresponds to 0620_m26_qp_32. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Chemistry (0620), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

Same paper, other years

Chemistry (0620) Mark Scheme 3 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 3

Based on analysis of 8 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

1

Giving conclusions instead of observations

Candidates should understand what the word 'observations' means. 'A gas is produced' or to state the name of a product are not observations.Paper 4, May/June 2025

How to fix: When asked for observations, describe what you SEE or HEAR: effervescence/bubbling/fizzing (not 'gas produced'), colour changes (state from X to Y), solid dissolves/disappears, precipitate forms (white/cream/brown), temperature rises/falls. NEVER name a chemical product — 'hydrogen is produced' is a conclusion, not an observation.

2

Not reading the question stem carefully

Candidates should take care to read each question carefully especially where chemical names are very similar such as ethane/ethene or chlorine/chloride.Paper 2, May/June 2025

How to fix: Before writing: (1) Underline the command word (state, explain, describe, suggest, deduce). (2) Check for 'other than' — don't repeat what's already given. (3) Check 'element' vs 'compound', 'name' vs 'formula', 'observation' vs 'conclusion'. (4) If the question says 'one reason', give exactly one — extra wrong answers cancel out correct ones.

3

Incomplete or incorrect definitions

Many candidates could state part of the definition but not all of it. Most omitted the words 'compound' or 'only' which were needed to gain credit.Paper 3, May/June 2025

How to fix: Learn these definitions precisely: element, compound, mixture, alloy, hydrocarbon, homologous series, isotope, ion, catalyst, thermal decomposition, dynamic equilibrium, oxidation, reduction. For two-word terms, explain EACH word separately. Test yourself by writing definitions from memory and checking against the syllabus.

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