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0620_m26_ms_62 2026 March Chemistry 0620 Mark Scheme 6 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0620_m26_ms_622026 March Chemistry 0620 Mark Scheme 6 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Chemistry (0620) Mark Scheme 6 (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_62 · 0620/62/f/m/26 ms · 0620/62 Feb/March 2026 ms

This mark scheme corresponds to 0620_m26_qp_62. 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 6 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 6

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.

4

Poor recall of qualitative tests (ion tests, gas tests, indicator colours)

Answering of chemical test questions was poorly done, showing large gaps in the knowledge of many candidates.Paper 3, May/June 2023

How to fix: Make flashcards for: (1) Gas tests — hydrogen (squeaky pop), oxygen (relights splint), CO₂ (white precipitate with limewater), ammonia (damp red litmus turns blue), chlorine (damp blue litmus turns red then bleaches white). (2) Ion tests — chloride/bromide/iodide with acidified silver nitrate (white/cream/yellow precipitate), sulfate with acidified barium chloride (white precipitate). (3) Flame test colours — Li=red, Na=yellow, K=lilac, Ca=orange-red, Cu=blue-green. (4) Indicator colours — methyl orange: red in acid, yellow in alkali; phenolphthalein: colourless in acid, pink in alkali.

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Chemistry Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 8 official Cambridge documents