0648_s26_gt — 2026 May-June Food and Nutrition 0648 Grade Threshold · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

Naming foods from the same category when 'different' foods are required

“Candidates should be reminded to read questions carefully so that if a question asks for different food sources they do not name three green vegetables or three dairy foods or if asked for animal sources of a particular nutrient they do not give plant sources or vice versa.”— 0648 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: When the question says 'different' or 'four different foods', spread answers ACROSS categories — one dairy, one meat, one fish, one egg — not two cheeses and two yoghurts. Different forms of the same food (tofu, tempeh, soya milk are all soya) count once. If asked for animal sources, list only animal foods; if plant sources, list only plant foods.

Writing more responses than the question asks for

“Candidates should be reminded that where a specific number of responses are asked for in a question (e.g. State two…), they should only write this number of responses. Only the first number of responses demanded by the question will be marked and any additional responses will be ignored even if correct.”— 0648 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: If the question asks for two foods, write exactly two — even if you know five. Examiners only mark the first n answers, so a wrong first answer is wasted opportunity. Pick your strongest answers and stop. Cross out anything you don't want marked.

Vague dish names without cooking method or descriptor

“Incorrect responses included simply stating steak, chicken or cake rather than more specific answers such as grilled steak, fried chicken or sponge cake to distinctly illustrate understanding.”— 0648 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: When asked to name a dish that demonstrates a process (coagulation, gelatinisation, aeration), pair the food with its cooking method or specific type — 'fried chicken', 'sponge cake', 'poached egg', 'baked custard'. 'Cake' is too general; 'chocolate sponge cake' shows you understand what's happening.