0648_s26_ms_12 2026 May-June Food and Nutrition 0648 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0648_s26_ms_122026 May-June Food and Nutrition 0648 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Food and Nutrition (0648) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) from the 2026 May-June 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: 0648_s26_ms_12 · 0648/12/m/j/26 ms · 0648/12 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 1: Theory This is Paper 1: Theory, worth 100 marks with a duration of 2h. Three sections (A short-answer, B structured, C extended choice). Read the question type — 'name', 'state', 'describe', 'discuss', 'evaluate' and 'explain' all demand different depths. Only the FIRST n responses are marked when the question asks for n.

This mark scheme corresponds to 0648_s26_qp_12. 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 Food and Nutrition (0648), 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.

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Same paper, other years

Food and Nutrition (0648) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Theory

Based on analysis of 1 official Cambridge documents (2025)

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

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All Food and Nutrition (0648) Papers — 2026 May-June

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More Food and Nutrition (0648) Past Papers

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Food and Nutrition Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 1 official Cambridge documents