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0495_s26_gt.pdf
This grade threshold document shows the minimum raw marks required for each grade (A*, A, B, C, D, E) in Cambridge IGCSE Sociology (0495) for the 2026 May-June session. Grade boundaries vary between sessions depending on paper difficulty and candidate performance. Use these thresholds to calibrate how your practice scores translate into actual grades on this specific paper set.
Also referenced as: 0495_s26_gt · 0495/m/j/26 · 0495 May/June 2026
Grade thresholds apply to all paper components in this session. To estimate your overall grade, total your marks across all papers and compare against the threshold. Note that thresholds are session-specific — a score that earns an A in one session may only earn a B in another, depending on paper difficulty.
Use this grade threshold to set realistic targets for your Sociology (0495) practice papers. If you're aiming for an A, check the A boundary for this session and work backwards to see which paper components need improvement. Grade boundaries for Cambridge IGCSE Sociology typically fluctuate by 5–10 marks between sessions, so check multiple sessions to get an average target score.
Every past paper on this site stays free. These are the worked answers and notes our specialists write on top of them.
Based on analysis of 1 official Cambridge documents (2023)
Conflating validity and reliability
“There is a tendency to conflate validity and reliability.”— 0495 Paper 1, June 2023
How to fix: Validity = does the method measure what it claims to measure? (accuracy/truthfulness). Reliability = would repeating the method produce the same results? (consistency/replicability). Learn these definitions and practise using them in context — they are NOT interchangeable.
Common-sense answers instead of sociological evidence
“Some candidates could only score lower marks as their answers tended to be based on common sense.”— 0495 Paper 2, June 2023
How to fix: Every point must be backed by a named study, theory, or sociological concept. Replace everyday reasoning with sociological evidence. Instead of 'I think families have changed', write 'Parsons argues the family has become more nuclear due to industrialisation'.
Not developing points — list-like responses
“Marks were limited because of limited development.”— 0495 Paper 1, June 2023
How to fix: Do not write a list of brief points. Take each point and develop it: STATE the point → EXPLAIN it → give an EXAMPLE or link it to a study. One well-developed point scores more than three undeveloped bullet points.
Sociology Exam Guide: How to Score Higher
Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 1 official Cambridge documents
