Start with topic-by-topic questions, mark every answer against the official mark scheme, record lost marks in an error log, re-attempt only what you got wrong, and move to full timed papers in the final months.
Stage 1: topic questions
Early in the exam year, use past-paper questions by topic as you finish each one in class. This shows you how that topic is actually examined.
Stage 2: mark properly
Mark your answer against the mark scheme, not against what you think is right. Notice:
- The exact keywords that earn marks
- How marks are split across a longer answer
- What examiners accept, and what they do not
Stage 3: keep an error log
| Paper | Question | Topic | Why marks were lost | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 P2 | Q4b | Osmosis | Vague wording | Learn "water potential" phrasing |
After a few weeks, patterns appear. Most students lose marks in a handful of topics or habits: fixing those is the fastest way up.
Stage 4: re-attempt the wrong ones
Redo only the questions you got wrong, a week or two later, without looking at the answer. If you get them right now, the learning has stuck.
Stage 5: full timed papers
In the final two or three months, sit complete papers under exam timing. This trains pace, stamina and decision-making, when to move on, how much to write.
Common mistakes
- Doing papers but never marking them properly
- Looking at the mark scheme before trying
- Only doing papers you find easy
- Using papers from the wrong syllabus or an old specification
Check the syllabus code
Make sure papers match your syllabus code and the current specification, as content and paper structures change over time.
We build every IGCSE and O Level programme around exactly this cycle. See IGCSE and O Level subjects or book a free demo.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start doing past papers?
Use topic questions as you finish each topic, then full timed papers in the final two or three months.
How many past papers should I do?
Quality matters more than number. A paper you mark carefully and learn from is worth more than several you rush.
Should I look at the mark scheme first?
No. Attempt the question first, then mark it against the mark scheme.
What is an error log?
A record of every lost mark, the question, topic, reason and fix, which shows the patterns you need to work on.
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Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.