Specimen paper answers, example responses and example candidate responses guide you and your learners through the papers, assessment requirements and standards of each syllabus. You can download them from the syllabus page of the School Support Hub, under the ‘Teaching and learning tab’.
Specimen paper answers
When we develop a new syllabus or make significant syllabus updates, we upload specimen paper answers to the School Support Hub, before the first live examination. These provide high-level responses in the style of a Cambridge student and include examiner commentary.
Example responses
If you are teaching a mathematics or science syllabus, you can download example responses after the first examination. These include high-level model/example answers, written by a Cambridge examiner. We provide examiner commentary on questions that students may find more challenging, as well as information about common misconceptions and errors.
Example candidate responses
After first examination, you can download our example candidate responses. These include real student answers and show the standard required to achieve marks, beyond the guidance of the mark scheme. Each student response is annotated with examiner comments on where and why marks are awarded and how the answer could be improved. We also include a list of common mistakes and further guidance for students.
We also provide example candidate responses in dynamic online formats to support non-written responses, including:
Images – artwork / portfolios
- Cambridge IGCSE, IGCSE (9–1) and O Level Art & Design (0400/0989/6090)
- Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design (9479)
- Cambridge International AS & A Level Digital Media & Design (9481)
Videos – performance videos
- Cambridge IGCSE, IGCSE (9–1) Drama (0411/0994)
- Cambridge IGCSE, IGCSE (9–1) Physical Education (0413/0995)
- Cambridge International AS & A Level Drama (9482)
- Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
Audios – speaking tests
- Cambridge IGCSE and O Level languages
- Cambridge International AS & A Level languages