IGCSE Development Studies
Cambridge IGCSE Development Studies examines global development: the causes of inequality, quality of life, sustainable development, and the challenges facing developing nations.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
36%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~3 hours across 2 papers
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Core Themes | 1 hour 30 minutes | Structured + data | 50% |
| Paper 2 — Applied Study | 1 hour 30 minutes | Case study + essay | 50% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Organize your knowledge by themes (politics, economy, society, foreign policy), not just chronology.
- 2
Every claim needs specific evidence — names, dates, statistics, events. Vague generalizations score poorly.
- 3
Practice planning an essay in 5 minutes: thesis, three arguments, counter-argument, conclusion.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Describe the key features of Measuring Development, giving specific and accurate supporting detail.
Explain the main causes and consequences of Population & Resources, showing how the factors connect to one another.
"Poverty & Inequality was the most significant turning point of its era." Assess the validity of this claim, weighing the evidence before reaching a judgement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Making claims without specific supporting evidence (names, dates, statistics).
- ✕
Ignoring the command word — "evaluate" demands a judgement, not a description.
- ✕
Describing sources instead of analyzing their origin, purpose, and reliability.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE Development Studies — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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