Skip to content
IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 13 marks · about 15 minutes

Drug Types and Effects Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of what drugs are, how they affect the body, and the concept of drug addiction.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 2 Both 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Define the term "drug" in a biological context.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. A substance that alters the way the body works / changes chemical reactions in the body.
    2. Can be beneficial (medicinal) or harmful (recreational/abused).

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain the difference between drug tolerance and drug dependence (addiction).

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Tolerance: the body adapts to the drug so that larger doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
    2. Dependence: the person feels they cannot manage without the drug: experiences withdrawal symptoms if they stop.
    3. Physical dependence involves bodily symptoms; psychological dependence involves craving.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe the effects of depressants on the nervous system and give one example.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Depressants slow down the activity of the brain / nervous system.
    2. They reduce the speed of transmission of nerve impulses / slow reactions.
    3. Example: alcohol (or barbiturates, sedatives).

  4. Question 4

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why heroin is described as a highly addictive drug.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Heroin rapidly produces strong feelings of pleasure / pain relief.
    2. The body quickly develops tolerance: needing increasing doses.
    3. Severe withdrawal symptoms occur when the drug is stopped: making it very difficult to quit.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State one benefit and one risk of using medicinal drugs.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Benefit: treats illness / relieves symptoms / cures disease (e.g. Antibiotics kill bacteria).
    2. Risk: side effects / allergic reactions / dependency if misused.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

Review the related teaching