Skip to content
IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Tobacco and Health 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 knowledge of the specific health risks associated with smoking and the harmful substances in tobacco smoke.

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 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe the effects of the following substances in cigarette smoke on the body: (a) tar, (b) nicotine, (c) carbon monoxide.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. (a) Tar: coats the lungs, damages alveoli and cilia: carcinogen causing lung cancer.
    2. (b) Nicotine: addictive stimulant, increases heart rate and blood pressure.
    3. (c) Carbon monoxide: binds to haemoglobin, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
    4. Combined effects increase risk of emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, and stroke.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain the link between smoking and emphysema.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Chemicals in smoke trigger an inflammatory response in the lungs.
    2. White blood cells release enzymes that destroy the elastic walls of the alveoli.
    3. Alveoli merge into larger air spaces: reduced surface area for gas exchange, causing breathlessness.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain how smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure: greater strain on the heart.
    2. Carbon monoxide damages artery walls: cholesterol deposits build up (atherosclerosis).
    3. Narrowed coronary arteries reduce blood flow to the heart muscle: risk of heart attack.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    State the addictive substance in tobacco smoke.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Nicotine.
    2. It makes it difficult for smokers to quit.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Discuss the ethical argument for banning smoking in public places.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Passive smoking (inhaling second-hand smoke) harms non-smokers.
    2. Children and vulnerable people have no choice about breathing in smoke.
    3. Public health costs of treating smoking-related diseases are borne by society.

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