Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology · specification 4BI1 · Paper 1 · Free · no account needed
Exam technique for both Biology papers (4BI1 specification)
Where the marks actually go on this specification: connected explanations, visible working, and specifics in practical questions.
Specification coverage
Papers 1 and 2
Assessment objectives: AO1, AO2, AO3. Suggested learning time: 40 minutes.
Required knowledge
- Paper 1 is 110 marks in 2 hours; Paper 2 is 70 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes
- AO1 and AO2 each carry 38–42% of the qualification; AO3 carries 19–21%
- Experimental skills are assessed in written questions — there is no practical examination
Required skills
- Write explanations as causal chains rather than lists of facts
- Show working so method marks survive an arithmetic slip
- Answer practical questions with named variables and specific improvements
How it is examined
- Multiple choice
- Short answer
- Calculations
- Extended open-response
- Practical and data-analysis questions
Common mistakes
- Describing when the question said explain.
- Writing everything known about a topic instead of answering the question asked.
- Answering improvement questions with 'repeat and take an average'.
- Assuming Paper 2 only tests the bold statements. It tests all the content.
This page maps the specification. To learn the content, open the Biology lessons — completely free.