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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)

Edexcel IGCSE Biology, in the words examiners want.

Biology marks depend on using the exact keywords. Your tutor explains each process, drills the terms with you and shows which words earn the marks on 4BI1 papers.

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Describe how oxygen moves from the air in the alveoli into the blood.[3 marks]

This is worth 3 marks. They go for:

  • By diffusion (1 mark)
  • From a high concentration in the alveoli to a low concentration in the blood (1 mark)
  • Across the thin walls of the alveoli and the capillaries (1 mark)

Examiner tip: Name the process and give the direction of the concentration gradient. Saying oxygen is “pumped” or “absorbed” earns nothing.

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Assessment

How Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology is assessed

There are no tiers: everyone takes both papers and can get grades 9–1. Paper 1 covers the core content, and Paper 2 covers everything, including the bold statements that go into some topics in more depth.

Specification 4BI1 (Issue 3), first examined in 2019.

All students

  • Paper 1B

    Multiple choice, short answers, calculations and extended answers on the core content (not in bold, no “B” reference). Calculator allowed

    Time
    2 h
    Marks
    110
    Weight
    61.1%

  • Paper 2B

    The same question styles on all the content, including the bold “B” statements. Calculator allowed

    Time
    1 h 15 min
    Marks
    70
    Weight
    38.9%

Both papers are taken in the same series, at the end of the course.

There is no coursework or practical exam. Practical investigations appear in italics in the specification, and experimental skills are tested in both written papers.

From the official Pearson Edexcel syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus

Syllabus content

What’s on the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology syllabus

  • The nature and variety of living organisms
  • Structure and functions in living organisms
  • Reproduction and inheritance
  • Ecology and the environment
  • Use of biological resources

Where marks are lost

Common Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology mistakes

  • “Arteries carry oxygenated blood.”

    Arteries carry blood away from the heart. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

  • Using “gene” and “allele” as the same word.

    A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a protein. Alleles are different versions of the same gene.

  • Drawing food chain arrows backwards.

    Arrows show the direction energy flows: from the organism being eaten to the one that eats it.

Six biology tutors, six ways to learn

Practise past-paper style questions with the exam coach, drill facts before a test with quick revision, or slow down with a step-by-step tutor. Switch any time.

See how each one teaches How the AI tutor works
  • KaiConcept explainer
  • ElenaStep by step
  • SamuelExam coach
  • MayaQuick revision
  • JonahChallenger
  • NiaConfidence builder

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FAQ

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology questions, answered.

Tell your tutor which parts feel weakest, or upload a recorded lesson. A quick-revision tutor can quiz you across the sub-topics to find the gaps first.

Yes. Ask about the method, variables and results for each practical in the specification, then practise the written questions on them.

No. Human Biology is a separate International GCSE. Tell your tutor if that’s the one you’re taking.

Yes. The free plan includes 5 tutor messages and 15 minutes of calls a day. Pro and Max give you more when exams get close.

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More Pearson Edexcel International GCSE subjects

Biology in other curricula