IGCSE 2026 Exam Trends: Edexcel Biology 4BI1

Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) is assessed with Paper 1 and Paper 2; practical skills are tested within the written papers. Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• 4BI1 – Paper 1 and Paper 2; structure unchanged for 2025–2026. Mix of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response.
• Command words (“describe”, “explain”, “suggest”, “evaluate”) are used consistently; level of detail must match the mark allocation and the word used.
• Practical questions (method, variables, data, conclusions, evaluation) are embedded in the papers; application of knowledge to unfamiliar contexts is common.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Cells and organisation: Cell structure, enzymes, nutrition, transport (circulation, plants). Precise terms (e.g. “mitochondria”, “substrate”, “xylem”) are required; explanations must link structure to function.
• Genetics and inheritance: DNA, genes, inheritance (monohybrid, codominance), variation. Genetic diagrams with correct symbols and explanation of outcomes are mark-bearing.
• Ecology: Ecosystems, food chains, cycling (carbon, nitrogen), human impact. Application to data or scenarios (e.g. population change) is frequent.
• Practical: Variables (independent, dependent, control), safety, tables and graphs, conclusion from data, evaluation (reliability, improvements).
• Magnification and units (e.g. mm, µm) are regularly tested; calculations must show working.

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports cite vague answers, incorrect terminology, and practical evaluation as weak areas.
• No reported shift in difficulty; precision in language and application to context are key.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and style match past Edexcel series. Past papers are a good guide to topic balance and command words.
• Topics are predictable from the spec; contexts (e.g. new scenario) vary. Exact questions are not predictable; marking focus (correct terms, cause–effect) is.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Correct biological terms; explanations with cause–effect (e.g. “because… so…”). Describe vs explain – describe = what; explain = why/how.
• Practical: Variables, control, conclusion from data, evaluation with specific points. Genetic diagrams – correct notation and reasoning.
• Marking consistent with past series; no indication of marking becoming stricter.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Recall (definitions, key facts), application (to unfamiliar contexts), practical (method, analysis, evaluation), extended response with structure.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Key terms – learn exact biological terminology from the spec.
2. Explain – always give cause–effect; link structure to function.
3. Practical – variables, control, tables, graphs, conclusion, evaluation.
4. Genetic diagrams – correct symbols and explanation of results.
5. Magnification and units – formula, working, correct units.

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Based on current specification and examiner reports. Always use the latest Edexcel 4BI1 specification for your series.