International A-Level (IAL) - Free Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Study Biology past papers covering cell biology, genetics, ecology, and human physiology to excel in your exams. Download free A-Level Biology question papers and mark schemes from Edexcel. All papers are available instantly with no sign-up required.
Understanding the exam structure helps you target your revision effectively. Here is a breakdown of each paper:
Covers biological molecules, enzymes, diet and digestion, cell membranes, transport systems, and cardiovascular health.
Covers cell structure, genetics, development, biodiversity, classification, and conservation biology.
Assesses microscopy, biological drawing, data analysis, and experimental design skills.
Advanced topics including photosynthesis, ecology and the environment, microbiology, immunity and forensics.
Covers respiration, muscles and exercise, homeostasis and the internal environment, the nervous system and coordination, and gene technology.
One of the specification's assessment objectives is applying knowledge and understanding in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, so recall alone is not enough. While you must know key biological facts and processes, practise applying them to new scenarios. For example, understanding enzyme kinetics means you should be able to explain why a novel industrial enzyme works best at a particular temperature and pH.
Extended-writing questions need a structured argument. Use the "Point, Evidence, Explain" framework: make a biological point, support it with specific detail or data, then explain the significance, and use precise scientific language throughout.
For topics like genetics and inheritance, practise drawing genetic diagrams (Punnett squares) and interpreting pedigree charts. Similarly, practise drawing and labelling biological diagrams to an exam standard.
Data interpretation and mathematical skills are written into the papers: Unit 1 includes at least 8 marks that target mathematics at Level 2 or above, and Units 4 and 5 at least 9 each. Ensure you can read and interpret graphs, tables, and experimental results critically.
The following topics are covered across the Biology A-Level syllabus:
Six units. The International AS is Units 1 to 3: Unit 1 (Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health) and Unit 2 (Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation) are 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks, 40% of the AS each, and Unit 3 (Practical Skills in Biology I) is 1 hour 20 minutes and 50 marks, 20%. The A2 units are Unit 4 (Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity) and Unit 5 (Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology), 1 hour 45 minutes and 90 marks each, and Unit 6 (Practical Skills in Biology II), 1 hour 20 minutes and 50 marks.
Units 3 and 6 are written papers that assess the experimental procedures and techniques developed while studying Units 1 and 2 (for Unit 3) and Units 4 and 5 (for Unit 6). Study past practical papers and their mark schemes thoroughly. Focus on experimental design (control variables, sample sizes, reliability), data processing (means, graph plotting), and evaluating conclusions.
Plan your answer for 2-3 minutes before writing. Identify the command word (describe, explain, evaluate, discuss) and respond accordingly. Use scientific terminology precisely and include specific examples. For high marks, link ideas logically, consider both sides for evaluation questions, and conclude with a clear summary.
Yes, for Unit 5: pre-released reading, a scientific article, is provided for that paper. The Unit 5 paper may also contain synoptic questions that need knowledge and understanding from Units 1 and 2.