Introduction
The IB Biology HL course is a rigorous and rewarding part of the IB Diploma Programme. It combines conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and practical investigation. To succeed, students must understand how each assessment component contributes to their final grade—and how the grade boundaries are set.
In this guide, you’ll find the complete grade boundary ranges for IB Biology HL in 2025: Paper 1 (MCQ), Paper 2, Paper 3, Practical Work, and the final overall grade boundaries. We’ll also share strategies to help you maximize your score and achieve a 7.
Quick Start Checklist for IB Biology HL
- ✅ Memorize the grade boundary ranges for each component.
- ✅ Understand key concepts and how they interconnect.
- ✅ Practice multiple-choice, data analysis, and extended-response questions.
- ✅ Carry out practical work thoroughly and document findings.
- ✅ Review past examiner reports to reach top-grade bands.
IB Biology HL Grade Boundaries 2025
Paper 1 (MCQ) (out of 40)
- Grade 7: 34–40
- Grade 6: 29–33
- Grade 5: 24–28
- Grade 4: 19–23
- Grade 3: 17–18
- Grade 2: 11–16
- Grade 1: 0–10
Paper 2 (out of 72)
- Grade 7: 56–72
- Grade 6: 44–55
- Grade 5: 33–43
- Grade 4: 21–32
- Grade 3: 11–20
- Grade 2: 6–10
- Grade 1: 0–5
Paper 3 (out of 45)
- Grade 7: 35–45
- Grade 6: 28–34
- Grade 5: 21–27
- Grade 4: 14–20
- Grade 3: 9–13
- Grade 2: 5–8
- Grade 1: 0–4
Practical Work (out of 24)
- Grade 7: 20–24
- Grade 6: 17–19
- Grade 5: 14–16
- Grade 4: 11–13
- Grade 3: 7–10
- Grade 2: 4–6
- Grade 1: 0–3
Final IB Biology HL Grade Boundaries (out of 100)
- Grade 7: 79–100
- Grade 6: 64–78
- Grade 5: 50–63
- Grade 4: 35–49
- Grade 3: 23–34
- Grade 2: 13–22
- Grade 1: 0–12
Tips for Scoring in the Top Grade Ranges
- Paper 1 (MCQ): Practice timed multiple-choice exams and focus on key terminology.
- Paper 2: Review command terms and practice data analysis and extended-response questions.
- Paper 3: Focus on experimental design, analysis, and evaluation.
- Practical Work: Keep thorough lab notes, reflect on methodology, and analyze data accurately.
Why RevisionDojo Gives You an Edge
RevisionDojo provides IB-specific strategies to improve performance in all Biology assessments. From conceptual understanding to exam techniques and practical guidance, RevisionDojo helps students achieve higher scores efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are grade boundaries different for each paper?
Each assessment emphasizes different skills—conceptual knowledge, data analysis, extended responses, and practical skills. Boundaries reflect the difficulty and historical performance of each paper.
2. How much does each assessment impact my final grade?
All components contribute to the final mark out of 100. Weakness in any area can reduce your overall grade, even if other components are strong.
3. Which assessment is considered the hardest in HL?
Many students find Paper 3 challenging due to experimental design and analysis questions. Thorough practice and familiarity with past papers can make it manageable.
Conclusion
Success in IB Biology HL requires a strong grasp of concepts, practical skills, and exam strategies. Knowing the exact grade boundaries allows students to plan effectively, set realistic goals, and maximize final grades.
RevisionDojo provides targeted guidance and strategies to help students achieve their best results.
Grade Boundaries at a Glance (IB Biology HL 2025)
Paper 1 (MCQ) (40)
7: 34–40 | 6: 29–33 | 5: 24–28 | 4: 19–23 | 3: 17–18 | 2: 11–16 | 1: 0–10
Paper 2 (72)
7: 56–72 | 6: 44–55 | 5: 33–43 | 4: 21–32 | 3: 11–20 | 2: 6–10 | 1: 0–5
Paper 3 (45)
7: 35–45 | 6: 28–34 | 5: 21–27 | 4: 14–20 | 3: 9–13 | 2: 5–8 | 1: 0–4
Practical Work (24)
7: 20–24 | 6: 17–19 | 5: 14–16 | 4: 11–13 | 3: 7–10 | 2: 4–6 | 1: 0–3
Final Grade (100)
7: 79–100 | 6: 64–78 | 5: 50–63 | 4: 35–49 | 3: 23–34 | 2: 13–22 | 1: 0–12
