From 2025, Paper 1B becomes a core part of the IB Biology assessment. Many students find it unfamiliar—not because the biology is harder, but because the skills being tested are different. Paper 1B focuses on how well you can think like a scientist: reading data, spotting patterns, and linking evidence to biological theory.
This new component is set by the International Baccalaureate to better reflect real scientific practice rather than memorised recall.
What Is Paper 1B?
Paper 1B is a structured, data-based section embedded within the overall Paper 1 time for both SL and HL Biology.
Instead of multiple-choice questions, you are given short structured-response questions based on:
- Experimental data
- Graphs and tables
- Real biological scenarios
The aim is to assess data interpretation, analytical reasoning, and biological understanding, not speed guessing.
Structure of Paper 1B
Paper 1B typically includes:
- Around four scenario-based questions
- A total working time of about 60 minutes (within Paper 1 overall)
- Short written responses rather than essays
You are tested on your ability to:
- Identify trends and relationships
- Interpret variables and units
- Apply core biology concepts to unfamiliar data
Step-by-Step Strategy for Data-Based Questions
Read the Scenario First
Always start with the written context. Before looking at the graph or table, understand:
