We asked one of our best Physics tutors, Treyton, about his experience completing IB Biology and how he got a 7.
What score did you achieve in IB Biology?
I had a predicted grade of 7/7 for Biology HL during IB, and achieved a 7/7 in the 2024 exams.
How did you study for IB Biology? What techniques did you use to study?
Do as many past papers as you can. Keep the questions you answered incorrectly, and review them from time to time.
Flashcards are good. But I personally found self quizzing even more helpful. Try writing down questions you think your peers or yourself would have trouble answering, and review them when you study. Studying with friends is also good, try to quiz and teach each other.
Biology (especially HL) is really content heavy. So using a checklist and keeping track of all the testable topics is helpful. You can then start eliminating topics that you are confident with and focus on the more important ones.
Find everything you need to know about IB Biology in our comprehensive review
What is your advice for Biology students for the IA?
Picking the right question is really important. Make sure to choose a manageable topic, but avoid those that are too basic and overdone. A manageable topic is one that can be performed in a school lab without major limitations. Topics with too many limitations (or control variables that cannot be controlled well) should be avoided. IAs with generic topics tend to get 4s or 5s, but rarely get higher than that.
Look at past IA examples to check that you have the correct format. Formatting points are easiest to get so make sure this is well done. This can be simple mistakes like using the wrong font size. However, pay particular attention to significant figures. The structure can also be based on past examples. Sources that you pick should also be credible. A lot of students over commit to citing too many sources and end up with sources that are not credible.
Finally, start the data collection process early. This will allow you to make modifications if necessary.
What is your advice for Biology students for the end of year exams?
Read as many markschemes as you can. You will start seeing the trend. Markschemes can sometimes be biased and sometimes knowing your stuff is not enough.
When writing the exam, if you have extra time, drop down more points than required. Sometimes, this will hit a markband on the markscheme.
Before writing the question, consider the number of points for each question. In general, if it is a 4 marker, you need to hit 4 mark bands.
One of the most important things to understand  to ace your exams are the command terms. Check out our comprehensive view of the Biology command terms.
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Do you have any resources that you would recommend?
Bioninja is the best one. This website is enough on its own.
It might be insufficient if you are having trouble understanding something, ask either tutors/teachers or watch youtube explanations on the topic. Amoeba sisters is good for this.
Obviously, also use free past paper sites.
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What separates an average student from a good student from a great students in IB Biology?
A great student tries to study and understand the “how” behind the content, instead of just the “what”. While the “what” is what is most often tested on, by understanding why things happen the way they do, you will also remember better, and be able to do the long questions better.
Great students also understand the rubric really well.
How did you balance study with the rest of your life in the IB DP?
Don’t cram, make sure you know and understand the content taught throughout IB. Try not to fall behind on the content
Some more information about our tutor, Treyton
Treyton studied at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong, graduating from the IB and OSSD diploma in 2024. He was awarded the honor roll in grade 7 and 8, and the principals award in grade 9, 10, 11, and 12. Treyton was predicted a 43/45 in IB, and achieved a final score of 44/45. He was also awarded the maple leaf award and a manulife scholarship for his academic performance throughout high school. He is now starting a physiotherapy degree at UNSW Sydney. Treyton also received the ""Thinker"" and ""Caring"" learner profile awards in the IB diploma. Treyton previously volunteered to tutor kids english from grade 8 to 12, a weekly program that he thoroughly enjoyed. Treyton would enjoy tutoring Biology, Chemistry or Economics, and he can also provide VERY useful resources and study notes!!
If you would like to book a session with Treyton, please submit an application today.
