How to Prepare for IB Chemistry Paper 1 (With Tips)
What Is IB Chemistry Paper 1?
The IB Chemistry curriculum contains three assessment components. Every student must complete two examination papers and an Internal Assessment, commonly referred to as the IA.
Regarding IB Chemistry Paper 1, this is made up of two parts. Paper 1A contains multiple choice questions while 1B is data-based questions and experimental work. For both Standard Level and Higher Level learners, IB Chemistry Paper 1 is weighted at 36% of their total grade. It should be noted that the timing of the exam is not equal, with SL learners being given 1.5 hours to complete IB Chemistry Paper 1 and HL students having 2 hours.
While the short and long answer questions that are found in Paper2 might appear to mark this one as the more challenging paper, IB Chemistry students at both levels are regularly surprised by the difficulties encountered in Paper 1. To gain greater confidence in the IB Chemistry exam, specifically Paper 1, it is necessary to understand exactly how it is constructed and what students are expected to do.
Paper 1A: Multiple Choice
For both SL and HL, Paper 1A is concerned with multiple choice questions. However, those taking IB Chemistry at SL must complete only 30 questions, compared to the HL’s 40 questions. The questions on IB Chemistry Paper 1 test Assessment Objectives 1 and 2.
Assessment Objective 1 - Demonstrate knowledge of:
terminology, facts and concepts
skills, techniques and methodologies.
Assessment Objective 2 - Understand and apply knowledge of:
terminology and concepts
skills, techniques and methodologies.
There are a number of common traps students fall into when working on IB Chemistry Paper 1. For example, students are often unaware that marks are not deduced for incorrect answers. Consequently, every question should be answered. Never leave anything blank. A blank space is a guaranteed lost mark. Knowing this often aids in student confidence when tackling the paper. Additionally, IB learners at both levels should look carefully at the question stems. Incorrect reading of the question stems cause countless marks to be lost each year. So, be observant and take note of negatives, superlatives, and absolutes. Of course, another challenge of IB Chemistry Paper 1 is the shift between 1A and 1B.
Paper 1B: Data-Based and Experimental Questions
Rather than focusing on multiple choice questions, IB Chemistry Paper 1B is about the interpretation of data, as well as evaluating procedures, and identifying trends and patterns. Here, both SL and HL students respond to three questions, with each containing a number of subquestions. This portion of the exam paper relates to Assessment Objective 3.
Assessment Objective 3 - analyse, evaluate, and synthesize:
experimental procedures
primary and secondary data
trends, patterns and predictions.
In the case of IB Chemistry Paper 1B, the work a student has done in their Internal Assessment can often pay off. The practical experience gained via data analysis and interpretation that forms the basis of a good IA can be utilised to help achieve a high scoring 1B.
So, knowing the format of the exam paper is the first step in achieving high marks. Yet, a well-scored IB Chemistry Paper 1 goes far beyond simply understanding the paper’s layout.
How to Study for IB Chemistry Paper 1
Revision should begin as soon as possible for IB students. By formulating a revision plan early in the IB cycle and sticking to it (although, some adaptation may be necessary as time goes on) means that students can stay on top of their work load. Students might consider mapping revision to the IB Chemistry course and shifting between the Structure and Reactivity topic blocks to create some variety and keep things interesting.
It is important to make use of past exam papers and mark schemes when revising. In this way, students gain an understanding of the language used in the paper and where marks are won and lost. Completing exam papers under timed conditions can also help to refine exam technique.
Many IB Chemistry learners, at both SL and HL, find flashcards useful. These may be physical or digital. Ultimately, it is about gaining greater understanding of subject-specific content and command terms. Recognising the difference between describe and evaluate, for example, can mean marks gained or lost. These terms can be drilled well via flashcards.
However, to reach the higher end of the markband, IB Chemistry learners need more than just a well-organised revision schedule. Proper exam technique is crucial to success.
Exam Technique Tips for Paper 1
As with any IB-level exam, proper technique is vital if students want to score highly. With regard to the IB Chemistry paper, specifically 1A, this means, first of all, developing good time management skills. Those sitting the exam must answer either 30 or 40 questions, depending on their level. This is a considerable amount of work. So, careful time management is necessary to ensure everything is done. Next, considering this section of the paper is multiple choice, being able to use the process of elimination can make the difference between a mark won and a mark lost. Lastly, students should feel free to move on from a question that has left them stumped. Do not waste time; circle back later.
When approaching IB Chemistry Paper 1B, it is recommended to read the command terms carefully. These will direct a student’s answer. Moreover, be aware of how many marks are allocated to each question. This dictates how much time should be spent answering, and roughly how long a response should be. Once again, this speaks to the importance of time management skills across the exam as a whole.
Needless to say, there is a lot to keep in mind when preparing for the IB Chemistry exam. Students can often feel overwhelmed by the information and explanations. This is where targeted support can make all the difference.
Get Personalised Support From a BartyED IB Chemistry Tutor
At BartyED, our team of experienced IB Chemistry tutors understand the challenges of the syllabus and its assessment components. Each lesson with a BartyED IB Chemistry tutor is, therefore, tailored specifically to the strengths and weaknesses of the student to best assist them in improving their subject knowledge and exam technique. So, if you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance of an expert IB tutor, get in touch with us today by following this link to our contact page, or reaching via phone, email, or WhatsApp, or the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions in Paper 1A and 1B can cover the range across all topics in the Chemistry syllabus.
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This is a two part exam paper—1A and 1B—that contains both multiple choice and data-based and experimental questions.
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As mentioned, Paper 1 is split into 1A and 1B, consisting of multiple choice and data-based and experimental questions. IB Chemistry Paper 2 is made up of short answer and extended-response questions. Additionally, while Paper 1 is weighted at 36%, Paper 2 amounts to 44% of a student’s total grades.