IBDP Chemistry Paper 1 — With the updated IBDP Chemistry syllabus for 2025, Paper 1 now plays a significantly larger role in determining a student’s overall grade. Whether you’re taking Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), success in Paper 1 requires a mix of understanding, strategic practice, time management, and familiarity with both theoretical and data-based questions. This guide breaks down the format of the new Paper 1 structure, key tips for excelling, and techniques to boost performance while aligning with your learning style.
IB Chemistry Paper 1
Overview
- Accounts for 36% of the student’s subject grade (SL & HL)
- SL students have 1 hour 30 minutes, while HL students are given 2 hours to complete Paper 1
- Calculators are permitted
- Paper 1 is made up of two separate booklets – Paper 1A and Paper 1B. Both papers are completed in one sitting
IB Chemistry Paper 1A
Overview
- Solely made up of multiple-choice questions – students must select one answer from the four provided
- Each question is worth 1 mark
- The SL Paper 1A consists of 30 multiple-choice questions (30 marks total), while the HL Paper 1A consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (40 marks total)
- Points are not deducted for incorrect answers
Top Tips
1. Consistency
IB Chemistry is a challenging subject that requires consistency in your studying habits to achieve the best results! Organizing your time in a way to cover the weekly content is a great way to stay on top of things and avoid accumulated concepts.
2. Practice
It is well-known that repetitive and targeted exercises are the way to master any skill/concept! Luckily, the RV website offers a whole set of revision tools that allow you to practice and test yourself on one subtopic, specific topic, or the entire syllabus!
3. Prioritize Your Well-Being
Remember, this is a marathon, not a race! Reaching the final goal requires taking care of your physical and mental health. So, get enough sleep, eat healthy, and, most importantly, have fun along the way!
4. Understanding the Two ‘Broad Scopes’ of Chemistry Question-Types
And then tailor your studying strategies to them:
- a) “Math” Ones: Usually come in the form of calculations, under mole concepts, thermodynamics (calculating enthalpy change), or even kinematics (rate of reaction) and equilibrium (equilibrium constant). These are questions which can be practiced. In order to score well in these, practice, practice, practice.
- b) “Understanding” Ones: These come in the form of using chemistry concepts learnt which require you to “Explain”, or “State a reason” etc. In most cases, the best way to tackle these questions is to truly understand by brushing up on your chemistry fundamentals.
5. Study the Keywords + Explanations for Your Answers
This is more of an extension towards the “Understanding”.
6. Study Mark Schemes While Reviewing the Answers
Do not just study the content because it’s not going to help you find the right answers to get the point, but rather, understand how the mark is being given.
IB Chemistry Paper 1B
Overview
- Made up of data-based questions
- Questions relate to experimental work
- The SL Paper 1B consists of 25 marks, while the HL paper is marked out of 35
- Points are not deducted for incorrect answers
Key to Excelling in IB Chemistry Paper 1B
- Ability to critically assess experiments and data presented
- Integrating relevant syllabus knowledge
- Requires understanding of theoretical concepts and the ability to interpret experimental work accurately
- A thorough understanding of experimental work and analytical skills are essential
In Section B, Students Are Presented With Data-Based Questions
These may look the following way:
Based on the graph provided:
(a) State the values of the coefficients x, y, and z.
(b) Deduce the average rate of reaction in reference to the rate of formation of NO2.
(c) A small amount of NO2 remains dissolved in the nitric acid. State why this effect produces a systematic error in the measured gas volume.
(d) Calculate the value of S.
(e) The calculated yield after 1 min was 0.084 ± 0.03 mol dm−3. Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the calculated yield.
Plan to Grade Up IB Chemistry: Do the Right Choice Methods
- Multiple-choice questions may seem simple but may turn unexpectedly difficult
- Select options carefully as more than one choice appears correct, even though only one is to be selected
Time Management
Key Guidelines
- About a minute and a half per question is allotted
- Wisely use 50 minutes for SL and 1 hour for HL (assuming equal time is allotted between Paper 1A and 1B)
- Master Paper 1A by regularly practicing sample questions from past papers and timing yourself
Self-Assessment and Feedback
Study Tools
- Practice revision quizzes
- Acquaint yourself with shorter question-wise exam practice tasks
- Prepare a checklist to identify areas for improvement
- Create visual learning techniques like mind maps, doodles, mnemonics to master concepts
- Familiarise yourself with the assessment criteria
- Apply assessment rubrics to evaluate tests taken during practice sessions
Techniques to Improve Memory and Retention of Information
Best Practices
- Maintain notebooks in digital form for easy access and as a sustainable option
- Set clear learning targets in easy achievable steps before moving on to the next concept/idea
- Revise past papers
- Instead of doing one past paper the whole way through, go through all past paper questions relating to one given topic in the syllabus. In this manner you will quickly notice similarities in the types of questions that the IB likes to ask on any given topic!
- Use the elimination method to logically whittle the 4 potential choices down! It’s generally much easier to start by eliminating incorrect answers rather than choosing the correct one off the bat!
- Get thoughts organised
Multimedia to Suit Learning Styles
- Watch videos or multimedia to supplement learning based on different learning styles on the concepts from reputed tutors/verified experts to support learning
- Supports diverse learning experiences
Collaborative Learning
- Peer learning helps to solidify understanding and revise topics
- Learning is reinforced
- Improves communication skills
- Above all, know the syllabus well
- Reflect on feedback for improvement of scores
For Practicals
- For the prescribed practicals, revise each of the topics
- Each experiment has a detailed procedure together with a list of apparatus and chemicals, so use appropriate terminology and follow the methods
- Solve practice questions that cover the skills and calculations required in each experiment
Conclusion
Success in the IBDP Chemistry Paper 1 requires more than just memorizing content — it demands consistent practice, strategic time management, and a deep understanding of both conceptual and data-based questions. With the 2025 syllabus updates, being familiar with the new format and question types is more important than ever. By combining targeted revision, collaborative learning, and smart exam strategies, students can approach the exam with confidence.
To elevate your preparation, get personalized IB Chemistry support from Ascend Now’s expert tutors. With one-on-one guidance, structured revision strategies, and ongoing feedback, Ascend Now helps you build a strong foundation and achieve your academic goals with confidence.
