Written by Saurabh Deshwar
Chemistry is considered one of the hardest subjects in the IB Diploma Programme. There are
a few reasons for this. Some topics are abstract, the subject is hands-on, and not all teachers
receive proper training. But the biggest challenge is psychological. Many students hear from
seniors, cousins, and parents that chemistry is going to be difficult. This creates fear before
they even start the course.
No doubt, IB Chemistry is demanding. It requires consistent study and lots of practice,
unlike some subjects where class teaching is enough to score well. But here’s the good
news. If you prepare smartly, chemistry is a very scoring subject—just like math.
How to Prepare for High Scores in IB Chemistry?
1. Develop the Right Mindset
The first step is to stop asking how difficult chemistry is from people who might give
negative feedback. If you have passion for the subject, believe in yourself and focus on
preparation.
2. Make a Long-Term Study Plan
There are two written exams and one internal assessment (IA) in IB Chemistry. Over the
years, I have seen students waste too much time on their IA, which is only 20 percent of
the total grade. While the IA is important, your final exams determine your grade more.
So, choose a topic that interests you, keep it simple, and finish it early. Many students
pick difficult topics, struggle with them, and waste time that should be spent preparing for
exams. In my experience, students who score between 15-18 in their IA can still achieve
a grade 7 in their final exams. You do not need a perfect IA score to get a 7 in chemistry.
3. Follow Your Own Study Techniques
Everyone is unique, and what works for your friends might not work for you. Instead of
copying others, find what suits you best. Do a self-analysis and experiment with different
study techniques:
- Some students make short notes
- Some prefer mind maps
- Others like detailed notes
- Some students work better with summaries
Find your technique and stick to it.
How to Study for IB Chemistry Exams?
1. Focus on High-Weightage Topics
Rather than blindly revising, study smart by prioritizing topics based on their weightage
in the exams. Some topics are more important than others, so plan accordingly.
Most Important Topics in the New Syllabus
- Chemical Bonding and Structure
- Energetics and Thermodynamics
- Organic Chemistry
- Equilibrium and Kinetics
- Acids and Bases
Many students make the mistake of starting revision with easy topics like mole concept.
By the time they reach the difficult topics, they are exhausted or out of time. Instead, start
with the most important topics first and leave the easier ones for later.
2. Use Past Papers and Marking Schemes
IB does not provide answer schemes but marking schemes. This means that while a
question may have multiple correct answers, IB wants specific keywords and structures in
the response.
Using past papers with marking schemes will help you understand how to frame answers
correctly.
3. Improve Your Answer-Writing Skills
For Paper 2 (Structured Questions):
- Write answers in bullet points, not paragraphs. Chemistry is not a literature
exam.
- Read the question twice before answering to avoid rewriting and wasting time.
For Paper 1A (Multiple Choice Questions):
- The only way to prepare is to practice past paper questions from textbooks,
IB Question Bank, InThinking, Kognity, or other reliable sources.
For Paper 1B (Data-Based and Experimental Questions):
- Focus on data analysis and evaluation skills.
- Practice experimental techniques and nature of science questions.
4. Strengthen Practical and Experimental Knowledge
The new syllabus has more focus on practical applications and experiments. Make sure
you:
- Understand lab techniques and calculations.
- Know how to analyze data from experiments.
- Revise errors, uncertainties, and graph interpretations.
How to Handle Exam Stress?
Even if you prepare well, exam stress can impact performance. Let me share an
experience.
Once, I was writing a nuclear chemistry exam. I was highly prepared and overconfident.
When I got the paper, I was excited because I knew all the answers. But suddenly, I blanked
out. Instead of panicking, I sat quietly for ten minutes, recalled everything, and wrote my
full paper within time. I ended up scoring full marks.
The lesson is simple. Anything can happen. Stay calm, focus, and keep writing.
Also, do not dwell on past exams. When an exam is over, move on to the next one.
Checking answers and overanalyzing mistakes will not change your grade but will increase
frustration.
Final Thoughts
IB Chemistry is a tough but rewarding subject. If you prepare strategically, practice
regularly, and manage stress well, you can score a 7.
So, study smart, believe in yourself, and go ace that IB Chemistry exam.
Best of luck!
