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IB Chemistry HL community
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Chemistry HL chapters
22 topics · free- R1.1Measuring enthalpy changes
- R1.2Energy cycles in reactions
- R1.3Energy from fuels
- R1.4Entropy and spontaneity
- R2.1How much? The amount of chemical change
- R2.2How fast? The rate of chemical change
- R2.3How far? The extent of chemical change
- R3.1Proton transfer reactions
- R3.2Electron transfer reactions
- R3.3Electron sharing reactions
- R3.4Electron-pair sharing reactions
- S1.1Introduction to the particulate nature of matter
- S1.2The nuclear atom
- S1.3Electron configurations
- S1.4Counting particles by mass: the mole
- S1.5Ideal gases
- S2.1The ionic model
- S2.2The covalent model
- S2.3The metallic model
- S2.4From models to materials
- S3.1The periodic table: classification of elements
- S3.2Functional groups: classification of organic compounds
Papers in Chemistry HL
- HLPaper 1Practise under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- HLPaper 2Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- HLPaper 3Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback ->IB Chemistry HL — papers & markbands
Multiple choice (Paper 1), structured/extended response (Paper 2) and the data/option paper (Paper 3). Above are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Chemistry HL?
- IB Chemistry at HL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, plus internal assessment. Multiple choice (Paper 1), structured/extended response (Paper 2) and the data/option paper (Paper 3).
- How is IB Chemistry marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Chemistry HL past papers?
- Browse every recent Chemistry HL exam series on our IB Chemistry past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Chemistry course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Chemistry course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Chemistry resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.