Chemistry · IB SL
IB Chemistry SL — papers & markbands
Multiple choice (Paper 1), structured/extended response (Paper 2) and the data/option paper (Paper 3). Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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Chemistry SL chapters
21 topics · free- R1.1Measuring enthalpy changes
- R1.2Energy cycles in reactions
- R1.3Energy from fuels
- 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 SL
- Paper 1SL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2SL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- Paper 3SL
Drill 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 →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Chemistry SL?
- IB Chemistry at SL 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 SL past papers?
- Browse every recent Chemistry SL 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.