🧾 1. What Is Paper 1B?
Paper 1B is a new component introduced in the revised IB Chemistry syllabus, effective from first exams in 2025 (or 2026). It consists of structured short-response questions targeting analytical thinking, data analysis, and applied chemistry concepts across both SL and HL.
Find the official guide here: What is new Paper 1B? (revisiondojo.com)
🎯 2. Paper 1B Format & Focus Areas
- Duration: ~60 minutes (integrated into Paper 1 time allocation)
- Content: Scenario-based questions involving data tables, graphs, or concise calculations
- Skills assessed: Trend analysis, chemistry reasoning, and real-world contextual application
This shift emphasizes depth—moving from multiple-choice recall to applied, structured answers.
🔬 3. Topics Frequently Tested
RevisionDojo includes many Paper 1B-style questions in its Chemistry (New syllabus) question bank. Expect themes like:
- Mole calculations and stoichiometry (e.g. empirical formula questions)
(revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com) - Reaction extent and kinetics
(revisiondojo.com) - Thermodynamics and spontaneity—especially at HL
(revisiondojo.com) - Bonding and material models
(revisiondojo.com)
These resources reflect the kinds of structured analytical questions Paper 1B will demand.
📝 4. How to Approach Paper 1B Questions
A. Read the Scenario Carefully
Identify context and key variables—e.g. concentration, temperature, reactivity.
B. Analyze Data Precisely
Note units, trends, and meaningful data points. Evaluate anomalies or outliers.
C. Describe Observations Concisely
Use clear language:
“As concentration increases, rate doubles over 0.1 to 0.5 M before plateauing…”
Support with numerical values and units.
D. Apply Chemistry Theory
Explain using correct scientific principles: Le Chatelier’s, activation energy, or electronegativity trends.
E. Suggest Improvements or Evaluate Errors
Offer measurement refinement or alternative experimental setups when appropriate.
✅ 5. Quick Paper 1B Success Tips
- Practice with structured-response prompts in RevisionDojo’s question bank.
(revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com) - Master key command verbs: ‘explain’, ‘describe’, ‘suggest’, ‘evaluate.’
- Always back claims with data points, theory, and units.
- Use markschemes to learn where points are awarded.
- Build familiarity across topics: mole, bonding, thermodynamics and kinetics.
📅 6. Practice Strategy to Improve
- Mix question types weekly—mole problems one day, enthalpy/kinetics another.
- Time yourself working through structured prompts to build pacing.
- Review model answers from past Paper 1B-style materials to align writing style with examiner expectations.
RevisionDojo’s question bank includes built-in Paper 1B examples, helping refine analytical accuracy.
(revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
❓ FAQs
Q1. How is Paper 1B different from Paper 1A (MCQ)?
Paper 1B uses structured written responses with real data—no longer multiple-choice or recall-heavy.
Q2. Should I write full sentences?
Yes—structured complete sentences with clear reasoning, quantitative references, and scientific terminology are essential.
Q3. Are Paper 1B questions theory-heavy?
Not deeply—they’re application-focused, linking basic theory to provided data.
Q4. Do SL and HL have different difficulty levels?
HL may include thermodynamics, Gibbs, or entropy content, while SL keeps questions more foundational.
🧭 Final Advice
IB Chemistry Paper 1B tests more than knowledge—it examines how well you interpret and apply data-driven chemistry concepts. By practicing scenario questions, using quality markschemes, and connecting observations with theory, you can excel in this new assessment format.
📣 Call to Action
Start strengthening your Paper 1B readiness:
- Explore Paper 1B-style questions in RevisionDojo’s Chemistry question bank
(revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com) - Join timed practice drills using real data prompts
- Review revision guides tailored to the 2025 syllabus to stay ahead
Start your structured prep now and build confidence in mastering IB Chemistry Paper 1B!
