IB past paper analysis

Chemistry HL
May 2026 · Paper 2 · TZ2

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  • 7questions
  • 90marks
  • 54question parts
  • 36micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change?28%
  • Structure 3: Classification of matter20%
  • Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure16%
  • Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions?16%
  • Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far?13%
  • Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter8%

Hardest areas (by marks)

    Question types

    explain / justify: 33%find / solve: 22%show that / prove: 13%write down / state: 7%13%
    • explain / justify33%
    • find / solve22%
    • show that / prove13%
    • write down / state7%

    13% of parts are show / prove.

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    Questions in this paper

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    Where to go next

    Good to know

    Can I download Chemistry HL May 2026 TZ2 Paper 2 here?

    No. The paper and its mark scheme belong to the IB and are not reproduced. This page gives the structure of every question (marks, command term, micro-topic, the skill tested), the exam analysis, and practice questions we wrote to test the same skills. Subscribers can also open our summary of how each part's marks are awarded.

    Which topics dominate May 2026 TZ2 Paper 2?

    Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change? 28% (typical 20%), Structure 3: Classification of matter 20% (typical 15%), Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure 16% (typical 13%).

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