IB past paper analysis

Chemistry HL
May 2026 · Paper 1 · TZ3

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  • 40questions
  • 75marks
  • 61question parts
  • 45micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far?36%
  • Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change?21%
  • Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter19%
  • Structure 3: Classification of matter11%
  • Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure8%
  • Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions?5%

Hardest areas (by marks)

    Question types

    identify: 66%explain / justify: 16%find / solve: 10%show that / prove: 3%3%
    • identify66%
    • explain / justify16%
    • find / solve10%
    • show that / prove3%

    3% 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 TZ3 Paper 1 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 TZ3 Paper 1?

    Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far? 36% (typical 23%), Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change? 21% (typical 20%), Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter 19% (typical 17%).

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