IB past paper analysis

Chemistry SL
May 2026 · Paper 1 · TZ1

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  • 30questions
  • 55marks
  • 44question parts
  • 31micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter26%
  • Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure22%
  • Structure 3: Classification of matter18%
  • Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far?14%
  • Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change?13%
  • Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions?7%

Hardest areas (by marks)

    Question types

    identify: 68%explain / justify: 16%find / solve: 5%write down / state: 5%0%
    • identify68%
    • explain / justify16%
    • find / solve5%
    • write down / state5%

    0% of parts are show / prove.

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    Questions in this paper

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    Good to know

    Can I download Chemistry SL May 2026 TZ1 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 TZ1 Paper 1?

    Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter 26% (typical 20%), Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure 22% (typical 15%), Structure 3: Classification of matter 18% (typical 11%).

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