IB past paper analysis

Chemistry SL
May 2026 · Paper 2 · TZ2

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  • 5questions
  • 50marks
  • 33question parts
  • 23micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Reactivity 3: What are the mechanisms of chemical change?26%
  • Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure22%
  • Structure 3: Classification of matter16%
  • Reactivity 1: What drives chemical reactions?14%
  • Structure 1: Models of the particulate nature of matter12%
  • Reactivity 2: How much, how fast and how far?10%

Hardest areas (by marks)

    Question types

    explain / justify: 36%find / solve: 21%write: 9%write down / state: 9%9%
    • explain / justify36%
    • find / solve21%
    • write9%
    • write down / state9%

    9% 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 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? 26% (typical 18%), Structure 2: Models of bonding and structure 22% (typical 15%), Structure 3: Classification of matter 16% (typical 11%).

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