No matter what resources or study material you will use with highly effective learning techniques, the ultimate aim is to handle the complete syllabus smoothly. You will be lured by various resources and study material available online and otherwise. Where and how to pick up the right material that is accurately aligned to the IB curriculum? So this post is for students looking for IB Chemistry Resources that they can use this year.
Well, here I am suggesting none other than the official IB Chemistry guide that is vital for your success in the subject. You must be aware that IB is very explicit, and everything that is tested for in the examinations is scheduled out in the syllabus of this guide. Therefore, before you pick any topic, you must read the three foremost important parts of the syllabus (detailed below) to fit your comprehension into a larger portrait.
Scope of the IB Chemistry Guide
Please read thoroughly and comment on the ‘Understandings’‘to guide your’ earnings before studying a specific topic. You will achieve a rational indication of what you must study for the exams rather than wasting time learning unwanted and irrelevant details.
All possible calculations you will be tested in the exam are listed in the ‘Applications & ‘kills’. Figuring out these questions in past question papers and working on them is the most undervalued way by which you can improve your exam performance.
Seek help from the ‘Guidance’ section when you are unsure whether you need to memorize a formula or a fact or about what’s forthcomiwhat’sthe examination.
Active recalling through MCQs of Paper 1
Self Assessment during learning – Before you start learning the questions, try attempting topical MCQs. Push yourself to logically work through the multiple-choice questions even if you don’t know or redon’tanything about the topic. This is the best technique to measure your understanding and knowledge. In addition, there are selections of answers to work through rationally, so it becomes reasonably uncomplicated in case of topics you are unfamiliar with.
Traditionally, students are not taught to practice questions before studying the syllabus. Practising this simple technique as a beginner will develop your learning well before you start studying. And 30% of the IB chemistry grades comprise Paper I, so underestimating the importance of practising MCQ would be highly irresponsible.
Cover Theory Broadly
In the second step, understand the topics, key concepts, and hypothetical knowledge behind the questions you have familiarised yourself with. Most students learn the content anyways, but very few will do it diligently and retain it well for a longer period.
Have all the key concepts deeply ingrained in your head. In other words, it is important to connect with the key concepts that a question leads you to score better grades. Use the revision guide combined with videos on YouTube to get hold of the conceptual basis of all the topics charted out in the syllabus.
Prepare for Paper 2 Questions
After gaining a grip over the broad concepts, Paper 2 questions should become your top priority. Paper 2 exam scores contribute to 50% of IB Chemistry grades.
The questions in Paper 2 will appear to be difficult if you do not have a strong understanding of the concepts of topics in IB Chemistry. And hence it is strongly suggested to incorporate them into your revision sessions gradually. However, during this gradual approach to practising questions from Paper 2, you must neither ignore the importance of past paper questions nor overlook the conceptual understandings.
Also Read: Best Learning Option – Online or Offline?
Schedule your Revision
- Study for a broader understanding of key concepts
- Prepare notes for simplifying challenging concepts
- Convert every point from the syllabus into recall questions
- Test your brain by recalling information and answering the questions
- Repetitively revise weaker concepts to improve understanding
Online Resources
Make sure you subscribe to online IB Education platforms like Tribe Topper and youtube channels for more understanding of key concepts, past paper solutions and question banks. This will help in revising also.
Finally, it is imperative to memorize all the points in the guide till you get closer to the exam. At times you might struggle with the topics after studying for long hours, but remember persistence is critical. The process may be slow, but being patient is the key. Good luck with using the guide effectively.