Assessment in the Diploma Program

Assessment is by means of examination and practical for both higher and standard level chemistry courses.

Examination (higher level)

There are three papers:

Paper 1 (high): 1 hour consists of 40 multiple choice questions. Calculators are not allowed. A periodic table is provided

Paper 2 (high): 2 hours 15 minutes consists of five structured questions and a choice of two from four longer answer questions. Calculators are allowed and a data booklet is provided

Paper 3 (high): 1 hour 15 minutes consists of three questions form each of two selected options. The paper presents eight option choices. Calculators are allowed and data booklets are provided.

Exam timing

Examination (standard level)

There are three papers:

Paper 1 (standard): 45 minutes consists of 30 multiple choice questions. Calculators are not allowed. A periodic table is provided

Paper 2 (standard): 1 hours 15 minutes consists of some structured questions and a choice of one from three longer answer questions. Calculators are allowed and a data booklet is provided

Paper 3 (standard): 1 hour consists of two questions from each of two selected options. The paper presents eight option choices. Calculators are allowed and data booklets are provided.

Exam timing

Examination action verbs

As with all examinations, it is important to know what the examiners require. The IBO releases a list of key words and what they mean when referring to exam questions.

For example the word "Draw" is taken to mean "represent by a series of pencil lines and labels (unless specifically told not to do so)" This leaves the students clear as to the actual requirements of the questions. A full list of these so-called action verbs can be found here

Practical (Internal) Assessment 2008 exams

This is assessed by means of a practical course consisting of a series of experiments which the students carry out and write reports on in a separate laboratory exercise book. The reports are assessed according to eight criteria. These are:

The criteria are mostly formative in that the students develop skills during the course of their studies and are given a final level for each criterion*. The assessment is carried out by the teacher(s) in charge and samples sent away for external moderation. Further details on the assessment criteria can be seen here.

*Note: A student is not expected to begin the course with highly developed skills in these areas and low levels are normal at first.

Practical (Internal) Assessment 2009 exams

Final grades

The final grade awarded for an IB subject is from 1-7. The schools receive a breakdown of the grade achieved in each part of the exam.

The requirements to achieve the IB diploma are fairly complex and may be found here: IB diploma award requirements

Note: past papers - disclaimer