How to Revise International A-Level Chemistry
Build confidence in International A-Level Chemistry with practice on physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry.
Revision Strategy
Revising Chemistry requires a blend of memorisation and understanding. You need to recall key facts, definitions, and processes, but you also need to understand the underlying principles well enough to apply them to unfamiliar scenarios. Start each topic by learning the core concepts, then test yourself with application questions that require you to use your knowledge in new contexts.
Diagrams are one of the most powerful revision tools for Chemistry. Whether it is the structure of a cell, an energy level diagram, or a circuit, being able to draw and label diagrams from memory cements your understanding far more effectively than re-reading text. Practise reproducing key diagrams until you can do so accurately without any reference material.
Do not neglect the practical and mathematical elements. Chemistry exams include questions on required practicals and expect you to perform calculations confidently. Practise interpreting data tables, plotting graphs, calculating rates and percentages, and evaluating experimental methods. These skills are tested every year and are straightforward marks if you have prepared.
Study Tips for International A-Level Chemistry
- ✓ Master organic reaction mechanisms by drawing them out repeatedly. Understanding electron movement, curly arrows and the logic behind each mechanism is far more effective than rote memorisation.
- ✓ Create a comprehensive summary of periodic trends (atomic radius, ionisation energy, electronegativity, reactivity) and practice explaining these trends in terms of atomic structure.
- ✓ Practice multi-step calculations (moles, concentrations, energetics, equilibria) daily. International A-Level Chemistry is quantitatively demanding, and speed and accuracy come only from regular practice.
- ✓ Build reaction maps for organic chemistry showing how different functional groups can be interconverted. This is essential for synthesis questions.
Exam Tips for International A-Level Chemistry
- ✓ Always show units and significant figures in calculation answers. International A-Level mark schemes specifically penalise incorrect or missing units and inappropriate significant figures.
- ✓ For mechanism questions, draw curly arrows clearly from the electron-rich site to the electron-poor site. Poorly drawn arrows are a common reason for losing marks.
- ✓ In synoptic questions that span multiple topics, identify which areas of chemistry are being tested and structure your answer to address each aspect systematically.
Topics to Cover
9 topics in International A-Level Chemistry
Available Exam Boards
International A-Level Chemistry specification guides for each exam board
Frequently Asked Questions
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