IB Chemistry Tutoring: HL and SL

Getting a numerical answer is one part of solving a chemistry problem. A productive lesson also checks the equation you selected, the quantities you substituted, the units you carried through and the chemical meaning of the result. For example, a mole calculation can be arithmetically correct while using the wrong species from a balanced equation. Showing the ratio and naming the substance makes that mistake visible.

For an explanation, build a short chain rather than a list of facts: identify the relevant particles, describe the interaction or change, then connect it to the observation. In a bonding question, naming an intermolecular force without explaining its effect leaves the reasoning unfinished. Your tutor can ask you to rewrite one sentence, then apply the same reasoning to a different substance to check whether the idea transfers.

The scientific investigation contributes 20% of the final IB Chemistry grade. It is assessed through research design, data analysis, conclusion and evaluation, with up to six marks for each criterion. A focused research question is a starting point; the method, analysis and reasoning must also support the investigation.

In tutoring, we can discuss whether your method produces data that answer your question, how measurement uncertainty affects your analysis, and whether your conclusion is consistent with the results and accepted scientific knowledge. When evaluating a limitation, explain its effect on the evidence and propose an improvement that addresses that specific problem. Bring your own data and working so that the discussion stays grounded in your investigation.

You can use the free IA Grader for an estimated band. The result is an estimate and is not a substitute for official IB marking.

Bring an attempted question, including the working you crossed out. We can distinguish a missing concept from a calculation error or a difficulty interpreting the question. Those problems need different practice. A short model explanation helps with the first; a careful check of units and ratios helps with the second; annotating the question's data and command term helps with the third.

After that focused work, attempt another question without copying the previous solution. Explain why the method still applies and what has changed. Keep a brief record of the error and the check that would have caught it. This gives the next lesson a concrete starting point and keeps revision from becoming a collection of answers you recognise but cannot reproduce.