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The mark scheme is your holy grail. IB Physics examiners look for specific "command words" and benchmark phrases. Even if your final numerical answer is correct, you can lose full marks if you fail to state a fundamental physics principle (like "assuming a closed system") in your working steps. Keep a dedicated "error log" where you copy down questions you got wrong alongside the exact phrases the mark scheme required. Understanding the Grade Boundaries: Aiming for a 7
: Pay close attention to units. The IB frequently switches between Joules ( ) and Electron-volts ( ). Missing a conversion will ruin your calculation. How to Structure Your Topical Revision
Most students make the mistake of sitting down with a complete, mixed past paper way too early in their revision cycle. This often leads to frustration because you end up stumbling over topics your teacher hasn’t covered yet or concepts you haven't fully reviewed.
When you finish a topic in class, print out a booklet of past paper questions for that specific topic. Attempt the questions with your and your class notes open. The goal here is understanding, not speed. Focus on how the formulas in the data booklet map to the wording of the question. 2. The Closed-Book Phase ib physics past papers by topic
: IB Physics questions are notorious for reusing specific "tricks" or phrasing. By practicing 20 questions on the exact same concept back-to-back, you learn to spot these patterns instantly. Core IB Physics Topics You Must Master
as early as possible. Topical practice helps you identify the specific "tricks" examiners use for certain concepts, such as identifying uncertainties in Paper 1B or applying the right kinematic equation in Paper 2. 1. Where to Find Topical Past Papers
Relies on understanding gas laws, specific heat capacity, and ideal gas behavior. Markschemes here are notoriously strict regarding kinetic theory explanations. The mark scheme is your holy grail
: Specializes in IB Physics with a question bank arranged by topics and sub-topics. They are known for having over 2,000 video solutions for past exam questions from 2016 to 2025.
This collection of IB Physics past papers grouped by topic is a solid study tool. Breaking down questions by syllabus points (e.g., Topic 2: Mechanics, Topic 5: Electricity & Magnetism) saves a lot of time compared to flipping through full past papers.
Do not jump into questions completely blind. Spend 15–20 minutes reviewing your class notes, definitions, and the relevant section of the . Ensure you understand what each variable in the formulas represents. Step 2: Tackle Paper 1 (Multiple Choice) Keep a dedicated "error log" where you copy
Studying past papers topically changes your revision from a chaotic review into a targeted, highly effective strategy. This comprehensive guide explains why topical practice is essential, how to structure your revision, and where to find the best resources. Why Study IB Physics Past Papers by Topic?
In the early stages of your revision, avoid tackling full, timed papers. Instead, focus on specific topics where you need the most improvement. Use question banks from resources like Save My Exams or Exam Papers Practice to filter questions by topic (e.g., "Mechanics," "Electricity & Magnetism").
Topics you can solve without looking at notes (e.g., Topic 2: Mechanics).
Here’s a well-rounded, positive review you can use or tweak as needed: