How to Get an A* in IGCSE Chemistry

Right, let’s get straight to it, you’re aiming for that A* in IGCSE Chemistry, and I can tell you now, it’s absolutely within your reach. If you're just starting out, you might be asking, What is IGCSE Chemistry?. Many students also worry, "Is IGCSE Chemistry hard?". I’m here to tell you that with the right strategy, a top grade is achievable.

After 15 years of teaching and tutoring Chemistry, I’ve seen every type of student, from those who find the subject second nature to those who’ve had to really graft to get there. The good news? Every one of them who followed the right strategies made huge progress, and many went on to secure top grades.

This guide brings together the most effective, tried-and-tested methods that consistently help students excel. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to refine your technique, focus your effort, and walk into that exam with confidence and control.

Step 1: Build Your Strategic Foundation

A question I get asked on a regular basis by students is: ”How should I study Chemistry?”

Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but every A* plan is built on a solid foundation. Before you dive into the content, you need to know what you're up against and how to plan for it.

1. Know Your Exam Structure

First, you must thoroughly understand your exam specification. For a full breakdown of the papers for your specific board, check our guide on How many IGCSE Chemistry papers are there?.

2. Create a Revision Timetable

Use the information about your papers to create a study timetable that ensures you cover all the content by the time each exam rolls around. A good timetable helps you dedicate time to more challenging topics, not just the ones you enjoy. For a complete guide, read our article on How to Revise for IGCSE Chemistry.

3. Practise, Practise, Practise!

It’s not enough to recall content; you must be able to apply it. The best way to do this is with topic-specific questions and past papers. Save My Exams has a huge bank of resources for your exam board:

• CIE IGCSE Chemistry (0620)

• Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (4CH1) 

Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry (9202) Step 2: Think Like an Examiner

Knowing the content is only half the battle. To get an A*, you must learn to give the examiners exactly what they are looking for.

Use Examiners Reports

One of the most powerful tools top students use is examiners’ reports and mark schemes. These reveal exactly what examiners look for in top answers and highlight the most common mistakes students make each year. 

By studying how marks are awarded, you’ll learn how to

• Phrase your answers precisely.

• Avoid losing marks for small errors or vague explanations. 

Reviewing examiner feedback helps you think like an examiner, and that’s what turns good responses into A* ones. 

Check out our summaries of recent reports to see exactly what we mean:

• CIE IGCSE Chemistry Examiner Report Summary

• Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Examiner Report Summary

Master Command Words

Understanding the various command words used in IGCSE Chemistry exams is crucial. This ensures that you put the appropriate level of detail in your answers. 

Here is a breakdown of the most common command words:

Step 3: Master the Details

Pay Attention to the Marks Available

In IGCSE Chemistry, questions can range from 1 to 6 marks. The number of marks is your best clue for how much detail to include.

• Don't be misled by the number of lines. I have seen many students lose marks by overfilling the space and contradicting themselves, even when they've already written the correct answer.

• One mark usually requires one clear, concise point.

• A 4-mark question requires four distinct points.

Be Precise with Variables

In any question about experiments, you must be able to identify the key variables:

• Independent variable: what you change.

• Dependent variable: what you measure.

• Control variable(s): what you keep the same.

A* Tip: Be precise with your language. 

• For example, some exam boards will not award a point for "amount of acid." 

• You must specify "volume of acid" or "concentration of acid."

• Always check your board's mark schemes to see what they require.

Use Your Periodic Table!

You will always have a Periodic Table in your exam.  It is important that you familiarise yourself with the specific one for your exam board as the layout can vary between them. Make sure you are using the correct version for your exam board when revising. This will help you find information quickly under pressure.

A* Tip: I always recommend that students draw the “staircase” that separates metals from non-metals.

Learn Your Ions

Make sure you invest time learning the formulae of simple (e.g. Cl^-) and complex (NO₃^-) ions. You will be expected to write balanced symbol equations. Not knowing your ion charges will make this very tricky. So, this is a skill that will set you apart from other students.

Step 4: Master the Content Strategically

An A* student doesn't study everything; they study smart. This means knowing your syllabus inside out and focusing your energy on the topics that secure the most marks.

For a full breakdown of what's on your syllabus, check our IGCSE Chemistry Topics: Full List guide.

Focus on the High-Yield Topics

Certain topics appear in almost every paper. Mastering these is your golden ticket to securing marks.

Atomic Structure

• This is the foundation. 

• You’ll need a solid grasp of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how they’re arranged in atoms. 

• This foundation underpins bonding, the periodic table, and even reaction questions, so it’s worth mastering early.

Chemical Bonding

• You must be confident explaining ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding.

• You can be asked to predict the properties of a reaction product. 

• Examiner questions often test why a substance behaves as it does.

Acids and Bases

• Be ready for questions on:

  • pH

  • Neutralisation

  • Indicators

  • General reactions of acids.

• This topic rewards clear recall of definitions and balanced equations.

The Mole Concept

• Don’t fear the mole concept, it’s one of the most rewarding topics once it “clicks.”

• A firm grasp of moles, molar mass, and balanced equations will open the door to marks across many parts of the paper.

Rates of Reaction & Energetics

• Make sure you can:

  • Describe the factors affecting reaction rate

  • Draw and interpret graphs

  • Explain energy changes.

Finally, make yourself a simple syllabus checklist. Work through every point systematically, ticking them off as you go. It keeps you organised, makes revision more satisfying, and ensures you never overlook a topic that could appear in your exam.

Overcome the Common Misconceptions

Getting the following common misconceptions right is what separates A* candidates from everyone else.

Balancing Equations

• This isn't about guessing.

• Count atoms systematically, starting with the most complex molecule.

• Practice until it becomes automatic.

Molar Calculations

• This confuses many students. 

• Remember: moles = mass ÷ molar mass. 

• Draw out the calculation triangle if it helps you visualise the relationship.

Electrolysis

• This follows simple rules. 

• Positive ions go to the negative electrode; negative ions go to the positive electrode.

• The products of electrolysis depend on what's competing to be discharged.

Ionic vs Covalent Bonding

• A clear rule of thumb: 

  • metal + non-metal = ionic 

  • non-metal + non-metal = covalent.

Don't just memorise these rules; understand why they work. That's what transforms good students into A* students.

Step 5: Ace the Practical Questions

Questions about practical experiments can feel scary. But, they are often easy marks because they follow predictable patterns. Here is your 5-point checklist for success:

Know Your Apparatus

Learn the standard apparatus and what each piece is used for. Bunsen burners, measuring cylinders, and conical flasks appear constantly.

Think About Safety

Safety is always important. The following safety points are often worth a mark:

• Wearing safety goggles

• Using a fume cupboard for toxic gases

• Properly handling of chemicals

Identify the Variables

For any experiment described, you must be able to identify the:

• Independent variable (what is changed)

• Dependent variable (what is measured)

• Control variables (what is kept the same).

Suggest Improvements

Questions often ask how to make an experiment better. Common, high-scoring improvements include:

• Repeating the experiment and calculating an average.

• Using more precise measuring equipment. For example, using a gas syringe instead of an inverted measuring cylinder.

• Adding a method to control a key variable, like temperature.

Practise Drawing Diagrams

Your diagrams of experimental setups don't need to be artistic masterpieces. They need to be clear and accurately labelled. The best way to master these skills is to see them in context. 

Here are some examples of past paper practical questions to look through:

• Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Example

• Edexcel IGCSE Example

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I revise for IGCSE Chemistry each day?

Quality beats quantity every time. Aim for 45-60 minutes of focused Chemistry revision daily rather than hours of unfocused studying.

Break this into shorter sessions if that works better for you. Two 30-minute sessions can be more effective than one long slog.

What's the best way to remember Chemistry equations and formulas?

There isn't one single best way, but a combination of these three methods is very effective:

• Practise, don't just memorise. Using equations to solve different problems is the best way to understand when and why to use them.

• Write them out by hand. The physical act of writing helps to embed formulas in your memory.

• Create memory hooks. Use mnemonics (like PANIC and OILRIG) or visual patterns that work for you to recall key formulas or rules.

What's the hardest topic in IGCSE Chemistry and how do I tackle it?

Most students struggle with mole calculations and organic chemistry. The key is breaking these topics into smaller, manageable chunks.

Moles

Master the basic relationship first: moles = mass ÷ molar mass. Build up to more complex calculations gradually.

Organic chemistry

Focus on understanding functional groups and their properties rather than trying to memorise every possible reaction. You will also need to learn the prefixes for the number of carbon atoms, as this will help you name compounds quickly in exam conditions:

Remember, what's hardest for you might be different from other students. Identify your personal weak spots and give them extra attention.

Final thoughts

Achieving an A* in IGCSE Chemistry isn’t about cramming facts. It’s about strategy, consistency, and a deep understanding of what examiners want. By mastering your syllabus, thinking like an examiner, and perfecting your exam technique, you put yourself in the best possible position to secure that top grade.

Ready to start your journey to an A*? Save My Exams has everything you need to succeed:

• Full revision notes covering your IGCSE Chemistry course

• Expert crafted exam questions, including multiple-choice

• Flashcards covering facts your IGCSE Chemistry course

• Official ICGSE Chemistry past papers

• Mock exams to complete in timed conditions

References

• Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) Past papers, examiner reports and specimen papers (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel IGCSE chemistry exam materials (opens in a new tab)