Colourful Solutions > Assessment in chemistry > External Examination
The length of the external exams is different for higher and standard level, although the general structure is similar. Two examination papers and an internally assessed externally moderated experimental report.
| Assessment component - Standard level | Weighting |
| External assessment - Total time 3 hours. | 80% |
| Paper 1 (1 hour and 30 minutes) | 36% |
| Paper 1A - Multiple choice questions | |
| Paper 1B - Data-based questions | |
| Total 55 marks | |
| Paper 2 (1 hour and 30 minutes) | 44% |
| Short answer and extended response questions | |
| (Total 50 marks) | |
| Internal assessment (10 hours) | 20% |
| The internal assessment consists of one task: the scientific investigation. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course. (Total 24 marks) |
| Assessment component - Higher level | Weighting |
| External assessment - Total time 4 hours 30 minutes | 80% |
| Paper 1 (2 hours) | 36% |
| Paper 1A - Multiple choice questions | |
| Paper 1B - Data-based questions | |
| Total 75 marks | |
| Paper 2 (2 hour and 30 minutes) | 44% |
| Short answer and extended response questions | |
| (Total 90 marks) | |
| Internal assessment (10 hours) | 20% |
| The internal assessment consists of one task: the scientific investigation. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course. (Total 24 marks) |
Internal assessment (IA) requirements
The IA requirement is the same for biology, chemistry and physics. The IA, worth 20% of the final assessment, consists of one task—the scientific investigation. The scientific investigation is an open-ended task in which the student gathers and analyses data in order to answer their own formulated research question. The outcome of the scientific investigation will be assessed through the form of a written report. The maximum overall word count for the report is 3,000 words.
The following are not included in the word count.
The following details should be stated at the start of the report.
There is no requirement to include a cover page or a contents page.
Internal assessment (IA) grading
The performance in IA at both SL and HL is marked against common assessment criteria, with a total mark out of 24. Student work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB. The four assessment criteria are as follows.