Instead of tackling full, overwhelming exams too early, breaking down past papers into topics allows you to master one subject area before moving on to the next. Why Use Topic-Wise Past Papers for IB Physics?
"The TES question books from Paul's shop were a game-changer for me. Having all the questions on Fields organized in one editable document meant I could work through dozens of examples until the concepts finally clicked. The video walkthroughs on YouTube helped me understand where I was going wrong. I ended up with a 7 in HL Physics." — Michael T., IB Graduate (2024)
IB markschemes are specific. If the mark scheme says "Accept 'kinetic energy converts to heat'" but you wrote "energy is lost" – you might get zero. Study the of the markscheme as much as the answer.
Mixed Topic Test
- Circuits, fields, and electromagnetism.
: Kinematics equations, projectile motion, forces, and momentum.
IB Physics past papers are official examination papers from previous years, made available by the International Baccalaureate (IB) organization. These papers are a treasure trove of information, providing students with a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with the exam format, question types, and assessment criteria. ib physics past papers by topic
Paper 2 constitutes 50% of your final grade, and it is common for students to leave the final 20% of the paper blank due to time pressure. Practice building stamina by gradually increasing the length of your study sessions and by taking full, timed Paper 2 exams under realistic conditions.
Mechanics (Topic 2.1 – Motion)
Once you feel comfortable with the topic, simulate exam conditions. Hide your notes, set a timer (aim for roughly 1 to 1.5 minutes per mark), and complete a fresh set of questions on that same topic. This builds the speed and stamina required for the real exam. Common Pitfalls to Avoid Instead of tackling full, overwhelming exams too early,
Once you have covered 4-5 topics (e.g., Mechanics, Thermal, Waves, Electricity), mix questions from those topics into one sit-down session.
Note: The new curriculum (first exams 2025) has shifted to four option themes, but the "by topic" logic remains identical.