IGCSE Chemistry: 2-Week Revision Plan
A focused 14-day revision plan for IGCSE Chemistry (0620). Prioritise high-yield topics, master equations, and avoid common mistakes before your exam.
Download the Formula Sheet First
All key equations and definitions — print it and keep it beside you.
Your Chemistry Exams Are Spread Over 6 Weeks
Two weeks is enough to significantly improve your Chemistry grade — if you focus on the right things. This plan targets high-yield topics (organic chemistry, electrolysis, acids & bases), common mistakes (balancing equations, mole calculations), and exam technique.
Chemistry rewards understanding over memorisation. Focus on why reactions happen, not just what happens.
1 Week 1: High-Yield Topics
Days 1-2: Organic Chemistry
This topic appears in every paper — learn the homologous series.
- • Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols — names, formulas, properties
- • Addition vs substitution reactions
- • Polymerisation (addition and condensation)
- • Tests: bromine water for unsaturation, flame tests
Days 3-4: Acids, Bases & Salts
Acid reactions and salt preparation are guaranteed marks.
- • Acid + metal, acid + carbonate, acid + base reactions
- • pH scale and indicators
- • Preparing soluble and insoluble salts
- • Titration calculations
Days 5-6: Electrolysis & Redox
Students often lose marks here — understand electrode equations.
- • Electrolysis of molten and aqueous compounds
- • Cathode (reduction) vs anode (oxidation) — "OILRIG"
- • Half-equations at each electrode
- • Electroplating and purification of copper
Day 7: Mole Calculations + Review
Calculations appear in every paper — practice until automatic.
- • Moles = mass ÷ Mr (and rearrangements)
- • Concentration = moles ÷ volume
- • Using ratios from balanced equations
- • Percentage yield and atom economy
2 Week 2: Past Papers & Gaps
Days 8-9: Atomic Structure & Bonding
Foundation topics that unlock everything else.
- • Electron configuration and the periodic table
- • Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding
- • Drawing dot-and-cross diagrams
- • Properties linked to structure (melting points, conductivity)
Days 10-11: Theory Paper Practice
Paper 3/4 requires clear written explanations.
- • Do one full Paper 3 or 4 under timed conditions
- • Check mark scheme — learn the exact phrases examiners want
- • Practice balancing equations (this loses students marks!)
- • Draw clear diagrams with labels
Days 12-13: Practical Skills (Paper 5/6)
Know the standard practicals and how to record results.
- • Drawing results tables (headings, units, decimal places)
- • Plotting graphs with correct scales and best-fit lines
- • Describing observations precisely (colour changes, precipitates)
- • Identifying unknown substances using tests
Day 14: Light Review Only
The day before the exam — don't cram new content.
- • Review your formula sheet and key equations
- • Skim through common mistakes notes
- • Check your equipment (calculator, pens)
- • Get good sleep — your brain consolidates overnight
Use the Gaps Between Papers
You have 9 days between Theory and Practical, then a full month until MCQ. Use this time wisely.
After Paper 3/4 (28 Apr) → Before Paper 5/6 (7 May)
9 days to focus on practical skills.
- • Master qualitative analysis tests (flame tests, precipitates, gas tests)
- • Practice describing observations: "white precipitate forms" not just "goes white"
- • Review titration procedure and calculations
- • Practice drawing apparatus diagrams neatly
After Paper 5/6 (7 May) → Before Paper 1/2 (9 June)
33 days — plenty of time for MCQ mastery!
- • Do 4-5 full MCQ papers under timed conditions (45 minutes each)
- • Review the top 10 Chemistry MCQ mistakes
- • Focus on quick recall: ion charges, colours, test results
- • Use elimination — cross out obviously wrong answers first
Quick Reference: What Appears Most Often
Paper 3/4 (Theory)
First exam: 28 April
- • Balance equations
- • Mole calculations
- • Explain with chemistry terms
- • Draw structures clearly
Paper 5/6 (Practical)
Second exam: 7 May
- • Qualitative analysis tests
- • Describe observations precisely
- • Record results in tables
- • Draw best-fit graphs
Paper 1/2 (MCQ)
Last exam: 9 June
- • Ion charges & formulas
- • Organic functional groups
- • Electrolysis products
- • Periodic table trends