IGCSE 2026 Exam Trends: Edexcel Chemistry 4CH1

Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (4CH1) is assessed with Paper 1 (core) and Paper 2 (extension), plus Chemistry Paper 1 in Combined Science 4SD0. Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• 4CH1 – Paper 1 and Paper 2; structure unchanged for 2025–2026. Mix of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response.
• Calculations (mole, concentration, gas volume, percentage yield) are consistently examined; units and working are required. Equations (balanced symbol, ionic) are regularly tested.
• Practical skills are assessed within the written papers (e.g. method, variables, safety, interpretation of results).

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Calculations: Mole, concentration, gas volume, percentage yield, empirical formula. Working and units (mol, g/dm³, cm³) are mark-bearing; rounding as specified.
• Organic: Names, formulae, reactions (e.g. cracking, addition, combustion); conditions and catalysts.
• Inorganic: Electrolysis (products, half-equations), rates (temperature, concentration, catalyst), equilibrium (Le Chatelier). Explanations must use correct chemistry (particles, equilibrium shift).
• Practical: Variables, control, safety; graphs and conclusions from data; evaluation (sources of error, improvements).
• Definitions and key terms (e.g. isotope, catalyst, activation energy) with precise wording score better than vague answers.

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports highlight calculation errors (wrong formula, units), explanation without cause–effect, and practical evaluation underperforming.
• No reported shift in difficulty; accuracy in calculations and clarity in explanations are key.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and style match past Edexcel series. Past papers are a good guide to topic balance and question types.
• Topics are predictable from the spec; contexts vary. Exact questions are not predictable; marking focus (working, units, correct terms) is.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Calculations: Correct formula, substitution, answer with unit; working credited. Equations must be balanced.
• Explanations: Cause–effect (e.g. “temperature increases so particles have more energy…”); correct terminology. Vague answers get partial or no credit.
• Practical: Variables, control, conclusion from data, evaluation with specific points. Marking consistent with past series.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Recall (definitions, equations), application (calculations, explanations), practical (method, analysis, evaluation).
• Extended response – structured answers with key points and explanation.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Calculations – mole, concentration, gas volume, yield; working and units.
2. Organic – names, formulae, conditions, balanced equations.
3. Electrolysis and rates – products, half-equations; factors and explanation.
4. Practical – variables, control, graphs, conclusion, evaluation.
5. Definitions and key terms – learn exact wording from the spec.

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Based on current specification and examiner reports. Always use the latest Edexcel 4CH1 specification for your series.