How to Revise for A Level Chemistry: Tactics That Work

A Level Chemistry is one of the most demanding subjects, requiring a deep understanding of theoretical concepts, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. The sheer volume of content can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can structure your revision effectively and enter the exam room with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll walk through my top tactics to help you succeed in your A Level Chemistry exam:

1. Perfecting Definitions

2. Mastering Past Papers for Effective Revision

3. Using Concept Maps and Diagrams to Strengthen Understanding

4. Focusing on Core Topics and High-Value Areas

5. Breaking Down Complex Problems Step-by-Step

6. The Importance of Timed Mock Exams

7. The Benefits of Studying with a Partner

8. Taking Care of Your Wellbeing During Revision

9. Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together

Tactic 1: Perfecting Definitions

Precise scientific definitions are essential in A Level Chemistry, as they form the foundation of your understanding and are often directly tested in exams. 

Many key terms—such as first ionisation energy, standard enthalpy change of combustion, and nucleophilic substitution—carry specific meanings that must be stated accurately to earn marks. 

Examiners look for exact wording in definition-based questions, and even small errors can result in lost marks.

For example, AQA state that: 

Students should be able to:

• define standard enthalpy of combustion, ΔH_c^ϴ

• define standard enthalpy of formation, ΔH_f^ϴ

Beyond direct recall, knowing definitions helps you apply concepts correctly. For example, defining oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer ensures that you can correctly assign oxidation states and balance redox reactions.

📝 Revision Tip: Test yourself regularly. Try covering up a word and recalling the definition, or vice versa. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel in the exam.

Tactic 2: Mastering Past Papers for Effective Revision

One of the most effective revision tools is past exam papers. I always encourage my students to use past papers strategically, starting with topic-based questions before attempting full papers under timed conditions. 

Simply answering questions isn’t enough—you must analyse mark schemes to understand what examiners look for and identify common pitfalls.

📝 Revision Tip: Don’t just mark your past paper answers, write out full corrections and explanations for any mistakes. This helps you avoid repeating errors in the actual exam.

Tactic 3: Using Concept Maps and Diagrams to Strengthen Understanding

Chemistry topics are deeply interconnected, and I’ve found that concept maps and reaction flowcharts help students visualise these links. Instead of treating topics as isolated facts, concept maps allow you to see how different ideas relate to one another, making them easier to understand and recall in exams.

For example, organic reaction mechanisms can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of transformations you need to remember. However, by mapping out reaction pathways for alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids, you can create a visual representation of how one functional group converts into another.

Once you have built your concept maps, apply them by practicing synthetic route questions, like the one shown in the worked example. These questions test your ability to plan multi-step transformations, choosing the correct reagents and conditions for each step. This process reinforces your understanding and improves your ability to think critically about organic synthesis.

Worked example from OCR Synthetic Routes notes

📝 Revision Tip: Create your own concept maps rather than relying on pre-made ones. The process of organising information yourself strengthens your understanding and improves memory retention.

Tactic 4: Focusing on Core Topics and High-Value Areas

Not all topics carry equal weight in the exam, so I always advise my students to prioritise high-yield areas. Topics such as bonding and structure, thermodynamics, amount of substance, and organic mechanisms frequently appear in exams. 

Ensuring a strong grasp of these fundamentals will maximise your marks even if you don’t have time to revise every single topic in depth.

📝 Revision Tip: Use exam reports to identify which topics come up most frequently and make these your top priority. 

Tactic 5: Breaking Down Complex Problems Step-by-Step

Many students feel overwhelmed when tackling complex chemistry calculations, but the key to success lies in breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps. Over the years, I’ve noticed that students often lose marks not because they don’t understand the concepts, but because they rush through their working, particularly in mole calculations, titrations, and entropy problems. 

A structured, step-by-step approach not only improves accuracy but also helps secure method marks, even if the final answer isn’t correct.

An example of a multi-step calculation where clear working is essential is Medium Q2a. In such questions, carefully laying out each step and clearly showing your calculations can make a significant difference in gaining marks and demonstrating a logical approach to problem-solving.

📝 Revision Tip: Before solving a question, write down what is given, what is required, and the equations needed. This prevents careless mistakes.

Tactic 6: The Importance of Timed Mock Exams

Many students can answer questions correctly, but struggle with time management in the real exam. One of my most effective revision techniques is timed mock exams, replicating real exam conditions. I often tell my students that practicing under pressure is just as important as knowing the content. It helps you build exam stamina and prevents rushing or running out of time.

📝 Revision Tip: Set strict time limits for each question and move on if you get stuck. You can always return to tricky questions later.

Tactic 7: The Benefits of Studying with a Partner

Studying in pairs or small groups can be a game-changer when used correctly. Over the years, I’ve seen students retain information better when they explain concepts to someone else. 

Teaching forces you to simplify complex ideas, while discussing different problem-solving methods broadens your understanding. A good study partner also keeps you accountable and motivated.

📝 Revision Tip: Choose a study partner who is serious about revising and avoid distractions—your study sessions should be productive, not social hangouts!

Tactic 8: Taking Care of Your Wellbeing During Revision

Over the years, I’ve seen bright students underperform simply because they burned out before their exams. Sleep, exercise, and mental well-being are just as important as revision. Without rest, your brain struggles to retain information, and stress can negatively impact performance. 

Small habits, like taking breaks and getting enough sleep, make a huge difference. A short walk outside boosts focus, reduces stress, and refreshes your mind for more effective revision

📝 Revision Tip: Follow the Pomodoro technique—study for 25–50 minutes, then take a 5–10 minute break. Short, focused sessions are more effective than long, unfocused study periods.

Tactic 9: Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together

Success in A Level Chemistry isn’t just about how much you study—it’s about how you study. Over my 15 years of teaching, I’ve seen that students who focus on active learning, past paper practice, and exam strategy perform significantly better than those who just read notes. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

As you prepare for your exams, remember to stay consistent, keep testing yourself, and approach problems logically. Chemistry can be challenging, but with the right techniques and a positive mindset, you can achieve your goals.

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Save My Exams offers a range of resources to help you excel in your exams. In A Level Chemistry, we offer a large collection of past exam papers and mark schemes from a range of exam boards including AQA, Edexcel, OCR A, and CIE. 

Our resources are aligned with the specific exam boards, providing targeted support for the different exam boards. 

Explore our A level Chemistry Resources

References

AQA A Level Chemistry Specification