Revision is an essential process in gaining top marks in tests and exams. However, often studying might feel monotonous and repetitive. One of the keys to making revision more enjoyable is to use resources that are effective and bring you joy. In this article, I share some of my favourite Chemistry revision resources, subdivided into GCSE and A-Levels and specific exam boards.
A-Level Chemistry OCR
Best textbook on the market for A-Level Chemistry OCR
Syllabus printed at the beginning of each chapter
Each chapter covers all specification points
Written in a clear and accessible manner
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
Revision guide for Chemistry OCR
One topic per page
Worked exam questions per topic.
Revision workbook for Chemistry OCR
One topic per page
Accompanies the revision guide above
Ideal for starting to practice exam-style questions.
I would recommend avoiding OCR A and B Chemistry textbooks published by Oxford (black covers). They contain a lot of irrelevant material and are quite difficult to follow.
A-Level Chemistry AQA
Best textbook on the market for A-Level Chemistry AQA
Syllabus printed at the beginning of each chapter
Each chapter covers all specification points
Written in a clear and accessible manner
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
Alternative textbook for A-Level Chemistry AQA
Each chapter covers all specification points
More extensive material for extension work
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
A-Level Chemistry Edexcel
Revision guide for Chemistry Edexcel
One topic per page
Worked exam questions per topic.
Revision workbook for Chemistry Edexcel
One topic per page
Accompanies the revision guide above
Ideal for starting to practice exam-style questions.
A-Level Chemistry WJEC
Best textbook on the market for AS-level Chemistry WJEC
Each chapter covers all specification points
Written in a clear and accessible manner
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
Best textbook on the market for A2-level Chemistry WJEC
Each chapter covers all specification points
Written in a clear and accessible manner
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
IGCSE Chemistry Edexcel
Best textbook on the market for IGCSE Chemistry Edexcel
Each chapter covers all specification points
Beautiful and clear diagrams
Essential practicals are included
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
Alternative textbook for IGCSE Chemistry Edexcel
Each chapter covers all specification points
Includes topic checklist
No exam-style questions
Difficult to follow at times.
IGCSE Chemistry Edexcel
Best textbook on the market for GCSE Chemistry Edexcel
Syllabus printed at the beginning of each chapter
Each chapter covers all specification points
Written in a clear and accessible manner
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
Revision guide for GCSE Chemistry Edexcel
One topic per page
Worked exam questions per topic
Clear outline
Can be used for IGCSE Chemistry Edexcel, but topics must be matched.
Revision workbook for GCSE Chemistry Edexcel
One topic per page
Clear outline
Ideal for starting to practice exam-style questions
Can be used for IGCSE Chemistry Edexcel, but topics must be matched.
GCSE Chemistry AQA
Best textbook on the market for GCSE Chemistry AQA
Syllabus printed at the beginning of each chapter
Each chapter covers all specification points
Written in a clear and accessible manner
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
Revision guide for GCSE Chemistry AQA
One topic per page
Worked exam questions per topic
Clear outline and structure.
Revision workbook for GCSE Chemistry AQA
One topic per page
Clear outline and structure
Ideal for starting to practice exam-style questions.
IGCSE Chemistry Cambridge
Best textbook on the market for IGCSE Chemistry Cambridge
Clear outline and structure
Each chapter covers all specification points
Written in a clear and accessible manner
Exam-style questions at the end of each chapter.
Revision workbook for IGCSE Chemistry Cambridge
Clear outline and structure
Ideal for starting to practice exam-style questions.
Revision workbook for IGCSE Biology Cambridge
Clear outline and structure
Ideal for starting to practice exam-style questions.
General stationery recommendations
Hardbound Oxford notebooks
Great for revision notes
High quality paper
Tend to last longer compared to softbound, so ideal for two-year courses such as GCSEs & A-Levels.
Mildliner highlighters
Great for highlighting key words
Pastel colours, so tend to be less distracting.
All of the above resources are my recommendations based on my professional experience and opinion. Preferences vary and there are more resources on the market if you wish to look at those elsewhere.
Best of luck in your studies!
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