Studying tips

- When your teacher is teaching in class, pay attention to

what your teacher says. Make sure you understand
everything taught by your teacher. If you do not
understand anything, ask your teacher or friends.
- You need notes or reference books that are complete. As
far as I know, no reference books in the market is
complete. Instead, I recommend you to use my notes. You
can download my notes here:
http://daniellimjj.blogspot.com/2014/06/full-notes-for-
cambridge-international.html
However, if you know of any reference book that is
complete, you may use it.
- When studying a chapter, read through all the
explanations in my notes or in the reference book
sentence by sentence. Make sure that you truly understand
each sentence before moving on to the next sentence.
Certain topics may require understanding of earlier topics,
so make sure you understand those topics. You should
also try to relate them to what your teacher had taught in
college or school.
- You should be actively involved in all experiments
carried out in college or school because this can help
improve your practical skills which are essential for Paper
3 and Paper 5.
- Then, you have to remember everything that you
understood. You can memorise the sentences in my notes
or in the reference book, or you can also create your own
sentences that have the same meaning and memorise
them. If you create your own sentences, make sure that
you do not change the original meaning, do not leave out
any important points and do not change the important
keywords and scientific terms. However, do not just
memorise without understanding. Once you have
understood, it will be quite easy to remember and you will
be unlikely to forget any of the points.
- For certain facts, there may be no explanation for them
so it is not possible to understand them. In that case, you
have to remember and memorise those facts.
- For the calculations, you need to know how to apply
what you have learnt and use the correct formula to solve
the questions. Go through all the example questions in my
notes or in the reference book. Make sure that you
understand how every question is solved.
- You have to regularly revise every topics again and
again. When revising, go through all the explanation,
facts and examples for calculation questions in my notes
or in the reference book. Make sure that you do not forget
anything that you have understood previously. Regular
and repeated revision will help you to remember all the
explanation and facts for a long time.
- When you have understood all topics, you have to do
past year A Level questions. They are available on the
internet. After doing the questions, refer to the mark
scheme and do self marking. The mark schemes can
usually be found on the same website as the past year
questions.
- You should understand how the mark schemes are used.
In the mark schemes for Chemistry, most marks are
independent of any other marks, which means that they
can be scored without other marks also being scored,
unless otherwise stated by the mark scheme. If any
Chemistry term is underlined or highlighted, it means that
the exact term must be used in the answer and no other
term is acceptable even if the meaning is the same, but
grammatical variants of the term is accepted. If any non-
Chemistry term is underlined or highlighted, it means that
either the exact term or other terms with the same
meaning must be used in the answer. If any words are
placed in brackets, it means that the words need not be
present in the answer for the mark to be scored. In the
mark schemes, A means accept, I means ignore while R
means reject.
- When doing revision before exam, you should first go
through the subtopics that you think is more difficult or
that you may have forgotten. Then, go through other
topics as well if possible.
- To prepare for Chemistry Paper 3 and Paper 5, you
should go through all the past year questions and the mark
schemes. Find out how every question is marked and
which points need to be included in the answers. The
pattern of questions set is similar for every year and you
should familiarise yourself with the pattern. Usually, the
same type of questions will have similar mark scheme, so
this can help you when answering exam questions. You
should remember the answers for questions that are
common.

2. Paper 1
- Read the question and all the options carefully. Write
any rough workings on the question paper if you need to.
Cancel off the options that you consider as definitely
wrong. Then, choose the most suitable answer among the
options.

3. Paper 2 and Paper 4

- When answering, read the question and all information
given carefully. Make sure that you know what the
question is asking for. Answer the questions based on
your knowledge and understanding on the relevant topic
in Chemistry. Certain questions may test you on more
than one topics. For some questions, you may have to
apply what you have learnt in Chemistry in order to
answer them. You have to think carefully and relate the
question to what you have learnt. You may also be asked
to give your own opinions.
- When writing your answer, you can use the same or
similar words or sentences as those in my notes or in the
reference books if possible. However, sometimes you
may need to make some changes in order to suit the
question. You can also answer in your own sentences that
have the same meaning. If the question asks on something
that is not in my notes and the reference books (the
question requires you to apply what you have learnt in
Chemistry or give your own opinion), then you have to
answer in your own sentences. For all questions, your
answer must be specific and not too general. Give the
most suitable answer according to the question.
- You should use the correct Chemistry terms in your
answer. Do not replace them with other terms that are
inappropriate, even if their meaning are the same. You
should spell all Chemistry terms correctly. If you can't do
so, try to spell it in such a way where it sounds the same
as the actual term when read out. Marks are usually not
deducted for spelling errors in Chemistry terms as long as
it still sounds the same and that it is not easily confused
with other terms. If you spell a non-Chemistry term
wrongly or if you make grammatical errors in your
answer, marks will not be deducted as long as the
examiner can understand what you are writing. You are
allowed to use suitable short forms in your answer, such
as formula for chemical substances and symbols for units
of physical quantities.
- It is not compulsory to answer in continuous writing
form. You are allowed to answer in table form, point form
or other suitable forms. In suitable cases, you can also use
diagrams, equations or graphs in your answer.
- When answering questions on calculation, you should
show all workings. You should not skip any important
steps. You must also write the correct unit for the final
answer if it is not provided. You are advised to write
down the formula used to solve the question, even though
it is not compulsory to do so. The number of marks
allocated for the question usually shows the amount of
working needed. 1 mark will be given for each important
step and the final answer. Correct answer without
working usually scores only 1 mark. If your final answer
is wrong but some of your working is correct, you may
still be given some marks. You are not allowed to write
extra solutions or answers. If you do so and any of the
answers or solutions is wrong, marks will be deducted.
When copying figures from the question or from your
answer for the previous part of the question, be careful
not to copy wrongly. For a calculation question
which requires you to use your answer from the previous
question, even if your answer for the previous question is
wrong and you use it for this question causing your
answer for this question to be wrong, usually you will still
get full marks for this question as long as your calculation
for this question is correct. This is known as 'error carried
forward'.
- Usually, you should give the final answer to 3
significant figures. Do not write your final answer as a
fraction or in surd form. However, if the question asks
you to give your answer to a specific number of
significant figures, then you must follow the instruction,
or if the question states that you must give your answer to
a suitable number of significant figures, then the number
of significant figures of your answer should be equal to
the number of significant figures of the raw value used in
the calculation with the least number of significant
figures.
- For questions that require explanation or description,
your answer must be very detailed. You are advised to
answer in complete sentences so that your answer can be
easily understood. The number of marks allocated for the
question usually shows the number of points needed in
your answer. 1 mark is given for each correct point. Do
not miss out any important points in your answer. You are
allowed to write extra points in your answer, but you must
be careful not to write any points with wrong facts. Marks
will only be given for the correct points. For points that
are irrelevant but does not contain wrong facts, no mark
will be given or deducted. However, for points that
contain wrong facts, marks may be deducted.
- For questions that do not require explanation or
description, write the answer straight away. You need not
answer in complete sentences. The number of marks
allocated for the question usually shows the number of
answers needed. If the question states the number of
answers you have to write, then you are not allowed to
write extra answers. If you do so, marks may not be given
for the extra answers, and marks may be deducted if any
of them is wrong. If the question does not state the
number of answers you have to write, you are allowed to
write extra answers, but you must be careful not to write
any answer with wrong facts. Marks will only be given
for the correct answers. For answers that are irrelevant but
does not contain wrong facts, no mark will be given or
deducted. However, for answers that contain wrong facts,
marks may be deducted.
- When drawing diagrams, make sure that all important
details are included in the diagram you draw. You have to
label correctly all parts in the diagram. Your diagram
should be clear and neat.

4. Paper 3
- During the test, read the question and all information
given carefully. Make sure that you understand the
experiment given. Certain parts of the question require
you to record the readings from the experiment in a table.
You should draw the tables before carrying out the
experiment so that you can record your readings in the
table straight away during the experiment. Then, carry out
the experiment by following the steps given in the
question exactly. You need to apply your Chemistry
practical skills when carrying out the experiment.
- Certain questions may require your knowledge and
understanding in Chemistry to answer them. You may
also need to give your own opinions. Your answer must
be specific and not too general. Give the most suitable
answer according to the question.
- When recording readings from an measuring instrument,
the number of decimal places used should be equal to half
of the smallest division of scale of the instrument (For
example, if the instrument's smallest division of scale is
0.1, you should record the reading to the nearest 0.05,
which is 2 decimal places.) For digital instruments
(except digital stopwatch), the number of decimal places
used should be the same as that shown on the display. The
reading should be recorded to the nearest 1s for stopwatch
(both analogue and digital). In all cases, do not give more
or less number of decimal places. You must also write the
correct units.
- For questions on titration, you should first perform a
rough titration, then perform 2 accurate titrations. Record
the initial burette reading and final burette reading for
each titration, then calculate the titre. You should record
everything in a table. All readings should be recorded to 2
decimal places. The titre for the 2 accurate titrations
should not differ by more than 0.10cm3. Then, calculate
the mean titre for the 2 accurate titrations. The mean
should be given to 2 decimal places.
- When plotting graph, draw both the horizontal and
vertical axis on the graph paper correctly. Label both axis
correctly and state the unit (if any). Use a suitable scale
for both axis and do not use any odd scales such as 3:10.
Both the x-axis and y-axis need not start from 0 (unless
otherwise stated by the question). The scales should be
chosen such that the points plotted on graph cover at least
half of the graph paper. Plot all points on the graph
accurately. The points should be accurate to half a small
square. For all the points, their diameter should not be
larger than half a small square. Then, draw the correct
straight line or curve. When drawing the straight line or
curve, it should pass through all points on the graph if
possible. If this is not possible, the line or curve should
pass through as many points on the graph as possible, all
the points should be close to it and the number of points
above and below the line or curve should be almost equal.
When determining the gradient of a straight-line graph,
choose 2 points on the line and draw a triangle. The
distance between the 2 points chosen should be at least
half the length of the line.
- For questions on qualitative analysis, for each chemical
test, you should use about 1cm depth or 2cm3 of each
solution unless otherwise stated by the question. You
have to record the full observations. State if there is any
colour change or if precipitate forms. For any colour
change, indicate both the initial and final colour, as well
as the stage in which the change occurs if more than one
reagents are added. If precipitate forms, state the colour of
precipitate and whether it is soluble in excess of the
reagent added, and if it is soluble state the colour of the
solution formed. If you see any bubbles formed, it means
that gas is released, and you should carry out gas tests to
determine what the gas is. Only gas tests in the
Qualitative Analysis Notes at the last page of question
paper should be carried out. The gas can be any one of the
6 gases, but based on the type of reagents added and your
experience in doing Chemistry practical work, you may
be able to predict the type of gas released and thus choose
the appropriate gas test to be carried out (For example, if
a metal is added to an unknown solution and gas is
released, it is likely that the solution is an acid and thus
hydrogen gas is released, so you should carry out the gas
test for hydrogen). State that effervescence occurs and
state the observations of the gas test which is positive and
the type of gas released. When determining the type of an
unknown chemical, it should be based on your
observations of the chemical tests carried out and refer to
the Qualitative Analysis Notes at the last page of question
paper.
- For any questions involving calculation, the number of
significant figures of your answer should be equal to or
one more than the number of significant figures of the raw
value used in the calculation with the least number of
significant figures. You should show all workings and do
not skip any important steps. You must also write the
correct unit for the final answer if it is not provided. You
are not allowed to write extra solutions or answers. If you
do so and any of the answers or solutions is wrong, marks
will be deducted. For a calculation question
which requires you to use your answer from the previous
question, even if your answer for the previous question is
wrong and you use it for this question causing your
answer for this question to be wrong, usually you will still
get full marks for this question as long as your calculation
for this question is correct. This is known as 'error carried
forward'.
- For questions that require explanation or description,
your answer must be very detailed. You are advised to
answer in complete sentences so that your answer can be
easily understood. The number of marks allocated for the
question usually shows the number of points needed in
your answer. 1 mark is given for each correct point. Do
not miss out any important points in your answer. You are
allowed to write extra points in your answer, but you must
be careful not to write any points with wrong facts. Marks
will only be given for the correct points. For points that
are irrelevant but does not contain wrong facts, no mark
will be given or deducted. However, for points that
contain wrong facts, marks may be deducted.
- For questions that do not require explanation or
description, write the answer straight away. You need not
answer in complete sentences. The number of marks
allocated for the question usually shows the number of
answers needed. If the question states the number of
answers you have to write, then you are not allowed to
write extra answers. If you do so, marks may not be given
for the extra answers, and marks may be deducted if any
of them is wrong. If the question does not state the
number of answers you have to write, you are allowed to
write extra answers, but you must be careful not to write
any answer with wrong facts. Marks will only be given
for the correct answers. For answers that are irrelevant but
does not contain wrong facts, no mark will be given or
deducted. However, for answers that contain wrong facts,
marks may be deducted.
- When drawing diagrams, make sure that all important
details are included in the diagram you draw. You have to
label correctly all parts in the diagram. Your diagram
should be clear and neat.
- For all questions, you should use the correct
experimental and Chemistry terms in your answer. Do not
replace them with other terms that are inappropriate, even
if their meaning are the same. You should spell all
experimental and Chemistry terms correctly. If you can't
do so, try to spell it in such a way where it sounds the
same as the actual term when read out. Marks are usually
not deducted for spelling errors in experimental and
Chemistry terms as long as it still sounds the same and
that it is not easily confused with other terms. If you spell
other terms wrongly or if you make grammatical errors in
your answer, marks will not be deducted for as long as the
examiner can understand what you are writing. You are
allowed to use suitable short forms in your answer, such
as formula for chemical substances and symbols for units
of physical quantities.

5. Paper 5
- When answering, read the question and all information
given carefully. Make sure that you understand the
experiment given and know what the question is asking
for. Answer the questions based on the experiment and its
observations and results. You may need to apply your
Chemistry experimental skills to answer some questions.
Certain questions may require your knowledge and
understanding in Chemistry to answer them. You may
also need to give your own opinions. For all questions,
your answer must be specific and not too general. Give
the most suitable answer according to the question.
- You should use the correct Chemistry and experimental
terms in your answer. Do not replace them with other
terms that are inappropriate, even if their meaning are the
same. You should spell all Chemistry and experimental
terms correctly. If you can't do so, try to spell it in such a
way where it sounds the same as the actual term when
read out. Marks are usually not deducted for spelling
errors in Chemistry and experimental terms as long as it
still sounds the same and that it is not easily confused
with other terms. If you spell other terms wrongly or if
you make grammatical errors in your answer, marks will
not be deducted for as long as the examiner can
understand what you are writing. You are allowed to use
suitable short forms in your answer, such as formula for
chemical substances and symbols for units of physical
quantities.
- It is not compulsory to answer in continuous writing
form. You are allowed to answer in table form, point form
or other suitable forms. In suitable cases, you can also use
diagrams, equations or graphs in your answer.
- For any questions involving calculation, the number of
significant figures of your answer should be equal to or
one more than the number of significant figures of the raw
value used in the calculation with the least number of
significant figures. If you are in doubt, give your answer
to 3 significant figures. You should show all workings
and do not skip any important steps. You must also write
the correct unit for the final answer if it is not provided.
You are not allowed to write extra solutions or answers. If
you do so and any of the answers or solutions is wrong,
marks will be deducted. For a calculation question
which requires you to use your answer from the previous
question, even if your answer for the previous question is
wrong and you use it for this question causing your
answer for this question to be wrong, usually you will still
get full marks for this question as long as your calculation
for this question is correct. This is known as 'error carried
forward'.
- For questions that require explanation or description,
your answer must be very detailed. You are advised to
answer in complete sentences so that your answer can be
easily understood. The number of marks allocated for the
question usually shows the number of points needed in
your answer. 1 mark is given for each correct point. Do
not miss out any important points in your answer. You are
allowed to write extra points in your answer, but you must
be careful not to write any points with wrong facts. Marks
will only be given for the correct points. For points that
are irrelevant but does not contain wrong facts, no mark
will be given or deducted. However, for points that
contain wrong facts, marks may be deducted.
- For questions that do not require explanation or
description, write the answer straight away. You need not
answer in complete sentences. The number of marks
allocated for the question usually shows the number of
answers needed. If the question states the number of
answers you have to write, then you are not allowed to
write extra answers. If you do so, marks may not be given
for the extra answers, and marks may be deducted if any
of them is wrong. If the question does not state the
number of answers you have to write, you are allowed to
write extra answers, but you must be careful not to write
any answer with wrong facts. Marks will only be given
for the correct answers. For answers that are irrelevant but
does not contain wrong facts, no mark will be given or
deducted. However, for answers that contain wrong facts,
marks may be deducted.
- When drawing diagrams, make sure that all important
details are included in the diagram you draw. You have to
label correctly all parts in the diagram. Your diagram
should be clear and neat.
- When plotting graph, draw both the horizontal and
vertical axis on the graph paper correctly. Label both axis
correctly and state the unit (if any). Use a suitable scale
for both axis and do not use any odd scales such as 3:10.
Both the x-axis and y-axis need not start from 0 (unless
otherwise stated by the question). The scales should be
chosen such that the points plotted on graph cover at least
half of the graph paper. Plot all points on the graph
accurately. The points should be accurate to half a small
square. For all the points, their diameter should not be
larger than half a small square. Then, draw the correct
straight line or curve. When drawing the straight line or
curve, it should pass through as many points on the graph
as possible, all the points should be close to it and the
number of points above and below the line or curve
should be almost equal. However, usually one or more
points on the graph are anomalous, which should be
ignored when drawing the straight line or curve. The line
or curve should not be deviated to accommodate them.
- For the question which asks you to suggest the reason
for the anomalous points on the graph, common reasons
are that a particular measurement is done before or after
the moment it should be done, the actual value of a
quantity is higher or lower than the measured value,
incomplete oxidation/reduction, incomplete
decomposition, loss of water/chemical, a compound has
decomposed or other similar reasons. Note that these are
only the general answers, but you have to give more
specific answers based on the question.