Chemistry studying tips

From ReCom Wiki

Chemistry General Studying Tips

Chemistry is different from Biology and Physics. Things that you learn in early topics will be used again and again in the upcoming chapters, especially the formulas. Therefore, every student have to take it seriously from the beginning or else he/she will find it hard to catch up later in the other more difficult topics.

• Engage yourself in experiments. What you observe in the experiments, e.g. the colour of chemicals, changes occur during a certain reaction, etc will stick to your mind easier than just reading and memorizing the facts on the books.
• Familiarise yourself with the chemical names on the periodic table so that you will not have any problem finding them during examination and also makes it easier for you to answer questions as you don't need to refer to periodic table frequently.
• Form a study group to discuss topics which you all don't understand.
• Read a few subtopics/chapters ahead of the current topic taught by your teacher. It helps you to catch up faster.
• Do not hesitate to ask a question when you have one. Clear all your doubts even if you have just started to learn Chemistry, especially those in Form 4.
• Practice makes perfect. Try to do all the past year papers and get yourself familiar with the format of examination.

Chemistry Studying Tips for SPM

Chemistry in SPM consists of three papers and a few lab reports (PEKA reports).

• Do not rely on textbooks only. Try to get yourself a reference book as the textbooks do not provide you with the info regarding experiments which you need for paper 3. If you don't have the means to buy one, try to borrow it from your friend, teacher or library.
• Be careful when you are answering the questions, especially when writing the chemical names. Spelling errors can prove "fatal" to you.
• For the essay questions, a diagram can be used to substitute a few other points. If you cannot remember the facts, try to draw it out and as long as it is recognisable, you will be given marks for that. Remember to label your drawings because marks are also allocated for labels. Also, you are encouraged to write your points in point form or table form (if the question asks you to compare two things). This will allow you to check your answer easily and prevent any points from slipping out. Meanwhile, it will also make the marking of your answer easier.

Chemistry Studying Tips for A Level

• Do read your textbook thoroughly, instead of just reading what you think is important.  You never know what the examiners want to test you on.
• Also get good reference books to supplement your textbook.  These reference books give you an edge over those without them.  For those taking Cambridge A-levels, I would recommend the Longman reference book by J.G.R. Briggs.  As for those taking Edexcel A-Levels, the books by George Facer are highly recommended.
• Do past year papers.  They give you the feel of an actual examination and help you identify which topics are more important are are more likely to be tested.
• Yes, I did mention that you should do past year papers but please refrain from trying to complete a thick stack of past year papers the week right before your actual A-Levels.  You would probably be exhausted.  The key to success is consistent practice by attempting questions topic by topic (do the questions related to the particular topic right after you have learnt/studied the topic).
• Do not be demoralised by any poor topic test or semester test scores.  The actual A-Levels is what counts, so focus your effort on doing well in your actual exams.