B1 Exam Tips Feedback from the examiners The examiner says…

Students should not mix specific word equations with general equations.

magnesium nitrate You need to figure out WHICH salt is being produced. Remember: Hydrochloirc acid makes chlorides Sulfuric acid makes sulfates Nitric acid makes nitrates

In the foundation paper if you get asked to write a word equation; remember to read the question carefully, most of the answer is normally in the question. Iron oxide + carbon monoxide  Carbon dioxide +iron

Even if you can’t do the whole equation still have a go at what you can do, you normally get one mark for the part before the arrow and one for the part after. Iron oxide + carbon monoxide 

We have no idea what students are talking about when they use the word ‘it’.

Focus on what the question is asking rather than just putting down everything you know about a subject. Always show your working! Ensure you answer all parts of the question to maximise your marks. Be careful not to say two opposite statements in the same answer. Do not be afraid to use the information you have been given as part of your answer. Always read the question correctly to ensure that you are answering the question that is being asked rather than one you would like to be asked.

This is not enough detail for the mark. The question asks for the trend in data so use a sentence like; ‘As the _____________ increases, the ______________ increases/decreases.’

True but you don’t get all the marks unless you say what colour it started and what colour it changed to.

Don’t shorten chemical names, sodium and sodium carbonate are totally different things.

C1 Foundation Paper Summary Based on their performance on this paper, candidates are offered the following advice: Write as clearly as you can - it is very difficult to read some scripts. Explain carefully your answers using scientific words. Do not say 'it' - explain what you are referring to. Practise word equations, and do not mix in formulae.

C1 Higher Paper Summary On the basis of their performance on this paper. In order to improve their performance, candidates should: Learn to write and balance equations, using correct symbols for the elements and compounds found within the specification. USE THE PERIODIC TABLE, DON’T MAKE UP SYMBOLS. Learn the correct formulae of common compounds in the specification such as common acids, methane and calcium carbonate. Avoid vague terms such as environmentally friendly. Learn the common tests for gases.

Common acids HCl – hydrochloric acid H 2 SO 4 – sulfuric acid HNO 3 – nitric acid HIGHER PAPER ONLY

Methane CH 4 HIGHER PAPER ONLY

Calcium carbonate CaCO 3 HIGHER PAPER ONLY

Common tests for gases Oxygen – relights a glowing splint Hydrogen – gives a squeaky pop with a lit splint Chlorine – bleaches damp litmus paper