C1 Exam Tips Feedback from the examiners The examiner says…

Students should not mix specific word equations with general equations.

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’.

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.

The most common incorrect answer was down to giving the symbol of krypton incorrectly as ‘KR’ or as ‘kr’ Don’t try to make up symbols, they are all written in the front of the paper in the periodic table. The Upper case and lower case letters are important.

Many students left the density for argon blank. You are not expected to know the exact density, any number from 1.45 to 2.99 would get you the mark.

The main chemical property of the noble gases is that they don’t react, so if they give you a use like this, look for what you don’t want to be reacting, in this case it’s the metal filament.

Could get more marks

If they ever say “explain in terms of…”, they are giving you a massive hint about what the answer is. In this case they are both in group 6 because they both have 6 electrons in their outer shell.

When describing how to test for metal ions, don’t say that you will hold the wire loop OVER the flame. Nothing would happen.

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.’

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.

C2 Foundation Paper Summary Based on their performance on this paper, candidates are offered the following advice: read the question carefully and make sure that they are answering the question asked, using the information given learn the links between the electronic configurations and group numbers and period numbers revise ionic and covalent bonding practise writing descriptions of carrying out experiments practise the calculations in the specification

C2 Higher Paper Summary On the basis of their performance on this paper. In order to improve their performance, candidates should: learn definitions of key terms try out many calculations including particularly reacting mass calculations learn the formulae of elements and simple compounds make sure you can balance chemical equations learn the tests for ions make sure you understand and can describe how practical work is carried out

Mass Moles Relative atomic/ mole cular mass

Mass Moles Relative atomic/ mole cular mass If you need to calculate the number of moles

Mass Moles Relative atomic/ mole cular mass If you need to calculate the mass

Mass Moles Relative atomic/ mole cular mass If you need to calculate the relative atomic mass or relative molecular mass

If in doubt change it to moles first

HIGHER PAPER ONLY

GOOD LUCK FROM ALL THE SCIENCE TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS