Exam Tips For IGCSE Chemistry

IGCSE Chemistry teaches students about the technological world in which they live and encourages them to take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. This course covers the fundamentals of elements, the structure of compounds, and the reactions associated with various types of chemical compounds. IGCSE Chemistry teaches students about the importance of Chemistry fundamentals that help to improve the quality of life be it food, clothing, air, shelter, health, energy, etc. This course is designed in a way that helps students understand the importance of research and development in the field so that they can produce intensive goods & services to mean human needs.

The following examination tips bring out some of the common errors made by students during exams.

• When you have to choose a combination of things to select the correct answer, you need to understand exactly what is required before you begin answering
• Always cross out the choices that are incorrect and then choose between the others
• If the question says, give 2 observations apart from temperature change, do not include temperature.
• For any calculation, the correct number of significant figures must be entered. You may be penalized for excess figures
• Know your syllabus statements and definitions exactly. Do not add your own ideas to the statements
• For diagrams make sure the space of the paper is filled and the diagram is labeled.
• When drawing apparatus for gas measurements the diagram should be drawn such that gas cannot escape.
• When asked to give examples give only the number requested.
• If the question asks you to mention a single use, do not write a list of items
• When you have to tick a check box to answer the question, make sure you tick the correct box or answer.
• Remember to observe the hidden words in questions. Underline key words and read the question slowly
• Don’t confuse the pH scale with the degree of acidity
• Nitric acid is a strong, not a weak acid.
• To remember that carbon monoxide is poisonous think of the ‘nox’ in carbon monoxide as being short for noxious (poisonous)
• When the question is about the number of electrons shared between atoms on a molecule the common mistake is to count the bonds and not the electrons.
• When writing electronic structures including hydrogen, Always show the hydrogen atom either as a circle or by its symbol
• When asked about the number of covalent bonds in a compound, focus on the outer energy shell electrons and not the total number of electrons being shared.
• Endo thermic is head put in and Exo thermic is heat given out.
• When asked to write a word equation, do not write a symbol equation
• Nitrate ion has 2- charge and nitrate ion is NO3 –
• The charge on a silver ion is 1+. A common mistake is to think that silver has a 2+ charge
• Don’t confuse the properties of elements with those of their compounds
• The properties of transition elements often cause problems. Remember that transition elements themselves are NOT coloured, it is their compounds that are coloured
• When asked for specific properties do not write the general properties of metals.
• Do not get confused between corrosive and corrosion. Corrosive means that a chemical can eat another substance and corrosion is the process of being eaten away.
• When testing hydrogen chloride gas with litmus paper remember that chlorine does the job of bleaching the litmus paper and not hydrogen chloride.

Find Your Dream University

If you are planning to study abroad and searching to match your profile with the best-suited university, Experts at Manya – The Princeton Review have gathered important information of top Universities from abroad. Surely, this information will help you narrow down your quest for universities.

You can access accurate & authentic information related to rankings, application fees, average tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships, latest updates, and much more from more than 1000+ universities. You may also search for universities by name, country, or courses in common specializations, such as Physics, Finance, Business, Language and Culture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Computer and IT, Media and Communication Marketing.

Manya – The Princeton Review offers end-to-end study abroad services encompassing admissions consulting services, test preparation, English language training, career assessment, and international internship opportunities to study abroad aspirants.

For more information, call our Study Abroad Helpline 1800 102 4646.