How to Master O Levels Chemistry

Chemistry is a popular subject which almost all students will take, whether combined or pure. Though popular, it does not mean that Chemistry is easy to master. Consistency and effort must be taken to do well and succeed in Chemistry that is a requirement for many JC and polytechnic courses.

Each topic is a foundation and supports each other.

Like most sciences, Chemistry is a subject where proficiency of all the topics is required. Students are NOT advised to “spot topic or questions” and only study a few topics, as the questions tested during the GCE O Levels examination can easily include several topics in various parts of every structured question and MCQ.

Also, as the first few topics are the foundation for the subsequent topics, Chemistry is not a subject where students can ignore in Secondary 3 and spend the last few months before the GCE O Levels “mugging” and expect to do well in the subject.

Start your journey NOW!

Students are highly encouraged to start studying from Day 1 of Secondary 3 to make sure that the current topics are understood and mastered well, so as to serve as a good foundation for all future topics, no matter how trivial the initial topics are. Listen to your tutors and teachers closely, do your homework and revise diligently from Day 1. Seek help early so as to clarify any doubts they might have while keeping pace with their school syllabus.

Regular practice makes PERFECT! And builds confidence!

As stated above, constant and frequent revision is essential to keep pace and master Chemistry. Reviewing the materials that has been taught by your tutors and teachers before the end of the day, and for the next few days, reading through the previous materials frequently and consistently is key to remember the concepts, explanations and answering techniques. Compile a list of ions, reactivity series, chemical tests and general chemical reactions to help the student to remember the important nitty gritty at a glance.

However, the aforementioned re-reading, of course, is not enough to master this subject. The GCE O Levels examination is a test of application of knowledge and answering skills. As such, the students should also practice regularly on their exam packages, ten year series (TYS) and other school and past year exam papers. Students should not get complacent, if questions are too easy, always seek challenging questions to push yourself to greater heights.

How the Sec 3 topics will serve as a foundation for future topics?

Kinetic Particle Theory

Keep in mind that this concept of using molecular behaviour will be used to explain a myriad of physical and chemical properties in the future, such as how metals are malleable and ductile (Metals) and factors which can affect rate of reaction (Speed of Reactions)

Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding

Knowing how atoms form molecules and in what proportions will be essential for writing chemical formulas and balanced chemical reactions (Fundamentals, Acid Bases Salts, Chem Calc, etc)

Fundamentals and Chemical Calculation

Knowing how to write balanced chemical equations is essential in allowing students to calculate the amount of products yielded in a certain reaction. Since almost every topic involves a reaction, this can be easily added to any question.

Einstein takeaway

Chemistry is a content heavy subject with numerous chemical facts, properties and equations to remember. Not only that, this subject requires the student to apply the concepts onto the questions, providing the exact details as well as explaining precisely how the answers are being derived. These are the techniques that can be mastered readily from the experienced tutors @Einstein. Backed by years of expertise and highly effective learning resources, Einstein is all set to lend you a helping hand to overcome your struggles in Chemistry. Contact us now to find out what Einstein can do to improve your Chemistry.