Chemistry
Chemistry, commonly referred to as the central science, explains biological and physical phenomena, so knowing something about chemistry is worthwhile because it’s a basis for understanding the world we live in. A-Level (Advanced Level) is a good choice for many degrees and careers, such as pharmacology, nanotechnology, environmental consultancy, or chemistry teaching, to name a few. Chemistry is an essential part of A-Levels in Singapore because it’s vital for medical and science-related courses in university. Therefore, having a top grade is regarded as high value. Specific content within A-Level Chemistry varies from school to school, depending on the exam followed.
If you want to ace A-Level chemistry, take into account the following suggestions:
Re-Read the Course Material & Make Summary Notes
Re-reading is a practical comprehension strategy for all ages, whether struggling or advanced learners. Go over your notes and textbooks one more time to build a greater understanding of A-Level Chemistry, which can’t be accomplished on the first reading. Alternatively, you can use diagrams, flashcards, and quizzes to master the material. The repetitive recycling of information isn’t going to do you any good if you don’t create permanent memories. Re-reading might give you the illusion that you know the course material well, when in reality, there are gaps. Read once or twice, then quiz yourself (you can make up your own questions).
Make summarized versions of your coursework material to retain information and distinguish your ideas from those of your sources, save time during review sessions, and, above all, enhance comprehension and retention of information. Divide the material into sections, identify the key points, and write the notes using your own words. Of course, you should try to connect each section logically and avoid copying text. Make sure you haven’t missed anything or included any opinions or biases. Try to reduce the notes further by using headings and subheadings to create an overview of the information.
Take Advantage of Past Papers
Studying past papers can be very useful when preparing for A-Level Chemistry, as it helps you understand the structure of the exam, practice your skills and apply your knowledge, and identify areas that need more revision or improvement. If you have no idea whatsoever what to expect, you’ll end up staring at the exam paper in disbelief. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard. You’ll be happy to know there are different sources where you can find papers for A-Level Chemistry, such as:
- Your college/university library
- Professors and tutors
- Online platforms
By studying past papers, you become familiar with the format and style of the questions you face during the exam, getting a good idea about how you’re doing. Equally, you’ll feel less anxious and stressed, which helps you feel more in control.
If You Don’t Understand a Topic/Section, Find Other Examples
Every student in the history of the human race has struggled with at least one topic during their years of education. Frustrating as it must feel, it’s not impossible to learn. Try to find examples on YouTube, which provides hours of informative (and entertaining) content. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. Search engines like Google offer instant access to numerous academic resources, so they can become an integral part of your learning activity. Working your way up from the simplest concepts is the best route. Google, in particular, is simple and comfortable to use – and more accurate than other search engines.
Get A Tutor, Even If It’s Just for A Short While
Not all teachers go above and beyond because they don’t have the extra time, energy, or resources. Simply put, they just make it through the week, so teachers’ stress levels are obviously higher. If your teacher disappears immediately after class, it might be time to have a chat with a tutor. By having a tutor help you master the basics of difficult subjects, you’ll have an easier time, but it’s a personal decision, meaning there’s no right or wrong answer. Many choose to enroll in online tutoring, which allows students to complete coursework at their own pace. If you decide to seek academic aid and emotional encouragement, keep in mind there are rules for cancellations.
As you might expect, there are numerous online services out there, many of which are excellent. Honesty is the best policy, so be upfront about your needs and challenges because, otherwise, you aren’t going to learn. If you have a limited amount of time, say so. As far as communication is concerned, you can initiate contact via phone, text, or email, to name a few. Discussing your shortcomings can be challenging, especially if you’re shy around people, but don’t avoid the subject to achieve the best results. If you’re not hearing from your tutor, reach out and set up a meeting.
Practice The Math in Chemistry
With the increased mathematical content, no wonder many students find A-Level Chemistry really difficult. The exam is time-limited, so Math should come naturally because you don’t have the time to think about rearranging equations. In other words, you should approach Chemistry problems systematically and with confidence. Understand the chemistry concepts behind the mathematical formulas, then take notice of the formulas. Memory is predominantly visual, which is why you should attach a visual to each formula. Problem-solving should feel like second nature, so make a step-by-step list of things to help you stay organized. Lower-level mathematical skills will be assessed within examination papers, but they don’t count within the weighing for chemistry.
Conclusion
The grade you achieve in A-Level Chemistry will have both a written and practical contribution, so the more you know, the more likely you’ll be to get an A. Therefore, you must be able to recall and use knowledge from your course, carry out calculations, and show an understanding of the principles and apply them in new/familiar contexts. You may think you know where a question is heading, but it’s best not to take risks. If you simply don’t know the answer to a problem, right down something and hope for the best; it’s better than leaving blanks.
