Experimental assessment is essential in O Level Chemistry, and scoring high marks on the practical exam is easy. However, many students struggle to prepare for Chemistry Practical O Level because they are ignorant of this part of the curriculum and focus more on the theoretical part.
If you are looking for ways to improve your experimental skills, we are here to help you! This article is a guide to the practical experiments carried out in O Level Chemistry and the key areas assessed in it. So, let’s dive into the world of practical chemistry!
An Insight Into The Chemistry Practical O Level
There are two theory papers and one practical exam. Here is a glance at the details of the Chemistry Practical O Level exam:
| Paper | Weightage | Marks | Duration |
| 3 | 20% | 40 | One hour and 50 minutes. |
Let’s look at some of the ways you can become an expert at Chemistry Practical O Level:
Master The Key Topics
The topics assessed in the practical exam are:
- Acids, Bases, and Salts.
- Qualitative Analysis.
- Redox Reactions.
- Rate of Reaction.
- Energy Changes.
If you wish to ace your Chemistry Practical O Level, you need to master the concepts of these topics. It is vital to know about different testing methods, separation techniques, and color changes for the topic of Acids, Bases, and Salts. For all other topics, practice how to carry out multiple reactions.
You should be aware of the safety precautions of the Chemistry lab and the different terminologies used in O Level Chemistry practicals. In this way, you can perform each experiment like an expert!
Understand The Marking Scheme
You must understand the standardized pattern of writing your answers in your practical exam. Each experiment has short theoretical questions and calculations. To score full marks on these questions, you need to go through the marking scheme of the previous year’s papers and understand precisely what the examiner looks for in an answer.
It will give you an overview of how each answer is assessed and how many significant figures are necessary for each calculation. You can also find sample experiments with solutions and learn from them or read the examiner reports to understand the key points tested in Chemistry Practical O Level. You can find great resources to aid your preparation at Peak Tuition’s site.
Make a List of Important Apparatus
Students use different apparatuses for every experiment. Therefore, make sure you learn about all the tools used in the Chemistry lab. You should know what each apparatus is used for, how to read the values on it, and how to calculate the zero errors.
The best way is to make a concise list of all the apparatuses that are part of your O Level Chemistry syllabus, for example, a pipette, flask, etc. Make sure to add the major points for each tool and revise it weekly.
Be Careful With The Calculations
Most practicals involve a few calculations. You should be very careful when you solve the numerical part of the paper. Once you have calculated the answer, recheck it before finally writing it on the question paper. You can become an expert at using accurate values in the numerical by practicing multiple experiments.
When you solve paper three questions, check whether you are getting the right answer in your calculation. Find the mistakes by checking your method against the mark scheme and improve them for the next question.
Practice Past Papers
The magic spell to become a high achiever is to practice past papers daily. It is best to solve ten years of practical exams. As the saying goes, “Practice makes you perfect.” So, if you want to become a perfectionist at O Level Chemistry practical, make sure you practice consistently.
You can only perform experiments in a Chemistry Lab, so visit your school or tuition center’s lab and observe the environment there as well. Make sure to attend your lab classes punctually and ask the teacher to clarify any doubts or misconceptions that you may have.
We also recommend creating a Google sheet or noting down the marks you score on each paper. This way, you will soon begin to notice a significant improvement in your marks as you continue to practice.
Secure Your Grade In Chemistry Practical O Level
These are some of the best techniques to score top grades in the practical exam. If you wish to enhance your skills even more, you can join the Peak Tuition and learn from qualified Chemistry tutors! Book a trial lesson now or fill in the enrollment form to register yourself directly.
