Mojza Blog
A Guide to Chemistry 5070
by Muhammad Shaheer Saeed | 21 APR 2024
Chemistry can be a complex and challenging subject for many students; therefore, it must be treated with caution. Having much to memorise and concepts that are not easily observed, Chemistry proves to be quite troublesome, for the entirety of the course is based on the behaviour of matter. Along with that, understanding chemistry requires integrated brain skills as well. Chemistry can also be difficult for teachers to thoroughly explain its many compound concepts to the students.
Value Of Chemistry
Chemistry is a highly valuable subject, vital for students aiming to opt for engineering or medical universities, as it is demanded by both sides. Compared to other subjects, since chemistry is more difficult, it also has higher credit points, in both O Levels and A Levels, including the formation of equivalencies for universities. And for O Level Science students, Chemistry is a compulsory subject, demanded by A Level colleges as well.
Paper Pattern
The paper pattern of Chemistry 5054 is quite simple. The subject itself is divided into 3 components on which the candidate is assessed and his/her grade is determined. They are the following:
Paper 1 (M.C.Q.s)
- 1 hour
- 40 marks
- 40 four-option multiple-style questions
Paper 2 (Theory)
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks
- Short-answer and structured questions
Paper 3 (Practical)
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 40 marks
- Questions will be based on the experimental skills
OR
Paper 4 (Alternative to Practical)
- 1 hour
- 40 marks
- Questions will be based on the experimental skills
Note: Majority of schools in Pakistan do not offer the option of choosing between P3 and P4, not allowing their students to opt for P3, and hence making P4 compulsory.
Syllabus
Chemistry 5070 has a lengthy syllabus but comparatively a little short to other subjects such as physics, etc. The syllabus consists of the following topics:
- States Of Matter
- Atoms, Elements and Compounds
- Stoichiometry *
- Electrochemistry *
- Chemical Energetics
- Chemical Reactions
- Acids, Bases and Salts *
- The Periodic Table
- Metals
- Chemistry Of The Environment
- Organic Chemistry *
- Experimental Techniques and Chemical Analysis
Looking at such a vast syllabus may feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. I will also share websites which will provide accurate and to-the-point notes covering all your syllabus content, along with past paper needs, for past paper practice is also essential. Such websites include:
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Of course, gaining control over any subject is no easy task and requires strenuous effort and practice, mainly in the form of solving past papers. But many people have queries over whether they should practise through yearly past papers or through topical past papers. To put it subtly, topicals are attempted in order to increase your control over a specific topic and conquer any challenges or difficulties you may have faced in said topic; while, yearlies are attempted to practise the specific component of said subject. In my opinion, you should focus on completing topical past papers as soon as possible, right as the school year is about to start; whereas, you should focus on completing yearly past papers immediately after, and teachers recommend completing a maximum of 20 years, but to all their opinion (I certainly didn’t do 20 years).
Tips and Tricks
Chemistry 5070 also highly focuses on memorization of many colours, properties, apparatus etc. and therefore one should make good use of mnemonics in order to assist them in memorising everything perfectly. Here is one my teacher taught me for memorising the Reactivity Series:
- Kal
- Naseema
- Ca
- Mg (Mangaytar)
- Al (Ali)
- C (Chotu)
- Zn (Zain)
- Fe (Feroze)
- Pb (Pappu)
- H (Hyderabad)
- Sai Laye
- Cu
- Ag
- Au
- Pt
And if this one isn’t to your taste, then try this:
- Li (Lithium) – Listen
- K (Potassium) – Please
- Na (Sodium) – Stop
- Ca (Calcium) – Calling
- Mg (Magnesium) – Me
- Al (Aluminium) – A
- C (Carbon) – Cute
- Zn (Zinc) – Zebra
- Fe (Iron) – I
- Pb (Lead) – Like
- H2 (Hydrogen) – Him
- Cu (Copper) – Calling
- Ag (Smart) – Silver
- Au (Gold) – Guy
You could also paste the periodic table on your wall, and memorise the contents as it is extremely essential for the majority of questions, and memorising it will save you a lot of time and give you an upper hand in the examination.
Try to focus more on the difficult topics first so that when the exams are nearing, you won’t be in a pickle. Some of the topics I would recommend prioritising first would be Organic Chemistry, Electrolysis, and Moles; you’re welcome to work on any other topic you find difficult early into the year.
Now let me share some things to know beforehand for each component for attempting said papers. For P1, also known as the MCQ paper, there might be some questions in which, factually, all options seem correct, but you have to choose the answer most suitable to your specific question.
For P2, also known as the Theory Paper, the questions in the paper are quite theoretical, so students need to understand what the examiner demands in the said question, and hence give an accurate response. Also, be careful in your calculations, and avoid making any mistakes which may change your answer completely, especially in moles.
For P4, also known as ATP paper, you have to memorise the names of apparatus and their uses, experimental processes such as crystallisation, how to perform titration and identifying colour changes . You have to visualise the experiment given to you and accordingly answer the questions, practically.
Other than that, just keep working hard, put in the strenuous effort, and don’t forget to tell your grandparents and parents to pray for you! Good Luck!
Acknowledgements
Author: Muhammad Shaheer Saeed
Proofreaders: Syed Muhammad Shaheer Ali
Mojza
About Mojza
Mojza is a student-led organisation aiming to provide quality resources for Cambridge students.
Other than such weekly blogs, Mojza offers resources for your O levels, IGCSE, and A levels journey. We have notes from reputable teachers, our own original notes and a library of other helpful websites and resources!
Check out our home page!
Published: 21 April 2024
Last Updated: 21 April 2024
Written by Muhammad Shaheer Saeed