The difference between O-Level Pure Chemistry & O-Level Combined Science
The key difference between O-Level Pure Chemistry and O-Level Combined Science is that the former assesses Chemistry as a separate subject, whereas the latter assesses two scientific subjects, such as Physics and Chemistry, as one subject. In comparison to the latter, the former is more in-depth and places less focus on factual facts and more attention on the comprehension and application of scientific concepts and principles.
The examination structure reflects the distinction between these two subjects. Students taking O-Level Pure Chemistry spend more time analysing deductive type problems than students taking O-Level Combined Science. For example, more complex calculations may be required in mole concept questions for those taking O-Level Pure Chemistry. In contrast, O-Level Combined Science measures students’ ability to memorise scientific principles and answer factual questions.
4 strategies to help your child score in O-Level Chemistry examination
Remember how keywords are used in structured questions
Making a list of keywords is one way to help your child excel in the examination. This ensures that your child understands the context of the question and the steps needed to derive an answer. For instance, keywords and techniques for “Find the mole” and “ionic equations” should be noted.
Memorise Chemical Reactions
Another method is to expose your child to frequently tested chemical reactions that are likely to appear on the examination. An example is how ammonia turns moist red litmus paper blue and how when a burning splint is introduced to a sample of pure hydrogen gas, it will burn with a popping sound.
Practice Balancing Equations
Balancing equations is important as they can help your child excel in the examination. To make a chemical equation equal in both reactants and products, it is essential that your child understands how to put coefficients in front of the symbols or formulations as needed.
Use Acronyms
Drilling chemical acronyms into your child, such as “Please Stop Calling Me A Zebra Instead Tell Laura How Copper Strengthens Gold,” is useful because it aids with recall.
Can you take H2 Chemistry with O-Level Pure Chemistry or O-Level Combined Science?
H2 Chemistry can be taken by studying either O-Level Pure Chemistry or O-Level Combined Science. If your child is studying the latter, he or she can still take H2 Chemistry in junior college as long as their results meet the school’s cut-off point.
However, O-Level Pure Chemistry may be a better alternative in the long term because it prepares your child to effectively deduce and analyze topics at the junior college level. It is also worth noting that certain university programmes require H2 Chemistry as a prerequisite, such as Medicine, Life Science, Engineering, and Dentistry.
Get Good Grades in Chemistry with New Dawn Learning Studio
The transition from studying chemistry in secondary school to junior college is undeniably challenging, especially if your child is aiming for H2 Chemistry/Pure Chemistry enrolment.
We at New Dawn Learning Studio are one of the top tuition centers in Singapore, with many years of expertise helping students ace their O-Level Chemistry examinations through our A-level and O-level chemistry tuition. Not only do we have high-quality teaching materials, but we also have a team of renowned tutors, one of whom is Mr Joseph Lee, the invited Author for the GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ level Ten Year Series. Book a trial with us now to learn how we can help your child thrive in O-Level Chemistry and make the transition from secondary school to junior college a breeze.
