Top 5 Tips
1. When you receive your exam paper, spend a few minutes examining the content of the various questions. Decide fairly quickly which ones you can do best. Answer those questions first, but do not exceed the recommended 20 minutes per question limit.
2. Do not waste too much time trying to think of answers to particular parts of a question. Leave spaces and come back to these later.
3. If you are attempting question 4, it is a good idea to attempt all 11 parts. You will be marked on the best eight.
4. Remember to attempt all parts of all the other questions that you choose (except for questions 10 and 11, and questions on the Options).
5. It is very important to show the starting point and the various stages in every calculation, so that the examiner can follow what you are doing.
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About the Author
Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy taught chemistry for 26 years in Coolmine Community School in Dublin. He worked for the Chemistry Support Service as part of the Physical Sciences Initiative, and for the Junior Science Support Service. He is now involved in in-service work with science teachers. As NCCA Education Officer, he worked with the NCCA Chemistry Course Committee which produced the current Chemistry syllabus. He co-authored “Understanding Chemistry” with Terence White. He also has extensive examining experience.
Terence White
Terence White taught chemistry for 30 years, in Waterpark College and St Paul’s Community College, both in Waterford. He worked for the Chemistry Support Service as part of the Physical Sciences Initiative, and is now Principal of Presentation Secondary School Waterford. A member of the NCCA Chemistry Course Committee since 1992, he is now its Chair. He co-authored “Understanding Chemistry” with Jim McCarthy. He also has extensive examining experience.
