⏱ 3-4 min
VCE Chemistry can be a challenging subject. Are you worried about making common errors that could prevent you from getting ahead of your school cohort and who knows – the state? Many students stumble in similar ways, but understanding these pitfalls can be your key to differentiating your scores above the rest. Our co-founder and head of VCE Chemistry, Anish, takes you through the 4 cardinal sins most chemistry students make, and how NOT to make them.
Hear our Chemistry tutor explain the 4 most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
What are the 4 major trip-ups in VCE Chemistry?
1. Not Using Your Keywords
VCE Chemistry is a subject where how you say something is just as important as what you say. Using the correct keywords that examiners look for is your ‘key’ to unlocking those full marks!
Examples: When discussing reaction rates and equilibrium, responses about Le Chatelier’s principle MUST include the keywords ‘partially oppose’, and responses citing collision theory must include the ‘frequency’ and ‘proportion of successful collisions’
The Solution: Develop a strong understanding and vocabulary bank of the necessary keywords through going through the textbook and answer guide to practice questions and past exams.
2. ‘Silly’ Mistakes
Silly mistakes might seem small, but they can significantly impact your final grade. In VCE Chemistry, these often come in two forms:
a) Missing Values: This usually occurs in calculation-based questions, leading to an incorrect answer.
b) Overlooking Keywords or Info in the Question: Overlooking critical words within the question can lead to answering the wrong question!
Examples: In electrochemistry, students might mix up ‘recharge’ and ‘discharge,’ or confuse ‘alkaline’ and ‘acidic’ conditions. In Faraday’s constant calculations, errors can arise from mixing up units of time (e.g. hours versus seconds).
The Solution: Consciously pay attention to these potential errors. Write them down, log them, and actively work to avoid repeating them.
3. Pay Attention To Differentiation Words
This point ties in closely with silly mistakes, but it’s important enough to warrant its own section. It’s crucial to pay close attention to the specific wording of a question. Failing to identify the exact question being asked can lead you down the wrong path entirely.
Example: A question might ask about the recharge of a battery, but a student might answer about the discharge process.
The Solution: Always double-check the question to ensure you’re addressing the correct concept or process.
4. Poor Exam Pacing and Checking Discipline
Even the most knowledgeable student can underperform without solid exam technique. This comes down to two key areas:
a) Pacing: Effectively managing your time throughout the exam. Poor pacing can lead to rushing or not completing the exam.
b) Checking: Having a reliable system for reviewing your answers. Inadequate checking means mistakes are more likely to slip through.
Pacing – The Solution:
-
- Calibrate yourself according to the time you have. For example, aim to complete one mark per minute.
-
- Work slightly faster than the time allows to give yourself time for checking.
-
- A good rule of thumb is to allocate around 10 minutes per short answer question (in VCE Chemistry, these are often worth around 10 marks).
Checking – The Solution:
-
- For calculation-based questions, the most effective method is to do the question again. It’s very difficult to spot your own calculation errors, especially with signs.
-
- For written answers, ensure you’ve included all the necessary keywords and review for common silly mistakes (e.g., recharge vs. discharge).
Avoid these pitfalls to maximise your marks in Chemistry
By understanding these common mistakes and implementing strategies to avoid them, you’ll be well on your way to VCE Chemistry success. Remember, identifying how you can make errors is half the battle. Good luck, and aim high!
Ready to boost your VCE Chemistry confidence? Press the blue button above to book your FREE trial with Vanguard today to learn how we can help you excel with our raw 50 tutoring team!
Hey guys, Anish here! Chemistry has always been a passion of mine for some time, from competing in Chemistry Olympiads to attaining excellency awards in the national Chemistry competitions. It’s always been a goal of mine to instil my students with the same love for the subject through my unique visual and conceptual approach to the subject which shows to students, first-hand, the true vibrant colours of Chemistry! Aside from Chemistry, I love crafting beautiful responses for the MMI and helping you all demonstrate your truely beautiful voice for medical admission!
