Chemistry Paper 1 refers to the theory paper. Generally, students find this subject quite intimidating because of its vast syllabus. However, it is easy to score good marks in it if studied systematically.
The first segment of the paper:
It involves only objective questions. So, here you cannot beat about the bush. Although it is the easiest and least time consuming section, one needs to attempt it with caution as one is bound to get confused with the multiple choices if one does not have a clear picture of the concepts, facts and figures.
Try to finish this part of the paper as quickly as possible so that you can devote your time to the lengthy questions.
Short answer questions:
For questions carrying 1 or 2 marks, just target the main points and explain them briefly. For these questions, your answers need to be precise, to the point and relevant to the question being asked.
Numericals:
Begin any numerical by first writing all the quantities that are given in the question and known to us (like universal gas constant). Make sure that all the quantities are having the same system of units (preferably S.I.). Then, write the formula for the unknown quantity, plug in the data provided and determine the answer using a scientific calculator. The answer should be declared in scientific notation and with correct units.
Since numericals are only in Physical Chemistry, so write all the formulae chapter-wise and revise them daily. Practise a few numericals of each type and read the rest to master them.
Reasoning questions:
Target all the main points and explain them according to the weightage of a question. Include diagrams, chemical reactions and mathematical expressions in your answers as they may help you in gaining marks if you do not have enough content.
Learn all the orders of reactivity, acidic strength, basic strength and the trends of physical properties in p-Block Elements.
Reactions:
Equations from p-Block and d and f-Block are important. Balancing equations might be a bit tough in d and f-Block, so practise them well. You must know all the name reactions in Organic Chemistry thoroughly. Just focus on the reactions prescribed in the syllabus and practise them daily. Further, you should be knowing the chemical tests for distinguishing between organic compounds.
Structures:
Structures of compounds from p-Block are important. In case of Xenon compounds, you are expected to know the predicted structure on the basis of hybridization and the actual structure due to the presence of lone pairs of electrons.
Mechanisms:
You need not learn all the mechanisms given in the book. Do only the ones that are mentioned in the syllabus. If you are a person who studies at the eleventh hour, then you may omit the mechanism for esterification as it is a little difficult to comprehend and retain. This is just a personal suggestion based on the analysis of previous year papers. However, if you have time, then you should not overlook it as it is there in the syllabus.
Some other tips:
Study the subject systematically and on a regular basis to retain all that you have studied. After the completion of each chapter, go through a few sample papers, ISC Specimen Paper and previous year papers. A few recommended books:-
● Nootan ISC Chemistry by H.C. Srivastava- It is a suitable book for preparation as it is strictly according to the ISC syllabus.
● ISC Chemistry by K.L. Chugh- Many students do not follow this book as it has a lot of topics beyond the prescribed syllabus.
● NCERT- If you have time, then you must go through it. Since the paper pattern has changed 2018 onwards and has become a bit like CBSE, it is advisable to try out questions from NCERT.
● Frank ISC Chemistry Papers- This book has a number of sample papers. So, once you are done with the syllabus, you can practise questions from here.
These are a few points which I kept in mind while preparing for Chemistry Paper 1. I hope that these suggestions will help you in acing the test. All the best for your Chemistry exam!
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