The weaknesses exhibited by candidates which affected their performance were as
follows.

1. non adherence to rubrics;
2. lack of understanding of the requirements of the questions;
3. omission/wrong use of units;
4. poor knowledge of averaging in titration;
5. poor mathematical/manipulative skills;
6. spelling mistakes;
7. inability to assign correct charges on ions;
8. poor knowledge of the use of organic reagents;
9. failure to express numerical answers in appropriate number of significant figures;
10. illegible handwriting;
11. inadequate preparation for the examination.

The following remedies were suggested for overcoming the highlighted weaknesses.    

Candidates should

• endeavour to read and adhere to given instructions.  
• familiarize themselves with the examination syllabus and read textbooks. 
• make adequate preparation for the examination.