CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES AND SUGGESTED REMEDIES

            The performance of the candidates was affected by the following weaknesses:

• wrong use/omission of units;
• lack of knowledge of significant figures;
• wrong terminologies e.g. gelatinous precipitate instead of precipitate;
• inability to infer from observations provided;
• poor knowledge of drying agents, distinguishing tests and hydrolysis
• inability to distinguish between chemical test and physical test;
• assigning wrong charges to ions.

The following remedies were suggested to overcome the weaknesses:

• candidates should be exposed to theory and practical questions;
• candidates should prepare adequately for examination;
• there is the need to emphasize the difference between precipitate and gelatinous precipitate;
• candidates should delve into area of mathematics that concerns significant figures and decimal places;
• candidates should adhere to instructions;
• candidates should endeavour to study using standard recommended text book instead of ‘key points’.