Chemistry Paper 3 WASSCE (SCHOOL CANDIDATES), 2019

CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES


Candidates’ weaknesses in the paper were evident in the following areas:

  • inability to draw logical conclusions from observations made during tests;
  • some candidates carried out test directly on the solid sample instead of solution;
  • lack of knowledge on recrystallization procedure;
  • inability to calculate mass concentration of solution;
  • poor knowledge of significant figures;
  • non-adherence to instructions, especially with regard to stepwise tests;
  • use of wrong symbols to represent ions;
  • poor knowledge of the mole concept;
  • arithmetic errors and omission.


SUGGESTED REMEDIES


    Candidates should:
  • understand the demands of the questions before responding to them;
  • improve on their mathematical skill;
  • be familiar with the examination syllabus;
  • be familiar with ions and their symbols;
  • learn how to write IUPAC names of compounds correctly;
  • improve on their study habit;
  • qualified teachers should be allowed to teach the subject;
  • early exposure of candidates to practical;