Summary
Chemistry is an application-based subject which requires a lot of critical thinking and interpretation skills
Remember to memorise at least the first twenty elements (atomic number 1 to 20) of the Periodic Table
Chemistry is an application-based subject which requires a lot of critical thinking and interpretation skills. However, if tackled in a structured manner, it will not be difficult to score high.
Below are some pointers from senior chemistry faculty at Sri Sri Academy, Kolkata, Miss Sulakshana Datta that help students study effectively for the ICSE Class 10 Chemistry paper. Read on to know the tricks and tips..
1. Make synopses of your own of each topic that you study using suitable mind maps highlighting key points and terms. It would be beneficial to use different coloured pens to segregate information. A good way could be to write them on sticky notes and paste them near the place of study.
2. Understand the basic pattern of reactions and group them into similar types rather than trying to remember them individually. An equation must always be balanced.
3. While practicing writing of equations, it must be kept in mind that reactions which use concentrated acids must have the word ‘concentrated’ written below the acid in the reaction. Mentioning dilute acid below reactions using the same, however, is not required.
4. While practicing the chapter on chemical bonding, electron dot structures need to be practiced keeping in mind the correct number of dots and/crosses representing the electrons. Also, the second step to show ion formation for ionic compounds and bond formation for covalent compounds must be clearly shown.
5. Another chapter of importance is analytical chemistry. It must be clearly understood that for questions pertaining to distinguishing a pair of chemical substances, a chemical test needs to be written and not a physical test. Also, the observation using any reagent is to be written clearly; equations unless asked for are not required.
Miss Sulakshana Datta
6. For answering questions on observation it is to be understood that writing the name of products is not required at all. Only what is seen during conducting the reaction, like colour change, effervescence, odour etc. needs to be written.
7. The chapter on organic chemistry needs to be dealt in parts. Firstly, IUPAC nomenclature and structural formulas need to be practiced regularly. Remember while drawing a structural formula, the correct disposition of all the bonds in the main chain and functional groups is mandatory. Secondly, the reactions of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes are to be done and revised every alternate day to allow the mind some time to soak in information.
8. Remember to memorise at least the first twenty elements (atomic number 1 to 20) of the Periodic Table along with the elements of Groups 1, 2 and Groups 17 and 18. The general trends of Periodic Properties may be memorised easily if learnt in tabular form from across a period and down a group.
9. Go through all the important diagrams as diagram-based questions have always been a trend in the ICSE question paper. Especially, the diagrams on extraction of aluminium, Haber’s process, electrolysis including electroplating, contact process, Periodic table etc.
10. Keep solving as many mock tests as you can to get acquainted with the general pattern of the question paper.
11. Minimise all distractions a few days before the exams. Regular and intermediate meditations may help to keep focus and memory intact.
12. Just follow the simple rule of four R’s: Revise, Rewrite, Repeat, and finally Relax. Eat and sleep well and you will be ready to face your examination. Rise and shine.
Team Edugraph and Miss Sulakshana Datta wish all the very best to the batch of ICSE 2023.
Last updated on 10 Feb 2023
