Chemistry SL Tips and Strategies 

Choosing the shortest and most applicable answers

 

Always go for the short, basic and “common-sensed” answer! This strategy applies to all the listing questions in the exam. Listing questions start with the words “list”, “suggest” or “state”.

 

For example,

List 3 methods to increase the rate of reaction.

Suggest 2 industrial use of ethane.

State 2 reasons why carbon monoxide is harmful.

 

The questions are requesting a bunch of very short answers. In most situations, the actual number of answers is more than that required. We have a choice to use different answers based on our own preference.

 

Suggest 2 industrial use of ethane.

 

1. To manufacture ethanol

2. Synthesis of ethanoic acid

3. Synthesis of acetic acid

4. Synthesis of ethane-1,2-diol

5. Synthesis of 1,2-ethanediol

6. Synthesis of ethylene glycol

7. Synthesis of glycol alcohol

8. Polymerization of ethene

9. Synthesis of polychloroethane

10. Synthesis of polystyrene

11. Ripening of fruits

 

Which 2 answers will you choose? For me, I will choose “To manufacture ethanol” and “Polymerization of ethane”, because these 2 choices are the simplest and most applicable answers. You don’t need to follow my preference, but be sure to choose the answers that sound simple to you.