How to score a 90+ for WACE Chemistry?

Chemistry is simultaneously one of the most loved and most hated subjects in year 12. The exams are deceptive and volatile, with questions and concepts switching from easy to incredibly difficult seemingly on a whim. Let me share the 8 tips that helped me study for Chemistry.

What is taught in Y12 Chemistry?

Chemistry in year 12 is quite different from chemistry in year 11. You can divide year 12 Chemistry into 5 main sections:

1. Equilibrium
2. Acids and bases
3. Redox reactions
4. Organic chemistry
5. Industrial chemistry

Chemistry in year 12 is infinitely more interesting than in year 11 and very practical. There are a lot of equations and theories to remember, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by them. However, it’s not the end of the world. There are ways to prepare and a bunch of resources that would make the entire subject a lot more accessible. A tutor from KIS Academics can also help clarify any doubts you may have about the content you are learning!

How is Chemistry Assessed?

Assessment is a mix of school-based and external tasks:

• Science Inquiry (20%): Practical investigations, data analysis, and scientific reports.
• Tests (20%): Multiple choice, short and extended answers.
• Extended Response (10%): Applying chemistry to real-world scenarios, often using research or media texts.
• Final WACE Exam (50%):
  • Multiple choice (~25% of the test )
  • Short answer (~35% of the test)
  • Extended response (~40% of the test)

For a more detailed breakdown, check out this article by KIS Academics:

How to Study for Chemistry?

1. Stay on top of things

Staying on top of things is absolutely crucial for Chemistry in year 12. It’s very easy to get bogged down whilst cramming for Chemistry since it is a memory and practice-intensive subject. But the journey of Chemistry in year 12 is all about the progression, and the course is designed for regular weekly study. So make sure you are on top of assignments and revisions!

2. Learn how to write explanations

Explanations underpin most of Year 12 Chemistry, and learning how to structure them is a major skill. Ideally, you should develop a scaffold for writing chemistry answers to different questions. Write down the key points that you have to mention for each explanation type:

• Explanations of equilibrium and changes imposed on equilibrium
• Explanations of acidity and pH
• Buffer explanations
• Soap and detergent method of action
• Galvanic cells and electrolytic cells and how they function

3. Understand your fundamentals

It's extremely important to learn your fundamentals for Chemistry. Most of the harder applications of these concepts involve some really basic thinking. For example, the buffer’s topic is often confusing for people, but in reality, it is just an application of the relatively easy equilibrium topic.

The most important fundamental concepts are:

• Equilibrium Shift (important for industrial synthesis, buffers, changes)
• Equilibrium Constant (important for temperature change)
• Bronsted-Lowry Theorem (important for acids and pH changes)
• Redox Basics (important for electrolysis and galvanic cells)
• Structure of Organic Compounds (important for combustion)
• Limiting Reagent (important for industrial synthesis)
• Empirical Formula (important for industrial synthesis)

4. Look through worked solutions and use the right textbooks

Worked solutions are your best friend in year 12 Chemistry. They show you exactly how to structure a response to a tricky topic and how to get as many marks as possible. I would recommend Lucarelli, but the gold standard in my opinion is the Creelman book.

Creelman is a book of past WACE papers. It covers a bunch of questions from past WACE exams and gives the specific marking criteria and worked solutions WACE markers used for those exams. It is to be noted that Creelman should be used ideally in the lead-up to mocks and ATAR, with your Lucarelli and school past papers being the main source for school assessments.

Need help with your assignments? A KIS Academics tutor can help you get the scores you want!

5. Be neat and organised

Being neat in chemistry is free marks. If a marker can read what you are writing, you are ahead of a whole lot of people. The way that you structure responses often has marks associated with it. Make sure you either carry a whiteout or an eraser for diagrams.

6. Learn how to use the databook

You will rely heavily on the databook; everything from the periodic table, observations, to amino acid structures can be found in the databook. A top tip of mine is to have one databook throughout the year and annotate it with all the notes you need. That way you get used to having it with you and using it. When it comes to the final exam, your practice and memory will be enough to remember how to use the databook.

7. Think practically

Thinking practically is especially important for industrial synthesis. This topic is all about how you maximise production and reaction rate to increase the efficiency of industrial processes. The best way to set yourself up for success in this topic is to:

• Be aware of the industrial applications of different topics from the very start of the year.

Equilibrium and reaction rate is very important for understanding how to maximise yield and reaction rate whilst organic chemistry underpins the processes of combustion and cleaning. Acids and bases have important applications for titrations and stoichiometry, whilst redox reactions and types of cells are often required for energy.

8. Ask questions

Asking your teachers questions is important especially for school assessments where there may be variations on what individual teachers will accept. Moreover, if you have any doubts about the basics of Chemistry, then Year 12 Chemistry is not going to be any easier. If you are not comfortable asking questions during class, you can:

• Ask your teacher after class, during office hours
• Get a KIS Academics private tutor who can cater to your needs

Conclusion

Above all else, enjoy Chemistry. It may be tough, but it can be very rewarding if you choose to see the good side of it. And hey, worst case, you will only suffer for one year. All the best!

FAQs

Written by Isira Parahitiyawa who pursued a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at Curtin University. You can find KIS Academics tutors for Chemistry here.

Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!