The Five Types of Errors In A CHEMISTRY PAPER

Now that you have gotten back your papers, what's next?

• Take time to analyse the mistakes made.
• Calculate the number of marks deducted due to the different types of errors to identify the problem areas.
• Implement the following suggestions to remedy these errors.

1. Wrong Direction Error

Type of error:
Wrong direction error occurs when you misunderstood the direction of the question and do the question with the wrong topic, concept and keywords in mind.

Problem caused:
This error costs the most marks and wastes the most time.

To avoid this type of error:
Read the question at least twice, underlining important keywords before planning the answer.    

2. Careless Mistake

Type of error:
A careless mistake can be corrected automatically upon checking. E.g. missing keywords/phrases/copying the wrong value. 

Problem caused:
Many careless mistakes throughout the exam paper will cause the grade scored to not reflect the student's true potential.

To avoid this type of error:
Read the answer once carefully before moving on to the next question.

3. Misconceptions

Type of error:
Misconceptions arise when students do not understand the principles required to work the problem. 

Problem caused:
This type of error is the most serious mistake made as the student have not learnt the correct concepts in the first place.

To avoid this type of error:
An experience tutor will be necessary to bridge the gap. Relearning concepts will be crucial.

4. Application Error

Type of error:
This happens when you know the concept but cannot apply it to the problem. 

Problem caused:
Majority of the questions especially in Pure Chemistry are application questions. Not knowing the process skills will cause students to be unable to attempt the entire question as questions may be related to one another.

To avoid this type of error:
You must practise a wide variety of questions (not quantity) to know all the tips and tricks related to higher order thinking questions. Once again, having a tutor may be an option to help save time.

5. Test Procedure Errors 

Type of error:
These are mistakes made due to way the student takes exam. It is affected by their own personalities and mindsets.

Problem caused/To avoid this type of error:

• If you leave more questions in the 1st third of the paper blank or score worse at the beginning of the paper, it’s normally because you need more confidence. Many students panic at the beginning due to the lack of confidence. Write down some information or try at least to do the first step. Not only can this give you points, but can also "jog" your memory to answer the rest of the questions.
  

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• If you leave more questions in the last third of the paper blank, it’s usually due to insufficient time. Getting stuck on one problem and spending too much time will cost you to be unable to complete the paper. Speed up your writing speed and learn to write and think at the same time.

• Not completing a problem to its last step - many students tend to want to switch questions midway as they worry that they will be too slow. Calculate the average time required for every mark to have a rough idea of how much time is needed for the question. Set a time limit for each problem before moving to the next problem.

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• Changing test answers from the correct ones to incorrect ones. Only change answers if you can prove to yourself that the changed answer is correct. Don’t make last minute changes due to uncertainty. Change only if you know the exact mistake made.