This is the short summary of the Prelim Paper Review I've done for
My 3 matrices:
Relevance: 5/10
Insightfulness: 5/10
Difficulty: 7.5/10
Overall: 5/10
Expectation: 65%
Key questions to consider:
Question 1 - Application of Chemistry, Redox, Electrolysis
Question 5 - Organic Chemistry, Elucidation, Acid-Base Equilibria
Short writeup:
The 2015 MJC H2 Chemistry Paper 3 is a challenging paper — and one that offers important lessons for students preparing for their A levels. While the structure is similar to current-day H2 Chemistry papers, this paper exposes gaps in technique and time management that many students struggle with.
One key issue with this paper is its lack of a clear anchor question — the kind of contextual or real-life application question that typically serves as the centerpiece of an A level exam. While Question 1 attempts to play this role with a question on sacrificial metals, it’s a simple extension of O-level Pure Chemistry concepts. It doesn’t push students to engage deeply with new or complex applications.
That said, the paper’s strength lies in its well-balanced mix of topics. Each question combines physical chemistry with other branches, requiring both calculations and conceptual explanations to score full marks. This holistic testing style means that students who are weaker in either aspect will likely find it difficult to achieve above-average results.
However, the paper overuses this combined-question approach. Nearly every question demands both calculations and explanations, which isn’t typical in the actual A level exam. This constant switching between different types of thinking can be mentally draining and requires students to manage their time exceptionally well. For many, this is the primary reason the paper feels so difficult.
Despite these challenges, the 2015 MJC H2 Chemistry Paper 3 can still be an excellent resource — if used strategically. Instead of attempting it as a timed practice, students would benefit more from extracting individual questions and taking the time to analyze their answers in depth. This approach helps students discover more efficient problem-solving techniques and sharpen their time management skills.
If you’re struggling with balancing calculations and explanations or managing your time under exam pressure, our classes at Vantage Tutor are designed to help. We focus on breaking down difficult questions like these, teaching you how to approach them systematically and improve your overall exam performance. Book a trial class today and see the difference targeted, expert guidance can make.
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