"Overall I think the paper was quite challenging. I might be wrong, but I think the average for
Chemistry will be lower than that of Physics. I like the approach of Q1.5 and 1.6. Q1.8 to 1.10 can be challenging to learners. In Q2 it is only Q2.2.1 that will be a challenge
to learners. This is a much easier
question compared to the one in the Sept paper. I like the fact that the name OR formula is
asked throughout the paper. Questions 3 and 4 were fair. I expect questions 5.4 and 5.5 to be challenging
to many learners. I hope that question
5.4 will not be negatively marked so that learners can earn some marks for
correct arguments. 11 of
the 18 marks in this question will be hard to get. The table
for the Kc value is difficult. Many
learners will probably get 3 out 8 for this question. Luckily the mathematics in the second part
will not be too challenging (that is for those who have something to substitute
into the expression for Kc). Q6.3 will
be easier for those learners where the teacher demonstrated this reaction, but
the drawings in the question guide the learner very well. Question
7 requires a lot of reading and one has to refer back to the beginning of the
question a few times. The same concept is tested in 7.2.1 and 7.2.5. I know it is supposed to guide the learner,
but if you get the conversion of the volume wrong once, you’ll get it wrong
twice. Question 7.2.6 will be very
difficult for most learners. Question 8 luckily has 5 to 6 easy marks. Although I like the approach, learners will
find it difficult. Only learners with an in depth knowledge of
electrolysis will not get confused in Q9. Q10 was easy, provided a learner knows the
theory."
"Wow! I was not aware that you pasted paper two comments
yesterday, I have just read them now. Indeed, September papers were tougher
than these ones. I also compared our standard of papers with those of other
provinces, as we were revising. Really, our standard of papers is high in the Free
State in general and the policy and structure of papers were followed to the letter.
I saw in some of provinces there were no long questions on physical properties
in organic chemistry and in Newton's laws. But electrostatics in 2D of WC was
challenging."
"The paper was fairly balanced with bulk of questions from organic chemistry as expected 45 marks; very direct question mostly level 2 and 3 multiple choice questions 31 % of the paper. The only worrying factor in organic chemistry, which can cause learners marks is the technicality in marking for example question 2.2.1; naming of the compound with so many different substituents, use of hyphens and commas, alphabetical order of substituents, numbering of carbon atoms might pose a challenge to the level one and two learners. I just hope that there will be flexibility in marking question 3.3 for an example; if a learner refers to molecular mass and number of carbon atoms instead of the chain length as required by the examination guideline. Still expect them to do well in question 3 and question 2. Questions 5.4 will be a challenge to most of the level 1 and 2 learners, as they have to interpret the table and compare it with the graph. Organisation of facts and language will pose a problem for that 6 marks as they will have to compare all of the 4 experiments. I still expect the majority of learners to score average in question 5. Question 6 will be very challenging to most of the learners, especially question 6.2. Acids and bases is a new topic and contributed 23 marks, including multiple choice question contributing to 15 %. The challenging questions might be question 7.2.6 but generally expectation is to perform above average. Question 8 is familiar. I expect them to do well with a little challenge in question 9. Fertilizers - very familiar and straight forward question; they must score above average. Generally with the two papers and the effort made I won’t be surprised if we register and improvement in terms of both quality and quantity."
"The Chemistry paper was a repeat of the Physics paper.
Well balanced paper. Similar to the Gauteng Preparatory Exam paper. So long as
the learners have studied well, they should have obtained good marks in Organic
molecules, Acids-Bases, Electrochemistry and Fertilizers. These two papers are
proof that if learners work hard throughout the year, it is certain that they
will pass at the end of the year."
"Paper 2 for was not difficult either; I think it was well balanced. Multiple choice was easy, clever learners can obtain total in multiple-choice. Organic chemistry (Q2, 3 & 4) was also easy for learners to collect marks from. Galvanic & electrolytic cells as well as fertilizers were also easy for learners to collect marks from. Only Q 5, 6 & 7 might be challenging for some average learners, but they were not difficult (the issue of mass as a factor that affect the rate of reaction in Q5 is an area of great concern to me). Can it be taken as a factor that affect reaction rate? I think the question should have referred to smaller & larger pieces in the table. Q7.2.6 should have been asked after 7.2.1. Stoichiometric application in problems might be a problem to learners in acids bases and Kc. The overall paper was easy; learners can pass paper 2 with only Q1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 & 10 only."
"The paper is fairly balanced and all topics done were tested, even the fertilizers were asked in a satisfying manner. Organic molecules were not asked in the confusing way. Question 7 (acids- bases) was well asked. I enjoyed the percentage purity calculation. Good start for CAPS."
"The chemistry paper was much easier than the physics paper."
"Learners indicated that the paper was easier than the one in September. Some of the struggling learners said the chemistry was easier than the physics."
"Both papers were well balanced. Average learners can also do well. The brighter ones can score a lot."
"Both papers were fairly easy."
"Chemistry was also a good paper; including Kc calculation were they have to calculate the initial mole."