FIITJEE professors Vikash K Sharma and Chitrang Arvind Kamat share tips to tackle the HSC papers for Chemistry and Biology, respectively
CRUISING THROUGH CHEMISTRY
In the Chemistry paper, both the Theory and Numerical portions are important—same goes for the Organic and Inorganic sections. Here’s how you can keep in perfect sync with the topics.
Arrange
Make a list of all the organic formulae and named reactions. Do the same for inorganic equations.
Solve sample papers.
Try to create a mind map wherever possible.
Practise diagrams with proper labelling from chapters like Electrochemistry, Principles of Isolation of Elements, and Solid State.
Select and focus
Read and re-read the government mandated HSC textbook, as all theory questions, MCQs and numerical problems are likely to come directly from there.
Revise structures of compounds in transition elements i.e. d-block elements and p-block elements. S.I. units play an important role in fetching marks for numerical problems.
For organic chemistry, pay close attention to chapters like Biomolecules and IUPAC as they involve special structure and rules. Study the proper way of writing IUPAC names of the compounds.
Remember
You can write answers in your own words but definitions must be in textual language.
Try to support definitions by proper reaction examples. Draw diagrams where required. For Numerical(s), the final answer with the correct unit is essential.
For MCQs, write the option and the corresponding answer. For both short and long questions, write out the answers point-wise.
BOOSTERS FOR BIOLOGY
Topics like Genetic Basis of Inheritance; Gene, Biotechnology and Enhancement in Food Production; Photosynthesis; Respiration; Reproduction in Plants; Animal Husbandry; Circulation, Excretion and Osmoregulation; Control and Coordination; and Human Reproduction have more weight than Microbes in Human Welfare; Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance; Genetic Engineering and Genomics; Human Health and Diseases; and Organism and Environment I & II.
Stick to your textbook
At this point, it is advisable to stick to your prescribed textbook, rather than getting lost in the chaos of complementary reading
Integrate summary
For each topic, integrate a point-wise summary in your own words and then try recalling it. Re-read the topic after jotting down the summary to figure out points you tend to miss.
Solve test papers
Once you are fully prepared, try solving the previous three years’ papers with a timer—this will give you a sense of how to manage your time and add to your confidence.
Have fun with methods
Use learning aids like labelled diagrams, flow charts and mnemonics.
Focus, be mindful
Always take a few seconds to carefully read the instructions and the question before answering. Maintain a certain degree of neatness while drawing or labelling diagrams.
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