Glossary

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universal solvent

Subject: 

  • Physical Sciences

a solvent able to dissolve a large number of different chemical compounds. Water is the universal solvent.

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drawing a line in the diagram of a molecule to indicate where electrons are shared.

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the ability to conduct heat or an electric current.

double bond
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four shared electrons, or two shared pairs of electrons (or two covalent bonds) between the same...

decomposition reaction
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a chemical reaction in which a substance reacts to form two or more simpler substances.

percentage composition
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a relative measure of the mass contribution of each component in a compound. The percentage...

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Exam practice is essential. Make sure your students have access to practice exam papers for the subjects they take. Make sure the exam papers relate to the correct version of the curriculum.

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Remind your students that studying should be active. They should be making notes, working through examples, doing practice exam papers and testing themselves on the sections they are studying.

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Different study methods work for different students. Encourage your learners to find out what works for them so you can support them.

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Many subjects require students to know work from the previous grades. Make sure your child has access to a good reference book that contains the concepts they need to refer back to.

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Be calm and supportive on the morning of the test or exam. Leave any difficult conversations for another time.

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Make sure your teenager has enough time to relax, do sport, play music and spend time with friends. A balanced lifestyle often leads to better results.

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Encourage your child not to cram at the last minute. The work that is learned while your child is panicking is unlikely to be...

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On the afternoon before the exam, get your child to review her notes and summaries, especially for sections of work where she is less confident.

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On the morning of the exam, get your child to go over his formulae sheets to remind him of key information.

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Once your teenager has completed practise exam papers, go over the areas where they struggle. Get a study guide to help you and your student if you need help with a particular section.

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Exam practice is essential. Make sure your student has access to practice exam papers for the subjects they take. Make sure the exam papers relate to the correct version of the curriculum.

[ more ]

Studying should be active. Your child should be making notes, working through examples, doing practice exam papers and testing herself on the sections she is studying.

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Formulae sheets or key concept sheets are useful for quick revision. Get your teenager to stick them on the wall in their room. The more they look at the formulae and key concepts, the more likely...

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Different study methods work for different students. Find out what works for your child so you understand how you can support him or her.

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When you are writing an exam, first write down all the formulae or important facts you are worried about forgetting.

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Make a list of the stationery and instruments you need for your exam and pack it the night before.

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Go to bed early the night before tests and exams so that you can wake up in time to quickly read through the sections you are worried about.

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Look up definitions for words you don’t understand.

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Study for 30 to 45 minutes at a time and then take a break – otherwise you won’t concentrate as well.

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