Catholic JC 2025 JC1 H2 Chemistry WA1
- Yao Le Chen
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
This is the short summary of the Prelim Paper Review I've done for
My 3 matrices:
Relevance: 7.5/10
Insightfulness: 8/10
Difficulty: 6/10
Overall: 7/10
Expectation: 70%
Key questions to consider:
Question 2 - Mole & Stoichiometry, Combustion of Organic Molecules
Short writeup:
The 2025 CJC H2 Chemistry JC1 WA1: A Paper With Hidden Gems That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
The 2025 CJC H2 Chemistry JC1 WA1 is a notable deviation from the structure commonly seen in other JC1 weighted assessments — particularly due to the absence of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). But beyond that structural quirk, the paper stands firmly grounded in questions that are well within the comfort zone of most JC1 students. Topics such as ionisation energy, atomic orbitals, and redox reactions were featured in predictable, almost textbook-like formats. Students familiar with their revision packages or tutorial sheets would find these questions relatively straightforward and familiar.
However, it's precisely this familiarity that both helps and limits the value of the paper. Due to mark allocation constraints, not every key type of question from each topic was represented. This means while the paper gives students a solid technical foundation, it cannot stand alone as a full preparatory tool. Notably absent were some classic variations that many schools typically include. As such, this paper functions best when used in tandem with other assessments — particularly the ASRJC WA1, which fills in many of the gaps and offers a wider spread of topical coverage.
Yet, where the paper truly shines — and what makes it more than just a routine practice paper — is Question 2. This combustion question steps away from the cookie-cutter hydrocarbon format most students are drilled on. Instead, it introduces an organic compound that contains nitrogen. This isn’t entirely new — the A Level 2010 Paper 3 featured a similar twist with an oxygen-containing molecule — but its inclusion in a JC1 WA1 is both rare and insightful.
Students who have been relying on memorised formulas or rehearsed MCQ solutions will find themselves pushed to apply deeper conceptual thinking. Forming a general equation for combustion from first principles, under time pressure, is a test of both content mastery and intellectual agility.
In essence, this paper is a solid technical piece with one standout gem. While it may not serve well as a standalone timed practice due to the lack of MCQs — a format still prevalent in most schools — it offers real value when used for targeted revision. I highly recommend that all JC1 students attempt at least Question 2 under exam conditions and spend time reviewing it in depth. In doing so, they’ll gain insights and confidence that go far beyond what standard tutorials provide.
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