Tag: important topics

Posted in Practical

Topics Tested in Past O-Level Physics Paper 3 Practical Exam

Posted on by mibs 729
  1. measurements of length, time interval, temperature, volume, mass and weight, current and voltage using appropriate instruments (2025, 2022, 2021, 2015)
  2. determination of the density of a liquid, or of a regularly or irregularly shaped solid which sinks in water (not tested in the last 10 years)
  3. determination of the value of the acceleration of free fall (not tested in the last 10 years outside of pendulum experiments)
  4. investigation of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces (2022)
  5. dynamics (2019, 2017)
  6. extension of spring (2024, 2023p, 2020, 2018, 2016+p, 2014)
  7. mechanical oscillations  (2025+p, 2024, 2023, 2019+p, 2018+p)
  8. the principle of moments (2015, 2014+p)
  9. determination of the position of the centre of gravity of a plane lamina (not tested in the last 10 years)
  10. mechanical energy and power (2020+p)
  11. investigation of the factors affecting thermal energy transfer (not tested in the last 10 years)
  12. determination of heat capacities of materials (2021)
  13. latent heat of substances (not tested in the last 10 years)
  14. the law of reflection (not tested in the last 10 years)
  15. determination of the position and characteristics of an optical image formed by a plane mirror or a thin converging lens (not tested in the last 10 years)
  16. the refraction of light through glass blocks (2021+p)
  17. the principle of total internal reflection (not tested in the last 10 years)
  18. the focal length of lenses (2023, 2016)
  19. determination of the speed, wavelength and frequency of waves (not tested in the last 10 years)
  20. DC circuits (2021, 2020, 2019 (LDR), 2017 (LED)+p, 2015)
  21. potentiometer (2023, 2022, 2018, 2014)
  22. determination of the resistance of a circuit element using appropriate instruments (2025)
  23. investigation of the magnetic effect of current in a conductor (2024+p)
  24. investigation of the effects of electromagnetic induction (not tested in the last 10 years)

So what topics are most likely to be tested THIS YEAR?

To find out, sign up for our Predictive Revision Crash Course for O-Level Biology Practical, details of which can be found here: O-LEVEL PURE BIOLOGY HANDS-ON PRACTICAL CRASH COURSE. Hurry, places are very limited as our lab can only take in 7 students max.

DO YOU KNOW THAT THE SCIENCE PRACTICAL IS WEIGHTED TO BETWEEN 15% TO 20% OF YOUR TOTAL SCIENCE EXAM MARKS?

It can actually make a 1 to 3 grade difference in your total points for your exam! And it is easier to score a Distinction for your Science exam if you are very competent in your Science Practicals.

Right now, ARE YOU CONFIDENT that you can complete your science practical exam and answer all its questions correctly in the time allocated?

If you are looking for SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING, CRASH COURSE OR MOCK EXAM PRACTICE (FOR PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY), don’t hesitate to contact us at 65694897 or 88765498.

Singapore Learner has been a One-Stop Comprehensive Science Practical Training provider since 2017.

As at 19 Apr 2026, we have trained about 1060 students for their science practical exams and we have conducted a total of about 4044 lab sessions.

Our laboratory apparatus are exam-grade and similar to those used in MOE schools and our chemicals are all NEA-approved.

Posted in Practical

Topics Tested in Past O-Level Chemistry Paper 3 Practical Exam

Posted on by mibs 729
  1. Titration, e.g. acid-base titration (with suitable indicators such as methyl orange, screened methyl orange, and thymolphthalein). Other types of titrations may also be required, and where appropriate, sufficient working details will be given. [2025 & 2019 (thermometric), 2024 & 2014 (acid-base), 2021 & 2016 (redox-iodine), 2020 (acid-base), 2018 (redox-KMnO4), 2017 (acid-carbonate)]
  2. Speeds of reaction that may involve measuring of quantities, e.g. temperature, volume, length, mass or time measurements (2024-gas collection, 2023-Na2S2O3, 2022p, 2020, 2015)
  3. Experiments involving separation techniques such as simple paper chromatography, filtration and distillation (2024p-distillation)
  4. Salt preparation (not tested in the last 10 years)
  5. Gas collection, but no drying of gases (2020p)
  6. Thermal decomposition (2025, 2022, 2019)
  7. Enthalpy change (2022, 2021, 2018)
  8. Percentage mass (2023, 2019, 2017p, 2018p, 2014p)
  9. Organic chemistry (2023p)
  10. Qualitative inorganic analysis involving an element, a compound or a mixture, including displacement reactions and tests for oxidising and reducing agents. Candidates should be familiar with the reactions of cations, reactions of anions and tests for gases as detailed in the Notes for Qualitative Analysis. Candidates would not be required to carry out tests involving sulfur dioxide gas.
    Reactions involving ions not included in the Notes for Qualitative Analysis may be tested: in such cases, candidates will not be expected to identify the ions but only to draw conclusions of a general nature.
    Candidates should not attempt tests, other than those specified, on substances, except when it is appropriate to test for a gas. (tested almost every year, except for 2018)
  11. Qualitative organic analysis requiring a knowledge of simple organic reactions as outlined in Topic 11 Organic Chemistry, e.g. test-tube reactions indicating the presence of unsaturation (C=C) may be set, but this would be for the testing of observation skills and drawing general conclusions only (not tested in the last 10 years)

So what topics are most likely to be tested THIS YEAR?

To find out, sign up for our Predictive Revision Crash Course for O-Level Biology Practical, details of which can be found here: O-LEVEL PURE CHEMISTRY HANDS-ON PRACTICAL CRASH COURSE. Hurry, places are very limited as our lab can only take in 7 students max.

DO YOU KNOW THAT THE SCIENCE PRACTICAL IS WEIGHTED TO BETWEEN 15% TO 20% OF YOUR TOTAL SCIENCE EXAM MARKS?

It can actually make a 1 to 3 grade difference in your total points for your exam! And it is easier to score a Distinction for your Science exam if you are very competent in your Science Practicals.

Right now, ARE YOU CONFIDENT that you can complete your science practical exam and answer all its questions correctly in the time allocated?

If you are looking for SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING, CRASH COURSE OR MOCK EXAM PRACTICE (FOR PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY), don’t hesitate to contact us at 65694897 or 88765498.

Singapore Learner has been a One-Stop Comprehensive Science Practical Training provider since 2017.

As at 19 Apr 2026, we have trained about 1060 students for their science practical exams and we have conducted a total of about 4044 lab sessions.

Our laboratory apparatus are exam-grade and similar to those used in MOE schools and our chemicals are all NEA-approved.

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Posted in EDUCATIONAL ADVICE

Topics Tested in Past O-Level Biology Paper 3 Practical Exam

Posted on by mibs 729
  1. Cell Structure and Organisation: 2025
  2. Movement of Substances: 2024 (Osmosis), 2021 (Diffusion), 2020 (Diffusion in Planning question), 2019 (Osmosis/Plasmolysis), 2015 (Osmosis)
  3. Biological Molecules: 2025 (Enzymes), 2022 (Enzymes), 2020 (Benedict’s test), 2017 (Starch test), 2016 (Enzymes), 2014 (Biuret’s test)
  4. Nutrition in Humans: 2023
  5. Transport in Humans: 2017
  6. Respiration in Humans: 2023 (Yeast), 2018 (Yeast)
  7. Excretion in Humans: not tested yet
  8. Homeostasis, Co-ordination and Response in
    Humans: 2016 (Human eye)
  9. Infectious Diseases in Humans: not tested yet
  10. Nutrition and Transport in Flowering Plants: 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015
  11. Organisms and their Environment: not tested yet
  12. Molecular Genetics: not tested yet
  13. Reproduction: 2022 (Sperm cells), 2021 (Cell division), 2020 (Plants)
  14. Inheritance: 2022

So what topics are most likely to be tested THIS YEAR?

To find out, sign up for our Predictive Revision Crash Course for O-Level Biology Practical, details of which can be found here: O-LEVEL PURE BIOLOGY HANDS-ON PRACTICAL CRASH COURSE. Hurry, places are very limited as our lab can only take in 7 students max.

Biology Practical

DO YOU KNOW THAT THE SCIENCE PRACTICAL IS WEIGHTED TO BETWEEN 15% TO 20% OF YOUR TOTAL SCIENCE EXAM MARKS?

It can actually make a 1 to 3 grade difference in your total points for your exam! And it is easier to score a Distinction for your Science exam if you are very competent in your Science Practicals.

Right now, ARE YOU CONFIDENT that you can complete your science practical exam and answer all its questions correctly in the time allocated?

If you are looking for SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING, CRASH COURSE OR MOCK EXAM PRACTICE (FOR PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY), don’t hesitate to contact us at 65694897 or 88765498.

Singapore Learner has been a One-Stop Comprehensive Science Practical Training provider since 2017.

As at 19 Apr 2026, we have trained about 1060 students for their science practical exams and we have conducted a total of about 4044 lab sessions.

Our laboratory apparatus are exam-grade and similar to those used in MOE schools and our chemicals are all NEA-approved.

Posted in EDUCATIONAL ADVICE, H2 Biology

Topics Tested in Past H2 Biology Paper 4 Practical Exam

Posted on by mibs 729
  1. Dilution of stock solutions through both simple dilution and serial dilution (2025, 2022, 2019).
  2. Microscopy which involves the proper use of the microscope for viewing specimen, calibration of eyepiece graticule (2022), using a stage micrometer, calculation of area of field of view, calculating mean density of specimen, finding the actual width of a specimen, making your own slide (2022-plasmolysis, 2019-banana, 2018-potato).
  3. Producing biological drawings at low-power and high-power as well as calculating the drawing magnification. (2025-stem of willow tree, 2023-plant stem, 2022-leaf of tea plant, plasmolysis, 2021-plant stem, 2020-leaf, 2019-banana, 2018-leaf, 2017-plant stem, 2016-blood cells)
  4.  Identify significant sources of error, limitations of measurements and/or experimental procedures used and explain how they affect the final result(s). (most years)
  5. State and explain how significant sources of errors/limitations may be overcome/reduced, as appropriate, including how experimental procedures may be improved. (most years)
  6. Graph-drawing e.g. best-fit line, best-fit curve, point-to-point graphs, bar graphs and histograms. (most years)
  7. Factors affecting rate of transport of substances e.g. diffusion and osmosis. (2021, 2019-visking tubing)
  8. Presence of biological molecules (food tests) e.g. test for reducing sugars (using suitable indicators such as benedict’s solution), test for non-reducing sugars (using acid hydrolysis), test for proteins (using suitable indicators such as biuret solution), test for lipids (using ethanol-emulsion test) and test for starch (using suitable indicators such as iodine). (2025, 2024, 2021, 2019)
  9. Factors affecting rate of enzyme-catalysed reactions. (2025-invertase, 2024-lipase, 2023-amylase, 2022-catalase, planning, 2020-catalase, 2016-protease)
  10. Factors affecting rate of respiration. (2025-planning, 2024-planning, 2018)
  11. Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis. (not tested in the last 10 years)
  12. Statistical analysis. (2023-t-test, 2020-t-test)
  13. Growth rate of plants. (2023-planning)
  14. Genetics and Inheritance. (2021-planning)

So what topics are most likely to be tested THIS YEAR?

To find out, sign up for our Predictive Revision Crash Course for H2 Biology Practical, details of which can be found here: H2 BIOLOGY HANDS-ON PRACTICAL CRASH COURSE. Hurry, places are very limited as our lab can only take in 7 students max.

DO YOU KNOW THAT THE SCIENCE PRACTICAL IS WEIGHTED TO BETWEEN 15% TO 20% OF YOUR TOTAL SCIENCE EXAM MARKS?

It can actually make a 1 to 3 grade difference in your total points for your exam! And it is easier to score a Distinction for your Science exam if you are very competent in your Science Practicals.

Right now, ARE YOU CONFIDENT that you can complete your science practical exam and answer all its questions correctly in the time allocated?

If you are looking for SCIENCE PRACTICAL TRAINING, CRASH COURSE OR MOCK EXAM PRACTICE (FOR PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY), don’t hesitate to contact us at 65694897 or 88765498.

Singapore Learner has been a One-Stop Comprehensive Science Practical Training provider since 2017.

As at 19 Apr 2026, we have trained about 1060 students for their science practical exams and we have conducted a total of about 4044 lab sessions.

Our laboratory apparatus are exam-grade and similar to those used in MOE schools and our chemicals are all NEA-approved.

Posted in Pure Physics

Compliment from a secondary school Physics teacher ….

Posted on by admin

Below is an email (with names removed) I received from a Physics teacher on Nov 14, regarding my post IMPORTANT TOPICS FOR O-LEVEL PHYSICS (5058) PAPER 2 2013.

————————————————————————————————————–

Hi Ilyasa,

I am <teacher’s name>,

<Student’s name>’s physics teacher.

He has attended yr physics crash course in oct.

I have compiled a list of qns based on yr predictions for 2013 paper 2.

I am impressed by the accuracy of yr predictions and would like to ask you If there are any methods u have used to reach such accuracy besides doing the elimination method.

I can be contacted at <hp no.>.

Rdgs

———————————————————————————————————-

Posted in Science (Physics), Sec Science

IMPORTANT TOPICS FOR O-LEVEL 2013 SCIENCE (PHYSICS) (5116/5117) PAPER 2

Posted on by admin

 

 

For our latest timetable, click here=> secbutton =============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

 

 

 

TOPIC

IMPORTANT AREAS TO FOCUS ON FOR 2013

 
1. Measurement (a) Resultant of vectors by graphical method(b) ticker tape, vernier, micrometer 
2. Kinematics (a) s-t graph(b) v-t graph(d) vertical motion

 
3. Dynamics (a) F=ma(c) vertical motion 
4. Mass, Weight & Density (a) mass & weight(b) gravitational field & strength(c) density

 
5. Turning Effect of Forces (a) CG & Stability 
6. Pressure (a) P=F/A  
7. Energy, Work & Power (a) POTCOE, KE, GPE(b) horizontal motion 

 
8. Kinetic Model of Matter (a) molecular structure(b) motion of molecules 
9. Transfer of Heat (a) convection 
10. Thermal Properties of Matter (a) internal energy(b) melting & boiling(c) heating curve

 
11. General Wave Properties   (a) Ripple Tank, wavefronts
12. Light   (a) Reflection(b) Refraction 
13. EM Spectrum (a) 7 components and uses  
14. Sound   (a) loudness & pitch(b) echo problems(c) pressure-time graph

 

 
15. Static Electricity (a) electric fields(b) law of electrostatics 
16. Current of Electricity   (a) Q=It, R=V/I, e.m.f, W=QV(b) experiment to determine Resistance(c) R=pL/A

 
17. DC circuits (a) series and parallel circuits  
18. Practical Electricity  (a) kWh(b) hazards of electricity 
19. Magnetism & Electromagnetism  (a) demagnetisation(b) magnetic fields(c) magnetic field patterns

(d) FLHR

 

 

Note:

The above is based on my analysis of the Science (Physics) Paper 2 from 2008 to 2012. In general, Paper 2 topics of the previous year is not repeated in the following year, and topics that have not been tested for several years are more likely to be tested this time round.

Please not that the above are just guidelines and not 100% accurate. The topics that I have de-emphasized for Paper 2 can still be tested in Paper 1.

Note: If you need an intensive drill session for physics MCQs, you may attend my workshop: O-LEVEL 2013 PHYSICS MCQ INTENSIVE DRILL SESSION (700+ MCQs) – $50 ONLY (for Science (Physics), the number of MCQs is about 400)

Posted in Pure Physics

IMPORTANT TOPICS FOR O-LEVEL PHYSICS (5058) PAPER 2 2013

Posted on by admin

 

For our latest timetable, click here=> secbutton =============================================================== ORIGINAL POST(OUTDATED):

 

 

IMPORTANT TOPICS FOR O-LEVEL PHYSICS (5058) PAPER 2 2013

TOPIC

MAJOR CONCEPTS

 

2013
1. Measurement (a) Resultant by graphical method(b) ticker tape, vernier, micrometer(c) pendulum (a) Resultant by graphical method
2. Kinematics (a) s-t graph(b) v-t graph(c) terminal velocity(d) horizontal(e) vertical

 

 (c) terminal velocity (e) vertical motion
3. Dynamics (a) action of 3 forces on static point mass(b) F=ma(c) friction(d) horizontal(e) vertical

 

 b) F=ma (c) friction (d) horizontal

 
4. Mass, Weight & Density (a) mass & weight(b) gravitational field & strength(c) density (a) mass & weight (b) gravitational field & strength 
5. Turning Effect of Forces (a) POM(b) CG & Stability (b) CG & Stability
6. Pressure (a) P=F/A(b) P=hpg(c) Hydraulic press(d) barometer(e) manometer

 

 (b) P=hpg (c) Hydraulic press 
7. Energy, Work & Power (a) POTCOE, KE, GPE(b) Work done & Power(c) horizontal(d) vertical(e) slope

 

 

 (a) POTCOE, KE, GPE (d) vertical
8. Kinetic Model of Matter (a) Brownian motion experiment(b) pressure of a gas, trapped air(c) P=kT, V=kT, PV=k, explanation using kinetic model (a) Brownian motion experiment (c) P=kT, V=kT, PV=k, explanation using kinetic model  
9. Transfer of Heat (a) conduction(b) convection(c) radiation (c) radiation
10. Temperature (a) scales & fixed points(b) thermocouple (a) scales & fixed points
11. Thermal Properties of Matter (a) SHC(b) latent heat(c) cooling curve (a) SHC
12. General Wave Properties (a) Transverse(b) Longitudinal(c) Ripple Tank (c) Ripple Tank
13. Light (a) Reflection(b) Refraction(c) Optical fibre(d) Converging lens (real image)(e) Converging (magnifying glass)

(f) Diverging lens

 

 (d) Converging lens (real image) (f) Diverging lens 
14. EM Spectrum (a) 7 components and uses(b) effects of absorption (eg. ionisation) (a) 7 components and uses (b) effects of absorption (eg. ionisation) 
15. Sound (a) wave properties(b) direct method to determine speed of sound in air(c) loudness & pitch(d) echo problems(g) ultrasound

 

 

 

 

 

 (a) wave properties (b) direct method to determine speed of sound in air (c) loudness & pitch
16. Static Electricity (a) charging by rubbing, contact(b) electric fields(c) charging by induction(d) potential hazards(e) application

 

 (b) electric fields (d) potential hazards 
17. Current of Electricity (a) Q=It, R=V/I, e.m.f, W=QV(b) experiment to determine R(c) R=pL/A(d) Ohm’s Law & I/V graphs(e) diode as a rectifier

 

 (b) experiment to determine R (c) R=pL/A (d) Ohm’s Law & I/V graphs

 

(e) diode as a rectifier
18. DC circuits (a) series(b) parallel circuits(c) potential divider, potentiometer(d) thermistor, LDR(e) c.r.o & waveforms

 

 (c) potential divider, potentiometer (d) thermistor, LDR (e) c.r.o & waveforms

 
19. Practical Electricity (a) P=IV & E=IVt(b) kWh(c) hazards(d) fuse, circuit breaker, switch, earthing, L,N,E(e) wiring in a mains plug

 

 (b) kWh (c) hazards (e) wiring in a mains plug

 
20. Magnetism (a) magnetisation(b) demagnetisation(c) magnetic fields(d) temporary & permanent magnets  (a) magnetisation (b) demagnetisation (d) temporary & permanent magnets

 
21. Electromagnetism (a) magnetic field patterns(b) circuit breaker(c) FLHR(d) DC motor  (a) magnetic field patterns (b) circuit breaker
22. Electromagnetic Induction (a) Faraday’s and Lenz’s Laws(b) AC generator(c) Transformer(d) Power loss (c) Transformer (d) Power loss

Note:

The above is based on my analysis of the Physics Paper 2 from 2008 to 2012. In general, Paper 2 topics of the previous year is not repeated in the following year, and topics that have not been tested for several years are more likely to be tested this time round.

Please not that the above are just guidelines and not 100% accurate. The topics that I have de-emphasized for Paper 2 can still be tested in Paper 1.

Rgds,

Ilyasa

Note: If you wish to have intensive revision on the above important topics, kindly attend my special two-day workshop, O-LEVEL PHYSICS (5058) INTENSIVE REVISION / CRASH COURSE on 26 & 27 Nov.

Another workshop you may be interested in is O-LEVEL 2013 PHYSICS MCQ INTENSIVE DRILL SESSION (700+ MCQs) – $50 ONLY.