How Paper 01 is built (60 items, 75 minutes), how its marks are split between knowledge and use of knowledge, techniques for working and checking answers, and a timed 60-item mock exam.
Papers 1, 2 and 3Paper 01≈ 30 min
Before you start
By the end of this lesson you can…
describe the structure, timing and weighting of Paper 01
use equations, mole ratios, elimination and diagrams to find and check answers
manage time on a 60-item paper
sit a timed 60-item mock and use the results to plan revision
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
LESSON X1 · EXPLAINER
Paper 1: Multiple-Choice Strategy
Sixty questions in seventy-five minutes leaves about a minute each. The students who score highest are not faster, they are more systematic.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Step 2 · Read
Key notes
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Structure
60 items; 60 marks; 1 h 15 min; 30% of the grade.
Profiles
Knowledge and Comprehension 50; Use of Knowledge 10.
Content
A Principles, B Organic, C Inorganic.
Method
Read → work → check units → eliminate → shade.
Calculations
Balanced equation, moles, ratio, answer with unit.
Timing
≈ 75 s per item; skip and return.
Guessing
Answer every item.
Calculator
Silent, non-programmable only.
EXAM TIPS & COMMON MISTAKES
Check the unit of every answer option: they often differ only in the power of ten (cm³ against dm³).
For tables and graphs in the stem, read the headings and scale first.
In “which is NOT” items, circle the NOT before reading the options.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Your progress
Lesson readiness
0% READY
Not started
Video watched (20%)0%
Multiple choice (80%)0%
Sources
Syllabus sources and past papers
Everything in this lesson is based on these parts of the CXC syllabus and papers.
CSEC Chemistry syllabus (CXC 21/G/SYLL 13): Format of the Examination — Paper 01 (60 multiple-choice items, 1 hour 15 minutes); Table 1 Percentage Weighting of Papers and Profiles
CXC January 2026 Chemistry subject report: Paper 01 performance and common errors
Take the timed Paper 1 mock (60 items, 75 minutes) from the library index and review every explanation