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Cambridge Pre-U Syllabus - Cambridge International Examinations

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<strong>Cambridge</strong> <strong>Pre</strong>-U <strong>Syllabus</strong><br />

Skill Area Analysis of data and conclusions<br />

Sub-skill<br />

Display of calculations and reasoning<br />

Candidates should be able to:<br />

• show their working in calculations, and the key steps in their reasoning;<br />

• use the correct number of significant figures for calculated quantities.<br />

Where calculations are done, all of the key stages in the calculation should be recorded by candidates, so<br />

that credit can be given for correctly displaying working even if the final answer is incorrect. Similarly, where<br />

observations form the basis for logical deduction (e.g. the concentration of an unknown solution or the<br />

identity of an unknown solute), the main steps in making the deduction should be shown. Again, where<br />

inductive thought processes are used to build up a general prediction or to support a general theory, from<br />

specific observations, the sequence of major steps used should be reported.<br />

Calculated quantities should be given to the same number of significant figures as the measured quantity<br />

that has the smallest number of significant figures. For example, if values of time and of volume of gas<br />

collected are measured to 1 and 2 significant figures respectively, then the calculated rate should be given to<br />

1 significant figure, but not 2 or more.<br />

See http://www.chemsoc.org/networks/learnnet/RSCmeasurements.htm for more information on significant<br />

figures.<br />

Sub-skill<br />

Description of patterns and trends<br />

Candidates should be able to:<br />

• use tables and graphs to draw attention to the key points in quantitative data, including the variability of<br />

data;<br />

• describe the patterns and trends shown by data in tables and graphs;<br />

• describe and summarise the key points of a set of observations.<br />

Descriptions of patterns and trends should be precise, giving quotations of figures to support the description,<br />

and calculated values where these are appropriate.<br />

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