Jim Clark's "Calculations in A-level Chemistry" receives high praise from reviewers, primarily for its ability to simplify complex calculation processes in chemistry, making it a valuable resource for AQA A-level students particularly as AQA focus a lot on adding challenge via calculations. Here's a summary of the reviews:
Grade Saver: Many reviewers credit the book for significantly improving their grades, finding it indispensable for their studies.
Revision Aid: The book is highlighted as a good revision tool, aiding in understanding and practicing calculations crucial for exams.
Comprehensive: Reviewers appreciate the comprehensive nature of the book, covering a wide range of topics and calculations necessary for A-level chemistry.
Effective Explanations: The explanations are deemed simple, clear, and step-by-step, aiding in understanding even the most challenging calculations.
Example and Practice Questions: The book provides worked examples followed by practice questions, which are appreciated for their effectiveness in reinforcing understanding.
Ease with Maths: Many appreciate the book's approach to the mathematical aspect of chemistry, aiding those who struggle with maths to grasp complex calculations.
Beyond A-level: Some reviewers note the book's relevance even beyond A-level, finding it helpful for higher education in chemistry.
Author's Approach: Jim Clark's delivery and chatty style are praised for making difficult problems seem achievable and for providing a thorough understanding of the calculation processes.
Condition Discrepancy: One reviewer noted a discrepancy in the description of the book's condition when purchasing a used copy, although this did not detract from the book's content quality.
High Recommendation: The book comes highly recommended by both students and educators, reflecting its perceived value in preparing for A-level chemistry exams and improving understanding of calculations.
Overall, the consensus is that Jim Clark's book is a highly beneficial resource for mastering the calculations involved in AQA A-level Chemistry, making it a recommended purchase for students aiming to excel in their exams.
These books will help you get an A or A* in A-level Chemistry
If you purchase on Amazon via any of the links on this website I might earn a tiny commision. That would be nice but i'm not expecting anything. It certainly didn't affect my choice of books.
"Jim Clark's calculation book is legendary! about half the course involves calculations and whether your Maths is a strength or a weakness this book is for you. For AQA Tackle all the chapters except #9, you can also skip the little bit on pH of weak bases (p201-205) and the bits on S-total (262-265) and non TOF mass spec info (20-21), you could skip molar gas volume too (46-47). That leaves almost the entire book spot on for boosting the calculations side of the AQA course. This won't replace doing the real exam papers but it will definitely help a lot if you tackle this over the two years. As well as the review summary above have a read of the actual reviews via this Amazon link, you won't spend your money better!" Dr Torben Smith
The "A-Level Chemistry: AQA Year 1 & 2 Exam Practice Workbook" is generally well-received among AQA students in the UK, as per the reviews. Here's a summary of their feedback:
Exam Preparation: This workbook is highly praised for its extensive set of questions that help students prepare for exams. The questions are tailored to the new A-level chemistry course, challenging students beyond rote memorization and aiding in identifying weak spots.
Conceptual Understanding: The questions in the workbook are appreciated for their relevance to the AQA syllabus, aiding in a better understanding of topics, especially with the inclusion of explanatory answers at the back of the book.
Exam Techniques: Reviewers mention the workbook's effectiveness in building up exam techniques, particularly through the practice of 6-mark questions that are similar in style to the new specification questions.
Additional Resources: Some reviewers highly recommend using this workbook alongside other resources like Letts Revise, RevisionTool flashcards, and Phillip Allans resource packs for a more comprehensive revision.
Good Value: The workbook is noted for being a good value resource, with some reviewers attributing their good grades to the practice they had with this workbook.
Quality & Layout: The workbook is appreciated for its clear and concise layout, making it easy for students to navigate through. The quality of the paper and the print is also mentioned favorably.
Online Access: While there's a mention of an online version of the book available via a code, some students prefer the physical book as the exams are paper-based.
Practice on New Topics: There’s a specific mention of the workbook having a good set of questions on new topics like proteins/amino acids, which are new to the spec and have limited questions in past papers.
Delivery & Condition: There’s satisfaction among buyers regarding the delivery and the condition of the workbook upon arrival, which was as described or arrived earlier than expected. (I'd steer clear of second hand copies as this is a write on book - Torben)
Lack of Practice Exam Papers: One of the downsides mentioned is the absence of a set of practice exam papers, which was a disappointment to a reviewer.
Ease of Use: The workbook's ease of use and its effectiveness as a self-study tool, with clear indications of marks available for each question and well-defined topics, are praised by the reviewers.
Overall, the workbook is highly recommended for AQA A-level Chemistry students for its well-structured exam practice questions, clear explanations, and the additional support it provides in preparing for the exams, despite the absence of practice exam papers.
"This book is a useful extra and good value. Far more effective than a traditional revision book which you can replace with online sites. This is a book you write on so it's not going to be given to you by your school or college. A great way to get the basics in place for each topic by answering lots of questions before tackling all the real AQA exam questions" Dr Torben Smith
Lister and Renshaw AQA Chemistry - the main textbook
It's the best AQA Chemistry textbook, if you've not already got this book from school or college then it's worth spending the money. It's pretty comprehensive.
