Error in A-level chemistry exam paper in Singapore, SEAB to fix and ensure fair assessment of students
December 09, 2022
Original Article: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/error-in-a-level-chemistry-exam-paper-some-students-get-extra-time-some-did-not
An error in the A-level chemistry exam on Wednesday morning was dealt with differently across schools, resulting in students finishing the exam at different times.
In response, the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) will work with Cambridge University - which assesses the A levels - to ensure that students are fairly assessed following the incident, it said.
It will also review how errata, or corrections, are managed to avoid such incidents in future, it said in response to queries by The Straits Times.
A question in the third paper of the H2 Chemistry exam showed a bond between two elements drawn incorrectly in one of the diagrams.
The error involved two sub-parts of an optional question. They were worth one mark each.
SEAB issued a note which clarified the structural representation of organic molecules in prose together with the question paper to every student at the start of the examination, it said.
SEAB added that a few schools sought further clarifications on the error note in the midst of the exam.