Grade 12 students at government and private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum across the country expressed differing views about the chemistry exam they sat yesterday. The paper comprised 30 questions. Students on the general track described it as straightforward and pitched at an average level, while students on the advanced track said a number of questions required thinking, analysis, and the linking of more than one scientific concept to reach the correct answer. They nonetheless confirmed that all questions came from within the syllabus and the approved exam framework, though they were of a high degree of difficulty.
School administrations confirmed that the exam was in line with the approved examination paper specifications and took into account individual differences among students, as it included both straightforward questions and others that measured higher-order thinking skills, allowing differentiation between students of varying levels.
A number of general-track students said that most of the questions were clear and direct, covering the core ideas studied throughout the year, and that the allotted time was sufficient to answer and review.
Advanced-track students, by contrast, said some questions required a greater degree of thought — particularly problems that relied on more than one solution step and required linking chemical concepts together — which took longer than the rest of the questions. They noted, however, that the exam contained no ideas from outside the syllabus.
School administrations noted that differing student opinions about the exam's level are natural and are linked to each student's level of preparation, as well as to the differing nature of the general and advanced tracks.
Student Alyasar Jihad, a Grade 12 advanced-track student, expressed satisfaction with the exam's level, explaining that the time allocated was more than sufficient — she was able to finish approximately half an hour before time was called.
Student Yamen Mouayed Ahmad Al Saleh said the time allocated was sufficient to read the questions, understand what was required, and answer comfortably, adding that the most notable challenge some students faced was the depth of phrasing in certain questions and the closeness of the answer choices.
Student Salama Hassan Al Yamahi, from the elite track, said the exam was very easy, explaining that the clarity and directness of the questions gave her a sense of ease from the very first moment.
Advanced-track student Khalifa Khalid Al Kindi said the chemistry exam was generally easy, noting that the questions were clear and drawn from within the syllabus, but required some concentration and precision when reading certain parts.
Student Hamad Al Hashemi, from the elite track, described the chemistry exam as the easiest of the exams they had sat so far, noting that the questions were direct and clear, and that any student who had studied adequately would have no difficulty with them.
Advanced-track student Khalifa Al Hammoudi said the exam was simpler than he had expected, noting that the questions were clear and straightforward, allowing students who had prepared well to answer with complete ease.
General-track student Humaid Abdullah Al Zahmi said the chemistry exam was a pleasant surprise for him, given its organisation and fairness in the distribution of questions, noting that they were clear and direct and covered the various aspects of the curriculum.
General-track student Ibrahim Shaddad Al Kaisari said the chemistry exam was easy and clear, and that its most distinguishing feature was its balanced coverage of the different parts of the syllabus.
Student Karam Mahmoud described the exam as suitable for all student levels, noting that the variety and gradation of the questions helped give students the opportunity to demonstrate their true ability.
Student Hamza Ihab said the questions were clear and precise, and were consistent with the ministerial framework and the course content.