Archive for March, 2010

SPM Chemistry Form 5 Notes – Terminology and Concepts: Carbon Compounds (Part 2)

March 30, 2010

This is Part 2 of the long series of Berry Berry Easy essential and concise notes for SPM Chemistry (Form 5) topic on Carbon Compounds. In case you miss out, the previous notes focused on definitions on the types of compounds, hydrocarbons, combustions (with equation), homologous series (which you should already memorise by now) and sources of hydrocarbon. We hope you have taken the baby step to master the aforementioned parts.

So let us hop straight into the very important topic of IUPAC naming convention. This will be something you will not regret learning, as you will use this not only in Form 5, but also in Form 6, foundations, A-levels, degree, masters and up to PhD level. (No exaggeration as we do personally know of PhD level candidates learning and relearning IUPAC naming convention from scratch). Besides that you can also look at the trends of properties in a series. Also, not forgetting halogenation. This will be a rather difficult topic to master but worth every effort to do so.

SPM Chemistry Form 5 – Terminology and Concepts: Carbon Compounds (Part 2)

A) IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) – is used to name organic compound.

Organic compound is divided into three portions which is Prefix + Root + Suffix.

1. Prefix – name of the branch or side chain.
   General formula: C_nH_2n+1 –Where n = 1, 2, 3, … (n = number of carbon)

   Formula	Branch or name  of group
   CH3 -	methyl
   C2H5 -	ethyl
   C3H7 -	propyl
   C4H9 -	butyl
   C5H11 -	pentyl

   Alkyl group signifies that it is not part of the main chain.

   Two or more types of branches are present, name them in alphabetical order.

   Number of side chain	Prefix
   2	Di-
   3	Tri-
   4	Tetra-
   5	Penta-
   6	Hexa-

   More than one side chains are present, prefixes are used.

2. Root – the parent hydrocarbon (denotes the longest carbon chain).
   

   Number of carbon atoms	Root name
   1	meth-
   2	eth-
   3	prop-
   4	but-
   5	pent-
   6	hex-
   7	hept-
   8	oct-
   9	nan-
   10	dec-

   • The longest continuous (straight chain) carbon chain is selected.
   • Identify the number of carbon.
3. Suffix – functional group.
   

   Homologous series	Functional group	Suffix
   Alkane	- C – C -	-ane
   Alkene	- C = C -	-ene
   Alcohol	– OH	-ol
   Carboxylic acid	– COOH	-oic
   Ester	– COO –	-oate

   Example: 4-methylhept-2-ene.

   Prefix + Root + Suffix

B) Family of Hydrocarbon – Alkane

1. General formula: C_nH_2n+2
Where n = 1, 2, 3, … (n = number of carbon)

2. Each carbon atom in alkanes is bonded to four other atoms by single covalent bonds.
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbon.

Molecular formula is a chemical formula that shows the actual number of atoms of each type of elements
present in a molecule of the compound.

Example: molecular formula of butane is C₄H_2´4+2 = C₄H₁₀

Structural formula is a chemical formula that shows the atoms of elements are bonded (arrangement of atoms) together in a molecule by what types of bond.

3. Physical properties of alkanes

Alkanes with more than 17 carbon atoms are solid.

• Solubility in water – all members in alkanes are insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvent (benzene and ether).
• Density of alkane – the density of water is higher than density of alkane.
  When going down the series, relative molecular mass of alkanes is higher due to the higher force of attraction between molecules and alkane molecules are packed closer together.
• Electrical conductivity – all members in alkanes do not conduct electricity.
  Alkanes are covalent compounds and do not contain freely moving ions.
• Boiling and melting points – all alkanes in general have low boiling points and melting points.
  Alkanes are held together by weak intermolecular forces.

4. Chemical properties of alkanes

• Reactivity of alkanes
  Alkanes are less reactive (saturated hydrocarbon).
  Alkanes have strong carbon-carbon (C – C) bonds and carbon-hydrogen (C – H) bonds.
  All are single bonds which require a lot of energy to break.
  Alkanes do not react with chemicals such as oxidizing agents, reducing agents, acids and alkalis.
• Combustion of alkanes
  Complete combustion of hydrocarbons
  C_xH_y + (x + y/4) O₂ –> xCO₂ + y/2 H₂O
  CH₄ +        2O₂ –>  CO₂ +    2H₂OIncomplete combustion
  occurs when insufficient supply of oxygen
  CH₄ + O₂ –> C + H₂O
  2CH₄ + 3O₂ –> 2CO + 4H₂O
• Substitution reaction of alkanes (Halogenation)
  Substitution reaction is one atom (or a group of atoms) in a molecule is replaced by another atom (or a group of atoms).
  Substitution reaction of alkanes take place in ultraviolet light.
  Example:
  Alkanes react with bromine vapour (or chlorine) in the presence of UV light.
  CH₄ + Cl₂ –> HCl + CH₃Cl (Chloromethane)
  CH₃Cl + Cl₂ –> HCl + CH₂Cl₂ (Dichloromethane)
  CH₂Cl₂ + Cl₂ –> HCl + CHCl₃ (Trichloromethane)
  CHCl₃ + Cl₂ –> HCl + CCl₄ (Tetrachloromethane)
  The rate of reaction between bromine and alkanes is slower than the rate of reaction between chlorine and alkanes.

Posted in: Berry Reference (Notes) | 1 Comment »

Top STPM/Form 6 School in Johor Bahru

March 27, 2010

[This post is also considered to be "STPM Results 2009 on 25th February 2010 – The Summary Part 3: Johor Bahru's Schools Performances in STPM 2009" ]

Which school to enter? This is the usual question that a SPM leaver would like to ask. Some would say that they want to enter college or vocational school or polytechnic or matriculation. If those aren’t your answer, what about continue your studies in form 6? You may refer to the previous post titled  “Berry Life Guide – Pro and Cons of Studying Form 6 (12 December 2009)” before you make the choices.

The best thing about studying Form Six is everything is free. It is free and even your exam papers are FOC! Most of the schools are fully subsided by government and usually yearly fees (included school fees, insurance, lembaran kerja, and PIBG fees) are around RM 150.00 to RM 200.00. It is too good to be true! But all you need is the courage to take it! For those who stayed in Johor Bahru District, you are in luck as BerryBerryEasy will be sharing with you the performance of Form 6 schools in Johor Bahru. You might need this for references which form six schools to enter.

Berry Berry Top STPM Form 6 School in Johor Bahru

Legend:

• 5P* – 5 Principals (4 Pass)
• 4P* – 4 Principals (4 Pass)
• Straight A student* – Outstanding Student / Pelajar Cemerlang
• Full pass – Denotes that student obtain at least a principal in a subject.

Comment:

• The arts and science students performance are combined in this chart. So it gives the performance of a school in general rather than any specific stream.
• SMK Sultan Ismail emerged as the Top STPM school in JB. (Congrats)

So do share this list with your friends who have just completed their SPM examinations in 2009 and might wish to enter Form 6 and do their STPM.

Posted in: Berry Announcement | 3 Comments »

Engineering – Malaysia Public University Cut-off Point for Engineering Courses (2010)

March 25, 2010

BerryBerryEasy has posted few days back on the impending deadline for university application for STPM/STAM/SPM (and Matrikulation) students, which is 30th of March 2010. There has been demand via emails and contact forms for the cut-off points for Engineering courses. (Seemed like students applying for other courses have already submitted their forms or engineering is rather popular this year. So we’ll only compile for engineering) So for last minute applicants, Berry Berry Easy would like to share with all reader the possible cut-off points for Engineering courses in the Top 5 Public Universities in Malaysia, namely Universiti Malaya (UM), University Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). (Please also read the disclaimer below)

Berry Compilation of Cut-Off Points (CGPA) for Engineering Courses in the Top Public Universities in Malaysia 2010

- For STPM students only

Disclaimers:

• This represents the lowest cut-off point as reported by students to “tamiliyakkan.com” for Intake 2007/2008.  Take note of the year.
• BerryBerryEasy do not vouch for its accuracy as there can be discrepancy in student reporting or errors arises from the production of this post.
• Furthermore, the values changes every year based on competition and number of slots offered by the respective courses.
• You may only use this as a guide as the data are rather old, but among the best and most comprehensive available.
• Most importantly, select the courses you think you will have interest for.

Do spread the words around to your friends who will be applying for university this year. It might save them from all the trouble and fears. BerryBerryJenius will be willing to compile the cut-off point (CGPA) for other courses if required.

Posted in: Berry Recommendation (Recommendation) | No Comments »

STPM Chemistry Form 6 Notes – Terminology and Concepts: Chemical Equilibrium (Part 1)

March 25, 2010

Form 6 STPM students by now would have been familiar with the notion of chemical reactions. However, little thoughts have been given to the “direction” and “rate” of the reactions. If reactant A and B can be converted to product C (forward reaction), will product C become a ‘reactant’ and be converted back to ‘products’ A and B (backward reaction)? If so, how ‘fast’. Those are simple terms used by layman. And like many physical phenomena in this universe, chemical reactions moves towards equilibrium too.

So Berry Berry Easy would like to share with our Berry Readers about Chemical Equilibrium. This will be the first part of the Chemical Equilibrium chapter. Before we start, the key phrase to note is “no net change”. So chemical equilibrium is simply the state of a chemical reaction where activities and concentration of both the reactants and products involved do not have net change over time, due to the forward and backward reaction being the same rate. So try to learn the nuances involved.

STPM Form 6 – Terminology and Concepts: Chemical Equilibrium – Part 1

1) Reversible Reaction

• Chemical reaction is in both directions.
• Forward reaction: from left to right.
• Reverse reaction: from right to left.
• React in a closed container.
• Reversible reaction is never complete (a mixture of reactants and products).
• An intermediate position (equilibrium) is reached.

2. Dynamic Equilibrium

• Reversible reaction is at a position of dynamic equilibrium.
  - the rate of the forward reaction = rate of the reverse reaction.
  - no change is observed (concentrations of the reactants and the products remain unchanged.)
  - all the external conditions remain unchanged (closed container).

3. The Equilibrium Law and the Equilibrium Constant

• Equilibrium expression / equilibrium equation,
• Kc = [product]^x / [reactant]^y
• Forward reaction:
• aA + bB <—-> cC + dD
  Equilibrium expression / equilibrium equation,
  K_c = [C]^c[D]^d / [A]^a[B]^b
  where
  [A] = concentration of A
  [B] = concentration of B
  [C] = concentration of C
  [D] = concentration of D
  K_c = equilibrium constant for the reaction (in terms of concentration of the reactant) and the units depend on the chemical equation.

• Reverse reaction:
  cC + dD <—-> aA + bB
  Equilibrium expression / equilibrium equation
  The equilibrium constant, K_c‘ = [A]^a[B]^b / [C]^c[D]^d

• This relationship is equilibrium law / equilibrium expression where:
  Equilibrium constant of the reverse reaction is the reciprocal of the equilibrium constant of the forward reaction, K_c‘ = 1 / K_c

• Equilibrium constant is constant at a particular temperature.
  - Exothermic reaction (forward reaction), the value of the equilibrium constant decreases as temperature increases.
  - Endothermic reaction (forward reaction), the value of the equilibrium constant increases as temperature increases.

• Reaction quotients, Q (predicting the direction of reaction)
  Q = K_c, no net reaction will take place (the system is at equilibrium).
  Q < K_c, a net forward reaction to the right occurs.
  (If the value K_c (equilibrium constant) is very large, the equilibrium position lies very much to the right and the yield of the products are higher than the reactants.
  Q > K_c, a net reverse reaction to the left occurs.
  (If the value K_c (equilibrium constant) is very small, the equilibrium position lies more to the left and the the yield of the products are lower than the reactants.

So stay log on to Berry Berry Easy for part 2 of this Chemical Equilibrium chapter. It’ll cover the basic of what you need to know to master this chapter.

Posted in: Berry Reference (Notes) | No Comments »

Malaysia Public University (IPTA) Application 2010

March 22, 2010

Attention: The deadline for the application of public varsities slots is approaching.  It’s just a week away. So for those who prefer to do things last minute, Berry Berry Easy would like to remind you all to submit your application before 30th of March 2010.

Malaysia Public University (IPTA) Application 2010

The Higher Education Department of Malaysia has already received ~ 197,800 applications from SPM/STAM/STPM-leavers for places in public universities. The estimated breakdown of numbers based on the categories are:

• Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) : 39,000
• Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) : 3,800
• Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) : 155,000
• Total : 197,800 (as of 21st March 2010) (Source: The Star newspaper)

This meant that there are around 13,348 STPM leavers yet to apply for the university courses, or one-quarter of all STPM 2009 students. (For those who are applying for private universities, please also do some budgeting first to see if you have enough to cover your tuition and living expenses for your entire study duration. Else, do remember to apply through the UPU)

For those who have no idea on how to submit your applications or would like more information, please visit the “Jom Masuk U” carnivals held all around Malaysia. The next stop in the nationwide tour will be in Ipoh’s Indra Mulia Stadium on 27-28 March 2010.

Please drop BerryBerryEasy comments if you would like a guide on the average cut-off point (CGPA) for public university intake. As most students have already sent in their application forms, so we are not too sure if a guide on the estimated cut-off is necessary at this last minute. However, we’ll be posting guides on the average cut-off point (CGPA) for public university intake if we get enough requests. So do drop us a line.

Posted in: Berry Announcement | 1 Comment »

SPM Chemistry Form 5 Notes – Terminology and Concepts: Carbon Compounds (Part 1)

March 19, 2010

Carbon compounds should not be confused with carbon itself. It simply means compound that contains carbon. Berry Readers can try to guess how many known carbon compounds there are in the world now. (Answers will be provided at the end of the post). With carbon being the 15th most easily found element on Earth’s crust, it is no wonder that carbon compounds are prevalent in everyday life. One example of carbon compounds include the CO₂ that you breathe out while reading this BerryBerryEasy notes. It also include methane (CH₄) which can be used to power vehicles in the future. See the trend? As long as it has a C (carbon) component in it, it is a carbon compound.

Students need to understand the definitions presented in this chapter of carbon compounds. Another important thing is to memorise the general formula for the homologous series, as with it, you can derive the chemical formula of most carbon compound covered in the syllabus using the name alone. So take note on it. Lastly, try to understand the ‘fractional distillation’ portion of hydrocarbon source. A very famous topic for exams.

SPM Chemistry Form 5 – Terminology and Concepts: Carbon Compounds

1. Organic compounds – carbon containing compounds with covalent bonds.
2. Inorganic compounds – non-living things and usually do not contain carbon but few carbon containing inorganic compounds such as CO₂, CaCO₃ and KCN.
3. Hydrocarbons – organic compounds that contain hydrogen and carbon atom only.
4. Non-hydrocarbons – organic compounds that contain other elements (oxygen, nitrogen, iodine, phosphorus)
5. Saturated hydrocarbons – only single bonded (Carbon-Carbon) hydrocarbons.
6. Unsaturated hydrocarbons – at least one double / triple bonded (Carbon-Carbon) hydrocarbons.
7. Complete combustion – organic compounds burn completely which form CO₂ and H₂O.
   Example: C₂H₅OH (l) + O₂ (g) –> 2CO₂ (g) + 3H₂O (l)
8. Incomplete combustion – organic compounds burn with limited supply of O₂ which form C (soot), CO, CO₂ and H₂O.

Homologous Series

Homologous series – organic compounds with similar formulae and properties. It have the physical properties that change gradually as the number of carbon atoms in a molecule increases.

Sources of Hydrocarbon:

1.         Coal – from the lush vegetation that grew in warm shallow coastal swamps or dead plants slowly become rock. Mainly contains of hydrocarbon and some sulphur and nitrogen. It is used to produce: fertiliser, nylon, explosives and plastics.

2.         Natural gas – from plants and animals and trapped between the layers of impervious rocks (on top of petroleum). Mainly contains of methane gas and other gas such as propane and butane. It is used for: cooking, vehicle and generate electrical power.

3.         Petroleum – from plants and animals and trapped between the layers of impervious rocks. It is a complex mixture of alkanes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons and sulphur compound. These compounds can be separated by using fractional distillation.

• < 35°C – petroleum gas
• 35°C – 75°C – Petrol (gasoline)
• 75°C – 170°C – Naphtha
• 170°C – 230°C – Kerosene
• 230°C – 250°C – Diesel
• 250°C – 300°C – Lubricating oil
• 300°C – 350°C – Fuel oil
• > 350°C – Bitumen

Berry Quiz: How many known carbon compounds there are in the world now? – Estimated to be around 10 million carbon compounds known. However, theoretically the number could be way larger. (Source: Wikipedia)

So stay tune for more Berry Goodness regarding carbon compounds.

Posted in: Berry Reference (Notes) | 2 Comments »

Berry Berry Important Examinations Date – Year 2010

March 16, 2010

Berry Readers are eager bunch of exam-takers. Before even the dust on SPM/STPM 2009 results has settled down, the Berry Team has started to receive questions regarding the dates for 2010 examinations. Some even asked when the results will be published in 2011. We cannot answer the second question yet, but we’ll list out important dates for the first questions. So take out your calendar and mark these important dates. Better still bookmark these important examination dates or print out this page.

Berry Berry Easy Examinations Dates 2010 – Local Public, Overseas and Professional Board Examinations

Berry Berry Easy (Takwim Peperiksaan Tahun) 2010 – Malaysian Public School Examinations

1) Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2010

• 22 – 23 June 2010 (Ulangan / Repeat)
• 19-21 October 2010 (AMALI)
• 22 November – 16 December 2010 (SPM)

2) Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR)

• 21-23 September 2010

3) Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR)

• 5-7 October 2010 and 11-12 October 2010

4) Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM)

• 12-13 July 2010 (Lisan / Oral)
• 18-20 October 2010 and 26-27 October 2010 (STAM)

Berry Berry Easy (Takwim Peperiksaan Luar Negeri dan Profesional) 2010

1) Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)

• 15 March 2010 (Theory)
• April 2010 (Practical & Diploma)
• June – August 2010 (Practical & Diploma)
• 6 September 2010 (Theory)

2) University of London (UoL)

• 10 May – 11 June 2010 (Diploma in Law, LLB, BA, BSc, MBa, MSc)
• 17 – 21 May 2010 (PG Diploma)
• 4 August – 6 September 2010 (LLM)
• 28 September – 23 October 2010 (LLM, MSc, PG Diploma)
• 26 – 29 October 2010 (Ulangan Diploma in Law, LLB)

3) City & Guilds (C&G)

• 17 – 21 May 2010
• 1 – 18 June 2010
• 1 – 5 November 2010
• 1 – 15 December 2010

4) The Association of International Accountants (AIA)

• 24 – 27 May 2010
• 22 – 25 November 2010

5) The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA)

• 1 – 4 June 2010
• 30 November – 3 December 2010

6) The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

• 7 – 16 June 2010
• 6 – 15 December 2010

7) The Association of Business Executives (ABE)

• 7 – 11 June 2010
• 29 November – 3 December 2010

8 ) The International Society of Business Administrators (ISBA)

• 7 – 11 June 2010
• 29 November – 3 December 2010

So to all readers, especially those PMR/SPM students, please be a kind soul and spread the word out to your friends and maybe even seniors who might be taking those professional board exams or overseas university exams.  If you have little siblings who are taking their UPSR in 2010, do tell them too.

[Disclaimer: Dates published are based on sources that BerryBerryEasy obtained and will not be held responsible if the dates were to be changed by the examinations organiser.]

Posted in: Berry Announcement | 1 Comment »

Berry Role Model No.2 – Budding Scientist/A-Level Student – Yvonne Choo

March 13, 2010

Welcome to Part 2 of the Berry Role Model Series. Today, we have with us a very interesting personality, Miss Yvonne Choo from INTI University College Nilai who is multi-talented. Finding a talent like her is difficult, but describing her is even more difficult. Why? Because Berry Berry Easy could not decide on how to introduce her to our Berry Readers, since her interests and skills transcend many boundaries. You can call her a budding scientist, a hardcore ballerina, a keen pianist (she can play the guitar too) and a full-time samaritan. Now, you see why it is so hard to describe her.

She is also the author behind the wonderful compilation of notes and tips found in Yvonne’s Study Guide (as linked on Berry Links) aka Short Square’s Study Guide. Mind you, all her notes are original and created painstakingly by herself. In an interesting twist, her study materials do not only come in notes form, they also come in songs and videos.

Since Berry Berry Easy finds it hard to justify her talents with words, we think it is best if we let Yvonne answer questions about herself. So without further delay, we bring you:

Role Model #2 – Budding Scientist/Cambridge A-Level (Science) Student – Yvonne Choo

Yvonne Choo

1) Who are you?

> I’m Yvonne Choo Shuen Lann, a chinese born Malaysian with a hope to change the world with science. I’m currently pursuing Cambridge A-level at INTI University College Nilai. Proud to say, I’m a former student of SMK Cyberjaya.

2) So what do you do daily as an A-level student? (A typical day routine)

> Basically, I’ll have to wake up early in the morning as the morning class starts at 8. There will be classes from 8 till 12 noon, then comes the 2 hours lunch break before the other half of the day begins from 2 o’clock in the afternoon till 6 in the evening. I’m taking four subjects, that explains why my timetable is always packed. But come to think of it, I feel pretty much content I have 2 hours lab sessions each for the three science subjects that I’m taking mainly Chemistry, Biology and Physics and an hour tutorial session every Friday.

When I return home in the evening, I’ll look through the homework (it’s called tutorial, reports or assignments) before doing them. This way, I’ll be able to make sure everything is well planned. In the evening, if there’s still time, I’ll look through the the topics that was taught by my lecturers and even prepare some topics in advance. This practically sums up my typical day routine as an A-level student.

3) What do you aspire to be in the future?

> I wanted to become a scientist with chemistry as my major and biotechnology as my minor. I also wanted to become a part time author – writing reference books, novels and also journals.

4) Why do you want to be a scientist in the future? Who/What was/is your inspiration?

> Why scientist? It’s a long story… I was not a science enthusiast in my primary school. I dislike science. After all it’s just a subject, I told myself. When the teacher called me to fill up the ambition column, I wrote: scientist, doctor and novelist. Weird ain’t it? But that kept me wondering for a while too. When I was caught scribling in books during science class (I was in standard 4), my science teacher challenged me. ‘What do you want to score in science?’ She asked. I told her ‘an A’. She smiled as that was like the most impossible thing in the world. I scored badly in science when I was young. I think that’s where I began to be more focused in science.

When I stepped into standard 5, I began to think more on science. At that time, the case that was often mentioned was deforestation which will cause catastrophe to the world. That is where I started to think ‘I could change the world’. I dreamed of an invention that till now is still in my diary (hopefully one day, that’ll be my very first invention as a scientist). I showed interest in science when I was in secondary school. My teachers spotted that interest in me and gave me test tubes, conical flask and also beaker as a reward when I got high marks and won in some science competition. My parents bought me a toy microscope and telescope (don’t think it’s a toy and it won’t work) and that had basically filled up my free time. When I was in form 3, I thought I was in loved with biology in particular. But not until I met her, Pn Azura Ishak that I changed my mind. I started dreaming Chemistry all day long when I stepped into From 4. (To tell the truth, every teacher in SMK Cyberjaya inspired me in a way that I could not stop thanking them. Without them, I would not be who I am right now.) Then comes Marie Curie and many other scientist that gave me the idea to be strong and persistent. That is why till now no matter how impossible come to think of it, I will not give up and I think I’ll be able to be a successful scientist in the near future

5) On a personal note, tell us more about your passion for ballet.

> I started learning baby ballet at the age of 3 years old. My parents were the one that brought me there, patiently nurturing me in a way that I started to like ballet. I became greatly in love with ballet when my parents brought me all the way to Macau to watch two ballet by the National Ballet of China. They even bought VIP tickets for me so I could watch in a better view. That was really a memorable event I’d been through. My ballet teacher was there with me so I could enter the theater even the troupe were practicing. The way those ballet dancers dance inspired me to work harder and take ballet more seriously. ‘I am in love with ballet’ I told myself since then.

6) You seemed to have the hunger to help others. So tell us more about your motivation in wanting to produce a blog with study guide to help students.

> I like it when I can help others in the range that I’m capable of. I started making notes for myself since I was in form 4. The notes I made was hand-written on pieces of junk papers I obtained from various sources. Recycling in a way When my grand father saw my notes scattered all over, he volunteered to help me bind them together. I made 3 books for chemistry, 1 for biology, 1 for physics and some leaflets within the two years. One day, when I was preparing for my exams, I found out that the notes I did was more comprehensive than reference books because not many reference books that has everything inside. Some of them focused more on certain topics and neglected the others, some has nothing mentioned about some topics. That’s a disadvantage. ‘Which reference books should students choose then if they want every topic to be explained, should they just buy everything in the market?’ I thought. That’s where I thought of compiling notes from various sources into one. That’s where my notes comes in. ‘If I compile all my notes, everything will be in there and I will not need to spend more to buy every reference books.’

So I began to re-type my notes in the holidays while I revised. And little by little each day, I finally managed to compile some notes in my computer. Since some of my friends did ask me for my notes, I decided to post it online so everyone in need can download and print them for reference. That’s how it all started. The tips for certain subjects was added on due to the demand by readers. Overall, I think it’s a good start for my own book in the future

7) What satisfaction do you gain from producing those study guide?

> It’s not the monetary reward or anything like that that I’d been looking for. It’s the unexplainable satisfaction that comes within when readers and subscribers of my blog tells me that the notes and tips helped them, they improved. That is more than enough. That feeling of being able to contribute, being apprecited and being part of the helping-others family are more than anything in the world. I’ll be even happier when the notes and tips I provided in my blog helped them to score well in SPM!

8 ) Now that you are on track to pursue your dreams, can you give some Words of advice for our readers who wish to chase their dreams.

> I’d always believe in the saying ‘when there’s a will, there’s a way.’ That’s the saying that kept me going for years. When you aim or dream of something for your future, go straight and don’t be easily brought away by other factors. It will be hard at first but when it really comes true, I bet it’s worth sacrificed. Always follow your heart and also your wisdom as nothing is impossible if you believe.

-End-

The following work are a subset her passion/work thus far:

1. The Electrochemical Series song by Yvonne Choo
2. Collection of SPM Science Stream and Mathematics notes available at Yvonne’s Study Guide.
3. Game book “Survival Chemistry for Us All” – Form 5 Chapter 3 – Oxidation and Reduction (Check out the cute drawings)
4. Original short stories dating back to June 2008 can be found at http://balletrocks92.blogspot.com/
5. Last but not least, her talent and love for ballet.

Check out the photos of Yvonne the Ballerina in the gallery below.

So there you go, Ms Yvonne Choo, the person whom was described by many as “someone that likes to contribute”. We think that is an understatement for this bundle of helpful energy. Just click on the links and visit her sites, then you’ll know why. Do drop us a line too if you find her inspiring.

Posted in: Berry Role Model | 13 Comments »