Complete Guide to Table of Specification (ToS) for Grade 11
Chemistry
This document provides a complete guide on how to prepare an exam using a Table of
Specification (ToS) with examples for Grade 11 Chemistry. It includes explanations, sample
formats, and question types.
1. Identify Key Topics
List the major topics covered in the Grade 11 Chemistry syllabus. For example:
- Atomic Structure
- Periodic Table and Periodicity
- Chemical Bonding
- Stoichiometry
- Acids and Bases
- Organic Chemistry
2. Define Cognitive Levels (Based on Bloom's Taxonomy)
Define the different levels of learning you want to assess:
- Knowledge (K): Recall of facts and definitions
- Comprehension (C): Understanding concepts
- Application (A): Applying knowledge
- Analysis (An): Analyzing and comparing
- Synthesis (S): Creating new understanding
- Evaluation (E): Making judgments
3. Create a Table of Specification
Example format:
Topic K C A An Total Marks
Atomic 5 3 2 0 10
Structure
Periodic 3 4 2 1 10
Table
Chemical 4 3 3 0 10
Bonding
Stoichiometr 2 3 3 2 10
y
Acids and 4 3 2 1 10
Bases
Organic 3 2 3 2 10
Chemistry
This helps balance the content and cognitive levels.
4. Include Question Types
You can also include question types such as:
- Multiple Choice (MCQ)
- True/False (T/F)
- Matching
- Fill-in-the-Blank
- Short Answer
Expanded Table of Specification with Question Types:
Topic Cognitiv MCQ True/ Matchin Blank Short Total Total
e Level False g Answer Items Marks
Atomic Knowle 2 1 1 0 1 5 10
Structur dge
e
Atomic Compre 1 1 0 1 1 4 8
Structur hension
e
Atomic Applica 1 0 0 1 1 3 6
Structur tion
e
Periodic Knowle 1 1 1 0 1 4 8
Table dge
Chemic Applica 1 0 0 1 2 4 8
al tion
Bonding
Stoichio Applica 1 0 0 1 2 4 10
metry tion
Acids Compre 1 1 0 1 1 4 8
and hension
Bases
Organic Applica 1 0 0 1 2 4 10
Chemist tion
ry
5. Sample Questions by Type
Here are sample questions based on the table above:
**Multiple Choice (MCQ)**:
Which subatomic particle has a negative charge?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Nucleus
**True/False**:
The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom. (True/False)
**Matching**:
Match the particle with its charge:
A. Proton — ___
B. Electron — ___
C. Neutron — ___
1. Positive
2. Neutral
3. Negative
**Fill-in-the-Blank**:
The number of neutrons in an atom is calculated by subtracting the ___ from the mass number.
**Short Answer**:
Explain why isotopes of an element have different mass numbers but the same chemical
properties.
To prepare an exam using a Table of Specification (ToS), you need to organize the content and
determine the weight of different topics and question types that reflect the level of
understanding you expect from the students.
Here is a step-by-step guide for preparing questions for a Grade 11 Chemistry exam using a
Table of Specification:
Step 1: Identify Key Topics
Start by listing the topics covered in the Grade 11 Chemistry syllabus. For example:
Atomic Structure
Periodic Table and Periodicity
Chemical Bonding
Stoichiometry
Acids and Bases
Organic Chemistry
Step 2: Define Cognitive Levels
Next, decide on the cognitive levels based on Bloom's Taxonomy (Remember, Understand,
Apply, Analyze, Evaluate). For example:
Knowledge (K): Recall of facts and definitions
Comprehension (C): Understanding concepts or interpreting information
Application (A): Applying knowledge to solve problems or scenarios
Analysis (An): Breaking down information into parts, identifying relationships
Synthesis (S): Combining different concepts to form a new whole
Evaluation (E): Judging or critiquing based on criteria
Step 3: Create a Table of Specification (ToS)
The ToS is typically a grid that shows the relationship between the topics and cognitive levels.
Here’s a simplified example:
Step 4: Develop Questions Based on the ToS
Now that you have your ToS, develop questions according to the cognitive levels and the topics.
1. Atomic Structure
Knowledge (K): "Define the term 'isotope' and provide an example."
Comprehension (C): "Explain the relationship between electron configuration and the position of
an element in the periodic table."
Application (A): "Calculate the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom of
carbon-14."
2. Periodic Table and Periodicity
Knowledge (K): "What is the atomic number of chlorine?"
Comprehension (C): "Describe how the ionization energy changes across a period in the periodic
table."
Application (A): "Predict the ionization energy trend for elements in Period 3."
Analysis (An): "Compare the electronegativity of fluorine and chlorine and explain the reason for
the difference."
3. Chemical Bonding
Knowledge (K): "Define ionic bond and covalent bond."
Comprehension (C): "Compare and contrast ionic and covalent bonds."
Application (A): "Draw the Lewis structure for methane (CH₄)."
4. Stoichiometry
Knowledge (K): "What is the molar mass of sodium chloride (NaCl)?"
Comprehension (C): "Explain the law of conservation of mass in relation to stoichiometry."
Application (A): "Calculate the number of moles of NaCl in 58.5 grams."
Analysis (An): "Given the balanced equation, determine the limiting reagent in a reaction."
5. Acids and Bases
Knowledge (K): "What is the pH of a neutral solution?"
Comprehension (C): "Describe the differences between strong and weak acids."
Application (A): "Calculate the pH of a 0.01 M HCl solution."
Analysis (An): "Analyze how the concentration of H⁺ ions changes when the pH is altered from 3
to 6."
6. Organic Chemistry
Knowledge (K): "What is the functional group in alcohols?"
Comprehension (C): "Explain the difference between alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes."
Application (A): "Draw the structural formula for ethene (C₂H₄)."
Analysis (An): "Predict the product when propene reacts with hydrogen bromide."
Step 5: Assign Marks and Finalize the Exam
Each question can have different mark values depending on its complexity. For example:
Simple Recall (K): 1-2 marks
Comprehension: 2-3 marks
Application/Analysis: 3-4 marks
Higher Order Questions (Synthesis/Evaluation): 4-5 marks
By using the Table of Specification, you ensure that your exam covers all the relevant topics and
cognitive skills, and you can balance question types appropriately.
