CIE A Level Chemistry Paper 5 PAE Guide (9701): Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
Q: What is CIE Chemistry Paper 5?
A: Paper 5 is the written Planning, Analysis and Evaluation paper for Cambridge International A Level Chemistry 9701. It tests AO3 practical reasoning through structured written questions.
TL;DR
Chemistry 9701 Paper 5 lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, carries 30 marks, and contributes 11.5% of A Level. It tests planning, analysis, and evaluation. Expect experiment design, variables, data processing, graph interpretation, uncertainty, and chemistry-specific improvements.
Concrete example: a stronger evaluation point
Weak: "There was heat loss." Stronger: "Heat is lost to the surroundings before the maximum temperature is recorded, so use an insulated cup with a lid." The second answer gives both the limitation and the fix.
1 Paper 5 at a glance
| Feature | CIE Chemistry 9701 Paper 5 |
| Paper name | Planning, Analysis and Evaluation |
| Duration | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Marks | 30 |
| A Level weighting | 11.5% |
| Format | Written paper |
The context may be outside the syllabus content. The marks still assess practical reasoning, not whether you have memorised a specific experiment.
2 Planning marks
Chemistry planning should include:
- Independent variable and sensible range
- Dependent variable and measurement method
- Controlled variables
- Reagent amounts and concentrations where relevant
- Apparatus choice
- Safety tied to actual chemicals
- Data treatment plan
For a rate experiment, specify how rate is measured. For a thermochemistry experiment, specify how temperature change is obtained.
3 Analysis marks
Analysis can involve graph gradients, mole calculations, percentage uncertainty, or interpreting a trend. Keep units visible and do not skip intermediate steps.
4 Evaluation marks
Chemistry evaluation should be experiment-specific:
- Heat loss lowers measured temperature change.
- Endpoint judgment can overshoot a titration.
- Gas escapes before the bung is fitted.
- A volatile product may evaporate before weighing.
Each limitation should have a linked improvement.
5 Related resources
References
- Cambridge International, AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 syllabus for 2025-2027.
