Chunking & Thematic Study 

Break It Down with Chunking

Chunking is the strategy of breaking large, complex topics into smaller, manageable parts. Instead of revising all of Organic Chemistry in one go, break it into chunks like:

• Functional groups

• Reaction types

• Mechanisms

• Nomenclature

• Spectroscopy

This approach reduces overload and makes revision more structured. After studying each chunk, test your understanding using active recall — and then link the chunks back together to see the bigger picture. It’s a smart way to master detail without getting overwhelmed.

Example: 

Energetics/Thermochemistry:

Energetics Chunks:

1. Enthalpy change definitions – formation, combustion, neutralisation
   
   

2. Hess’s Law – applying enthalpy cycles
   
   

3. Bond Enthalpies – calculating ∆H using average bond energies
   
   

4. Exothermic vs Endothermic – interpreting energy profiles
   
   

5. Calorimetry – using q = mc∆T in calculations
   
   

✅ How to use: After mastering each chunk, combine into past paper Qs that ask for analysis + calculation (e.g. determine ∆H from data + evaluate method).