Foundation Level (Fail → Pass)

Basic prompts to develop core understanding.

1. Define a hydrocarbon.

2. What is the general formula of alkanes?

3. What is an alkene? Give one example.

4. What is an alkyne? Give one example.

5. Define saturation and unsaturation in hydrocarbons.

6. State the test for unsaturation.

7. Why do alkanes undergo substitution rather than addition reactions?

8. What catalyst is used for hydrogenation of alkenes?

9. What product is formed when ethene reacts with bromine water?

10. Give one example of an aromatic hydrocarbon.

 Intermediate Level (Pass → Credit)

Prompts requiring explanation, comparison, and reaction writing.

1. Compare the reactivity of alkanes and alkenes.

2. Write the balanced equation for the combustion of methane.

3. Explain Markovnikov’s rule using an example.

4. Draw the structural formula of propane.

5. Write the reaction for hydration of ethene.

6. Explain why alkenes undergo addition reactions.

7. Describe the structure of benzene and its delocalised electrons.

8. Compare addition and substitution reactions.

9. Write the reaction for the bromination of ethyne.

10. Explain why aromatic compounds resist addition reactions.

Advanced Level (Credit → Distinction)

Analytical, synthetic, and higher-order prompts.

1. Analyse why π-bonds in alkenes are more reactive than σ-bonds.

2. Predict the major product of HBr addition to propene using carbocation stability.

3. Explain electrophilic substitution in benzene with mechanism overview.

4. Compare the acidity of terminal alkynes with alkanes and alkenes.

5. Evaluate why benzene shows resonance stabilization.

6. Propose a synthesis pathway from ethyne to ethanamine.

7. Discuss regioselectivity in hydrohalogenation of unsymmetrical alkenes.

8. Compare combustion products and energies of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.

9. Explain why benzene’s hydrogenation enthalpy is lower than expected.

10. Analyse how branching affects boiling points in alkanes.