How to read a chemistry word problem like a tutor

When a student gets stuck on a chemistry problem, nine times out of ten the chemistry is fine. What's missing is a reading routine. Stoichiometry, equilibrium, gas laws, they all reward the same first move.

Underline what's given, circle what's asked

Before you calculate anything, go through the sentence and physically mark every number and unit (that's what's given) and the thing you need (that's what's asked). It sounds almost too basic. It's also the single biggest accuracy jump I see, because it stops you solving for the wrong thing.

Then write the plan, not the numbers

Write the route before you write digits. For a stoichiometry question that's usually grams, then moles, then the mole ratio, then moles, then grams. For equilibrium it's write the expression, fill the ICE table, solve. Naming the path turns a scary paragraph into four small steps you already know.

Units are a free error check

Carry units through every line. If you're solving for a mass and the units come out as mol/L, you took a wrong turn, and you caught it before the final answer. That's marks saved for the price of a little bookkeeping.

Chemistry rewards the patient reader. Slow down for ten seconds at the start and the rest of the question gets easier.

Try it on your next problem set. Mark the givens, name the route, track the units. It feels slow for about a week, and then it's just how you read.