Paper 1 Preparation » Paper 1 Practice Questions

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How to approach Paper 1 practice questions effectively
Techniques for answering different question types (1-7 mark questions)
Command word interpretation for Geography questions
Case study application strategies
Time management tips for the exam

Mastering Cambridge iGCSE Geography Paper 1

Paper 1 tests your knowledge of geographical themes and skills. It's worth 75 marks (45% of your total grade) and lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. Understanding how to tackle different question types will significantly boost your confidence and performance.

Key Definitions:

Command words: Specific instruction words that tell you how to answer a question (describe, explain, suggest, etc.)
Case study: A real-world example of a geographical concept or process
Physical geography: The study of natural features and processes
Human geography: The study of how people interact with their environment

📝 Paper 1 Structure

Paper 1 covers three themes:

Theme 1: Population and Settlement
Theme 2: The Natural Environment
Theme 3: Economic Development

You'll answer all questions from all three themes.

📊 Mark Distribution

Questions range from 1 to 7 marks:

1-2 marks: Simple recall or description
3-4 marks: Explanation or analysis
5-7 marks: Evaluation, case study application, extended writing

Higher mark questions require more detailed responses!

Understanding Command Words

Command words are crucial signposts that tell you exactly what the examiner wants. Misinterpreting them is a common reason for losing marks.

🔍 Describe

Say what you can see or identify patterns.

Example: "Describe the distribution of population shown in Fig. 1."

Approach: Use data, identify patterns, use geographical terminology.

💡 Explain

Give reasons why something happens.

Example: "Explain why coastal erosion occurs."

Approach: Use cause and effect, link processes together, use theory.

⚖ Evaluate/Assess

Consider different viewpoints and make judgements.

Example: "Evaluate the impacts of tourism on an LEDC."

Approach: Discuss positives AND negatives, reach a conclusion.

💭 Suggest

Propose ideas or solutions.

Example: "Suggest reasons for migration patterns shown."

Approach: Apply geographical knowledge to new situations.

🔬 Compare

Identify similarities and differences.

Example: "Compare the climate of regions X and Y."

Approach: Discuss both similarities AND differences.

📄 Define

Give the meaning of a term.

Example: "Define the term 'urbanisation'."

Approach: Clear, concise definition using geographical terminology.

Tackling Different Question Types

1-2 Mark Questions

These test basic knowledge and understanding. They're quick to answer but don't rush them!

Example Question (1 mark)

"Name one push factor that might cause people to migrate from rural to urban areas."

Good answer: "Lack of employment opportunities in rural areas."

Why it works: Clear, specific factor that would push people to leave.

Tips for 1-2 mark questions:

Be specific and concise
One developed point per mark
Use geographical terminology
Don't over-complicate your answer

3-4 Mark Questions

These require explanation and analysis. You need to show understanding of processes or relationships.

Example Question (3 marks)

"Explain why coastal management is necessary in many areas."

Good answer: "Coastal management is necessary because erosion threatens property and infrastructure (1 mark). Rising sea levels due to climate change increase flood risks in low-lying coastal areas (1 mark). Additionally, many coastal areas have economic value through tourism and ports that need protection (1 mark)."

Why it works: Three clear, separate points that directly answer the question.

Tips for 3-4 mark questions:

Make one developed point per mark
Use connectives like "because", "this means that", "as a result"
Link causes to effects
Use examples where relevant (but briefly)

5-7 Mark Questions

These are extended writing questions that often require case study knowledge and evaluation skills.

Example Question (7 marks)

"For a named example of a volcano, describe the impacts of a volcanic eruption and explain how people have responded to these impacts."

Structure for a good answer:

Name a specific volcano (e.g., Mount Merapi, Indonesia)
Describe 2-3 impacts (primary and secondary)
Explain 2-3 responses (immediate and long-term)
Include specific facts, figures and dates
Link responses directly to impacts

Tips for 5-7 mark questions:

Plan your answer briefly before writing
Include specific case study details (names, dates, figures)
Structure your answer with paragraphs
Cover all parts of the question
For evaluation questions, consider different perspectives
Aim for at least 5-6 developed points

Case Study Application

Many higher-mark questions require you to apply case study knowledge. Having detailed examples ready is essential.

🌎 Key Case Studies to Prepare

Theme 1: Population and Settlement

A country with rapid population growth (e.g., Nigeria)
A country with an ageing population (e.g., Japan)
A major migration example (e.g., Mexico to USA)
A squatter settlement/slum (e.g., Dharavi, Mumbai)
Urban planning example (e.g., Curitiba, Brazil)

Theme 2: Natural Environment

A tropical rainforest (e.g., Amazon)
A hot desert (e.g., Sahara)
A river basin (e.g., River Thames)
A coastal area (e.g., Dorset coast, UK)
A volcanic/earthquake event (e.g., Nepal earthquake 2015)

Theme 3: Economic Development

A transnational corporation (e.g., Nike)
A tourism example (e.g., Kenya safari tourism)
An energy development (e.g., Three Gorges Dam)
A farming system (e.g., commercial farming in East Anglia)

📋 Case Study Formula

For each case study, remember the SEEP approach:

Specific location details (where exactly?)
Evidence and examples (facts, figures, dates)
Explanation (why this happened/happens)
Perspectives (different viewpoints, impacts)

Example for a volcano case study:

"Mount Merapi erupted in October 2010 on the island of Java, Indonesia. The eruption killed 353 people and displaced 400,000 residents. Pyroclastic flows reached 15km from the crater, destroying homes and infrastructure. The Indonesian government responded by evacuating people within a 20km radius and providing temporary shelters. Long-term responses included hazard mapping and an improved early warning system using seismometers. However, some farmers returned to the fertile slopes despite the risks because the volcanic soil provides excellent growing conditions for their crops."

Exam Technique and Time Management

With 75 marks in 105 minutes, you have approximately 1.4 minutes per mark. Plan your time accordingly!

⏰ Before Writing

Read the whole paper first
Highlight command words
Note mark allocations
Plan answers for 5+ mark questions

📝 During Writing

Answer in order (usually easiest to hardest)
Write clearly and concisely
Use geographical terminology
Match points to marks available

✅ After Writing

Check all questions are answered
Review case study details
Check spelling of geographical terms
Ensure diagrams are labelled

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Misreading the command word - e.g., describing when asked to explain
Vague case studies - lacking specific details, locations, or figures
One-sided answers - not considering multiple perspectives for evaluation questions
Running out of time - spending too long on early questions
Irrelevant content - writing everything you know rather than answering the specific question

Practice Makes Perfect

Regular practice with past papers is the best way to improve your exam technique. After completing this guide, try answering some practice questions using the strategies you've learned.

Remember: Geography is about understanding real-world processes and patterns. Always think about how geographical concepts connect to actual places and people's lives. This will help you write more insightful, relevant answers that demonstrate true geographical understanding.

Good luck with your Paper 1 preparation!

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!