Paper 2 Preparation » Urban Geography Questions

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How to identify and answer urban geography questions in Paper 2
Key urban concepts and terminology needed for the exam
How to analyse urban settlement patterns and processes
Case study application techniques for urban questions
How to interpret urban data, maps and photographs

Introduction to Urban Geography in Paper 2

Urban geography is a key component of Paper 2 in the Cambridge iGCSE Geography exam. This paper tests your ability to understand urban settlements, their growth, challenges and management strategies. Questions often require you to apply your knowledge to unseen resources like maps, photographs, graphs and tables.

Key Definitions:

Urbanisation: The process where an increasing percentage of a country's population lives in urban areas.
Urban growth: The increase in the absolute size of urban populations.
Megacity: A city with a population of over 10 million people.
Central Business District (CBD): The commercial and business centre of a city.
Urban sprawl: The unplanned, uncontrolled spreading of urban development into areas adjoining the edge of a city.

🏠 Types of Urban Questions

Paper 2 typically includes these urban question types:

Data response questions about urban growth trends
Map and photo interpretation of urban areas
Case study application questions
Urban issues and management strategies evaluation
Comparison questions (e.g., comparing cities in HICs and LICs)

📝 Command Words to Watch For

Pay attention to these common command words:

Describe: Say what you can see or identify patterns
Explain: Give reasons why something happens
Compare: Look at similarities and differences
Evaluate: Consider different viewpoints and reach a conclusion
Suggest: Apply your knowledge to a new situation

Urban Settlement Patterns and Models

Understanding urban models is crucial for answering questions about city structure and land use patterns. Examiners often ask you to apply these models to real-world examples.

Urban Models You Need to Know

🌇 Burgess Model

A concentric zone model showing how cities grow outwards in rings from the CBD. Key zones include:

Zone 1: CBD
Zone 2: Transition zone
Zone 3: Working-class housing
Zone 4: Middle-class housing
Zone 5: Commuter zone

🌐 Hoyt Model

A sector model showing how cities develop in wedge-shaped sectors along transport routes. Key features:

CBD at the centre
Industrial sectors follow transport routes
High-class residential areas in attractive sectors
Low-class housing near industry

🌎 Multiple Nuclei Model

Shows cities growing around several nuclei or centres. Key features:

Multiple growth centres
Similar activities cluster together
Some activities repel each other
Better explains modern cities

Exam Tip: Applying Urban Models

When asked to apply a model to a real city, remember:

No city perfectly matches any model
Identify which elements of the city match the model
Explain why some areas don't match (physical barriers, historical factors, etc.)
Compare cities in HICs vs LICs (HICs often follow models more closely)

Urban Issues and Management Strategies

Paper 2 frequently asks about urban challenges and how they are being addressed. You need to know examples from both high-income countries (HICs) and low-income countries (LICs).

🌁 Urban Challenges in LICs

Housing shortages leading to informal settlements
Inadequate services (water, sanitation, electricity)
Traffic congestion and poor public transport
Pollution (air, water, land)
Unemployment and informal economy

🌌 Urban Challenges in HICs

Urban sprawl and greenfield development
Inner-city decline and regeneration needs
Ageing infrastructure requiring investment
Traffic congestion and air pollution
Housing affordability issues

Case Study Focus: Mumbai, India

Mumbai exemplifies rapid urbanisation challenges in an LIC:

Population: Over 20 million, making it a megacity
Informal settlements: Dharavi houses over 1 million people in 2.1 km²
Challenges: Overcrowding, poor sanitation, flooding risks, inadequate services
Management strategies:
- Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects
- Mumbai Urban Transport Project improving rail and road networks
- Community toilet blocks in informal settlements
- Self-help schemes and microfinance initiatives

Answering Data Response Questions

Paper 2 often includes resources like population pyramids, urban growth graphs, or city maps that you need to interpret and analyse.

Steps for Tackling Urban Data Questions

Study the resource carefully - note the title, axes labels, key/legend and scale
Identify patterns and trends - look for increases, decreases, or anomalies
Use data to support your answers - quote specific figures from graphs or maps
Link to geographical theory - connect what you see to urban concepts
Consider causes and effects - explain why patterns exist and their impacts

Case Study Focus: London, UK

London provides excellent examples of urban change in an HIC:

Docklands regeneration: Transformation of former port area into financial district (Canary Wharf)
Transport improvements: Crossrail/Elizabeth Line, cycle superhighways
Housing challenges: Affordability crisis, gentrification
Sustainable urban initiatives: Congestion charge, Ultra Low Emission Zone, green spaces
Social inequality: Contrast between wealthy areas (Kensington) and deprived areas (parts of East London)

Exam Technique for Urban Questions

💡 For 4-Mark Questions

These usually ask you to describe patterns or trends:

Make 4 separate points
Use data/evidence to support each point
Look for overall patterns and specific examples
Use geographical terminology

💭 For 6-Mark Questions

These often ask you to explain processes or reasons:

Make 3 developed points (point + explanation)
Link causes to effects
Use case study knowledge where relevant
Consider different factors (social, economic, environmental)

Tackling Extended Response Questions (7+ marks)

For higher-mark questions that ask you to evaluate or assess:

Plan your answer before writing
Structure with an introduction, main paragraphs and conclusion
Include case study details with specific facts and figures
Consider different perspectives (advantages/disadvantages, different stakeholders)
Make judgements based on evidence
Link back to the question throughout your answer

Final Revision Tips

To excel in urban geography questions:

Learn at least one detailed case study from an HIC and one from an LIC
Practice interpreting urban data, maps and photographs
Memorise key statistics for your case studies
Understand the processes behind urbanisation, not just the patterns
Be prepared to compare and contrast urban areas in different parts of the world
Review past paper questions to understand what examiners are looking for

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!