Paper 2 Preparation » Resource Management Questions

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How to identify and interpret resource management questions in Paper 2
Techniques for analyzing resource-based materials (maps, graphs, photos)
Understanding command words in resource management questions
Case studies of food, water and energy management
Strategies for answering different types of resource questions
Common pitfalls to avoid in Paper 2 resource questions

Introduction to Resource Management Questions

Paper 2 of the Cambridge iGCSE Geography exam focuses on your ability to interpret and analyze various resources related to geographical issues. Resource management questions test your understanding of how humans use and manage natural resources like food, water and energy.

Key Definitions:

Resource Management: The process of planning, allocating and controlling how natural resources are used to meet human needs while minimizing environmental impact.
Renewable Resources: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time (e.g., solar energy, forests).
Non-renewable Resources: Natural resources that cannot be readily replaced once used (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals).
Sustainability: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

📝 Paper 2 Format

Paper 2 typically includes:

Multiple resources (maps, photographs, graphs, tables)
Questions requiring short answers and longer responses
Focus on resource interpretation and analysis
Questions on resource management, including food, water and energy

🔬 Exam Technique

When approaching resource questions:

Carefully study all resources before answering
Pay attention to titles, keys, scales and units
Look for patterns, trends and anomalies
Link your answers to geographical concepts
Use evidence from the resources to support your answers

Understanding Command Words

Command words tell you what type of answer is required. Recognizing these is crucial for answering resource management questions correctly.

🔍 Describe

Say what you can see, identify patterns or trends. Don't explain why.

Example: "Describe the trend in water consumption shown in Figure 1."

💡 Explain

Give reasons for what you can see or for a geographical process.

Example: "Explain why energy consumption varies between countries shown in the table."

⚖ Compare

Look for similarities and differences between two or more things.

Example: "Compare food security in countries A and B using Figure 2."

📈 Calculate

Work out a numerical answer using the data provided.

Example: "Calculate the percentage increase in energy production between 2000 and 2020."

🧠 Suggest

Put forward ideas or reasons - there may be multiple valid answers.

Example: "Suggest reasons why water management is important in this region."

✅ Evaluate

Consider different viewpoints and reach a conclusion with a judgment.

Example: "Evaluate the sustainability of the energy sources shown in Figure 3."

Food Resource Management

Food resource questions often focus on food security, agricultural systems and the challenges of feeding growing populations.

Key Concepts in Food Management

When answering food resource questions, be prepared to discuss:

Food security: The state of having reliable access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food
Farming types: Commercial vs subsistence, intensive vs extensive
Agricultural improvements: Green Revolution, GM crops, irrigation techniques
Challenges: Climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity

Case Study Focus: Food Security in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has faced recurring food security challenges due to drought, population growth and political instability. The country has implemented various strategies to improve food security:

Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) - providing food and cash transfers
Agricultural Growth Programme - improving farming techniques
Investment in irrigation systems to reduce dependence on rainfall
Development of drought-resistant crop varieties

These measures have helped reduce food insecurity, though challenges remain.

Water Resource Management

Water resource questions examine how water is used, managed and conserved across different regions and sectors.

Analyzing Water Resources

When interpreting water resource data and questions, focus on:

Water stress and scarcity: Areas where demand exceeds supply
Water quality: Pollution sources and impacts
Water management strategies: Dams, reservoirs, water transfer schemes
Water conservation: Reducing waste and improving efficiency
Conflicts: Competition between different users (agriculture, industry, domestic)

Case Study Focus: The Lesotho Highlands Water Project

This major water management scheme transfers water from the mountains of Lesotho to the industrial region around Johannesburg, South Africa.

Benefits:

Provides water to South Africa's industrial heartland
Generates hydroelectric power for Lesotho
Creates jobs and income for Lesotho

Challenges:

Displacement of local communities
Environmental impacts on river ecosystems
Questions about fair distribution of benefits

Energy Resource Management

Energy resource questions explore the production, consumption and sustainability of different energy sources.

⚡ Non-renewable Energy

When analyzing questions about fossil fuels:

Consider environmental impacts (carbon emissions, pollution)
Examine economic factors (cost, accessibility)
Discuss finite nature and future availability
Look at global distribution and energy security

🌞 Renewable Energy

For renewable energy resources:

Identify advantages (sustainability, low emissions)
Consider limitations (intermittency, initial costs)
Analyze geographical factors affecting suitability
Discuss technological developments improving viability

Case Study Focus: Germany's Energiewende (Energy Transition)

Germany's ambitious plan to transition from fossil fuels and nuclear power to renewable energy sources:

Goal to generate 80% of electricity from renewables by 2050
Massive investment in wind and solar power
Phasing out nuclear power following the 2011 Fukushima disaster
Feed-in tariffs to encourage renewable energy development

The transition has increased renewable energy production significantly but has faced challenges including high electricity prices, grid stability issues and continued reliance on coal during the transition period.

Exam Strategies for Resource Management Questions

Tackling Different Question Types

📊 Data Interpretation

Strategy:

Identify the overall trend first
Note specific figures to support your answer
Look for anomalies or exceptions
Consider the time period or scale

🗺 Map Analysis

Strategy:

Check the scale and key carefully
Look for patterns of distribution
Consider physical and human factors
Use compass directions and place names

📷 Photo Interpretation

Strategy:

Describe what you can see clearly
Look for evidence of resource management
Consider the wider geographical context
Link to relevant geographical concepts

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Not reading the question carefully - Make sure you understand what's being asked before answering
Ignoring the command word - Your answer structure should match what's required (describe, explain, evaluate)
Not using the resource - Always refer to the resource provided in your answer
Vague answers - Use specific data, examples and geographical terminology
Poor time management - Allocate time based on the marks available for each question

Final Tips for Success

Practice interpreting different types of resources (maps, graphs, photos, tables)
Learn key case studies for food, water and energy management
Develop your geographical vocabulary related to resource management
When revising, create your own questions based on resources you find
In the exam, take time to study all resources carefully before answering
Remember to make links between different aspects of resource management where relevant

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!