Paper 2 Preparation » Paper 2 Practice Questions

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How to approach Paper 2 questions effectively
Techniques for interpreting geographical resources
Strategies for answering different question types
Practice with sample questions across key themes
How to structure high-scoring responses

Introduction to Paper 2 Practice Questions

Paper 2 of the Cambridge iGCSE Geography exam tests your ability to interpret geographical information and apply your knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios. This paper focuses on skills rather than just content knowledge, making practice essential for success!

Key Definitions:

Resource-based questions: Questions that require you to interpret maps, graphs, photographs, or other data.
Command words: Specific instruction words that tell you how to approach a question (describe, explain, suggest, etc.).
Mark scheme: The criteria examiners use to award marks for each question.

📝 Paper 2 Format

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Marks: 60 marks (30% of qualification)

Structure: All questions are compulsory and based on resources provided in the exam.

Content: Covers all three themes from the syllabus (Population and Settlement, The Natural Environment, Economic Development).

💡 Exam Skills Needed

Data interpretation: Reading graphs, maps and tables

Analysis: Finding patterns and relationships

Application: Using geographical knowledge to explain what you see

Evaluation: Making judgements about geographical issues

Understanding Command Words

Command words tell you exactly what the examiner wants you to do. Getting these right is crucial for scoring full marks!

🔍 Describe (1-4 marks)

Say what you can see in the resource. Look for patterns, trends, or distributions.

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

Approach: Mention where high/low concentrations are, use data/figures, refer to specific locations.

💭 Explain (3-6 marks)

Give reasons for what you've described. Use your geographical knowledge.

Example: "Explain why coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels."

Approach: Use cause and effect, link to geographical processes, develop each point fully.

🤔 Suggest (4-8 marks)

Apply your knowledge to a new situation. There may be multiple valid answers.

Example: "Suggest reasons why tourism has increased in this area."

Approach: Use your knowledge, make reasonable suggestions, develop your points.

Interpreting Resources

Paper 2 will include various resources that you need to interpret. Here's how to approach different types:

Maps and Photographs

Maps and photographs provide visual information about locations and landscapes. They're common in Paper 2 and require careful interpretation.

🗺 Approaching Maps

Check the scale and key first
Look for patterns in distribution
Note physical features (rivers, relief)
Identify human features (settlements, roads)
Consider relationships between features

📷 Approaching Photographs

Identify the landscape type
Look for evidence of processes
Note human impacts or adaptations
Consider what might be happening outside the frame
Link to geographical concepts you've studied

Graphs and Data

Numerical data is often presented in graphs, charts, or tables. Being able to interpret these accurately is essential for success.

📊 Data Interpretation Tips

Read the title, axes labels and units
Identify overall trends (increasing, decreasing, fluctuating)
Look for anomalies or exceptions
Compare different data sets if multiple are shown
Use specific figures in your answers

⚠ Common Mistakes

Describing without using data
Misreading scales or units
Making assumptions beyond what's shown
Failing to notice important patterns
Not linking data to geographical processes

Examiner's Tip

When describing data, always use the PQE approach:

P - Pattern: What's the overall trend?
Q - Quantification: Use specific figures
E - Exceptions: Note any anomalies

Example: "Population growth was generally rapid between 1950-2000 (P), increasing from 2.5 billion to 6 billion (Q), although the rate slowed slightly in the 1990s (E)."

Sample Practice Questions

Let's look at some sample questions across the three themes of the syllabus, with guidance on how to approach them.

Theme 1: Population and Settlement

Sample Question

Study Figure 1, which shows the age-sex pyramid for Country X in 2020.

(a) Describe two characteristics of the population structure shown in Figure 1. [2 marks]

(b) Suggest reasons why Country X has this population structure. [4 marks]

Approach to (a):

Identify clear features (e.g., wide base, narrow top, bulge in working ages)
Be specific about what you can see (e.g., "higher proportion of males in the 30-34 age group")

Approach to (b):

Consider whether this looks like a developing or developed country
Link to demographic factors (birth rates, death rates, migration)
Explain how these factors would create the structure shown
Develop each point with explanation

Theme 2: The Natural Environment

Sample Question

Study Figure 2, which shows a coastal landform.

(a) Identify the coastal landform shown in Figure 2. [1 mark]

(b) Describe the processes that formed this coastal landform. [4 marks]

(c) Explain how human activities might affect this coastal environment. [5 marks]

Approach to (a):

Simple identification (e.g., "stack", "arch", "wave-cut platform")

Approach to (b):

Name relevant processes (erosion types: hydraulic action, abrasion, etc.)
Explain each process in sequence to show formation
Use geographical terminology accurately

Approach to (c):

Consider both negative impacts (coastal development, pollution) and management strategies
Link human activities to specific effects on processes
Develop each point with explanation
Consider short and long-term impacts

Theme 3: Economic Development

Sample Question

Study Figure 3, which shows information about tourism in Country Y from 2010-2020.

(a) Describe the trend in tourist numbers shown in Figure 3. [3 marks]

(b) Explain the positive and negative impacts that tourism might have on Country Y. [6 marks]

Approach to (a):

Describe the overall pattern (increase/decrease/fluctuation)
Use specific data points (e.g., "increased from X in 2010 to Y in 2020")
Note any significant changes in the trend

Approach to (b):

Balance positive impacts (economic benefits, employment, infrastructure) with negatives (environmental damage, cultural impacts)
Develop each point with explanation
Consider different stakeholders (local people, government, tourists)
Link to sustainability concepts where relevant

Case Study Focus: Using Case Studies in Paper 2

While Paper 2 is primarily skills-based, you can still use case study knowledge to strengthen your answers, especially for "explain" and "suggest" questions.

Example: If asked to explain coastal management strategies, you might reference:

Holderness Coast, UK: Use of groynes, sea walls and managed retreat
Maldives: Artificial island construction and coral reef protection

Remember: Only include relevant details that answer the specific question. Don't write everything you know about a case study!

Final Exam Tips

✅ Do's

Read all resources carefully before answering
Pay attention to the command words
Use geographical terminology accurately
Support descriptions with specific data
Develop explanations fully
Manage your time based on mark allocation

❌ Don'ts

Don't ignore any part of the resource
Don't write lengthy introductions
Don't repeat the same point multiple times
Don't write everything you know about a topic
Don't leave questions unanswered (even if unsure)
Don't forget to check your work if time allows

Practice Makes Perfect!

The key to success in Paper 2 is regular practice with past papers. This helps you:

Become familiar with question styles
Improve your time management
Develop confidence in resource interpretation
Learn what examiners are looking for

Try to complete at least one past paper per week in the months leading up to your exam!

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!