Being able to answer different types of questions correctly is key to success in your iGCSE Geography exam. This guide will help you understand the different question types and how to tackle them effectively.
Key Definitions:
Describe - Give the main features or characteristics. Focus on what something looks like or what happens.
Explain - Give reasons why something happens or why something is the way it is.
Compare - Identify similarities and differences between two or more things.
Assess/Evaluate - Make a judgement about the importance or success of something, giving evidence.
1-2 marks: Simple points, definitions or brief descriptions.
3-4 marks: Detailed explanations with some development.
5-6 marks: Comprehensive answers with examples and case studies.
7+ marks: Detailed analysis, evaluation and well-supported judgements.
Managing your time effectively is crucial. A common mistake is spending too long on lower-mark questions and running out of time for the higher-mark ones.
As a general rule, allocate approximately 1 minute per mark. For example:
Short, direct answers. Spend 1-2 minutes maximum.
Example: "Name two coastal erosion processes."
More detailed responses with examples. Spend 4-6 minutes.
Example: "Explain how longshore drift affects beach formation."
Extended responses with case studies and evaluation. Spend 8-15 minutes.
Example: "Assess the effectiveness of hard engineering strategies in coastal management."
Having a clear structure helps you organise your thoughts and ensures you don't miss important points.
Case studies are essential for scoring high marks in iGCSE Geography. You need to remember specific details about real-world examples.
For each case study, make sure you can recall:
Let's look at some sample questions and how to approach them effectively.
"Describe two ways in which river processes can lead to flooding. [4 marks]"
One way river processes can lead to flooding is through excessive precipitation overwhelming the river channel capacity. When rainfall exceeds the infiltration capacity of the soil, more water flows directly into the river as surface runoff, causing water levels to rise rapidly and potentially overflow the banks. [2 marks]
Another way is through sediment deposition reducing the channel capacity. As rivers deposit silt and sediment on the riverbed, the channel becomes shallower over time, meaning it can hold less water and is more likely to overflow during periods of high discharge. [2 marks]
"For a named example of a volcanic eruption, explain the primary and secondary effects on the local population. [6 marks]"
The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland had significant effects on the local population. Primary effects included the immediate evacuation of 800 local residents due to the risk of flooding from melting glacial ice. Additionally, farms in the region were covered in ash, damaging crops and making grazing land unusable for livestock. [3 marks]
Secondary effects developed in the weeks following the eruption. The ash contaminated water supplies, creating health concerns for local communities. The economic impact was severe, with the tourism industry suffering as visitors cancelled trips and farmers faced long-term losses as they had to keep livestock indoors and purchase additional feed. Some farmers reported respiratory problems in their animals due to ash inhalation, leading to further economic strain on rural communities. [3 marks]
"Assess the extent to which urban planning can reduce the challenges of rapid urbanisation in LICs. [8 marks]"
Introduction: Urban planning can address many challenges of rapid urbanisation in LICs, though its effectiveness varies depending on resources, governance and implementation.
Paragraph 1: Urban planning can successfully address housing shortages through site-and-service schemes, as seen in Orangi Pilot Project in Karachi, Pakistan, where self-help housing improved conditions for over 1 million people.
Paragraph 2: Infrastructure challenges can be partially addressed through planning, as demonstrated in Curitiba, Brazil, where the Bus Rapid Transit system provides affordable transport for 2 million daily passengers.
Paragraph 3: However, urban planning has limitations in LICs due to financial constraints. Many cities spend less than $20 per person annually on infrastructure compared to $6,000 in developed nations.
Paragraph 4: Corruption and poor governance can undermine planning efforts, with informal settlements continuing to grow despite planning regulations in cities like Lagos, Nigeria.
Conclusion: While urban planning can reduce some challenges of rapid urbanisation, its success depends on adequate funding, good governance and community involvement. The most successful approaches combine top-down planning with bottom-up community initiatives.
Regular timed practice is essential for exam success. Here's how to make the most of it:
On the day of your exam:
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