On Monday 4th April I attended a GCSE Geography support event for the CCEA Geography specification at William Parker School Daventry. This is the second of three posts on my notes from the event.

Range of Questions

• A wide variety of different questions are used to enable learners to show their learning.
• To support this a wide variety of resource material is used (tables, graphs, photographs, maps, and diagrams).

Different types of questions include:

• Complete the diagram/ figure or paragraph – in the foundation tier a list of answers is often included.
• Select the correct answers from the options given.
• Putting statements in order – e.g. steps in a process, formation of a spit or waterfall.
• Matching – terms and definitions; grid references and locations. For example matching types of aid and definitions.
• Sorting and classifying – for example economical and definitions.
• Definitions – state the meanings of geographical terms; all key words come from list of key geographical terms in specification.
• Skills – students may be asked to plot or complete a graph (if a bar graph is given complete the chart including the shading).

Commonly used command Words

• Complete
• State
• Describe
• Explain
• State fully
• Suggest
• Evaluate
• Contrast
• Describe and explain
• State the meaning
• Name

Skills

• Extracting information from a table or graph.
• Completing a graph or table.
• Interpreting weather maps.
• OS Map work skills (distance, direction, area, map interpretation)

Tips to Candidates

• Take care that m = 1,000,000
• There will be an OS Map every year; either in the physical exam or human exam; there will be some generic skills and some specifically related to human or physical topics.
• Note use of emboldening in the examination; key terms and numbers (one reason, two causes).
• Ensure that if the question asks for one reason, give detail of one reason, not a list of many.
• The number of lines is relative to the number of marks, typically two lines per mark.
• If the question uses sustainability, sustainability should be used in the answer; should mention economic and environment in the answer.
• When answering questions underline or highlight command words in the question.
• When asked to describe the changes/pattern from a resource candidates should quote figures in their answer; otherwise they won’t get full marks.
• Case study answers should include a minimum of two facts/figures.
• On the foundation tier across the paper ¾ marks come from naming the location of case studies.
• Case studies need to be at the correct scale.
• Some questions require reference to place but not necessary a full case study.

Key Points from the Chief Examiners Report

• Candidates should respond directly to the question set, don’t put in a great deal of background detail.
• Use geographical phrases and terminology.
• Quote information from given resources when asked to describe a pattern or trend.
• Specific facts from case studies are needed to access level 3 marks.