2018 HKDSEGeography Paper 1Level 5 Exemplar 1

Paper 1 Level 5 exemplar 1 comments

- In Question 1, the candidate showed a general understanding of the plate tectonics theory. He/ she used

appropriate geographical terms to explain the occurrence of earthquakes but he/ she should have compared the

locations of earthquakes in areas X and Y as well. He/ she referred to the information provided to describe and

explain appropriately the differences in death toll between the two earthquakes but should have also accounted for

the differences in economic losses. He/ she should also have discussed whether the earthquake in area X might

have triggered the earthquake in area Y by referring to appropriate geographical concepts.

- In Question 3, the candidate identified land use X correctly. He/ she interpreted the information provided and

applied geographical concepts to describing the adverse environmental impact brought about by land use X. He/

she described generally the land that was to be developed and clearly explained how the development might help

alleviate the adverse environmental impacts. He/ she analysed the information provided and explained clearly

how the transport system might foster economic development in Hung Shui Kiu. He/ she showed a good

understanding of the concept of town planning and social sustainability. He/ she referred to the information

provided and discussed thoroughly whether the planning of NDA might help achieve social sustainability.

- In Question 6, the candidate showed a good understanding of the famine problem in the Sahel region. He/ she

described and explained clearly the physical constraints that limited food production in the region. He/ she

discussed comprehensively the economic, political and cultural limitations on the growing of genetically modified

crops.

2018 HKDSEGeography Paper 2Level 5 Exemplar 1

Paper 2 Level 5 exemplar 1 comments

- The candidate demonstrated sound knowledge of the curriculum and communicated his/ her knowledge and

understanding with accurate use of geographical terminology.

- In Question 2, the candidate demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the monsoon system in Hong Kong under

the influence of the pressure pattern in July. He/ she analysed systematically the information provided and gave

a detailed explanation of the favourable conditions for the formation of weather system P. He/ she also

understood clearly how weather system P affected the weather conditions. He/ she identified correctly the days

associated with weather conditions X and Y, describing and explaining correctly the changes in weather conditions

in Hong Kong on these two days. He/ she fully understood the relationship between air pressure and wind

direction, explaining correctly how weather system P, i.e. the typhoon, brought about lower pressure and thus

temporarily disturbed the monsoon system in Hong Kong.

- In Question 6, the candidate interpreted logically a range of geographical concepts. He/ she demonstrated

comprehensive knowledge of the rainfall characteristics between northern and southern China. However, he/ she

did not mention the influences of other factors, such as that of the relief barrier, on the rainfall characteristics.

He/ she explained only briefly how the water transfer scheme would alleviate the water problems related to the

rainfall characteristics.