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GCSE Geography Advice
1. Questions…Key points
With the use of diagrams, describe the formation of a floodplain.
• Break down the question:
a) Command Word e.g. ‘Describe’
b) Identify the topic e.g. Coastal Landforms
c) Part of topic e.g. Formation of a Wave Cut Platform
d) Specific instructions e.g. use diagrams
2. Questions…Command Words
• ‘Compare and contrast’ DOES NOT mean list – you must connect phrases e.g. ‘… whereas …’
• ‘Compare’ requires similarities AND differences
• ‘Describe’ questions should NEVER have because in the answer
• ‘Explain’ questions require a reason e.g. this is because…
• ‘Discuss’ questions require a debate - pros/cons and reach a conclusion. Note: if something is a pros for 1 person it may be a con for another e.g. speed restriction on a reservoir
3. Questions…topics
• Use the ‘what you need to learn’ check-list. It is the specification and anything listed on here could be examined
• Wording from the ‘what you need to learn’ will be used in exam questions so practise associating exam questions to the relevant part of each topic
4. Questions…specific instructions
• If a figure is provided – use it in your answer
• To describe a figure, use acronym ‘GCSE’: General patterns, Comment, Specific examples, Exceptions
• Do not simply lift from the figure but manipulate
• Make use of the key and use units e.g. ‘km²’
• If an OS Map is provided, use the key AND use 6 figure grid references in your answers
5. Answers – key points
• Look at how many marks are available: – Aim for 2 lines per mark
– <3 marks = ‘mark per point’ – so make a min. of 3 good points
– 4+ marks = ‘level marked’ – be specific, give details, answer all parts of the question
• Get straight to the answer – no credit for repeating the question
• Link statements DO NOT have detached ideas
• Make use of the key and use units e.g. ‘km²’
• If an OS Map is provided, use the key AND use 6 figure grid references in your answers
6. Answers – Case Studies
• Use case study evidence to support points in all 4+ mark questions (if relevant)
• Learn each aspect of a case study as any part could be examined e.g. Cause? Effect? Response?
• Use 3-4 pieces of case study evidence in all 8 mark questions
• Use case study from the start – not as an add on
7. Answers – 8 markers
• Break down the question as it will rarely ask you to simply write all you know about a topic
• Use 3-4 pieces of case study evidence in all
• Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar are only assessed in 8 markers so make sure you are careful and check!
• Make 3-4 ‘PEEL’ points in your answer – Make a Point e.g. Bangladesh suffered worse effects…
– Give Evidence e.g. 60,000 people died compared to…
– Explain e.g. most died from either preventable diseases…
– Link to the question e.g. as you can see, Bangladesh…
8. Answers – Diagrams
• If a box is provided – you’ll usually need a diagram
• Use a sharp pencil for your diagrams and to complete figures
• If it is for a landform formation e.g. stack or stump formation – add detailed annotations to your diagrams to describe the sequence of how it forms
– NB: The examiner wants to see a clear formation process (step by step)
• You can use diagrams if no box is provided
• ADD labels to x and y axis e.g. ‘Time’ and ‘No. of Tourists’ to Butler Model and features e.g. hard rock
9. Answers – Figures
• Use in your answer if provided – Integrate e.g. the tourist information centre (647274) is a clear
example of tourist provision in… – Manipulate data if given e.g. 25% more at site A than B…. – Use units given and information in the key
• Photos: – describe what you see e.g. colour, shape, size – use phrases like ‘in the foreground you can see…’ ‘in the background
there is a…’ - LINK back to the topic – If adding labels add a line pointing clearly to the intended part
• Maps: use the key and 4 or 6 figure grid references
• Field-sketch: be able to draw (you will usually be asked to finish off). Use clear, labelled arrows
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