PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS FOR GEOGRAPHY GCSE
Higher candidates remember that: · · · · · · · · · ·
You will be required to answer one question from each of the four units (ie. a total of four our of eight) Your must take time to read through all questions before choosing which to answer Each question will be divided into a number of smaller questions. The total number of marks available for each question is usually 19 The number of marks available for each question should influence the amount of time and space used to answer it Highlighting key words in the questions will ensure that you do not stray off the point or use the wrong case study Questions may involve you using resources such as map, graphs, diagrams, charts, photos or pictures Examiners are easily impressed by the use of specific terminology Case study responses must include facts and figures that link them closely to one location Many geographical principles are well explained through the use of diagrams. Use these wherever possible to support the text. Make sure they are clear and well labelled Marks are also available for ‘quality of written communication’ so avoid bullet pointing and remember to include fullstops, capital letters etc…
Foundation candidates remember that: · · · · · · · ·
You will be required to answer all questions in the space provided The number of marks available for each question should influence the amount of time used to answer it and the number of ideas you give Highlighting key words in the questions will ensure that you do not stray off the point or use the wrong case study Questions may involve you using resources such as map, graphs, diagrams, charts, photos or pictures Examiners are easily impressed by the use of specific terminology Case study responses must include facts and figures that link them closely to one location Many geographical principles are well explained through the use of diagrams. Use these wherever possible to support the text. Make sure they are clear and well labelled Marks are also available for ‘quality of written communication’ so ensure that all answers are given in full sentences unless otherwise stated
UNIT 1
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PEOPLE AND THE PHYSICAL WORLD
Tectonics · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Define the term plate (1) To what extent are plate boundaries and seismic activity linked? (3) Explain how volcanoes are formed at constructive plate margins (5) Explain how volcanoes are formed at destructive plate margins (5) Explain why earthquake activity occurs along conservative plate boundaries (5) How do oceanic and continental crust differ? (3) Why do many people continue to live in cities which are at risk from earthquakes? (7) Why do many people continue to live in volcanic areas? (7) For a named volcano that you have studied, explain the causes of the eruption (4) For a named volcano that you have studied, describe the effects of the eruption on the local people and the surrounding environment (7) For an earthquake you have studied, explain why it occurred (5) For an earthquake you have studied, describe its effects on people and the local economy (7) Suggest ways in which buildings can be made earthquake proof (5) What other actions can be taken so that people are well prepared for an earthquake? (4) Many people continue to live near active volcanoes. Why can they be more confident of their own safety in the 21 st century? (4) To what extent is there a relationship between earthquake intensity and the number of deaths caused? (5) Define the terms epicentre and focus (2) Define the terms crater, magma chamber, vent and secondary cone (4) What scale is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake? (1)
Rivers · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Explain why rates of transpiration and evaporation will be higher in summer than winter (2) What factors are likely to encourage large amounts of overland flow in a drainage basin (3) What landscape features are most commonly associated with rivers in an upland area? (3) What landscape features are most commonly associated with rivers in a lowland area? (3) Describe the processes by which a river erodes (4) Describe the processes by which a river transports its load (4) Describe the main features of a river meander. Explain, by referring to river processes, how such features have been formed. You may draw a labelled diagram as part of your answer (7) Explain how differences in velocity across a river channel affect both deposition and erosion within a meander (3) Where do deposition and erosion occur within a meander? (1) How and why does river discharge differ between upland and lowland areas? (3) Explain where and why deposition may occur within the river system (4) Explain how interlocking sours are formed (2) Explain how levees are formed. You should draw labelled diagrams as part of your answer (4) Explain how floodplains are formed. You should draw labelled diagrams as part of your answer (5) Explain how waterfalls are formed. You should draw labelled diagrams as part of your answer (5) Explain how oxbow lakes are formed. You should draw labelled diagrams as part of your answer (5)
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For a named river in an MEDC, describe the causes of flooding (7) For a named river in a LEDC, describe the causes of flooding (7) For a named river in an MEDC, describe the effects of the flood upon people and the environment (7) For a named river in a LEDC, describe the effects of the flood upon people and the environment (7) How might rivers be controlled to prevent flooding? (5) Explain how urbanisation affects river discharge (5) Describe and contrast the ways in which water may travel through the landscape towards the river channel (3) What characteristics is a drainage basin with a short lag time likely to possess (5) What characteristics is a drainage basin with a long lag time likely to possess (5) Define the terms lag time, peak discharge and peak rainfall (3) Define the terms evaporation, condensation, infiltration, percolation, transpiration, precipitation, interception, water table, through flow, overland flow and groundwater flow (5)
Coasts · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Describe the processes by which the sea erodes the coast (5) Describe ways in which the coastline could be protected. Explain how each method works (5) Explain why coastal protection methods used in one area may have an influence on other areas of the coastline (3) What are the arguments for and against coastal management? (6) For a named area you have studied, described the attempts that have been made to protect the coastline (5) Suggest reasons why certain areas of our coastline are prone to landslides (4) Explain how material is moved along our coastline. You may use a labelled diagram as part of your answer (4) Explain how rock type influences the shape of our coastline (3) Explain how bays and headlands are formed. You may use a labelled diagram as part of your answer (3) Explain how a coastal headland is eroded (5) Explain how wave cut platforms are formed (5) Explain how beaches are formed (5) Explain how spits are formed. You should use labelled diagrams as part of your answer (5) Name and locate a coastal feature formed by deposition. Describe it and explain how it was formed. You may draw a labelled diagram as part of your answer (7) Name and locate a coastal feature formed through erosion. Describe and explain how it was formed. You may draw a labelled diagram as part of your answer (7) For a named area, describe the effects of coastal erosion on the physical and human environment (7)
UNIT 2
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PEOPLE AND PLACES TO LIVE
Population · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
How do population distribution and population density differ? (2) Define the terms sparsely populated and densely populated (2) Why do some areas of the world have high population density? You should refer to specific locations (4) Why do some areas of the world have low population density? You should refer to specific locations (4) Name an area of the UK which you have studied and explain why it has a high population density (5) Name an area of the UK which you have studied and explain why it has a low population density (5) For a named area of the world, describe the physical factors that have caused low population density (7) Suggest the main human (social and economic) reasons why there is such a high population density in cities (5) How is natural population growth calculated? (1) Explain why life expectancy differs between countries at different levels of development (5) Explain why some LEDCs have high rates of natural population growth (6) Explain why some LEDCs suffer from high birth rates (7) Explain how birth rates can be reduced (5) Explain why some LEDCs experience high death rates (5) Describe how death rates can be reduced (5) Explain how birth rates can cause problems in LEDCs (4) Describe attempts made by governments in LEDCs to reduce birth rates (5) With reference to one named country which you have studied describe attempts to control the birth rate (6) What are the consequences of overpopulation in LEDCs? (6) What does a triangular shaped pyramid tell you about the population structure of a country? (4) What does a beehive shaped pyramid tell you about the population structure of a country? (4) Define the term ‘dependent population’. How does the dependent population differ between MEDCs and LEDCs? (4) Compare the ways that the dependent population is supported in countries of contrasting economic development (5) Suggest reasons for the ageing trend of the population in the UK (3) What are the consequences to a country or an area of an ageing population? (6) What are the consequences to a country or an area of a young population? (6) How do differences in birth rates and life expectancy affect the shapes of the population pyramids of LEDCs / MEDCs? (2) The population of a country can also change due to international migration. For an example which you have studied, describe the reasons for this international migration (7) Many people who have migrated to MEDCs such as the USA, still end up with a poor quality of life. Suggest reasons for this (4) Describe the benefits and problems for an LEDC if large number so people leave it to find a new life in a MEDC (4) In LEDCs urban areas are growing rapidly as a result of internal migration. For a named city which you have studied in an LEDC, explain why many people have moved from surrounding rural areas. You should refer to both push and pull factors (7)
Settlement · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
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Describe the main characteristics of a CBD (3) Describe the main characteristics of land use in inner city areas in the UK (5) Describe the main characteristics of land use in outer suburbs of urban areas in the UK (5) Describe the possible problems experienced by people who live in inner city areas (6) For a named town or city which you have studied in the UK, describe attempts which have been made by planners to improve the quality of life. Develop your ideas fully (7) There has been a lot of new residential development close to the CBD of large UK cities (e.g. Birmingham). What attracts people to live in these areas? (4) Define the term ruralurban fringe (1) What does the settlement hierarchy suggest about the relationship between population size and the services available? (2) Why are specialist shops usually located in towns and cities rather than villages? Name a rural area in the UK into which people have moved from urban areas. What are the causes of this migration and the consequences for the rural area? (7) What social and economic changes are likely to occur in villages which are expanding? (4) Why might villages encourage / discourage second home purchases? (4) Define the terms comparison good and convenience good (2) Define the terms range, threshold population and sphere of influence (3) Define the term greenbelt and explain why they were established (3) Explain why new shopping centres are now located away from town and city centres (3) Refer to a named new shopping centre which is located away from a town or city centre. Name and locate the shopping centre. Describe its effects on the town and city centre and the area surrounding the new shopping centre (7) For a named out of town shopping centre, describe the advantages and disadvantages for shoppers of such areas compared with the city centre (7) Explain why many people migrate from rural areas to cities in LEDCs (4) How does rural to urban migration affect the people left behind in the villages of a LEDC? (3) Describe sites and locations commonly used for squatter settlements in cities in LEDCs (3) For a named city which you have studied in an LEDC, describe the attempts which have been made to maintain or improve the quality of life in the squatter settlements (7) What problems are caused for planners and city authorities as a result of many people moving into cities in LEDCs? (5) Give reasons why there has been an increase in the amount of traffic within urban areas (4) What problems could result from greater volumes of traffic in urban areas? (5) Define the term integrated transport network (2) For a named town or city, describe what has been done to improve the movement of people and goods (7)
UNIT 3
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PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS
Quality of Life · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
What is GNP? (1) What is GDP? (1) Give two limitations of using GNP to establish the level of development within a country (2) Give three ways in which development can be measured (3) To what extent is there a relationship between GDP and the number of people per doctor? (2) To what extent is there a relationship between GNP and the number of people who can read and write? (2) Explain why literacy rate varies between countries at different levels of economic development (4) Explain why medical facilities vary between countries at different levels of development (4) Why is ‘level of nutrition’ a good quality of life indicator? (4) Suggest 3 reasons why energy consumption increases as a country develops economically (3) In many LEDCs there is much emphasis put on educating females. Why is this particularly important? (3) With reference to one MEDC and one LEDC, explain why life expectancy is higher in the MEDC (7) How can levels of nutrition and levels of literacy affect the quality of life? (2) State how levels of nutrition and levels of literacy can be measured (2) Identify 2 differences between the employment structures of countries at different levels of economic development. Explain why these differences occur (5) The employment structure has recently changed in those LEDCs which have industrialised rapidly. For a country which you have studied, describe the impact of this rapid industrialisation on quality of life (7) For a named LEDC explain why rapid industrialisation has occurred (4) How have MEDCs helped in the economic development of LEDCs? 4)
Economic Activities · · · · · · · · · · ·
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Industries can be classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Define each term and give one example of each type (3) Explain why there has been a decline in the number of people working in the primary and secondary sectors within the UK (5) Explain why there has been an increase in the number of people working in the tertiary and quaternary sectors in the UK (3) What are the positive and negative effects of new industries developing within an area? (6) For a named area describe the positive and negative effects of industrial decline (6) What is the difference between a manufacturing industry and a distribution industry (2) What is a footloose industry? (1) For a named and located example of a manufacturing industry within the UK, explain why the industry has developed there (7) For a named and located example of a distribution industry within the UK, explain why the industry has developed there (7) Explain why some industries are located close to their sources of raw material whilst others are located closer to their markets (4) Some manufacturing industries remain important in an area even though the original advantages of that location no longer exist. Suggest reasons for this (3) Identify changes that have occurred in the farming landscape over the last 30 years (3) Explain why the farming landscape has changed over time (5) Describe how EU policies such as set aside, quotas, subsidies and diversification can affect a farmer’s decision making (4)
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Identify the difference between a commercial farming system and a subsistence farming system (2) How might a change in population size affect an area of subsistence farming? (3) Within a farming system identify one example of an input, process and output (3) Explain what is meant by shifting cultivation (3) Identify the difference between arable and pastoral farming (2) Suggest how physical factors may influence a farmers decision with regards to choice of product (4) Describe how farming has changed in a named farming area in wither the UK or the EU. You should refer to the impact of EU policies (7) For a named LEDC, describe how farming is changing (7) How might climate changes throughout the year affect the number of tourists visiting a particular location? (2) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the development of tourism to an LEDC which you have studied (7) For a tourist area in the EU (not in the UK), describe the impact of tourism on the local people and natural environment (7) Suggest reasons why tourists might visit places such as Jamaica (4) How does tourism affect the lives of the people who live in places like Jamaica? (5) Suggest how tourism may threaten the ecology and culture in a LEDC (6) With reference to a named areas that you have studied in either the UK or EU describe what is being done to prevent tourism spoiling the area (6) Explain why the number of tourists visiting LEDCs has increased recently (4) How can tourism be developed so that it is sustainable? (5) Define sustainable tourism (1) Define ecotourism (1)
Energy · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Briefly describe the main trends in the consumption of coal, natural gas and renewable energy in the UK over the last 10 years (3) Give reasons for the increase in the consumption of natural gas within the UK (4) Give reasons for the decline in the consumption of coal within the UK (5) What is meant by the term sustainable energy? (1) Why is it difficult to develop sustainable sources of energy in the UK? (4) Name and locate an example of a community that has been affected by changes in energy production. Describe the effects of these changes on the people and the local economy (7) What is renewable energy? (1) Fossil fuels still provide a large amount of the UK’s energy. Explain why some people argue that we should not continue to burn these fuels at current rates (4) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power as a source of energy. You may refer to named examples (7) What are the environmental consequences of using vast quantities of fuel wood in LEDCs? (4) What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power? (6) What are the advantages and disadvantages of wind power? (6) What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power? (6)
UNIT 4
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PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Resource development and the local environment · · · · ·
Describe the problems and benefits of the extraction of a raw material at a named location which you have studied in the UK or another MEDC (7) For a named area you have studied, describe the advantages and disadvantages to the local people of a quarry or mine (7) After a quarry has been worked out, what could be done to make sure that the natural environment is conserved? (4) Name an LEDC which you have studied and identify one source of energy that people use. What are the effects on the natural environment of using this source of energy? (7) Using an example for a LEDC describe how energy production has affected the natural environment (6)
The management of environments · · · · · · · ·
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Describe the distribution of National Parks within England and Wales (3) What are National Parks and why were they set up in the UK? (3) Define the term honeypot (1) Why is there a variation in the number of visitors to National Parks (4) Why are planners in National Parks encouraging people to use public transport? (3) What other strategies can be used in National Parks to reduce conflicts between tourism and other activities? (4) Describe ways of managing tourism within National Parks in order to protect the natural landscape against overuse by tourists (6) Activities such as planting forests, quarrying, reservoir construction and setting up military training grounds have taken place within National Parks. For a named National Park which you have studied, explain the reasons for and against such activities. Develop your ideas fully (7) For a named National park describe the conflicts between different land uses which are located there. Develop you ideas (7) Why are reservoirs often located in National Parks such as Dartmoor? (3) Explain possible conflicts which are likely to occur in a National Park between military training and horse riding (2) Explain possible conflicts that are likely to occur between farming and rambling (2) Describe the global distribution of tropical rainforests (2) Describe the main features of a rainforest ecosystem (4) How does vegetation in the tropical rainforest adapt to its climate? (4) For a named area you have studied, explain why large areas of tropical rainforest have been destroyed (7) What are the effects of large scale removal of rainforest on local people and the natural environment of that area? (6) What are the global consequences of deforestation? (3) What are the environmental consequences of deforestation? (6) Explain how deforestation is likely to add to the problem of global warming (3)
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Suggest reasons why there is more deforestation in some states of Amazonia than others (3) Some areas of tropical rainforest have been cleared for agriculture. Explain why this often ends in failure (3) How can tropical rainforests be managed in a sustainable way? (4)
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What is sustainable development? (3) For a named river, lake or sea which you have studied, describe how it has been polluted in ways other than acid rain. What are the effects of this pollution on the natural environment? (7) Suggest reasons why many organisations involved in the tourist industry want to reduce levels of water pollution (2) How could the quality of river water be improved? (3)
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The global environment · · · · · · · ·
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Explain the causes and effects of acid rain (6) What gases are responsible for acid rain? (2) Explain why acid rain occurs (3) Explain how gases produced in the UK cause acid rain in other countries in Europe (4) Describe the effects of acid rain on a named area or areas which you have studied. You should refer to both people and the natural environment (7) Describe the effects of acid rain on people, economic activity and buildings (6) What can be done to reduce acid rain and its effects on the environment? (5) Governments recognise the need to reduce levels of acid rain. Explain why this can only be achieved by countries working together (3) What is global warming and how is it caused? (4) Explain why the burning of coal is partly responsible for global warming (3) What are the likely impacts of global warming on people and the natural environment? You should refer to named examples. (7) How and why are different parts of the world endangered by global warming? You should develop your ideas and refer to named areas which you have studied (7) What can be done to reduce global warming? (6) International cooperation is needed to solve the problem of global warming. Why is this statement true? Why is international cooperation difficult to achieve? (5)
