Unit 1 Exam questions – Section A

Unit 1 Exam questions – Section A : 

Unit 1 Exam questions – Section A Cameron Dunn, Chief Examiner

What do I have to do? : 

What do I have to do? 6 questions totalling 65 marks; each question 10-12 marks split into sub- parts ‘a’, ‘b’ etc 3 on World at Risk 3 on Going Global Maximum mark for a sub-part 5-6 marks Quality of written communication not assessed You have around 1 hour to complete Section A.

Question types: Objective Items : 

Question types: Objective Items There are a few - possibly totalling 5-6 marks, as in Jan 2009 Often they will be linked to a resource and will be data based. Read them carefully.

Questions types: Quick-fire 2 or 3-markers : 

Questions types: Quick-fire 2 or 3-markers About 15 marks from 2-3 mark questions. These often focus on: definitions / the meaning of key terms Listing factors , benefits, costs etc.. Picking key information from a resource. The approach should be to use as few words as possible ; there is no need to spend time on nicely structured writing style.

Question types: Longer : 

Question types: Longer The majority of the Section A marks will come from questions worth 4-6marks. These will be a little more open:

Slide 6: 

Write to the mark allocation - 5 marks = 5 points etc. Don’t write too much. In January 2009 evidence some candidates spent too long on some section A 4-5 mark questions.

Pitfalls 1: Resources : 

Pitfalls 1: Resources Remember that Section A uses Stimulus resources – there will be 6 of these (Figures), one for each question. They will be a mixture of: Maps Graphs Data tables Photographs Diagrams / Cartoons

Slide 8: 

Figures have a nasty habit of tripping some candidates up, usually because they are rushing and: Don’t bother to read the Figure title Ignore or mis-read keys, scales and axes labels Ignore the resource altogether

Pitfalls 2: Command Words : 

Pitfalls 2: Command Words Describe and explain are sometimes confused leading to answers which fail to score marks using the Section A points mark schemes. Make sure you don’t drift into explanation when you have been asked to describe:

Pitfalls 3: Key words : 

Pitfalls 3: Key words Some key words and geographical terminology can cause problems. In January 2009 the word ecological caused a few difficulties with many candidates not quite grasping its specific meaning:

Pitfalls 4: Range of reasons : 

Pitfalls 4: Range of reasons 4 and 5 mark questions require a range of points OR several extended points This candidate hasn’t quite grasped extended points

Slide 13: 

Extended points = 2 marks rather than 1 adding an example, additional facts, or more detailed explanation.

Summary : 

Summary Timing – spend no more than 1 hour on section A Examine the resources carefully – look twice, answer once. Move through the 1-3 mark questions quickly and efficiently – do not spend long writing Spot the command words – especially the difference between describe an explain Remember the mark allocation – 4/5 mark questions require answers with a range of points to gain full marks.