Geography seems to be one of those subjects that is only about learning the material, more like those sciences, chemistry, biology, and physics. But regardless of whether you are studying the population movements and energy resources found in human geography or the volcanoes and erosion processes that make up physical geography, the broad discipline of geography requires you to understand models, find and use pertinent data, and write well-informed essays. The thing about geography is that it requires the use of a wide variety of key competencies and you have to show them off in the exam.

How should an essay question (i.e., one worth 12 marks or more) be properly formulated and answered?

A logical and coherent structure (part of the mark scheme) is crucial for getting top marks even though the content and information you include in an essay will vary depending on the topic.

Your outline, the content where you interpret, examine and analyse, and your conclusion - ought to be formatted to the specifications expected by an examiner. You have to show your understanding, evaluate the resource, describe and suggest reasons, summarise and justify - if you want the most out of the mark scheme

1- Carefully read the question!

  What phrases particularly stand out? For example, "Explain," "Examine," and "Evaluate" all lead to different structures and methods of answering the question.   The introduction is crucial (especially for a 15-point essay) because it gives the examiner an idea of how well a student understands the question's context and key terms, which should be defined. Give your response to the question and your position. Possibly, if you have the time, add a crucial fact.  

2- The main answer body

At first glance, this might seem overwhelming. Simplify it by selecting thematic/topical points based on the query and adhering to this format: Point, Support, Justification, and Connection to the Question (PEEL). Make certain that you address the question in the point.   Make sure your paragraph is clear in its structure. You can ensure a coherent argument by doing this.   Case studies should be used to illustrate knowledge and support your points and arguments.

3- Draw together the various points made in the essay's main body and state your conclusion.

Reiterate your position while summarising your arguments, and make a reference to the original question.   Make synoptic notes! This is essential to ensuring that you receive the highest possible score because it demonstrates to the examiner your maturity and demonstrates a deeper comprehension of the theoretical underpinnings of geography as a field of study. Timing is crucial; aim for around 20 minutes for 15/20 markers and 15 minutes for 12/10 markers. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling all matter. Make sure you are aware of the exam board's requirements, such as Edexcel.   Understanding and knowledge are demonstrated through the application of theories, case studies, and other techniques; "accurate and relevant geographical knowledge and understanding throughout." Case studies are used in AO2 Application and Analysis to support your points and arguments; synopticity AO3 Communication and Structure - Logical and Coherent Essay Organization

A-Level Geography Exam Past Papers

Recent A-Level Geography past exams from AQA, Edexcel, Eduqas, OCR, WJEC, and CIE are included in this section. Ask your teacher if you are unsure of which exam board you are studying for. Because you can practise the questions on past papers at your own pace, they are a great way to get ready for an exam. By clicking the links below, you can download each of the exam board's papers.

 

Edexcel A-Level Geography Past Papers - https://revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/geography-level-revision/geography-level-past-papers/edexcel-level-geography- past-papers

 

AQA A-Level Geography Past Papers - https://revisionworld.com/a2 -level-level-revision/geography-level-revision/geography-level-past-papers/aqa-level-geography-past-papers

 

Eduqas A-Level Geography Past Papers - https://revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/geography-level-revision/geography-level-past-papers/eduqas-level-geography- past-papers

 

OCR A-Level Geography Past Papers - https://revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/geography-level-revision/geography-level-past-papers/ocr-level-geography- past-papers

 

WJEC A-Level Geography Past Papers - https://revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/geography-level-revision/geography-level-past-papers/wjec-level-geography- past-papers

 

CIE A-Level Geography Past Papers - https://revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/geography-level-revision/geography-level-past-papers/cie-level-geography- past-papers

 

If you get the support of an A level Geography tutor, GCSE Geography tutors or an online Geography tutor you will have a better understanding of the specifications the examiner wants to see when you answer each question. A tutor will help you with your strengths and weaknesses when you describe geographic features in detail in your exam. They can give you the tools to feel confident when you analyse paper 2, they will help you to interpret questions and highlight when you need to give a precise description relative to the data. Maybe you will be faced with an OS grid and the answer usually requires you to involve a compass. If a tutor had not had the chance to show you this, you may have not been able to answer with much effectiveness.

 

They will give you a guide to identifying the key words to include in your explanation, when to use a map or a diagram, and how to refer to the relation between a graph and a table, or perhaps use a sketch or grid to illustrate your point and justify your point of view in the examination. GCSE Geograp[hy tutors will make sure you know how to show a trend in your assessment outline. A Geography tutor can suggest reasons that results from a pie chart may link back to an environmental issue with housing and show you how to replicate this in an exam.