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Unit 2 has four components, but you have
to study TWO.
In a 75 minute exam, answer TWO
questions – one for each topic studied.
This means there is no choice.
The exam tests knowledge and
understanding of concepts as well as
geographical fieldwork skills.
Fieldwork, research and the enquiry
process lie at the heart of this exam.
Ensure the best possible grades by (i)
focusing on the question set, (ii) using
resources effectively, and (iii) using your
fieldwork in a form that works for the
exam.
UNIT 2: The
Paired Options –
you only study
one in each pair!
The ‘Physical’ Pair
1.
Extreme
Weather
2.
Crowded Coasts
The ‘Human’ Pair
1.
Unequal Spaces
2.
Rebranding
3. Part A
(Resource: 10
marks) ~ 8-10
mins
Part B (Fieldwork
+ Research: 15
marks) ~17-18
mins
Top Tips for Success.....
Managing time on each question:
Part C (Case
study: 10 marks)
~ 8-10 mins
LEAVE A COUPLE
OF MINUTES FOR A
FINAL READTHROUGH AND
CHECK
Practice parts of questions
under timed conditions.
There is no need to fill up
all the space on the exam
paper.
Writing a short glossary as
you go will be invaluable
for final revision
Remember: Quality, not
Quantity!
4. Comment
Present an informed opinion
Compare
Identity similarities, supported with evidence
Contrast
Identify differences supported with evidence
Describe
Give a simple representation in words (say what you see)
Discuss
Consider in a more evaluative / debating style
Examine
Investigate closely (describe, explain, comment on etc)
Explain
Set out causes, reasons and examine processes
Identify
Name or otherwise characterise / describe
Illustrate
Present clarifying or explaining examples
Outline
Briefly set out main characteristics / features
Summarise
Make a concise summary of….
State
Simple factual response required (can be single word or number)
Suggest
Put forward appropriate possibilities
Show
Indicate or explain how….
5. When making notes for
revision, don’t just list
methods.
Add depth – places,
examples of equipment,
type and number of
surveys, details of land
use maps, or even
sampling.
The best answers refer
to real fieldwork in real
places
6.
‘Realism’ and location detail are
likely to score highly.
Questions might be based on:
planning & methods, or
presentation & results, or
conclusions & evaluation
Credit given for reference to, e.g.
GIS
new technology + virtual fieldwork
named web references
qualitative and ‘unusual’ methods
/ sources.
EXAMS SKILLS SET
• Accurate reference to
examples and real places
visited is a way of giving
realism
• Fieldwork and research
balance in all areas
• Direct use of own work
• Awareness of limitations
• Use of methods
terminology , presentation,
analysis etc.
7. Assessment / exam focus
(1) Planning and methodology
Fieldwork process
(2) Presentation and analysis
(3) Conclusion and evaluations
8.
There are lots of that you can
use…but get to together a hot picks
list (quote websites or organisations
in exam)
List of local sources, e.g.
Newspaper, Local Authority, Wildlife
Trusts, blogs / forums etc.
Other publications
14. These data-response
part ‘a’ Q’s are worth
20/70 = ~30%
Not very sophisticated....but
does at least try and answer
the question ‘DESCRIBE’
15. This response is well
located, i.e. states
Docklands in first
sentence. Uses some
good terminology and
is structured (typical of
Level 3).
It also is well focused
on the Q – i.e. roles
(‘HSBC…money to
invest’). The level of
detail is also good, e.g.
‘private’ vs ‘public’.
16. Examiner comments: Probably mid L4 – A pretty strong answer, mentions real places and
fieldwork. Research is good, e.g. census. Idea of before and after comes through which is
important in this type of question. More depth of detail probably required for max, e.g. specific
secondary sources, no. of questionnaires etc. Also closing comments would have added to the
structure, rather than just stopping.
18. Pitfalls and failures
•Time management issues – running short on the second question.
•Writing too much to fill the white space which is not relevant or offtopic.
•Ignoring the Figure (part a Qs), or using it partially or imprecisely .
•‘All I know’ case studies in the wrong places i.e. the 15 mark F & R
question.
•Pre-prepared F&R which is not adapted to the specific question.
•Lack of balance, with in relation to a Figure, F&R or example.
•Missing a key word in a question e.g. ‘impacts’ or ‘strategies’.
•To much detail on one F or R method, and therefore a lack of range.
19.
You need to very clear about the ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’
structure of the Unit 2 exam paper
Quality not quantity – don’t have to fill all the
space for an A grade (some Qs have lots of lines)
You must prepare fieldwork and research notes so
they are ‘revision friendly’
Think about the style of answers, and in what
depth, for all three sections (‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’)
Think about levels mark schemes, and how to
‘climb the steps’ (L1-L3/L4)
