This document outlines the TPQEEL structure for interpreting geographical media using Hampton Beach as an example. The TPQEEL structure includes a Topic sentence, description of Patterns, Quantification, Exceptions, Explanations, and a Linking sentence. An example is provided for each element by analyzing a map of Hampton Beach showing seasonal longshore drift. The summary describes how the direction of drift changes between summer and winter and the impact of man-made structures like a marina breakwater.

1. Interpreting ‘Geographical Media’:
Hampton Beach - using TPQEEL
*”’Geographical Media’=
the methods that geographical data is presented: maps, graphs, tables, videos”

2. Example:
Hampton Beach
The next few slides, using HAMPTON BEACH as an example,
will outline the process for interpreting data using the
T.P.Q.E.E.L. Structure, with a model question.

3. Hampton
BeachUsing Source 1: Seasonal longshore
drift at Hampton Beach, Port Phillip
Bay, evaluate the impact of man-
made coastal management strategies
on the natural processes at Hampton
Beach.
Source 1:

4. TOPIC SENTENCE
Topic Sentence:
A ‘sentence’ that states the main idea and/or reason for the existence of the specific Geographic Media.
Source 1:
Model Topic Sentence
Source 1: ‘Seasonal longshore drift at Hampton Beach, Port
Phillip Bay’, demonstrates the impact of man-made coastal
management strategies on the natural process of seasonal
longshore drift at Hampton Beach. During Summer the direction
is North-West and in Winter, South-East.

5. PATTERN
The General Pattern:
At first view of a piece of Geographic Media, what stands out; what makes an impression?
Source 1:
Model ‘Pattern’ Response
Overall, this map highlights that the seasonal direction of the
prevailing wind determines the direction of the longshore drift
and therefore the direction of sand build up along the coast.
The Summer build up is indicated by the ‘purple’ arrows and the
Winter build up is indicated by the ‘green’ arrows.
Example sentence starters:
• The overall pattern of X could be described as uneven/even;
• This graph shows/demonstrates/highlights/exemplifies/
illustrates/supports the idea that….

6. QUANTIFICATION
Quantification of the ‘Geographic Media’:
The addition of ‘numbers’. Specific numerical detail(s) and definition(s) to the ‘pattern(s)’ observed.
Source 1:
Model ‘Quantification’
ResponseSource 1, demonstrates how the Marina breakwater interrupts
this natural process. As shown in Source 1 by the ‘purple’ arrow,
the wind directs the swash towards the beach in a north-westerly
direction causing longshore drift to transport sand north along
the beach in Summer. However, in Winter, the wind direction is
altered; the sand is transported and built up in the southeast of
the beach.
The ‘green’ arrow at ‘Sandringham Harbour’ illustrates that some
of the southern build up of sand that occurs in Winter is trapped
in the Harbour and is not able to move north in Summer. This is
made clear by the greater width of the beach in the south of the
coast compared to the north. According to this map (Source 1),
the south beach is approximately 100m wider than the north
beach.

7. EXCEPTION
Exception(s) to the rule:
There are often instances (it is to be expected) where some ‘thing’ doesn’t fit the overall ‘pattern’ –
identify it!
Source 1:
Model ‘Exception’ Response
However, it should be noted that some sand is not trapped and is
able to follow the natural process of moving north in Summer.
This suggests that the strength of the longshore drift in Summer
is able to overcome the man-made barrier of the Marina
breakwater.

8. EXPLANATION
Explanation of the Geographic Media:
What is the importance of the Geographic Media compiled and presented to you?
Source 1:
Model ‘Explanation’
ResponseA possible reason for this build of sand in the south of Hampton
Beach is the Marina breakwater. While all sand is transported
south in Winter by longshore drift, some sand is trapped in the
Harbour and is not moved north by the changed prevailing wind
in Summer. However, some sand is transported north in the
Summer. This suggests that the strength of the longshore drift in
Summer is able to overcome the man-made barrier of the Marina
breakwater.
Example sentence starters:
• These results suggest that/this can be explained by;
• A possible reason/some possible reasons for this are…

9. LINKING SENTENCE
Linking Sentence:
This ‘sentence’ links back to, and allows you to summarize your interpretation of the Geographic Media
being viewed.
Source 1:
Model ‘Linking’ Response
While the seasonal direction of the prevailing wind and therefore
longshore drift, affects the direction of the build up of sand along
Hampton Beach, man-made coastal management strategies such
as the breakwater also have a great impact on these natural
processes.

10. Copy and paste into URL (Data Analysis: Word Sheet):
vanweringh9.wikispaces.com/file/view/Data+analysisPQE.doc
Webography & Resources
Assembled by: A. Ballas & J. Mason