Sample Answer for Explain why there are different perceptions of an urban area’s attractiveness as a living space.

Urban areas' attractiveness can depend on what life stage you are at, and how you would want to use the living space. Urban areas may be attractive because they are close to jobs and hence it could become cheaper to travel to work, but this would only apply to certain people. Life-stage is important as youths would perceive urban areas for entertainment or perhaps for higher education. Also, population characteristics may change perceptions as if a certain type of ethnicity lives here, then many other ethnicities may feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Also, the media may play a part as they may show if an area has high crime and then perception would change, such as in Chalvey in Slough. It is presumed to be dangerous because of the area being very rundown and people living around the area are said to have lower incomes.

Examiner´s comments

This response is awarded 5 marks. This student helpfully identifies life-stage as a reason for varying perceptions, and goes on to illustrate this through reference to workers and youths and also in the mention of people's ethnicity. These are partially developed to suggest reasons for differing opinions, showing some range of knowledge and understanding.

The example of Chalvey is helpful, as is the reference to the role of the media. Although this is not on the Indicative content of the Mark Scheme, it is relevant as part of an explanation about different perceptions, so is creditworthy here. The final sentence drifts away, and it is helpful to remind students that even on these short questions a brief glance back at the question at the end of the answer is always a good idea. A few extra words here would have been useful in establishing who might think this. Presumably those who live in Chalvey may or may not think differently.

This answer could easily have been taken to full marks with more fully developed points about the three groups identified, or about Chalvey residents.