Paper 1 (Edexcel GCSE Geography A): Revision Notes
Extended writing questions - Paper 1
Understanding Paper 1 structure
Paper 1 concentrates on the physical environment and consists of three distinct sections. Each section presents various question types, with every section including one 8-mark extended writing question that tests your ability to write detailed geographical responses.
The three sections cover:
- Section A: The changing landscape of the UK (you only answer on two topics: Coastal landscapes OR River landscapes OR Glaciated landscapes)
- Section B: Weather hazards and climate change
- Section C: Ecosystems, biodiversity and management
For Section A, you have some choice - you only need to respond to questions about two of the three landscape types you've studied. This means you can focus your revision on your strongest topics.
Extended writing question scoring
The extended writing questions are worth significant marks, particularly in Section C. Here's how the marking works:
Marking Breakdown:
- Section C: 8 content marks + 4 SPGST marks = 12 marks total
- Sections A & B: 8 content marks each
SPGST stands for Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar, and Specialist Terms. To achieve full marks in this area, your answer should demonstrate accurate spelling and punctuation, follow proper grammar rules, and include a wide range of geographical terminology used correctly.
Command words and what they mean
The extended writing questions use specific command words that tell you exactly what approach to take. Understanding these is crucial for structuring your response effectively.
Assess questions require you to weigh up different factors against each other and determine which are most significant. You're making judgements about relative importance.
Evaluate questions ask you to review all available information and bring it together to form a supported conclusion. This involves considering evidence from multiple angles.
Examine questions always include a resource (such as a map or photograph) and test your ability to break down information into individual components, explaining how each element connects to the question and how different elements link together.
Questions without resources typically test Assessment Objectives 2 and 3 (worth 4 marks each), while resource-based questions test Assessment Objectives 3 and 4 (also worth 4 marks each).
Assessment objectives explained
Understanding what each assessment objective requires helps you structure stronger responses.
Assessment Objective 2 (AO2) focuses on demonstrating your understanding of geographical concepts and relationships. You need to show that you grasp the concepts involved in the question and understand how processes, places, and environments connect with each other.
Assessment Objective 3 (AO3) requires you to apply your geographical knowledge practically. For strong responses, you should use your understanding to interpret, analyse, and evaluate information, then make well-reasoned judgements supported by evidence including strengths, weaknesses, alternatives, and relevant data.
Assessment Objective 4 (AO4) tests your investigation and communication skills. Success here means choosing appropriate techniques to investigate the question and communicate your findings clearly, then presenting a well-balanced, coherent answer.
Structuring your response
Effective extended writing responses follow a clear structure that helps communicate your ideas logically. Begin with an introduction that addresses the question directly, develop your main points in the middle section with supporting evidence and examples, and conclude by drawing your arguments together.
Throughout your response, remember to check your work against the SPGST criteria. This means proofreading for spelling and punctuation errors, ensuring your grammar flows well, and incorporating specialist geographical terms where they add precision to your explanations.
Your answer should demonstrate depth of knowledge while remaining focused on the specific question asked. Use examples and case studies to support your points, but ensure they directly relate to the question rather than including irrelevant detail.
Critical Reminder: Always relate your response directly to the question asked rather than writing everything you know about the topic. Examiners reward focused, relevant answers over lengthy, unfocused responses.
Key Points to Remember:
- Paper 1 has three sections with one 8-mark extended writing question per section
- Section C extended writing is worth 12 marks total (8 content + 4 SPGST)
- Command words (assess, evaluate, examine) determine your approach - learn what each requires
- SPGST marks reward accurate spelling, punctuation, grammar, and specialist terms
- Structure your answers with clear introduction, development, and conclusion
- Always relate your response directly to the question asked rather than writing everything you know about the topic