Paper 2 (Edexcel GCSE Geography A): Revision Notes
Paper 2 extended writing questions
Understanding Paper 2 structure
Paper 2 focuses on human geography and environmental issues. The paper is divided into three distinct sections, each testing different aspects of your geographical knowledge and skills.
The three sections are:
- Section A: Changing cities
- Section B: Global development
- Section C: Resource management
Each section contains various question types, but importantly, every section includes one extended writing question worth 8 marks. These questions are designed to test your ability to develop detailed geographical arguments and demonstrate your understanding of complex processes and relationships.
For Section C specifically, you have a choice to make. You only need to answer either Question 4 (Energy Management) or Question 5 (Water Management), depending on which topic you studied during your course.
SPGST assessment criteria
Extended writing questions in Section C are particularly important because they carry additional marks for your technical writing skills. These questions are worth 8 marks for geographical content, plus an additional 4 marks for SPGST, making them worth 12 marks in total.
SPGST stands for:
- Spelling: Using correct spelling throughout your answer
- Punctuation: Proper use of full stops, commas, and other punctuation marks
- Grammar: Writing in clear, grammatically correct sentences
- Specialist Terminology: Using appropriate geographical vocabulary accurately
To maximise your SPGST marks, focus on writing clearly and accurately whilst incorporating relevant geographical terms. Your answer should demonstrate that you can communicate geographical ideas effectively using proper academic language.
Command words in extended questions
The extended writing questions in all sections (A, B, and C) will use one of two command words: assess or evaluate. Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial for structuring your response effectively.
Assess questions require you to consider different factors involved in a geographical issue or process. Your task is to examine various elements and identify which factors are most significant or important. You should weigh up different aspects and make judgements about their relative importance.
Evaluate questions ask you to measure how successful something has been and reach a conclusion or judgement. You need to examine evidence of success or failure and make an overall assessment of effectiveness or impact.
Both types of questions may include a resource (such as a diagram, graph, or text extract) or may be answered without additional materials. When a resource is provided, make sure to reference it in your answer while also drawing on your own geographical knowledge.
Assessment objectives breakdown
The marking of extended writing questions depends on whether a resource is provided:
Questions without a resource test:
- Assessment Objective 2 (4 marks): Applying geographical knowledge and understanding
- Assessment Objective 3 (4 marks): Using geographical skills to interpret and analyse information
Questions with a resource test:
- Assessment Objective 3 (4 marks): Using geographical skills to interpret and analyse information
- Assessment Objective 4 (4 marks): Using a range of skills to investigate geographical questions and issues
This means you need to adapt your approach based on whether the question includes additional material to analyse.
Example question approaches
Worked Example: Changing Cities Question
For changing cities questions, you might be asked to evaluate which approach has been most successful in dealing with urbanisation impacts. Your answer should:
Step 1: Define key terms like urbanisation in your introduction Step 2: Consider the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches Step 3: Discuss impacts on both people and the environment Step 4: Reach a clear conclusion about which approach has been more effective
Worked Example: Global Development Question
For global development questions, you could be asked to assess the effects of changing geopolitical relationships. Your response should:
Step 1: Consider both positive and negative effects Step 2: Examine different types of relationships (foreign policy, defence agreements, territorial disputes) Step 3: Include specific examples to support your points Step 4: Identify which effects are most significant
Structuring your extended answers
Regardless of the specific question, successful extended writing responses follow a clear structure:
- Introduction: Define key terms and set out your approach
- Main body: Develop your argument with specific examples and evidence
- Conclusion: Reach a clear judgement that directly answers the question
Throughout your answer, ensure you're addressing the specific command word. If you're assessing, focus on weighing up different factors. If you're evaluating, concentrate on measuring success and reaching judgements.
Remember to use specific examples, data, and case studies where relevant. This demonstrates your geographical knowledge and helps support the points you're making.
Key Points to Remember:
- Paper 2 has three sections (A, B, C) each with one 8-mark extended writing question
- Section C questions are worth 12 marks total (8 for content + 4 for SPGST)
- Command words are either "assess" (consider factors) or "evaluate" (measure success)
- Structure your answers with clear introduction, development, and conclusion
- Use specialist geographical terminology accurately to maximise SPGST marks