EXAM TECHNIQUE
POINT
Step 1: Make a statement to indicate what you are going to be arguing...
EVIDENCE
Step 2: Support your argument with data/ evidence to prove it.
EXPLAIN
Step 3: Explain what you mean by the statement you have just made. What does this show? What may it lead to?
LINK
Step 4: Link your argument back to the question. Don’t go off track!!
Sentence Starters
POINT
One reason is that…
One advantage/cause/ factor is…
It is suggested that…
Some believe that…
EVIDENCE
This is demonstrated by..
This is supported by…
For example…
Figure X shows us…
EXPLAIN
This is because…
This means that…
This will lead to…
This results in…
This shows that…
LINK
In conclusion, it is evident that…
This links to the idea that…
Overall this demonstrates that...
Therefore, in summary this shows…
Exam questions with figures…
You must refer to directly to the figure if you are provided with, otherwise you will limit your marks.
E.g. For example in the figure you can see that...
Command Words | |
Describe | Say what you see. |
Outline | Set out the main characteristics. |
Explain | Give detailed reasons. |
Suggest | Provide a possible reason. |
Justify | Explain and support an argument/case – use evidence. |
Discuss | Include different points of view OR pros and cons. |
Assess or Evaluate | Make an informed judgement, including different sides of argument. |
To what extent | Judge how important/ successful etc, but include both sides of the argument. |
4 mark questions
2 developed points/ separate reasons are needed in order to gain full marks.
e.g. Outline reasons for immigration to the UK (4 marks)
A reason why someone would migrate to the UK due to pull factors such a job opportunities. Having lots of jobs opportunities in the UK would allow people to earn more money, improving their standard to living,
Another reason would be a push factor such as war. This is a reason why someone would choose to leave the UK as they do not feel safe in their own country and their life is at risk, where this is not a problem in the UK, therefore people feel safe.
Describing Graphs
1) Describe the overall trend.
Increase/decrease/fluctuating.
2) Use adjectives to describe the trend.
e.g. rapid, steady, gradual
3) Use data/examples as evidence.
Example
e.g. In the graph from 1800-2020 the population has increased. It gradually increased up until 1940 and then more rapidly increased after that. The population has increased from 1 million to over 7 million people.
Developing points…
In geography, one of the main skills pupils struggle with is developing their points. Often pupils’ answers lack depth and this limits the marks they can achieve.
How to develop a point:
2 mark question:
Point – write a statement/idea.
Development – Explain this idea further
E.g. This means that..
For example…
This is because
Describing Maps
Example
Life expectancy is highest in Europe and countries such as USA (over 78 years old). However life expectancy is generally lowest in the continent of Africa with life expectancy in some countries being lower than 60. In Asia the life expectancy in is the middle ranging from about 68-78 years.
HOW TO ANSWER 9 MARK QUESTIONS
Structure
Introduction
Argument 1 : 2 PEEL paragraphs
Counterargument: 1 PEEL paragraph
Conclusion
The 3 following components need to be clearly demonstrated to achieve high marks. You will be awarded up to 3 marks for each, but need to demonstrate all well to score highly.
DO FIRST - Break down the Q
Before you start writing your answer, annotate ideas as to how you are going to answer the question.
What will each side of argument focus on? Key facts to include? Example?
Language
Use the language of the question to build a coherent answer and develop your evaluation.
Phrases to use
Examples
If the question states, using an example/case study you have studied, you must refer to a specific example/place in your answer, otherwise your marks are limited.
Even if a example is not requested, you may use one as evidence.
Knowledge (AO1)
Always use specific facts and evidence in your answer.
E.g. 90% of deforestation in the Amazon is a result of cattle ranching.
Developing points (AO2)
· Make sure you develop each point fully to develop your argument in detail – use PEEL paragraphs to ensure you are doing this.
· Link each paragraph back to the main question.
Evaluation (AO3)
Good evaluation allows you to get into Level 3 (7/8/9 marks).
2) Use evaluative language/ ideas
- To some extent
- Comparison of significance/ importance e.g. The most significant effect / response was…
- Comparison of Scale : local/national/global
3) Conclusion
Conclusion
You answer must have a conclusion otherwise you will be limited to 5 marks. Your conclusion should include your overall opinion about the question. You must justify in detail why you think that.
HOW TO ANSWER 6 MARK QUESTIONS
6 mark questions
You need 2-3 fully developed points.
If you refer to an example to illustrate your idea, you may only need 2 developed points, however if in doubt write another point!
Example
Climate change is having a negative impact on our planet. To what extent do you agree with this statement? (6 marks)
Climate change is having an extremely negative effect on people and the environment. For example, increasing temperatures has led to the melting of sea ice and polar habitats. This results in rising sea levels putting islands and coastal areas at risk of flooding.
Furthermore the loss of polar habitats is a problem for wildlife such as polar bears who are losing their homes making it harder for them to survive. As a result, more species are becoming threatened by extinction and we will see a loss of biodiversity in the future.
Despite this, climate change can have some positive effects. For example, the ice melt is making polar regions more accessible for ships, increasing trade, fishing and sailing allowing these industries to thrive and earn more money.
WRITE MORE THAN YOU THINK!