1 · Population patterns and development
population density · spatial scale
U1-Q1 · 2 marks
What can the density value tell you on its own?
Answer and reasoning · Respuesta y razonamiento
Average population per unit area, not the internal settlement pattern.
U1-Q2 · 4 marks
Explain the mechanism or reasoning in this original case: A national population density hides both crowded cities and sparsely settled mountains. The scale of a map changes the pattern you can see.
Answer and reasoning · Respuesta y razonamiento
A region has 200,000 residents over 1,000 square kilometres: density = 200 per square kilometre. Map settlement within the region before interpreting that average as a uniform concentration.
- Accurate relevant concept (1)
- Specific evidence from the case (1)
- Connected reasoning (2)
Density is not population growth, and a country average does not show inequality within cities. / Explain push and pull factors as interacting conditions rather than universal rules about migrants.
2 · Climate vulnerability and resource security
vulnerability · resilience
U2-Q1 · 2 marks
Which factor most directly reduces vulnerability in the case?
Answer and reasoning · Respuesta y razonamiento
Accessible warning and shelter systems for people at risk.
U2-Q2 · 4 marks
Explain the mechanism or reasoning in this original case: Two communities face the same flood depth, but one has warning systems and accessible shelters. The hazard is similar while vulnerability differs.
Answer and reasoning · Respuesta y razonamiento
Compare housing quality, drainage, warning access and household resources before explaining different losses. A flood barrier may reduce exposure locally but transfer water or risk elsewhere, so examine upstream and downstream effects.
- Accurate relevant concept (1)
- Specific evidence from the case (1)
- Connected reasoning (2)
A hazard map alone cannot predict social losses. / Use observed impacts and capacity evidence; distinguish mitigation of climate change from adaptation to its effects.
3 · Geographic inquiry and sampling
fieldwork · sampling
U3-Q1 · 2 marks
Why repeat counts at comparable times?
Answer and reasoning · Respuesta y razonamiento
To reduce the risk that timing rather than location explains the observed differences.
U3-Q2 · 4 marks
Explain the mechanism or reasoning in this original case: You expect pedestrian counts to decline away from a shopping centre. A useful fieldwork design can test the pattern without claiming every street behaves alike.
Answer and reasoning · Respuesta y razonamiento
Count at five measured distances using the same five-minute interval at comparable times. Plot distance against count and examine exceptions. Note weather, junctions and events as competing explanations; keep original records and location evidence.
- Accurate relevant concept (1)
- Specific evidence from the case (1)
- Connected reasoning (2)
Fieldwork is a supervised inquiry and written report, not a fabricated dataset or desk-only exam. / Teacher approves access and safety; a correlation does not prove distance alone caused the pattern.
4 · Networks, development and global risks
global interaction · dependency
U4-Q1 · 2 marks
Which evidence best identifies a vulnerable supplier?
Answer and reasoning · Respuesta y razonamiento
Dependence on one buyer or route with few affordable alternatives.
U4-Q2 · 4 marks
Explain the mechanism or reasoning in this original case: A supply chain connects a local factory to distant consumers. Disruption at one transport node can affect many places unevenly.
Answer and reasoning · Respuesta y razonamiento
Trace a product through suppliers, production, transport and sales. Identify where a port closure delays inputs and who has alternative routes. Compare resilience for a large firm with reserves and a small supplier dependent on one buyer.
- Accurate relevant concept (1)
- Specific evidence from the case (1)
- Connected reasoning (2)
Do not equate connectedness with equal power or equal benefit. / HL synthesis should connect several extension themes and spatial scales, with a reasoned judgement rather than a list.