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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.