How to Answer an 8 Mark Question
8 mark questions
- Levelled response questions are the part of the final exams that many students find the most challenging
- The mark you achieve is based on the quality of your response to the question rather than marks being awarded for specific points
- Remember the examiners just want to see that you can apply your knowledge and understanding of a case study to a specific question
- The following guide will help you to express your knowledge and understanding in ways which will enable you to achieve the highest marks
- The 8 mark questions are in both papers 1 and 2 at the end of each section
- You are required to complete six 8 mark questions in total across both papers
- There are 3 levels which can be awarded in a levelled response question. These are outlined below:
| Level | Marks | Response |
| 1 | 1-3 |
Attempts to apply understanding but understanding and connections are flawed. An unbalanced or incomplete argument. Judgements are supported by limited evidence. (AO3) Uses some geographical skills to obtain information with limited relevance and accuracy, which supports a few aspects of the argument. (AO4) |
| 2 | 4-6 |
Applies understanding to deconstruct information and provide some logical connections between concepts. An imbalanced argument but not entirely coherently, leads to judgements that are supported by evidence occasionally. (AO3) Uses geographical skills to obtain accurate information that supports some aspects of the argument. (AO4) |
| 3 | 7-8 |
Applies understanding to deconstruct information and provide logical connections between concepts throughout. A balanced, well-developed argument, leads to judgements that are supported by evidence throughout. (AO3) Uses geographical skills to obtain accurate information that supports all aspects of the argument. (AO4) |
Step 1
- Regardless of the topic, the type of question that you will need to answer will be broadly the same. You will be asked to study a source(s) of data. You will then be expected to analyse the information. To analyse you need to examine the data source(s) methodically and in detail, you then need to explain and interpret it.
'Study Figure 1c in the Resource Booklet.
Analyse the importance of this dam (Grand Renaissance Dam) for managing the demand and supply of water.'
OR
Study Figure 1c in the Resource Booklet.
Analyse the reasons for the changes in the percentage of people employed in the secondary sector.
Step 2
- Highlight the keywords.
Study Figure 1c in the Resource Booklet.
Analyse the importance of this dam for managing the demand and supply of water.'
- In this example, it is important that you focus on the management of both the demand and the supply of water
- You need to assess how important the dam is in achieving both management of supply and demand
Step 3
- Plan the information you are going to include. This can be a short list of bullet points. For example;
- A brief definition explanation of what a dam is
- Describe how the dam is used to manage both the demand and supply of water
- Dams allow control water discharge downstream
- This can reduce flooding
- The storage of water in the reservoir, allowing the supply of water to areas in water deficit
- Impact when a river crosses an international boundary such as where the Blue Nile goes from Ethiopia to Sudan and then Egypt as shown in Figure 1c
Step 4
- Write your answer
- To achieve 8 marks you need to write at least 3 detailed statements using the Figure and place specific detail
- Do not make general statements
- Be specific for example:
‘’Figure 1c shows the location of the Grand Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia holding back 74 billion cubic metres of water demonstrating its importance for water supply.'
- Ensure that you include place specific details from the Figure
