How to Answer a 12 Mark Question (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
How to Answer an 12 Mark Question
12 mark questions
In the Edexcel IGCSE there is one 12 mark question. This comes at the end of paper 2 in the final section.
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 12 mark question is in paper 2 at the end of the final section
You are required to complete one 12 mark question across both papers
There are 3 levels which can be awarded in a levelled response question. These are outlined below:
Level | Marks | Response |
|---|---|---|
1 | 1-4 | Demonstrates some understanding of concepts and the interrelationship between places, environments and processes. (AO2) Attempts to apply understanding but understanding and connections are weak. An unbalanced or incomplete argument that shows limited understanding. 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. (A04) |
2 | 4-8 | Demonstrates increased understanding of concepts and the interrelationship between places, environments and processes. (AO2) Applies understanding to deconstruct information and provide some logical connections between concepts. An imbalanced argument that synthesises mostly relevant understanding, but not entirely coherently, leading 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 | 9-12 | Demonstrates accurate understanding of concepts and the interrelationship of places, environments and processes. (AO2) Applies understanding to deconstruct information and provides logical connections between concepts throughout. A balanced, well-developed argument that synthesises relevant understanding coherently, leading 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 sources of data as well as to use your own knowledge and understanding. You will then be expected to discuss the information. To discuss you need to set out both sides of an argument (for and against) and come to a conclusion related to the content and emphasis of the discussion.
Discuss the view
'The most significant impact of climate change will be the increased frequency of extreme weather events.’
Use Figures 7a and 7b from the Resource Booklet, and your own knowledge and understanding to support your answer.
Step 2
Highlight the keywords.
Discuss the view
'The most significant impact of climate change will be the increased frequency of extreme weather events.’
Use Figures 7a and 7b from the Resource Booklet, and your own knowledge and understanding to support your answer.
In this example, it is important that you focus on whether the most significant impact of climate change is extreme weather events or whether it is other impacts
Step 3
Plan the information you are going to include. This can be a short list of bullet points. For example;
A brief outline of what climate change is - increasing temperatures associated with average weather conditions or longer-term average conditions.
Outline the arguments for and against the most significant impact of climate change being the increased frequency of extreme weather events using the Figures and your own knowledge and understanding
Increased temperatures
Sea level rise
Patterns of desertification
Increasing number of tropical storms
Step 4
Write your answer
To achieve 12 marks you need to write at least 4 detailed statements using the Figures and place specific detail
Do not make general statements
Be specific for example:
‘Figure 7b shows how there has already been an increase in the number of tropical storms over a decade, if climate change continues and this trajectory continues some regions of the world will be at great risk of a high number of tropical storms each year'
Ensure that you include place specific details from the Figures
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