How to Revise for IGCSE Geography: Tactics That Work

Revising for Geography IGCSE effectively can feel like a big task, especially when there’s a mix of case studies, key concepts, and map skills to remember. But don’t worry — plenty of students have successfully tackled this before you! 

These are the strategies I recommend to my current Year 10 and 11 students. Using them, you can confidently prepare for your exams and even enjoy the process. Here’s how to make the most of your revision time.

1. Understand the IGCSE Specification Inside Out

The IGCSE Geography syllabus is your roadmap to success. Make sure you know exactly what topics and skills will be tested. Check your specification for key themes, like population, natural hazards, and sustainability, and use it to guide your revision.

Top Tip:  My students always find it useful to go through the specification at the start of their revision, highlighting the areas that they find the most challenging. In lessons, I use a checklist to help them identify these areas. Highlight the topics you find hardest and focus on those first. This way, you’ll build confidence in areas where you need the most help.

Section of a checklist for Edexcel IGCSE Geography specification

2. Use Concept (Mind) Maps for Connections

Geography is all about understanding how different topics are connected, so concept maps are perfect for revision. Start with a central theme, like "Climate Change," and branch out to show causes, effects, and solutions. This will help you make links between different aspects of the topic. 

Top Tip: Colour-code your mind maps to make them more memorable. For example, use blue for causes, red for effects, and green for solutions.

Section of a concept map on hazardous environments for IGCSE Geography

3. Practice Map Skills Regularly

Map reading and interpretation are vital skills for Geography IGCSE. Make sure you’re confident with interpreting maps. For the CIE IGCSE, using scale, direction and grid references are also essential skills specifically for Paper 2. 

Practice interpreting data from maps, like population density or rainfall. Save My Exams has categorised the exam questions into a specific section on geographical skills for you, so you can focus on these more easily.

Top Tip: Use past papers to practice map-based questions. Pay close attention to any patterns or trends that maps show.

4. Create and Use Flashcards

Flashcards are great for memorising definitions, processes, and case study details. Write a question on one side (e.g., "What are the impacts of deforestation in the Amazon?") and the answer on the other. Students that I have taught find that flashcards are really useful for short, sharp revision sessions. Use them daily to revise tricky facts and definitions.

CIE IGCSE Geography Flashcards

Top Tip: Flashcards can take time to create. To save you time later, it’s a great idea to make the flashcards as you work through the course. Of course, if you haven’t done that, our experts at Save My Exams have created a range of flashcards on all the IGCSE CIE Geography topics that you can use. 

5. Practise Exam Questions

Familiarising yourself with exam-style questions is one of the best ways to prepare. Use past papers and mark schemes to practise writing concise, focused answers.

Top Tip: Time yourself to get used to exam conditions. This will help you manage your time effectively on the day.

6. Watch Videos and Documentaries

Sometimes, seeing geographical processes in action is much more engaging than reading about them. Videos and documentaries can bring concepts like plate tectonics or river erosion to life.

Top Tip: Look for educational YouTube channels, like Time for Geography, or BBC documentaries. Note down key points while watching to reinforce your learning.

7. Learn to Interpret Data

Geography exams often include graphs, charts, and tables. Make sure you’re comfortable analysing data, spotting trends, and explaining what the data shows. 

Top Tip: When interpreting data, always link your answers back to the question. Explain what the trends mean in the context of the topic.

8. Use Mnemonics and Acronyms

To remember processes or key points, create mnemonics or acronyms. For example, use "SPICESS" for the seven geographical concepts: Space, Place, Interconnection, Change, Environment, Sustainability, and Scale.

Top Tip: Make your mnemonics fun or personal—they’ll be easier to recall under pressure.

9. Break Down Your Revision

Geography covers a wide range of topics, so it’s important to stay organised. Break your revision into manageable chunks, focusing on one topic at a time.

Top Tip: Use a revision timetable and set specific goals for each session, like completing a set of flashcards or answering three exam questions.

10. Master Your Case Studies

Case studies are the backbone of Geography IGCSE. They provide examples which show how the geographical theory and concepts relate to the real world.

Create a summary sheet for each case study, including key facts, figures, and locations. Use bullet points to keep it concise, and add a few diagrams or maps for a visual boost.

Top Tip: Use flashcards to test yourself on case study facts, or get a friend or family member to quiz you.

Final Thoughts

Revising for Geography IGCSE doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using these tips, you can stay organised, focused, and confident. Remember to take regular breaks, ask for help if you need it, and trust the effort you’ve put in. Good luck—you’ve got this!

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Explore our Geography IGCSE revision resources today.

References

CIE IGCSE Geography specification

Edexcel IGCSE Geography specification