AS Geography
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Key Command word: Discuss
Means to examine or closely weigh up a particular
situation.
Consider the strengths and weaknesses, advantages
and disadvantages, the arguments for or against.
There are many ways to say discuss including
“assess” “evaluate” “to what extent” “comment
on” “how far”
Top tips for ‘discuss’ questions:
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Do make sure you give both sides of the
story
Do have a clear introduction and conclusion
Do consider relevant importance
Do not list or spend too much time
describing/explaining.
Answer one of the following 15 mark questions:
Discuss issues resulting from:
the growing demand from richer countries for high value food exports from poorer countries
all-year demand for seasonal produce.
With reference to one infectious disease, discuss its impact on health, economic development and
lifestyle.
Physical factors are more important than human factors in affecting river discharge. Discuss this view.
Discuss the relative importance of two or more processes responsible for shaping the coast (such as
marine erosion, transportation; deposition and land-based sub-aerial weathering, mass movement and
runoff).
Discuss the relative importance of two or more processes responsible for shaping the coast (such as
marine erosion, transportation; deposition and land-based sub-aerial weathering, mass movement and
runoff).
You will be assessed using the mark scheme below:
Level 1: attempts the question to
some extent (basic)
1. display a basic understanding of
the topic
2. make one or two points
3. give a basic list of characteristics,
reasons and attitudes
Level 2: answers the question
(well/clearly)
1. display a clear understanding of
the topic
2. make one or two points with
support of appropriate
exemplification and/or
application of principle
3. give a number of characteristics,
reasons, attitudes
Level 3: answers the question very
well (detailed)
1. display a detailed understanding
of the topic
2. make several points with support
of appropriate exemplification
and/or application of principle
3. give a wide range of
characteristics, reasons, attitudes
Helpful websites:
https://geographyas.info/
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/geography/population/revise-it/population-statistics-anddistribution
http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/A-level/AQA/AQA%20A%20level.htm
Helpful books (which can be found in Geography if you need them)