Hwa Chong Institution
Secondary One Geography 2014
Term 3: Why does water shortage occur?
Open-ended Essay Practice (Answer)
Name: _______________ (
) Date: _____________Class: ______
For questions on
 X is the cause/result of a certain issue. How far do you agree? or
 Y is the most important factor. Do you agree? Explain.
Guide:
 Elaborate on the given factor
 Give an example
 Elaborate on one other factor
 Give an example
 Conclude with some evaluation
Seasonal rain is the main reason for the shortage of water.
How far do you agree?
[5]
I agree to a large extent that seasonal rain is the main factor leading to a rising
demand for water. Another factor that we have to consider is rising affluence OR rising
population
When seasonal rain does not come on time, or is below average, it can cause shortages.
One such example is India which experiences monsoon season from June to September. In
2009, when the monsoon did not on time, there was widespread drought. Cities like New
Delhi faced water shortage. Farmers were badly affected too and sugar production fell so
low that India had to import sugar. Thus seasonal rain has led to shortage of water.
Another cause of water shortage is due to rising population. The world population
grew from 1.6 billion in 1900 to 6.1 billion in 2000. As world population grows at an
increasing rate, so does the demand for water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.
Eg Shijiazhuang, a growing city in China so experiencing water shortage due to its rising
population. In 1900 it was a group of villages. In 2007 population increased to 2.3 million,
putting a strain on the water supply available. Now they have to dig wells up to 200m to get
groundwater. Therefore, increased population has led to water shortage.
To conclude, I agree to a large extent that seasonal rain is the main factor leading to
water shortage, especially in countries which receive seasonal rain. But this is not the
only reason. Rising population has also contributed to the strain on water resources. As
demand exceeds supply, water shortages are inevitable.
Open Ended Questions Rubric
Level 1 (1 – 2m):
One-sided answers (For or against) or answers without links.
• Describes given factor vaguely
• Given factor well-elaborated, lacking example
Level 2 (3 – 4m)
Two-sided answers (For & Against)
• Given factor well-elaborated, with example
• 1 other factor explained, with example
Level 3 (5m)
L2/4 + sound conclusion and ‘ do you agree’ is substantiated.
• Takes a stand and supports with logical explanation.
1m
2m
3m
4m
5m