Geography Higher Specimen Paper

H
National
Qualications
EXEMPLAR PAPER ONLY
EP20/H/01
Geography
DateNot applicable
Duration2 hours and 15 minutes
Total marks60
SECTION 1PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS15 marks
Attempt ALL questions.
SECTION 2HUMAN ENVIRONMENTS15 marks
Attempt ALL questions.
SECTION 3GLOBAL ISSUES20 marks
Attempt TWO questions.
SECTION 4APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS10 marks
Attempt the question.
Credit will be given for appropriately labelled sketch maps and diagrams.
Write your answers clearly in the answer booklet provided. In the answer booklet you must
clearly identify the question number you are attempting.
Use blue or black ink.
Before leaving the examination room you must give your answer booklet to the Invigilator;
if you do not, you may lose all the marks for this paper.
*EP20H01*
MARKS
SECTION 1: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS15 marks

Attempt ALL questions
Question 1
The Lake District is an area of outstanding glaciated scenery which attracts an
increasingly high number of visitors each year, leading to environmental conflicts.
Explain the environmental conflicts that may occur due to this high influx of visitors.
Question 2
Study Diagram Q2.
Explain how human activities, such as those shown on Diagram Q2, can impact on the
hydrological cycle.
Diagram Q2: Human activities affecting the hydrological cycle
Deforestation
Mining
Irrigation
Human activities
Urbanisation
Dam building
Reservoirs
Question 3
For a podsol soil, explain the main conditions and soil-forming processes which have led
to its formation.
Page two
MARKS
SECTION 2: HUMAN ENVIRONMENTS15 marks

Attempt ALL questions
Question 4
Beijing, like many developing world cities, suffers from severe traffic
congestion. It is estimated that commuting time has increased by 19% in the
last 5 years.
For Beijing, or any named city you have studied in the developing world, evaluate the
strategies employed to manage traffic congestion.
Question 5
With reference to a developed world city you have studied, explain the impact of recent
housing changes that have taken place in the inner city.
Question 6
Study Diagram Q6.
Explain the problems the Scottish Government may face as a result of the changes in
Scotlands population structure.
Diagram Q6: Scotlands population 2012
(Change from 1974 in brackets)
17%
(10%)
Working age
Pensioners
Children
20%
(+4%)
63%
(+6%)
Page three
MARKS
SECTION 3: GLOBAL ISSUES20 marks

Attempt TWO questions
Question 7
River Basin Management
Page 5
Question 8
Development and Health
Page 6
Question 9
Global Climate Change
Page 7
Question 10
Trade, Aid and Geopolitics
Page 8
Question 11
Energy
Page 9
Page four
MARKS
Question 7River Basin Management

(a)
Study Map Q7.

The Mississippi river basin extends into 31 states of the USA as well as into
southern Canada. It is the third largest river basin in the world.
For the Mississippi or any other river basin management project, explain the
political problems that may have resulted from the project.
Map Q7: Mississippi river basin
CANADA
Minneapolis
ns
tai
un
Mo
Denver
Mississippi
in
Memphis
a
nt
Mo
20 Major dams in the Mississippi River Basin

Selected cities with a population of over 300,000
Boundary of Mississippi River Basin
New Orleans
National Boundary
High Quality farmland
(b) Evaluate the social, economic and environmental benefits of a named water control
project you have studied.
Page five
MARKS
Question 8Development and Health

(a) Referring to named developing countries that you have studied, explain why there
is such a wide range in levels of development between developing countries.
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of some specific primary health care strategies
employed in developing countries you have studied.
Page six
MARKS
Question 9Global Climate Change

(a)
Explain the physical factors affecting climate change.
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies used to:

(i) reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases;
(ii) manage the local effects of climate change.
Page seven
MARKS
Question 10Trade, Aid and Geopolitics

(a)
Study Table Q10.

Explain how the data in the table shows inequalities in the pattern of world trade.
Table Q10: Trade patterns of selected countries

Country
Population
(million)
GDP
per capita
(US $)
Exports
Imports
(billion US $) (billion US $)
Balance of
trade
(billion US $)
USA
319
52,800
1,575
2,273
698
Turkey
82
15,300
168
243
75
Nigeria
177
2,800
94
56
+38
China
1,356
9,800
2,210
1,950
+260
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of trading alliances in attempting to reduce world trade
inequalities.
Page eight
MARKS
Question 11Energy
(a)
Study Graph Q11.

Using the information in the graph, explain the reasons for the patterns of
renewable energy production in the countries shown.
Graph Q11: Renewable energy production in selected countries

600
terrawatt hours per year
500
400
300
200
100
0
USA
Brazil
Norway
Italy
Germany
Country
HEP
Wind
Biomass/Waste
Solar
Geothermal
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of any non-renewable source of energy you have studied,
in meeting the energy demands of a named country.
Page nine
MARKS
SECTION 4: APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS10 marks

Attempt the question
Question 12
Study the following resources:
Map Q12: Location of Chelson Meadow landfill site;
OS Map Q12: (Extract 2006/OL20: Plymouth);
Wind Rose Q12: Plymouth;
Information Q12: BBC Headline.
(a)
Discuss the suitability of Chelson Meadow as a site for landfill.
(b) Evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of the closure of this site.
Map Q12: Location of Chelson Meadow
Mount Gould
River
Plym
Chelson
Meadow
St Judes
Prince Rock
Laira
Bridge
Cattedown
Cattewater
Oreston
Plymstock
Page ten
5
5
MARKS
Question 12 (continued)
Wind Rose Q12: Plymouth
Wind rose for the period 19912000

at Plymouth (50 metres a.m.s.l.)
33+
20%
28-33
17-27
10%
11-16
5%
1-10
0%
Knots
Page eleven
MARKS
Question 12 (continued)
Information Q12: BBC Headline, August 2011
Plymouths Chelson Meadow tip restored to grassland

Plymouth City Councillor Michael Leaves said the restoration of the site would make
a huge difference to the people who live nearby, the work to revert the site to its
natural state cost 18m. Domestic waste is now transported 20 miles away to a
private landfill in Liskeard, Cornwall.
[END OF EXEMPLAR QUESTION PAPER]
Acknowledgement of Copyright
Question 10(a), Table Q10
Data is taken from CIA World Fact book 2014. Public Domain.
Question 12(b) Article is adapted from Plymouths Chelson Meadow tip restored to
grassland, taken from BBC News, 16 August 2011. Reproduced by kind
permission of BBC News.
Page twelve
National
Qualications
EXEMPLAR PAPER ONLY
EP20/H/01
Geography
Marking Instructions
These Marking Instructions have been provided to show how SQA would mark this
Exemplar Question Paper.
The information in this publication may be reproduced to support SQA qualifications only
on a non-commercial basis. If it is to be used for any other purpose, written permission
must be obtained from SQAs Marketing team on permissions@sqa.org.uk.
Where the publication includes materials from sources other than SQA (ie secondary
copyright), this material should only be reproduced for the purposes of examination or
assessment. If it needs to be reproduced for any other purpose it is the users
responsibility to obtain the necessary copyright clearance.
General Marking Principles for Higher Geography

This information is provided to help you understand the general principles you must apply
when marking candidate responses to questions in this paper. These principles must be read
in conjunction with the detailed Marking Instructions, which identify the key features
required in candidate responses.
a) Marks for each candidate response must always be assigned in line with these general
marking principles and the detailed Marking Instructions for this assessment.
b) Marking should always be positive. This means that, for each candidate response, marks
are accumulated for the demonstration of relevant skills, knowledge and understanding:
they are not deducted from a maximum on the basis of errors or omissions.
c) Where the candidate violates the rubric of the paper and answers two parts in one
section, both responses should be marked and the better mark recorded.
d) Marking must be consistent. Never make a hasty judgement on a response based on
length, quality of hand writing or a confused start.
e) Use the full range of marks available for each question.
f) The detailed Marking Instructions are not an exhaustive list. Other relevant points
should be credited.
g) For credit to be given, points must relate to the question asked. Where candidates give
points of knowledge without specifying the context, these should be rewarded unless it
is clear that they do not refer to the context of the question.
h) For knowledge/understanding marks to be awarded, points must be:
a. relevant to the issue in the question
b. developed (by providing additional detail, exemplification, reasons or evidence)
c. used to respond to the demands of the question (ie evaluate, analyse, etc)
Marking principles for each question type
There are a range of types of question which could be asked within this question paper. For
each, the following provides an overview of marking principles, and an example for each.
Explain
Questions which ask candidates to explain or suggest reasons for the cause or impact of
something, or require them to refer to causal connections and relationships: candidates must
do more than describe to gain credit here.
Where this occurs in a question asking about a landscape feature, candidates should refer to
the processes leading to landscape formation.
Where candidates are provided with sources, they should make use of these and refer to them
within their answer for full marks.
Where candidates provide a purely descriptive answer, or one where development is
limited, no more than half marks should be awarded for the question.
Other questions look for higher-order skills to be demonstrated and will use command words
such as analyse, evaluate, to what extent does, discuss.
Page two
Analyse
Analysis involves identifying parts, the relationship between them, and their relationships with the
whole. It can also involve drawing out and relating implications.
An analysis mark should be awarded where a candidate uses their knowledge and
understanding/a source, to identify relevant components (eg of an idea, theory, argument,
etc) and clearly show at least one of the following:
links between different components

links between component(s) and the whole
links between component(s) and related concepts
similarities and contradictions
consistency and inconsistency
different views/interpretations
possible consequences/implications
the relative importance of components
understanding of underlying order or structure
Where candidates are asked to analyse they should identify parts of a topic or issue and refer
to the interrelationships between, or impacts of, various factors, eg analyse the soil-forming
properties which lead to the formation of a gley soil. Candidates would be expected to refer
to how the various soil formatting properties contributed to the formation.
Evaluate
Where candidates are asked to evaluate, they should be making a judgement of the success,
failure, or impact of something based on criteria. Candidates would be expected to briefly
describe the strategy/project being evaluated before offering an evidenced conclusion.
Account for
Where candidates are being asked to account for, they are required to give reasons, often (but
not exclusively) from a resource, eg for a change in trade figures, a need for water
management, or differences in development between contrasting developing countries.
Discuss
These questions are looking for candidates to explore ideas about a project, or the impact of a
change. Candidates will be expected to consider different views on an issue/argument. This
might not be a balanced argument, but there should be a range of impacts or ideas within the
answer.
To what extent
This asks candidates to consider the impact of a management strategy or strategies they have
explored. Candidates would be expected to briefly describe the strategy/project being
evaluated before offering an evidenced conclusion. Candidates do not need to offer an overall
opinion based on a variety of strategies, but should assess each separately.
Page three
Detailed Marking Instructions for each question

SECTION 1: Physical Environments
General marking principles for this
type of question
Question
1
Candidates should explain the conflicts

relating to high visitor numbers and impact
on the environment. Making reference to
causal relationships for full marks.
Max
mark
5
Specific Marking Instructions for this question

Possible answers might include:
Candidates need not refer to all factors for

full marks.
Marks may be awarded as follows:
For 1 mark, candidates may give one

detailed explanation. Detail should
include relevant causal relationships.
A maximum of 2 marks should be
awarded for answers consisting entirely
of limited descriptive points, with two
such points required for one mark or
where answers are vague or
overgeneralised.
Increased traffic congestion especially on narrow rural roads and in car parks
especially at peak holiday periods leading to increased air and noise
pollution. (1 mark)
Increased holiday home ownership which leaves rural areas empty during the
week or off peak leading to overgrown gardens. (1 mark)
Visitors/walkers wandering off identified paths leading to increased footpath
erosion especially on popular and easily accessible areas by roads. (1 mark)
Increased litter and the danger of animal wildlife choking on discarded plastic
bags. (1 mark)
Modern building not fitting into the landscape leading to visual pollution, eg
including hotels, leisure complexes, caravan sites. (1 mark)
Increased pollution impact on lakes, due to diesel pollution from water sports
and pleasure craft. (1 mark)
Use of jet skis and speedboats lead to bank erosion of beaches. (1 mark)
1 mark
Limited explanation the use of the names
of at least two factors with no development
of these.
2 marks
The use of the names of at least two factors
with development of these, but no other
reference to environmental conflicts.
or
Limited use of the names of at least two
factors, with at least two descriptive points
Page four

type of question
Question
Max
mark
about environmental conflicts.

3 marks
Two factors with limited explanation of
environmental conflicts but with at least
three descriptive points about the
environmental conflicts.
4 marks
Two detailed explanations about
environmental conflicts with at least two
descriptive points.
5 marks
Two detailed explanations about
environmental conflicts, with three
descriptive points.
2
Candidates should explain the impact

relating to human activities on the
hydrological cycle. Making reference to
causal relationships for full marks.
Candidates must refer to at least two
relevant factors for full marks.

such points required for 1 mark or where
answers are vague or overgeneralised.
Candidates may refer to any human activities.

For deforestation:
The cutting down of trees increases run-off and the potential for soil erosion.
(1 mark)
Decreases in evapo-transpiration and therefore cloud formation impacts on
local rainfall patterns. (1 mark)
Changes to vegetation cover can lead to more extreme river flows as water
is not intercepted and stored by the trees. (1 mark)
For irrigation:
Taking water from a river or ground water storage can reduce river flow.
(1 mark)
Lowering water tables and increasing evaporation/evapo-transpiration by
placing water in surface stores, eg ditches/canals. (1 mark)
Increased farming opportunities provided by irrigating crops removes water
Page five
Question

type of question
Max
mark

from the hydrological cycle as the crops grow. (1 mark)
For urbanisation:
The removal of natural vegetation and replacement with impermeable
concrete/hard surfaces and drains (1 mark) can speed up overland flow and
can lead to higher river levels. (1 mark)
As more urban land is concreted over the rate of evaporation from these
surfaces increases as the rate of percolation through the land surface
decreases. (1 mark). It also decreases the amount of water which returns to
groundwater storage, possibly reducing the water table. (1 mark)
For mining:
The silting up of lakes, rivers and reservoirs leads to reduced storage capacity
in these areas. (1 mark)
Mining may also lead to reduced vegetation cover leading to increased run-off
(1 mark), higher evaporation and cloud formation altering the rainfall
pattern. (1 mark)
Candidates should explain the factors

relating to podsol soil forming conditions
and processes making reference to causal
relationships for full marks.
Candidates need not refer to all factors for
full marks.
Check any diagram(s) for relevant points not
present in the text and award accordingly.
Well-annotated diagrams that explain
conditions and processes can gain full
marks.
Thin, black and acidic humus (pH 354) produced from the slow
decomposition of coniferous needles and cones and cold climate. (1 mark)
There is limited bacterial activity caused by the cold climate which results
in the slow formation and hence thin/shallow soil. (1 mark)
Precipitation is greater than evaporation and/or snowmelt results in the
downward leaching of clays, humus, iron and aluminum resulting in an ash
grey A horizon. (1 mark)
An iron pan develops in the illuviation zone in the upper B horizon as a
result of the redeposition of iron and this can impede drainage, resulting in
waterlogging and gleying in the B horizon. (1 mark)
Due to the cold climate present for most of the year, there are few soil
biota to vertically mix the soil, so the horizons are well defined. (1 mark)
The C horizon parent material is generally of weathered (fluvio) glacial
material with a mixture of particle sizes and shapes. (1 mark)
Page six

type of question
Question
Max
mark

include relevant causal factors.
awarded for answers consisting
entirely of limited descriptive points,
with two such points required for
1 mark or where answers are vague or
overgeneralised.
Page seven
SECTION 2: Human Environments

type of question
Question
4
Answers will depend on the case study

referenced by the candidate.
Max
mark
5

For candidates who write about Beijing, possible answers might include:
Candidates must evaluate how strategies

actually help to manage traffic congestion
and not just describe or list different
methods, eg one-way systems, parking
restrictions, limited use of vehicles, using
public transport.
Evaluation points should also be developed

points for a mark to be awarded, eg
encouraging public transport and trying to
reduce car ownership in a city.
Avoid giving marks for candidate comments

which are the opposite/reverse of points
already credited.
Odd and even last numbers on registration plates are allowed into the cities
on particular days. However wealthy residents have more than one car, ie a
car for either day. (1 mark)
Parking restrictions and fines have been increased to discourage people
from using on street parking therefore creating more space on narrow city
roads. (1 mark)
Multi-storey car parks/car stacking using high-tech equipment have been
built to reduce on street parking. However this may have the effect of
encouraging traffic into the city. (1 mark)
New roads seven new highways from Beijing are planned by 2015,
including the Beijing to Tibet Highway. This means that through traffic does
not need to travel into the city centre. (1 mark)
Road widening projects, for example on Wanshou Road, have also increased
the capacity of major routes into the city. (1 mark)

detailed evaluative point. Detail should
include reference to relevant strategies.

Answers will depend on the city referenced

by the candidate and the impact of recent
For candidates who write about Glasgow, possible answers might include:
Page eight

type of question
Question
Max
mark
housing changes in the inner city.
The Clyde Gateway Project has transformed the housing stock and economic
opportunities for residents within inner city Glasgow (Bridgeton, Dalmarnock
and Parkhead) (1 mark), eg by building new social and private housing
(1 mark); clearing old industrial wasteland to provide new factory and
commercial space (1 mark); attracting new commercial investment, improved
transport facilities; and long term recreational space linked to the
Commonwealth games. (1 mark)
The Athletes village which was built to accommodate the Commonwealth

Games competitors will be transformed into 1,440 houses (apartments,
terraced, semi-detached and detached). (1 mark)
Over 1,100 will be available to buy, 300 provided as social rented housing,
plus 120-bed elderly care home. (1 mark)
However, not all of the original residents will be able to afford to live there.
Some residents reported that the money offered in compensation was
insufficient to cover the costs of a move. (1 mark)
Local residents can now enjoy the new services of the local area, which
includes primary schools, shops and a community centre, the Dalmarnock
Legacy Hub. Improved sports facilities, including the velodrome, will also
bring benefits. (1 mark)
Improvements made to the local infrastructure, including the upgrading of
Dalmarnock train station and M74 access routes, will attract new investment.
(1 mark)
Local shops will benefit from the increase in income, and it is hoped that the
area will benefit from an additional 20,000 jobs by 2028. (1 mark)
No marks should be awarded for references

outwith the inner city.
Although no mark is to be awarded for the
naming of the city, vague/generic answers
that do not relate to a specific city should
get a maximum of 4 marks.

include relevant causal factors.
1 mark can be awarded where
candidates refer to two specific named
examples within the inner city area.
candidates refer to details that may
include relevant exemplification of
specific changes.
Candidates should explain the problems

caused by changes in Scotlands population
structure. Making reference to causal
relationships for full marks.
Possible answer might include:
To allow levels of taxation to remain constant the government may need to

raise the retirement age. (1 mark)
To ensure there are no future shortages in workforce they may need to
recruit immigrant labour. (1 mark)
Page nine

type of question
Question

Max
mark
In times of recession/high unemployment this can lead to civil unrest/ethnic

tension. (1 mark)
To make public services such as schools and maternity hospitals efficient,
some may need to close. (1 mark)
Ageing population leads to increased cost of pension provision and unpopular
decisions for government about how pensions should be funded. (1 mark)
Page ten
SECTION 3: Global Issues

River Basin Management
type of question
Question
7

Max
mark
4

include reference to relevant political
factors.

The candidate response must relate to a
specific water control project and account
for the possible benefits within the project.

include reference to relevant benefits.

For the Mississippi:
Difficulties sharing allocation of water rights between the 31 states which are
represented by different political parties who will be defending their own
interests. (1 mark)
As the needs of different states change because of increasing populations,
irrigation disagreements may arise over reallocations of water. (1 mark)
Increased salinity downstream affecting water quality impacts on the shared
costs of desalination plants. (1 mark)
Dams may prevent some tributaries being navigable and thus freight
routes/local economies. (1 mark)
Candidates must explain the political

factors resulting from a water management
project.

For the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead:
Fresh water supply for growing desert cities, eg Phoenix, which now has a
population of over 1 million people, up from only 100,000 in 1950.
(1 mark)
Lake Mead national recreational area gives opportunities for tourism, water
sports, fishing, which attracts more than 9 million visitors a year. (1 mark)
Regulation of river greatly improves flood control on river, saving billions
over the years of the project. (1 mark)
Cheap hydroelectric power attracted magnesium and aviation industries to
take advantage of the areas cheap land. (1 mark)
Page eleven

type of question
Question
1 mark may also be awarded for

description exemplified by data/named
species etc, up to a maximum of 2
marks.
candidates refer to two specific named
examples within the case study area.
Max
mark
Expansion of irrigated land led to agribusiness-style farming to 2 million

acres in California and Arizona. (1 mark)
Reservoirs provide new wildlife habitats for waterfowl and wading birds like
the blue heron. (1 mark)
Page twelve
Development and Health

type of question
Question
8
Candidates must explain the wide range in

levels of development between countries.
No marks should be awarded for purely
descriptive points (eg South Africa is more
developed than Zimbabwe).

include reference to levels of
development between countries.
awarded if the candidate refers to
differences in development within a
single country providing the points
explained could also reasonably be used
to explain differences in levels of
development between countries.
Max
mark
4

Some countries have natural resources that they can sell to help generate
money and improve their standard of living and level of development
(1 mark) eg oil in Saudi Arabia/Brunei/UAE; or tropical hardwoods, copper,
tin and iron ore in Brazil; or gold and diamonds in South Africa. (1 mark)
Newly industrialising countries such as China, South Korea or Taiwan have
been able to attract manufacturing industries by offering a large, low-cost
labour pool, and so have increased their level of development. (1 mark)
Government policies such as banning trade unions and so reducing the risk of
strikes have also made some countries more attractive for manufacturing
industries. (1 mark)
The lack of strict pollution laws has also made some countries more
attractive for manufacturing industries. (1 mark)
Some countries have more potential for tourism than others, which earns
foreign currency, creates job opportunities and helps improve that countrys
level of development for example beaches in Jamaica; coral reefs in
Kenya; safari opportunities in Botswana etc. (1 mark)
Widespread corruption and mismanagement have hindered the development
of many developing countries with money destined to improve living
conditions of the people often being intercepted and spent elsewhere.
(1 mark)
Political instability and civil wars (for example in Syria and Iraq in 2014) can
destroy the infrastructure needed for an adequate standard of living.
(1 mark)
It also stops development in the area as money is spent on weapons rather
than improving the standard of living, and there are no job opportunities or
ways for local people to make money. (1 mark)
Many countries repeatedly suffer natural disasters which destroy
infrastructure and wipe out efforts for development for example drought in
sub Saharan Africa; floods in Pakistan/Bangladesh; hurricanes in the
Caribbean; earthquakes in Haiti/Iran; or tsunamis in Indonesia. (1 mark)
Some countries are very mountainous which makes building and attracting
investment more difficult for example Nepal. (1 mark)
Some countries have a very hot and dry climate, which can cause
Page thirteen

type of question
Question
Max
mark
Candidates must evaluate the effectiveness

of specific primary health care strategies.
Avoid crediting evaluative points more than
once (for example cheaper or
cheapest).
already credited.
Barefoot doctors have been particularly effective in China because:

individuals were chosen by each village to be trained to a basic level
of health care and so were fully trusted by the community. (1 mark)
in countries with large rural areas it is very difficult to ensure that
every village has access to a fully trained doctor/hospital. (1 mark)
The use of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) has been particularly effective
because:
it is an easy, cheap and effective method of treating dehydration
through diarrhoea allowing even the poorest developing country to
tackle this health problem. (1 mark)
the World Health Organization estimates that ORT saves about
1 million babies each year in developing countries. (1 mark)
Organised Health Education Programmes have been effective because:

they educate people about how to prevent diseases spreading (for
example by the use of mosquito nets to prevent Malaria). (1 mark)
preventing disease is easier and more cost-effective than trying to
cure someone once they have a disease. (1 mark)
the use of village meetings, songs, plays and posters to pass on health
education messages are particularly effective in places with an
illiterate population where a written leaflet would be of limited use.
(1 mark)
Small-scale health projects (such as building clean water supplies and pit
latrines) can be effective because:
using local labour and building materials for these projects reduces

Answers that only describe PHC
strategies, without giving any evaluative
comments, should score a maximum of
3 marks.
desertification and make it very difficult to grow crops to feed a productive

population hindering development (for example Burkina Faso). (1 mark)
The geographical position of some countries on the coast makes trade with
other parts of the world easier and so encourages investment and
development for example Taiwan/Malaysia. (1 mark)
Alternatively some countries are landlocked which makes trade and so
investment and development more difficult for example Chad/Paraguay.
(1 mark)
Page fourteen
Question

type of question
Max
mark

the cost. (1 mark)
they also provide the locals with training and transferable skills, which
can help them to improve their standard of living in other ways.
(1 mark)
using local labour also ensures that the projects gain faster
acceptance and usage in the local and wider community. (1 mark)
Organised Vaccination Programmes to immunise against preventable diseases

like polio, cholera, measles, tetanus etc are estimated by the World Health
Organization to save between 2 and 3 million lives every year. (1 mark)
These preventative measures are less costly to fund than the long-term cost
of caring for people suffering from these diseases.
Page fifteen
Global Climate Change

type of question
Max
mark
Candidates must explain the physical factors

affecting climate change.
Question
9
Avoid crediting human causes of climate

change.

Avoid crediting a list of factors.
Scientists at Cardiff University have discovered that periods of low sun spot
activity corresponded with colder ocean currents. (1 mark)
1 mark should be awarded for each point

of explanation that makes clear the
relationship between a physical factor
and climate change, eg solar energy and
sun spot activity altering global
temperatures.
Solar activity: variations in solar energy and sun spot activity can alter global
temperatures. Scientists have shown that variations in sun spot activity
follow an 11-year pattern. (1 mark)
This caused high pressure to build in the North Atlantic Ocean, blocking of
warmer ocean currents, and subsequently caused more extreme winters, in
2010 and 2013. (1 mark)
In the current cycle, a peak in sun spot activity was anticipated in 2013, but
in fact there was more sun spot activity in 2011. (1 mark)
Changes in the Earths orbit and tilt: Milankovitchs research suggested that
every 41,000 years there is a change in the tilt of the Earths axis. A greater
tilt means more sunlight in polar regions and colder temperatures. (1 mark)
Over a 97,000 year cycle, the Earths orbit stretches from circular to
eliptical, affecting the amount of energy received. (1 mark)
Volcanic eruptions: Dust particles in the atmosphere after violent eruptions

reduce the Earths temperatures by shielding the Earth from incoming solar
radiation and reflecting energy. (1 mark)
This was apparent when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, sending millions of
tonnes of ash and gas 21 miles high into the atmosphere, resulting in average
temperatures falling by up to 05C. (1 mark)
Ice cap/sheet melting: Melting of ice caps releases additional fresh water
into the oceans, which in turn alters oceanic circulation with cold and warm
ocean currents being affected. (1 mark)
Page sixteen

type of question
Question
Max
mark

This also reduces the albedo effect as there is less energy being reflected as
more land is exposed. (1 mark)
Candidates must evaluate the effectiveness

of specific strategies to reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases and manage the local
effects of climate change.
A maximum of 4 marks may be awarded for
either part (i) or (ii) of the question.
Avoid crediting evaluative points more than
once (for example few or fewer).
already credited.

awarded for an answer which is
descriptive and lacks evaluation of
Melting permafrost: As permafrost melts within the Arctic tundra, frozen

organic matter is decaying, and methane and carbon dioxide, which have
been stored for thousands of years, is being released. (1 mark)

For reducing emissions of greenhouse gases:
At a local level, individuals are encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle
products so that less refuse is sent to landfill sites. The amount of waste
being received at landfill sites has fallen dramatically, which shows that
council policies and education campaigns have been effective. (1 mark)
To reduce the amount of carbon dioxide generated by the burning of fossil
fuels, households are encouraged to reduce energy consumption by insulating
their homes, flooring lofts or switching lights off, etc. Studies have shown
that the amount of energy being used by households has fallen significantly,
showing these measures have been effective. (1 mark)
Studies by the government have shown that greenhouse gas emissions have
fallen by a fifth over the last 20 years, therefore local and national policies
to encourage the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles and to monitor
emissions carefully are proving effective. (1 mark)
The Kyoto Protocol outlined agreements between developed countries to
reduce their carbon emissions by 5% between 2008 and 2012. Developing
countries were also encouraged to reduce their emissions. In 2012, the Doha
Amendment replaced the Kyoto Protocol). (1 mark)
However, on a global scale, emissions continue to rise, and methane levels
are predicted to continue to rise due to emissions from landfill sites and rice
fields. (1 mark)
For managing the local effects of climate change:
Flood defences have been built to manage the local effects of extreme
weather events. The Thames Barrier has successfully protected London from
Page seventeen
Question

type of question
Max
mark
effectiveness.
flooding on numerous occasions and is predicted to provide protection from

one in a thousand year flood events. (1 mark)
However, a second barrier may be needed to cope with flooding beyond 2070
and advance warning systems need to be further developed to advise
householders of the potential risks of flooding. (1 mark)
To manage the effects of drought during periods of extended rainfall, the UK
has implemented hose-pipe bans but these are unpopular and difficult to
enforce. (1 mark)
London has built a desalination plant, which is only intended to be used in
periods of extreme drought due to the high operational costs. (1 mark)
Page eighteen
Trade, Aid and Geopolitics

type of question
Question
10
Candidates should make clear the

relationship between the data and
inequalities in the pattern of world trade.
Max
mark
4
10

include reference to relevant factors
showing inequalities.
Candidates should evaluate the

effectiveness of trading alliances in
reducing inequalities in world trade.
No marks for named examples.

include reference to the effectiveness of
relevant trading alliances.

Possible answers may include:

Some countries are able to spend larger amounts on imports showing their
wealth, eg USA with $2,273 billion, in contrast to $56 billion for Nigeria.
(1 mark)
China is one of the countries which earns large amounts of money through its
exports due to its large manufacturing base ($2,210 billion) whereas countries
such as Turkey with $168 billion dont make as much. (1 mark)
With a figure of $260 billion, China has the biggest trade surplus in the table
with the USA having the largest deficit of $698 billion due to balance of
exports minus imports. (1 mark)
USA has the highest GDP ($52,800 per capita) which is 25 times greater than
Nigerias figure of $2,800 but with a population of 319 million, the USA is not
even double the Nigerian population of 177 million. (1 mark)
Possible answers may include:

The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) was established to
promote trade between Caribbean countries by:
removing customs duties between member states, so that even the
smallest Caribbean countries have access to a regional market,
reducing their costs. (1 mark)
encouraging member countries to purchase raw materials from
other CARICOM countries, generating more trade and wealth.
(1 mark)
spreading the benefits of industrialisation and encouraged
industries to locate in the smaller countries, creating employment
and raising GDP. (1 mark)
establishing within CARICOM, the Organisation of Eastern
Caribbean States (OECS), which groups together the seven smallest
countries in terms of their population, and has created a single
currency which makes trade between OECS countries much easier
as money is not lost in transactions. (1 mark)
Page nineteen

type of question
Question


effectiveness.
Max
mark

Trading alliances such as the EU can:
control the trade terms for the benefit of its members and make it
difficult for non-members to compete on the same basis. (1 mark)
set up tariffs and import duties that they charge non-member
countries, protecting employment and industries within the EU.
(1 mark)
introduce quotas, putting a limit on the amount of products that a
non-member country can sell, to protect vulnerable
groups/industries. (1 mark)
Page twenty
Energy
type of question
Question
11
Candidates should make clear the reasons

for the patterns of renewable energy
production as shown in the graph.
Max
mark
4

Hydroelectric power is currently the largest producer of renewable power
(over 60%) in the USA due to high rainfall and steep drops provided by
mountainous areas. (1 mark)
USA gets over 20% of its renewable energy from wind power due to its vast,
open, exposed plains with no breaks allowing the wind to pick up speed.
(1 mark)
Geothermal energy also accounts for a significant amount of USA renewable
energy, due to magma reaching close to the surface in tectonically active
areas such as Alaska, California and Hawaii. (1 mark)
Brazil has the largest amount of hydroelectric power because it has large
amounts of tropical precipitation and major rivers that can be harnessed.
(1 mark)
Brazil also harnesses large amounts of biofuels, mainly from sugar cane due
to its arable land and favorable climate. (1 mark)
Norway produces large amounts of hydroelectric power because of its high
levels of rainfall, due to its mid latitude location and its steep slopes
allowing energy to be harnessed. (1 mark)
Italy has a large amount of geothermal energy because it is located at a
plate boundary where the heat of magma is closer to the surface and so can
be harnessed efficiently. (1 mark)
Possible answers for hydroelectric power might include:
11

include reference to the relevant
patterns.
such points required for 1 mark or
overgeneralised.
awarded where candidates have only
described the data.
awarded for a list of reasons, unrelated
to the information in the graph.
Answers will depend on the energy source

Candidates should evaluate in detail the
effectiveness of the energy source in
meeting a countrys demands.
Candidates must evaluate a non-renewable
source of energy. No marks for evaluating a
renewable source of energy.
Plants can generate large amounts of electricity to meet surges in demand at

peak times such as early evening reducing the need for conventional power
stations running constantly. (1 mark)
Plants don't require a lot of space, but they need a large body of water for
generating purposes so locations can be limited. (1 mark)
Plants do not contribute to carbon emissions no CO2 is given out it
therefore does not contribute to global warming. (1 mark)
Plants do not produce smoke particles to pollute the atmosphere or emit gases
that contribute to acid rain. (1 mark)
Page twenty-one

type of question
Question

detailed evaluative point. Detail
should include reference to the
effectiveness of the chosen energy
source.
overgeneralised.
effectiveness.
Max
mark

Plants produce a small volume of waste so they are environmentally friendly.
(1 mark)
Unlike some renewable sources of energy like solar and wind, energy can be
produced from plants in all weather conditions. They can produce power 24/7
and need to be shut down for maintenance purposes only. (1 mark)
Plants are very expensive, therefore not always an option for developing
countries. They can also take 5-10 years to construct as there are possible
legal formalities between nations to be completed, and they are often
opposed by local populations. (1 mark)
Page twenty-two
Section 4: Application of Geographical Skills

type of question
Max
mark
Candidates should make reference to all

sources, including the OS map to discuss the
suitability of the landfill site. The
candidate can focus on positive and/or
negative factors.
Question
12
12

detailed point of discussion. Detail
should include reference to the
suitability of the landfill site.

overgeneralised.
Candidates should make reference to all the

sources, including the OS map to evaluate
the impacts of the site closure.
Impacts could be positive or negative.
There are a variety of ways for candidates
to use OS map evidence in their responses,
eg including written descriptions,
There are a variety of ways for candidates

to use OS map evidence in their responses,
eg including written descriptions,
appropriate grid references and place
names.
Flat area of land on outskirts of city so likely to be less expensive land as a

large area is needed. (1 mark)
Good assess by road for transporting waste from city and suburbs, for
example A379. (1 mark)
Increase in demand for landfill required a large area of land around 1km2
available here. (1 mark)
The site is out of sight/screened by planting/trees and River Ply
embankment. (1 mark)
The land is unlikely to have other commercial/residential use due to risk of
flooding due its location close to the mudflats (1 mark). Prevailing winds
(SW) will blow smell, in the main away from much of the city for much of
the time, although the eastern suburbs may be affected by smell. (1 mark)

Positive impact because:
The closure of the site is likely to increase tourism in the area particularly
at Saltram House. (1 mark)
Increase in recreational use of the new area, with traffic free cycle routes
which reduce pollution levels, and new grassland areas. (1 mark)
It will make the area more pleasant for locals, reducing the smell/visual
pollution, and increased housing prices in Billacombe/Underwood areas.
Page twenty-three

type of question
Question
Max
mark
appropriate grid references and place

names.

include reference to impacts of
closure.
overgeneralised.
(1 mark)
Fewer refuse lorries on the roads to the site leading to fewer emissions, less
accidents and less noise for residents. (1 mark)
Increase in use of nearby tourist/leisure attractions, for example Golf
Driving range (532,543)/Hayes Road Nursery (garden centre) (534,544).
(1 mark)
Negative impact because:

The 18 million and the increased cost for transport/disposal of waste in
Cornwall may have impact on local taxes/services. (1 mark)
Increased congestion on rural roads leading to the new site in Cornwall due
to increase transport of refuse lorries. (1 mark)
Potential costs of leaks of pollutants and gasses from the site which may be
dangerous and require costly engineering. (1 mark)
Possibility of green energy retrieval from the methane gas as the waste
degrades. (1 mark)
[END OF EXEMPLAR MARKING INSTRUCTIONS]
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Geography Higher Specimen Paper

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SECTION 1: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS15 marks

Diagram Q2: Human activities affecting the hydrological cycle

SECTION 2: HUMAN ENVIRONMENTS15 marks

SECTION 3: GLOBAL ISSUES20 marks

Trade, Aid and Geopolitics

Question 7River Basin Management

Study Map Q7.

Map Q7: Mississippi river basin

20 Major dams in the Mississippi River Basin

Question 8Development and Health

Question 9Global Climate Change

Explain the physical factors affecting climate change.

(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies used to:

Question 10Trade, Aid and Geopolitics

Study Table Q10.

Table Q10: Trade patterns of selected countries

Study Graph Q11.

Graph Q11: Renewable energy production in selected countries

terrawatt hours per year

SECTION 4: APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS10 marks

Discuss the suitability of Chelson Meadow as a site for landfill.

Wind rose for the period 19912000

Plymouths Chelson Meadow tip restored to grassland

[END OF EXEMPLAR QUESTION PAPER]

General Marking Principles for Higher Geography

links between different components

Detailed Marking Instructions for each question

Candidates should explain the conflicts

Specific Marking Instructions for this question

Candidates need not refer to all factors for

Marks may be awarded as follows:

For 1 mark, candidates may give one

General marking principles for this

Specific Marking Instructions for this question

about environmental conflicts.

Candidates should explain the impact

For 1 mark, candidates may give one

Candidates may refer to any human activities.

General marking principles for this

Specific Marking Instructions for this question

Candidates should explain the factors

Possible answers might include:

General marking principles for this

Specific Marking Instructions for this question

For 1 mark, candidates may give one

SECTION 2: Human Environments

Answers will depend on the case study

Specific Marking Instructions for this question

Candidates must evaluate how strategies

Evaluation points should also be developed

Avoid giving marks for candidate comments

Marks may be awarded as follows:

For 1 mark, candidates may give one

A maximum of 2 marks should be

Answers will depend on the city referenced

General marking principles for this

housing changes in the inner city.

Specific Marking Instructions for this question

The Athletes village which was built to accommodate the Commonwealth

No marks should be awarded for references

For 1 mark, candidates may give one