Guidance on answering the non-essay questions on AQA A Level Geography papers

By question type...

Short answer questions

These questions assess AO1 only, and carry four marks each. You are expected to provide four clear statements (though not necessarily four sentences) which address the question and demonstrate your knowledge of the topic. Your statements may provide examples, or elaboration, but these are not required.

You have about 5 minutes to answer these questions, so your points should be punchy and to the point.

Data-based questions

The examination papers have two types of questions based on data.

Data response questions

These all carry 6 marks and assess AO3 only. The command word ‘analyse’ is frequently used.

In general, simple or obvious statements will access Level 1; more sophisticated statements will access Level 2. Note that knowledge is not required here, so do not try to explain the data - although you may be correct in such statements, you will NOT gain any credit for them.

Here are some general tips about addressing such questions:

·        consider patterns/ranges/trends

·        identify anomalies/countertrends

·        manipulate the data (e.g. calculate percentages, or fractions; use qualitative descriptive words) - don’t simply ‘lift’ or copy them

·        make connections/draw relationships between the different sets of data provided

·        be prepared to question and/or criticise such relationships, or indeed the data provided.

You have about 8/9 minutes to answer these questions.

Data stimulus questions

These questions assess AO1 and AO2 in the proportion of 2/4 for 6 mark questions (Core topics) and 4/5 for 9 mark questions (Optional topics). You should demonstrate that you know the factors that underpin the context of the data provided, but also apply this knowledge to the question given. It is important that you refer to the data provided, but then use it as a stimulus to answer the question. In other words, use the data provided as a ‘springboard’. Note the questions often use the phrase ‘...and your own knowledge’. There is also often an element of assessment or evaluation in the question (such as the use of the command word ‘assess’) – this is the AO2 part of the question, and it must be addressed.

You have about 8/9 minutes (6 marks), or 10/12 minutes (9 marks) to answer these questions.

The 9 mark extended prose questions.

These questions assess AO1 and AO2 in the proportion of 4/5 and are ONLY found within the Optional elements. You should demonstrate that you know the factors that underpin the context of the question, but also then apply this knowledge to the question given. There is usually an element of assessment or evaluation in the question – this is the AO2 part of the question, and it must be addressed.

At least one of these 9 mark questions across the examination as a whole will connect the study of geography across this specification (sometimes referred to as the synoptic question). There is no pattern as to where such questions fall – they may be on either Paper 1 or Paper 2, or both.

You have about 12/13 minutes to answer these questions. You should aim to write about 250/350 words.