Preparing for the CSEC Geography Examinations
It is important to revise before attempting to answer any examinations paper. Revision ensures that you can answer questions that is asked on a topic without having to stop in the middle of writing your answer to do research. practise writing your own answers to the questions and then compare to the model answer provided.
Note carefully that you may write an answer that is different from the model answer provided that is just as correct.
In revising, it is important to keep in mind that there are three elements that make up every question on the geography essay paper, that is Paper 2.
Profile 1 - Practical Skills
The ability to:
(i) Use scale for measurements
(ii) Read maps
(iii) Draw maps, diagrams and sketches
(iv) Construct graphs using simple statistical data
Here are a few rules to observe which can greatly enhance the marks that you receive.
What are the processes?
Can I explain these processes?
Can I describe the features and locate examples on maps?
Profile 2 - Knowledge and Comprehension
The ability to:
(i) Define terms and recall facts on a range of geographical phenomena
(ii) Describe the processes impacting on the development of the natural, economic, social and political environments
Profile 3 - Use of Knowledge
The ability to:
(i) Apply knowledge and skills
(ii) Explain geographical processes
(iii) Interpret and draw inferences from geographical data
Note carefully that you may write an answer that is different from the model answer provided that is just as correct.
In revising, it is important to keep in mind that there are three elements that make up every question on the geography essay paper, that is Paper 2.
- The first part ( Practical Skills (PS))of the question requires skills such as reading tables, labelling diagrams or drawing sketch maps, charts and diagrams. Revise for these questions by taking note of the diagrams, maps, charts and tables presented in text books and notes. Take sometime to practise drawing and labelling some of these illustrations. For example, you may be required to draw a sketch map. Work of art is not required.
Profile 1 - Practical Skills
The ability to:
(i) Use scale for measurements
(ii) Read maps
(iii) Draw maps, diagrams and sketches
(iv) Construct graphs using simple statistical data
Here are a few rules to observe which can greatly enhance the marks that you receive.
- The most important rule is that you name the diagram. Put in a title for every map or diagram that you are illustrating. A simple name of the feature will be quite sufficient.
- Never draw a diagram that is too small to be labelled. Try to draw diagrams that take up at least a quarter of the page.
- Draw a box around the diagram. This box is a border for your drawing.
- Label the diagram. Do not write in cursive on diagrams or maps. It is better to print.
- As much as is possible, write straight across. Never write labels upside down.
- Finally present the work neatly. Only practice beforehand will prepare you for drawing the diagrams quickly and neatly.
- The second part (Knowledge and Comprehension (KC))of the question requires that you know some of the definitions, processes and patterns that are important on that particular topic. There is only one way to know the answers to these questions: revise. You must read the chapters on the topics. Ask yourself:
What are the processes?
Can I explain these processes?
Can I describe the features and locate examples on maps?
Profile 2 - Knowledge and Comprehension
The ability to:
(i) Define terms and recall facts on a range of geographical phenomena
(ii) Describe the processes impacting on the development of the natural, economic, social and political environments
- The third part (Use of Knowledge (UK))of every question carries the most marks. It requires that you write clear and complete ideas. Write answers that include more recent examples. Try to include current and topical issues in your answers to demonstrate your awareness of relationships between man and the land and how these relationships are constantly changing.
Profile 3 - Use of Knowledge
The ability to:
(i) Apply knowledge and skills
(ii) Explain geographical processes
(iii) Interpret and draw inferences from geographical data
Overview of the Exam and Syllabus
Paper 01 consists of 60 multiple-choice items drawn from all areas of the syllabus. The time given to do this paper is one and a half hours. It is marked out of 60 and is 30 per cent of the final mark. Paper 02 is often referred to as the essay paper and is 2 1/2 hours long. It is marked out of 100 and is equivalent to 50 per cent of the final mark.
Take some time to look at a past test paper for Paper 02. I trust you can access one. On the the cover there are specific instructions for you. The heading is very clear -
READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Make sure that you follow the instructions given on the front of the exam script. This can cause you to be unsuccessful in this subject
The first three instructions of the question paper are given below. Use them as a guide to give an overview of Paper 02. These are:
1. This paper consists of ten questions in FOUR sections.
2. Section A consists of one compulsory question. Each of sections B, C and D consists of three questions.
3. Candidates must answer four questions: Question 1 from Section A and one question from each of Sections B, C and D.
You would have noticed that the syllabus has four main sections as follows:
1. Section I - Map reading and field study (compulsory questions)
2. Section II - Natural system
There is no need to study all of Section II (Natural system) because Section B of the exam script will be made up of one question from each of these three sections
or
3, 4 and v5
or
6
3. Section III - Human systems
There is no need to study all of Section III (Human system).
or
8
4. Section IV - Human-environment systems
In this section there is a need to study ALL of Content 9 (Human System). Read all you can on this section. The first
question in the section is always on Content 9. The other two questions tend to be a mixture of Content 10.
Again there is no need to revise all of the Human Systems section of the syllabus. Revise either Contents:
9
or
10.
Take some time to look at a past test paper for Paper 02. I trust you can access one. On the the cover there are specific instructions for you. The heading is very clear -
READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Make sure that you follow the instructions given on the front of the exam script. This can cause you to be unsuccessful in this subject
The first three instructions of the question paper are given below. Use them as a guide to give an overview of Paper 02. These are:
1. This paper consists of ten questions in FOUR sections.
2. Section A consists of one compulsory question. Each of sections B, C and D consists of three questions.
3. Candidates must answer four questions: Question 1 from Section A and one question from each of Sections B, C and D.
You would have noticed that the syllabus has four main sections as follows:
1. Section I - Map reading and field study (compulsory questions)
2. Section II - Natural system
There is no need to study all of Section II (Natural system) because Section B of the exam script will be made up of one question from each of these three sections
- In this section you can study either Content: (see Content Outline)
or
3, 4 and v5
or
6
3. Section III - Human systems
There is no need to study all of Section III (Human system).
- In this section you can study either Content: (see content Outline)
or
8
4. Section IV - Human-environment systems
In this section there is a need to study ALL of Content 9 (Human System). Read all you can on this section. The first
question in the section is always on Content 9. The other two questions tend to be a mixture of Content 10.
Again there is no need to revise all of the Human Systems section of the syllabus. Revise either Contents:
9
or
10.
Important points to remember
Please remember that Paper 02 comprises four sections to correspond with the four sections of the syllabus.
Section A - Map reading
Section B - Natural systems
Section C - Human systems
Section D - Human-environment systems
The instructions on the first page of the test booklet are simply repeating what is in the syllabus.
DO NOT attempt to answer more than the required FOUR. The end result is a failure in the subject.
You will need about 30 minutes to write a good answer to any of the questions given in section B, C and D.
The compulsory question 1 that makes up Section A needs about 45 minutes to be answered thoroughly and properly.
NB - You will not get additional credit in attempting more than the four questions.
When you have chosen the question you have revised for from each section, take a few minutes to read the question very carefully. Make some jottings of the points that should be included in the response to the margins of the question paper. Begin to write after this.
Remember to (a) Begin each answer on a new page.
(b) and that credit will be given for the use of relevant sketches and diagrams.
You will be given an answer booklet in which to write your answers to the questions. Make sure that you do as instructed. Use a new page for each question.
Please notice that the questions are in sections and sub-sections, such as:,
1. (a) - (i);
(ii);
(iii)
(b) (i)
(ii)
DO NOT write each section or sub-section of a question on a new page. In other word, Question 2 should begin on a new page.
Skip a line when answer each section of a question or sub-section of a question.
Some questions do not specifically ask for sketches and diagrams. So even though they are not ask for they can assist you in responding better to the questions. Make sure they are relevant to the question asked.
Section A - Map reading
Section B - Natural systems
Section C - Human systems
Section D - Human-environment systems
The instructions on the first page of the test booklet are simply repeating what is in the syllabus.
DO NOT attempt to answer more than the required FOUR. The end result is a failure in the subject.
You will need about 30 minutes to write a good answer to any of the questions given in section B, C and D.
The compulsory question 1 that makes up Section A needs about 45 minutes to be answered thoroughly and properly.
NB - You will not get additional credit in attempting more than the four questions.
When you have chosen the question you have revised for from each section, take a few minutes to read the question very carefully. Make some jottings of the points that should be included in the response to the margins of the question paper. Begin to write after this.
Remember to (a) Begin each answer on a new page.
(b) and that credit will be given for the use of relevant sketches and diagrams.
You will be given an answer booklet in which to write your answers to the questions. Make sure that you do as instructed. Use a new page for each question.
Please notice that the questions are in sections and sub-sections, such as:,
1. (a) - (i);
(ii);
(iii)
(b) (i)
(ii)
DO NOT write each section or sub-section of a question on a new page. In other word, Question 2 should begin on a new page.
Skip a line when answer each section of a question or sub-section of a question.
Some questions do not specifically ask for sketches and diagrams. So even though they are not ask for they can assist you in responding better to the questions. Make sure they are relevant to the question asked.