1. The key to answering exam questions
Basic rules
1. Read the question.
2. Check the command word/s.
3. Re-read the question.
4. Write your answer.
5. Quickly check you have answered the question.
Longer answers are marked using levels. There are three levels of marks. Each level has
different characteristics.
Level 1
A basic answer showing brief knowledge.
Simple understanding shown.
Does not link ideas together.
Poorly organised.
No key terms used.
Level 2
A clear answer showing accurate knowledge.
Clear understanding shown.
Some ideas linked together – likely to contain connectives.
Organised.
Uses some key terms.
Begins to use examples.
Level 3
Detailed understanding showing very accurate knowledge.
Detailed understanding shown through examples.
Well organised.
Clear links between ideas – connectives used regularly.
Good range of key terms.
Go through the examples in this booklet and decide the level of answer you think the
student has written. These are real examples from Northgate students.
Highlight and label examples of good and bad exam practice. Use the levels guide above as
a checklist to help you decide on the quality of the answer. Then use what you have
learned in writing future exam answers.
Your teacher should go through the first example with you to guide you on what to
look for.

2. Mauna Loa is a shield volcano. Explain the characteristics of shield volcanoes and how
they are formed. (6 marks)
Answer 1
Shield volcanoes are found on constructive plate boundaries where the plates move apart.
When the plates move apart, magma quickly releases from the mantle and quickly
solidifies, creating more land. Basic lava is the magma released from shield volcanoes
which is a thin liquid and moves quicker.
Answer 2
Shield volcanoes are formed at tensional boundaries when two plates are moved apart
because of convection current in the magma underneath. The magma then flows though
the gap in the earth’s crust. This happens repeatedly, forming a volcano. Shield volcanoes
contain basic lava which is not viscous, as it has low silica content. Because the magma
can travel long distances before cooling and solidifying, this means shield volcanoes have
wide bases in comparison to their height. The eruptions of shield volcanoes are not as
violent as the eruptions of composite volcanoes.
Answer 3 (annotate this answer to show how it can be moved to the next level)
Shield volcanoes have a wide base and a not particularly tall. They are found where plates
move apart. The lava is runny and quick moving. Lots of eruptions will gradually build up
the volcano.

3. Using a volcanic eruption or an earthquake you have studied, describe the short-term
responses to the disaster. (4 marks)
Answer 1
In Montserrat when the volcano was going to erupt the citizens of the island were
evacuated to the west of the island as a short-term response, leaving the area around the
volcano empty. Short-term responses are often to evacuate the area surrounding the
volcano.
Answer 2
The short-term responses to an earthquake will be to evacuate the area and get help to all
the people affected. Unlike the long-term responses the short-term responses are quick
and take place immediately after the earthquake and depending on whether the country is
a LEDC or MEDC depends on how effective and quick the responses will be. For example in
the Kuwait earthquakes responses were not as good as they would have been if the country
were an MEDC.
Answer 3 (write your answer here and then highlight the examples of good exam practice)
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4. Chesil Beach has been formed partly as a result of longshore drift. With the help of a
diagram, explain how longshore drift works. (6 marks)
Diagrams not included……
Answer 1
Longshore drift is dependent on the fetch of the wind and the direction of the wind. The
longer the fetch of wind then the stronger the wave energy is. He stronger the energy then
the more shingle the waves will carry on to the beach. The swash of the wave depends on
the type of wave it is.
Answer 2
When constructive waves (with a strong swash and weaker backwash) approach a beach at
an angle they will pick up material and move it along the beach. Repeated waves breaking
will continue this process to move material in an overall direction along the beach in a zig-
zag style motion (as seen in the diagram).

5. Now turn the following level 1 answers in to level 2 or 3 answers. Consider how adding
connectives might make the answer better.
Describe the problems of a country with an ageing population. (4 marks)
Student’s answer
They have to spend more money on old people. More old people’s home have to be built.
People might have to work longer. Less people are paying tax.
Your answer
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6. Describe the factors that have influenced the location of a footloose industry.
(6 marks)
Student’s answer
Close to a source of workers. Near to transport like roads. Near to a university.
Your answer
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7. Describe the disadvantages of using renewable energy. (4 marks)
Student’s answer
They are expensive. They don’t make a lot of energy. They are not guaranteed to work as
it’s not always sunny or windy etc.
Your answer
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