geography essay answers

How to master A Level Geography 20-mark essay questions

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What should I do before attempting an A Level Geography 20-mark essay question?

Should i plan an a level geography 20-mark essay, how should i structure an a level geography 20-mark essay.

As we run up to exam season, many of you will now be completing your NEAs (non-examined assessment) and exam content, and starting to focus on exam technique. You may be thinking about how you will tackle the dreaded 20-mark essay questions . Essay questions are very much like marmite for students. Some love them as they get the chance to explore key geographic theories and showcase their knowledge and understanding, which may not be possible in lower-stakes questions. However, others may struggle to formulate their geographic ideas or structure them in a way that makes a convincing argument.

In my experience, all A Level geography students must be systematic and structured in the way they write their long-form answers. This approach ensures that students cover all the necessary content while also demonstrating the geographic skills that examiners are assessing.

Examiners use both AO1 and AO2 to evaluate students in essay questions. AO1 requires students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions and change at various scales. AO2 deals with the application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse, and evaluate geographical information and issues. The strongest students can produce answers that balance the two aspects in their responses. If you weigh your answers too far toward knowledge recall and simply state facts, figures, and case study knowledge without doing anything with the knowledge (this is where command words are essential), you will not be able to achieve the highest levels described in the level descriptors.

Before you attempt essay questions, I suggest you take a look at the mark schemes for some past paper questions. It is important to focus on the level descriptors as these are what the examiners will use to assess your answers. Pay attention to the language they use to describe what they are looking for, and when you start your attempts, consider whether your language and writing style match the descriptors. The exam board mark schemes are available on the PMT A Level Geography past papers webpage .

Another place to look before attempting essay questions is the assessed sample answers produced by the exam boards (e.g. AQA Paper 1 Hazards Example Responses ). These are available on the exam board websites and show a range of pupil responses to exam questions. They come with a helpful commentary that explains how the pupils gained marks, highlights the importance of a well-structured response, and provides insight into what examiners are looking for when assessing your answers.

Where to start – command words

As mentioned above, it is very important for students to be systematic in their approach to answering 20 markers. The first thing students need to understand is the command word . Without knowledge of what the command word means and what it is asking you to do, you will not be able to fully engage with the question. To find out the meaning of different command words , you should visit your exam board’s website and look in the specification.

Essay questions tend to use the command words “to what extent” or “assess” . According to AQA, if the question includes the “to what extent” command word, you should “Consider several options, ideas or arguments and come to a conclusion about their importance/success/worth”. On the other hand, if it is an “assess” question, you should “use evidence to weigh up the options to determine the relative significance of something. Give balanced consideration to all factors and identify which are the most important.”

BUG the question

Command words can help guide you in how to structure your answers and the skills you need to exhibit. During KS3 and KS4, you may have been told to BUG the question, where B stands for box the command work , U for underline key terms , and G for glance back at the question .

I would encourage all A Level students to continue to use this strategy, even for longer essay questions. It will help ensure that you are answering the question you are being asked, rather than the question you wish you were being asked.

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

It is crucial for all students to plan their essay writing before they start answering a question. An essay question requires you to write for a sustained period, and if you don’t have a clear plan for what you’re going to write, you may lose focus on your points and arguments and not fully answer the question.

I suggest that all A Level students write a brief plan before attempting the question . This plan should outline the introduction, including key terms to define and any case studies to introduce, the main argument in each of your paragraphs, and finally, the contents of your conclusion. Spending just five minutes on this will save you time in the long run and help keep you on track to answering the question fully.

Looking for support with your AS Level Geography revision?

Our two-day Geography AS Level May Half-term Revision Course is designed to get Year 12 students up to speed for their end-of-year assessments. Book now and enjoy a 10% discount with the code GEOGBLOG10 .

A good structure is key to success in essay writing. A clear structure enables you to answer the question coherently and reduces the chance that you will lose the key focus of your points. All of the exam boards recommend following the structure outlined below:

Introduction

• Main body of the answer (three to four key arguments)

In academia, this is sometimes known as the hourglass essay . An hourglass essay starts with a big idea, narrows down to a specific question, and then widens back out to explain why that specific question is important in the grand scheme of things.

The introduction of your essay should account for approximately 10% of the total essay length , and it’s an excellent opportunity for you to impress the examiner. Your essay introduction should give a broad view of the essay themes and provide a definition of the key terms that you have underlined in your question. It is also the place to introduce a case study location . A strong start to your essay is crucial as it demonstrates to the examiner that you have a clear understanding of the geographic content you’ve been studying.

Once you have written your introduction, you can then get on to answering the questions. While the introduction mainly covers AO1 (knowledge and understanding of geography), the main body of your answer should cover both AO1 and AO2 (analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and understanding).

As before, the way you structure the main body of your answer is very important, and you must form your points clearly and coherently. During my teaching and tutoring, I have seen many ways of forming these arguments/points, but the two most effective methods I have seen are using PEEL or PEACE paragraphs .

• E xplanation
• A pplication

Everyone is different, and everyone has their unique writing style. My advice to all A Level students is to try both methods when beginning to tackle essay questions and determine which one works best for you. I would also recommend completing PEEL/PEACE paragraphs and asking for feedback from your teacher or tutor.

The main body of the essay should consist of three to four arguments that cover the views for the specific question. Those who can link back to the question but also between their paragraphs will have the best chance of performing well in their essay questions.

After completing the main body, you now need to finish your essay with a conclusion. Just like the introduction, this should be roughly 10% of the total essay length . The main aim of the conclusion is to bring your essay to a close and essentially answer the question you have been asked. In the conclusion, you should summarise your argument and avoid introducing any new information . It is simply a chance to express your own thoughts and opinions while bringing your essay to a close.

The quality of a conclusion is often a key indicator of the overall quality of an essay. Although it is a short section of the whole piece of writing, it provides a platform to showcase several important geographic skills such as analysis, summarising, and creating synoptic links .

Overall, it is very important that you give yourself enough time to complete your essay questions during your examinations and that you follow the structures discussed above. If you follow these guidelines, you will see an improvement in the quality of your essay responses.

If you’re in Year 13 and in need of additional help, PMT Education runs Geography A Level Easter Crash Courses for AQA and Edexcel . Whether you need support with exam technique or want to revise key sections of the syllabus with the help of an experienced tutor, these courses will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in your summer exams.

Dave is a qualified teacher with 10 years of experience teaching GCSE and A Level Geography. He has worked as an assistant faculty leader for Humanities and a professional mentor for new and trainee teachers. He has also been involved with the supervision and guidance of NEAs. Dave currently works in higher education and trains geography teachers across the North West of England. He is also a tutor at PMT Education , with experience running highly successful geography courses.

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A Level Geography Model Answers: see A* essays in practice

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How to Write Geography Essay: Topics and Examples

Table of contents

• 1 What Is Geography Essay
• 2 Choosing a Topic
• 3 Research and Data Collection
• 4 Planning the Essay
• 5 Writing the Essay
• 6 Examples of Geography Essays
• 7 Unlocking the World: Key Insights from Our Geographic Exploration

Welcome to the dynamic world of geography essays, where understanding the Earth’s surface becomes an enlightening journey. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to writing a geography essay, starting with the crucial step of selecting a captivating topic. We’ll navigate through various popular topics, emphasizing the importance of effective research and data collection.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How to select engaging and relevant geography essay topics.
• The importance of thorough research and effective data collection methods.
• Strategies for planning and organizing your geography essay for clarity and impact.
• Tips for writing a compelling geography essay, including structuring and presenting arguments.
• Analyzing examples of successful geography essays to guide and inspire your work.

As we transition into the details, prepare to enhance your understanding and skills in geography essay writing.

What Is Geography Essay

As we delve into the essence of a geography essay, it’s important to understand that it meticulously examines Earth’s landscapes and human activities. Furthermore, it aims to analyze how these two aspects interact, focusing on spatial relationships and patterns. Transitioning into the specifics, such essays often delve into particular geographic issues, aiming to broaden our comprehension of the world.

Moreover, when writing a geography essay, one must include accurate geographical data. This data, encompassing maps, statistics, and case studies, is crucial for a well-grounded analysis. Consequently, the essay should present facts and interpret them, offering fresh insights into the discussed topic.

Additionally, it’s noteworthy that an essay on geography stands out from others due to its unique subject matter approach. It demands a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the world’s physical and human dimensions. This requirement makes crafting such an essay a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor.

Lastly, the primary goal of a geography essay is to enlighten and inform. It persuades readers to view the world through a geographical lens, grasping the complex interplay between humans and their environment. This type of essay transcends mere academic exercise, serving as a means to foster a deeper appreciation for our world and its complex dynamics.

Choosing a Topic

The crucial point for a successful geography essay is selecting an engaging and appropriate topic. To choose a topic that resonates, consider current events, your interests, and the scope of your assignment. A good topic should captivate your interest and offer sufficient scope for in-depth study and analysis.

Popular geography essay topics often revolve around climate change , urban development, and cultural landscapes. These topics provide a rich ground for exploration and allow for diverse perspectives and interpretations. For example, a thematic essay on geography could focus on how urbanization affects local ecosystems or how cultural practices shape landscape use.

• Analyzing the Direct Impact of Climate Change on the Amazon Rainforest’s Biodiversity
• Urbanization in Mega Cities: Environmental Consequences and Sustainable Solutions
• Wind and Solar Power: Pioneers of Sustainable Energy Landscape
• Managing Water Scarcity in the Middle East: Strategies and Challenges
• The Amazon Deforestation Crisis: Causes, Impacts, and Global Responses
• Spatial Inequality: A Detailed Look at Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa
• The Dynamics of Population Growth and Overconsumption in Asia
• Cultural Preservation of Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon Basin
• Earthquakes in Japan: Analyzing Causes, Effects, and Preparedness Strategies
• Geography’s Role in the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
• Implementing Sustainable Agricultural Practices in India for Food Security
• The Kashmir Conflict: A Geopolitical Analysis of Border Disputes
• The Growing Crisis of Climate Refugees in the Pacific Islands
• The Importance of Urban Green Spaces in New York City’s Environmental Health
• The Impact of Globalization on Maori Culture in New Zealand
• Ecotourism in Costa Rica: Balancing Economic Benefits and Environmental Preservation
• Addressing Ocean Plastic Pollution: Case Studies from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
• The Nile River Conflict: Water Politics in a Changing Climate
• Preventing Desertification in the Sahel: Strategies and International Cooperation
• GIS in Disaster Management: Case Studies of Earthquake Response and Recovery
• Measuring the Effects of Glacial Melting on Greenland’s Coastal Communities
• Tracing the Economic Geography of the Silk Road in the 21st Century
• The Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Beijing: Urban Policies and Challenges
• Vulnerable Communities: Assessing the Socioeconomic Impacts of Climate Change in Bangladesh
• The New Face of Migration: Syrian Refugees and European Response
• The Critical Role of Metropolitan Areas in Combating Global Warming
• Saving Madagascar’s Rainforest: Conservation Strategies and Challenges
• The Transition to Renewable Energy in Germany: A Model for the World?
• Satellite Imagery in Land Use Changes: A Study of the Brazilian Amazon
• Arctic Sovereignty: The Geopolitical Implications of Melting Ice Caps for Global Powers

To guide and inspire your topic selection, you can use geography essay examples. These examples showcase a range of topics and approaches, helping you understand what makes a topic both engaging and feasible for study. Remember, a well-chosen topic is the first step toward a compelling and insightful geography essay.

Research and Data Collection

To talk about thorough research, it is the backbone of any geography study, providing the factual and theoretical foundation to understand complex geographical phenomena. To explain why the study of geography is important, one must delve into diverse and reliable sources that offer insights into how geographical factors shape our world and affect our lives. This research underpins the type of geography being studied, whether physical, human, or environmental.

Collecting geographical data can be done through various methods. Firstly, fieldwork is essential, especially for physical geography, as it allows for the direct observation and measurement of geographical features and processes. For human geography, surveys and interviews can yield valuable data on human behaviors and social patterns. Moreover, a thorough literature review also helps understand existing research and theories, providing a critical context for new findings.

Furthermore, evaluating sources for their credibility and relevance is vital. This involves checking the qualifications of the authors, the rigor of their methodologies, and the recency of their findings. Reliable sources are peer-reviewed and come from reputable academic or scientific institutions. What is more, ensuring the credibility of sources strengthens the arguments made in a geography essay and enhances the overall understanding of the topic.

In summary, comprehensive research and careful data collection are fundamental in geography. They enable a deeper understanding of how geographical aspects shape our environment and lives, which is central to the discipline.

Planning the Essay

When you start planning a geography essay, it begins with creating an outline to organize thoughts and research. This step is crucial as it helps structure the essay logically, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. Start by listing major points and supporting evidence. This framework guides the writing process and maintains focus on the chosen topic. Planning involves outlining the essay and crafting a compelling thesis. Planning involves outlining the essay and crafting a compelling thesis. This process ensures the essay remains focused and coherent, addressing the chosen geography topic. By establishing a clear roadmap for the essay, writers can navigate their arguments and evidence with precision, avoiding common pitfalls such as digression or ambiguity. Now, with our plan in place, let’s transition to examining the structure more closely, exploring how to effectively organize our thoughts and research into a well-structured essay that engages and informs the reader.

Writing the Essay

When you finally start writing, a geographical essay involves several key steps, each demanding attention to detail and a balance between descriptive and analytical writing. This balance is crucial in creating an essay about geography that informs, engages, and persuades.

The introduction sets the stage. Start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, followed by background information that provides context to the topic. This section should conclude with a clear and concise thesis statement that guides the rest of the essay.

In the body, organize paragraphs thematically or chronologically , depending on the essay’s focus. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that relates to the thesis. Following this, present your arguments and support them with geographical theories and data. This is where you incorporate detailed information from your research, including statistics, case studies, and examples. Make sure to explain how this data supports your arguments. A geography research paper demands precision in presenting data and clarity in its interpretation.

When discussing geographical theories, link them directly to your topic. This shows your understanding of the subject and how these theories apply to real-world scenarios. Remember, each paragraph should have a smooth transition to the next, maintaining a coherent flow of ideas.

In the conclusion, summarize the key points of your essay. Restate the thesis in light of the arguments and evidence presented. The conclusion should not introduce new information but encapsulate what the essay has covered. It’s also an opportunity to emphasize the importance of the topic, suggesting potential areas for future research or implications of your findings.

Throughout the essay, maintain a balance between descriptive and analytical writing . Descriptive writing helps paint a picture for the reader, making the data and theories more relatable. Analytical writing, on the other hand, demonstrates your ability to think critically about the topic, evaluating and interpreting the information in a meaningful way.

Examples of Geography Essays

Diversity in style and approach marks the essence of geography writing. A popular method is the comparative approach, contrasting different geographical phenomena. This method often appears in works comparing landscapes or urban vs. rural areas. Another common technique is the case study, focusing on a specific location or event for in-depth analysis of a particular issue.

Thematic approaches cover broader topics like climate change, globalization, or human migration, weaving together various theories and data for a comprehensive view. Additionally, argumentative compositions present a thesis supported by geographical evidence, frequently seen in discussions about environmental policies or land use conflicts.

Each style offers unique insights, providing varied ways to explore and understand geographical concepts and issues. For an in-depth exploration and diverse perspectives on these topics, consider reviewing geography essay examples. This resource can enrich your understanding and offer a broad spectrum of approaches to geographical analysis, from case studies on environmental conservation to essays on urban development and spatial inequalities.

• Geography Unveiled: Costa Rica’s Absolute Location Revealed
• Geography Unveiled: Navigating Earth’s Spatial Tapestry through Five Themes
• The Ever-Changing Canvas of New England Weather
• The Mystique and Marvels of the Desert Biome
• The Impact of Geography on the Development of Egypt

Unlocking the World: Key Insights from Our Geographic Exploration

This journey through the realm of geography reveals the field’s depth and complexity. From initial planning to diverse writing methods, the main insight stands out: geography compositions are more than maps and data; they are about comprehending our world’s rich tapestry. They balance descriptive narrative and critical analysis, backed by meticulous research and credible sources.

Whether exploring climate change impacts, urban developments, or cultural landscapes, these works offer a lens to see and understand the world anew. They prompt critical thinking about our environment and our place in it. Navigating various geographic topics brings not just academic insights but also life lessons in appreciating our world’s complexity and beauty.

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How do you write a great A-Level Geography essay answer?

Exams can be a stressful and nerve-wracking experience, especially when it comes to essay questions. As a student taking A-Level Geography, you may be feeling the pressure of writing a well-structured and thought-out essay for your exams. After all, they’re worth a lot of marks. However, don’t worry! With the right approach and preparation, you can easily tackle essay questions with confidence. Here is my method of approaching any A-Level essay question…

1. Read the question thoroughly!

You’ll have heard this time and time again from your teachers but this cannot be stressed enough! It’s important to read the question carefully and make sure you understand it. Take a few moments to think about what the question is asking and what points you should cover. Highlight keywords or phrases that will help you focus your answer.

Follow along with how I have highlighted this example question.

In this example, I have highlighted the key terms of the question. I want to figure out exactly what the examiner will be looking for and how I can be in with a chance of gaining all of the marks.

Within a few words, I know that the examiner is looking for my answer to be backed up by my case study material and I MUST reference it to get marks.

EVALUATE – means that in my answer I should be weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of the key terms and my answer should have a conclusion of if the management is beneficial or needs improvement.

If you know you will not have time to finish your answer to an ‘evaluate’ question it is important that you skip straight to the conclusion – no matter how short it will be. The examiner is looking for a conclusion in these answers regardless of the rest of the content and so you will gain marks even if it is not your best work!

Finally, I have highlighted the key information that I am being asked for. The question wants me to discuss both the PREPARATION and RESPONSE and so I need to include both in order to get a high mark for the answer. This question is only looking at the management of VOLCANIC activity. By reading the question carefully I am ensuring I do not waste precious time talking about unnecessary ideas.

2. Quickly plan your essay out.

Once you’ve read the question, take a minute to brainstorm some ideas. Make sure to jot down any relevant information, facts, and figures that you definitely want to use in your essay. This will help you to get your thoughts in order and make writing your essay a lot easier.

Make it clear on your exam paper what you do not want to be marked! If you have scribbled a quick plan on your page be sure to go back through and put a big X through it and write in capital letters – PLAN.

You really do not want to waste too much time on this as the allotted time for the paper is tight enough! A quick outline of a few statistics that you have in your head and do not want to forget along with what you have highlighted in the question should be enough to see you through!

3. Don’t forget to use evidence in Geography essays.

When writing an essay for A-level Geography, it’s important to back up your points with evidence. This evidence comes from your case study material and the resources given to you in the exam paper. You should ideally know your case studies inside out before your exam and if you struggle to remember everything then choose the shorter facts to memorise! Make sure to give as many facts, figures, or statistics as you can in your essay. This will help to demonstrate your understanding of the subject and support your arguments.

4. Proofread your Geography essay – if you have time!

Once you’ve finished writing your essay, take a few minutes to proofread it. You should only look back at what you have written after you have finished all of the other questions. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors and make sure that your points are clearly laid out. This will help you to present your best work and ensure that you get the marks you deserve.

Don’t worry if it’s messy! If you want to add more information that you think will genuinely gain more marks, don’t be scared to mark asterisks and carry on at the end of the essay or use arrows with more information at the side. Geography is one of the few A-Levels which is still marked in person, on paper and is not scanned in so you can afford a little bit of untidiness.

Finally…

If you find that the stress of the exam is having an impact on your writing skills it’s important to try and fix it as soon as possible. Essays can be daunting, but continued practice will help you to improve your speed. You’ll also begin to grasp what the examiner wants to see in your answer and know which parts aren’t necessary.

Here is a post you may find useful on exam stress:

Top 5 Ways of Calming Exam Anxiety

To sum up…

By following these steps, you can approach essay questions in A-Level Geography exams with confidence. With the right preparation and practice, you can easily write an essay that will impress the examiners and help you to get the grade you want. Good luck!

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Charlotte is the founder of The Geo Room. She is a Geography University Student with a passion for travel and combines her love for Geography and travelling right here on The Geo Room. As an expert in both fields, Charlotte shares tips and tricks to do with both Geography and travel to help readers understand more about the world we live in, and how to make the most of travelling around it.

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New AQA A level Geography model answers for 20 mark essays.

Last updated

8 January 2023

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Resources included (18)

Global governance in Antarctica

AQA Geography A level exam 2018 Water & Carbon cycle model answers

AQA Geography 20 mark essay model answer - Coasts

New AQA Geography A level coasts essay model answer.

Global systems & global governance A level essay.

Geography A level Wildfire essay

AQA Geography A level coasts Sand dunes

Case study at a local scale of a specified place in a hazardous setting

AQA Geography 2019 exam revision for the water and carbon cycle.

Assess the extent that coastlines of submergence are created by sea level change. (9 Marks)

‘The Disaster Response Curve (The Park Model) in relation to tectonic hazards.

To what extent do the advantages of globalisation outweigh the disadvantages? [20]

With reference to a river catchment that you have studied, assess the potential impact of human...

Assess the extent to which there are interrelationships between processes in water cycle and factors

2018 AQA AS Coasts exam model answers

Model answer for a 20 mark AQA Geography coasts question.

AQA Geography A level exam 2018 Coasts model answers

Transnational corporations (TNCs) are the most significant factor in creating unequal flows

A collection of essays to support revision & teaching of the new AQA Geography A level. This download contains a collection of eighteen model answers as well as some shorter answer questions and support activities. Marks schemes have been used to help ensure model answers access the higher band for each question. These create excellent support resources for your teaching of the new AQA Geography A level and will save you many hours in preparation time.

These essays would also support the teaching of other A level Geography specifications.

Essays included:

0 3 . 4 “Flooding and erosion is set to increase to unprecedented levels along coastlines across the world. In response, mitigation and adaptation by coastal managers will ensure that people and places are not affected.”

03.4 Assess the relative importance of weathering and erosion in the development of coastal landscapes. (20)

Assess the extent to which predicted climate change will present challenges for sustainable management of a local scale environment that you have studied. (20 marks).

“Human activity affects coasts globally. This interference with coastal processes is the key determining factor in shaping coastal landscapes.” To what extent do you agree with this opinion? (20 marks)

026 ‘Sustainable approaches to coastal management will become more important than traditional approaches in dealing with the impacts of climate change.’ 20 marks

Explain the formation of a saltmarsh environment. (4 marks)

Assess the role of vegetation in the development of a sand dune landscape. (6 marks)

Camber Sands teaching resource.

To what extent do the advantages of globalisation outweigh the disadvantages? [20] (or 25 marks under WJEC)

Transnational corporations (TNCs) are the most significant factor in creating unequal flows of people and money within global systems.’ 20 marks.

Analyse the roles of international government organisations and NGOs in the governance of Antarctica and assess their effectiveness. 20 marks

01.4 Assess the potential cause and impacts of changes in the water balance within a tropical rainforest that you have studied. 20 marks

Assess the extent to which rising global temperatures may result in a positive feedback cycle of yet higher carbon content in the atmosphere. (20 marks)

With reference to a river catchment that you have studied, assess the potential impact of human activity upon the drainage basin. (20 marks)

Assess the extent to which there are interrelationships between processes in water cycle and factors driving change in the carbon cycle. (20 marks)

With reference to a local scale of a specific place in a hazardous setting, assess the extent to which the physical nature of hazards can shape the character of a community and its ability to respond to risk. (20 marks)

To what extent have global institutions helped to promote growth and stability within global systems? (20 marks)

To what extent can wildfires be caused, intensified and mitigated by human activity? 20 marks.

‘The Disaster Response Curve (The Park Model) has contributed to improved understanding and therefore management of the impact of tectonic hazards.’ To what extent do you agree with this view? [20 marks]

An additional AS short essay: Assess the extent that coastlines of submergence are created by sea level change. (9 Marks)

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Excellent resource and really appreciated by my students. Showed exemplary 20 mark responses that helped them improve the construction of their own. Their writing has vastly improved as a result of using these as a teaching tool. Highly recommend.

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AP Human Geography Exam Questions

Free-response questions and scoring information.

Download free-response questions from this year's exam and past exams along with scoring guidelines, sample responses from exam takers, and scoring distributions.

AP Exams are regularly updated to align with best practices in college-level learning. Not all free-response questions on this page reflect the current exam, but the question types and the topics are similar, making them a valuable resource for teachers and students.

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2024: Free-Response Questions

2023: Free-Response Questions

2022: Free-Response Questions

2021: Free-Response Questions

2020: Free-Response Questions

The 2020 free-response questions are available in the  AP Classroom question bank .

2019: Free-Response Questions

2018: Free-Response Questions

2017: Free-Response Questions

2016: Free-Response Questions

2015: Free-Response Questions

2014: Free-Response Questions

2013: Free-Response Questions

2012: Free-Response Questions

2011: Free-Response Questions

2010: Free-Response Questions

2009: Free-Response Questions

2008: Free-Response Questions

2007: Free-Response Questions

2006: Free-Response Questions

2005: Free-Response Questions

2004: Free-Response Questions

2003: Free-Response Questions

2002: Free-Response Questions

2001: Free-Response Questions

Geography - Higher

A big and diverse course, if you are comfortable writing essays this is a subject for you.

With seven or more essays to be written, timing is crucial in the written exam. It's really important that you keep an eye on the clock and avoid the temptation to run over time perfecting one essay at the cost of not finishing your last question. The examiner will be looking for SRPs (single relevant points) in your essay. A SRP can be described as a "single meaty statement", a sentence or paragraph with one clear and true point. At higher level, an SRP is worth 2 marks so a typical 30-mark essay will need at least 15 SRPs. The Geographical Investigation is usually submitted in April of 6th year and is worth 20% of the final grade. 

Higher Level Course Content:

• Aerial photos
• Earthquakes & Volcanoes
• Economic - Developing Economies
• Economic - Energy
• Economic - Environmental impact
• Economic - European Union
• Economic - Multinationals & Globalisation
• Elective - Economic
• Elective - Human
• Human - Population
• Human - Urban Geography
• Karst Regions
• Option - Atmosphere & Ocean
• Option - Culture & Identity
• Option - Geoecology
• Option - Global Interdependence
• Plate Tectonics
• PROJECT - Investigation
• Regions - Continental
• Regions - European
• Regions - Ireland
• Rocks, Weathering & Mass Movement
• Tables/Graphs Questions
• Urban Land uses
• Weather & Climate

Ordinary Level Course Content:

• Economic - Ireland & the EU
• Graph style questions
• Geographical Investigation Report (20%)
• Written Examination (80%)

There is one written paper for both Higher and Ordinary levels, which lasts for 2 hours and 50 minutes. There are three parts to the written paper. 

Twelve short questions where you will be marked out of your best ten. (25 mins, 80 marks)

Essay style questions where you have a choice of ONE question from three in each section. Spend no more than 30 mins on each question (80 marks).

• Section 1: Physical Geography (Q1, Q2, Q3 - Pick one)
• Section 2: Regional Geography (Q4, Q5, Q6 - Pick one)
• Section 3: Human Elective (Q7, Q8, Q9 - Pick one) OR Economic Elective (Q10, Q11, Q12 - Pick one)
• Section 4: Options (Questions 13-24) - Higher level only. You will be given 4 questions on your chosen option and you pick one. Each question will require you to write a single longer essay where you discuss three or four aspects of the theme in detail in 30 minutes (80 marks)

Geographical Investigation Report

The SEC will publish a list of topics and students will report on a geographical investigation based on one of these topics. 

Future Careers with Leaving Certificate Geography

Some Universities accept Geography as a Science subject. Future careers include; Earth Scientist, Planner, Environmental Science, and Fishing Industry.

Download the Leaving Cert Geography Syllabus

Download the Leaving Cert Geography Chief Examiner's Report (2012) 

Download the Leaving Cert Geography Guidlines for Teachers

Past Papers

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IBDP Geography

Website by Paul Christmas

Updated 31 May 2024

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GCSE Geography

Our extensive collection of resources is the perfect tool for students aiming to ace their exams and for teachers seeking reliable resources to support their students' learning journey. Here, you'll find an array of revision notes, topic questions, fully explained model answers, past exam papers and more, meticulously organized to simplify your search.

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Focus on your weakest topics and revise bitesized content with our new Flashcards feature.

AQA GCSE Geography

Edexcel gcse geography a, edexcel gcse geography: b (1gb0), ocr gcse geography, ocr gateway gcse geography, wjec eduqas gcse geography a, wjec eduqas gcse geography b, wjec gcse geography, articles and resources for gcse geography students.

How to supercharge your GCSE revision with flashcards

Gcse geography revision: everything you need to know about rivers, how to get all 9s in your gcses: our top tips to smash your exams, don't panic the ultimate guide to when to start your gcse revision, how to make a gcse revision timetable.

Topper's Answer Copies

Geography toppers of 2022, geography toppers of 2021.

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Geography Quizzes

Can You Guess the Country? A New Geography Photo Quiz for Students

Compiled by John Otis May 29, 2024

For this latest edition of our special photo quizzes , we challenge you to test your geography knowledge using photographs from around the world. How many of these 10 questions can you get right?

Interested in taking more geography quizzes? We have published 162 country quizzes since 2017.

The fifth-century B.C. ruins of the Acropolis are in what country?

These tortoises, native to the Galápagos Islands, dwell in what country?

The Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine-era structure that has served as a cathedral, a mosque and a museum since its construction during the sixth century, was reverted to a mosque in 2018. In what country is it located?

North Macedonia

The Supertree Grove, vertical gardens that contain more than 160,000 types of plants, is a popular tourist destination in what country?

Baobabs are one of the most charismatic trees on Earth, thanks in part to their unusual appearance. The Avenue of the Baobabs is a famous natural reserve in the western part of what country?

New Zealand

The Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of divison, became one of unity and hope following the end of the Cold War. It is erected in the capital city of what country?

The ancient ruins of Mada'in Salah, which include many tombs with Greek- and Egyptian-inspired facades, are carved into the soft sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically out of the desert. Where are they located?

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Turkmenistan

Arenal, this country's best known volcano, as well as the nearby hot springs and forests, are large tourist draws. Where is it located?

La Sagrada Família basilica has been under construction for more than 140 years. In what country can it be found?

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is 1,141 feet tall. This otherworldly red monolith is a sacred site to the Indigenous people of what country?

United States