DRAWING DIAGRAMS TO

ILLUSTRATE GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES

PROCEDUREIn Geography you may be asked to draw a sketch diagram. The purpose of a sketch is to identify the

main geographical features of a landform or landscape. When drawing a sketch diagram, substance is

more important over quantity, that means, you don’t have to spend time drawing a lot of irrelevant

details that may be confusing. Instead, think about what it is that you are trying to show, concentrate

on these aspects, clearly show them in your sketch and draw them accurately and neatly.

Use a sharp pencil, and add detailed labels to your sketch.

Labels are called annotations. Remember none annotated diagrams will give you no marks so spare the time to properly label your diagrams.

Observe the sketch to your right, it was done in the field at the lower course of the Spanish River in Portland, Jamaica. This sketch was based on the following aim “To illustrate the landforms found in the Spanish River at its mouth…..” Notice, the focus was on the landforms seen.

Field sketches are usually drawn from photographs. Firstly, draw a frame that is of the same shape as your photograph. Use construction lines to draw the outline of your features.

Next, give your sketch detail with black ink. Do not be afraid to colour your diagrams or sketches with

penciled crayons. Under exam time constraints, this may not always be possible but for the S.B.A. it is.

Once again, always remember that your diagrams/sketches are incomplete without labels. Additionally,

remember to give your diagram an appropriate title. For the field sketch, it is important to incorporate

your sketches with your text instead of separating them. Finally, throughout your study, ensure that you

always make reference to your diagrams in order to maximize your marks.