Paper 1 Level 5 Exemplar 1 Comments

- In the structured questions, the candidate demonstrated a sound understanding of the curriculum content in

analysing, synthesising and interpreting a range of geographical information including map data and photograph

evidence.

- In Question 1, the candidate was able to describe the spatial distribution of the epicentres as well as to compare the

causes of the tsunamis at X and Y. He/she was also able to use appropriate geographical terms to account for the

difference in the death toll between X and Y. However, he/she was only able to evaluate briefly the effectiveness

of ‘land use zoning’ as a measure to alleviate the damage caused by the tsunami at X.

- In Question 2, the candidate was able to apply the data from the question to describe the changes in velocity from

sites 1 to 7 and explain the changes with appropriate geographical terms. He/she was able to communicate his/her

knowledge and understanding consistently in a coherent and logical manner with appropriate geographical

terminology, especially in explaining the downstream changes in channel width in terms of discharge and river

processes. However, he/she was not able to use appropriate map evidence to explain the favourable physical

conditions for the formation of depositional features downstream of site 4.

- In the short essay question, the candidate was able to use some basic geographical knowledge to explain how the

physical environment causes high risk of famine in the Sahel region. However, his/her evaluation of the

effectiveness of biotechnology in lowering the risk of famine in the Sahel region was superficial.

Paper 2 Level 5 Exemplar 1 Comments

- On the whole, the candidate was able to communicate his/her knowledge and understanding in a coherent

and logical manner with appropriate use of geographical terminology.

- In the structured question, the candidate was able to analyse and interpret logically the data given. He/she was

able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the factors affecting temperature, to describe and explain clearly

and systematically the differences in temperature of the two cities, and to explain clearly the role of

wind in causing drought in city X. However, there were some inaccuracies regarding the formation of monsoon

winds in his/her answer.

- In the first part of the short essay question, the candidate demonstrated sound geographical knowledge regarding

the weathering of granite with appropriate use of geographical terminology. In the second part of the same

question, the candidate showed a general understanding of factors affecting the shaping of landforms. He/she

was able to identify the most important role of weathering in shaping the landforms in Hong Kong. However,

he/she should have further elaborated on the relationship between weathering and other denudation processes in

the discussion.