4B Issues Evaluation

1. Exam 26th January 4B Issues Evaluation

2. The Exam! • Tuesday 26th January • 1 hour 30 minutes in the morning • You need: • Unmarked pre-release materials. • Pencil, Pen, Ruler, Calculator, Compass, Protractor, Sharpener, Rubber.

3. Preparation for the Exam • Read and re-read the booklet to become familiar with the content and layout – know what is where. • Look up the meanings of any unfamiliar terms or phrases. • Use a map/atlas/google earth to get to know the area. • Ensure you understand everything referred to in the AIB. Image Source: Flickr User Dailydose of Joshy

4. Data Manipulation • Think of things you can do with the data: • Looking at proportions. • Percentage Changes • Use the data; don’t describe masses of it. • Look for trends and choose one or two pieces of data to illustrate the point; identify any anomalies.

5. Skills • You will be asked questions based on: • Data Presentation – e.g. The interpretation of a choropleth map. • Data Description – summary of characteristics, differences in sets of data. • Data Analysis – use of statistical techniques. Need to understand the significance of the results. Don’t worry, if I want you to use a stats test I will give you the formula!

6. Fieldwork • A question that may arise within the IEE is one to do with fieldwork. • You don’t need to do fieldwork on the topic – you do need to understand how you could undertake fieldwork. • Stem: “Your A Level group has been asked to do a piece of fieldwork to.....” • Consider: • Methods of Presentation • Data Collection • Analysis • Sampling Methods

7. OS Maps • Ensure you can use them. Can you: • Give 4 and 6 figure grid references. • Measure distances. • Estimate areas. • Use direction. • Understand contour lines. • Refer to place names and physical features. Image Source: Flickr User David Masters

8. Guess the Question? • Yes – In lessons we will discuss potential questions. • No – don’t memorise answers to potential questions – you will only get yourself confused when slightly different questions appear in the exam.

9. The Internet • Use the Internet but only use the sites on the Advanced Information Booklet. • Also use the Internet (e.g. Google Earth) to get a ‘feel’ of the location. • The AIB was written two years before you will sit the exam so very up to date research may not be relevant. Image Flickr User: codiceinternet

10. An A Grade Student • Shows an excellent knowledge of the AIB • Makes reference to different items within the AIB and brings them together. • Show a depth of understanding into any data provided and use it well. • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of previous study. • Look at issues in terms of timescales: short term / long term. • Make connections within and between scales. • Balances different points of view. Image Source: Flickr User Sarah Sidkin

11. An U Grade Student • Brief and unstructured. • Contain large amount of data / text that is copied from the AIB or small changes to the wording. • Demonstrate little familiarity with the AIB and little evidence of geographical thinking. • Miss the sense of place. Remember I will know if you copied it from the booklet – I wrote it! Image Source: Flickr User Sarah Sidkin

12. Making your mind up! • You may or may not have to make a decision. You will need to undertake some evaluation. • Remember that there is usually not a write or wrong answer – it is how well you can support your arguments. • When you make a choice say why you have rejected the other options. Make a Decision = Justify

13. Final things to remember • Answer the questions in order – as questions will often lead on from one to another (the same person will mark the whole thing). • Empathise with the people concerned. • Keep an eye on the clock – don’t run out of time.