Session 3 - Geography map skills

Geography map skills for A/A*’s

Grid references: Be accurate.  The 3^rd and 6^th number of a 6 figure grid reference can be 1 number out each way. Practice using this summer’s resource booklet.

Map symbols: These will be provided in a key but make sure you know the more familiar ones to save time in the exam. Have a look at p9.

Scale and direction: The scale will be written on the map.  1:50 000 means 2cm= 1km, so each cm is 500m. 1: 25 000 means 4cm = 1km, so each cm is 250m. Always quote units- you will get no marks without them.

Relief: the height and shape of the land: There are several things to look for: Spot heights, Triangulation pillars, Contour lines, Slopes- the closer the contour lines, the steeper the slope. Remember- the contour lines help us to identify landforms.

Can you spot a contour on the map extract?

See worksheet: Contour Patterns & drawing a contour.

 

Describing rivers:

1.      Direction of flow (source to mouth) Hints: Water always flows downhill so look at the contours. Tributaries also point in the direction of downhill.

2.      Speed of flow – look at contours, as steep ground and straight channel = fast flow, flat land and meanders = slow flow.

3.      Width (estimate) Hints: A thin blue line indicates a narrow channel.

4.      Course - State whether the river is in the upper, middle or lower course? Hints:

Upper course: contours close together, presence of waterfalls, thin river.

Middle course: Meandering river, quite wide channel.

Lower course: Sometimes the mouth of the river is present, wide channel, flat valley floor.

5.      Number and size of tributaries

6.      Physical features - Tributaries, a confluence point, waterfalls, meanders, ox-bow lakes, delta.

7.      Human features- In a lowland area, channels may be straightened artificially to prevent flooding. There may be a reservoir on the river to collect water. Bridges, artificial embankments.

 

Describing settlement patterns:

Dispersed – a scattering of houses over a large area – in rural / hilly areas /plains.

Linear – Houses along a line e.g. a river/road/railway/coast.

Nucleated – Grouping of houses around a centre (nucleus) at road intersections/confluences/focal points.

 

Past question: Describe the location of the science park [3]

Session 2 - SPaG and command words

This week we worked on spelling, punctuation and grammar.

How did you do on the spelling test?! Practice them at home.

We also looked at command words in an exam paper. Spend some time getting to know them...

GCSE Geography - Command Words

UNDERSTANDING THE QUESTION

When completing your GCSE Geography exam you must read the question carefully and answer it in the right way to make sure that you get as many marks as possible. Always use geographical terms in your answers e.g. compass directions, use the scale of the map, give grid references.

Here are some of the command words that you may be given:

Annotate - add notes or labels to a map or diagram to explain what it shows.

Compare - look for ways in which features or places are similar or different. e.g. a city in an LEDC compared to a MEDC

Complete - add to a map or graph to finish it off.

Contrast - look for the differences between features or places. Often the question will ask you to compare and contrast.

Define - explain what something means e.g. freeze-thaw.

Describe - give details about what a map or diagram shows.

Discuss - usually wants a long answer, describing and giving reasons for or explaining arguments for and against.

Draw - a sketch map or diagram with labels to explain something.

Explain or account for - give reasons for the location or appearance of something.

Factors - reasons for the location of something such as a factory.

Give your ( or somebody else’s) views- say what you or a particular group think about something , for example should limestone quarries be allowed in the Peak District.

Identify - name, locate, recognise or select a particular feature or features, usually from a map, photo or diagram.

Mark - put onto a map or diagram.

Name, state, list - give accurate details or features.

Study - look carefully at a map, photo, table, diagram etc. and say what it shows.

With reference to /refer to examples you have studied - give specific details about your case studies.

With the help of/using the information provided - make sure you include examples from the information, including grid references if it is a map.