April 2012: I am working on putting these up on the web for you to read or download. I will start on the Physical first and work my way through.......
When you go through the exam papers the same few questions do appear regularly....so.....I have prepared some sample answers that you could adjust....as the question might....to suit yourself:
Physical geography: Ø With the use of labelled diagrams, examine the formation of one (sometimes two) Irish landform. or Examine the processes involved in the creation of a landform you have studied. (Sometimes two).
Ø Explain how the study of plate tectonics aids our understanding of the occurrence / global distribution of volcanoes... or ...earthquakes. (30 marks).
Ø Examine with reference to an example you have studied, the formation of one rock type and how it produces a distinctive landscape.
Ø Examine with reference to actual examples, the measurement and effects of earthquakes.
Ø With reference to the Irish landscape, examine how the processes of weathering have influenced the development of any one limestone feature.
Ø “Plate boundaries are zones where crust is both created and destroyed.” Examine the above statement with reference to examples you have studied.
Ø Discuss how one of the following could have an impact on the landscape: Deforestation Coastal management Flood control
Ø Discuss, with reference to one of the following, how humans interact with the rock cycle: Mining Extraction of building material Oil/Gas exploration Geothermal energy production
Ø Examine, with reference to one of the following, how human activities can impact on surface processes: Mass movement processes River processes Coastal processes
Ø With reference to an example you have studied, describe and account for one way in which humans attempt to influence or control natural processes. In your answer refer to one of the following: Fluvial processes Marine processes Mass movement Regional Geography:
This is an extremely common question. It usually asks you to explain ONE economic activity in ONE region:
Account for the development of one (Primary) or( Secondary) or (Tertiary) economic region in: (generally only one is asked) Ireland or Europe (not Ireland) or A continental / SUBCONTINENTAL region you have studied. You should know: Primary activities : AGRICULTURE or fishing or mining or forestry Secondary activities : INDUSTRY Tertiary activities : TOURISM or services or infrastructure or transport or commerce.
Ireland : The Greater Dublin Area (Core) v The West of Ireland (Galway/Mayo/Roscommon) (Periphery) Europe: The Paris Basin (Core) v The Mezzogiorno (Periphery) Continental/SUBCONTINENTAL: India
Ø Examine the development of one of the following economic processes in a European Region (not Ireland)
Industry
Tourism
Ø Examine how the policies of the EU have influenced Ireland’s economic development.
Ø Examine the economic/cultural impact of EU expansion on any one member state of the EU.
Ø Examine the development/growth of one major urban area in a European or Sub continental region you studied.
Ø Describe and explain the importance of culture in defining regions in a continental/SUBCONTINTAL region that you have studied.
Ø A region is an area that has one or more characteristics that distinguish it from other areas. Describe the key characteristics of a climatic region or a geomorphological region of your choice.
Ø “Culture is an important factor in defining some regions” Examine this statement with reference to any region you studied. (Belgium sample included).
Elective : Human Environment
Ø Examine two of the main problems created by the continued pace of urban growth in a region you have studied.
Ø Examine one cause and one effect of overpopulation referring to examples you have studied.
Ø With reference to examples you have studied, examine two of the impacts of rural to urban migration.
Ø Using a land use model of your choice, examine the growth of a city you have studied and how it applies to the land use model.
Ø With reference to example/s you have studied, examine the effectiveness of urban planning and urban problems.
Ø Describe the differences between population density and population distribution.
Ø Using the map or photography provided, examine any three functions of the city using evidence to support your answer.
Ø (Also: practice sketch maps and using/calculating tables of numbers or charts or population pyramids).
Sample answers : Honour Students ONLY (ALL in the Geoecology section)
Geoecology:
Ø Examine two of the natural processes which influence soil formation.
Ø Examine the factors that influence soil of characteristics.
Ø Compare and contrast two soils that you have studied.
Ø Examine how human activities can cause soil erosion and methods used to prevent it.
Ø Examine the characteristics of a biome you studied.
Ø Discuss how human activities can alter the natural characteristics of biomes.
