Geography 9230 | Paper 2 Mock 01 | Written Paper 2
Question 1 Report
A research group is investigating how changing diets affect global land use. Fig. 1 is a food-system flow diagram for a city in China. It shows grain grown for people, grain fed to pigs, pork sold through urban markets, and food waste collected for anaerobic digestion. The digester produces biogas and fertiliser. As incomes rise, demand for meat has increased, but the city also wants to reduce methane emissions from landfill and improve food security. Farmers supplying the city face pressure to use water efficiently and avoid fertiliser pollution in rivers.
(a) Identify the animal shown in Fig. 1 that is fed grain. [1]
(b) Describe one output from anaerobic digestion shown in the figure. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why producing pork can require more resources than eating grain directly. [2]
(d) Explain two ways collecting food waste for digestion can reduce environmental impacts. [2]
(e) Evaluate whether increasing meat consumption always indicates successful development. [3]
(a) The animal fed grain is a pig. [1]
(b) Anaerobic digestion produces biogas or fertiliser, in the form of digestate. [1]
(c) Pigs eat grain that people could eat directly. Energy is lost between trophic levels, so producing pork requires more feed and therefore usually more land, water and other resources than eating grain directly. [2]
(d) Collecting food waste reduces the amount sent to landfill. Digestion captures biogas for energy and reduces methane emissions from rotting waste; its digestate can also replace some manufactured fertiliser. Any two linked benefits gain credit. [2]
(e) Higher meat consumption may reflect higher incomes, greater food choice and access to protein. However, it can increase pressure on land and water and raise emissions. Successful development is better judged through a balanced, lower-waste diet that meets needs sustainably, not simply by more meat consumption. [3]
Answer Details
(a) The animal fed grain is a pig. [1]
(b) Anaerobic digestion produces biogas or fertiliser, in the form of digestate. [1]
(c) Pigs eat grain that people could eat directly. Energy is lost between trophic levels, so producing pork requires more feed and therefore usually more land, water and other resources than eating grain directly. [2]
(d) Collecting food waste reduces the amount sent to landfill. Digestion captures biogas for energy and reduces methane emissions from rotting waste; its digestate can also replace some manufactured fertiliser. Any two linked benefits gain credit. [2]
(e) Higher meat consumption may reflect higher incomes, greater food choice and access to protein. However, it can increase pressure on land and water and raise emissions. Successful development is better judged through a balanced, lower-waste diet that meets needs sustainably, not simply by more meat consumption. [3]
Question 2 Report
Fig. 1 shows a river catchment shared by three countries. Country A has a large dam in its mountain region, Country B has irrigated farms on the floodplain, and Country C has a delta city with a fishing port. In a dry year, Country A plans to hold back more water for hydroelectric energy. Farmers in Country B fear reduced crop yields, while people in Country C are concerned that lower river flow will allow sea water to move farther upstream. Representatives are meeting to create an international agreement for fair water use.
(a) Identify the country containing the river delta. [1]
(b) Describe one likely impact of reduced river flow on Country B. [1]
(c) Explain two reasons why Country C may experience greater salt-water intrusion. [2]
(d) Explain two features that could make a water-sharing agreement more effective. [2]
(e) Evaluate the claim that Country A should always prioritise renewable energy generation. [2]
(a) The river delta is in Country C. [1]
(b) Reduced river flow means less water for irrigation in Country B, which can lower crop yields and farm income. [1]
(c) If Country A stores more water, less freshwater flows towards the sea. The weaker freshwater flow cannot push seawater back, so seawater can move upstream into the delta and groundwater. [2]
(d) An effective agreement could set an agreed minimum river flow so downstream users receive some water. It could also require countries to share monitoring data. Drought rules and an independent body or regular meetings to settle disputes are other valid features. [2]
(e) Hydroelectricity is low-carbon renewable energy, so it is an important benefit. However, river water is also needed for irrigation, ecosystems and the delta city. Country A's priority should therefore be negotiated rather than always taking precedence. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The river delta is in Country C. [1]
(b) Reduced river flow means less water for irrigation in Country B, which can lower crop yields and farm income. [1]
(c) If Country A stores more water, less freshwater flows towards the sea. The weaker freshwater flow cannot push seawater back, so seawater can move upstream into the delta and groundwater. [2]
(d) An effective agreement could set an agreed minimum river flow so downstream users receive some water. It could also require countries to share monitoring data. Drought rules and an independent body or regular meetings to settle disputes are other valid features. [2]
(e) Hydroelectricity is low-carbon renewable energy, so it is an important benefit. However, river water is also needed for irrigation, ecosystems and the delta city. Country A's priority should therefore be negotiated rather than always taking precedence. [2]
Question 3 Report
Fig. 1 is a cross-section through a new housing estate in the outer part of Chengdu, China. The development contains apartment blocks, a school, a park and a retained stream corridor. China has experienced major urban growth as people move towards cities for international business, manufacturing and services. The developer claims that mixed land use will limit car journeys and provide a better urban environment. Local residents have asked whether the scheme will meet the needs of families as the population rises.
(a) Identify the natural feature retained in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Identify two services, other than housing, provided within this development. [2]
(c) Identify three ways mixed land use could make this urban development more sustainable. [3]
(a) The retained natural feature is the stream or watercourse. [1]
(b) The development provides a school and a park/open space as services other than housing. [2]
(c) Mixed land use places homes, services and recreation close together, making journeys shorter and reducing fuel use. It makes walking and cycling more practical, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The park and retained stream can support biodiversity and drainage. Any three linked sustainability benefits gain credit. [3]
Answer Details
(a) The retained natural feature is the stream or watercourse. [1]
(b) The development provides a school and a park/open space as services other than housing. [2]
(c) Mixed land use places homes, services and recreation close together, making journeys shorter and reducing fuel use. It makes walking and cycling more practical, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. The park and retained stream can support biodiversity and drainage. Any three linked sustainability benefits gain credit. [3]
Question 4 Report
Fig. 1 shows a family video call between a construction worker in Dubai and relatives in Manila, Philippines. The worker sends part of each monthly wage home using a digital money-transfer service. The family uses remittances for food, school costs and repairs to their house. The worker plans to return after several years, although the separation is difficult.
Identify the term used for money sent by a migrant to relatives at home. [1]
Identify two ways remittances may improve development in the Philippines. [2]
Identify one social cost of international migration for the family. [1]
Identify two reasons why the worker may have moved to Dubai rather than remain in Manila. [2]
Labelled answer diagram:
(a) Money sent by a migrant to relatives at home is called remittances. [1]
(b) Remittances can improve development because they:
- pay for education, improving future opportunities;
- improve housing or nutrition, reducing poverty for the receiving household.
They can support small businesses and bring foreign currency into the country. [2]
(c) A social cost is family separation. It may cause stress or reduce parental care. [1]
(d) The worker may move to Dubai because:
- wages are higher than available wages in Manila;
- there are more construction jobs or a specific recruitment opportunity.
Unemployment or low pay in Manila, and the opportunity to send money home, are also valid. [2]
Answer Details
Labelled answer diagram:
(a) Money sent by a migrant to relatives at home is called remittances. [1]
(b) Remittances can improve development because they:
- pay for education, improving future opportunities;
- improve housing or nutrition, reducing poverty for the receiving household.
They can support small businesses and bring foreign currency into the country. [2]
(c) A social cost is family separation. It may cause stress or reduce parental care. [1]
(d) The worker may move to Dubai because:
- wages are higher than available wages in Manila;
- there are more construction jobs or a specific recruitment opportunity.
Unemployment or low pay in Manila, and the opportunity to send money home, are also valid. [2]
Question 5 Report
A regional planning team has drawn Fig. 1 to show growth around Chengdu, China. A high-speed rail station connects the expanding city to smaller towns. New apartments and a technology park occupy former farmland, while a protected wetland lies beside the development. Planners want economic growth but also need to limit water demand, congestion and the loss of agricultural land.
Identify the transport infrastructure in Fig. 1 that links Chengdu with smaller towns. [1]
Identify two reasons why a technology park may attract highly skilled workers. [2]
Identify one conflict caused by building apartments on former farmland. [1]
Identify two planning actions that could reduce pressure on the protected wetland. [2]
(a) The infrastructure linking Chengdu with smaller towns is high-speed rail. [1]
(b) A technology park can attract skilled workers through:
- specialist jobs and career opportunities;
- modern offices and digital infrastructure suitable for technology work.
University links, high salaries and fast transport access are also valid. [2]
(c) Building apartments on farmland causes a conflict because it leads to loss of food-producing land. It may also remove farmers' livelihoods and contribute to urban sprawl. [1]
(d) Pressure on the wetland could be reduced by:
- creating a buffer zone between development and the wetland;
- treating wastewater so pollution does not enter the wetland.
Restricting nearby building, providing public transport and monitoring visitor access are also acceptable. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The infrastructure linking Chengdu with smaller towns is high-speed rail. [1]
(b) A technology park can attract skilled workers through:
- specialist jobs and career opportunities;
- modern offices and digital infrastructure suitable for technology work.
University links, high salaries and fast transport access are also valid. [2]
(c) Building apartments on farmland causes a conflict because it leads to loss of food-producing land. It may also remove farmers' livelihoods and contribute to urban sprawl. [1]
(d) Pressure on the wetland could be reduced by:
- creating a buffer zone between development and the wetland;
- treating wastewater so pollution does not enter the wetland.
Restricting nearby building, providing public transport and monitoring visitor access are also acceptable. [2]
Question 6 Report
Fig. 1 is an annotated aerial photograph of a rapidly growing settlement on the edge of a city. It was used in a study of urban development near an international airport. The photograph includes a new housing estate, irrigated fields, a warehouse area and a drainage channel leading towards a river. Aerial images help geographers identify land use over a large area quickly. They cannot, however, show every social or environmental issue. The investigation team plans to visit the area to check whether the new development has altered traffic, water quality and access to services for the local population.
(a) Identify one land use shown close to the main road. [1]
(b) Identify two pieces of evidence from Fig. 1 that suggest recent urban growth. [2]
(c) Identify two likely advantages of locating warehouses near the main road. [2]
(d) Identify two possible environmental problems caused when development replaces irrigated fields. [4]
(e) Identify three pieces of primary data the team should collect during its site visit. [3]
(f) Identify one limitation of interpreting land use only from this aerial figure. [2]
(a) A land use close to the main road is the warehouse. The housing estate and irrigated fields are also acceptable. [1]
(b) Evidence of recent urban growth includes the new housing estate and the warehouse area. The main road serving development and buildings encroaching on fields are also valid evidence. [2]
(c) Warehouses near a main road have easier access for deliveries and lower transport time or cost. They also connect readily to the wider road network and airport. [2]
(d) Replacing irrigated fields can cause:
- loss of agricultural land and food production;
- more impermeable roofs and roads, causing increased surface runoff;
- therefore greater flood risk;
- polluted runoff entering the drainage channel or river.
Habitat loss and increased water consumption are also valid. The important chain is that development creates impermeable surfaces, so less water infiltrates and more flows rapidly into drainage systems. [4]
(e) Primary data could include a traffic count, noise readings and water-quality tests. A land-use survey, resident questionnaire and pedestrian count are also valid. [3]
(f) An aerial image may be out of date and cannot reveal building function or ownership, nor residents' views. Fieldwork is needed to check these details. [2]
Answer Details
(a) A land use close to the main road is the warehouse. The housing estate and irrigated fields are also acceptable. [1]
(b) Evidence of recent urban growth includes the new housing estate and the warehouse area. The main road serving development and buildings encroaching on fields are also valid evidence. [2]
(c) Warehouses near a main road have easier access for deliveries and lower transport time or cost. They also connect readily to the wider road network and airport. [2]
(d) Replacing irrigated fields can cause:
- loss of agricultural land and food production;
- more impermeable roofs and roads, causing increased surface runoff;
- therefore greater flood risk;
- polluted runoff entering the drainage channel or river.
Habitat loss and increased water consumption are also valid. The important chain is that development creates impermeable surfaces, so less water infiltrates and more flows rapidly into drainage systems. [4]
(e) Primary data could include a traffic count, noise readings and water-quality tests. A land-use survey, resident questionnaire and pedestrian count are also valid. [3]
(f) An aerial image may be out of date and cannot reveal building function or ownership, nor residents' views. Fieldwork is needed to check these details. [2]
Question 7 Report
Fig. 1 is a simplified extract from a 1:25 000 topographic map used by a hiking group planning a water-quality study. Grid lines are 1 km apart. The group will walk from the car park at A to the river sampling point at B. Contours show height in metres, and the woodland is shown by tree symbols. The group wants to avoid steep slopes and keep equipment away from possible river flooding. The map skills used in this study are also useful when planning routes to renewable energy sites in rural areas.
(a) Identify the six-figure grid reference of B. [2]
(b) Identify the compass direction of B from A. [1]
(c) Identify the straight-line distance from A to B, in km. Show your working. [3]
(d) Identify the difference in height between the 80 m and 140 m contours. [2]
(e) Identify two map-based reasons why the group should not place a fieldwork base beside B, and identify one advantage of using A instead. [4]
(f) Identify one limitation of using this map figure without visiting the site. [2]
(a) B is at 135235. Read the easting first, then the northing: it is halfway between 13 and 14, giving 13.5, and halfway between 23 and 24, giving 23.5. [2: 13.5 easting [1], 23.5 northing [1]]
(b) B is north-east (NE) of A: it is both to the right (east) and above (north) of A. [1]
(c) The grid squares are 1 km. A to B is approximately 2 km east and 2 km north. Using Pythagoras:
\[\text{distance}=\sqrt{2^2+2^2}=\sqrt{8}=2.83\text{ km}\]
So the straight-line distance is approximately 2.8 km. [3: correct Pythagoras method [1]; approximately 2.8 km [2]]
(d) \(140\text{ m}-80\text{ m}=60\text{ m}\). The height difference is 60 m. [2]
(e) B is unsuitable for a base because it is close to the river, so flooding is a risk, and the approach is near closely spaced contours, indicating a steep slope. A possible further reason is exposed location or limited mapped access. A is preferable because the car park gives established vehicle access for people and equipment. [4]
(f) A map alone may be out of date and cannot show current water level, ground conditions, access restrictions or temporary hazards. Site observation is needed to check these conditions. [2]
Answer Details
(a) B is at 135235. Read the easting first, then the northing: it is halfway between 13 and 14, giving 13.5, and halfway between 23 and 24, giving 23.5. [2: 13.5 easting [1], 23.5 northing [1]]
(b) B is north-east (NE) of A: it is both to the right (east) and above (north) of A. [1]
(c) The grid squares are 1 km. A to B is approximately 2 km east and 2 km north. Using Pythagoras:
\[\text{distance}=\sqrt{2^2+2^2}=\sqrt{8}=2.83\text{ km}\]
So the straight-line distance is approximately 2.8 km. [3: correct Pythagoras method [1]; approximately 2.8 km [2]]
(d) \(140\text{ m}-80\text{ m}=60\text{ m}\). The height difference is 60 m. [2]
(e) B is unsuitable for a base because it is close to the river, so flooding is a risk, and the approach is near closely spaced contours, indicating a steep slope. A possible further reason is exposed location or limited mapped access. A is preferable because the car park gives established vehicle access for people and equipment. [4]
(f) A map alone may be out of date and cannot show current water level, ground conditions, access restrictions or temporary hazards. Site observation is needed to check these conditions. [2]
Question 8 Report
Along a sandy coastline, a class carried out a beach-profile investigation before a proposed tourism development. Fig. 1 shows their transect line, placed at right angles to the shoreline. At each marked point they measured the height of the beach surface and counted plastic items in a 1 m² quadrat. They started at the sea wall and moved towards the water at low tide. The class wants to decide whether the survey design gives representative evidence about litter, and whether the beach could safely support more visitors during the summer season.
(a) Identify the sampling method shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Identify why the transect was placed at right angles to the shoreline. [2]
(c) Identify two items of equipment needed to measure the beach profile accurately. [2]
(d) Identify two improvements that would make the litter results more reliable. [3]
(e) Identify one risk to the students working near the water and identify one control measure. [2]
(a) The method is systematic sampling along a transect: quadrats are placed at regular marked points along the line. [1]
(b) A transect at right angles to the shoreline crosses the full beach gradient, from sea wall to water. This allows comparison between zones at different distances from the sea. [2]
(c) Two suitable items are ranging poles and a clinometer. Ranging poles mark the slope, while a clinometer measures its angle. A tape measure and quadrat are also valid. [2]
(d) To make litter results more reliable:
- use repeat quadrats at each point;
- use more transects at different beach locations;
- use the same-sized quadrat and a clear litter-counting rule.
Repeating at another tide or day with conditions recorded is also valid. Reliability is improved because a larger, consistently measured sample is less affected by chance variation. [3]
(e) A risk is an incoming tide or waves. A matching control is to check tide times and work only during a safe period; staying with a teacher and using a safe route are also appropriate controls. [2]
Answer Details
(a) The method is systematic sampling along a transect: quadrats are placed at regular marked points along the line. [1]
(b) A transect at right angles to the shoreline crosses the full beach gradient, from sea wall to water. This allows comparison between zones at different distances from the sea. [2]
(c) Two suitable items are ranging poles and a clinometer. Ranging poles mark the slope, while a clinometer measures its angle. A tape measure and quadrat are also valid. [2]
(d) To make litter results more reliable:
- use repeat quadrats at each point;
- use more transects at different beach locations;
- use the same-sized quadrat and a clear litter-counting rule.
Repeating at another tide or day with conditions recorded is also valid. Reliability is improved because a larger, consistently measured sample is less affected by chance variation. [3]
(e) A risk is an incoming tide or waves. A matching control is to check tide times and work only during a safe period; staying with a teacher and using a safe route are also appropriate controls. [2]
Question 9 Report
A housing charity in Toronto recorded street observations around a new light-rail stop. Fig. 1 shows high-rise apartments above shops, a protected cycle lane and a public square. The site was previously a low-density industrial area. The charity welcomes more homes near transport but is concerned that rapid development may make the city less affordable for lower-income residents. Its report will be used in a public consultation on planning policy.
(a) Identify the transport infrastructure shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Identify two advantages of building high-density housing near this transport route. [2]
(c) Identify three planning policies that could help ensure new development includes affordable homes. [3]
(a) The transport infrastructure is light rail, also called a tram or LRT. [1]
(b) Residents can use public transport easily because homes are close to the route. This reduces the need for private-car travel and parking. High-density housing also uses accessible land efficiently and provides enough passengers to support a frequent service. Any two advantages gain credit. [2]
(c) Planning policies could require a percentage of homes to be affordable, use public subsidy for social housing, and require developer contributions for housing. Rent controls or long-term affordable tenancies, and protection of existing lower-cost homes from demolition, are also valid. Any three policies gain credit. [3]
Answer Details
(a) The transport infrastructure is light rail, also called a tram or LRT. [1]
(b) Residents can use public transport easily because homes are close to the route. This reduces the need for private-car travel and parking. High-density housing also uses accessible land efficiently and provides enough passengers to support a frequent service. Any two advantages gain credit. [2]
(c) Planning policies could require a percentage of homes to be affordable, use public subsidy for social housing, and require developer contributions for housing. Rent controls or long-term affordable tenancies, and protection of existing lower-cost homes from demolition, are also valid. Any three policies gain credit. [3]
Question 10 Report
A global city study compares the changing skyline of Shanghai with the older lanes behind it. Fig. 1 shows a new finance district across the river from a traditional residential area. International investment has created offices, hotels and apartments, but the city government must also protect heritage and provide homes for workers on lower incomes. The study asks whether economic development always benefits all residents equally. Use Fig. 1 and your knowledge of urban change.
(a) Identify the city shown in this global city study. [1]
(b) Identify two functions of the new district shown in Fig. 1. [2]
(c) Identify four ways planners could balance economic growth with the needs of existing communities. [4]
(a) The city is Shanghai. [1]
(b) The new district has finance and office functions. Hotels and tourism, high-rise apartments, and international business services are also valid functions. Any two gain credit. [2]
(c) Planners can protect important heritage buildings while providing affordable housing. They can consult local residents before redevelopment and provide compensation or suitable local rehousing where needed. Reserving space for small businesses, improving transport and services in all areas, and requiring developers to contribute to community facilities are further valid measures. Any four gain credit. [4]
Answer Details
(a) The city is Shanghai. [1]
(b) The new district has finance and office functions. Hotels and tourism, high-rise apartments, and international business services are also valid functions. Any two gain credit. [2]
(c) Planners can protect important heritage buildings while providing affordable housing. They can consult local residents before redevelopment and provide compensation or suitable local rehousing where needed. Reserving space for small businesses, improving transport and services in all areas, and requiring developers to contribute to community facilities are further valid measures. Any four gain credit. [4]
Question 11 Report
The diagram in Fig. 1 shows a clothing supply chain linking cotton growers in northern India with consumers in international cities. A brand based in Europe buys garments from a factory near Ahmedabad. The factory has expanded after receiving orders through global online retail platforms. Workers have raised concerns about wages, water use and safety inside the building.
Identify the stage in Fig. 1 where raw cotton is changed into a manufactured product. [1]
Identify two reasons why an international clothing brand may use a factory in India. [2]
Identify one way factory growth could improve development for people living nearby. [1]
Identify two actions the brand could take to make the supply chain more responsible. [2]
(a) Raw cotton is turned into a manufactured product at the garment factory. This is secondary-sector manufacturing: raw material is processed into clothing. [1]
(b) An international brand may use a factory in India because:
- labour costs may be lower, reducing the cost of making each garment;
- there is a large labour supply, including workers and established textile suppliers with relevant skills.
Access to cotton and lower operating costs are also valid reasons. [2]
(c) Factory growth can improve local development by creating employment and income for nearby people. Workers may then spend wages in local businesses, creating a multiplier effect. [1]
(d) The brand could make its supply chain more responsible by:
- using independent factory inspections to check that standards are met;
- requiring safe buildings and fire exits for workers.
Paying a living wage, reducing water pollution, and publishing supplier and working-condition information are also acceptable. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Raw cotton is turned into a manufactured product at the garment factory. This is secondary-sector manufacturing: raw material is processed into clothing. [1]
(b) An international brand may use a factory in India because:
- labour costs may be lower, reducing the cost of making each garment;
- there is a large labour supply, including workers and established textile suppliers with relevant skills.
Access to cotton and lower operating costs are also valid reasons. [2]
(c) Factory growth can improve local development by creating employment and income for nearby people. Workers may then spend wages in local businesses, creating a multiplier effect. [1]
(d) The brand could make its supply chain more responsible by:
- using independent factory inspections to check that standards are met;
- requiring safe buildings and fire exits for workers.
Paying a living wage, reducing water pollution, and publishing supplier and working-condition information are also acceptable. [2]
Question 12 Report
After intense rain, a neighbourhood in Jakarta was surveyed by a disaster-risk team. Fig. 1 shows houses built beside a canal, a raised road and a drain blocked by plastic waste. The city has expanded rapidly onto low-lying land. Some families have few housing choices, while others value the site because it is close to employment. The team needs to distinguish between physical causes of flooding and human actions that increase the risk before proposing a response.
(a) Identify the water channel shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Identify two human actions visible in Fig. 1 that could increase flood risk. [2]
(c) Identify three strategies the city could use to reduce flood damage in this neighbourhood. [3]
(a) The water channel is a canal or drainage channel. [1]
(b) Human actions increasing flood risk include building homes close to or on flood-prone land and dumping waste that blocks drains. Extensive hard surfaces reducing infiltration are also valid. [2]
(c) The city could clear and maintain drains, improve waste collection, and create retention ponds or wetlands to store water. Raising defences, restricting building on high-risk land, and providing warnings and evacuation plans are further valid strategies. Any three gain credit. [3]
Answer Details
(a) The water channel is a canal or drainage channel. [1]
(b) Human actions increasing flood risk include building homes close to or on flood-prone land and dumping waste that blocks drains. Extensive hard surfaces reducing infiltration are also valid. [2]
(c) The city could clear and maintain drains, improve waste collection, and create retention ponds or wetlands to store water. Raising defences, restricting building on high-risk land, and providing warnings and evacuation plans are further valid strategies. Any three gain credit. [3]
