Exam Technique & Key Terminology
Master command words, answer structures, and essential vocabulary for Section C
| Command Word | Marks | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Describe | 1-3 | State what you see (patterns, trends, features). Use data from resources. |
| Explain | 4-6 | Give reasons WHY. Use connectives (because, therefore, this leads to, as a result). |
| Evaluate | 9 | Weigh up advantages vs disadvantages. Reach a balanced conclusion with evidence. |
| Assess | 6-9 | Make a judgement about effectiveness/success using evidence. |
| Compare | 4-6 | Identify similarities AND differences between two things. |
Interactive Practice Tools
Read the question and identify the command word, marks, and what's required
"Describe the pattern of food insecurity shown on the map. (3 marks)"
What is the command word?
Select a command word to see the model answer structure
Explain(4-6 marks)
Time: 4-6 minutes
Structure:
- 1Make a point (reason/cause)
- 2Develop with explanation (HOW/WHY)
- 3Use connective to link to outcome
- 4Repeat for 2-3 reasons
Key Connectives:
Example Answer Snippet:
Conflict disrupts farming BECAUSE people flee land → fields abandoned. Conflict also destroys infrastructure (roads, storage) THEREFORE food cannot be transported. AS A RESULT food supply collapses → insecurity.
Compare answers to understand what examiners want
"Explain how irrigation can increase food supply. (4 marks)"
"Irrigation increases food supply because it waters crops. This means they grow better. More water means more food."
Why it's weak:
- ✗ Vague - no specific mechanisms
- ✗ No examples
- ✗ Limited development
- ✗ No connectives used
"Irrigation increases food supply by providing reliable water to crops when rainfall is insufficient. This allows farmers to grow crops year-round rather than only during rainy seasons, THEREFORE increasing the number of harvests per year. Irrigation also enables cultivation of arid/semi-arid land that would otherwise be unproductive BECAUSE crops receive adequate water despite low rainfall. For example, in Egypt the Aswan Dam irrigates the Nile Valley allowing continuous crop production despite desert climate. FURTHERMORE, controlled watering through drip irrigation can increase cereal yields from 1 ton/hectare to 7 tons/hectare by delivering optimal water amounts directly to plant roots."
Why it works:
- ✓ Specific mechanisms (year-round, arid land)
- ✓ Named example (Egypt, Aswan Dam)
- ✓ Connectives used (therefore, because, furthermore)
- ✓ Quantified data (1 ton → 7 tons)
1 mark ≈ 1 minute | Practice timing your answers
4 mark question = 4 minutes
1 of 21 terms | Click card to flip
For Evaluate Questions:
- • Always reach a conclusion (don't sit on the fence)
- • Use "however" and "on the other hand"
- • Include case study evidence (IBIS Pakistan, Makueni Kenya)
- • Consider sustainability (short-term vs long-term)
For Explain Questions:
- • Use connectives: because → therefore → as a result
- • Develop each point (don't just list)
- • Include specific data/examples
- • Show chains of reasoning (A causes B which leads to C)
Time Management Rule:
1 mark = 1 minute. A 9-mark question should take ~12-15 minutes (including planning). If you're spending 20+ minutes on one question, you're taking too long.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- • Writing "this is good because..." without saying WHY it's good
- • Not using the data from graphs/maps provided
- • Forgetting to name your case study examples
- • Writing conclusions that don't match your argument
Large-Scale Agricultural Development
IBIS, Pakistan
- • 14-16 million hectares irrigated
- • 78,000+ km of canals (world's largest)
- • 24 million jobs (47% workforce)
- • Environmental costs: waterlogging (35-40%), salinity (27%)
- • Only 36% efficiency - 64% water lost
Local Sustainable Scheme
Makueni, Kenya (LIC)
- • Sand dams for dry-season irrigation
- • Drought-resistant crops (sorghum, millet, pigeon pea)
- • Farmer training in climate-smart agriculture
- • Crop diversification and irrigated home gardens
- • Tree planting and agroforestry