Understanding the Pre-Release Booklet
Your guide to AQA Paper 3 Section A - Issue Evaluation
When issued
12 weeks before Paper 3 exam (March for June exams)
Access
Given by your school (teachers download from AQA Centre Services)
Content
8-12 pages: maps, graphs, photos, satellite images, text extracts, stakeholder opinions
Topic
Changes annually - could be ANY topic from Papers 1 or 2
Important: Clean Copy in Exam
You cannot bring your annotated booklet into the exam. A clean copy is provided. The 12 weeks of annotation is to help you learn - not to take notes in with you.
Click each stage to see details
Pre-release issued
School receives booklet from AQA Centre Services. Teacher distributes to students.
Click a year to see topic details and sample questions
Pattern Analysis
Mix of physical and human geography; often current issues in the news
Skills
- • Interpreting maps, graphs, photos
- • Analyzing patterns and trends
- • Evaluating different perspectives
Decision-Making
- • Weighing advantages vs disadvantages
- • Considering stakeholder views
- • Justifying which option is best
Synthesis
- • Linking multiple resources
- • Building evidence-based arguments
- • Applying specification knowledge
Click to see examples and tips for each question type
Short Skills Questions
Interpret data from a specific figure. Calculate, describe, or identify.
Example questions:
- “Using Figure 2, describe the distribution of wind farms in the UK.”
- “Calculate the percentage increase in renewable energy from 2010 to 2020. Show your working.”
- “Identify two advantages of wind power shown in Figure 4.”
Top tips:
- ✓Reference the figure number in your answer
- ✓Use data/statistics from the figure
- ✓For calculations, show working clearly
How to mark up your pre-release booklet during the 12 weeks
Use different colors to categorize information at a glance
Remember: You cannot bring your annotated booklet into the exam. A clean copy is provided. The purpose of annotation is to help you learn and understand the material during the 12 weeks.
Step-by-step guide to building a top-mark extended answer
The UK should prioritize [X] because...
The UK should prioritize wind power as the primary focus for future energy development.
Don't forget SPaG! 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Leave 2 minutes to proofread your answer.
Same question, different approaches. Toggle annotations to see why one scores higher.
Question (9 marks + 3 SPaG):
“Which energy source should the UK prioritize for future development: wind power or nuclear power? Justify your decision using evidence from the resources.”
The UK should prioritize wind power because it is renewable and doesn't pollute.❌ Vague, no evidence
Nuclear power is dangerous because of radiation.❌ One-sided
Figure 2 shows wind power is growing.❌ No specific data
Wind is better for the environment.❌ Repetitive
The UK should prioritize wind power as the primary focus for future energy development, while maintaining existing nuclear capacity.✓ Clear decision
Figure 4 demonstrates wind power costs have fallen 70% since 2010 (now £40/MWh vs £92/MWh for nuclear).✓ Specific data
Wind power produces zero carbon emissions during operation, supporting the UK's 2050 net-zero commitment (Figure 1).✓ Links figures
Wind's intermittency (Figure 3 shows 0-80% capacity variation) is a valid concern. However, this can be mitigated through energy storage.✓ Counter-argument
Wind power should be prioritized because falling costs, rapid deployment, and zero emissions align with the UK's economic and environmental goals.✓ Strong conclusion
Question 1 of 5
Score: 0/5
When is the pre-release booklet issued?