Question
Using examples, analyse the benefits of globalized production for local societies.[10]
To what extent is environmental sustainability incompatible with the growth of globalization?[15]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
The different local societies may be in producer or consumer nations/areas. States can be treated as “local” places within a global context.
Examples of “globalized production” can be taken from any sector of industry: agribusiness, manufacturing or service sector (eg the outsourcing of call centres). The benefits for producer nations/areas could be economic (including multipliers, cheaper mass-produced goods, etc) and/or social (eg improved work opportunities for women, increased family wages and thus educational opportunities for children). Also credit the idea of increased consumer choice (eg fast food).
There are also benefits for local societies/regions that are now consumer/post-industrial regions, following global shift/relocation of polluting industries. It can be argued that they have “re-invented” themselves as cleaner, higher-wage societies that additionally benefit from cheap imports of global goods from producer regions.
Do not credit benefits for TNCs, or disadvantages for local societies, as neither is asked for by the question. Any such material should be deemed irrelevant.
For band C, two benefits of globalized production should be described in relation to local society/societies in general.
For band D, expect analysis of either a wider range of benefits and/or recognizable local societies, or a structured account that conceptualizes some different kinds of globalized production.
At band E, expect all of these elements.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
The focus should be whether environmental sustainability – the idea that future generations should enjoy the same landscapes, ecosystem services, resources, etc that are available for living generations – cannot be guaranteed if globalization continues along its current trajectory (with resulting environmental degradation).
Globalization is the growing economic interdependence of the world, accompanied by increased global flows of goods, people, capital, information. The “growth” of globalization is associated with high economic growth rates in emerging economies/NICs/BRICs and this may be commented on/highlighted as an area of particular environmental concern, along with the already large footprint of the USA and, to a lesser extent, Japan, Australia, NZ and EU nations. Some answers may lack focus on globalization/sustainability and instead describe how human activity in general results in problems such as acid rain, eutrophication and nuclear accidents (to name but a few). Such partial answers may still reach the band C/D border if they are sufficiently synthetic (see below).
Possible themes for synthesis linked to sustainability/globalization include:
- growth of core regions [Guide 1]
- growth of transport networks for people and commodities [Guide 2]
- ICT and information flows (may have lower footprint) [Guide 3]
- agribusinesses, polluting industries and waste movements [Guide 4]
- environmental awareness and green messaging [Guide 4]
- food miles and air freight [Guide 4]
- globalization of branded commodities (and implications for resource use and waste) [Guide 5]
- de-industrialization and outsourcing [Guide 2,3]
- some local sourcing movements are rooted in anti-globalization/sustainability rhetoric [Guide 7].
Good answers scoring highly at AO3 may evaluate the extent to which some aspects of globalization are less harmful to the environment than others. Alternatively, a good inquiry of “to what extent” might take the view that growing global environmental awareness, or global cooperation on environmental issues and “technical fixes”, can ameliorate environmental degradation and may yet mean that long-term environmental sustainability is possible.
For band D there should either be a structured synthesis of several well-evidenced themes taken from the subject guide, or a properly evidenced conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) that considers the extent to which the statement is true.
At band E, expect both of these elements.
Question
Using examples, analyse the concept of “loss of sovereignty”.[10]
Examine how economic, technological and political factors may all influence the growth of global diaspora populations.[15]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Loss of sovereignty is principally understood in political and/or economic terms. It encompasses the diminishing effectiveness of political borders and subsequent changes in flow of goods/capital/labour/ideas and perhaps the location of economic activities. These changes may be viewed by governments and/or citizens as the ceding of power/independence in potentially problematic ways.
The concept is most likely explored in relation to the growth of multi-governmental organizations such as the European Union (EU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), etc. In the case of the EU, there are additional governance and currency issues to perhaps consider.
However, the concept of sovereignty is even broader than this in some people’s view, and may also be taken to include:
- the shift in power away from states and towards TNCs as a result of their economic size and dominance. This may be linked with the state’s loss of direct control over its own resources (oil, minerals)
- largely inescapable cultural changes such as loss of native languages and customs, beyond state control (and the associated concepts of cultural imperialism and the shrinking world)
- IMF/World Bank or other “top-down” assistance that comes with strings attached eg structural adjustment (SAPs)
- free trade and abandonment of protectionism could lead to changes which increase dependency on other trading partners.
Other interpretations of “loss of sovereignty” may be credited provided some change/loss over time features in the account.
For band C, two impacts of a powerful global/top-down force or change (such as an MGO, TNCs or information flows) should be described that have some bearing on a recognizable state’s independence/autonomy.
For band D, expect analysis of either a wider range of exemplified impacts or a briefer account that conceptualizes what “loss of sovereignty” might involve.
At band E, expect both of these elements.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
The focus is on the growth of diasporas – globally dispersed populations of common ancestry/ethnicity/religion. An effective examination should give consideration to all three, economic, technological and political factors.
The factors give rise to migration which in turn generates diaspora growth. To achieve the highest band (a well-developed answer), details of diaspora populations must be included as part of the account (rather than just reasons for migration between different countries).
Possible themes linked to diaspora growth include:
- active role of diaspora source nations in the growth of diasporas [Guide 5]
- shrinking world, including transnational family connectivity using ICT, or cheaper/easier means to disperse eg cheaper air flights [Guide 2]
- many of the political controls on global interactions can discourage migration and thus diaspora growth eg nationalism, anti-immigration rhetoric/policies [Guide 6] or controls on technology eg internet censorship [Guide 2]
- key role of economic labour flows as a global interaction [Guide 3]
- growth of EU has aided growth of “instant” diasporas within Europe due to freedom of movement [Guide 5]
- roots of globalization in empires of eighteenth and nineteenth centuries established patterns of post-colonial migration between global periphery and core [Guide 1] and eg growth of African diasporas in Europe/Americas
- global homogenization of landscapes [Guide 4] and consumer culture [Guide 5] may make different places become more familiar, so becomes less of a wrench to migrate overseas
- poverty might limit out-migration from the poorest countries of the global periphery [Guide 2].
Good answers that score highly at AO3 may additionally examine how the three different factors are interrelated (particularly within the context of the free movement of people within the EU), or may examine how the factors can both encourage or discourage migration. Another approach might be to examine explicitly the relative importance of the three factors in different contexts.
For band D there should either be a structured synthesis of all three factors with supporting details (do not expect balance), or a properly evidenced conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) that critically examines the statement.
At band E, expect both of these elements.
Question
Analyse how increased internet use has affected different global financial flows.[10]
Examine the growing need for environmental management at a global scale.[15]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Analyse how increased internet use has affected different global financial flows.
Credit discussion of internet, broadband, email, television/radio (on demand). Also credit mobile phone uptake / network growth Candidates may write in depth about a single case study of network growth over time. This could obtain full marks provided the effect on a range of financial flows is analysed in sufficient depth and detail.
• The internet also plays a role in enabling/accelerating a range of economic interactions and financial flows as part of the “shrinking world” effect.
• These include peer to peer payments such as: migrant remittances; purchases using mobile phone credit systems eg M-Pesa in Kenya (do not expect candidates to fully distinguish between smartphones and mobiles); international aid and charity donations eg Philippines 2013; crowd-sourced financing; online shopping (Amazon, eBay, airline tickets etc); financial transactions including share dealing. Credit ideas about outsourcing provided some effect of internet use on financial flows is suggested (for instance, use of outsourcing may require companies to transfer funds to suppliers; or may enhance profitability of firm; or may involve customers making a financial transaction).
Good answers may apply (AO2) a wider range of knowledge and understanding (AO1) in a well-structured way (AO4). One approach might be to systematically analyse a wide range of financial flows in a well-evidenced way. Another approach might be to analyse how financial flows in some localities are not affected, despite global growth in internet use, due to cost / prohibition / lack of access / other reasons.
For band C (4–6 marks), expect either some weakly-evidenced outlining of internet use in one or two local contexts or brief listing of some financial flows and economic impacts linked with internet use.
For band D (7–8 marks), expect a structured, evidenced analysis of
• either a more detailed analysis of the increase in internet use over time, and its effect on two financial flows
• or a broader analysis of the effects of internet use on a wider range of financial flows (perhaps in different places).
For band E (9–10 marks), expect both band D traits.
Examine the growing need for environmental management at a global scale.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Any aspect of environmental management can be discussed: likely themes for discussion include “global commons” such as the atmosphere, tropical rainforest biome and the oceans. An account of the dangers posed by degradation/depletion of these resources is to be expected, thereby demonstrating the need for action. A detailed range of global or international environmental issues/problems is sufficient to reach band D, even if little is said about management (other than asserting that it is needed).
Possible applied themes (AO2) include knowledge and understanding (AO1) of:
• the need for climate change governance, possibly linked with issues such as the growth of food miles (air freight) [Guide 4] or the growth of polluting transport networks for people and commodities [Guide 2]
• growing environmental awareness fostered via NGOs (eg Greenpeace); hence, civil society concerns suggest a growing need for management/action [Guide 4]
• the political (inter-governmental) response to transboundary pollution [Guide 4]
• EU environmental rules can be considered as “global” scale action [Guide 6]
• some candidates may discuss the need for global action to prevent loss of tropical rainforest (linked with timber resource use) [Guide 4]
• calls for the regulation of global agribusinesses, polluting industries and waste movements [Guide 4]
• commercial need for branded commodities to adopt “green credentials” [Guide 5]
• credit material dealing with the built environment / cultural environment (such as attempts to preserve architecture, language or other cultural traits).
Good answers may synthesize (AO3) three of more of these themes in a well-structured (AO4) way.
Good answers may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) which discusses why isolated actions taken by individual countries may have limited effectiveness, and global-scale action is required. Another approach might be to discuss why problems such as transboundary movements become complex and require action to be taken at a global/regional scale by many different countries working in tandem together. Another approach might be to systematically discuss different aspects of environmental management and the global conventions, protocol and agreements which relate to them.
Do not over-credit examples of local management of environmental problems (eg local ecotourism or local recycling) unless there is a “think global act local” link.
For band C (5–8 marks), expect weakly-evidenced outlining of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide.
For band D (9–12 marks), expect
• either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide
• or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).
For band E (13–15 marks), expect both of these traits.
Examiners report
This popular question was well answered in the majority of cases. Candidates analysed the statement using case studies of financial flows, augmented often with their own personal knowledge of online purchasing, crowdfunding and trading. The best answers used evidence well and were focused fully on financial flows. Electronic transfers of remittances and donations for disaster victims were written about widely. There was widespread analysis too of out-sourcing investment into Bangalore and the role the internet plays supporting FDI (foreign direct investment) strategies by TNCs. Wherever possible, credit was awarded for work which focused on legitimate financial flows that have undoubtedly been enhanced by ICT. Some thoughtful answers analysed ways in which financial flows had been affected other than their volume and rapidity. Illegal (bank account hacking) and informal (peer-to-peer transfers) financial flows featured in some answers. So too did complex financial flows, such as transfer pricing by TNCs.
This question generated a great many mediocre responses which ‘patched’ together a series of environmental vignettes before asserting that better management is required. Climate change, oceanic pollution and global biodiversity loss were popular themes which suited the question context well. Better answers tended to acknowledge steps already taken towards improved global governance (COP21, for instance) before arguing that even more must be done. Weaker responses were less selective in their choice of examples, typically involving fact-rich case studies of relatively localized issues. This meant there was not a compelling case for global management, merely better local management. The Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents were often used in this way. Candidates explained what had happened and then asserted that there is a need for power stations to be ‘managed globally’.
Question
Using examples, explain the growing need for environmental management at a global scale.[10]
Examine how different global flows are affected by the availability of information and communications technology (ICT) and transport.[15]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Likely examples of the need for management include topics/case studies of transboundary pollution, climate change, agribusiness and the environment, or oceanic pollution. For these themes, the explanation of need most likely will be linked with potential losses or “victims” (eg, harm to ocean life, homeless climate change refugees) either in particular local places or felt more universally (as a result of a global “failure” such as insufficient climate change mitigation). Other possibilities for exemplification include bio-conservation or resource management (eg, water or fossil fuels) linked with a sustainability agenda.
Good answers may also explain how the growing need is linked to population and/or economic/consumption growth in emerging/BRIC economies; or to global consumerism and the power of media and advertising. Good answers may also distinguish between regional problems (for neighbour countries) or truly global-scale concerns (climate change; biodiversity).
Do not over-credit recalled description of actual global governance actions (eg outcomes of the Kyoto, Paris, Montreal meetings, etc. This is not asked for by the question. The focus should be the growing need for management.
For band C (4-6 marks), expect a weakly-evidenced outline of one or two environmental issue(s). The need for management may be asserted.
For band D (7-8 marks), expect a structured, evidenced analysis of
- either two detailed global environmental issue(s) that need managing
- or reasons why this need is growing / becoming more urgent.
For band E (9-10 marks), expect both band D traits.
[10 marks]
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
The question requires that multiple global flows are addressed and linked with the availability of different facilitating technologies. Possible themes from the geography guide include:
- the shrinking world (the combined outcome of ICT and transport) and how this affects multiple flows such as travel, tourism and social networking [Guide 2]
- labour migration (transport), financial flows (electronic money transfers) and outsourcing (call centres; commodity movements using containerized shipping) [Guide 3]
- diaspora growth and connectivity using social networking [Guide 5]
- global environmental online messaging [Guide 4]
- agribusinesses, raw materials and containerized transport [Guide 4].
Good answers might examine how availability varies spatially: there are still barriers to the actual use of ICT and transport even where it is theoretically available (poverty, censorship, conflict, etc). Another approach might be to examine how some global flows depend on either ICT or transport; whereas others, such as migration and tourism, involve both (physical movements of people using transport, online bookings and electronic remittances using ICT).
For band C (5-8 marks), expect a weakly-evidenced outline of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide.
For band D (9-12 marks), expect
- either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide
- or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).
For band E (13-15 marks), expect both of these traits.
[15 marks]
Question
Using examples, analyse the role civil societies play in national resistance to global interactions.[10]
Examine the ways in which the world’s cities and their societies are becoming increasingly uniform.[15]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
AO1/2 Indicative content
Civil society is defined in the geography guide as: “Any organization or movement that works in the area between the household, the private sector and the state to negotiate matters of public concern. Civil societies include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, trade unions, academic institutions and faith-based organizations.”
Citizens can:
- form anti-globalization movements and groups (eg Occupy)
- vote for/establish nationalist parties/policies (anti-immigration eg UKIP; resource nationalism)
- support local sourcing or other initiatives
- organize resistance movements against globalization/global capitalism/modernity which are informed by their ethnicity/identity (eg First Nations in Canada; Ogoni in Nigeria; Amish in USA).
Credit other valid forms of civil society resistance in particular national contexts.
Do not credit government or state actions. Do not credit actions of TNCs.
Good answers are likely to provide detailed exemplification. They are also likely to make a better effort to analyse “the role” that citizens/organizations play in determining how a country/government responds to global interactions/globalization (direct and indirect, or lawful and illegal means, for example). Or they may be more
selective in the way they analyse global interactions (eg by breaking this concept into constituent parts such as flows of migrants, imports, data, etc).
For band C (4–6), an outline should be provided of either the general resistance role of civil society or two weakly-evidenced examples of civil society resistance.
For band D (7–8), expect a structured, well-evidenced analysis of
- either two or more detailed examples of civil society resistance
- or the varied ways civil society plays a role in resisting global interactions.
For band E (9–10), expect both band D traits.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Possible AO1/2 Indicative content
Uniformity in this context refers to global homogeneity, ie all places coming to resemble one another through the adoption of common visual styles and forms. While it can be argued that many cities are becoming increasingly uniform, the proposition needs to be examined more carefully in the context of societies (many of which now have record levels of diversity due to migration).
- Themes for synthesis from the geography guide include:urban landscape/styles
- migrants/diaspora/ethnic neighbourhoods
- presence of TNCs/logos/brands
- cultural uniformity (languages spoken, foods consumed, restaurants)
- technology and the “global village” and time–space compression.
Do not over-credit answers that argue against the proposition that places are becoming uniform: this is not asked for. However, it is perfectly acceptable to reflect critically on the degree of uniformity as part of the examination of the statement.
Answers scoring highly according to the AO3 criteria for evaluation:
- might be structured around an examination of different aspects and degrees of uniformity (eg contrasts entirely homogenous “clone towns” with cities that have retained a greater degree of including character/heritage, and some examination of the reasons for this)
- might examine more carefully the distinction between the city landscape and the actual societies that live there (which can be very diverse, despite an apparently “uniform” landscape).
For band C (5–8), expect weakly-evidenced outlining of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide which focus on how cities/societies are becoming uniform.
For band D (9–12), expect
- either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide
- or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).
For band E (13–15), expect both of these traits.
Question
Using examples, analyse the reasons why some places have become international outsourcing hubs.[10]
Examine the challenges that increased global adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) brings to different places.[15]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
AO1/2 indicative content:
- The outsourcing definition is included in the subject guide. Hubs are well-networked places within global networks.
- Global information flows have helped some places, such as Bangalore and Manila, to become hubs for international outsourcing centres (call centres). ICT and information flows are also an important reason for the growth of outsourcing of manufacturing and agriculture (allowing complex networks of supply and
demand to function). - In addition to ICT, other factors play a role and may provide reasons for the growth of outsourcing in certain places, such as government incentives and human resources (including literacy and languages spoken).
Good, structured (AO4) answers may provide detailed exemplification of outsourcing hubs (cities and districts rather than merely countries). They may analyse the reasons why particular locations have a comparative advantage over others in terms of ICT provision or other production costs compared with other places. Or they may be more selective in the way they analyse outsourcing by breaking this into constituent parts, such as manufacturing and services or agriculture sectors.
For band C (4–6 marks), expect weak outlining of the reasons why international outsourcing happens in a recognizable country or city.
For band D (7–8 marks), expect a structured, well evidenced analysis of:
- either the reasons for international outsourcing to specific places
- or different categories/sectors of international outsourcing.
For band E (9–10 marks), expect both aspects to be addressed.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
ICT refers to internet, broadband, mobiles and smartphones used by citizens, businesses and governments. From this arise multiple contexts for possible local challenges to be examined. Countries/national governments are creditable as places in addition to more local areas and neighbourhoods. The growing global pattern of adoption shows rapid uptake in Asia, Latin America and Africa (though at a slower rate than in Asia).
There are economic, social, cultural and political challenges and these vary according to the context.
Possible AO1/2 indicative content:
- the challenges of the shrinking world effect including unchecked flows of culture [Guide 2]
- global diffusion of culture is lined with cultural imperialism/loss of identity [Guide 5]
- loss of sovereignty for states/governments unable to control citizens’ internet access [Guide 6]
- the way ICT enables increased outsourcing and offshoring, which may have negative impacts [Guide 3]
- use of ICT by anti-globalization and terror groups (perspectives will vary on this) [Guide 7]
- the challenge of the digital divide and lack of participation in ICT (factors include income, age, literacy level), which in turn link to disparities in wealth at varying scales [Guide 3]
- e-waste is a product of growing ICT use [Guide 4].
Answers scoring highly according to the AO3 criteria for evaluation:
- might offer a carefully structured examination of different challenges in specific geographic contexts
- might offer a structured examination of the way different categories of ICT are affecting places and user groups
- might examine challenges from multiple perspectives, such as that of the state or its individual citizens (and in relation to people’s age, culture and identity).
Do not award AO1/2 credit for lengthy case studies of benefits derived from ICT, such as Kenya’s M-Pesa scheme: this is not asked for. However, some AO3 credit may be gained for any ongoing evaluation of the way certain challenges can – in part – be alleviated/offset/ameliorated by the benefits ICT nonetheless brings.
For band C (5–8 marks), expect weakly evidenced outlining of two or three relevant technology/shrinking world themes from the geography guide.
For band D (9–12 marks), expect:
- either a structured synthesis which links together several well evidenced and well focused themes from the geography guide
- or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).
For band E (13–15 marks), expect both of these traits.
Question
Referring to named countries, analyse how people’s participation in information and communications technology (ICT) networks is changing.[10]
Examine how far the social and environmental costs of globalization can be reduced without also losing its benefits.[15]
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
The focus here is changing participation. This could refer to people’s participation as either consumers of ICT services or producers eg call centre workers. Candidates should be able to provide one or two examples of trends, developments and/or patterns of adoption at the national scale. They may also offer an overview of the changing global “digital divide”.
- “Participation” by consumers takes many forms, from social media use to remittance transfers.
- Information networks may include broadband internet or mobile/smartphone access.
- Some answers may focus on the increased participation of India and the Philippines in TNC production networks (outsourcing and call centres).
- Some answers may focus on growth on informal ICT services eg new phone app start-ups in Kenya.
- Involvement in e-waste management is a legitimate focus.
- Explanation of changes is not required but can be credited, eg more companies providing citizens with internet access; “middle-class” consumer income growth in many countries; low wages in outsourcing countries.
Good answers may apply (AO2) a wider range of knowledge and understanding (AO1) in a well-structured way (AO4). One approach might be to systematically analyse changes at varying scales (eg provide a global overview and also one example of a changing national pattern, eg the rural–urban divide). Another approach might be to analyse changing social patterns of in inclusion/exclusion (eg for different income groups, women, the elderly).
For band C (4–6 marks), expect some weakly evidenced outlining of ICT use in one or more named countries, or an overview of the global “digital divide”.
For band D (7–8 marks), expect a structured, evidenced analysis that includes:
- either detailed changes/developments in ICT participation in two contexts
- or some variety of ways in which people participate (eg covers changing patterns of consumption and production of ICT services).
For band E (9–10 marks), expect both band D traits.
Please refer to Paper 3 HL markbands.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Any aspect of environmental and social costs – and benefits – can be examined. Likely environmental themes include costs for the atmosphere, oceans or tropical rainforest. Social costs include worker exploitation or changes to society linked with the global growth of social media. Any action taken to tackle these costs needs weighing carefully against the benefits of global trade and development.
Possible applied themes (AO2) include knowledge and understanding (AO1) of:
- climate change actions, possibly linked with issues such as the growth of food miles (air freight) [Guide 4] or the growth of polluting transport networks for people and commodities [Guide 2]
- growing environmental awareness fostered via NGOs [Guide 4]
- political (inter-governmental) responses to transboundary pollution [Guide 4]
- the need for global action to prevent loss of tropical rainforest (linked with timber resource use) [Guide 4]
- calls for the regulation of global agribusinesses, polluting industries and waste movements [Guide 4]
- recognition that a non-globalized lifestyle [Guide 7] is one that does not enjoy the benefits of economic interactions and flows [Guide 2]
- recognition of the many benefits resulting from the sharing of ideas, information and cultures [Guide 5], which might be jeopardized by anti-global measures [Guide 6/7].
Good answers may synthesize (AO3) three of these or other relevant themes in a well-structured (AO4) way.
Good answers may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that systematically examines different aspects of globalization that do or do not need managing to reduce their costs. Another approach might be to examine effects at different scales (eg comparing local developmental benefits of industrialization with the global costs of carbon emissions). Another approach might be to examine costs and benefits from varying perspectives (“local sourcing” might be viewed as having more costs than benefits by a farmer who wants to export food globally).
Answers that explain the costs and benefits of globalization but do little to actually address the question directly – that is, how far can these costs actually be reduced/tackled without also losing benefits? – are unlikely to reach band D.
For band C (5–8 marks), expect weakly evidenced outlining of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide.
For band D (9–12 marks), expect:
- either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide
- or a developed, critical conclusion (or greater ongoing evaluation).
For band E (13–15 marks), expect both of these traits.
Please refer to Paper 3 HL markbands.