Geography

    OCR
    GCSE

    Specification: J383

    Geography examines the physical world and human interactions with it. You'll study natural hazards, ecosystems, urban environments and global development while developing fieldwork and data analysis skills.

    9

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    36

    Exam Tips

    33

    Pitfalls

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    Study Guides

    6 revision guides for OCR GCSE Geography

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    Key Features

    • Conduct geographical fieldwork
    • Analyse maps and data
    • Understand global challenges
    • Evaluate sustainability solutions

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    15%

    Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, processes, environments and different scales.

    AO2
    25%

    Demonstrate geographical understanding of concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes, and the inter-relationships between places, environments and processes.

    AO3
    25%

    Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues and to make judgements.

    AO4
    25%

    Select, adapt and use a variety of skills and techniques to investigate questions and issues and communicate findings.

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing the characteristics of composite volcanoes (steep, explosive, high viscosity) with shield volcanoes (gentle, effusive, low viscosity).
    • •Describing plate movement as simply 'floating on magma' rather than being driven by specific mechanisms like convection currents, slab pull, and ridge push.
    • •Failing to distinguish between the Mercalli Scale (subjective intensity/damage) and the Moment Magnitude Scale (energy released).
    • •Conflating 'prediction' (forecasting when/where) with 'preparation' (stockpiling supplies, evacuation planning).
    • •Conflating ozone layer depletion with the greenhouse effect (zero marks awarded for this confusion).
    • •Confusing 'mitigation' (reducing causes) with 'adaptation' (managing impacts).
    • •Describing weather events (short-term) as climate change (long-term averages over 30+ years).
    • •Vague references to 'pollution' or 'fumes' instead of naming specific greenhouse gases like Carbon Dioxide or Methane.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •In 8-mark 'Assess' questions, dedicate the final paragraph to a justified conclusion that weighs the relative importance of the factors discussed.
    • •When describing distribution on a map, use specific compass directions and name specific tectonic plates (e.g., Nazca, Eurasian) rather than general continents.
    • •Do not simply list impacts; categorize them into social, economic, and environmental to demonstrate structural understanding and maximize AO2 marks.
    • •Ensure case study statistics are precise; 'thousands died' is insufficient compared to 'approximately 9,000 fatalities' to demonstrate command of evidence.
    • •When analyzing graphs, quote specific data points to support trends (e.g., 'CO2 increased from 315ppm to 410ppm').
    • •For 'Assess' questions, ensure you provide a judgement on the significance or effectiveness of a strategy, not just a description.
    • •Use the 'PEEL' structure (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link) to ensure depth in 8-mark or 12-mark extended responses.
    • •Memorize one specific developed country case study (e.g., UK) and one developing/emerging country case study (e.g., Tuvalu or Bangladesh) for impacts.

    Specification Topics

    9 topics

    The Challenge of Natural Hazards

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Weather Hazards and Climate Change

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The Living World

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Coastal Landscapes

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    River Landscapes

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Glacial Landscapes

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Urban Issues and Challenges

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    The Changing Economic World

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The Challenge of Resource Management

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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