PLMGS Elect. Geog Answering Essay Questions (Level Descriptor Questions)

Answering Essay Questions (Level Descriptor Questions) Introduction • State the stand - agree/disagree to a 'large extent' or 'small extent', never to 'some extent' or 'a certain extent' • Briefly state the points you want to include in the body of the essay Body paragraph 1 • Write in the PEEL format - State your Point (factor) - Explain how the factor is related to the question - Give a named example to support your point/factor. Provide a specific example with data and figures - Link your point back to the question - this shows the examiner you are addressing the question - If you are assessing the effectiveness, remember to provide limitations of the factor Body paragraph 2 Using a second factor, repeat the flow of body paragraph 1 (PEEL) Conclusion Think about the factor that really makes the difference Use geographical concepts to help you conclude where possible Conclusion criteria Terms to use Time Long Term, Short Term Impact Long Term, Short Term, Economical, Social, Environmental Scale Local, National, Global Outcome Positive, Negative Cost Cheap, expensive Effectiveness Impact of size, Impact on timescale Stakeholders Locals, businesses, MNCs Level Marks Generic Level Descriptors 3 7 - 9 Develops arguments that supports both sides of the discussion clearly using a range of points with good elaboration. Examples used demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issue or phenomenon. Evaluation is derived from a well-reasoned consideration of the arguments. 2 4 - 6 Develops arguments that support one side of the discussion well using one or two points with some elaboration. Example(s) used demonstrate a good understanding of the issue or phenomenon. Evaluation is well supported by arguments. 1 1 - 3 Arguments are unclear with limited description or may be listed. No examples provided or examples are generic, demonstrating a basic understanding of the issue or phenomenon. Evaluation is simple, missing or unclear. 0 0 No creditworthy response

“Latitude is the most important factor affecting air temperature across places.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [9] Point ● Latitude is a factor affecting air temperature across all locations. Explain ● At the global scale, temperatures are lower at higher latitudes. ● Due to the Earth’s spherical shape, the angle at which the sun’s rays strike the Earth’s surface (solar angle) varies at different parts of the Earth. ● The higher the latitude, the smaller the solar angle, therefore solar radiation is less direct, is spread over a larger area and is less concentrated, leading to lower temperatures. Example ● Beijing, China (40 oN of equator) has temperatures averaging 12 oC, which Singapore (1oN of the equator) has temperatures averaging 29oC. Link ● Therefore, latitude is the main factor that determines temperature on a global scale. Point ● Altitude is a factor affecting air temperature across places with presence of relief/ mountains. Explain ● At a local scale, temperatures are lower at higher altitude. ● At higher altitudes, air is less dense and air pressure is lower as gravity pulls most of the air molecules towards the ground surface. ● With fewer air molecules, air has a lower ability to absorb and radiate heat, leading to lower temperature. Example ● Average temperatures at Genting Highlands (altitude of 1700m above sea level) is about 21oC. ● Average temperatures in the surrounding areas which are at sea level is about 32oC. Link ● Therefore, altitude is also a factor that influences temperature, but it acts on a smaller scale. Point ● Type of surface is a factor that can affect air temperature across places. Explain ● Dark surfaces (e.g. exposed soil and forests) generally absorb more solar radiation and radiate more heat, resulting in higher temperatures. ● Light-coloured surface (e.g. clouds and snow) generally reflect more solar radiation and radiate less heat, resulting in lower temperatures. ● Urban areas end to have higher temperatures than the surrounding rural areas because: - Urban areas comprise large areas of dark surfaces (e.g. roads) which radiate more heat than forests and water bodies. - Glass-covered skyscrapers reflect sunlight to the ground surface. This increases absorption of solar radiation and heat radiation by ground surfaces. Example ● Night-time temperatures at Singapore’s Central Business District were found to be 2oC warmer than the area near MacRitchie reservoir, which has very dense vegetation. Link ● Therefore, types of surface is also a factor that influences temperature, but it acts on a smaller scale. While latitude has a big influence on the temperature of a location on a global scale, altitude and types of surface also play a role in influencing temperature on a local scale. This can be clearly seen when you look at different cities along the same line of latitude and notice the numerous differences in temperature.

‘Mitigation strategies are more important than adaptation strategies in building community resilience towards climate change.’ To what extent do you consider this statement to be true? Explain your answer with the use of relevant examples. [9] Point ● Mitigation strategies refer to efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sinks to slow down climate change. ● An example of mitigation strategies is international agreements. Explain/ Example ● The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty addressing climate change that is signed by 197 parties. ● The objective of the UNFCCC is to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions at a level that would prevent irreversible anthropogenic impacts and provide sufficient time for ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change. ● As part of the UNFCCC, greater responsibilities are placed on developed, industrialised countries as they are considered the main source of past and current greenhouse gas emissions. ● Funds and technologies from developed countries are also directed to climate action in developing countries to help them develop renewable energy capabilities. ● In return, developed countries earn the opportunity to trade carbon credits to offset their carbon emissions so as to meet their emission targets. ● The UNFCCC also requires countries to regularly report on their climate change policies and greenhouse gas emissions. ● In 2015, members of the UNFCCC made significant progress as 191 parties signed the Paris Agreement, pledging to develop their own set of targets and measures. Limitation s • However, international agreements face institutional challenges. • Many countries that are most -at-risk of climate change are often the lowest greenhouse gas emitters, while developed countries who are responsible for the bulk of emissions face the least risk as they often have the adaptive and mitigative capabilities to deal with climate change impacts. • As a result, the commitment to act from different countries will vary. • In addition, change in political leadership in countries may also affect a country’s commitment to climate action. • For instance, President Donald Trump announced in 2017 that USA will be withdrawing from the Paris Agreement as he believes that it will be detrimental to the manufacturing economy of his country.

Point ● Adaptation strategies on the hand refer to efforts to adjust to climate change and its effects in order to reduce harm to people, environment and properties. ● An example is structural adaptation strategy. Explain/ Example ● For example, Singapore has built seawalls along East Coast Park to protect the coastline from sea level rise. ● This helps to prevent the sea from advancing onto the land, thus protecting people, properties and environment. ●