2025 VJC prelim P1 SMG

VICTORIA JUNIOR COLLEGE JC2 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 2025 H2 GEOGRAPHY PAPER 1 MARK SCHEME Qn Answer Marks 1a Illustrate interconnectedness in the global economy. Award 1 mark for definition of global economy. Award 1 mark for illustration of interconnectedness in the global economy and a maximum of 1 additional mark for further development. Define: The global economy is a set of human activities and institutions linked together in the production, distribution, exchange and consumption of goods and services. [1] Students may choose to illustrate interconnectedness in the global economy in different ways: Interconnectedness in financial markets [1]: Countries implemented lockdowns to control the spread of COVID -19, which led to the shutdown of factories, transport routes and labour shortages, which eventually led to a global economic standstill. [1] Interconnectedness in global supply chains [1]: Manufacturing and assembly are highly interdependent, relying on global suppliers, specialized labour, and precise scheduling. A disruption at any point in the chain can ripple across countries and industries, affecting the global supply of goods. When sup plies of car components are in shortage, this leads to eventual delays in assembly and delivery of the finished vehicle. [1] Interconnectedness in Global Production Networks [1]: TNCs have an extensive GPN, and produce their goods in multiple countries to take advantage of cost advantages. In the manufacturing of a car for instance, raw materials, component parts and assembly take place in different countries. [1] AO1 3 1b Describe the global distribution of rare earth reserves and volume of rare earth metals extracted in 2020 in Resource 1. Award 1 mark for each substantiated observation. • China leads both in production and reserves holding over a third (38%) of the world’s rare earth reserves and extracting more than half the world’s supply. [1] • Other significant players in reserves are Vietnam and Brazil at 19% and 18% respectively [1] though they are very minor in extraction [1]. 5

• There are other countries with rare earth reserves but do not have any extraction e.g. Greenland and Canada. [1] • There are also countries with extraction but unknown reserves of raw earth e.g. Thailand and Burundi. [1] AO2 1c Explain the gap between reserves available and volume of rare earth metals extracted in Resource 1. Award 1 mark for reason and up to a maximum of 2 marks for further development of reason. Economic factors Mining may not be profitable if global prices are low, demand is uncertain, or extraction costs are high. Example: A country like Brazil may have large reserves, but if rare earth prices drop or production costs (labour, infrastructure) are high, companies may delay mining projects. Government intervention Governments may restrict mining to protect ecosystems, comply with environmental regulations, or avoid geopolitical risks. Strategic stockpiling- Some countries deliberately limit production to conserve resources for future use or to maintain strategic leverage in global supply chains. Infrastructure and Capacity Technical limitations — such as lack of processing facilities, skilled workforce, or transportation infrastructure — can also limit production even when reserves are large. AO1 6 1d Describe the trends in global demand for rare earth metals in Resource 2. Award 1 mark for each substantiated observation. Overall growth: • 2023 → 2050: grows from ~90 kt to ~200 kt (~2.2X increase). Wind energy • 2023 → 2050: grows from ~10 kt to ~25 kt (~2.5X increase). • Steady growth, but smaller compared to EVs. Electric vehicles (EVs) • 2023 → 2050: grows from ~5 kt to ~65 kt (~13X increase). 4

• Strongest relative growth of all categories — EVs become the main growth driver for rare earths. Others • In 2023, “other uses” dominate total demand. By 2050, the share from EVs and wind energy is much larger, indicating a strong shift toward clean energy technologies as the main consumers of rare earths AO2 1e With reference to Resource 3, explain three ways in which g overnments may influence the global car industry. Award 1 mark for each role identified and up to a maximum of 2 marks for further development of reason. Candidate may suggest either 2 or 3 roles the government may play. • Trade Agreements: By negotiating favorable trade agreements, governments can help ensure stable access to critical minerals and mitigate supply chain disruptions. • Investment in infrastructure: Governments can provide financial support for the development of domestic mining and processing facilities for REEs. This investment can in the long run reduce reliance on imports and strength local supply chains. • Strategic Partnerships: Governments can engage in international collaborations to secure diversified supply chains for REEs. This includes partnerships with countries rich in rare earth resources. • Crisis mitigation: Governments can develop contingency plans to address potential supply disruptions, ensuring that the auto industry can adapt quickly to changes in the availability of critical resources • Diplomatic Engagement: Active diplomatic efforts can help resolve trade disputes and ensure that supply chains remain open and efficient. AO2 6 1f Explain how a multilateral organisation like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) may intervene in Resource 3. Award 1 mark for each intervention identified and up to a maximum of 2 marks for further development of intervention. Candidate may suggest either 2 or 3 roles the WTO may play. Facilitating Trade Negotiations • The WTO can provide a platform for member countries to engage in negotiations surrounding trade agreements that address concerns about 6

the export restrictions imposed by China. By fostering dialogue, the WTO can help reduce tensions and promote more stable trade conditions for critical minerals. Dispute Resolution • If a country believes that another member is violating trade agreements— such as those related to export controls or market access—the WTO can facilitate a dispute resolution process. This is crucial in cases where countries accuse others of unfair trade pr actices, as seen in the U.S. accusations against China. Capacity Building • The WTO can assist developing countries in building their capacity to engage in international trade effectively. This includes providing technical assistance and resources to help these countries establish their own rare earth production and processing fac ilities, thus diversifying the global supply chain. AO1 2a Describe the characteristics of the Mekong Delta as seen in Resource 4. Award 1 mark for each point and a maximum of 1 additional mark for further development of each point. Any 4 characteristics: - The delta has a fan-shape/arcuate shape. [1] - There is a wide delta plain approximately 250km in width. [1] - The delta plain is mostly covered in dense vegetation. [1] - There are multiple distributaries on the delta plain. [1] - The distributaries flow in a southeast direction towards the sea. [1] - The delta front is visible off the coast of the delta plain in shallow water where there is evidence of high sediment load being deposited. [1] AO2 4 2b Explain why the shape and size of deltas vary across space. Award 1 mark for each point and a maximum of 1 additional mark for further development of each point. Students should discuss at least two out of the three types of deltas in detail. - A delta’s shape and size are dependent on