ACJC_H1_GEOd

© ACJC 2016 H1/8812/01 1 ACJC JC 2 Preliminary Examinations 2016 GEOGRAPHY H1 8812/01 ANSWERS The Globalisation of Economic Activity 2 Fig. 1A shows the predicted global projection based on GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) for the year 2020. Fig. 1B shows the normal global projection. (a) With reference to Fig. 1A, describe the predicted GDP (adjusted for PPP) for the year 2020. 1m for each relevant description (Accept either “North/South” or “DC and LDC/NIE”) For no or incomplete data, collectively minus 1m Ans:  General pattern (max 2m) – Evident divide between the more developed North and the less developed South with the North having higher GDP relative to their own land areas than the South (1 m) o Evidence – more developed North America as well as Europe have higher GDP as represented by the larger projection than their actual size under normal global projection; some countries include USA and Canada in the former and UK, France and Germany in the latter. Japan in East Asia is another country in the North with higher GDP (1/2m ~ at least 2 regions with countries should be mentioned) o In contrast, less developed South has lower GDP as represented by the smaller projection than their actual size under normal global projection – most obvious for South American and African continents; some countries include Chile, Argentina in the former and Somalia, Botswana in the latter (1/2m ~ at least 2 regions with countries should be mentioned)  Exceptions (anyone; max 1m) o Even though most of the less developed South has lower GDP, a group of NIEs in the South show a contrasting situation with a higher GDP; seen by their inflated sizes in Fig. 1A – most obvious examples are the rising economic giants; China and India as well as most countries in SEA o Similarly, in the more developed North – some have lower GDP – seen by the deflated sizes of Russia in Europe and Australia [3] (b) Explain why GDP is not an accurate indicator of development. 1m for each relevant explanation Max 3 ideas to achieve full marks Ans:  Idea of devt is seen as beyond the economic sense. It refers to the process of improving the quality of human life through various ways such as enhancing economic opportunities, better education, improved health and nutrition [3]

© ACJC 2016 H1/8812/01 2 standards, more equality of opportunities, richer cultural life and environmental protection (Definition) o GDP however only measure economic wealth; in terms of the total value of goods and services produced by all factors of production (e.g. labour and land) located within a country in a specified period. Total GDP is used as an indicator of the “size” of a country’s economy.  Developme