2016 HKDSE

Geography Paper 1
Level 4 Exemplar 1 & Comments

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 Paper 1 Level 4 exemplar 1 comments

- In Question 3, the candidate used a range of geographical terminology accurately in describing and explaining
the favourable factors for farming development in Central Valley. He/she demonstrated his/her understanding
of geographical concepts by quoting information in the figure and table provided. He/she showed a clear
understanding of the climatic constraints on farming in Central Valley. He/she explained how sprinkler
irrigation could help alleviate the climatic constraints but made some irrelevant points such as on the use of
fertilisers and insecticides. He/she had some basic understanding of precision farming but should also have
mentioned the factors affecting its effectiveness in tackling the climatic constraints, such as its incapacity to
change the natural environment. He/she also focused too much on drip irrigation, which was irrelevant.
- In Question 4, the candidate interpreted logically a range of geographical concepts. He/she described the
climatic conditions of the tropical rainforest and explained logically their influence on the characteristics of
vegetation. He/she also described and explained the negative impact of human interference on the physical
environment of tropical rainforest. He/she used geographical terminology properly to evaluate the
effectiveness of selective logging in conserving tropical rainforest.
- In the short essay question, the candidate explained only generally how human activities increase the
concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. He/she needed to focus on the importance of the burning of
fossil fuels in raising the concentration of greenhouse gases. In the second part of the question, he/she provided
a general discussion on the cooperation between more developed countries and less developed countries in
helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
2016 HKDSE
Geography Paper 2
Level 4 Exemplar 1 & Comments
 Paper 2 Level 4 exemplar 1 comments

- The candidate demonstrated good knowledge of the curriculum and communicated his/her knowledge
and understanding with accurate use of geographical terminology. The performance of the candidate in the short
essay question was slightly better than that in the structured question.
- In the structured question, the candidate showed thorough understanding of the formation of granite. He/she
evaluated the effectiveness of tree-planting in slowing down the formation of gullies and badland systematically.
He/she could have scored higher marks if he/she had made more accurate use of geographical concepts such as
weathering and erosion.
- In the short essay question, the candidate demonstrated evaluative and inferential skills in examining the impact of
drought on farming and industries in North China in a systematic way. He/she communicated his/her knowledge
and understanding with competent and accurate use of a range of geographical terminology. He/she
evaluated the effectiveness of water resource management in reducing the impact of drought from different
perspectives. He/she needed to provide more actual examples to support his/her explanation for a higher score.