1 Index Number

Anglo-Chinese School
(Independent)

FINAL EXAMINATION 2021

INTEGRATED PROGRAMME

YEAR ONE

GEOGRAPHY

Monday 11 October 2021 1 hour 30 minutes

Marks
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Obtained
Do not open this booklet until you are told to do so.
Write your index number on this cover page.
Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or Q1 /10
correction fluid.

Answer all questions in the spaces provided.

Q2 /15
Candidates should use examples where relevant. Q3 /15
The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end
of each question or part question.

TOTAL
/40
This question paper Section
consists A:
of 13 printed
Data pages Question
Response and 1 blank
(5 page.
mar

[Turn over
 2

1. Sustainable resource use and management

Study Fig. 1 which shows the public digging for marine creatures at Changi Beach for
recreation.

Fig. 1
Source: ChannelNewsAsia

a. Using examples, distinguish between a renewable and non-renewable resource. [4]

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 3

b. With reference to Fig. 1, state whether it depicts a human-centred or nature-

centred approach of resource use? Explain your answer. [4]

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c. Suggest one way for the community depicted in Fig. 1 to practice sustainable
resource management. [2]

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[ Turn over
 4

2. Tropical rainforests and mangroves

a. Study Table 1 which shows the change in estimated natural forest cover in the
Amazon Rainforest from year 2000 to 2007.

Year Estimated Natural Forest Cover (thousand hectares)

2000 360
2001 359
2002 357
2003 354
2004 352
2005 350
2006 348
2007 345

Table 1
Source: Global Forest Watch

Using the data from Table 1, plot a line graph in Fig. 2. Label the axis and include
a graph title. (The first point has been plotted as an example). [3]
 5

Title: _____________________________________________________

360

2000

Fig. 2

[ Turn over
 6

b. Fig. 3 shows the interaction of carbon with rainforests.

Forests act as both a source and storage of carbon

Fig. 3
Source: Global Forest Watch

(i) Identify a conservation strategy that can be used in Fig. 3. [1]

..........................................................

(ii) With reference to Fig. 3, explain how rainforests can act as a carbon
storage. [2]

..........................................................
..........................................................
..........................................................
..........................................................
 7

c. Describe one human and one other environmental use of a tropical rainforest. [4]

Human:

...............................................................
...............................................................
...............................................................
...............................................................

Environmental:

...............................................................
...............................................................
...............................................................
...............................................................

[ Turn over
 8

d. Tropical rainforests are vulnerable to various threats and hence require

strategic management.

Fig. 4 shows two strategies adopted by the Singapore government to manage

tropical rainforests.

Strategy 1: Public Education

Environmental education is integrated into the daily lives of Singaporeans in
many ways. In schools, students have the opportunity to examine and weigh
various solutions to achieve environmental sustainability. Students learn the
interdependence of different species in biological ecosystems and the role of
different stakeholders play in protecting the environment.

The government also conducts learning tours for Singaporeans to explore

nature reserves. Singaporeans also have the opportunity to participate in hikes
and excursions where they are can interact with the natural environment.
Through education, Singaporeans can better appreciate the importance of
protecting tropical rainforests in Singapore.

Strategy 2: Protected Areas

Singapore has adopted policies to legally protect major ecosystems. To
preserve ecosystems, the government created the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and
Labrador Nature Reserve. These protected areas support important freshwater
ecosystems and mangrove swamps. The areas will be protected by
government policies, and anyone who violates the law will be severely
punished.

Fig. 4

In your opinion, which of the two is the more effective strategy to promote
sustainable management of tropical rainforests in Singapore? Support your
answer with examples. [5]
 9

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[ Turn over
 10

3. Water

a. Fig. 5 shows the net change for the Nile river catchment in Egypt from the year
2010 to 2020.

Precipitation Surface Runoff Evaporation Transpiration

Year (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)

2010 50 10 5 15

2011 49.5 15 10 13

2012 53.8 16 9 14

2013 42 20 7 8

2014 40 23 8 10

2015 38 35 10 8

2016 35 40 15 7

2017 39 31 17 5

2018 23 42 16 10

2019 39 48 13 7

2020 30 45 14 9

Fig. 5
Source: Nilebasin.org

(i) Using data from Fig. 5, calculate the total net change of the Nile River
catchment from 2010 to 2020. Show your working clearly. [2]

..........................................................
..........................................................
 11

(ii) Describe how human activity could have contributed to the value of the
total net change identified in part (i). [2]

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................

(iii) Describe one impact of the identified net change in part (i). [2]

.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................

b. Explain how water pollution can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems. [4]

..............................................................

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[ Turn over
 12

c. Different countries adopt different approaches to manage their water

resources.

Fig. 6 shows two measures adopted by Singapore to sustainably manage water

resources.

Strategy 1: Importing of water from Malaysia

Singapore imports water from the Malaysian state of Johor under water
agreements. Under the agreement, the price of raw water is set at 3 Malaysian
cents per 1,000 imperial gallons (4,500 liters). The 1962 agreement is set to
expire in 2061. Singapore wants to be water self-sufficient before the 1962
water supply agreement with Malaysia expires in 2061 As of 2009, the total
volume of imported water has been reduced from 50% to 40% of total
consumption.

Strategy 2: Improving water technologies

The Public Utilities Board has contributed to a water secure Singapore by
utilizing technology to enhance the quality of water supply. The authorities are
focusing how to maintain, produce and treat more water by using less energy
through the development of water technologies. Currently, NEWater and
desalinated water have the capacity to meet 40% and 25% of Singapore’s
water demand respectively. By 2030, this will increase to 50% and 30%
respectively.

Fig. 6

In your opinion, which of the two is the more effective strategy to promote
sustainable management of water in Singapore? Support your answer with
examples. [5]
 13

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End of Paper
 14

- THIS IS A BLANK PAGE -

 1 Index Number

Anglo - Chinese School

(Independent)

FINAL EXAMINATION 2021

INTEGRATED PROGRAMME

YEAR ONE

GEOGRAPHY ANSWER BOOKLET

Monday 11 October 2021 1 hour 30 minutes

Marks
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Obtained
Do not open this booklet until you are told to do so.
Write your index number on this cover page.
Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or
Q1 /10
correction fluid.

Answer all questions in the spaces provided.

Q2 /15
Candidates should use examples where relevant. Q3 /15
The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end
of each question or part question.

TOTAL
/40
This question paper Section
consists A:
of 13 printed
Data pages.Question (5 mar
Response

[Turn over
 2

1. Sustainable resource use and management

Study Fig. 1 which shows the public ledigging for marine creatures at Changi Beach
for recreation.

Fig. 1
Source: ChannelNewsAsia

a. Using examples, distinguish between a renewable and non-renewable resource [4]

Renewable natural resources refer to materials that are replenished naturally more
or less within the same time period they are used [1]. An example of a renewable
resource is solar energy [1].
Non-renewable resources refer to materials which may or may not be replenished
naturally. If they are replenished, the processes occur very slowly and may extend
beyond the time period it is used in [1]. An example of a non-renewable resource
is crude oil [1].
 3

b. With reference to Fig. 1, state whether it depicts a human-centred or nature-

centred approach of resource use? Explain your answer. [4]

Human-centred [1]. The physical environment is valuable as humans can obtain resource
for their use and benefit [1]. Therefore, the public may be motivated to extract these
resources for their personal wellbeing [1]. In fig. 1, the public can be seen digging for
marine creatures for recreation despite the fact that their actions might result in
degradation of the beach environment [1].

c. Suggest one way for the community depicted in Fig. 1 to practice sustainable
resource management. [2]

The community could conduct activities to clean up the beach instead of digging
for marine creatures [1]. Cleaning up the beach will ensure that the environment
remains conducive for marine ecosystems to function thus ensuring their continual
existence [1].

Accept any reasonable answer.

 4

2. Tropical rainforests and mangroves

a. Study Table 1 which shows the change in estimated natural forest cover in the
Amazon Rainforest from year 2000 to 2007.

Year Estimated Natural Forest Cover (thousand hectares)

2000 360
2001 359
2002 357
2003 354
2004 352
2005 350
2006 348
2007 345

Table 1
Source: Global Forest Watch

Using the data from Table 1, plot a line graph in Fig. 2. Label the axis and include
a graph title. (The first point has been plotted as an example). [3]

Change in Amazon Forest Cover

362
Estimated Natural Forest Cover (Thousand Ha.)

360

358

356

354

352

350

348

346

344
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Year

Fig. 2
 5

b. Fig. 3 shows the interaction of carbon with rainforests.

Forests act as both a source and storage of carbon

Fig. 3
Source: Global Forest Watch

(i) Identify a conservation strategy that can be used in Fig. 3. [1]

Reforestation / Rehabilitation

(ii) With reference to Fig. 3, explain how rainforests can act as a carbon
storage. [2]

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed through photosynthesis [1]

Absorbed carbon dioxide is stored in solid form in the plants in their leaves,
branches, stems and roots [1]

Dead leaves and branches that fall to the ground add carbon to the soil [1]
 6

c. Describe one human and one other environmental use of a tropical rainforest. [4]

Human: Habitation [1]. Indigenous people live in tropical rainforests and depend on
the physical environment to meet their basic needs such as food, water, shelter and
clothing [1].

Environmental: Source of oxygen [1]. Tropical rainforests generate oxygen through the
process of photosynthesis where plants absorb carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to
produce food for their survival and growth [1].

Accept any other reasonable answer

Do not award marks if carbon storage is identified

[ Turn over
 7

d. Tropical rainforests are vulnerable to various threats and hence require

strategic management.

Fig. 4 shows two strategies adopted by the Singapore government to manage

tropical rainforests.

Strategy 1: Public Education

Environmental education is integrated into the daily lives of Singaporeans in
many ways. In schools, students have the opportunity to examine and weigh
various solutions to achieve environmental sustainability. Students learn the
interdependence of different species in biological ecosystems and the role of
different stakeholders play in protecting the environment.

The government also conducts learning tours for Singaporeans to explore

nature reserves. Singaporeans also have the opportunity to participate in hikes
and excursions where they are can interact with the natural environment.
Through education, Singaporeans can better appreciate the importance of
protecting tropical rainforests in Singapore.

Strategy 2: Protected Areas

Singapore has adopted policies to legally protect major ecosystems. To
preserve ecosystems, the government created the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and
Labrador Nature Reserve. These protected areas support important freshwater
ecosystems and mangrove swamps. The areas will be protected by
government policies, and anyone who violates the law will be severely
punished.

Fig. 4

In your opinion, which of the two is the more effective strategy to promote
sustainable management of tropical rainforests in Singapore? Support your
answer with examples. [5]
 8

Answer must contain the following:

• Description of 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage for each measure with suitable
examples. (4m)
• Answers without examples and evaluation - to be capped at 3m.
• Answers with examples but no evaluation - to be capped at 4m.
• Evaluation using a common basis of comparison and supported with relevant
reasons (1m). Can award the mark even if no examples are cited
•

Points should include :

Measure Advantages/Benefits Disadvantages/Challenges

Public • Long term effect to change • The success of this

Education mentality and understnding of measure depends on the
the importance of tropical full cooperation of all
NParks has been forests. citizens.
organizing • Encourage volunteering to • Not easy to change
exhibitions for help conserve rainforests. mindset and attitude.
people to take
part in to learn
more about
tropical forests.

Protected Areas • Restriction of activity prevents • Dependent on strong

illegal activity such as enforcement of laws.
The govt has poaching. • Lack of funding can
designated • Laws act to deter would be hinder enforcement
tropical rainforest offenders and help to efforts.
as protected conserve biodiversity in the
areas where tropical rainforest.
human activity is
restricted.

Criteria for comparison: Cost

Public education is a better measure than protected areas because the cost of
education is relatively low. Establishing protected areas however, requires higher
cost in terms of enforcement to conserve tropical rainforests. Hence, public
education is a better measure to manage deforestation.

Either One

Criteria for comparison: Time

Establishing protected areas is a better measure than public education because it is
a more effective measure to manage resources. It helps to conserve the
biodiversity of forests in the short term. Public education, on the other hand, is a
 9

long term strategy that takes time for people to change their mindsets. Hence,
establishing protected areas might be a more effective strategy in the short term.

Sample ANSWER

Public education helps to create awareness on how to protect of rainforests as it

change the mindsets of people on the value of tropical forests. In Singapore, NParks
regularly hosts exhibitions for people to take part in to learn about tropical rainforests.
However, not all will be receptive to public education as it is not easy to change
mindset and attitude. The success of this measure depends on the full cooperation of
all citizens.

Establishing protected areas can be beneficial as it allows laws help to protect and
conserve tropical rainforests by restricting human activity. In Singapore, the Parks and
Trees Act (2005) serves to protect nature reserves by limiting human activity.
Offenders will be liable for a fine or jail.

In summary, establishing protected areas is more effective has it has a greater

impact in the short run. Since Singapore is land scarce, the government should not
wait too long to protect our limited resources. However, public education may
complement protected areas in the long run but it is dependent on the cooperation of
the general public.
 10

3. Water

a. Fig. 5 shows the net change for the Nile river catchment in Egypt from the year
2010 to 2020.

Precipitation Surface Runoff Evaporation Transpiration

Year (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)

2010 50 10 5 15

2011 49.5 15 10 13

2012 53.8 16 9 14

2013 42 20 7 8

2014 40 23 8 10

2015 38 35 10 8

2016 35 40 15 7

2017 39 31 17 5

2018 23 42 16 10

2019 39 48 13 7

2020 30 45 14 9

Fig. 5
Source: Nilebasin.org

(i) Using data from Fig. 5, calculate the total net change of the Nile River
catchment from 2010 to 2020. Show your working clearly. [2]

Net Change = Input (Precipitation) – Output (Surface Runoff + Evaporation +

Transpiration)

439.3 – (325 + 124 + 92) = -101.7mm

1m for working
1m for answer
 11

(ii) Describe how human activity could have contributed to the value of the
total net change identified in part (i). [2]

Agriculture [1]. Water is used to grow crops and rear animals for human
consumption. With a growing population, this places stress on water supply [1].

Accept any reasonable answer.

(iii) Describe one impact of the identified net change in part (i). [2]

Environmental degradation [1]. The negative net change could result in the
drying up of lakes and the death of marine animals [1].

Accept any reasonable answers. Do not award marks if drought is identified.

b. Explain how water pollution can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems. [4]

Human activity can cause water pollution when people throw rubbish into drains or
factories release toxic chemicals into the sea to save cost [1].

Water pollution occurs when harmful substances enter water bodies and causes
water quality to fall [1].

Water pollution may pose a threat when pollutants like pesticides kill plants and
poison animals that feed on them [1].

Excess fertilizers from farms may also pollute the waters by providing additional
nutrients for algae to grow; these algae eventually die and decompose, in the
process consuming oxygen and killing marine life in the aquatic ecosystem [1].

[ Turn over
 12

c. Different countries adopt different approaches to manage their water

resources.

Fig. 6 shows two measures adopted by Singapore to sustainably manage water

resources.

Strategy 1: Importing of water from Malaysia

Singapore imports water from the Malaysian state of Johor under water
agreements. Under the agreement, the price of raw water is set at 3 Malaysian
cents per 1,000 imperial gallons (4,500 liters). The 1962 agreement is set to
expire in 2061. Singapore wants to be water self-sufficient before the 1962
water supply agreement with Malaysia expires in 2061 As of 2009, the total
volume of imported water has been reduced from 50% to 40% of total
consumption.

Strategy 2: Improving water technologies

The Public Utilities Board has contributed to a water secure Singapore by
utilizing technology to enhance the quality of water supply. The authorities are
focusing how to maintain, produce and treat more water by using less energy
through the development of water technologies. Currently, NEWater and
desalinated water have the capacity to meet 40% and 25% of Singapore’s
water demand respectively. By 2030, this will increase to 50% and 30%
respectively.

Fig. 6

In your opinion, which of the two is the more effective strategy to promote
sustainable management of water in Singapore? Support your answer with
examples. [5]
 13

Answer must contain the following:

• Description of 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage for each measure with suitable
examples. (4m)
• Answers without examples and evaluation - to be capped at 3m.
• Answers with examples but no evaluation - to be capped at 4m.
• Evaluation using a common basis of comparison and supported with relevant
reasons (1m). Can award the mark even if no examples are cited

Points should include :

Measure Advantages/Benefits Disadvantages/Challenges

Importing water • Increases domestic water • Countries exporting water

supply for the importing may experience
Singapore country economic benefits
imports water • Regular supply of water • Extreme weather events
from Malaysia to like droughts may
complement our excerbate water conflicts
water supply • Dependent on mutual
agreement.
through the
signing of water
agreements.

Improving water • Water technologies help to • Expensive

technologies increase water supply that are • Land space is required
not dependent on weather for water facilities
Desalination conditions
filters seawater • Helps Singapore to cope with
into drinking the threat of climate change.
water.

Criteria for comparison: Cost

Importing water is more effective than improving water technologies because the cost
is relatively low. Prices are agreed upon and fixed through the use of water
agreements. Improving water technologies however, is significantly more expensive
as it requires investment of time and money to develop such technologies. Hence,
importing water is a more effective strategy to manage Singapore’s water resources.

Either One

Criteria for comparison: Sustainability

Improving water technologies is a better measure than importing water because it is
a more effective measure to increase water supply. Water technologies help to
increase water supply that are not dependent on weather conditions. Importing water
on the other hand, is still dependent on weather conditions as countries like Malaysia
may refuse to sell additional water during times of water shortage such as a drought.
Hence, improving water technologies is a more sustainable strategy in the long term
manage water resources.
 14

Sample ANSWER

Importing water helps Singapore sustainably manage water resources as Singapore is

able to increase its water supply by importing water from Malaysia through the use of
water agreements. This is an effective strategy as compared to improving water
technologies as the latter is significantly more expensive due to the investment of time
and money to develop such technologies. Hence, importing water is a more effective
strategy to manage Singapore’s water resources.

Improving water technologies may also help Singapore to sustainably manage water
supplies as it helps to increase water supply that are not dependent on weather
conditions. This helps Singapore to maintain a stable water supply and cope with the
threat of climate change. On the other hand, importing water depends on mutual
agreements and extreme weather events like drought have caused Malaysia to attempt
renegotiation of existing water agreements. Hence, improving water technologies is a
more effective strategy in the long term to manage Singapore’s water resources.

In summary, improving water technologies is more effective has it has a greater impact
in the long term. Since Singapore does not have a domestic water supply, the
government should focus on developing a sustanable water source that will not be
affected by climate change. However, importing water may complement improving
water technologies in the short run but it is dependent mutual agreements.

End of Paper