A Level H1 Geography Resources Sustainability Quiz

A-Level Geography H1 Quiz - Resources Sustainability (Answer Key)

Section A: Short Response Questions [20 marks]

Question 1 [4 marks] (a) Sustainable development: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs [2] (b) Urban liveability: The quality of life in urban areas, including access to services, safety, environmental quality, and social cohesion [2]

Question 2 [4 marks] Any two from:

• High population density/overcrowding [2]
• Poor quality housing/temporary structures [2]
• Limited access to basic services (water, sanitation, electricity) [2]
• Insecure land tenure [2]
• Located on marginal/hazardous land [2]

Question 3 [4 marks] Any two from:

• Solar energy [2]
• Wind energy [2]
• Hydroelectric power [2]
• Geothermal energy [2]
• Biomass energy [2]

Question 4 [4 marks] Any two from:

• Increased surface runoff [2]
• Reduced infiltration rates [2]
• Higher peak discharge [2]
• Increased flood risk [2]
• Enhanced evapotranspiration [2]

Question 5 [4 marks] Any two from:

• Barrier-free access/ramps [2]
• Senior-friendly facilities [2]
• Healthcare services proximity [2]
• Public transport accessibility [2]
• Community centers/social spaces [2]

Section B: Structured Response Questions [25 marks]

Question 6 [5 marks] Award 1-2 marks per characteristic with explanation:

• High density housing: Buildings constructed very close together due to limited space and high demand [2]
• Poor infrastructure: Limited access to clean water, sanitation, and electricity due to informal nature [2]
• Economic activity: Presence of informal businesses and street vendors providing employment [1-2]
• Social networks: Strong community ties and mutual support systems [1-2]
• Vulnerability: Located on steep slopes or flood-prone areas due to land availability [1-2]

Question 7 [6 marks] Site 1 (High-density public housing): [3 marks]

• Obtain permission from town council/residents' committee
• Conduct surveys during appropriate hours to avoid disruption
• Ensure anonymity and confidentiality of responses
• Minimize noise and crowding in common areas

Site 2 (Private residential area): [3 marks]

• Seek permission from management corporation/security
• Respect private property boundaries
• Conduct interviews by appointment only
• Ensure personal safety and avoid appearing intrusive

Question 8 [7 marks] Award 2-3 marks per change with explanation: Change 1: Improved water supply [2-3] Explanation: Government investment in piped water infrastructure and community taps reduces reliance on unsafe sources

Change 2: Better sanitation facilities [2-3] Explanation: Construction of public toilets and sewerage systems through slum upgrading programs improves health outcomes

Change 3: Electricity connections [2-3] Explanation: Formal electricity grid extension provides safer, more reliable power than illegal connections

Question 9 [7 marks] Satellite imagery strengths: Shows spatial extent, growth patterns over time, identifies new settlements [2] Satellite imagery limitations: Cannot show population density, service quality, or socio-economic conditions [2] Census data strengths: Provides demographic information, household characteristics, service access data [2] Census data limitations: May not capture informal settlements, outdated information, undercount mobile populations [2] Overall assessment: Both sources are useful but complementary - satellite imagery shows spatial patterns while census provides social data [1]

Section C: Extended Response Question [15 marks]

Question 10 [15 marks]

Mark Scheme:

• Level 3 (13-15 marks): Clear argument with balanced evaluation, specific examples, sophisticated understanding
• Level 2 (9-12 marks): Some evaluation with examples, generally sound understanding
• Level 1 (5-8 marks): Basic understanding, limited examples, descriptive approach
• Level 0 (0-4 marks): Minimal geographical understanding

Expected content: Agreement points:

• Paris Agreement requires international cooperation
• Global nature of climate change needs coordinated response
• Carbon markets and technology transfer require collective action
• Examples: IPCC, international climate funds, EU emissions trading

Disagreement points:

• Individual nations can lead (e.g., Costa Rica renewable energy)
• Corporate action drives innovation (e.g., tech companies' net-zero commitments)
• Local communities implement solutions (e.g., reforestation projects)
• Examples: California's emissions standards, China's solar investment

Evaluation:

• Scale of problem requires both collective and individual action
• Political barriers to international cooperation
• Economic costs and equity concerns
• Urgency requires multiple approaches simultaneously

Conclusion: Collective effort is essential but must be complemented by national policies and local action for effectiveness.