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A Level H2 Geography Practice Paper 1

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TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - Geography H2 A-Level

Subject: Geography H2
Level: A-Level
Paper: Practice Paper 1 (Version 1 of 5)
Topic: Resources & Sustainability
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Marks: 60
Name: __________________________
Class: __________________________
Date: __________________________

Instructions to Candidates

Answer all questions.
Write your answers in the spaces provided.
The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
You are advised to spend approximately 15 minutes on Section A, 25 minutes on Section B, and 50 minutes on Section C.

Section A: Source-Based Questions (20 Marks)

Study Resource 1, Resource 2, and Resource 3.

Resource 1: Sustainability Index Scores for Four Southeast Asian Cities (2023)

City	Environmental Quality (0-100)	Social Equity (0-100)	Economic Vitality (0-100)	Overall Sustainability Score
Singapore	88	72	95	85.0
Kuala Lumpur	65	68	78	70.3
Jakarta	42	55	70	55.7
Manila	38	45	62	48.3

Note: Higher scores indicate better performance. Data adapted from the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network.

Resource 2: Waste Composition in Metro Manila

Organic Waste: 52%
Recyclables (Plastic, Paper, Metal): 28%
Residual Waste: 15%
Hazardous/Special Waste: 5%

Source: National Solid Waste Management Commission Report, 2022.

Resource 3: Infographic Extract: "The Plastic Tide"

"In Metro Manila, only 20% of plastic waste is formally recycled. The remaining 80% ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment. Informal waste pickers recover an additional 10-15% of recyclables, but often face health hazards due to lack of protective gear. The city generates approximately 9,000 tonnes of waste daily, with collection rates varying significantly between affluent suburbs and informal settlements."

1. Compare the Overall Sustainability Scores and the component scores for Singapore and Jakarta as shown in Resource 1. [5]

2. Describe the waste composition in Metro Manila as shown in Resource 2 and explain one environmental implication of this composition using Resource 3. [4]

3. With reference to Resource 1 and Resource 3, explain why achieving high 'Social Equity' scores is challenging for cities with large informal waste sectors. [6]

4. "Resource management is more important than economic growth for sustainable urban development." Using the resources and your own knowledge, discuss this statement. [5]

Section B: Structured Response Questions (20 Marks)

5. (a) Identify two processes of chemical weathering that contribute to the formation of karst landscapes in tropical environments. [2]

(b) Explain how vegetation structure in tropical rainforests contributes to high biomass storage. [4]

(c) "Mass movement hazards in tropical regions are primarily caused by human activity rather than natural factors." To what extent do you agree? [14]

<br...... (Space for continued answer)

Section C: Essay Question (20 Marks)

6. "'An abundance of natural resources is more of a curse than a blessing for countries at low levels of development.' How far do you agree? [20]

Answers

TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - Geography H2 A-Level Answer Key

Paper: Practice Paper 1 (Version 1 of 5)
Topic: Resources & Sustainability

Section A: Source-Based Questions (20 Marks)

1. Compare the Overall Sustainability Scores and the component scores for Singapore and Jakarta as shown in Resource 1. [5]

Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for identifying Singapore has a significantly higher Overall Sustainability Score (85.0) compared to Jakarta (55.7).
- 1 mark for comparing Environmental Quality: Singapore (88) is more than double Jakarta’s score (42).
- 1 mark for comparing Social Equity: Singapore (72) is higher than Jakarta (55), but the gap is smaller than in Environmental Quality.
- 1 mark for comparing Economic Vitality: Singapore (95) is higher than Jakarta (70), showing both are economically strong but Singapore leads.
- 1 mark for a synthesizing statement (e.g., "Singapore outperforms Jakarta in all three dimensions, with the largest disparity in Environmental Quality, suggesting Jakarta faces significant ecological challenges despite moderate economic vitality.").
Model Answer: Singapore has a much higher Overall Sustainability Score (85.0) than Jakarta (55.7). In terms of components, Singapore scores 88 in Environmental Quality, which is more than double Jakarta’s score of 42, indicating a vast difference in environmental management. For Social Equity, Singapore (72) is higher than Jakarta (55), though the gap is narrower. Economically, Singapore (95) leads Jakarta (70), but both cities show relatively strong economic vitality compared to their environmental scores. Overall, Singapore’s sustainability is balanced across all pillars, whereas Jakarta lags significantly, particularly in environmental quality.

2. Describe the waste composition in Metro Manila as shown in Resource 2 and explain one environmental implication of this composition using Resource 3. [4]

Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for describing the dominance of organic waste (52%).
- 1 mark for noting the significant proportion of recyclables (28%) or residual waste (15%).
- 1 mark for linking the high organic/recyclable content to the low formal recycling rate (20%) mentioned in Resource 3.
- 1 mark for explaining the implication: e.g., high organic waste in landfills produces methane (GHG), or unrecycled plastics pollute waterways/environment.
Model Answer: Resource 2 shows that organic waste makes up the majority of Metro Manila’s waste at 52%, followed by recyclables at 28%. Resource 3 states that only 20% of plastic is formally recycled. The implication is that the large volume of organic waste, if sent to landfills alongside unrecycled plastics, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (methane) and soil/water pollution, exacerbating environmental degradation in the city.

3. With reference to Resource 1 and Resource 3, explain why achieving high 'Social Equity' scores is challenging for cities with large informal waste sectors. [6]

Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for identifying that informal waste pickers face health hazards (Resource 3).
- 1 mark for explaining that lack of protective gear leads to poor working conditions, lowering social equity.
- 1 mark for noting that informal settlements have varying/lower collection rates (Resource 3).
- 1 mark for explaining that unequal service provision creates spatial inequality (affluent vs. poor areas).
- 1 mark for linking low social equity scores (e.g., Manila 45, Jakarta 55 in Resource 1) to these systemic issues.
- 1 mark for synthesis: Informal sectors often lack legal protection/social safety nets, perpetuating poverty and inequality.
Model Answer: Achieving high Social Equity is challenging because the informal waste sector, as seen in Resource 3, exposes workers to health hazards without protective gear, indicating poor labor rights and safety standards. Furthermore, Resource 3 highlights that waste collection rates vary between affluent suburbs and informal settlements, creating spatial inequality in service access. This disparity is reflected in the lower Social Equity scores for Manila (45) and Jakarta (55) in Resource 1. The reliance on informal labor often means workers are excluded from formal social security systems, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization, which directly lowers the social equity dimension of sustainability.

4. "Resource management is more important than economic growth for sustainable urban development." Using the resources and your own knowledge, discuss this statement. [5]

Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for acknowledging the importance of resource management (e.g., waste, environment).
- 1 mark for using Resource 1/2/3 to support resource management argument (e.g., poor waste management lowers sustainability).
- 1 mark for acknowledging the importance of economic growth (e.g., funding infrastructure).
- 1 mark for using Resource 1 to show economic vitality is high in sustainable cities (Singapore).
- 1 mark for a balanced conclusion: Both are interdependent; economic growth funds management, but management ensures long-term viability.
Model Answer: Resource management is crucial as seen in Resource 2 and 3, where poor waste handling impacts environmental quality and health, lowering sustainability scores. However, economic growth is also vital; Resource 1 shows Singapore has high economic vitality (95) and high sustainability, suggesting wealth enables better infrastructure and management. Conversely, Jakarta has moderate economic vitality but low sustainability, implying growth alone is insufficient without management. Therefore, resource management is not more important but equally important; sustainable development requires economic resources to fund effective environmental and social management.

Section B: Structured Response Questions (20 Marks)

5. (a) Identify two processes of chemical weathering that contribute to the formation of karst landscapes in tropical environments. [2]

Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for Carbonation (solution).
- 1 mark for Hydration or Hydrolysis (though Carbonation is the primary driver for limestone/karst). Accept "Solution" if explained as chemical dissolution.
Model Answer:
1. Carbonation (reaction of rainwater with carbon dioxide to form weak carbonic acid).
2. Solution (dissolution of calcium carbonate by acidic water).

(b) Explain how vegetation structure in tropical rainforests contributes to high biomass storage. [4]

Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for mentioning multiple layers (emergent, canopy, understory).
- 1 mark for explaining that dense canopy captures maximum sunlight for photosynthesis.
- 1 mark for noting large tree size/trunk volume in emergent/canopy layers stores carbon.
- 1 mark for linking rapid growth rates (due to climate) to biomass accumulation.
Model Answer: Tropical rainforests have a complex vertical structure with emergent, canopy, understory, and shrub layers. The dense, continuous canopy maximizes photosynthesis by intercepting sunlight, leading to rapid plant growth. The large hardwood trees in the emergent and canopy layers have massive trunks and branches, which store significant amounts of carbon. This multi-layered structure allows for high biomass density per hectare compared to other biomes.

(c) "Mass movement hazards in tropical regions are primarily caused by human activity rather than natural factors." To what extent do you agree? [14]

Marking Scheme:
- Level 3 (11-14 marks): Detailed evaluation of both human and natural factors. Uses specific case studies (e.g., Sierra Leone, Philippines, Brazil). Clear conclusion on the relative importance.
- Level 2 (7-10 marks): Describes both factors but lacks depth in evaluation or case study detail. May lean too heavily on one side.
- Level 1 (1-6 marks): Basic description of mass movements. Limited understanding of causes.
Key Points for Answer:
- Natural Factors:
  - Heavy rainfall (monsoons/typhoons) saturates soil, reducing friction and increasing weight (pore water pressure).
  - Steep topography in tropical mountainous regions.
  - Weathering of rocks (chemical weathering) weakens slope material.
  - Example: 2017 Sierra Leone mudslides triggered by heavy rains.
- Human Factors:
  - Deforestation for agriculture/logging removes root binding, increasing runoff.
  - Urbanization on steep slopes (informal settlements) adds weight and alters drainage.
  - Road construction undercuts slopes.
  - Example: Landslides in Rio de Janeiro favelas due to unplanned housing on steep slopes.
- Evaluation:
  - Natural factors provide the trigger (rain) and condition (steep slope).
  - Human activities often exacerbate the risk by removing vegetation and altering slope stability.
  - In many cases, human activity is the primary reason for the disaster (high vulnerability), even if the trigger is natural.
  - Conclusion: While natural factors are necessary, human activity significantly increases frequency and magnitude of hazards in populated areas.

Section C: Essay Question (20 Marks)

6. "'An abundance of natural resources is more of a curse than a blessing for countries at low levels of development.' How far do you agree? [20]

Marking Scheme:
- Level 4 (17-20 marks): Sophisticated evaluation. Detailed case studies (e.g., Botswana vs. DRC/Nigeria). Discusses mechanisms of the "resource curse" (Dutch Disease, corruption, conflict) and counter-examples of successful management. Clear, nuanced conclusion.
- Level 3 (13-16 marks): Good understanding of both sides. Case studies used but may lack detail. Arguments are logical but evaluation may be less balanced.
- Level 2 (9-12 marks): Descriptive. Lists benefits and drawbacks. Limited case study evidence. One-sided argument.
- Level 1 (1-8 marks): Basic knowledge. Vague statements. Little or no relevant evidence.
Key Points for Answer:
- Introduction: Define natural resources and the "resource curse" paradox. State thesis: It depends on governance and institutional quality.
- Argument: Resources as a Curse:
  - Economic Volatility: Dependence on single commodity prices (e.g., oil in Nigeria) leads to boom-bust cycles.
  - Dutch Disease: Resource exports appreciate currency, harming other sectors like manufacturing/agriculture.
  - Conflict & Corruption: "Blood diamonds" in Sierra Leone or DRC minerals fund conflict. Rent-seeking behavior by elites.
  - Environmental Degradation: Oil spills in Niger Delta destroy livelihoods.
- Argument: Resources as a Blessing:
  - Revenue Generation: Export earnings fund infrastructure, healthcare, education (e.g., Botswana’s diamonds funded development).
  - Employment: Mining/extraction creates jobs (though often limited).
  - Foreign Investment: Attracts FDI and technology transfer.
  - Case Study: Botswana used diamond revenue wisely through good governance, saving for future generations (Pula Fund).
- Mediating Factors:
  - Quality of institutions (transparency, rule of law).
  - Diversification strategies (e.g., Chile’s copper stabilization fund).
  - Global market conditions.
- Conclusion:
  - Resources are not inherently a curse; they are a potential blessing.
  - The "curse" manifests when governance is weak, leading to corruption and conflict.
  - Therefore, the statement is only partially true; it is the management of resources, not the abundance itself, that determines the outcome.