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A Level H2 Geography Practice Paper 2

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Questions

TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI)

Subject: Geography H2
Level: A-Level
Paper: Practice Paper - Version 2 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, 45 minutes on Section B, and 30 minutes on Section C.
Sketch maps and diagrams should be drawn where they serve to clarify your answer.

Section A: Source-Based Questions (20 Marks)

Answer all questions in this section based on the provided resources.

Resource 1 shows the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) composition in City X, a rapidly urbanizing metropolis in Southeast Asia, for the years 2010 and 2023.
Resource 2 is an infographic detailing the "Circular Economy Framework" adopted by City X in 2020.
Resource 3 shows a photograph of a informal waste picking site on the outskirts of City X.

(a) Compare the changes in MSW composition in City X between 2010 and 2023 as shown in Resource 1. [4]

(b) With reference to Resource 2, explain how the Circular Economy Framework aims to address the issues identified in Resource 1. [6]

(c) Assess the social and economic implications for the community shown in Resource 3 if the policies in Resource 2 are strictly enforced. [10]

Section B: Structured Response (20 Marks)

Answer all questions in this section.

2. "Sustainable urban development is impossible without significant foreign aid."

(a) Explain two reasons why cities at low levels of development often struggle to achieve sustainable urban development without external support. [8]

(b) Discuss the view that reliance on foreign aid can hinder long-term sustainable development in urban areas. [12]

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Answers

TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - Answer Key

Subject: Geography H2
Paper: Practice Paper - Version 2 of 5
Topic: Resources & Sustainability

Section A: Source-Based Questions (20 Marks)

(a) Compare the changes in MSW composition in City X between 2010 and 2023 as shown in Resource 1. [4]

Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for identifying an increase in a specific waste category (e.g., plastics/e-waste).
- 1 mark for identifying a decrease in another category (e.g., organics/paper).
- 1 mark for using comparative language (e.g., "increased significantly," "halved").
- 1 mark for citing specific data from the resource (percentages or tonnes).
- Max 4 marks.
Indicative Answer:
- The proportion of plastic waste increased significantly from 15% in 2010 to 35% in 2023, becoming the largest component of MSW.
- In contrast, organic waste decreased from 40% in 2010 to 25% in 2023, likely due to changes in diet or waste management practices.
- E-waste saw a sharp rise from 2% to 10%, reflecting increased consumer electronics usage.
- Paper waste remained relatively stable or decreased slightly (e.g., from 20% to 18%).

(b) With reference to Resource 2, explain how the Circular Economy Framework aims to address the issues identified in Resource 1. [6]

Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for identifying a specific element of the Circular Economy Framework (e.g., recycling, reuse, design for longevity).
- 1 mark for linking this element to a specific waste issue in Resource 1 (e.g., high plastic volume).
- 2 marks for explaining the mechanism (how it reduces waste/resource use).
- 2 marks for depth of explanation or additional links.
- Max 6 marks.
Indicative Answer:
- The framework emphasizes "Design for Durability" and "Recycling," which directly addresses the surge in plastic and e-waste seen in Resource 1.
- By mandating that producers take responsibility for end-of-life products (Extended Producer Responsibility), the framework aims to reduce the volume of e-waste entering landfills.
- The "Reuse" component targets single-use plastics, aiming to lower the 35% plastic share by encouraging refillable systems.
- Composting initiatives within the framework address the remaining organic waste, converting it into energy or fertilizer rather than letting it decompose in landfills, thus reducing methane emissions.

(c) Assess the social and economic implications for the community shown in Resource 3 if the policies in Resource 2 are strictly enforced. [10]

Marking Scheme:
- Level 3 (7-10 marks): Comprehensive assessment of both social and economic implications. Balanced view (positive and negative). Specific reference to informal waste pickers. Clear judgment.
- Level 2 (4-6 marks): Describes implications but lacks balance or depth. May focus only on one aspect (social OR economic). Limited reference to resources.
- Level 1 (1-3 marks): Basic description of waste picking. Little assessment.
Indicative Answer:
- Economic Implications:
  - Negative: Strict enforcement may formalize waste management, excluding informal waste pickers who rely on scavenging for income. This could lead to immediate loss of livelihood for the community in Resource 3.
  - Positive: If the framework includes integration programs, waste pickers could be employed in formal recycling facilities, providing stable wages and social security.
- Social Implications:
  - Negative: Displacement from informal sites may lead to social marginalization and loss of community networks. Stigma associated with waste picking may persist if not addressed.
  - Positive: Formalization can improve health and safety conditions (reducing exposure to hazardous waste), leading to better quality of life. It may also enhance social status if recognized as legitimate green jobs.
- Judgment: The outcome depends on whether the policy is purely regulatory (punitive) or inclusive (supportive). Without transitional support, the social cost to the vulnerable community in Resource 3 will be high.

Section B: Structured Response (20 Marks)

2. (a) Explain two reasons why cities at low levels of development often struggle to achieve sustainable urban development without external support. [8]

Marking Scheme:
- 2 marks for identifying a valid reason.
- 2 marks for explaining the link to sustainable development challenges.
- Repeat for second reason.
- Max 8 marks.
Indicative Answer:
- Reason 1: Financial Constraints. Cities in LDCs often lack the tax base or capital reserves to invest in expensive sustainable infrastructure (e.g., sewage treatment, renewable energy grids). External aid or loans are often necessary to bridge this investment gap.
- Reason 2: Technical and Institutional Capacity. There may be a shortage of skilled urban planners, engineers, and environmental scientists. Foreign aid often comes with technical assistance and knowledge transfer, which is crucial for designing and managing complex sustainable systems.

2. (b) Discuss the view that reliance on foreign aid can hinder long-term sustainable development in urban areas. [12]

Marking Scheme:
- Level 3 (9-12 marks): Well-developed discussion with balanced arguments. Clear understanding of "hindrance" vs "help". Use of specific examples/case studies. Critical evaluation.
- Level 2 (5-8 marks): Some discussion of both sides but may be unbalanced. General examples.
- Level 1 (1-4 marks): One-sided argument or descriptive.
Indicative Answer:
- Argument for Hindrance (Dependency & Distortion):
  - Aid Dependency: Long-term reliance on aid can discourage domestic resource mobilization (e.g., improving tax collection). Governments may prioritize donor agendas over local needs.
  - Market Distortion: Influx of free goods or subsidized projects can undercut local businesses and industries, stifling endogenous economic growth.
  - Corruption & Governance: In contexts with weak institutions, aid can fuel corruption, diverting resources away from sustainable projects.
  - Example: Criticism of aid in some African cities where projects were abandoned after donor funding ceased due to lack of local maintenance capacity.
- Argument against Hindrance (Catalyst for Change):
  - Kick-starting Development: Aid can provide the initial capital for critical infrastructure (e.g., clean water systems) that generates health and economic benefits, creating a foundation for further growth.
  - Technology Transfer: Aid often brings advanced sustainable technologies (e.g., solar power, waste-to-energy) that would otherwise be inaccessible.
  - Example: Success stories in Southeast Asia where aid-funded urban planning initiatives led to long-term sustainable practices (e.g., Singapore’s early water management support).
- Conclusion: Reliance on aid is not inherently hindering; the type of aid (project vs. budget support) and the quality of local governance determine the outcome. Sustainable development requires a transition from aid dependency to self-reliance, but aid can be a crucial bridge if managed well.

Section C: Essay Question (20 Marks)

3. "An abundance of natural resources can be both a blessing and a curse for countries at low levels of development." Discuss. [20]

Marking Scheme:
- Level 4 (17-20 marks): Comprehensive discussion. Sophisticated understanding of "resource curse" and "blessing". Excellent use of contrasting case studies. Critical evaluation of mediating factors (governance, institutions).
- Level 3 (13-16 marks): Good discussion. Clear arguments for both sides. Good case studies. Some evaluation.
- Level 2 (9-12 marks): Descriptive. May focus heavily on one side. Limited case study detail.
- Level 1 (1-8 marks): Basic knowledge. Little structure.
Indicative Answer:
- Introduction: Define natural resource abundance. Acknowledge the paradox: resources should drive development but often correlate with poor outcomes (Resource Curse).
- The "Blessing" (Economic Growth & Development):
  - Revenue Generation: Export earnings provide foreign exchange for imports and debt servicing.
  - Infrastructure & Services: Resource rents can fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
  - Case Study: Botswana. Prudent management of diamond revenues, strong institutions, and savings funds (Pula Fund) led to sustained growth and development from one of the poorest to upper-middle-income status.
  - Employment: Direct and indirect job creation in mining/extraction sectors.
- The "Curse" (Negative Impacts):
  - Economic Volatility: Dependence on commodity prices leads to boom-bust cycles, making planning difficult.
  - Dutch Disease: Resource exports cause currency appreciation, making other sectors (agriculture, manufacturing) uncompetitive, leading to deindustrialization.
  - Conflict & Governance: "Resource wars" (e.g., Sierra Leone diamonds, DRC minerals). Corruption and rent-seeking behavior weaken institutions.
  - Environmental Degradation: Extraction causes pollution, deforestation, and loss of livelihoods for local communities (e.g., oil spills in Niger Delta).
  - Inequality: Wealth often concentrated in elite hands, exacerbating poverty for the majority.
- Mediating Factors (Evaluation):
  - The outcome is not determined by resource abundance alone but by institutional quality.
  - Strong governance, transparency (e.g., EITI), and diversification strategies are key to avoiding the curse.
  - Norway (developed) vs. Venezuela (developing) illustrates how management matters more than endowment.
- Conclusion: Natural resources are a potential blessing but often become a curse in the absence of strong institutions and diversified economies. For countries at low levels of development, the risk of the curse is higher due to weaker governance structures. Therefore, while resources offer opportunity, they require exceptional management to translate into sustainable development.