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A Level H2 Geography Practice Paper 5
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Geography H2 A-Level
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI)
Subject: Geography H2
Level: A-Level
Paper: Practice Paper (Version 5 of 5) – 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 45 minutes on Section A and 45 minutes on Section B.
- Specific case study knowledge is required for full credit in Section B.
Section A: Source-Based Questions (30 Marks)
Answer all questions in this section based on the provided resources.
Resource 1 shows the Global Material Footprint per capita (tonnes) for selected countries in 2018.
Resource 2 is a graph showing the trend of Electronic Waste (E-waste) generation globally from 2010 to 2020.
Resource 3 is an infographic detailing the "Linear vs. Circular Economy" models.
(a) Compare the material footprint per capita of High-Income Countries (HICs) and Low-Income Countries (LICs) as shown in Resource 1. [4]
(b) Describe the trend in global E-waste generation shown in Resource 2 and suggest two reasons for this trend. [6]
(c) With reference to Resource 3, explain how a shift from a linear to a circular economy can contribute to resource sustainability. [5]
(d) "Resource scarcity is primarily a result of overconsumption in HICs rather than population growth in LICs." Using Resources 1, 2, and 3, and your own knowledge, assess this statement. [15]
Section B: Structured & Extended Response (30 Marks)
Answer all questions in this section. Use specific case studies to support your answers.
2. (a) Explain the concept of the "Resource Curse" and illustrate your answer with a specific case study of a country rich in natural resources. [10]
(b) "Sustainable urban development is impossible without significant foreign aid." To what extent do you agree with this statement? Refer to cities at different levels of development in your answer. [20]
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Geography H2 A-Level (Answer Key)
Version 5 of 5 – Resources & Sustainability
Section A: Source-Based Questions (30 Marks)
(a) Compare the material footprint per capita of High-Income Countries (HICs) and Low-Income Countries (LICs) as shown in Resource 1. [4]
- Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for identifying that HICs have a significantly higher material footprint per capita than LICs.
- 1 mark for citing specific data from Resource 1 for an HIC (e.g., USA/Australia > 20 tonnes).
- 1 mark for citing specific data from Resource 1 for an LIC (e.g., India/Nigeria < 5 tonnes).
- 1 mark for using comparative language (e.g., "HICs consume 4-5 times more resources per person than LICs").
- Sample Answer: Resource 1 shows a stark contrast in material footprints. High-Income Countries (HICs) such as the USA and Australia have very high per capita footprints, exceeding 20 tonnes per person. In contrast, Low-Income Countries (LICs) like India and Nigeria have much lower footprints, typically below 5 tonnes per person. This indicates that individuals in HICs consume roughly 4 to 5 times more material resources than those in LICs, highlighting unequal resource distribution and consumption patterns.
(b) Describe the trend in global E-waste generation shown in Resource 2 and suggest two reasons for this trend. [6]
- Marking Scheme:
- 2 marks for describing the trend: Steady/rapid increase from 2010 to 2020 (cite figures if available, e.g., from X million tonnes to Y million tonnes).
- 2 marks for Reason 1: Increased consumption of electronic devices (smartphones, laptops) due to technological advancement and affordability.
- 2 marks for Reason 2: Planned obsolescence (shorter product lifespans) and lack of recycling infrastructure in many regions.
- Sample Answer:
Resource 2 shows a consistent upward trend in global E-waste generation, rising from approximately 40 million tonnes in 2010 to over 50 million tonnes in 2020.
Two reasons for this increase include:
- Rapid Technological Adoption: The global proliferation of personal electronic devices (smartphones, tablets) means more devices are entering the waste stream as they are replaced frequently.
- Planned Obsolescence: Manufacturers often design products with limited lifespans or non-repairable components, forcing consumers to discard and replace devices rather than repair them, thereby increasing waste volume.
(c) With reference to Resource 3, explain how a shift from a linear to a circular economy can contribute to resource sustainability. [5]
- Marking Scheme:
- 1 mark for defining Linear Economy (Take-Make-Dispose).
- 1 mark for defining Circular Economy (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle/Regenerate).
- 1 mark for explaining reduced extraction of raw materials.
- 1 mark for explaining reduced waste/pollution.
- 1 mark for linking to sustainability (long-term resource availability).
- Sample Answer: A linear economy follows a "take-make-dispose" model, which depletes finite resources and generates significant waste. In contrast, a circular economy keeps resources in use for as long as possible through repairing, reusing, and recycling. This shift contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for virgin raw material extraction, thereby preserving natural capital. It also minimizes waste sent to landfills and reduces environmental pollution, ensuring that resource systems can remain viable for future generations.
(d) "Resource scarcity is primarily a result of overconsumption in HICs rather than population growth in LICs." Using Resources 1, 2, and 3, and your own knowledge, assess this statement. [15]
- Marking Scheme:
- Level 3 (11-15 marks): Balanced assessment. Acknowledges the high per-capita impact of HICs (supported by Resource 1) but also evaluates the aggregate impact of population growth in LICs. Uses concepts from Resource 3 (consumption patterns). Integrates own knowledge (e.g., IPAT equation, specific case studies). Clear conclusion.
- Level 2 (6-10 marks): Describes both sides but lacks balance or depth. May rely too heavily on one resource. Limited case study detail.
- Level 1 (1-5 marks): One-sided argument. Descriptive rather than analytical. Little use of resources.
- Sample Answer Framework:
- Argument for Overconsumption in HICs: Resource 1 clearly shows HICs have disproportionately high material footprints. The "affluence" factor in the IPAT equation (Impact = Population x Affluence x Technology) suggests that high consumption levels drive resource depletion (e.g., fossil fuels, rare earth metals for tech). Resource 2 highlights E-waste, largely driven by consumer culture in developed nations.
- Argument for Population Growth in LICs: While per-capita use is low, the sheer scale of population growth in LICs (e.g., India, Nigeria) increases aggregate demand for basic resources (water, food, biomass). This can lead to local resource scarcity (e.g., deforestation for fuel, water stress).
- Synthesis/Nuance: It is not binary. HICs drive global scarcity of finite, high-value resources (oil, minerals), while population growth in LICs drives local scarcity of renewable resources (water, soil). Furthermore, the outsourcing of manufacturing from HICs to LICs masks the true resource cost of HIC consumption.
- Conclusion: Overconsumption in HICs is the primary driver of global ecological overshoot, but population growth in LICs exacerbates local sustainability challenges. Both are critical, but the type of scarcity differs.
Section B: Structured & Extended Response (30 Marks)
2. (a) Explain the concept of the "Resource Curse" and illustrate your answer with a specific case study of a country rich in natural resources. [10]
- Marking Scheme:
- 2 marks for defining Resource Curse (Paradox of Plenty): Countries with abundant natural resources tend to have less economic growth, less democracy, and worse development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources.
- 2 marks for explaining mechanisms: Dutch Disease (currency appreciation hurts other sectors), volatility of commodity prices, corruption/conflict over rents.
- 3 marks for Case Study identification (e.g., Nigeria, DRC, Venezuela).
- 3 marks for applying mechanisms to the case study with specific details.
- Sample Answer: The "Resource Curse" refers to the paradox where countries with an abundance of natural resources (like oil or minerals) often experience slower economic growth and poorer development outcomes than resource-poor countries. This occurs due to mechanisms like "Dutch Disease," where resource exports cause currency appreciation, making other sectors (like agriculture or manufacturing) uncompetitive. Additionally, reliance on resource rents can lead to corruption, weak institutions, and conflict. Case Study: Nigeria. Despite vast oil reserves, Nigeria has struggled with poverty and instability. Oil revenues have led to significant corruption and mismanagement, with little investment in diversifying the economy. The focus on oil has neglected agriculture, leading to food insecurity. Furthermore, conflict in the Niger Delta over oil control has caused environmental degradation and human rights abuses, illustrating how resource wealth can hinder sustainable development.
(b) "Sustainable urban development is impossible without significant foreign aid." To what extent do you agree with this statement? Refer to cities at different levels of development in your answer. [20]
- Marking Scheme:
- Level 4 (16-20 marks): Sophisticated evaluation. Clearly defines sustainable urban development. Argues both sides: Aid as a catalyst (technology, capital gap) vs. Aid limitations (dependency, misalignment). Highlights alternative pathways (FDI, domestic taxation, public-private partnerships). Uses contrasting case studies (e.g., Singapore/Self-reliance vs. Dhaka/Aid-dependent). Strong conclusion.
- Level 3 (11-15 marks): Good understanding. Discusses role of aid and alternatives. Uses case studies but may lack depth in evaluating "impossibility."
- Level 2 (6-10 marks): Descriptive. Lists benefits of aid or challenges of urbanization. Limited evaluation of the "impossible" claim.
- Level 1 (1-5 marks): Basic knowledge. Little structure or case study evidence.
- Sample Answer Framework:
- Introduction: Define sustainable urban development (meeting present needs without compromising future, balancing social, economic, environmental goals). State thesis: While aid is helpful, it is not strictly "impossible" without it; domestic policy and other funding sources are crucial.
- Argument for Aid (Agreement):
- Cities in LICs face a "financing gap" for infrastructure (water, sanitation, transport).
- Aid provides technical expertise and technology transfer (e.g., green building tech).
- Example: Slum upgrading projects in Kenya (Kibera) often rely on NGO/foreign aid funding for basic sanitation where municipal budgets fail.
- Argument against Aid (Disagreement/Nuance):
- Aid can create dependency and may not align with local priorities.
- Sustainable development requires long-term institutional capacity, which aid doesn't always build.
- Alternative funding: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), domestic taxation, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
- Example: Singapore achieved sustainable urban development through strong state planning, strict regulations, and attracting FDI, with minimal reliance on foreign aid.
- Example: Curitiba, Brazil, developed innovative bus rapid transit and recycling programs through local political will and low-cost innovations, not primarily through aid.
- Evaluation: The necessity of aid depends on the city's context. For the poorest cities (LDCs), aid may be essential for basic survival services. For emerging economies, policy reform and attracting private investment are more sustainable paths. "Impossible" is too strong; aid is a facilitator, not a prerequisite for all contexts.
- Conclusion: Sustainable urban development is difficult without aid for the poorest cities, but not impossible. Long-term sustainability relies more on good governance, domestic resource mobilization, and inclusive planning than on external aid alone.