O Level Geography Practice Paper 4

TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Geography O-Level (Map, Graph & Data Skills)

Answer Key and Marking Scheme

Version: 4 of 5
Total Marks: 40

Section A: Data Collection and Representation (10 Marks)

1. (a) Thermometer (or Maximum-Minimum Thermometer / Digital Thermometer). [1]
(Note: Weather tracker is not an instrument name; be specific.)

1. (b) Any two of the following: [2]

• Place the thermometer in a Stevenson Screen (or shaded area) to avoid direct sunlight.
• Ensure the thermometer is at standard height (e.g., 1.2m above ground).
• Wait for the reading to stabilize before recording.
• Ensure the bulb is not touching the ground or other objects.
• Read at eye level to avoid parallax error.

2. (a) Description of trend: [2]

• Visitor numbers increase rapidly from 08:00 (45) to a peak at 12:00 (210). [1]
• After 12:00, numbers decrease steadily to 18:00 (80). [1]
  (Must quote data to support description for full marks.)

2. (b) Graph Type and Reason: [2]

• Graph Type: Line Graph (or Line Chart). [1]
• Reason: It is best for showing continuous change or trends over time. [1]
  (Bar chart is acceptable if justified as comparing discrete hourly blocks, but Line Graph is preferred for time-series continuity.)

2. (c) Plotting Features: [3]

• X-axis Label: Time (or Hour of Day). [1]
• Y-axis Label: Number of Visitors (or Visitor Count). [1]
• Join points with: Straight lines (or smooth curve, but straight lines are standard for this data type in O-Level). [1]

Section B: Graphical Interpretation and Analysis (15 Marks)

3. (a) Highest monthly rainfall for City B: [1]

• Accept any value between 250mm - 300mm (depending on visual interpretation of the imagined graph, typically the peak of the monsoon season). Marker Note: In a real exam, the graph would have precise grid lines. Accept reasonable estimate.

3. (b) Comparison of Annual Temperature Range: [2]

• City A: Very small range (approx. 1-2°C) / Constant temperature. [1]
• City B: Larger range (approx. 5-10°C) / Seasonal variation. [1]

3. (c) Explanation for City A's smaller range: [2]

• City A is located near the Equator. [1]
• It receives consistent high insolation (sunlight intensity) and day length throughout the year, leading to uniform heating. [1]
  (City B has seasonal variation due to tilt of earth/monsoon shifts.)

4. (a) Relationship Description: [2]

• There is a negative (or inverse) correlation. [1]
• As distance from the CBD increases, land value decreases. [1]

4. (b) Anomaly and Reason: [2]

• Anomaly: A point with high land value far from the CBD (e.g., at 8km) OR low land value close to the CBD. [1]
• Reason:
  • If high value far out: Presence of a shopping mall, transport hub, or prestigious housing estate. [1]
  • If low value close in: Industrial zone, derelict land, or poor accessibility. [1]

4. (c) Spearman’s Rank Interpretation: [2]

• Strength: Strong correlation (close to -1). [1]
• Direction: Negative (inverse) relationship. [1]

5. (a) Total Positive Score Calculation: [2]

• Working:
  • Very Satisfied: $30 \times 2 = 60$
  • Satisfied: $40 \times 1 = 40$
  • Total: $60 + 40 = 100$ [1 for working, 1 for answer]
• Answer: 100

5. (b) Net Satisfaction Score Calculation: [2]

• Working:
  • Negative Score: $(20 \times -1) + (10 \times -2) = -20 - 20 = -40$
  • Net Score: $100 (\text{positive}) - 40 (\text{negative}) = +60$
  • Alternatively: $(30\times2) + (40\times1) + (20\times-1) + (10\times-2) = 60+40-20-20 = 60$. [1 for working, 1 for answer]
• Answer: +60

5. (c) Evaluation of Satisfaction: [2]

• The net score is positive (+60), indicating that overall, tourists are satisfied. [1]
• However, since the maximum possible score is $100 \times 2 = 200$, the score is only 30% of the maximum, suggesting satisfaction is moderate rather than excellent, or that there is a significant minority (30%) who are dissatisfied. [1]

Section C: Fieldwork Methodology and Evaluation (15 Marks)

6. (a) Bi-polar Evaluation Sheet Explanation: [2]

• It is a data collection tool that records opinions or observations on a scale between two opposite extremes (e.g., Very Attractive to Very Unattractive). [1]
• It allows qualitative data (environmental quality) to be quantified for analysis. [1]

6. (b) Systematic Sampling Application: [2]

• Select sites at regular intervals along the beach. [1]
• Example: Measure every 50 meters, or every 100 steps, from one end of the beach to the other. [1]

6. (c) Evaluation of Reliability: [4]

• Subjectivity: The data is subjective because different students may interpret "litter" or "noise" differently. One student’s "clean" might be another’s "dirty." This reduces reliability. [2]
• Consistency: To improve reliability, students should use clear criteria (e.g., "more than 5 pieces of litter = dirty") or have the same student assess all sites. If different groups assess different sites without calibration, consistency is low. [2]
  (Marking: 1 mark per valid point, up to 4. Must address both subjectivity and consistency.)

7. (a) Controlled Variables: [2]
Any two of:

• The same float object (size/shape/buoyancy). [1]
• The same depth of water (if measuring surface velocity, ensure float isn't stuck).
• Time of day (to control for wind/tide effects).
• Same section of the river (straight vs meander).

7. (b) Improvement for Accuracy: [1]

• Repeat the measurement 3 times at each point and calculate the mean (average). [1]
• OR use a flow meter (digital current meter) instead of a float.

7. (c) Evaluation of Float Method: [4]

• Agree (Unreliable):
  • Wind can blow the float, affecting speed (not just river current). [1]
  • The float may get stuck on debris or vegetation, giving false low readings. [1]
  • It only measures surface velocity, which is faster than the average velocity of the whole channel. [1]
• Disagree (Reliable enough):
  • It is a simple, low-cost method suitable for student fieldwork. [1]
  • If repeated and averaged, it can provide a reasonable estimate for comparative purposes.
• Conclusion: The method has limitations but is acceptable for school-level fieldwork if limitations are acknowledged and mitigated (e.g., by repeating). [1 for balanced judgement]
  (Award marks for reasoned arguments on both sides. Max 4 marks.)

END OF MARKING SCHEME