O Level Geography Practice Paper 1

Answer Key & Marking Scheme - Geography O-Level Practice Paper (V1)

Section A: Geographical Methods & Data Skills

Question 1 (a) Data Representation [3m]

• Suggestion: A bar chart or a line graph. [1]
• Justification: A bar chart allows for a direct comparison of the average scores across the five distinct locations. [1]
• Detail: The x-axis would represent the five locations and the y-axis would represent the perception score (-3 to +3). [1]

(b) Reliability Evaluation [4m]

• Position: Not reliable / Partially reliable. [1]
• Evidence: The sample size (12 residents) is too small to be representative of a whole district. [1]
• Explanation: A small sample increases the risk of sampling bias; the views of 12 people may not reflect the diverse demographics of the area. [1]
• Qualification: However, semi-structured interviews provide qualitative depth (rich data) that quantitative surveys might miss. [1]

(c) Calculation Method [3m]

• Assign numerical weights: +2 for Strongly Agree, +1 for Agree, 0 for Neutral, -1 for Disagree, -2 for Strongly Disagree. [1]
• Multiply the frequency of each response by its weight. [1]
• Sum these weighted totals to find the net positive/negative score. [1]

(d) Improvement [2m]

• Suggestion: Use stratified sampling. [1]
• Explanation: Divide the population into subgroups (e.g., age groups or length of residency) to ensure all perspectives are represented. [1]

Question 2 (a) Trend Description [3m]

• Overall trend: Increased slightly from 2018 (4.2m) to 2019 (4.5m). [1]
• Sharp decline: Dropped significantly in 2020 to 0.8m. [1]
• Recovery: Steady increase from 2021 (1.5m) to 2022 (3.8m), though not yet reaching pre-pandemic levels. [1]

(b) Reason for Decline [2m]

• COVID-19 pandemic. [1]
• Resulted in global travel restrictions, border closures, and fear of infection. [1]

(c) Comparison [5m]

• International arrivals saw a much steeper percentage drop (from 4.5m to 0.8m, ~82% decrease). [2]
• Local arrivals also dropped (8.8m to 3.2m, ~64% decrease) but remained higher in absolute numbers. [2]
• Conclusion: International tourism was more severely impacted due to border closures, whereas local tourism was only limited by domestic lockdowns. [1]

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Section B: Physical Geography & Tectonics

Question 3 (a) Distribution [5m]

• Pattern: Concentrated in a linear belt/ring around the edges of the Pacific Ocean. [2]
• Cause: This is where multiple tectonic plates meet (convergent and transform boundaries). [1]
• Process: Subduction of oceanic plates creates deep trenches and volcanic arcs. [1]
• Result: High friction and magma generation lead to frequent earthquakes and eruptions. [1]

(b) Convergent Boundary [6m]

• Diagram: Must show oceanic plate sinking beneath continental plate, label subduction zone, trench, and volcano. [3]
• Explanation: Oceanic plate is denser and sinks. [1]
• Friction/Heat: The sinking plate melts into magma. [1]
• Eruption: Magma rises through the continental crust to form a volcanic arc. [1]

(c) Instrument [1m]

• Tiltmeter / Seismometer / Gas sensor. [1]

(d) Vulnerability [3m]

• Building Codes: Developed countries have stricter seismic building codes (earthquake-resistant structures). [1]
• Governance: Better emergency response systems and early warning networks. [1]
• Wealth: More resources for rapid rescue and medical aid. [1]

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Section C: Human Geography & Sustainability

Question 4 (a) Four National Taps [5m]

• Context: Singapore has few natural catchments. [1]
• Strategy: Diversification of sources (Local catchment, Imported water, NEWater, Desalinated water). [2]
• Mechanism: NEWater and Desalination provide weather-independent sources. [1]
• Result: Reduces reliance on Malaysia and ensures water security. [1]

(b) Multiplier Effect Evaluation [9m]

• Agree: Luxury resorts bring high-spending tourists $\rightarrow$ high direct spending $\rightarrow$ hotels buy local luxury goods/produce (indirect) $\rightarrow$ employees spend wages in local shops (induced). [3]
• Disagree/Qualify: "Leakage" occurs if resorts are foreign-owned (profits leave the country). [2]
• Alternative: Ecotourism or community-based tourism may distribute wealth more evenly among locals rather than just luxury suppliers. [2]
• Conclusion: Effective for increasing total GDP, but not necessarily the most effective for equitable local development. [2]

(c) Distinction [1m]

• Mitigation addresses the cause (e.g., reducing $\text{CO}_2$ to stop sea level rise), while adaptation addresses the impact (e.g., building sea walls to protect from rising water). [1]