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Secondary 1 Geography Fieldwork Quiz
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Questions
Secondary 1 Geography Quiz - Fieldwork
Name: ______________________________ Class: ______________________________ Date: ______________________________ Score: ________ / 40
Duration: 40 minutes Total Marks: 40
Instructions
- Answer ALL questions.
- Write your answers in the spaces provided.
- Read each question carefully before answering.
- Show your working where necessary.
- The number of marks for each question is shown in brackets [ ].
Section A: Understanding Fieldwork (Questions 1–5)
Answer all questions. Each question carries 1 mark.
1. What is the term used to describe the collection of data and information directly from the environment by going to the actual location?
[1]
2. State one reason why fieldwork is important in the study of Geography.
[1]
3. A student wants to investigate the water quality of a nearby stream. State one piece of equipment they would need to bring to the field.
[1]
4. What does the term "primary data" mean in the context of fieldwork?
[1]
5. Identify one safety precaution a student should take when conducting fieldwork near a body of water.
[1]
Section B: Planning and Methods (Questions 6–10)
Answer all questions.
6. A group of students plans to investigate how plant species vary between a shaded area and a sunny area in their school garden.
(a) State a suitable aim for this fieldwork investigation.
[1]
(b) Describe one method the students could use to collect data on plant species in each area.
[2]
7. The table below shows the temperature readings taken by a student at five different locations in a park during a fieldwork exercise.
| Location | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| A (under tree shade) | 27 |
| B (open grass field) | 32 |
| C (near a pond) | 29 |
| D (under a shelter) | 28 |
| E (on a concrete path) | 34 |
(a) Which location recorded the highest temperature? [1]
(b) Calculate the difference in temperature between Location B and Location A. Show your working. [2]
(c) Suggest one reason why the temperature at Location E is higher than at Location A. [1]
8. A student is conducting fieldwork to measure the width of a stream using a tape measure and ranging poles.
(a) Draw a simple diagram below to show how two ranging poles and a tape measure can be used to measure the width of a stream across a straight section. Label your diagram. [3]
(Diagram space provided)
(b) State one limitation of this method. [1]
9. Explain why it is important to record fieldwork data at the time of collection rather than from memory later. [2]
10. A student wants to find out how many people visit a neighbourhood park on a weekend. Describe a suitable data collection method the student could use. Include one detail about how the data should be recorded. [3]
Section C: Data Presentation and Analysis (Questions 11–15)
Answer all questions.
11. The bar graph below shows the number of litter items collected by students at four different sites along a beach during a fieldwork cleanup.
(Imagine a bar graph with the following data:)
| Site | Plastic items | Paper items | Metal items | Other items | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 30 |
| 2 | 22 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 40 |
| 3 | 10 | 12 | 2 | 6 | 30 |
| 4 | 18 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 30 |
(a) Which site had the highest total number of litter items collected? [1]
(b) How many plastic items were collected across all four sites? Show your working. [2]
(c) Calculate the percentage of plastic items out of the total litter collected at Site 2. Show your working. [2]
(d) Based on the data, suggest one conclusion the students could make about litter at the beach. [1]
12. A student recorded the following weather data during fieldwork over five days.
| Day | Cloud cover (oktas) | Wind direction | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | NE | 0 |
| 2 | 5 | E | 3 |
| 3 | 8 | SE | 15 |
| 4 | 7 | S | 8 |
| 5 | 3 | SW | 0 |
Describe the relationship between cloud cover and rainfall shown in the data. [2]
13. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using a questionnaire as a fieldwork data collection method. [2]
Advantage: _________________________________________________________________________________
Disadvantage: _______________________________________________________________________________
14. A student used a clinometer to measure the slope angle of a hill during fieldwork. The student recorded the following readings at three points along the slope:
| Point | Angle of slope (°) |
|---|---|
| X (bottom) | 5 |
| Y (middle) | 12 |
| Z (top) | 20 |
(a) Describe how the slope angle changes from Point X to Point Z. [1]
(b) Suggest one reason why the slope angle increases towards the top of the hill. [1]
15. A student collected soil samples from two locations — one near a riverbank and one on a hillside — and recorded the following observations:
| Feature | Riverbank soil | Hillside soil |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Dark brown | Light brown |
| Texture | Sticky and smooth | Gritty and rough |
| Moisture | Very moist | Dry |
Suggest one reason for the difference in moisture content between the two soil samples. [2]
Section D: Evaluation and Conclusion (Questions 16–20)
Answer all questions.
16. A group of students conducted fieldwork to investigate whether the type of land use affects the amount of surface runoff in an area. They collected data from three sites: a car park, a grassy field, and a forested area.
(a) Predict which site would have the most surface runoff. Give a reason for your answer. [2]
(b) State one way the students could improve the reliability of their results. [1]
17. After completing a fieldwork investigation on traffic flow at a busy intersection, a student concluded that "most vehicles passing through the intersection are cars."
State two pieces of evidence the student would need to support this conclusion. [2]
18. A student conducted fieldwork to investigate the effect of distance from a water body on air temperature. The student took temperature readings at 0 m, 50 m, 100 m, and 150 m from the water's edge.
(a) Identify the independent variable and the dependent variable in this investigation. [2]
Independent variable: _______________________________________________________________________
Dependent variable: ________________________________________________________________________
(b) State one variable that should be kept constant (controlled) during this investigation. [1]
19. A student's fieldwork report concluded that "the park is well-maintained because there is very little litter." However, the student only collected data from one area of the park on a single afternoon.
Evaluate the reliability of this conclusion. In your answer, refer to the limitations of the data collection. [3]
20. You are planning a fieldwork investigation to study the impact of human activity on vegetation in a nature reserve.
(a) Write a suitable aim for your investigation. [1]
(b) Describe two methods you would use to collect data. [4]
Method 1: __________________________________________________________________________________
Method 2: __________________________________________________________________________________
(c) State one risk you might face during this fieldwork and describe how you would manage it. [2]
Risk: _______________________________________________________________________________________
How to manage: _____________________________________________________________________________
END OF QUIZ
Answers
Secondary 1 Geography Quiz - Fieldwork
Answer Key
Section A: Understanding Fieldwork (Questions 1–5)
1. Fieldwork / Field study [1]
Marking note: Accept "field study" or "field investigation". Do not accept vague answers like "going outside".
2. Any one suitable reason: [1]
- It allows us to collect first-hand / primary data.
- It helps us understand real-world environments.
- It develops practical geographical skills.
- It allows us to observe geographical phenomena directly.
Marking note: Award 1 mark for any valid reason. Do not accept "it is fun" or overly vague answers.
3. Any one suitable piece of equipment: [1]
- pH meter / pH paper
- Thermometer (to measure water temperature)
- Dissolved oxygen meter
- Turbidity tube / Secchi dish
- Stopwatch (for flow rate)
- Measuring tape
Marking note: Accept any reasonable piece of equipment related to water quality testing.
4. Primary data is information collected first-hand by the researcher / data gathered directly from the field through observation, measurement, or surveys. [1]
Marking note: Key idea is that the data is collected directly by the student/researcher. Do not accept "data from the internet" or "data from books" (those are secondary data).
5. Any one suitable safety precaution: [1]
- Wear appropriate footwear (e.g., boots with grip).
- Do not enter the water / Stay at a safe distance from the water's edge.
- Work in groups / Never go alone.
- Inform an adult / teacher of the location.
- Wear a life vest if near deep water.
- Check weather conditions before going.
Marking note: Accept any reasonable safety precaution related to fieldwork near water.
Section B: Planning and Methods (Questions 6–10)
6. (a) Any one suitable aim, e.g.: [1]
- "To investigate how the number/diversity of plant species differs between a shaded area and a sunny area in the school garden."
- "To find out if plant species vary between areas with different levels of sunlight."
Marking note: The aim should relate plant species to light/shade conditions.
(b) Any one suitable method described, e.g.: [2]
- Use a quadrat (a 1 m × 1 m frame) placed randomly in each area. Count and identify the different plant species found within the quadrat. Repeat this several times in each area and calculate the average number of species.
- Lay a transect line from the shaded area to the sunny area. At regular intervals along the line, place a quadrat and record the plant species present.
Marking note: Award 2 marks for a clear description that includes: (1) a named method/equipment, and (2) what is recorded/measured. Award 1 mark if only one of these elements is present.
7. (a) Location E (on a concrete path) [1]
(b) Temperature at Location B − Temperature at Location A [1 for working] = 32°C − 27°C = 5°C [1 for answer]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for correct working and 1 mark for correct answer. Accept follow-through if student identified wrong location in part (a).
(c) Any one suitable reason, e.g.: [1]
- Concrete absorbs and retains more heat than soil/grass/trees.
- There is no shade at Location E, so it receives direct sunlight.
- Concrete is a hard, dark surface that heats up more quickly.
Marking note: Award 1 mark for a valid explanation linked to surface type or lack of shade.
8. (a) Diagram should show: [3]
- Two ranging poles placed on opposite banks of the stream (one on each side).
- A tape measure stretched across the stream between the two poles, perpendicular to the stream flow.
- Labels: "ranging pole", "tape measure", "stream", "width of stream".
Marking note: Award 1 mark for correct positioning of poles on opposite banks, 1 mark for tape measure shown across the stream, and 1 mark for appropriate labels (at least 2 correct labels).
(b) Any one suitable limitation, e.g.: [1]
- The tape measure may sag in the middle, giving an inaccurate reading.
- It may be difficult to stretch the tape across a wide stream.
- The water current may push the tape, making it hard to keep it straight.
- The method only works for narrow streams.
Marking note: Accept any reasonable limitation of the method.
9. Any two valid points, e.g.: [2]
- Memory is unreliable — details may be forgotten or confused after some time. [1]
- Recording immediately ensures the data is accurate and reduces errors. [1]
- Conditions in the field may change, so delayed recording may not reflect actual observations. [1]
Marking note: Award 1 mark per valid point, up to a maximum of 2 marks.
10. Any one suitable method with a recording detail, e.g.: [3]
- Stand at the park entrance and count the number of people entering the park over a set time period (e.g., every 30 minutes) using a tally chart. Record the data in a table with columns for time interval and number of people.
- Use a clicker counter to count each person entering the park during a specific time period. Record the total count for each hour in a data table.
Marking note: Award 1 mark for identifying a suitable method (e.g., counting at entrance, tally chart), 1 mark for describing how the method is carried out, and 1 mark for stating how data is recorded (e.g., table, tally chart).
Section C: Data Presentation and Analysis (Questions 11–15)
11. (a) Site 2 [1]
(b) 15 + 22 + 10 + 18 = 65 [1 for working, 1 for answer]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for correct addition and 1 mark for correct total.
(c) Plastic items at Site 2 = 22; Total items at Site 2 = 40 [1 for identifying values] Percentage = (22 ÷ 40) × 100 = 55% [1 for correct answer]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for correct working and 1 mark for correct answer (55%).
(d) Any one suitable conclusion, e.g.: [1]
- Plastic is the most common type of litter found at the beach.
- Site 2 has the most litter overall.
- Metal items are the least common type of litter.
Marking note: Award 1 mark for a conclusion that is supported by the data.
12. Any two valid points, e.g.: [2]
- As the number of oktas of cloud cover increases, the amount of rainfall also increases. [1]
- On Day 1 and Day 5, when cloud cover was low (2 and 3 oktas), there was no rainfall (0 mm). [1]
- On Day 3, when cloud cover was highest (8 oktas), rainfall was greatest (15 mm). [1]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for describing the general trend and 1 mark for using data from the table to support the trend. Maximum 2 marks.
13. Advantage (any one): [1]
- Questionnaires can collect data from many people quickly.
- They allow collection of people's opinions, perceptions, and experiences.
- Responses can be easily compared and analysed.
Disadvantage (any one): [1]
- People may not answer honestly.
- Some people may refuse to participate, leading to incomplete data.
- Questions may be misunderstood by respondents.
Marking note: Award 1 mark for a valid advantage and 1 mark for a valid disadvantage.
14. (a) The slope angle increases from 5° at Point X to 20° at Point Z. / The slope becomes steeper towards the top of the hill. [1]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for describing the change (increasing/steeper).
(b) Any one suitable reason, e.g.: [1]
- The upper part of the hill is naturally more steeply inclined due to the shape of the land.
- There may be less vegetation at the top, leading to erosion that steepens the slope.
- The hill may have a convex slope profile.
Marking note: Accept any reasonable geographical explanation.
15. Any one valid reason explained, e.g.: [2]
- The riverbank soil is very moist because it is located next to the river, so water from the river seeps into the soil and keeps it wet. [1] The hillside soil is dry because it is higher up and further from the water source, so water drains downhill away from it. [1]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for identifying the proximity to water as the reason, and 1 mark for explaining the contrast between the two locations. Maximum 2 marks.
Section D: Evaluation and Conclusion (Questions 16–20)
16. (a) The car park would have the most surface runoff. [1] Reason: The car park has a hard, impermeable surface (concrete/tarmac) that does not allow water to infiltrate into the ground, so most of the rainwater flows over the surface as runoff. [1]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for correct prediction (car park) and 1 mark for a valid reason linked to impermeable surfaces.
(b) Any one suitable improvement, e.g.: [1]
- Repeat the measurements multiple times and calculate an average.
- Collect data over a longer period of time / on more than one day.
- Ensure all measurements are taken under the same weather conditions.
- Use the same equipment at each site.
Marking note: Accept any reasonable method to improve reliability.
17. Any two suitable pieces of evidence, e.g.: [2]
- A tally chart or frequency table showing the number of each type of vehicle (cars, buses, motorcycles, etc.) counted during the observation period. [1]
- The total number of vehicles counted and the number/percentage that were cars (e.g., "Out of 200 vehicles, 150 were cars, which is 75%"). [1]
Marking note: Award 1 mark per valid piece of evidence. Evidence must be quantitative (numerical) to support the conclusion.
18. (a) Independent variable: Distance from the water body [1] Dependent variable: Air temperature [1]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for each correctly identified variable. Do not accept reversed answers.
(b) Any one suitable controlled variable, e.g.: [1]
- Time of day (all readings taken at the same time).
- Weather conditions (all readings taken on the same day / under similar conditions).
- Height at which temperature is measured.
- Type of thermometer used.
Marking note: Accept any reasonable variable that should be kept constant.
19. A well-structured evaluation should include: [3]
- The conclusion is not very reliable. [1]
- The student only collected data from one area of the park, so the data may not represent the condition of the entire park — other areas might have more litter. [1]
- The data was collected on a single afternoon, which is a very short time frame. The amount of litter may vary on different days or at different times (e.g., after a weekend or an event). [1]
- To improve reliability, the student should collect data from multiple areas across the park and on different days/times.
Marking note: Award 1 mark for stating that the conclusion is unreliable, 1 mark for identifying a limitation of the data collection (limited area or limited time), and 1 mark for explaining why this limitation affects the conclusion. Maximum 3 marks.
20. (a) Any one suitable aim, e.g.: [1]
- "To investigate how human activity affects the type and amount of vegetation in different parts of the nature reserve."
- "To find out whether areas with more human foot traffic have less vegetation than areas with less human activity."
Marking note: Award 1 mark for a clear aim that links human activity to vegetation.
(b) Any two suitable methods, e.g.: [4]
Method 1: Use a quadrat placed at regular intervals along a transect line from a high-human-activity area (e.g., near a footpath) to a low-human-activity area (e.g., deeper in the reserve). Record the number of plant species and percentage vegetation cover within each quadrat. [2]
Method 2: Take photographs of the vegetation at set points along the transect and compare the density and variety of plants in areas with different levels of human activity. [2]
Alternative methods accepted:
- Counting the number of trampled/damaged plants in areas near footpaths vs. away from footpaths.
- Conducting a survey/interview with park rangers about changes in vegetation over time.
Marking note: Award up to 2 marks per method. For each method: 1 mark for identifying a suitable technique, and 1 mark for describing how it would be carried out or what data would be collected.
(c) Any one suitable risk and management, e.g.: [2] Risk: Slipping on wet/muddy ground near the nature reserve. [1] How to manage: Wear appropriate footwear with good grip, and avoid walking on very wet or steep areas. Carry a first aid kit. [1]
Alternative risks accepted:
- Insect bites / insect repellent
- Getting lost / carry a map and stay in groups
- Dehydration / bring sufficient water
- Sunburn / wear sunscreen and a hat
Marking note: Award 1 mark for identifying a relevant risk and 1 mark for describing a practical way to manage it.
END OF ANSWER KEY