Secondary 4 Geography Preliminary Examination Paper 3

TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Geography Secondary 4

Answer Key and Marking Scheme
Topic: Map, Graph & Data Skills
Version: 3 of 5

Section A: Map and Photograph Interpretation

1. Map Extract 1

(a) Grid Reference

• Answer: 1538 (or 150380 depending on precision required, but 4-figure is standard for this level unless specified).
• Marks: [1] for correct 4-figure grid reference.

(b) Distance Measurement

• Answer: Approx. 4.2 km – 4.4 km (Accept range based on map scale).
• Method: Measure distance in cm on map, multiply by scale factor.
• Marks: [1] for correct measurement in cm; [1] for correct conversion to km.

(c) Relief Characteristics (Grid 1435)

• Answer Points:
  1. Steep slope/contours are close together.
  2. Height increases from south-west to north-east (or specific spot heights cited, e.g., from 20m to 50m).
  3. Presence of a valley/spur (if visible).
• Marks: [1] per valid point, max [3]. Must refer to contour patterns or spot heights.

2. Photograph A

(a) Structure Identification

• Answer: Sea wall OR Groynes (depending on insert image, assume Sea Wall for this template).
• Marks: [1] for correct identification.

(b) Visible Features

• Answer Points:
  1. Made of concrete/stone blocks.
  2. Curved face to reflect wave energy.
  3. Vertical or steep slope.
• Marks: [1] per feature, max [2]. Must be observable in the photo.

(c) Negative Impact

• Answer:
  • Reflects wave energy, increasing erosion at the base of the wall or adjacent areas (terminal groyne syndrome if groynes).
  • Unsightly visual impact on natural coastline.
• Marks: [1] for identifying impact; [1] for explanation of process/consequence.

Section B: Graph Construction and Data Representation

3. Rainfall Data

(a) Line Graph Plotting

• Marks: [3]
  • [1] for correctly labelled axes (Month on x, Rainfall mm on y).
  • [1] for accurate plotting of all 12 points (allow ±1mm tolerance).
  • [1] for points connected with straight lines (not smooth curve unless specified, but line graph usually implies straight segments between points).

(b) Annual Range Calculation

• Working: Highest (250mm) – Lowest (90mm) = 160mm.
• Marks: [1] for correct subtraction; [1] for correct answer with unit (mm).

(c) Seasonal Pattern Description

• Answer: Rainfall is higher in the beginning and end of the year (Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec) and lower in the middle of the year (Jun, Jul). There is a distinct dry season in mid-year.
• Marks: [1] for identifying high/low periods; [1] for using data values to support description.

4. Tourist Origin Data

(a) Percentage Calculation

• Working: $(60,000 \div 400,000) \times 100 = 15\%$.
• Marks: [1] for working; [1] for correct answer (15%).

(b) Pie Chart Completion

• Calculations:
  • Malaysia: $(120/400) \times 360 = 108^\circ$
  • Indonesia: $(80/400) \times 360 = 72^\circ$
  • China: $(60/400) \times 360 = 54^\circ$
  • India: $(40/400) \times 360 = 36^\circ$
  • Others: $(100/400) \times 360 = 90^\circ$
• Marks: [4]
  • [1] for correct angles (all within ±2°).
  • [1] for accurate drawing of sectors.
  • [1] for clear labels (Country Name + % or Angle).
  • [1] for title and/or key.

Section C: Statistical Analysis and Fieldwork Data

5. Fieldwork Data

(a) Hypothesis

• Answer: Pedestrian footfall decreases as distance from the city centre increases. (Or inverse relationship).
• Marks: [1] for clear statement of relationship.

(b) Relationship Description

• Answer: As distance increases from 0.5km to 12.0km, the number of pedestrians per hour decreases from 1,200 to 100. The decrease is rapid initially and then slows down.
• Marks: [1] for general trend; [1] for use of specific data pairs to support.

(c) Systematic Sampling Method

• Answer: Count pedestrians for a fixed time interval (e.g., 5 minutes) every 15 minutes at Location A. OR Count every 10th person passing a specific point.
• Marks: [1] for describing the regular interval/method; [1] for applying it to the context (Location A).

(d) Reliability Issue at Location E

• Answer: Lower footfall (100/hr) means small changes in count have a larger percentage error. OR Weather conditions might vary more in outer suburbs affecting consistency. OR Shorter counting duration due to safety/time constraints.
• Marks: [1] for identifying reason; [1] for explaining impact on reliability.

6. Scatter Graph Analysis

(a) Correlation

• Answer: Positive correlation.
• Marks: [1].

(b) Anomaly

• Answer: Identify the point that does not fit the trend (e.g., high income but low car ownership). Reason: Maybe they live in CBD with good public transport, or environmental consciousness.
• Marks: [1] for identification; [1] for plausible reason.

(c) Graph Choice Justification

• Answer: Scatter graphs show the relationship/correlation between two continuous variables (income and car ownership). Bar charts are for categorical data.
• Marks: [1] for mentioning relationship/correlation; [1] for contrasting with bar chart limitations.

Section D: Synthesis and Evaluation of Data

7. Air Quality and Health Data

(a) Worst Air Quality

• Answer: Thursday (AQI 135).
• Marks: [1].

(b) Relationship Description

• Answer: Generally, as AQI increases, respiratory admissions increase. For example, on Thursday (highest AQI), admissions were highest (32).
• Marks: [1] for trend; [1] for data evidence.

(c) Evaluation of Statement

• Answer:
  • Agree: There is a strong positive correlation; peaks match.
  • Disagree: Correlation does not prove causation. Other factors (flu season, temperature) could cause admissions. On Friday, AQI dropped but admissions remained relatively high (20), suggesting lag effect or other causes.
  • Conclusion: The statement is too absolute ("all"). Data supports a link, but not exclusive causation.
• Marks: [3]
  • [1] for acknowledging the correlation.
  • [1] for identifying limitations/alternative explanations.
  • [1] for balanced conclusion judging the extent of truth.

8. Urban Land Use Map

(a) Dominant Land Use Zone 1

• Answer: Commercial / CBD / High-density residential.
• Marks: [1].

(b) Industrial Location Justification

• Answer:
  1. Located near highway/port (transport links for goods).
  2. More space available/cheaper land rent than city centre.
  3. Away from residential areas (reduces noise/pollution impact).
• Marks: [1] per valid point linked to map evidence, max [3].

(c) Park Location Justification

• Answer:
  1. Zone 2 is likely residential; park provides recreational space for residents.
  2. Improves air quality/green lung in dense urban area.
  3. Reduces urban heat island effect.
• Marks: [1] per valid sustainability benefit linked to location, max [3].

END OF MARKING SCHEME