How to answer a 12 mark question (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B): Revision Note

Answering a 12-mark question

• This question is often linked with an extra 4 marks for Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar (SPaG) and specialist terms

• It tests your ability to act as an expert, judging complex issues and justifying your final verdict

• These questions are all about Assessment Objective 3 (AO3): applying your knowledge, analysing arguments, and reaching a conclusion

The 4 steps of a top-band 12-mark answer

• To reach the highest marks (Band 4, 10–12 marks), your answer must be comprehensive, well-thought-out, balanced, and justified

Step 1: Structure your response like a report

• A comprehensive answer needs clear sections

• You are building an argument, not writing a stream of thoughts

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and state the problem you are solving (e.g. choosing the best sustainable option or deciding how far you agree)

  • Body (analysis): This is where you discuss arguments for and against (or advantages and disadvantages)

    • You must have a 'balanced and logical evaluation'

  • Conclusion (justification): End with a decisive, supported verdict

    • Tell the examiner exactly why your chosen option is the best

Step 2: Build comprehensive chains of reasoning

• Top-scoring answers use a chain(s) of reasoning to create a sophisticated response

• You cannot simply list points; you must link cause to consequence

  • How to write a chain: Start with a point (A). Link it to the immediate effect (B). Link the immediate effect to a long-term outcome (C).

  • Use precise evidence: Substantiate your arguments with a range of evidence

    • This means using facts, figures, or names from the exam resources and combining them with specific knowledge from your studies

Step 3: Master the concept of sustainability

• If the question asks you to choose the 'most sustainable option' (which Component 2 often does), you must use the three main aspects of sustainability for a full analysis:

  • Social: How does the solution affect people's health, education, and community life? (Remember, 'social' is not about online chat!).

  • Economic: How does it affect income, jobs, taxes, and costs (both short-term and long-term)?

  • Environmental: How does it affect the natural environment, resources, and pollution?

  • Time frame: The best answers also consider the needs of the present and the future

Step 4: The crucial justification

• The conclusion must be a 'supported decision' that fully justifies your view

• Weigh up the arguments: Show the examiner that you have weighed the 'pros' against the 'cons'

  • For instance, explain why the long-term economic benefits outweigh the short-term environmental costs

• Justify over the alternatives: If you have three options (A, B, and C), your conclusion must explain why A is better than B and C

  • This shows a full evaluation

• Use command words: Your conclusion should directly address the command word by justifying 'to what extent' you agree or explaining why your chosen option is the 'best fit'

Top pitfalls to avoid in 12-mark answers

• Avoid 'lifting' the text:

  • Never simply copy or 'lift' information directly from the resources

  • You must use the information as a stimulus and elaborate on it to develop your chain of reasoning

  • Copying limits you to the lower mark bands

• Don't forget the basics:

  • Ensure you spell, punctuate, and use grammar consistently and accurately, and employ a wide range of specialist terms—this is worth 4 extra marks

• Don't rush the conclusion:

  • A decision that is simple and unsubstantiated (meaning you didn't back it up with reasons) will only reach the basic Band 1 level

• Show planning:

  • While not essential, high-scoring candidates often demonstrate evidence of planning or a logical structure to achieve logic in their arguments