How to answer a 8 mark question (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B): Revision Note

Answering an 8-mark question

• These questions are usually about Assessment Objective 3 (AO3)

  • This means you need to act like a geographical judge, weighing up evidence before giving a final, confident verdict

• To gain high marks in the 8-mark questions, you need to deliver a detailed, structured, and balanced argument

What an 8-mark question needs

• The main goal of an 8-mark question is to analyse information, apply your wider geographical knowledge, and reach a justified conclusion

Your 4-step strategy for success

• To access the higher bands (Band 3 or 4, worth 5–8 marks), you must focus on structure and depth of reasoning

Step 1: Understand the command word

• The 8-mark question will usually feature one of these important command words:

  • Analyse: This means explaining the advantages and disadvantages, or causes and consequences, using detailed, connected points

  • Justify your views: You must discuss arguments both for and against the statement, then give a reason for your view

  • How far do you agree? is a classic evaluation question

    • You need to explain why you might agree and why you might disagree before coming to a decision

• Make sure your whole answer addresses the specific question asked and doesn't just describe the topic in general

Step 2: Build chains of reasoning

• In high-tariff questions, the examiner isn't looking for a list of simple facts; they want connected ideas called 'chains of reasoning'

• This is essential for accessing Band 3 and 4 marks

  • Go deep, not wide; instead of making four basic points, aim for two or three highly developed points

  • Link your ideas: Use linking phrases like 'which means that', 'leading to', or 'consequently'

  • Use resources as evidence, not answers: If you are given facts, use them as a 'stepping off point' to develop your arguments; don't just copy the text (this is called 'lifting'), which will limit you to the lower bands

• Example of a chain of reasoning:

  • The cost of investment for the project is very high (A). This means the local government must raise taxes or borrow money internationally (B). As a result, this increases the national debt and slows down long-term development in other areas (C)

Step 3: Write a balanced answer(for and against)

• To show a 'balanced and coherent evaluation', structure the middle of your answer into two clear sections:

  • Arguments for, advantages, agreement:

    • Use evidence from the resources and your own wider geographical knowledge to support the statement

  • Arguments against, disadvantages, or disagreement:

    • Use evidence to argue against the statement or propose alternatives

• By including both sides, you demonstrate a wider understanding of the issue, which is key to reaching Bands 3 and 4

Step 4: Write a strong, justified conclusion

• This is perhaps the most important part of scoring highly!

• You need to end with a clear statement that fully backs up the view you came to, bringing together all of your previous points

  • Avoid simple statements: Do not simply say, 'I agree' or 'I think soft engineering is best'

  • Justify: Use phrases like 'On balance, I strongly agree because the long-term economic benefits (as shown by my argument about the multiplier effect) outweigh the short-term social costs'

  • Link back to the question: If the question refers to 'sustainability' or 'different groups of people', your conclusion needs to make reference to those ideas in order to show thorough application

Checklist for an 8-mark question

• Use this quick checklist right before and after you write your response:

  • Did I address the command word (analyse/justify/agree)?

  • Did I discuss both sides (arguments for and against)?

  • Did I develop my points into detailed chains of reasoning?

  • Did I use specific evidence (names, facts, numbers) from the resources or my studies?

  • Did I provide a clear, reasoned, and justified conclusion?

  • Did I avoid simply copying sentences from the provided resources?