How to Answer 7 Mark Decision-Making Questions (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography): Revision Note

What is a decision-making question?

• The 7-mark decision making question in Paper 2 Section A doesn't ask you to evaluate a general statement

  • The question gives you evidence about two named options and asks you to choose between them

  • This tests a specific AO3 skill: "make and justify a decision based upon information provided."

• Like the "assess the extent to which" question, this is marked using levels of response but the task itself is different

  • You're reading resources (a map extract, photographs, graphs) rather than recalling your own knowledge, and you must commit to one option, not just weigh up pros and cons in the abstract

Command phrases and assessment objectives

• This question uses the command phrase "justify your decision"

  • The question tests:

    • AO1 (Knowledge and understanding)

    • AO3 (Evaluation and decision-making)

How the question is marked

• Unlike the 5-mark "Evaluate" questions elsewhere on the paper, this question is not point-marked

• The examiner reads your whole answer and decides which level it best fits, then places it within that level's mark range

• Within a level examiners award:

  • The top mark if your answer convincingly meets the level statement

  • The middle mark if it adequately meets it

  • The bottom mark if it just meets it

Level 3 (6-7 marks)

• A balanced/comprehensive answer which shows a clear understanding with developed statements which are relevant to the question

• Answer is supported by relevant evidence and/or examples throughout

• Answer contains a supported evaluation/judgement/decision on the question

Level 2 (3-5 marks)

• An answer which shows a good understanding with developed statements which are relevant to the question

• Answer is supported by some relevant evidence and/or examples

• Answer contains a limited evaluation/judgement/decision on the question

Level 1 (1-2 marks)

• An answer which shows limited understanding using simple statements which are relevant to the question

Level 0 (0 marks)

• No creditable response

How to structure your answer

• State your chosen option clearly and immediately

  • Don't leave the examiner to infer your decision from the body of your answer

• Use evidence from every resource you're given, not just one

  • If you're told to refer to a map extract and two photographs

  • A Level 3 answer draws on all of them, not just the easiest one

• Compare, don't just describe

  • For each point, say what it means for both locations, not just why your chosen one is good

• Reach a final justified decision

  • This is your judgement, so make sure your closing point directly answers "which is most suitable," not just "here are some facts about each"

How to answer a 7 mark decision-making question?

Step 1 

• Read the question carefully and underline the command words

"Use evidence from the map extract and Figures 1.2 and 1.3 to identify which location you consider to be the most suitable for the TNC to locate the factory.

Refer to Location A and B when justifying your decision."

• The command word "justify" means that you need to support a case with evidence/argument

Step 2

• Underline the key words. 

"Use evidence from the map extract and Figures 1.2 and 1.3 to identify which location you consider to be the most suitable for the TNC to locate the factory.

Refer to Location A and B when justifying your decision."

• In this example, you need to make a decision about which is the most suitable location for the factory and why.

Step 3

• Plan the information you are going to include. This can be a short list of bullet points. For example:

  • Flat land

  • Transport links and accessibility

  • Proximity to workers

  • Infrastructure

Step 4 

• Write your answer

  • To achieve 7 marks, you need to write at least 3 detailed statements

  • Do not make general statements

  • Be specific, for example: