How to Get an A* in A Level Geography

What Does It Take to Earn an A* in A-Level Geography?

To secure an A*, you typically need at least 80% overall across all papers and the NEA. According to the Geographical Association (opens in a new tab), in the 2024 A-level geography exams, 6.3% of entries in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland achieved an A* grade. This percentage may not sound like much, but when you include the number of students achieving A*-A grades, it is just under 25%, which is a quarter of all the candidates achieving the highest grade.  

Gaining an A* in A Level Geography isn't about being naturally gifted — it's about working smart, mastering exam technique, and consistently hitting the top assessment objectives. If you're aiming for the highest grade, here's what you need to understand first:

Understanding the A* Grade Boundaries and Percentages

Although you usually need to score at least 80% overall, that doesn’t mean scoring 80% in each component. You can balance slightly lower scores in one paper by excelling in another or in your NEA. 

Check your specific exam board (e.g., AQA (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab), OCR (opens in a new tab)) for updated mark schemes, as grade boundaries may shift year to year.

Breakdown of Marks: Exam Papers vs NEA

Your final A-Level Geography grade comes from:

This means you can’t rely solely on your coursework — you need a strong performance across all written papers, which is crucial.

Why Consistency and Technique are Critical

Examiners don’t reward raw knowledge alone. They want to see structured arguments, evaluative thinking, and accurate geographical application. That means:

• Writing clearly and logically

• Using case studies with precise data

• Applying theory, terminology, and evaluation

• Answering the exact question asked

Getting an A* is as much about how you present your knowledge as what you know.

I always advise my students to create comparison charts and try linking case studies with broader themes in their essays.

Mastering the Geography Exam Papers

Let’s break down each paper and examine how to approach them like a top-grade candidate.

Paper 1 – Physical Geography

This paper usually covers the water and carbon cycles, coastal systems, and natural hazards.

Key Tips:

• Diagrams: Create labelled diagrams for processes such as the water cycle or coastal erosion, as they show clarity.

• Case Studies: Know at least two for each topic. For instance, consider the impact of seismic hazards associated with the 2015 Nepal earthquake or the coastal erosion on the Holderness Coast.

• Extended Responses: Use PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link) or SEA (State, Explain, Apply) to build solid paragraphs.

Paper 2 – Human Geography

The paper covers topics such as urban environments, superpowers, and resource security, among others.

Examiner Tips:

• Don’t just describe—analyse. Ask yourself: ‘What does this show about human interaction with place?’

• Evaluation: Show pros, cons, and complexities. For example, consider the effects of change in an area you have studied.

• Integrate models (e.g., the Burgess model, Rostow’s development model) when relevant.

Paper 3 – Synoptic Paper

This is where many students struggle. You’re tested on connections between topics and how different elements interact.

How to Succeed:

• Think big picture. How does climate change affect migration? How do urban and coastal systems overlap?

• Use the exam resource information wisely. Annotate it, highlight themes, and link it to your existing case studies.

• Try writing 20-mark synoptic essays within a time limit and then seek some feedback from your teacher.

How to Ace Your NEA (Non-Exam Assessment)

The NEA is your chance to shine based on work you have completed independently. It accounts for 20% of your grade, so how can you make it stand out?

Choosing an Original, Focused Topic

Avoid vague or overdone questions. Instead, choose something local, measurable, and focused. Examples:

• ‘To what extent has gentrification in [your city] increased inequality?’

• ‘How has river management impacted flood risk in the River X area?’

Achieving AO3 

• Use various relevant quantitative, qualitative, and fieldwork skills to: 

  • investigate geographical questions and issues

  • interpret, analyse and evaluate data and evidence

  • construct arguments and draw conclusions

The emphasis of the assessment objective is on the use of geographical skills – overarching methods (e.g. quantitative skills) and/or specific techniques (e.g. standard deviation)

Structure and Analysis Tips

Break it into clear sections: Introduction, Methodology, Data Presentation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Evaluation.

Use headings, embed visuals, and avoid narrative writing — you’re analysing data, not storytelling.

Common NEA Errors to Avoid

• Vague titles like ‘How has tourism changed my area?’

• Weak primary data (e.g., surveys with biased samples)

• Lack of evaluation — be critical, not just descriptive

Revision Strategies That Actually Work

Top students don’t just revise more—they revise smarter. Here’s how to tailor your revision to guarantee results.

Spaced Repetition and Active Recall

Instead of cramming the night before, use spaced repetition, which involves revisiting content at increasing intervals to improve memory retention.

• Build flashcards and quizzes 

• Consider focusing on question-based learning by testing yourself prior to reviewing your notes.

Case Study Summaries with Stats

Every A* answer uses precise case study data. Prepare one-page summaries for each topic with:

• Key locations and dates

• Quantitative data (population, GDP, number of people affected)

• Environmental, social, and economic impacts

• Evaluation points 

Keep them concise and spend time using them in different contexts.

How to Self-Mark Like an Examiner

• Print out mark schemes and sample answers. Consider writing responses and then evaluating them using actual criteria. 

• Ask yourself:

  • Did I answer the question directly?

  • Did I show analysis and evaluation?

  • Did I use specific examples and terminology?

Using Past Papers to Identify Question Patterns

Do at least one past paper per week in timed conditions. Afterwards, mark your answers and review:

• How were marks awarded?

• What skills were tested (AO1–AO3)?

• Are you stronger in physical or human geography?

Tailor your revision to your weaker areas.

Geography Essay Writing Tips for A* Answers

In every paper, essay writing is where A* students separate themselves from other students. You need to be able to structure, analyse, and evaluate things when under pressure.

Using PEEL or PEE Chains to Build Arguments

Each paragraph should:

• Point: State your argument.

• Evidence: Support it with a case study, data, or theory.

• Explain: Show how it links to the question.

• Link: Lead into the next paragraph or summarise your point.

This gives your essay logical flow and clarity.

Linking Back to the Question

After each paragraph, ask: ‘Have I answered the exact question being asked?’ Examiners reward focus and precision.

• Use keywords from the question throughout.

• Don’t go off-topic or regurgitate notes.

Using Terminology and Geographical Theory Accurately

An A* candidate thinks and sounds like a geographer. Use terms like:

• ‘spatial distribution’, ‘positive feedback loop’, ‘urban resilience’

• Integrate models (Demographic Transition, Kuznets Curve, etc.)

This indicates that you have a range of depth and academic maturity.

Writing with Clarity, Analysis, and Precision

• Avoid vague phrases like ‘many people’ or ‘very bad’.

• Instead, say, ‘The 2010 Haiti earthquake displaced approximately 1.5 million individuals, highlighting the country's high vulnerability index.’

Time Management and Study Planning

Great results come from consistent effort. Here's how to balance everything.

Building a Revision Timetable That Works

Split your time between:

• Paper 1 topics

• Paper 2 topics

• Synoptic prep

• NEA milestones

Use a revision planner and include breaks, rest, and rewards.

Balancing NEA and Exams

• NEA: Start early and finish ahead of schedule.

• Exam prep: Begin active revision at least 3–4 months before exams.

Don’t let the NEA distract you in exam season — manage your time wisely.

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Targets

• Daily: Revise one subtopic and complete one practice question.

• Weekly: Review 2–3 topics + mark practice essays.

• Monthly: Full paper practice under timed conditions.

Track your progress to stay motivated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage do I need for an A* in A-Level Geography?

Typically, you’ll need 80% overall across all components. However, check your exam board’s grade boundaries annually for the most accurate target.

How important is the NEA for getting an A*?

The NEA counts for 20% of your grade, making it very important. A strong NEA (opens in a new tab) can offset weaker exam performance, and vice versa. Aim for top marks in AO3, which is the use of various quantitative, qualitative, and fieldwork skills.

Can I achieve an A* without being naturally good at essay writing?

Absolutely. Essay writing is a skill you can learn. Focus on structure, clarity, and argument-building. Practice essay writing often, use feedback, and learn from models' answers.

How do I choose a strong NEA topic?

Pick something:

• Original

• Focused and measurable

• Based on a real issue you can research locally

Avoid broad or overused themes. A good question might be: ‘To what extent does socioeconomic status influence flood preparedness in [your area]?’

What’s the most significant mistake A-Level Geography students make?

Students often overly describe things. Many students list facts or case studies without analysing them. Examiners want evaluation, not storytelling.

How can I improve from a B to an A*?

• Analyse the mark schemes thoroughly

• Read the Chief Examiner reports to identify common mistakes.

• Master writing under timed conditions.

• Get regular feedback from teachers or tutors.

• Focus on your weakest assessment objectives and turn them into strengths.

Final Thoughts

Strategy, Structure, and Examiner Insight

Getting an A* in A-Level Geography is completely achievable with the right strategy. Learn how to meet assessment objectives, understand what the examiners want, and structure your work with purpose.

Consistent Feedback and Learning from Mistakes

Treat every mock and practice essay as an opportunity. Ask for feedback, reflect on where you lost marks, and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Believe in Your Ability to Excel

Even if you’re not there yet, you can become an A* student. With consistent effort, clarity of focus, and smart techniques, you’ll stand out.

Check out our helpful guide for top tips on how to Revise for A Level Geography.

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Feeling stressed about your A-Level Geography exams? Join over 1.5 million students who use Save My Exams, the leading online revision platform.

On average, students who use Save My Exams improve by two grades, thanks to our comprehensive resources. From past papers and revision notes to exam-style questions tailored to your specific course, our revision tools help you study smarter, not harder.

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Explore Our A-Level Geography Revision Resources

References

Geographical Association (opens in a new tab) A-Level Results

Geographical Association (opens in a new tab) A-level independent fieldwork investigation