Cambridge (CIE) O Level Bangladesh Studies specification (7094)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Bangladesh Studies exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) O Level Bangladesh Studies specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) O Level Bangladesh Studies (7094) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge O Level Bangladesh Studies focuses on developing learners' knowledge and understanding of the history, culture, environment, and development of Bangladesh. The syllabus aims to inspire interest and enthusiasm for studying the past, promote an understanding of Bangladesh’s history from 1204 to 2001, and explore factors that led to its creation as a nation. Learners develop historical skills, such as analysis and explanation of historical issues, and an understanding of concepts like change and continuity. They also gain geographical knowledge, fostering an awareness of how people’s economic activities interact with their environment. The syllabus encourages learners to appreciate the significance of sustainable development and equips them with skills relevant to further education or employment, especially in contexts requiring analysis of historical events, geographical trends, and developmental challenges.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Paper 1 History and Culture of Bangladesh
1 The struggle for control of the Indian subcontinent, 1204–1784
- Establishment of Muslim rule through Bakhtiyar Khilji and the Sultans.
- Role of Sufis and the impact of Muslim rule on Bengal’s culture, trade, and architecture.
- Mughal Empire’s establishment, achievements of emperors, reasons for decline.
- East India Company’s rise, Dual Administration, and British Direct Rule.
- Society, culture, and economy of Bengal between 1204–1784.
2 The years of growing opposition, 1784–1911
- Causes and forms of resistance to British rule.
- The Independence Struggle of 1857–8: causes, key events, impact.
- Partition of Bengal 1905–11: causes, opposition, reversal.
- Life, work, and cultural changes in Bengal, 1784–1911.
3 In search of independence, 1911–71
- Efforts for shared governance and events leading to Partition in 1947.
- Causes of dissatisfaction in East Pakistan.
- The road to independence, Language Movement, Six Points, 1969 uprising, War of Liberation.
- Impact of the 1970 Bhola cyclone on politics and economy.
- Life, work, and cultural change in Bengal, 1911–71.
4 Post-independence Bangladesh, 1971–2001
- Post-war challenges, restoration of stability under Mujibur Rahman.
- Political, social, and economic developments under successive governments.
- Return to parliamentary democracy, reforms, and international relations.
- Reflection on political, social, cultural, and economic changes, and how Bangladesh remembers its past.
3.2 Paper 2 Environment and Development of Bangladesh
Theme 1 Environment and natural resources
- Landscape: landforms and rivers.
- Rivers: processes, hydrographs, floodplains, deltas.
- Plate tectonics and related hazards.
- Challenges from riverbank erosion, floods, earthquakes.
Theme 2 Economy and production
- Sectors of the economy, GDP growth, trade patterns.
- Agricultural development, influencing factors, case studies of crops.
- Environmental impact of food production, irrigation projects.
- Food security factors and strategies.
- Manufacturing industries, growth conditions, case studies, impact on society and environment.
- The service sector: informal economy, financial services, quaternary sector, transport.
Theme 3 Population and society
- Population structure, growth, indicators of quality of life.
- Internal and international migration: causes, impacts, urbanisation case study of Dhaka.
- Health care providers, disease control, healthcare programmes.
- Education: access, gender equality, literacy, educational programmes.
Theme 4 Sustainable development
- Understanding sustainable development and its global importance.
- Overview of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Evaluation of Bangladesh’s progress towards the SDGs.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 History and Culture of Bangladesh
- 1 The struggle for control of the Indian subcontinent, 1204–1784
- Answer three questions from four, each covering one of the four topics.
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks total.
- Each question has three parts:
- (a) Short-answer questions testing factual recall (9 marks).
- (b) Two sub-questions:
- (i) Short-answer (2 marks).
- (ii) Extended response on analysis, evaluation, decision-making (6 marks).
- (c) Two sub-questions:
- (i) Short-answer (2 marks).
- (ii) Extended response on change and continuity (6 marks).
- Questions structured to assess knowledge, analysis, evaluation, change/continuity.
- No historical source-based questions.
Paper 2 Environment and Development of Bangladesh
- Theme 1 Environment and natural resources
- Theme 2 Economy and production
- Theme 3 Population and society
- Theme 4 Sustainable development
- Answer all three questions, each focused on one of Themes 1–3, with content from Theme 4 integrated.
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks total.
- Each question includes:
- Knowledge and understanding tasks (12–13 marks).
- Resource-based skills tasks (6–7 marks).
- A 6-mark extended response on analysis, evaluation, decision-making.
- Tasks include data completion, interpretation, short-answer, and extended writing.
- Case studies are required for several topics.
- Candidates use provided resource materials (maps, graphs, photos).
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Bangladesh Studies isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
Share this article