9696_w03_ms_1+2+3 — 2003 Oct-Nov Geography 9696 Mark Scheme · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

Describing features instead of explaining the processes behind them

“Many candidates described the feature but did not explain the processes responsible for its formation.”— 9696 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: After identifying a feature, explain the process that created it. Use cause-effect language: 'this occurs because…', 'the result of this process is…'. For physical geography, always name the specific process (hydraulic action, freeze-thaw weathering) rather than just describing the outcome.

Using blanket terms without clarification or context

“Terms such as 'urbanisation' and 'development' were used without any clarification of what was specifically meant in the given context.”— 9696 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Define blanket terms in context. Instead of 'urbanisation causes problems', specify: 'rapid rural-to-urban migration in Lagos has overwhelmed water supply infrastructure, leaving 60% of residents without piped water.' Always attach a process or statistic to a general term.

Referring to 'Africa' as a single country or homogeneous region

“Weaker candidates referred to 'Africa' as though it were a single country rather than a continent of 54 nations with vastly different characteristics.”— 9696 Paper 2, May/June 2023

How to fix: Never use 'Africa' as a case study. Name the specific country and, where possible, the specific region or city. Say 'Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya' not 'Africa'. This applies to all continents — always be as specific as the scale of the question demands.