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9696_w07_ms_3 2007 Oct-Nov Geography 9696 Mark Scheme 3 · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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9696_w07_ms_32007 Oct-Nov Geography 9696 Mark Scheme 3

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Geography (9696) Mark Scheme 3 from the 2007 Oct-Nov session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 9696_w07_ms_3 · 9696/3/o/n/07 ms · 9696/3 Oct/Nov 2007 ms

Paper 3: Advanced Physical Geography This is Paper 3: Advanced Physical Geography, worth 60 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. Advanced physical options including tropical environments, coastal environments, and hazardous environments. Essay-based responses requiring depth and evaluation.

This mark scheme corresponds to 9696_w07_qp_3. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Geography (9696), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

Same paper, other years

Geography (9696) Mark Scheme 3 from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 3: Advanced Physical Geography

Based on analysis of 1 official Cambridge documents (2023)

1

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.

2

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.

4

Weak evaluation in essay conclusions — no weighing of arguments

Many essays ended abruptly or simply repeated earlier points rather than offering a substantiated evaluative judgement.9696 Paper 4, May/June 2023

How to fix: End every essay with a conclusion that ranks the factors discussed. State which factor is most significant and why, using evidence from your essay. 'While X is important, Y is the dominant factor because…' shows the examiner you can evaluate, not just describe.

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All Geography (9696) Papers — 2007 Oct-Nov

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Geography Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 1 official Cambridge documents