0460_s03_qp_1 — 2003 May-June Geography 0460 Question Paper 1 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

Using vague vocabulary instead of precise geographical terminology

“Candidates frequently used vague terms such as 'stuff' or 'things' instead of precise geographical vocabulary appropriate to the topic.”— 0460 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Replace vague words with geographical terms. Not 'stuff in the river' but 'sediment load'; not 'the weather gets bad' but 'precipitation increases'. Build a glossary of key terms for each topic and practise using them in sentences.

Listing points instead of developing them with explanation

“Responses that listed multiple simple points were limited to Level 1. Candidates should focus on developing each point with a reason or consequence.”— 0460 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: After stating a point, extend it: POINT → REASON → CONSEQUENCE. For example: 'Deforestation removes trees (point) which means there are fewer roots to hold soil together (reason), so soil is washed into rivers by heavy rain, increasing flood risk (consequence).'

Writing irrelevant introductions in case study answers

“Candidates wasted time writing lengthy introductions about the location and background of their case study that did not address the question.”— 0460 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: Name your case study in the first line, then immediately address the question. Do not write a paragraph of background. If the question asks about impacts of tourism, your first sentence should be: 'In [named place], tourism has caused…' — not a history of when tourism started.