• A response that demonstrates a high order of conceptual understanding and an

appreciation of the holistic nature of geography within the context of the question.

• Critical analysis, synthesis and assessment of the connections between the different elements of the subject.

• Wide-ranging, thorough and accurate knowledge.

• Detailed and possibly original exemplification.

• Well-directed and well-annotated sketch maps/diagrams.

• A well-structured, coherent and logical response.

• Complex ideas expressed clearly with few, if any, errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

• A confident grasp of relevant concepts and principles.

• Sound analysis, synthesis and assessment of some of the connections between the different elements of the subject.

• Good factual knowledge and understanding.

• Appropriate exemplification.

• Appropriate, basically accurate annotated sketch maps/diagrams.

• The response is clear, coherent and appropriately structured.

• The quality of English is consistently sound

• A reasonable grasp of relevant concepts and principles.

• Arguments are partial with points limited in range, depth and development with only limited linkage.

• A secure, straightforward base of knowledge and understanding.

• Examples are superficial and may be variable.

• Limited use of basic diagrams.

• There may be some loss in coherence.

Marginal

6 - 10

• Some grasp of concepts and principles is evident, but there may be inaccuracies and misconceptions.

• Arguments are weakly presented and most points are generalised or of partial relevance to the question with little or no linkage.

• Some knowledge and understanding, but it is limited in scope.

• There is limited use of examples.

• Sketch maps/diagrams contain inaccuracies.

• The response lacks fluency.

• Expression may be poor and there are basic errors in the spelling of geographical terms.

Weak

1-5

• There is minimal understanding of subject material.

Organisation of material is poor and although occasional relevant points are made much is irrelevant.

• The response demonstrates poor knowledge and understanding and contains errors.

• Little use of examples or if evident they are irrelevant to the question.

• The response may be incomplete or difficult to follow.

• The answer is poorly written and contains basic errors in the spelling ofgeographical terms.