Paper 1 Level 5 exemplar 2 comments

- In Question 3, the candidate described and explained correctly the favourable factors for farming development in

Central Valley with reference to the information provided in the map extract. He/she also explained the

climatic constraints on farming in Central Valley but he/she made some irrelevant points such as ‘rain shadow

area’. He/she explained clearly the reasons for and against the adoption of sprinkler irrigation in Central

Valley. He/she demonstrated a clear understanding of precision farming and its effectiveness in tackling the

climatic constraints in Central Valley.

- In Question 4, the candidate interpreted logically a range of geographical concepts. He/she described the

climatic conditions of the tropical rainforest and explained their influence on the characteristics of vegetation.

He/she also described and explained the negative impact of human interference on the physical environment of

tropical rainforest. He/she demonstrated the proper use of geographical terminology in evaluating the

effectiveness of selective logging in conserving tropical rainforest.

- In the short essay question, the candidate showed a general understanding of how human activities increase the

concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. However, he/she should have explained the consequences

of the burning of fossil fuels in more detail. He/she provided a clear analysis of whether cooperation between

more developed countries and less developed countries can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Paper 2 Level 5 exemplar 2 comments

- The candidate possessed extensive geographical knowledge on the topics of “Dynamic Earth: The Building of

Hong Kong” and “Weather and Climate”. He/she communicated his/her knowledge and understanding with

accurate use of geographical terminology. He/she did excellently in both the structured and the short essay

questions.

- In the structured question, the candidate demonstrated thorough understanding of the correlation of air pressure

and wind direction on the southeastern coast of China. He/she explained the factors affecting the pressure pattern

in the northern hemisphere in a coherent and systematic way. He/she also worked out logically how sinking air

affected the weather of Hong Kong before the approach of a typhoon.

- In the short essay question, the candidate communicated his/her knowledge and understanding of the formation of

metamorphic rocks coherently and logically with appropriate use of geographical terminology. He/she

provided an in-depth analysis with actual examples and a comprehensive explanation to discuss the significance of

the nature of sedimentary rocks in shaping the physical landscape of Hong Kong. He/she demonstrated a

sound understanding of this topic.