Crafting a successful Geography essay requires logical thinking skills and adequate content knowledge. For some students, it may be difficult to score well in examinations if they do not have enough practice.
We have outlined several main techniques on how to score well for Geography from our favorite Geography teachers across Singapore:
1. Knowing the exam’s format and requirements
First of all, you need to get acquainted with the exam format and structure, which involves understanding the layout of the paper and how many marks there are in each segment.
This will help you with time management in the Geography exam; you will be able to plan more easily for each segment so that you don’t end up wasting too much time on one and end up not completing another.
For O-level Geography, there are 2 papers:
[ Paper 1 ] – 2 sections of structured questions, 50% of the total score
Section A is a required issue on Regional Inquiries focused on the topics of Coastal / Global Tourism. Recommended to spend 55 minutes here with a value of 25 marks.
Section B consists of 2 questions on the same topics where you select 1 on them. Recommended to spend 45 minutes here with a value of 25 marks
Total Duration = 1 hour 40 minutes
[ Paper 2 ] – 2 sections of structured questions, 50% of the total score
Section A has 2 questions and you choose 1 of it, the topics are based on Living with Techtronic Hazards / Variable Weather and Changing Climate. Advised to spend 45 minutes here.
Section B has 2 questions and you choose 1 of it, the topics are based on Food Resources / Health and Diseases. Advised to spend 45 minutes here and its worth 25 marks.
Total Duration = 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Customized notes
Many teachers and schools typically have reminders and tips that can be very useful while you’re revising your work, but they are usually big stacks of documents, and it’s difficult to recall all of the information. It is advised that each student draw up their own personalized reports.
You don’t have to be an artist and make notes like how professional graphics artists do, nor are you required to have an iPad to do that. A sheet of paper, a pen and a highlighter would suffice. You can get some ideas from YouTube that show you how to take notes. As long as you can read it, it doesn’t matter how your handwriting is like.
Another positive thing about making your own notes is that you can start from anywhere you want. Making your own notes is also a very handy and practical method of revision. You can go through your notes at any time, even right before you enter the examination hall.
3. Develop your Language & Argumentative skills
You need to learn how to reason, justify and debate constructively. Do not simply memorise and regurgitate everything.
Every issue is different, so you need to adapt your answers to fit into the essay.
Polish Your English by checking through your grammar and sentences. You wouldn’t like to lose out because of bad spelling.
4. Ask for help
When you’ve gone through what your weaknesses are, find someone to help you figure out your questions.
You need time to prepare for your exam and clear up your concerns to help you properly revise. So start today!
