should you draw sketches, maps or diagrams - geography exams

I am studying geography as (aqa) and on the nelson thornes textbook for geography aqa says.

''AQA EXAMINER'S TIPS

Written answers are the most common form of response in examination. Where there is room to add more information, a simple sketch diagram to show location, the relationship between features or how a process works can show your understanding far better than just writing more. Examiners often say that they wish a small sketch, map or diagram had been included to make it clear that the candidate did understand the locational, process and relationship factors affecting a case study.''

Is this for real?
Have you ever done it?
Do you think it's a good idea?

Reply 1

BeeBee2710

I use sketches quite a lot for the physical geography topics. Is this A2, AS or GCSE? At AS I used them for showing river/glacial landforms, and at A2 I put them in essays to show different types of volcano. As long as they are labelled and you refer to them in your writing, I think they are good :smile:

Reply 2

Ally.tru

OP

Thanks

It's AS and A2Do you draw them in pen or pencil in exams?

Reply 3

username1103249

0

16

Original post by Ally.tru

I am studying geography as (aqa) and on the nelson thornes textbook for geography aqa says.

''AQA EXAMINER'S TIPS

Written answers are the most common form of response in examination. Where there is room to add more information, a simple sketch diagram to show location, the relationship between features or how a process works can show your understanding far better than just writing more. Examiners often say that they wish a small sketch, map or diagram had been included to make it clear that the candidate did understand the locational, process and relationship factors affecting a case study.''

Is this for real?
Have you ever done it?
Do you think it's a good idea?

My Geography teachers at school write textbooks for AQA at GCSE, AS and A2 levels. They both always say how important it is to use sketches and diagrams. By using them it shows that you are a Geographer and you know what you're talking about - ensure to label them and to use north points, 'not to scale' etc.

Examiners love sketch maps and in most examiner reports they ask for teachers to tell their students to use them. If you are writing a case study in your exam it's important to locate and then you can use your maps/diagrams to illustrate your points. It also means that the examiner can put you straight into the top band of marks. I always use diagrams and maps, they don't have to be perfect or especially neat but it does give the message across to the examiner that you know what you're talking about.

Hope this helps! :smile:

Original post by Ally.tru

Thanks

It's AS and A2Do you draw them in pen or pencil in exams?

Always draw diagrams in pencil - easier to correct if you make a mistake!

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 4

Ally.tru

OP

thanks big time daisystones. amazing reply, really helpful

Reply 5

username1103249

0

16

Original post by Ally.tru

thanks big time daisystones. amazing reply, really helpful

Not a problem, let me know if you need help with anything else! :smile:

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Reply 6

BeeBee2710

Original post by Ally.tru

Thanks

It's AS and A2Do you draw them in pen or pencil in exams?

I usually do them in pencil then go over lightly in pen if it's an essay as pencil won't show up as well on the photocopy. I actually saw a mark scheme for an A2 paper with a question about the atmosphere and it said you could only get a maximum of half marks without a diagram! I think if in doubt, draw a diagram as they are not going to take marks off for it :smile:

Reply 7

__egg

2

does this advice include edexcel a level?

should you draw sketches, maps or diagrams - geography exams

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