AQA A-Level Geography- Anyone else finding it hard?
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skatergal99
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#1
Just wondered if anyone else is finding the course difficult? We have teachers, one for human and one for physical- last year neither of the teachers were brilliant and this year one of them is a bit better but the physical side isn’t really being taught brilliantly, the teacher even said it’s more about what we do at home than in class, content just gets skimmed over.
I currently study from both the official textbook and the CPG revision guide, but can anyone recommend any other good resources? I feel like I don’t have enough detail from these alone.
Does anyone also have any exam technique tips? I find the questions so vague- in my psychology exams I know exactly how to approach each question, but geography seems so broad and I never really understand how to answer them correctly to get top marks. If anyone is successful at questions or has a good teacher that has given tips on how to answer questions I’d really appreciate that! E.g. how to structure 6 markers, 9 markers and 20 markers?
If not can anyone give me some reassurance I’m not the only one who feels like this, I’m quite worried! Thank you!
I currently study from both the official textbook and the CPG revision guide, but can anyone recommend any other good resources? I feel like I don’t have enough detail from these alone.
Does anyone also have any exam technique tips? I find the questions so vague- in my psychology exams I know exactly how to approach each question, but geography seems so broad and I never really understand how to answer them correctly to get top marks. If anyone is successful at questions or has a good teacher that has given tips on how to answer questions I’d really appreciate that! E.g. how to structure 6 markers, 9 markers and 20 markers?
If not can anyone give me some reassurance I’m not the only one who feels like this, I’m quite worried! Thank you!
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TSR Jessica
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Sorry you've not had any responses about this.
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Here's a link to our subject forum which should help get you more responses if you post there.



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username3058068
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Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology
Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.

Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
(Original post by mjb633)
Just wondered if anyone else is finding the course difficult? We have teachers, one for human and one for physical- last year neither of the teachers were brilliant and this year one of them is a bit better but the physical side isn’t really being taught brilliantly, the teacher even said it’s more about what we do at home than in class, content just gets skimmed over.
I currently study from both the official textbook and the CPG revision guide, but can anyone recommend any other good resources? I feel like I don’t have enough detail from these alone.
Does anyone also have any exam technique tips? I find the questions so vague- in my psychology exams I know exactly how to approach each question, but geography seems so broad and I never really understand how to answer them correctly to get top marks. If anyone is successful at questions or has a good teacher that has given tips on how to answer questions I’d really appreciate that! E.g. how to structure 6 markers, 9 markers and 20 markers?
If not can anyone give me some reassurance I’m not the only one who feels like this, I’m quite worried! Thank you!
Just wondered if anyone else is finding the course difficult? We have teachers, one for human and one for physical- last year neither of the teachers were brilliant and this year one of them is a bit better but the physical side isn’t really being taught brilliantly, the teacher even said it’s more about what we do at home than in class, content just gets skimmed over.
I currently study from both the official textbook and the CPG revision guide, but can anyone recommend any other good resources? I feel like I don’t have enough detail from these alone.
Does anyone also have any exam technique tips? I find the questions so vague- in my psychology exams I know exactly how to approach each question, but geography seems so broad and I never really understand how to answer them correctly to get top marks. If anyone is successful at questions or has a good teacher that has given tips on how to answer questions I’d really appreciate that! E.g. how to structure 6 markers, 9 markers and 20 markers?
If not can anyone give me some reassurance I’m not the only one who feels like this, I’m quite worried! Thank you!
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skatergal99
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#4
(Original post by Kpopgyal)
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology
Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology

Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
That’s so kind of you to let me see some of your essay plans! Thank you, I’ll message you now.
Thanks again!
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susielovesblue
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#5
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Geography is very broad. With psych you have set evaluation points you need to memorise..
But how do I evaluate the tectonic theory?! It’s hard!
Highest I’ve ever gotten was a 16... which is a bit saddening as I easily score 16/16 on my psych essays..
The best thing to do really is Male essay plans from mark schemes and memorise the eval points from there.
Take random graphs of the internet and analyse them
But how do I evaluate the tectonic theory?! It’s hard!
Highest I’ve ever gotten was a 16... which is a bit saddening as I easily score 16/16 on my psych essays..
The best thing to do really is Male essay plans from mark schemes and memorise the eval points from there.
Take random graphs of the internet and analyse them
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skatergal99
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#6
(Original post by susielovesblue)
Geography is very broad. With psych you have set evaluation points you need to memorise..
But how do I evaluate the tectonic theory?! It’s hard!
Highest I’ve ever gotten was a 16... which is a bit saddening as I easily score 16/16 on my psych essays..
The best thing to do really is Male essay plans from mark schemes and memorise the eval points from there.
Take random graphs of the internet and analyse them
Geography is very broad. With psych you have set evaluation points you need to memorise..
But how do I evaluate the tectonic theory?! It’s hard!
Highest I’ve ever gotten was a 16... which is a bit saddening as I easily score 16/16 on my psych essays..
The best thing to do really is Male essay plans from mark schemes and memorise the eval points from there.
Take random graphs of the internet and analyse them
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deadlyninja123
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(Original post by skatergal99)
Just wondered if anyone else is finding the course difficult? We have teachers, one for human and one for physical- last year neither of the teachers were brilliant and this year one of them is a bit better but the physical side isn’t really being taught brilliantly, the teacher even said it’s more about what we do at home than in class, content just gets skimmed over.
I currently study from both the official textbook and the CPG revision guide, but can anyone recommend any other good resources? I feel like I don’t have enough detail from these alone.
Does anyone also have any exam technique tips? I find the questions so vague- in my psychology exams I know exactly how to approach each question, but geography seems so broad and I never really understand how to answer them correctly to get top marks. If anyone is successful at questions or has a good teacher that has given tips on how to answer questions I’d really appreciate that! E.g. how to structure 6 markers, 9 markers and 20 markers?
If not can anyone give me some reassurance I’m not the only one who feels like this, I’m quite worried! Thank you!
Just wondered if anyone else is finding the course difficult? We have teachers, one for human and one for physical- last year neither of the teachers were brilliant and this year one of them is a bit better but the physical side isn’t really being taught brilliantly, the teacher even said it’s more about what we do at home than in class, content just gets skimmed over.
I currently study from both the official textbook and the CPG revision guide, but can anyone recommend any other good resources? I feel like I don’t have enough detail from these alone.
Does anyone also have any exam technique tips? I find the questions so vague- in my psychology exams I know exactly how to approach each question, but geography seems so broad and I never really understand how to answer them correctly to get top marks. If anyone is successful at questions or has a good teacher that has given tips on how to answer questions I’d really appreciate that! E.g. how to structure 6 markers, 9 markers and 20 markers?
If not can anyone give me some reassurance I’m not the only one who feels like this, I’m quite worried! Thank you!
9 markers usually require you to recall knowledge as well as to evaluate. Its likely 9 markers are more likely to prompt comparisons - make sure you keep your points balanced and always end with a conclusion otherwise you will lose marks.
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skatergal99
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#8
(Original post by deadlyninja123)
6 markers usually follow a figure so best structure would be to find three things relevant to the figure and develop your point. If there are multiple figures you need to use data from all of them - be balanced. If its data rather than a photo, I would recommend seeing if there's an overall trend and there usually is an anomaly - suggest a reason for these trends/anomalies to develop your point (especially if the question says 'analyse,'explain' or 'evaluate'
.
9 markers usually require you to recall knowledge as well as to evaluate. Its likely 9 markers are more likely to prompt comparisons - make sure you keep your points balanced and always end with a conclusion otherwise you will lose marks.
6 markers usually follow a figure so best structure would be to find three things relevant to the figure and develop your point. If there are multiple figures you need to use data from all of them - be balanced. If its data rather than a photo, I would recommend seeing if there's an overall trend and there usually is an anomaly - suggest a reason for these trends/anomalies to develop your point (especially if the question says 'analyse,'explain' or 'evaluate'

9 markers usually require you to recall knowledge as well as to evaluate. Its likely 9 markers are more likely to prompt comparisons - make sure you keep your points balanced and always end with a conclusion otherwise you will lose marks.
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deadlyninja123
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(Original post by skatergal99)
Thank you so much!! This is really helpful to know!
Thank you so much!! This is really helpful to know!
I think you can get away with fewer facts in the human paper, so its easier to 'waffle' and get marks on less knowledge than physical, probably cause it's more to do with common sense.
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skatergal99
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#10
(Original post by deadlyninja123)
no problem. Its useful to create a structure for 20 markers too. Define all the key terms from the question in your introduction to show the examiner you know what you're talking about. Then aim for 4 paragraphs for each point you have - always give examples, explain processes if you need. The exam board are mad on sense of place so link topics too, give named locations, be specific as possible. I was told the number of lines available should be enough to win all the marks but if you know something and its relevant bop it right in. That being said try not to go on a tangent. Always always link back to the question when you can, especially in the conclusion.
I think you can get away with fewer facts in the human paper, so its easier to 'waffle' and get marks on less knowledge than physical, probably cause it's more to do with common sense.
no problem. Its useful to create a structure for 20 markers too. Define all the key terms from the question in your introduction to show the examiner you know what you're talking about. Then aim for 4 paragraphs for each point you have - always give examples, explain processes if you need. The exam board are mad on sense of place so link topics too, give named locations, be specific as possible. I was told the number of lines available should be enough to win all the marks but if you know something and its relevant bop it right in. That being said try not to go on a tangent. Always always link back to the question when you can, especially in the conclusion.
I think you can get away with fewer facts in the human paper, so its easier to 'waffle' and get marks on less knowledge than physical, probably cause it's more to do with common sense.
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RT24601
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Try asking your teachers about the webinars AQA are putting on for schools about how to answe each type of question. They aren’t cheap, but it’ll be useful to know how to structure your answers and what they’re actually looking for. My school are having them on 18/4/18 (paper 1) and 23/4/18 (paper 2). I can post my notes if you want?
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skatergal99
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#12
(Original post by RT24601)
Try asking your teachers about the webinars AQA are putting on for schools about how to answe each type of question. They aren’t cheap, but it’ll be useful to know how to structure your answers and what they’re actually looking for. My school are having them on 18/4/18 (paper 1) and 23/4/18 (paper 2). I can post my notes if you want?
Try asking your teachers about the webinars AQA are putting on for schools about how to answe each type of question. They aren’t cheap, but it’ll be useful to know how to structure your answers and what they’re actually looking for. My school are having them on 18/4/18 (paper 1) and 23/4/18 (paper 2). I can post my notes if you want?
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urlocalmcm
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#13
(Original post by Kpopgyal)
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology
Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology

Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.

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omgitshamzarais
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#14
(Original post by username3058068)
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology
Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology

Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
Are you able to send this structure to me also. It says that you have restricted private messages to your account.
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skatergal99
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#15
(Original post by omgitshamzarais)
.
Are you able to send this structure to me also. It says that you have restricted private messages to your account.
.
Are you able to send this structure to me also. It says that you have restricted private messages to your account.
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rlg12345
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Hiya, I’m new with thus app so I’m not too sure how to message you myself but if you could also send me some essay structures for 20 markers I would be very appreciative! No one in my class can seem to get past 10/20 it’s very worrying as my exams are literally 2 months away!! Thanks in advance
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mrkratos8
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(Original post by username3058068)
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology
Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology

Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
Thanks in advance
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donnell99
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Does anyone know where I can’t get a range of made up individual past paper questions other than from the past papers and attempting questions from the textbook as I have used them all up
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deadlyninja123
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(Original post by donnell99)
Does anyone know where I can’t get a range of made up individual past paper questions other than from the past papers and attempting questions from the textbook as I have used them all up
Does anyone know where I can’t get a range of made up individual past paper questions other than from the past papers and attempting questions from the textbook as I have used them all up
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ginaml
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(Original post by username3058068)
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology
Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
Yeah, geography is a lot broader than psychology. My physical geography teacher is really good, however, last year (yr 12) my human geography was absolutely rubbish. But we got a new human geography teacher who is really good. I also do psychology

Here are some tips - (I do AQA geography):
The latest AQA Geography textbooks are really useful -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L.../dp/019836654X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geography-L...SS4KHFY5CAAFS7
Physical:
- sadly, it's mainly about what you do at home ;(
- make essay plans!!!
- it's all about memorising the textbook
Human:
- if you want higher than a B, you need to read and make notes on articles on your free time - then add these to your 20 markers
- make loads of essay plans!!!
You can message me, and I can send you some essay plans and structures that my teachers made. They're really useful got 18/20 marks in my last 20 marker, and I'm absolutely terrible at writing, lol.
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