2018 HKDSEGeography Paper 1Level 5 Exemplar 1
Paper 1 Level 5 exemplar 1 comments
- In Question 1, the candidate showed a general understanding of the plate tectonics theory. He/ she used
appropriate geographical terms to explain the occurrence of earthquakes but he/ she should have compared the
locations of earthquakes in areas X and Y as well. He/ she referred to the information provided to describe and
explain appropriately the differences in death toll between the two earthquakes but should have also accounted for
the differences in economic losses. He/ she should also have discussed whether the earthquake in area X might
have triggered the earthquake in area Y by referring to appropriate geographical concepts.
- In Question 3, the candidate identified land use X correctly. He/ she interpreted the information provided and
applied geographical concepts to describing the adverse environmental impact brought about by land use X. He/
she described generally the land that was to be developed and clearly explained how the development might help
alleviate the adverse environmental impacts. He/ she analysed the information provided and explained clearly
how the transport system might foster economic development in Hung Shui Kiu. He/ she showed a good
understanding of the concept of town planning and social sustainability. He/ she referred to the information
provided and discussed thoroughly whether the planning of NDA might help achieve social sustainability.
- In Question 6, the candidate showed a good understanding of the famine problem in the Sahel region. He/ she
described and explained clearly the physical constraints that limited food production in the region. He/ she
discussed comprehensively the economic, political and cultural limitations on the growing of genetically modified
crops.
2018 HKDSEGeography Paper 2Level 5 Exemplar 1
Paper 2 Level 5 exemplar 1 comments
- The candidate demonstrated sound knowledge of the curriculum and communicated his/ her knowledge and
understanding with accurate use of geographical terminology.
- In Question 2, the candidate demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the monsoon system in Hong Kong under
the influence of the pressure pattern in July. He/ she analysed systematically the information provided and gave
a detailed explanation of the favourable conditions for the formation of weather system P. He/ she also
understood clearly how weather system P affected the weather conditions. He/ she identified correctly the days
associated with weather conditions X and Y, describing and explaining correctly the changes in weather conditions
in Hong Kong on these two days. He/ she fully understood the relationship between air pressure and wind
direction, explaining correctly how weather system P, i.e. the typhoon, brought about lower pressure and thus
temporarily disturbed the monsoon system in Hong Kong.
- In Question 6, the candidate interpreted logically a range of geographical concepts. He/ she demonstrated
comprehensive knowledge of the rainfall characteristics between northern and southern China. However, he/ she
did not mention the influences of other factors, such as that of the relief barrier, on the rainfall characteristics.
He/ she explained only briefly how the water transfer scheme would alleviate the water problems related to the
rainfall characteristics.