Conquering the Case Study

Importance of Case Studies

• Larger than examples, require specific facts for 8 mark questions in GCSE exam.
• Case studies focus on:
  • Location
  • Impacts: Social, Economic, Environmental, Political (SEEP)
  • Responses: Evaluation of good or bad responses.

Using Case Studies in Exams

• Read Questions Carefully: Look for specifics to avoid writing general paragraphs.
• Always Use Case Studies for 8 Mark Questions: Even if not explicitly stated.
• BUG the Question:
  • Box command words (e.g., explain, evaluate, assess).
  • Underline key geographical terms.
  • Glance back to ensure the answer aligns with the question.
• Know at Least Two Impacts and Responses: Essential for higher marks.
• Categorize into SEEP: Helps structure the impacts and responses.
• Use PEEL Paragraphs: Point, Explain, Evidence, Link back to question.
• Include Specific Data or Dates: Demonstrates detailed knowledge.
• Directly Answer the Question: Provide a clear stance on agree/disagree questions.

Case Studies Overview

Ecosystems

1. Costa Rica - Samasati Nature Reserve: Ecotourism and deforestation impacts and solutions.

   • Causes: Logging, mining, population pressure, commercial/subsistence farming.
   • Impacts: Soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, climate change.
   • Solutions: Selective logging, ecotourism, national parks, education.

2. Arctic Council: Global sustainable management of the Arctic ecosystem.

   • Successes: Legal contracts, research enhancement.
   • Failures: No budget, non-binding, pirate fishing increase.

3. Ice Hotel: Local sustainable management example.

   • Positive Impacts: Local materials, solar panels, Ecolabel certified.
   • Negative Impacts: Unsustainable energy use in winter, climate change dependency.

Urban Futures

1. Birmingham (AC): Challenges and Sustainable Solutions.

   • Challenges: Deprivation, unemployment, inequalities.
   • Solutions: Bull Ring, Birmingham Library sustainability.

2. Istanbul (EDC): Rapid urbanization challenges.

   • Challenges: Population growth, squatter settlements.
   • Solutions: Regeneration projects, metro system.

Tectonics & Weather Hazards

1. Haiti Earthquake (2010): Tectonic impacts and responses.

   • Impacts: Social (220,000 deaths), Economic (business collapse).
   • Responses: Aid, cash-for-work programs.

2. Typhoon Haiyan (2013): Weather hazard impacts and responses.

   • Impacts: Economic cost, social displacement, environmental damage.
   • Responses: Evacuations, international aid.

UK in the 21st Century

1. Cambridge: Business location advantages and disadvantages.

   • Advantages: Education, accessibility, housing.
   • Disadvantages: High house prices, congestion.

2. UK's Role in the Middle East: Historical involvement and impacts.

   • Involvement: Oil trade, military goods, Iraq War.

Coastal & River Landscapes

1. Walton-on-the-Naze: Coastal management strategies.

   • Management: Groynes, sea wall, beach replenishment.

2. River Tees: River management strategies.

   • Example: Yarm’s flood defense scheme.

Changing Climate

1. UK: Impacts of climate change.

   • Negative: Flooding, heat problems.
   • Positive: New agricultural opportunities.

2. Tuvalu: Sea level rise impacts and management.

   • Impacts: Salinization, flooding, economic threats.
   • Management: Community action, migration.

Dynamic Development

Zambia: Development challenges and strategies.

• MDGs: Mixed success in health and education.
• Copper Dependency: Economic diversification needed.
• TNCs: Benefits and drawbacks on the economy.
• WaterAid & Top-Bottom Projects: Community and government level initiatives.

Resource Reliance

1. UK: High food security levels.

   • Changes in diet, obesity issues, food banks.

2. Tanzania: Low food security challenges.

   • Strategies: SAGCOT, wheat program, Goat Aid.

Exam Strategy

• Utilize case studies to provide detailed, structured answers.
• Focus on impacts, responses, and management strategies.
• Use a mix of social, economic, environmental, and political perspectives.