IGCSE Cambridge Geography Exam - Map Skills

Lecture Overview

This lecture provides a detailed guide on how to approach and solve the map skills question from paper two of the IGCSE Cambridge Geography exam, based on the June 2019 question paper. It covers essential strategies, tips, and step-by-step methods for effectively answering the questions during the 90-minute exam.

Exam Preparation and Tips

Equipment Needed for the Exam

• Protractor for bearings and direction
• Ruler (for measuring distance and six-figure references)
• Pencil and sharpener
• Eraser

Time Management

• The map skills section is compulsory, worth 20 marks out of 60.
• Allocate approximately 30 minutes to this section.

Key Steps for Solving Map Skills Questions

1. Focus on Specific Areas:

   • Draw the box of Figure 1.1 on the A3 map to focus only on the required area.

2. Identification Using The Key:

   • Match map symbols from the key to those on the map.
   • Example: Identifying a 'mast' not as 'tower' based on the symbol.

3. Understanding Map Features:

   • Contour lines, spot heights and landmarks like churches, industrial areas are often questioned.

4. Describing River Features:

   • Use the Bradshaw Model as a guide, but focus on observable features like river width, meanders, tributaries, and confluences.
   • Example: Indicating the river flows from northwest to southeast and describing changes in river width.

5. Describing Differences in Relief:

   • Compare steepness and height between different areas by studying contour lines closely.
   • Example: Explaining how area A has steeper slopes and a higher maximum height compared to area B.

6. Drawing Cross Sections:

   • Include important geographic features by measuring exact locations on provided maps.
   • Example: Mark the E22 and river features at precise points on a hypothetical cross-section.

7. Measurement of Distances:

   • Convert measurements from the map scale into real-world distances.
   • Example: Calculating the length of a road segment by measuring it and using the map's scale.

8. Using Direction and Bearings:

   • Determine the direction using a compass or protractor.
   • Example: Determining the direction from certain map points using precise bearings.

9. Completing and Labelling Map Extracts:

   • Complete lines and label features accurately on map extracts using provided data points.

Important Exam Tips

• Always verify symbols and geographical elements with the map key.
• Employ the features of the map provided, concentrating on listed details and specific tasks.
• Practice deriving information like rivers’ directions and land relief differences quickly and accurately.
• When in doubt about features, always lean towards the first listed acceptable answer to avoid disqualification.
• Dividing the route into straight segments may ease the calculation of total distances.
• For compass directions, knowing basic bearings and their exact degrees is beneficial.
• Ensure precision in drawing cross-sections and translating map measurements to ensure accuracy in answers.
• Practice calculating six-figure grid references using ruler and referencing tips to ensure exactness.

Simulation Exercises

• Practical Application: Using the lecture strategies, try solving another past paper to reinforce learning.
• Focused Practice: Draw and label map extracts as per exam questions to familiarize with the type of answers expected.

Conclusion

This video aims to equip students with the necessary skills and confidence required to tackle the map skills component effectively. By understanding the use of tools, grasping the art of feature identification, and applying precise measurement techniques, students should be able to maximize their scores in this section of the geography exam paper.