Mark Scheme

Section A — Structured Questions

1. (a) (up to 2) A tropical storm = an intense low-pressure weather system with very strong winds and heavy rain, forming over warm tropical oceans (also called a hurricane, cyclone or typhoon). [2] (b) (up to 4) Conditions: warm ocean water (about 27 °C or above) providing energy/evaporation; occurring in tropical latitudes; the warm, moist air rises, cools and condenses, releasing energy; low wind shear allows the storm to develop and spin (due to the Earth's rotation). [4] (c) (up to 4) Two management methods: prediction/monitoring and warnings so people can evacuate; protection — building storm-resistant buildings/sea defences; planning/education — evacuation routes, emergency supplies and drills. 1 + 1 development each. [4]

2. (a) (up to 2) Hot deserts are very hot in the day and cold at night, with very low, unreliable rainfall (often under 250 mm a year); large diurnal temperature range. [2] (b) (up to 4) Two plant adaptations: long/deep or wide-spreading roots to reach water; thick, fleshy stems to store water (e.g. cacti); small/spiny leaves to reduce water loss (transpiration); a waxy coating. 1 + 1 development each. [4] (c) (up to 4) One opportunity — e.g. mineral/energy resources (solar power, oil), tourism, or irrigated farming; one challenge — extreme heat, water shortage, inaccessibility. Opportunity (2) + challenge (2). [4]

3. (a) (up to 2) The development gap = the difference in wealth and quality of life between the richest (more developed) and poorest (less developed) countries. [2] (b) (up to 4) Two ways using the data: Country A has far higher GNI per person ($45,000 vs $1,200), so people are much wealthier; higher life expectancy (82 vs 61) and far fewer people per doctor (300 vs 6,500), showing better healthcare. Must use the figures. [4] (c) (up to 6) Two reasons developed: historical (colonialism); economic (debt, reliance on low-value primary exports, little industry/investment); environmental (natural hazards, climate, poor land); social (poor education/healthcare); political (instability/corruption). 3 marks per reason (statement + explanation + how it holds development back). [6]

4. (a) (up to 2) Water security = having a reliable, sufficient supply of clean, safe water to meet the needs of a population. [2] (b) (up to 4) Two reasons: rising population (more people need water); higher standard of living (more water-using appliances, more food/industry); industrial and agricultural growth; urbanisation. 1 + 1 development each. [4] (c) (up to 6) Two strategies developed: increase supply — build reservoirs/dams, desalination of seawater, water transfer schemes; use more sustainably — reduce leaks, recycle/reuse water, efficient irrigation, education to save water. 3 marks each (strategy + how it helps + a consideration). [6]

Section B — Extended Response

5. (16 marks) Levels-marked discussion.

• Support (poorer countries suffer worse): weaker/poorly-built buildings collapse more; less money for prediction, warning systems, defences and emergency services; poorer healthcare and slower recovery; more people in vulnerable areas.
• Challenge/qualification: richer countries can still suffer huge economic losses (expensive property/infrastructure); some poorer countries prepare well; the magnitude and type of the hazard, and where it hits, also matter, not just wealth; "always" is too strong.
• Level 4 (13–16): balanced discussion using the idea that wealth affects preparation and response, with qualification and a justified conclusion; Level 3 (9–12): several developed points; Level 2 (5–8): limited/one-sided; Level 1 (1–4): basic. Examples strengthen the answer. Credit engagement with the word "always".

Sample Answers with Examiner Commentary

Question 1(b) — Sample Answers

Grade A response. "Tropical storms need several conditions to form. The most important is warm ocean water, usually at least 27 °C, because this heats the air above it and causes lots of evaporation, which provides the energy and moisture for the storm. They form in tropical latitudes, a little way from the equator, where the sea is warm enough. The warm, moist air rises rapidly, and as it rises it cools and the water vapour condenses, forming huge storm clouds and releasing large amounts of energy (latent heat), which powers the storm. Low wind shear allows the storm to build up and start to spin because of the Earth's rotation."

Mark: 4/4. Examiner commentary: A full-mark answer that gives the key conditions and, crucially, explains why each matters rather than just listing them: warm water (≥27 °C) as the energy source, the rising warm moist air, and condensation releasing energy to power the storm. Linking the warm ocean to evaporation and the condensation to the release of energy shows genuine understanding of the process, which is what lifts this to full marks.

Grade C response. "Tropical storms form over warm seas in hot places. The warm air rises and makes big clouds and strong winds."

Mark: 2/4. Examiner commentary: The candidate correctly identifies warm seas and rising warm air, earning two marks, and knows this leads to clouds and strong winds. However, the explanation lacks the detail and process the higher marks require: the specific temperature (about 27 °C), why the warm water matters (evaporation providing energy and moisture), and the role of condensation releasing energy to power the storm. Developing why each condition is needed, rather than just describing what happens, would gain the remaining marks.

Question 3(b) — Sample Answers

Grade A response. "The data shows Country A is much more developed than Country B in two clear ways. Firstly, its GNI per person is $45,000 compared with only $1,200 in Country B, which means people in Country A are on average far wealthier and can afford a much higher standard of living. Secondly, Country A has far better healthcare: its life expectancy is 82 years compared with 61 in Country B, and there are only 300 people per doctor compared with 6,500 per doctor in Country B. This means people in Country A have much better access to medical care, which helps explain why they live longer."

Mark: 4/4. Examiner commentary: A full-mark answer that does exactly what a data question requires — it quotes the specific figures from the table and explains what they show about development. The candidate links GNI per person to wealth and standard of living, and links both the life expectancy and the people-per-doctor figures to better healthcare, even connecting the two (better healthcare explaining longer life). Using the actual data and interpreting it, rather than just describing the numbers, is what secures the marks.