Top 5 Tips
1. Be aware of the overlap of topics between the core, elective and optional units. By studying overlapping subjects you can reduce your workload significantly. For example, for economic activities, elective unit 4, you are asked to study a region where the economy is dominated by services. To answer this section you can refer to the Paris Region. You can also study the same region (Paris) and use the information to answer questions from the regional section, core 2.
2. When answering the examination questions, remember to write between nine and eleven significant relevant points (SRPs) for a thirty-mark question. A SRP is a single piece of factual information, to which an examiner will assign a mark weighting as prescribed by the marking scheme outlined by the State Examinations Commission.
3. To earn the overall cohesion marks (20% of the total marks in some questions), remember to link the SRPs in your answers. Cohesion is the link you make between the points and their relevance to the question asked, i.e. your answer should not merely be a collection of facts, you need to discuss what you know about the topic in relation to the question asked.
4. Marks are earned for any supporting diagrams and sketch maps you use to accompany your answer. In a thirty mark question, where you are expected to offer between nine and eleven significant points, two SRPs are allocated for an illustration. However, remember to avoid wasting time by drawing elaborate illustrations.
5. One of the main challenges ofthe Geography Leaving Certificate examination is coping with the structure and range of questions on the paper. Familiarise yourself with the layout of the paper and the time allowed to answer each question. This will save time and ensure you know what you are doing on the day of the examination.
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About the Author
Therese King
Therese King has many years experience of teaching Geography to all abilities and levels and currently teaches in St.Dominic’s College, Cabra, Dublin. She has been involved in publishing for a number of years and has co-authored Groundwork 1 and 2 and the ‘Study Buddy’ CD which accompanies the Edco Higher Level Junior Certificate Geography papers. She has also co-written the Essential Guide to Better Grades which is included in the Edco Leaving Certificate Geography Papers at Higher and Ordinary levels.
Monica Hopkins
Monica Hopkins is currently teaching in St. Dominic’s College, Cabra, Dublin and has extensive experience teaching Geography at both Junior and Senior levels. She has co-authored a number of publications, including Groundwork 1 and 2 and the ‘Study Buddy’ CD which accompanies the Edco Higher Level Junior Certificate Geography papers. She has also co-written the Essential Guide to Better Grades which is included in the Edco Leaving Certificate Geography Papers at Higher and Ordinary levels.
