How to write a good geography essay?

How to analyze this question? “Extrusive vulcanicity along a destructive plate boundary is more hazardous than along a constructive plate boundary.” What are the conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? Account for the above statement. Pg.105 Q1

How to analyze this question?

How many parts are there? “Extrusive vulcanicity along a destructive plate boundary is more hazardous than along a constructive plate boundary.” What are the conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? Account for the above statement.

How many parts are there? “Extrusive vulcanicity along a destructive plate boundary is more hazardous than along a constructive plate boundary.” 1. What are the conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? 2. Account for the above statement.

What are the question words? “Extrusive vulcanicity along a destructive plate boundary is more hazardous than along a constructive plate boundary.” What are the conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? Account for the above statement.

What are the question words? “Extrusive vulcanicity along a destructive plate boundary is more hazardous than along a constructive plate boundary.” What are the conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? Account for the above statement.

What are the keywords? “Extrusive vulcanicity along a destructive plate boundary is more hazardous than along a constructive plate boundary.” What are the conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? Account for the above statement.

What are the keywords? “Extrusive vulcanicity along a destructive plate boundary is more hazardous than along a constructive plate boundary.” What are the conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? Account for the above statement.

Re-phrase the question “Extrusive vulcanicity along a destructive plate boundary is more hazardous than along a constructive plate boundary.” What are the conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? Account for the above statement.

Re-phrase the Question “Extrusive vulcanicity (e.g. volcanic eruption) along a destructive plate boundary (convergence) is more hazardous (more death & damages) than along a constructive plate boundary (divergence).” = more death & damages at destructive >>> constructive plate boundaries What are the conditions (NOT reasons, = without the conditions, extrusive vulcanicity can’t occur) needed for extrusive vulcanicity to occur? Account for the above statement. Why damages & deaths occur at constructive & destructive plate boundaries? Why more damages & deaths at destructive plate boundaries / less damages & deaths at constructive plate boundaries?

Rephrasing 1a. Conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity 2a) Why damages & deaths occur at constructive & destructive plate boundaries? 2b) Why more damages & deaths at destructive plate boundaries / less damages & deaths at constructive plate boundaries?

How to analyze the question? Break into parts find question words Highlight keywords Re-phrasing the question (e.g. own interpretation, add concepts, find linkage between different parts)

Structure of an essay I. Introduction (a must? How long?) II. Body - heading? - how long? - how to write? - wordings only? III. Conclusion (a must? How long?)

Introduction A must??????????? How to write????? Copy the question again????? 1. No idea -> (copy the question in NSS1-2) 2 .Must include keywords in question (e.g. constructive & destructive plate boundaries) 3. Can give some definition of some important terms (e.g. extrusive vulcanicity) 4. Structure of the essay (how do you re-phrase the question) (e.g. I will first mention the necessary conditions for …. Then the arguments will focus on why destructive plate boundaries have ….. while constructive plate boundaries have ……) Short (1 paragraph, <5 lines) No marks given for introduction, only discretionary marks only

Body A. Heading (NSS1-2) to show which part of the question you are answering Try to write heading for this essay 1. Conditions needed for extrusive vulcanicity 2. Why damages occur at destructive & constructive plate boundaries? 3. Reasons for more damages & deaths at destructive plate boundaries / less damages & deaths at constructive plate boundaries Comparison is needed B. Key topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph E.g. xxxx is needed for extrusive vulcanicity to take place as .……………

Body C. Duration of each part 1-2 paragraph (description) 2-3 paragraphs (explanation, evaluation) D. Weighting Evaluation / application / discussion >> explanation >> description E. Answers in perspectives Environmentally, economically, socially, politically………. F. Wordings only??? Relevant diagrams to gain discretionary marks G. In-depth answer???? Choose a few factors & have in-depth analysis.

How to gain discretionary marks? 1. Clear structure 2. Correct examples, NOT case 3. Important diagrams (e.g.volcanic eruption) – diagrams before description 4. simple flowchart 5. Analytical > Descriptive 6. Update cases (e.g.Sichuan Earthquake) 7. Data (e.g. global warming) 8. Geographical keywords

Conclusion A must?? Answer all parts first What to write? New ideas / major point E.g. Besides the type of plate boundaries, xxx also affect the damages of extrusive vulcanicity ….) Wording only? Flow chart / diagram (especially if time is running short)

How to write a good essay? 1. Answer every parts in time 2. Write in short paragraphs 3. Clear introduction & conclusion 4. Good structure - clear headings for each part - clear topic sentence for each paragraph (<8 lines) - pattern -> explanation -> example 5. Look at the issues from different perspectives (Evaluation) 6. Geographical keywords 7. No contradictions 7. Support answers with data, examples, diagrams, flow charts …… 8. In-depth arguments > superficial arguments