geog essay discuss

How to master A Level Geography 20-mark essay questions

Study Skills

How to master A Level Geography 20-mark essay questions

What should I do before attempting an A Level Geography 20-mark essay question?

Should i plan an a level geography 20-mark essay, how should i structure an a level geography 20-mark essay.

As we run up to exam season, many of you will now be completing your NEAs (non-examined assessment) and exam content, and starting to focus on exam technique. You may be thinking about how you will tackle the dreaded 20-mark essay questions . Essay questions are very much like marmite for students. Some love them as they get the chance to explore key geographic theories and showcase their knowledge and understanding, which may not be possible in lower-stakes questions. However, others may struggle to formulate their geographic ideas or structure them in a way that makes a convincing argument.

In my experience, all A Level geography students must be systematic and structured in the way they write their long-form answers. This approach ensures that students cover all the necessary content while also demonstrating the geographic skills that examiners are assessing.

Examiners use both AO1 and AO2 to evaluate students in essay questions. AO1 requires students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions and change at various scales. AO2 deals with the application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse, and evaluate geographical information and issues. The strongest students can produce answers that balance the two aspects in their responses. If you weigh your answers too far toward knowledge recall and simply state facts, figures, and case study knowledge without doing anything with the knowledge (this is where command words are essential), you will not be able to achieve the highest levels described in the level descriptors.

Before you attempt essay questions, I suggest you take a look at the mark schemes for some past paper questions. It is important to focus on the level descriptors as these are what the examiners will use to assess your answers. Pay attention to the language they use to describe what they are looking for, and when you start your attempts, consider whether your language and writing style match the descriptors. The exam board mark schemes are available on the PMT A Level Geography past papers webpage .

Another place to look before attempting essay questions is the assessed sample answers produced by the exam boards (e.g. AQA Paper 1 Hazards Example Responses ). These are available on the exam board websites and show a range of pupil responses to exam questions. They come with a helpful commentary that explains how the pupils gained marks, highlights the importance of a well-structured response, and provides insight into what examiners are looking for when assessing your answers.

Where to start – command words

As mentioned above, it is very important for students to be systematic in their approach to answering 20 markers. The first thing students need to understand is the command word . Without knowledge of what the command word means and what it is asking you to do, you will not be able to fully engage with the question. To find out the meaning of different command words , you should visit your exam board’s website and look in the specification.

Essay questions tend to use the command words “to what extent” or “assess” . According to AQA, if the question includes the “to what extent” command word, you should “Consider several options, ideas or arguments and come to a conclusion about their importance/success/worth”. On the other hand, if it is an “assess” question, you should “use evidence to weigh up the options to determine the relative significance of something. Give balanced consideration to all factors and identify which are the most important.”

BUG the question

Command words can help guide you in how to structure your answers and the skills you need to exhibit. During KS3 and KS4, you may have been told to BUG the question, where B stands for box the command work , U for underline key terms , and G for glance back at the question .

I would encourage all A Level students to continue to use this strategy, even for longer essay questions. It will help ensure that you are answering the question you are being asked, rather than the question you wish you were being asked.

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

It is crucial for all students to plan their essay writing before they start answering a question. An essay question requires you to write for a sustained period, and if you don’t have a clear plan for what you’re going to write, you may lose focus on your points and arguments and not fully answer the question.

I suggest that all A Level students write a brief plan before attempting the question . This plan should outline the introduction, including key terms to define and any case studies to introduce, the main argument in each of your paragraphs, and finally, the contents of your conclusion. Spending just five minutes on this will save you time in the long run and help keep you on track to answering the question fully.

Students in uniform sitting an exam in the school hall.

A good structure is key to success in essay writing. A clear structure enables you to answer the question coherently and reduces the chance that you will lose the key focus of your points. All of the exam boards recommend following the structure outlined below:

Introduction

Main body of the answer (three to four key arguments)

In academia, this is sometimes known as the hourglass essay . An hourglass essay starts with a big idea, narrows down to a specific question, and then widens back out to explain why that specific question is important in the grand scheme of things.

The introduction of your essay should account for approximately 10% of the total essay length , and it’s an excellent opportunity for you to impress the examiner. Your essay introduction should give a broad view of the essay themes and provide a definition of the key terms that you have underlined in your question. It is also the place to introduce a case study location . A strong start to your essay is crucial as it demonstrates to the examiner that you have a clear understanding of the geographic content you’ve been studying.

Once you have written your introduction, you can then get on to answering the questions. While the introduction mainly covers AO1 (knowledge and understanding of geography), the main body of your answer should cover both AO1 and AO2 (analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and understanding).

As before, the way you structure the main body of your answer is very important, and you must form your points clearly and coherently. During my teaching and tutoring, I have seen many ways of forming these arguments/points, but the two most effective methods I have seen are using PEEL or PEACE paragraphs .

E xplanation
A pplication

Teacher teaching creating writing skills.

Everyone is different, and everyone has their unique writing style. My advice to all A Level students is to try both methods when beginning to tackle essay questions and determine which one works best for you. I would also recommend completing PEEL/PEACE paragraphs and asking for feedback from your teacher or tutor.

The main body of the essay should consist of three to four arguments that cover the views for the specific question. Those who can link back to the question but also between their paragraphs will have the best chance of performing well in their essay questions.

After completing the main body, you now need to finish your essay with a conclusion. Just like the introduction, this should be roughly 10% of the total essay length . The main aim of the conclusion is to bring your essay to a close and essentially answer the question you have been asked. In the conclusion, you should summarise your argument and avoid introducing any new information . It is simply a chance to express your own thoughts and opinions while bringing your essay to a close.

The quality of a conclusion is often a key indicator of the overall quality of an essay. Although it is a short section of the whole piece of writing, it provides a platform to showcase several important geographic skills such as analysis, summarising, and creating synoptic links .

Overall, it is very important that you give yourself enough time to complete your essay questions during your examinations and that you follow the structures discussed above. If you follow these guidelines, you will see an improvement in the quality of your essay responses.

If you’re in Year 13 and in need of additional help, PMT Education runs Geography A Level Easter Crash Courses for AQA and Edexcel . Whether you need support with exam technique or want to revise key sections of the syllabus with the help of an experienced tutor, these courses will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in your summer exams.

Dave is a qualified teacher with 10 years of experience teaching GCSE and A Level Geography. He has worked as an assistant faculty leader for Humanities and a professional mentor for new and trainee teachers. He has also been involved with the supervision and guidance of NEAs. Dave currently works in higher education and trains geography teachers across the North West of England. He is also a tutor at PMT Education , with experience running highly successful geography courses .

How to draw reaction mechanisms in A Level Chemistry

Mastering organic reaction mechanisms is a key part of A Level Chemistry, and it all starts with understanding how to draw them. In this article, chemistry teacher Dan breaks down the different types of mechanisms you'll need to know, from nucleophilic substitution to electrophilic addition, along with the rules for drawing curly arrows.

Your ultimate guide to a successful Parents' Evening

Parents' evening provides a valuable opportunity to engage with your child’s teachers, gain insights into their progress, and address any concerns you or your child may have. Find out how you can make the most of these brief appointments and best support your child using this ultimate guide to a successful parents' evening.

Cold calling in English: Sparking literature discussions in class

Struggling to get your English class talking? Discover why traditional cold calling doesn’t always work in English classrooms and learn simple strategies to encourage meaningful engagement and discussion. Bring your lessons to life with methods that work for the unique dynamics of English classrooms.

Search by Topic

Behaviour (1)
Diversity (1)
Finances (4)
Inspection and Observation (2)
Leadership (1)
Pedagogy (16)
Planning and Organisation (3)
Post-16 Options (7)
Revision and Exams (13)
Science Teaching (4)
SEND Teaching (3)
Study Skills (12)
Tuition (12)
University (13)
Wellbeing (13)

Applying to Oxbridge: Is it worth it?

Considering applying to Oxbridge but unsure if it's worth it? This article debunks common myths about Oxbridge admissions, from state school representation and financial costs to academic requirements and the infamous interview process. Get valuable insights and practical advice from an Oxbridge graduate!

Essential maths skills for A Level Biology

Strong maths skills are essential for success in A Level Biology. In this article, expert examiner Teresa outlines which math skills you need to know and how you can practice them effectively. With practical tips and clear guidance, you'll gain the confidence to tackle maths questions with ease.

Join Our Community

Our ambition is to guide students from secondary school into their adult life.

Uni Admissions
Bursary Scheme
For Schools
Revision Resources
Computer Science
Find a Tutor
How it Works
Teacher Resources
Information
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Safeguarding Policies

How to Write a Geography Essay: Structure, Tips, FAQs

Geography reveals fascinating facts about our planet, like the Dead Sea's buoyancy due to its high salt content. Similarly, writing a geography essay can be just as interesting.

In this guide, our paper writing service experts will discuss what defines this type of essay and share some tips for writing a great one. You’ll learn its key components and see why geography is relevant today. Whether you're a student aiming for success in geography or simply curious about its significance, let's begin!

What is a Geography Essay

A geography essay is a piece of writing that explores a topic related to the Earth's surface and its features. It goes beyond just memorizing locations. There are two main things a geography essay might explore:

Physical features: This could be about mountains, rivers, oceans, deserts, or any other natural aspect of the Earth. The essay might explain how these features formed, how they affect the environment, or how they influence human life.
Human-made features and influences: This could be about cities, borders, agriculture, or any other way humans have shaped the planet. The essay might discuss why these features exist where they do, or how they interact with the natural world.

In the next parts, our skilled writers, who you can buy essay from, will share a simple guide to help you write these essays successfully.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Wednesday Addams

Mysterious, dark, and sarcastic

You’re the master of dark humor and love standing out with your unconventional style. Your perfect costume? A modern twist on Wednesday Addams’ gothic look. You’ll own Halloween with your unapologetically eerie vibe. 🖤🕸️

Ready to Turn Your Passion for Places into an Epic Essay?

Geography geek or not, we've got your back. Let us craft your custom essay that's as intriguing as it is insightful!

How to Write a Geography Essay

Writing a geography essay can be broken down into clear steps. Here's a roadmap to guide you:

Understand the question: Make sure you grasp what the essay prompt is asking you to explore.
Do your research: Gather information from reliable sources like textbooks, scientific journals, or reputable websites. Remember, a strong essay needs a solid foundation of facts.
Craft your thesis statement: This is the main idea your essay will explore. Think of it as the sentence that summarizes the whole chapter of your story.
Introduction: Grab the reader's attention with a captivating opening and introduce your topic. Briefly mention your thesis statement.
Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one key point that supports your thesis. Use clear explanations, examples (like real-world places or case studies), and geographical terms to back up your ideas.
Conclusion: Wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and leaving the reader with a final thought that reinforces your thesis.
Proofread and edit: Double-check your work for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and clarity of your writing. Make sure your essay flows smoothly and transitions well between ideas.

Remember, geography essays explain the "why" behind where things are and how they interact. Use clear language, relevant examples, and a well-organized structure to build a strong and informative essay about our amazing planet.

While you’re at it, find out all about a cause and effect essay and how to write it in our separate guide!

How to Start a Geography Essay

The introduction is your chance to grab the reader's attention and set the stage for your exploration. Here are some tips to craft a compelling opening for your geography essay:

How to End a Geography Essay

A strong conclusion leaves the reader with a lasting impression and reinforces the key takeaways from your essay. Here's how to write a conclusion for an essay :

Geography Essay Example

For a closer look at how to structure and compose an effective geography essay, we've put together a compelling example for your review. As you go through it, you'll discover the essential elements that contribute to making an essay both informative and engaging.

For more inspiration for your upcoming writing project, check out our extensive list of research paper topics .

Geography Essay Structure

We've covered the essential elements of a geography essay, but crafting a truly strong piece requires attention to detail within the structure. Here are some additional points to consider:

Tips for Writing a Geography Essay

Here are some final tips to equip you for crafting a stellar geography essay:

Know Your Audience: Consider who will be reading your essay. Is it for a general audience or a professor well-versed in geography? Tailor your language complexity and level of detail accordingly.
Focus on Clarity, Not Jargon: While geographical terms are important, avoid overusing complex vocabulary that might alienate your reader. Explain technical terms if necessary, and strive for clear, concise writing.
Active Voice is Your Friend: Geography is about a dynamic planet! Use active voice to make your essay engaging and avoid passive constructions that can sound dull.
Proofread and Edit Ruthlessly: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your essay's credibility. Take the time to proofread meticulously and have someone else review your work for a fresh perspective.
Practice Makes Progress: The more you write about geography, the more comfortable you'll become. Don't be afraid to practice writing about different geographical topics to hone your skills.

This guide has equipped you with the tools to write a good geography essay. Remember, it's all about understanding the why behind where things are on Earth. Use clear language, strong examples, and a well-organized structure to craft an essay that explores our amazing planet in a compelling way. So, get out there, research your topic, and impress your professor!

Ready to Explore the World without Leaving Your Desk?

Let our expert writers be your guides on this geographical voyage and map out your academic success together!

How Do You Start a Geography Essay?

What is geographical essay, what is the structure of the geography essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Updated writing steps, structure and tips
Added new essay sample and FAQs
Geography Essay Writing Guidelines . (n.d.). https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/ua/media/40/learningguide-geographyessay.pdf
Extended Response Writing HSC Geography . (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2024, from https://gtansw.org.au/files/resources/SeniorGeography/2017/2a.%20Grace%20Larobina%20%20Extended%20Response%20Writing.pdf

How do you write a great A-Level Geography essay answer?

Exams can be a stressful and nerve-wracking experience, especially when it comes to essay questions. As a student taking A-Level Geography, you may be feeling the pressure of writing a well-structured and thought-out essay for your exams. After all, they’re worth a lot of marks. However, don’t worry! With the right approach and preparation, you can easily tackle essay questions with confidence. Here is my method of approaching any A-Level essay question…

1. Read the question thoroughly!

You’ll have heard this time and time again from your teachers but this cannot be stressed enough! It’s important to read the question carefully and make sure you understand it. Take a few moments to think about what the question is asking and what points you should cover. Highlight keywords or phrases that will help you focus your answer.

Follow along with how I have highlighted this example question.

In this example, I have highlighted the key terms of the question. I want to figure out exactly what the examiner will be looking for and how I can be in with a chance of gaining all of the marks.

Within a few words, I know that the examiner is looking for my answer to be backed up by my case study material and I MUST reference it to get marks.

EVALUATE – means that in my answer I should be weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of the key terms and my answer should have a conclusion of if the management is beneficial or needs improvement.

If you know you will not have time to finish your answer to an ‘evaluate’ question it is important that you skip straight to the conclusion – no matter how short it will be. The examiner is looking for a conclusion in these answers regardless of the rest of the content and so you will gain marks even if it is not your best work!

Finally, I have highlighted the key information that I am being asked for. The question wants me to discuss both the PREPARATION and RESPONSE and so I need to include both in order to get a high mark for the answer. This question is only looking at the management of VOLCANIC activity. By reading the question carefully I am ensuring I do not waste precious time talking about unnecessary ideas.

2. Quickly plan your essay out.

Once you’ve read the question, take a minute to brainstorm some ideas. Make sure to jot down any relevant information, facts, and figures that you definitely want to use in your essay. This will help you to get your thoughts in order and make writing your essay a lot easier.

Make it clear on your exam paper what you do not want to be marked! If you have scribbled a quick plan on your page be sure to go back through and put a big X through it and write in capital letters – PLAN.

You really do not want to waste too much time on this as the allotted time for the paper is tight enough! A quick outline of a few statistics that you have in your head and do not want to forget along with what you have highlighted in the question should be enough to see you through!

3. Don’t forget to use evidence in Geography essays.

When writing an essay for A-level Geography, it’s important to back up your points with evidence. This evidence comes from your case study material and the resources given to you in the exam paper. You should ideally know your case studies inside out before your exam and if you struggle to remember everything then choose the shorter facts to memorise! Make sure to give as many facts, figures, or statistics as you can in your essay. This will help to demonstrate your understanding of the subject and support your arguments.

4. Proofread your Geography essay – if you have time!

Once you’ve finished writing your essay, take a few minutes to proofread it. You should only look back at what you have written after you have finished all of the other questions. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors and make sure that your points are clearly laid out. This will help you to present your best work and ensure that you get the marks you deserve.

Don’t worry if it’s messy! If you want to add more information that you think will genuinely gain more marks, don’t be scared to mark asterisks and carry on at the end of the essay or use arrows with more information at the side. Geography is one of the few A-Levels which is still marked in person, on paper and is not scanned in so you can afford a little bit of untidiness.

Finally…

If you find that the stress of the exam is having an impact on your writing skills it’s important to try and fix it as soon as possible. Essays can be daunting, but continued practice will help you to improve your speed. You’ll also begin to grasp what the examiner wants to see in your answer and know which parts aren’t necessary.

Here is a post you may find useful on exam stress:

Top 5 Ways of Calming Exam Anxiety

To sum up…

By following these steps, you can approach essay questions in A-Level Geography exams with confidence. With the right preparation and practice, you can easily write an essay that will impress the examiners and help you to get the grade you want. Good luck!

Geography Essay Topics: 30+ Interesting Ideas to Explore

0 comments

Brainstorming is a good technique to find good Geography essay topics. Only that it can take an entire afternoon to a few days to build your list of ideas. An easy way is to check pre-written topics and ideas, which is a great option to speed up the ideation process.

When it comes to topic selection, we strongly advice that you choose something that fascinates you. That’s because it’s easy to research and write about something you find interesting than otherwise. Then, you have to ensure you work on the topic based on the assignment brief.

It’s as simple as that.

Key Takeaways

Don’t overthink topic selection. Identify what area would be interesting to explore, and focus on it.
Put yourself in the shoes of your instructor, as this is a good technique for topic selection.
Ensure you read the assignment brief to determine which essay your professor expects to see, and then write the essay accordingly.

Best Geography Essay Topics

Don’t worry if you have no idea what topic to cover. Below are 30+ ideas that can save you some brainstorming time and get you straight to research and writing:

Human Geography Topics

Human Geography is a broad field with so many potential areas to explore. Therefore, your topic can be just about anything, from cultural and political to human and historical studies. Your overall focus will be on how human beings interact with each other and to the environment around them. Below are some topic ideas to consider:

Impacts of environmental shifts on critical resources
Exploring escalating consumption patterns and their environmental ramifications
Formation of modern continents: a contemporary Geo Scientific perspective
Preparedness and response strategies for natural disasters
Adaptation of agriculture to dynamic weather patterns
A critical examination of milk and meat production in the United States
Energy resources landscape in the United States
Land fertility amidst climate change
Urban development’s impact on natural resource dynamics

Geography Extended Essay Topics

The Geography extended essay is an assignment that requires you to conduct independent research on a topic of your choice. You then have to write a 4,000-word report on your finding, followed by three reflections to show your engagement and commitment to the research. Here are some ideas worth investigating:

Examine the drivers and outcomes of food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa
Climate change impact on small island developing states
A socio-cultural evaluation of the globalization’s effects on indigenous communities:
Cultural and environmental implications of Tourism in Machu Picchu, Peru
Climate change’s toll on vulnerable coastal communities in Bangladesh
Environmental, economic, and social impacts of large-scale mining in sub-Saharan Africa:
An evaluation of international efforts addressing water scarcity in the Middle East
Natural resources and Middle Eastern economies
Societal, economic, and environmental analysis of the mega dams in developing nations:
Transnational corporations’ influence on global food systems
Assessing disaster risk reduction strategies in earthquake and hurricane prone regions
The formation and model selection of the Lower Thamama group geology in the UAW
Sustainable urban planning challenges and opportunities in emerging economies
Socio-economic and environmental analysis of the hydropower development in the Mekong river basin
Causes and consequences of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest
Urbanization’s impact on water resources and ecosystems in Asia’s growing cities
Geopolitical implications of china’s belt and road initiative on global trade
Effectiveness assessment of international agreements in combating global climate change

Free Features

Need help to complete and ace your paper? Order our writing service.

Get all academic paper features for $65.77 FREE

World Geography Essay Topics

Many students think only of their own country when searching for topics related to Geography. However, you can make your essay more interesting by writing on a topic that focuses on a different country. It can be a country you dream visiting or a country with a rich geographical history. Here are some topic options to consider:

What is the probability of California’s seismic future?
Canada’s ecological mosaic: Unraveling the landscape’s diversity
Geographical insights into Liechtenstein
Explaining the distinctive characteristics of the world’s highest peaks
The impacts and implications of Indonesia’s volcanic landscape
A comparative analysis of the differences in Polar Regions
An in-depth comparative study of Russia’s diverse climate zones:
An exploratory study of the Sahara desert’s climatic influence on Africa
Deciphering the enigma of the Bermuda triangle and its geographic peculiarities
Impact of wind turbines on Germany’s environmental dynamics

Cultural Geography Topics

Your essay will focus on the relationship between culture and a given place. Your essay may also focus on the way humans build identity and communicate knowledge. Here are some great topics to consider:

Conceptualizing ‘sense of place’ and defining its theoretical dimensions
Essence of cultural diversity: Examine its necessity and societal importance
A geographical insight on landscape’s influence on architectural evolution
The interplays and evolution of geographical features and cultural development
Case study of the Amazon with focus on the cultural evolution in remote environments
The wheel’s societal impact: Revolutionizing ancient civilizations
Redefining social bonds with internet and community perceptions
Societal transformation: What are the noteworthy changes in local communities?
Do a comparative analysis of the diverse communication modalities
Variations in cultural techniques across global territories
Relevance and societal implications of multilingualism in a global context
Nationality and music: Is there a cultural connection between the two?
Explaining the historical and theoretical context of ‘cultural turn’ concept from an academic perspective
Historical evolution and significance of cultural geography
French colonization’s impact on guinea’s cultural fabric
Walter Benjamin’s insights: Technology’s impact on art perception
Exploration of matriarchal societies: Structural dynamics and functionality
Colonialism’s influence on African religious practices
Post-structuralism’s influence on geographic studies
Feminist geography’s objectives and contributions
Cross-cultural encounters: Instances of intersecting boundaries in Geography
Cultural variance in German-speaking nations: comparative analysis
The root causes and evolution of nationalism’s emergence in 20th century Europe
Landscape-politics in African contexts