Questions from Synoptic Exams
Use these questions to help you prepare for the synoptic exam. See if the questions fit the information that you have been given for your exam. Some of them will, others won't.
Good Luck!
21 June 2002 - Bassett's Pole
- Referring to national, regional and local scales, evaluate the arguments for and against the development of greenfield sites such as Bassett's Pole.
(15)
- (a) For EITHER Site A OR Site B, suggest reasons why it was not recommended for further consideration after the initial survey.
(7)
(b)Assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of sites C, D and E.
(15)
- Explain the strategies you might use to promote the sustainability of the Bassett's Pole area once it is developed.
(13)
- Examine the impact that the BNRR is likely to have on the Bassett's Pole area.
(10)
Note: Up to 10 marks will be awarded for the quality of written communication of the whole report.
TOTAL: 70 MARKS
31 January 2003 - Upper Wharfdale
- Summarise the key opportunities and challenges presented by the physical environment of this area.
(10)
- Explain the social and environmental impacts of recent changes to the population and the rural economy of the area.
(20)
- Study the four schemes proposed by the upper Wharfdale Trust.
(a)Recommend an order of priority for implementing these schemes. Justify your decision.
(20)
(b)Evaluate the extent to which your first choice scheme really does offer a sustainable future for Upper Wharfdale.
(10)
Note: Up to 10 marks will be awarded for the quality of written communication of the whole report.
TOTAL: 70 MARKS
17 June 2003 - Western Australia
- Assess the arguments for more port-industrial development in the Greater Perth Region.
(12)
- Using your own knowledge and evidence from the resources, examine the environmental and ecological issues that have to be resolved before the development of the Breton Bay port-industrial complex can go ahead.
(18)
- (a) From your knowledge of similar, large scale industrial developments, explain why the BretonBay proposal is going to be such a contentious issue among the groups with an interest on the area.
(18)
(b)What safeguards might the developers and planners insist upon to ensure that the development focus ahead sustainably with minimum environmental damage and maximum state and local support?
(12)
Total 60 marks
Quality of written communication 10 marks
TOTAL FOR PAPER: 70 MARKS
30 January 2004 - Karmsund
You are advised to spend approximately 1 1/4 hours on question 1 & 2 and 3/4 hour on question 3 &4.
- To what extent has the physical geography of the Karmsund area acted as both a benefit to, and a constraint on, human activities?
(18)
- Summarise the main strengths and weaknesses of the four development proposals (options A to D in the Resource Booklet) for the Karmsund area.
(20)
- Study the conflict matrices on pages 4 and 5 of this question paper. Choose two of the matrices and suggest reasons for the results shown.
(12)
- For one of the development options, suggest what further surveys might be undertaken in order to better assess how far it meets the requirements of the Local Agenda 21 (see figure 10 in the Resource Booklet).
(10)
Note: Up to 10 marks will be awarded for the quality of written communication of the whole report.
TOTAL: 70 MARKS
23 June 2004 – CliffeAirport
- To what extent might the provision of extra airport capacity in the South-East region be seen as being in the national interest?
(10)
- Explain how an airport at Cliffe (Kent) might help economic development in the Thames Gateway Region.
(12)
- Assess the potential local environmental impacts of:
(a) Constructing a major airport at Cliffe
(18)
(b)Creating a new offshore site in the Thames estuary (shown in Figure 14 in the Resource Booklet).
(10)
- Outline a possible research enquiry to investigateeither the socio-economic orthe environmental impacts of an airport at Cliffe, on the local area.
Quality of Written Communication: 10 marks
TOTAL FOR PAPER: 70 MARKS
22 June 2005 – Proposed South DownsNational Park
- What characteristics of the physical environment and human landscape do you think led to this area being proposed as a National Park?
(15)
- Evaluate the main threats that have made designating the South DownsNational Park a top priority?
(12)
- Explain why some groups and individuals are opposed to the creation of this National Park.
(13)
- Select one of the following potential issues in, or adjacent to, the proposed National Park:
A. Creating more recreational opportunities on the Goodwood area north of Chichester
B. Building the Arundel by-pass
C. Expanding housing provision around Brighton and Hove.
(a)Explain what may make it an issue.
(10)
(b)Suggest strategies that will encourage sustainability and yet cope with the need for change.
(10)
(Total 60 marks)
Quality of Written Communication: 10 marks
TOTAL FOR PAPER: 70 MARKS
1 February 2006 – Pafos, Cyprus
- Examine those aspects of Cyprus’ geography which make economic development difficult.
(15)
2. Assess the extent towhich the RepublicofCyprus has made best use of its resources.
(15)
3. Evaluate the Government’s plans for the Kamas peninsular in terms of their:
(a) likely environmental impacts;
(b) potential conflicts.
(20)
4. The Akamas peninsula illustrates the need to manage development in ecologically sensitive areas.
Either suggest solutions to negative environmental impacts or suggest how potential conflicts may be resolved in such areas.
(10)
Note: Up to 10 marks will be awarded for the quality of written communication throughout your report. This will include the coherence of your enquiry, your use of evidence to support arguments, your use of geographical terminology and your ability to make synoptic links.
(10)
TOTAL FOR PAPER: 70 MARKS
19 June 2006 – Sri Lanka
1. Summarise the key issues which may influence decisions made by TNCs such as Page hotels to locate in Sri Lanka.
(12)
2. Evaluate Page Hotels’ decision to locate its development within the south western area of Sri Lanka.
(18)
3. (a) Which of the three sites proposed by Page hotels would you recommend? Justify your choice.
(18)
(b) Explain two strategies which could minimising the impact of a large-scale hotel and leisure complex at your chosen site.
(12)
(Quality of Written Communication: 10)
TOTAL FOR PAPER: 70 MARKS
18 June 2007 – Antarctica
1. Explain why Antarctica is considered to be of such global importance that nations have joined together to develop special methods of governance.
(20 marks)
2. Identify both the present and potential threats to Antarctica’s environment and evaluate their relativeimportance.
(20 marks)
3. Explain how these threats might be managed both globally and locally.
(20 marks)
(Quality of Written Communication: 10 marks)
TOTAL FOR PAPER: 70 MARKS
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