Questions from Paper 2 - cont'd
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

Question 2 from Paper 02 of the June 2008 examinations was discussed in the last lesson. I would like to refer to it again this week just to ensure that you understood what was expected of you. In short, did you interpret the question correctly? Of course, the basis of this is in under- standing the command words in the question. These were identified in the lesson in which the question was given. I will refer to these words as they come in the question.

1(a) Study - Here you are to look at the table of figures given on slope failures for different rock types. Responses for questions (i) and (ii) could be read directly from the table. Please note that there is no need for extended writing for these answers. Simply write down the answers as from the table. For (iii) you had to calculate, that is, to solve or find out by a mathematical procedure. The procedure here is to divide the number of landslides (8) by the area (2.6km square). The command word state is given in (iv). This requires that you write out in the form of a sentence the information for which you are asked.

(b) (i) Identify is the command word in this section. In a general sense, this means that you are to write the kind of information which would enable someone who is ignorant of the matter to recognise the thing.

(ii) Describe is used here so you are to write what you think are the important points which should be noted. In your answer, you need to indicate -

the direction of movement of the plates at the different margins

whether the margins are destructive or constructive

what happens to the materials at the margins.

These would be regarded as the important points to be noted in describing what happens at divergent and convergent plate boundaries.

Both sub-sections (c) and (d) have the command word explain. To realise your maximum marks for this section, you must write as fully as you can about the matter, as if you are addressing someone who knows nothing about it. An example is to be given as well. Note that (d) requires a diagram with your explanation. This should be drawn properly and be well labelled. An example of a tombolo was given in the response. May I emphasise here that although it was not stated in the question, it is expected since you were given the instruction to explain.

Here is another question taken from the same question paper for June 2008.

(a) Draw a well-labelled diagram to show THREE main features of a meander.

(4 marks)

(b) (i) State FOUR conditions that are required for the successful growth of coral reefs.

(4 marks)

(ii) Describe fringing reefs and barrier reefs.

(4 marks)

(c) Account for the formation of

(i) waterfalls

(6 marks)

(ii) deltas

(6 marks)

Total 24 marks

Here is a question where you are not given a stimulus material, but rather, you have to draw a diagram. As I had indicated before, expect this in your examination. Another command word is used as sub-section (c), account for. Here, you are to give a full explanation of the formation of the features indicated in the question.

This question will be discussed in the next lesson. In the meantime, do some reading on the concepts that are being tested in it.

Floralist, Marigold Harding (third left), explains the features of Jamaica's floral display (Land of Wood and Water) to students from the National Cathedral High School in Washington, DC, who attended the 70th Floral Mart 2009. Looking on from right are Araba Kormsan, Tyler McQillzary, and Tori Hanway. At left are Katie Mitchell and Eunis Morrison. - Contributed