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Date November 2016 Marks available 6 Reference code 16N.2.bp.13
Level SL and HL Paper 2 Time zone
Command term Explain Question number 13 Adapted from N/A

Question

The graph shows population density in cities and individual emissions from transport.

(i) Describe the general relationship between population density and air pollution from transport.

(ii) State why Mexico City could be considered an anomaly.

[4]
a.

Referring to one or more named cities, explain two ways in which a circular city system operates.

[6]
b.

Examine the characteristics of urban deprivation in one or more cities you have studied.

[10]
c.

Markscheme

(i) Possible descriptions include:

If no reference to data, maximum [2].

[3 marks]

(ii) Mexico City has much higher emissions than the other cities of similar densities / it is a long way from the best-fit line [1].

[1 mark]

a.

Award up to [3] for any of the following explanations. Two inputs/outputs would be acceptable.

Inputs are reduced/controlled [1] and these include energy/water/resources/food [1], eg due to greater use of renewable energy in Masdar City UAE [1].

Outputs are reduced/recycled [1] and these include waste/energy/noise [1], eg Green Exchange in Curitiba (recyling scheme) [1].

May provide supporting diagram [1].

[6 marks]

b.

The characteristics of urban deprivation are very varied and can take many forms – income inequality, single parents, long-term illnesses, unemployment, high residential densities, lack of access to sanitation/electricity, access to clean water, reduced access to fresh food and vegetables, reduced access to healthcare and education, etc.

Urban deprivation may be concentrated in inner cities, slums and shanty towns. Some deprivation may be found in areas near the edge of cities.

Some populations are more vulnerable than others – elderly, very young, migrants, unemployed. Social deprivation may lead to political unrest. It may also lead to community schemes to tackle deprivation, eg urban farms in Detroit, US.

A good account may be carefully structured around different interpretations of “characteristics”, such as social indicators, spatial patterns, urban environment, etc.

At band D, expect a description of at least two aspects of urban deprivation.

At band E, expect either a more detailed explanation of urban deprivation or an attempt to examine a greater number of different aspects of urban deprivation.

At band F, expect both.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.

[10 marks]

c.

Examiners report

  

a.

  

b.

  

c.

Syllabus sections

Optional themes » Option G: Urban environments » The sustainable city » The city as a system

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