User interface language: English | Español

Date November 2014 Marks available 6 Reference code 14N.2.sl.11
Level SL only Paper 2 Time zone
Command term Suggest Question number 11 Adapted from N/A

Question

Option F — The geography of food and health

The map shows the changes between 1970 and 2010 in the average life expectancy for different regions of the world.

Describe the pattern of the changes in average life expectancy shown on the map.

[4]
a.

Suggest three reasons, other than improved health programmes, why life expectancy has increased in named regions in recent years.

[6]
b.

Referring to examples, examine how transnational corporations (TNCs), including agribusinesses, affect food production and food availability.

[10]
c.

Markscheme

Award [1 mark] for each of the following patterns, and exceptions to/clarifications of the patterns identified:

Credit alternative approaches.

A list of regions and rates, with no pattern, should gain [2 marks] only.

a.

Award [1 mark] for identifying a reason, and [1 mark] for some development for a named region. Award only [1 mark] if no region is specified.

Possible reasons include:

b.

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

There are many possible approaches to this question, but essentially TNCs and agribusiness either increase or decrease food availability. TNCs and agribusinesses, such as Cargill, Dole or Del Monte, may increase food availability through producing food crops, though not necessarily in the regions where the agribusinesses are located. Examples may be either of regions where food is produced, or of the TNCs/supply chains.

TNCs and agribusinesses specializing in the production of non-food cash crops or exotic foods may reduce the amount of food available locally, as less land is available for food crops or people leave their own plots of land to work as an employee on land farmed by TNCs/agribusiness.

There are alternative, equally valid, approaches such as looking at the environmental damage that can result in some cases from agribusiness practices and which could adversely impact local farmers.

For band D, candidates must describe some ways in which TNCs generally affect food production and/or availability for named places/TNC operations.

Band E should either provide greater exemplified detail of food production/availability issues or offer some more sophisticated evaluation of the distinction between production and availability (eg distinguishes between who is producing the food and who is consuming it).

At band F, expect both elements.

c.

Examiners report

Overall well answered.

a.

Most candidates were able to cite three reasons for increased life expectancy, but these sometimes included improved health programmes. Some did not score full marks as they did not provide named regions.

b.

This question was generally poorly answered, with little idea of the role of TNCs and agribusinesses in food production/availability, and limited understanding of the question. The weakest answers discussed the merits of Starbucks and McDonald’s. A few good responses looked at the role of TNCs in production, distribution and marketing/retail.

c.

Syllabus sections

Optional themes » Option F: The geography of food and health » Health » Variations in health

View options