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Date November 2014 Marks available 6 Reference code 14N.2.hl.13
Level HL only Paper 2 Time zone
Command term Explain Question number 13 Adapted from N/A

Question

State four main characteristics of a central business district (CBD).

[4]
a.

Explain the processes of gentrification and counter-urbanization.

[6]
b.

Contrast the causes and effects of air pollution for two named urban areas.

[10]
c.

Markscheme

Characteristics that can be outlined for [1 mark] each include:

a.

Gentrification

Explanatory points for [1 mark] each, to a maximum of [3 marks] include:

Counter-urbanization

Explanatory points for [1 mark] each, to a maximum of [3 marks] include:

b.

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

The most effective answers will be those that use properly contrasting examples such as two cities at contrasting levels of development (this approach is recommended in the guide, page 38).

Depending on the exact examples chosen, causes may include human factors (transport, industry, and domestic burning of coal, gas, paraffin) and physical factors (eg anti-cyclonic weather conditions).

The effects are likely to include impacts on health (impact of traffic in Mexico City), microclimate (lack of “blue sky days” in Beijing), biodiversity (decline of sensitive species eg lichen), weathering (especially of limestone buildings) and the costs for
tourism (clean-up of polluted buildings, or the cost of lost tourism eg Chinese cities in 2012–13).

Good opportunities for making a contrast may be found by highlighting the different roles played by physical factors, governance, stages of economic development etc that pertain to the two chosen studies.

For band D, candidates must describe some causes and effects of air pollution and make some reference to two examples (balance between all of these elements is not expected at this level). 

Band E should either provide greater exemplified detail of both causes and effects in both cities (with greater balance) or offer a more sustained and explicit contrast (but across a narrower range of ideas).

At band F, expect both elements.

c.

Examiners report

Good understanding was shown on the characteristics of a CBD.

a.

Surprisingly only a few candidates could explain the processes of gentrification and counter-urbanization adequately to cover all the main points.

b.

This question elicited some very weak responses. Most candidates could name two areas correctly but could not do justice to contrasting the causes and effects of air pollution. There were some general statements regarding air pollution but specific details were missing.

c.

Syllabus sections

Optional themes » Option G: Urban environments » Urban populations » Inward movement

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