Examine how different factors have contributed to famine in one or more countries or areas.

Examine possible ways to improve food availability in different places.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

A variety of environmental, economic, political and social factors are responsible for famine, and their importance will vary spatially and temporally.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Famines are particularly severe in low-income countries and poverty-stricken regions.
• The severity or onset of famine is affected by a variety of factors, including natural hazards like earthquakes or droughts, but also social, economic and political factors, such as warfare.
• Access to international aid may alleviate the severity or onset of famine. In the short term, the focus will be on food shortages, medical assistance, water supplies and shelter. In the long term, aid is often criticized for not focusing on long-term sustainability; it may fuel corruption, fall into the wrong hands, or weaken the economies of recipient countries, increasing reliance and undermining domestic agriculture.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that examines the statement in a way that shows understanding of the various factors that have contributed to the severity of famine(s), and the role of international aid in alleviating the effects of famine.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of the role of some different factors in the severity or onset of famine.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either evidenced explanation of the role of different factors affecting theseverity or onset of famine.
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Modern techniques, such as GMOs, in vitro meat and vertical farming, have focused on the application of science to increasing agricultural productivity. Such ways are seen by some as a means of feeding a rapidly growing population within the background of environmental impacts of global warming.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Bio-engineering is used to create a variety of genetically modified crops that have higher yields, a greater resistance to insects and diseases, and are less affected by the effects of climate change, such as soil infertility, drought and salinization.
• Other modern farming techniques include in vitro meat and vertical farming.
• Mainly focused on a few crops, such as soya beans, corn, rapeseed, cotton, and to a lesser extent on animals.
• There is considerable debate surrounding the wisdom of producing GM crops, involving a variety of stakeholders: farmers, consumers, environmentalists, bio-tech companies.
• Among issues of concern are food safety, environmental impacts, habitat diversity, ownership of seeds, land ownership, the role of agribusiness in food production, future sustainability.
• Issues regarding rich versus poor farmers and growing economic and social inequality.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that examines the statement in a way that shows understanding of the issues surrounding new techniques and the often-competing views of various stakeholders. Perspectives may differ on whether new techniques/ways are viewed positively or negatively depending on the importance various stakeholders attach to issues such as food safety, biodiversity and increasing food production. Another approach might be to think critically about whether some ways are better suited to some places than others.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced ways of increasing food availability.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either evidenced explanation of ways of increasing food availability in specific places
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.