“The greatest global demographic challenge is the growth of overpopulated megacities.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Refer to Paper 2 section C markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Reponses will probably address the demographic challenge facing individuals at a local scale using family and community as the basis of their comment. Be prepared to credit other scales if valid. Answers should make use of well-developed case study/studies.

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

• The growth of megacities and the threat of reduced access to housing, services and infrastructure.
• The growth of megacities and the threat to health and crime.
• The growth of megacities and the threat of physical and legal insecurity – eviction from unplanned settlements.
• The growth of megacities and the threat to farmland surrounding cities – individuals being pushed off their land.
• The growth of megacities and the threat to the individual’s links to community – segregation and isolation.
• Knowledge and understanding of other demographic challenges such as ageing, migration, rapid population growth.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that evaluates the relative importance of the demographic threat to individuals posed by the growth of megacities.

Evaluation may take a variety of forms which may include:

• An evaluation of the various demographic challenges posed by megacities.
• An evaluation of the demographic challenges posed by megacities as opposed to other demographic threats, such as ageing, migration, rapid population growth and its impacts on employment/education opportunities, etc.
• An evaluation of the various demographic challenges posed by megacities in different locations and stages of development, eg New York and Dhaka.
• An evaluation of the changing demographic challenges posed by megacities over time.
• An evaluation of how challenges are perceived in different parts of society.

For 5–6 marks
Expect weakly evidenced outlining of the demographic challenges facing individuals posed by megacities.

For 7–8 marks
Expect a well-structured account which includes:

• either a well-evidenced synthesis of the demographic challenges facing individuals posed by megacities and other components
• or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) informed by geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks
Expect both traits.