State the four-figure grid reference for the spot height of 1062 metres in the northeast of the map.

Estimate the area, in km² , of cultivated land to the west of easting 02.

Outline one way in which the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) could help increase food production from cultivated land.

Explain one physical factor and one human factor contributing to the diffusion of one named water-borne disease through an area such as this.

Allow only 1462, 14 62 and 14,62 (no E /N or dashes).

10 (allow 9–11).

Award [1] for a basic outline point about increasing productivity/yield and [1] for further development.

For example: Scientists use GM technology to increase, say, the amount of fruit grown by a plant [1], which means there is a higher yield per unit area [1].

Other possibilities include:

• growing season/time of germination
• frost or pest resistance
• size and number of fruits/nuts/seeds etc.

In each case, award [1] for outlining a relevant factor and up to [2] for an explanation of why diffusion occurs through an area/from place to place.

For example: Physical – heavy rainfall [1], which may lead to flooding in the area [1] and spreads the cholera bacteria away from source [1].

For example: Human – some sections of the city are densely populated, so the sewage system is inadequate [1] and it overflows into rivers [1], which contaminates the drinking supply of places downstream [1].

Other possible factors include:

Physical

• drainage issues/swampy land
• warm temperatures / increased evaporation
• reduced water level-salinity (cholera conditions).

Human 

• through transport links, where infection is carried/spread through feces
• education about water safety.

Award a maximum of [4] if no specific disease is named, or if a water-borne disease is incorrectly identified.

A substantial number could not read the grid reference and even when the four-figures were correct there was poor knowledge of how to correctly write the grid reference.

There were some completely unrealistic estimations of area showing a lack of understanding of scale and area.

Most had some understanding of GMOs, but candidates often failed to link this to increased food production.

The responses to the disease question were generally pertinent, with very few not choosing a water-borne disease. A large number could not differentiate between physical and human factors of diffusion and mixed them up in their answers; and some showed understanding of the factors but did not link them to diffusion.