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Date May 2022 Marks available 10 Reference code 22M.1.bp.4
Level SL and HL Paper 1 Time zone
Command term Examine Question number 4 Adapted from N/A

Question

Examine the major threats to coral reef environments.

[10]
a.

Examine why conflicts often develop over the commercial use of coastal margins.

[10]
b.

Markscheme

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Coral reefs play a vital role in physical processes and ecosystems of coastal margins and are an important economic and social resource to coastal communities. Threats to coral reefs include the possible impacts of climate change, and increasing pressure from varying human activities, such as resource exploitation, over-fishing and tourism.

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

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that examines a variety of threats to processes on coral reefs, and the different perspectives and varying power of stakeholders. Another approach might be to examine the scale of the threats, and how these might vary over time.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly-evidenced outlining of one or more threats to coral reef environments.

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

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

a.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Coastal margins are under increasing threat from commercial activities, including the concentration of urban development, tourism and industry. As population and economic activity becomes increasingly concentrated in coastal areas, there is a need to conserve and manage vulnerable landscapes and ecosystems.

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

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that examines a variety of conflicts between stakeholders, and the different perspectives and varying power of stakeholders. Another approach might be to examine the scale of the threats, and the outcomes for different stakeholders.

For 5–6 marks, expect weakly-evidenced outlining of at least one conflict developing from commercial use of coastal margins.

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

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

b.

Examiners report

There was some good knowledge and understanding shown of the threats to coral reef environments and of the chemical processes involved in ocean acidification. There was the occasional confusion over acidification and rising sea water temperatures. Overall, there was a lack of named examples or case studies to illustrate the points made.

a.

This question tripped some candidates up in the unpacking of the question — it required an emphasis on commercial use of coastal margins and the conflicts that develop. Many candidates were unable to correctly identify and define coastal margins, used inappropriate case studies, and wrote about conflicts of ocean areas and territories.

b.

Syllabus sections

Option B: Oceans and coastal margins » B.3. Managing coastal margins » B.3.3. Management of coral reefs and mangrove swamps
Option B: Oceans and coastal margins » B.3. Managing coastal margins
Option B: Oceans and coastal margins

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