Discuss the reasons for, and impact of, the growth of cities in Australia.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and effects of, the growth of cities in Australia. Candidates may argue that the main reason for the growth of cities were the gold rushes, which led to an influx of people from other parts of the country and overseas. Candidates may consider a wide range of social, economic and political impacts. Examples may include the creation of communities with a shared identity, an increased standard of living, developments in transportation and communications, expansion of businesses and services to meet the needs of these new communities. Candidates may also argue that there were negative impacts, such as increasing crime rates and increased racial tensions. Both parts of the question should be addressed, but there does not need to be equal coverage. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and effects of, the growth of cities in Australia. There were a few responses to this question, but some responses did not deal with the second part of the question effectively. There did not need to be equal coverage but both parts of the question need to be fully addressed.