S4 timed question

In the Credit exam, you have 2 hours to complete an 80 mark question paper. This works out at an average of 6 minutes for the typical 4 mark question, 8 minutes for a 6 mark question. Of course, some questions, eg OS map question, may take longer, others are quicker to do, but as a rule you should expect the following time frame:-

½ hour into exam- you should be finished or finishing Q1 (map extract, roughly 20 marks)
1 hour into exam-you should be half way through, ie have completed 40 marks’ worth-
1 ½ hour-you should have completed 60 marks’ worth
2 hours-time up!

Remember to allow time to:

• Check the paper is collated properly and you have the right map extract
• Read the question
• "CUBE it!"
• Check over your answers
• Rule out, neatly, any rough working or errors


Today’s timed question-sample answer to part (a)

A U-shaped valley was formed over 15 000 years ago (BCE*), when large glacier, under gravity, flowed through a winding, narrow, V-shaped valley. The glacier would have bulldozed, and plucked the interlocking spurs, creating steep truncated spurs, and widening and straightening the valley. Abrasion by boulder fragments embedded in the base of the ice would have gouged and deepened the valley, perhaps leaving behind a ribbon lake.

* BCE=has replaced BC, and means Before Common Era.
+labelled diagram, in pencil



PS For a helpful online dictionary of geographical terms, see Internet Geography.