GeographyTeacher.ie

Tips for preparing for the visual elements of the exam paper!
Do you know your Graphs?
Whether it is weather statistics, population data or the GDP of countries, you should revise all types of graphs and calculations…
- What is the minimum, maium, mean and average?
- What is the percentage?
- What is the net profit or gross profit?

Tips for preparing for the visual elements of the exam paper!
Do you know your diagrams?

Labelled diagrams of plate boundaries, volcanos, rivers and much more are common in the short question parts of both junior and leaving cert exams.

Make sure to practice using past exam papers, as similar diagrams appear year after year.

Tips for preparing for the visual elements of the exam paper!
Do you know your Ordnance Survey Maps?

OS Maps are guaranteed to come up in both the Junior and Leaving Cert Exams…. So why not practice the following common map reading skills by using past exam papers:

- Measuring straight lines e.g. location A to Location B.

- Measuring the length e.g. river, road or coastline.

- Measuring the area e.g. lake, urban area, golf course.

- Finding or referencing 4 or 6 figure grid references.

Tips for Answering Essay-Style Questions
You Won’t Know Everything – That’s Ok!

- Focus on the questions you can answer well.

- If unsure about a question, write what you do know – partial answers can still earn marks.

- Don’t waste time on a question you haven’t studied – instead, review your answers and add any missing details.

- If you have spare time and are happy with your work, take a few minutes to relax, sit back, or finish off any diagrams.

Tips for Answering Essay-Style Questions
Draw Diagrams!

- Sometimes worth more marks than lengthy explanations.
- Clearly label any key features, processes or term illustrated on your diagram.
- No need for colouring unless time allows.

Practice makes perfect – when revising topics practice drawing diagrams where relevant.

Clearly labelled diagrams can be done very quickly and gain valuable marks.

Tips for Answering Essay-Style Questions
Surplus Marks = Safety Net!

- Add extra key points or examples if possible.

- If one of your points isn’t fully correct or detailed enough, extra points ensure you don’t lose marks.

- Do not spend too long on one question – come back if time allows.

A well-structured answer with extra key points can help secure full marks.

Tips for Answering Essay-Style Questions
Use Bullet Points!
- Avoid waffle/fluff – get straight to the point.
- Use short, clear sentences.
- Each sentence should provide at least one relevant point (SRP) to the question.
- Helps track how many key points (SRPs) you've written.
- Leave gaps between long answers - If you remember something later, you have space to add it.

Tips for Answering Essay-Style Questions
Read the Question Carefully!

- Key terms like "explain," "describe,", "evaluate”, or “compare”.
- If asked to explain one factor of a process, aspect etc., only discuss one factor. No marks awarded for mentioning any other factor/s.
- If asked to explain two or more factors/aspects, then give equal attention to each factor.
- If asked, for example, to explain the impact of the processes of erosion, no marks are awarded for mentioning processes of deposition.

Remember to read the question carefully, underline key terms, and focus only on relevant information. Stay clear, structured, and to the point – every mark counts. Trust your preparation and give it your best!

Tips for Answering Essay-Style Questions
Use Bullet Points!

- Avoid waffle/fluff – get straight to the point.
- Use short, clear sentences.
- Each sentence should provide at least one relevant point (SRP) to the question.
- Helps track how many key points (SRPs) you've written.
- Leave gaps between long answers - If you remember something later, you have space to add it.

With the Mocks now over for most Junior and Senior Cycle students, this is a great time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Take note of your strengths and areas that need more focus. Create a study plan for the weeks ahead, and stay tuned for daily exam and revision tips to support you from Monday to Friday.
Tips for Answering Essay-Style Questions

Read the Question Carefully!

- Key terms like "explain," "describe,", "evaluate”, or “compare”.
- If asked to explain one factor of a process, aspect etc., only discuss one factor. No marks awarded for mentioning any other factor/s.
- If asked to explain two or more factors/aspects, then give equal attention to each factor.
- If asked, for example, to explain the impact of the processes of erosion, no marks are awarded for mentioning processes of deposition.

Remember to read the question carefully, underline key terms, and focus only on relevant information. Stay clear, structured, and to the point – every mark counts. Trust your preparation and give it your best!

Ireland and the Ice Age! ❄️

Did you know that most of Ireland's landscape was shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age? Features like the Burren and Glendalough are direct results of this icy past.

On November 13, 2012, the total solar eclipse was visible over Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Why is the Great Barrier Reef so important, and how can places like this be protected from environmental damage?