Show your thinking

These words ask for more than a fact. They want the working, the argument or the pattern — so show the examiner how you got there.

Name ......................
Class .......... Date ..........

Tier 2 words — what the question is really asking for

AnalyseFind the pattern
Use the evidence to spot a pattern, then say what it shows. Quote the numbers, don't just point at them.
The data shows … · There is a pattern of … · This suggests …
DiscussBoth sides + a verdict
Give different sides of an issue, then judge. An answer with only one side cannot reach the top marks.
One argument is … · However … · Overall …
CalculateShow every step
Work out the answer and show your working. Method marks are there even when the final number is wrong.
First … then … · The calculation is … · Therefore …

PEEL — the shape of every good geography paragraph

P
Point
Make your main geographical point.
E
Explain
Say why or how it happens.
E
Evidence
Prove it with a fact, figure or place.
L
Link
Tie it back to the question.

Question: Explain why some areas receive more rainfall than others.

One reason why some areas receive more rainfall is relief. As moist air is forced to rise over mountains it cools, condenses and forms rain. For example, the mountainous Lake District receives over 3000 mm of rain each year. Therefore, relief is an important factor affecting rainfall.

PointExplainEvidenceLink

Three more worked answers — one for each tier 2 word

Analysethe rainfall data for two locations.

The data shows that Location A receives more rainfall than Location B in most months. The difference is greatest in winter, when A receives around 120 mm compared with 70 mm at B. This suggests A has a wetter climate overall.

Discusswhether renewables are the best way to cut carbon emissions.

One argument is that wind and solar produce no carbon dioxide while generating electricity. However, they are expensive to build and some depend on the weather. Overall, renewables matter, but work best alongside other strategies.

Calculatethe percentage increase in population.

First, subtract the original population from the new one. Then divide the increase by the original and multiply by 100. A rise from 20,000 to 25,000 is an increase of 5,000. Therefore, the percentage increase is 25%.

Watch out: “analyse” is not “describe”. Describing stops at what the data says; analysing goes on to say what it means.
Check before you finish: have I used the numbers? Have I given both sides? Is my working written down, not just in my head?