AQA A-Level Geography Paper 2, June 2025: Question 3

Total

Qu Part Marking guidance

marks

03 1 Outline causes of decentralisation in urban areas. 4

AO1 = 4

Point marked

Allow 1 mark per valid point with extra mark(s) for developed points (d).

To achieve full marks more that one cause must be addressed, with a

maximum of 3 marks if only one cause is included.

Credit examples where appropriate.

Notes for answers

• Decentralisation is the outward relocation of people and/ or businesses

from the city centre / CBD (1) (to the edges / suburbs / fringes of the

city)

• Business seeking to expand or redevelop their operations, relocate to

sites towards, or beyond the edge of the existing urban area (1).

Availability of large areas of more affordable land (1d) and improved

access to transport networks (1d) act as pull factors.

• Push factors such as high air pollution levels may have encouraged

people to move out of central areas (1).

• With improvements to wealth and socioeconomic development some

residents may become dissatisfied with outdated, poor quality and

crowded housing in some central areas (1). The availability of large

areas of more affordable land on the rural-urban fringe and beyond,

allows developers to build housing estates with larger more attractive

dwellings, acting as a pull factor for some more affluent residents to

more outwards from central urban areas (1d).

• Changes in lifestyle and retailing can lead to both shoppers and

retailers leaving traditional CBDs and town centres, in favour of

out-of-town shopping centres (1d). Large areas of cheaper land are

attractive for the developers and retailers (1d), whilst access to road

networks and space for large free car parks is attractive to shoppers

(1d).

• Responses may refer policy making and implementation at local

levels. For example, the elected mayors in a number of British

conurbations. This is credit worthy as long as the response focuses

on possible causes of this process.

• People working from home (WFH) no longer needing to be close to

city centre work places (1). – A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –

The notes for answers are not exhaustive. Credit any valid points.

03 2 Analyse the data shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b. 6

AO3 = 6

AO3 – Analysis of the overall Global Power City Index score for the

selected cities between 2015 and 2022. Analysis of the components

of the GPCI scores for the selected cities in 2022.

Mark scheme

Level 2 (4–6 marks)

AO3 – Clear analysis of the quantitative evidence provided which makes

appropriate use of data to support. Clear connections between different

aspects of the data.

Level 1 (1–3 marks)

AO3 – Basic analysis of the quantitative evidence provided which makes

limited use of data to support. Basic or limited connections between

different aspects of the data.

Notes for answers

The question requires analysis of the data shown in Figure 5 and Figure

5b. Connections should be made between different aspects of the data.

AO3

• Figure 5a shows that there is some variation in the GPCI scores for

the selected cities between 2015 and 2022.

• Figure 5a shows that scores for most cities fluctuate across the period,

but all cities end on a higher score in 2022 than they started on in

2015. There is significant difference in the change in overall GPCI

scores between 2015 and 2022. Singapore has the smallest increase,

~30 points, whilst Shanghai’s increase is the largest, about 7 times

more than Singapore’s, gaining just under 200 points.

• Figure 5a shows that 90% (9) of the cities had their peak GPCI score

in 2018, with Shanghai being the anomaly peaking in 2022.

• Figure 5a shows that there is very limited change in the rank order of

the 5 highest scoring cities. Once Tokyo overtakes Paris after 2015,

the top 5 remain in the same order. London 1st, New York 2nd, Tokyo

3rd, Paris 4th and Singapore 5th. There is more swapping of ranks for

the bottom 5 cities. For example, Amsterdam is two places higher by

2022 than in 2015. Shanghai and Los Angeles swap places 3 times.

• Figure 5a shows that the range in overall GPCI score is slightly lower

in 2022 than in 2015. In 2015 the range is about 580 points and about

490 points in 2022, a decrease of about 90 points.

• Figure 5b shows that there is some variation in the proportions of each

component’s contribution to the overall GPCI scores of each city in

2022.

• Figure 5b shows that for 90% of the cities the factor that contributes

the largest element of their overall score in 2022 is ‘Liveability’. New

York is the anomaly where ‘Liveability’ is its 2–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHYndlargest component,– –

and it is the only city where ‘Economy’ is its biggest component.

• Figure 5b shows that for 4/5 of the cities ‘Economy’ is the second

largest component of their overall score in 2022. This time London is

an anomaly with ‘Economy’ being its 3rd largest component.

• Figure 5b shows that for 80% of the cities the factor contributing the

least to their overall GPCI score in 2022 is ‘R&D’. Los Angeles is the

most significant anomaly, as ‘R&D’ is its 3rd highest element.

• Despite having the lowest overall GPCI score in 2022 in Figure 5a, Los

Angeles has the 3rd largest score for ‘R&D’, showing what an important

component ‘R&D’ is for Los Angeles.

• Figure 5a shows that London and New York, 1st and 2nd place

respectively, have overall GPCI scores significantly higher than the

cities in 3rd and 4th place. Analysis of Figure 5b suggests that it is

London’s score for ‘Cultural Interaction’ that makes it the dominant city

overall. Whilst New York’s ‘Economy’ score is the largest of all the

cities, the gap between London and New York’s ‘Cultural Interaction’

more than cancels this out. In this category London has a score of

about 340 against New York’s score of about 250, a difference of

about 90 points. Interestingly, Figure 5a shows that the difference

between London and New York’s overall score in 2022 is also about

90 points. – A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –

Credit any other valid analysis.

03 3 Using Figure 6a, Figure 6b and your own knowledge, examine how 9

this development fits the characteristics of fortress developments. AO1 = 4

AO2 = 5

AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of fortress developments.

AO2 - Application of knowledge and understanding to the novel situation

to assess the extent to which the development has the characteristics of

a fortress development.

Mark scheme

Level 3 (7–9 marks)

AO1 – Demonstrates detailed knowledge and understanding of

concepts, processes, interactions and change. These underpin the

response throughout.

AO2 – Applies knowledge and understanding appropriately with detail.

Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are

fully developed with complete relevance. Analysis and evaluation are

detailed and well supported with appropriate evidence. A well balanced

and coherent argument is presented.

Level 2 (4–6 marks)

AO1 – Demonstrates clear appropriate knowledge and understanding of

concepts, processes, interactions and change. These are mostly

relevant though there may be some minor inaccuracy.

AO2 – Applies clear knowledge and understanding appropriately.

Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are

emerging/evident with some clear relevance. Analysis and evaluation

evident and supported with some clear appropriate evidence. A clear but

partial argument is presented.

Level 1 (1–3 marks)

AO1 – Demonstrates basic/limited knowledge and understanding of

concepts, processes, interactions and change. These offer limited

relevance with inaccuracy.

AO2 – Applies limited knowledge and understanding. Connections and

relationships between different aspects of study are basic with limited

relevance. Analysis and evaluation basic and supported with limited

appropriate evidence. A basic argument is presented.

Notes for answers

This question requires a discussion of the characteristics of fortress

developments. Candidates are required to apply their knowledge and

understanding to figures 6a and 6b but can also consider other urban

areas and cities. The focus of the question should be on–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHYthe extent to– –

which the map and photograph sources depict the Royal Palm Yacht and

Country Club as a fortress development.

AO1

• New urban landscapes: fortress developments.

• Urban characteristics in contrasting settings. Physical and human

factors in urban forms. Spatial patterns of land use, economic

inequality, social segregation and cultural diversity in urban areas, and

the factors that influence them.

20 • Issues associated with economic inequality, social segregation and

cultural diversity in contrasting urban areas.

AO2

• Analysis of Figure 6a and Figure 6b may come to the view that the

map and photographs show that it is an enclosed/secure site.

Responses may assess that this does suggest that Royal Palm does

have characteristics of a fortress development.

• The isolated/gated nature of Royal Palm does match that of fortress

developments, where access to the place is prevented or strictly

controlled. Royal Palm has only 2 gated access points, and is

separated from other developments by water, nature reserves and the

main highway.

• The use of fences/boundaries in such developments acts as both a

physical barrier to those outside, but also implies that the area inside is

private, and that if you are not a resident then you are not allowed

inside. In this respect use of Figure 6a may come to the view that

Royal Palm does have the characteristics of a fortress development.

• Analysis of Figure 6a, may come to the view that the presence of its

own private golf course and yacht club, suggests that Royal Palm is an

exclusive community for wealthy residents, which may suggest that it

does have characteristics of a fortress development or gated

community.

• Analysis of Figure 6b may suggest that, like in Figure 6a, there is

clearly a concern for maintaining the security of those living in Royal

Palm. Assessment may come to the view that having controlled gated

access and security patrols to maintain the security of the place is a

characteristic of fortress developments.

• Analysis of Figure 6b may suggest that there is a fear or suspicion of

those who are not permitted to enter, or of those who do not belong in

Royal Palm. Responses may come to the view that such a concern

with excluding those from outside of the place is a characteristic of

fortress developments.

– A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –

Credit any other valid approach.

03 4 Assess the relative importance of factors contributing to a 9

sustainable city. AO1 = 4

AO2 = 5

AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of the nature and features of

sustainable cities. Knowledge and understanding of factors that

contribute to a sustainable city.

AO2 - Application of knowledge and understanding to analyse and

assess relative importance of factors that affect contribute to a

sustainable city.

Mark scheme 21

Level 3 (7–9 marks)

AO1 – Demonstrates detailed knowledge and understanding of

concepts, processes, interactions and change. These underpin the

response throughout.

AO2 – Applies knowledge and understanding appropriately with detail.

Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are

fully developed with complete relevance. Analysis and evaluation are

detailed and well supported with appropriate evidence. A well balanced

and coherent argument is presented.

Level 2 (4–6 marks)

AO1 – Demonstrates clear appropriate knowledge and understanding of

concepts, processes, interactions and change. These are mostly

relevant though there may be some minor inaccuracy.

AO2 – Applies clear knowledge and understanding appropriately.

Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are

emerging/evident with some relevance. Analysis and evaluation evident

and supported with some appropriate evidence. A clear but partial

argument is presented.

Level 1 (1–3 marks)

AO1 – Demonstrates basic/limited knowledge and understanding of

concepts, processes, interactions and change. These offer limited

relevance with inaccuracy.

AO2 – Applies limited knowledge and understanding. Connections and

relationships between different aspects of study are basic with limited

relevance. Analysis and evaluation basic and supported with limited

appropriate evidence. A basic argument is presented.

Notes for answers

This question requires students to assess the relative importance of

factors that contribute to a sustainable city. There is no requirement to

name specific sustainable cities, but it is highly likely that candidates will

support their assessment with illustrative examples. This is appropriate

and credit will be given to named examples where appropriate.

AO1

– A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –

• Economic, social, technological, political and demographic processes

associated with urbanisation.

• Impact of urban areas on local and global environments. Ecological

22 footprint of major urban areas.

• Dimensions of sustainability: natural, physical, social and economic.

Nature and features of sustainable cities.

• Contemporary opportunities and challenges in developing more

sustainable cities.

• Strategies for developing more sustainable cities.

AO2

• Analysis of the concept of sustainable cities. The sustainability of

urban areas relates to the level of quality of life provided for its

residents, fair governance, and level of impact on the environment.

• Assessment comes to the view that a sustainable city is one that

provides a high standard of living, with good employment, a clean and

healthy environment, has fair governance and is inclusive for all.

• Assessment comes to the view that a sustainable city is one that has a

focus on environmental management and a low ecological footprint.

• Assessment of the importance of social development as a contributing

factor of a sustainable city. Responses may assess the importance of:

- Education and healthcare provision

- Availability and quality of food supplies

- Green housing and buildings

- Clean water and sanitation

- Green public transport

- Green energy supplies

- Recreation and community support.

• Assessment of the importance of economic development as a

contributing factor of a sustainable city. Responses may assess the

importance of:

- Decent employment opportunities

- Production and distribution of renewable energy

- Investment in green technology and innovation

• Assessment of environmental management as a contributing factor of

a sustainable city. Response may assess the importance of:

- Waste and recycling management

- Energy efficiency

- Water management

- Air quality conservation

- Adaptation and mitigation of climate change

- Forest and soil management

• Assessment of urban governance as a contributing factor of a

sustainable city. Response may assess the importance of:

- Adoption of green urban planning and design strategies

- Strategies to reduce inequalities

- Strengthening of civil and political rights

- Support of local, national, regional and global links

• Assessment of the importance of specific factors named ‘sustainable

city/ies’ is credit worthy.

• Any conclusion is valid as long as it is supported by the body of the

essay.

– A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –

Credit any other valid approach.

03 5 ‘Impacts of changes to the carbon cycle will make managing 20 23

environmental problems in urban areas more difficult.’ AO1 = 10

To what extent do you agree with this statement? AO2 = 10

AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of impacts of changes to the

carbon cycle. Knowledge and understanding of managing environmental

problems in urban areas.

AO2 – Application of knowledge and understanding to analyse and

assess the extent to which impacts of changes to the carbon cycle will

make managing environmental problems in urban areas more difficult.

Notes for answers

The question links items from across specification units. Specifically

impacts of changes to the carbon cycle, in the Water and Carbon unit, to

strategies to manage environmental problems, in the Contemporary

Urban Environments unit

AO1

• Changes in the carbon cycle over time, to include human impact

(including hydrocarbon fuel extraction and burning, farming practices,

deforestation, land use changes).

• The carbon budget and the impact of the carbon cycle upon land,

ocean and atmosphere, including global climate.

• Urban temperatures: the urban heat island effect. Precipitation:

frequency and intensity. Fogs and thunderstorms in urban

environments. Wind: the effects of urban structures and layout on

wind speed, direction and frequency. Air quality: particulate and

photo-chemical pollution.

• Issues associated with catchment management in urban areas. The

development of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS).

• Environmental problems in contrasting urban areas: atmospheric

pollution, water pollution and dereliction.

• Strategies to manage these environmental problems.

AO2

• Analysis and evaluation of the predicted impacts of changes to the

carbon cycle. This could include increased atmospheric temperatures

and changes to the amount and pattern of precipitation.

• Analysis of factors affecting the management of environmental

problems in urban areas.

• Evaluation of the extent to which predicted increases in temperature

will make managing air pollution more difficult. If urban areas become

drier and hotter this may increase the level of air pollution.

• Evaluation of the extent to which predicted increases in temperature

and changes to patterns of precipitation will make managing water

quality in urban areas more difficult. Many areas are expected to

experience more unpredictable and intense storm events, this could

lead to increased contamination of water supplies due to excess–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY– –

stormwater run-off.

• It is possible that impacts of changes to the carbon cycle could lead to

24 increases in sea levels and more intense storm events, that could

affect the viability of some coastal urban areas due to increased flood

risk. If such urban areas were abandoned this could lead to increased

issues of dereliction needing to be managed.

• Any conclusion is valid as long as it is supported by the body of the

essay. – A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –

Credit any other valid approach.

Marking grid for Question 3.5

Level/ Criteria/Descriptor

Mark

Range

Level 4 • Detailed evaluative conclusion that is rational and firmly based on knowledge and

(16–20 understanding which is applied to the context of the question (AO2).

marks) • Detailed, coherent and relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge

and understanding throughout (AO2).

• Full evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the application of

knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).

• Detailed, highly relevant and appropriate knowledge and understanding of place(s) and

environments used throughout (AO1).

• Full and accurate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and processes

throughout (AO1).

• Detailed awareness of scale and temporal change which is well integrated where

appropriate (AO1).

Level 3 • Clear evaluative conclusion that is based on knowledge and understanding which is

(11–15 applied to the context of the question (AO2).

marks) • Generally clear, coherent and relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of

knowledge and understanding (AO2).

• Generally clear evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the

application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).

• Generally clear and relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments

(AO1).

• Generally clear and accurate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and

processes (AO1).

• Generally clear awareness of scale and temporal change which is integrated where

appropriate (AO1).

Level 2 • Some sense of an evaluative conclusion partially based upon knowledge and

(6–10 understanding which is applied to the context of the question (AO2).

marks) • Some partially relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and

understanding (AO2).

• Some evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the application of

knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).

• Some relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments which is

partially relevant (AO1).

• Some knowledge and understanding of key concepts, processes and interactions and

change (AO1).

• Some awareness of scale and temporal change which is sometimes integrated where

appropriate. There may be a few inaccuracies (AO1).

Level 1 • Very limited and/or unsupported evaluative conclusion that is loosely based upon

(1–5 knowledge and understanding which is applied to the context of the question (AO2).

marks) • Very limited analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and understanding.

This lacks clarity and coherence (AO2). 25

• Very limited and rarely logical evidence of links between knowledge and understanding

to the application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).

• Very limited relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments (AO1).

• Isolated knowledge and understanding of key concepts and processes (AO1).

• Very limited awareness of scale and temporal change which is rarely integrated where

appropriate. There may be a number of inaccuracies (AO1).

Level 0 • Nothing worthy of credit.

(0 marks)