AQA GCSE Geography Paper 2, June 2025: Question 6

14 marks · Medium difficulty · Extended Response

Complete and interpret a choropleth map of fuel poverty in Europe, calculate a percentage, and explain how physical factors affect energy supply and energy conservation strategies promote sustainability.

Practise this question

Question

Question 6 comprises sub-questions 06.1 to 06.5. It begins with Figure 15, a choropleth map of Europe showing the percentage of households that could not afford to heat their home in 2021, with five shading categories in the key (20 or more, 10–19.9, 5–9.9, 2–4.9, Less than 2). Question 06.1 asks to shade Bulgaria and Poland using given data. Question 06.2 asks to name one country in the 5–9.9% category. Question 06.3 asks to identify how many countries fall into 10–19.9% (multiple-choice options: 5, 6, 7, 8) and calculate the percentage of the 28 countries this represents to one decimal place. Question 06.4 asks to outline physical factors affecting energy supply (3 marks). Question 06.5 asks to explain how energy conservation in homes, workplaces, and transport leads to sustainable energy supply (6 marks).
Question text

Question 6 Energy

Figure 15 is a map showing the percentage of households that could not afford to

heat their home in selected European countries in 2021.

06.1 Complete Figure 15 using the following data.

[2 marks]

Percentage of households that

Country

could not afford to heat their home

Bulgaria 20 or more

Poland 2–4.9

Figure 15

0 500 km Key

Percentage of

households that

could not afford

to heat their

home in 2021

20 or more

N 10–19.9

5–9.9

2–4.9

Finland Less than 2

Norway

Sweden

Estonia

Denmark Latvia

Ireland Netherlands Lithuania

Belgium Poland

Germany

Slovak Republic

France

Austria

Romania

Italy

Bulgaria

Spain

Switzerland

North

Macedonia

Slovenia

35 Greece

Montenegro

Albania

06.2 Name one country where 5–9.9% of households could not afford to heat their home

in 2021.

(34) [1 mark]

06.3 How many of the countries shown in Figure 15 had 10–19.9% of households that

could not afford to heat their homes in 2021?

Shade one circle only.

[1 mark]

A 5

B 6

C 7

D 8

What percentage of the 28 countries for which data is shown had 10–19.9% of

households that could not afford to heat their homes?

Answer to one decimal place.

[1 mark]

… %

06.4 Outline one or more ways that physical factors can affect energy supply.

[3 marks]

06.5 Explain how strategies to conserve energy in homes and workplaces and in transport

can lead to increased sustainability of energy supply.

[6 marks]U

(35)

Extra space …

End of Question 6

If you have answered Question 6, do not answer Question 4 or 5

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme for Question 6: 06.1 awards 1 mark per correctly shaded country (Bulgaria with solid grey, Poland with diagonal stripes). 06.2 accepts France, Hungary, Italy, Serbia, or Slovak Republic for 1 mark. 06.3 awards 1 mark for option A (5), and 1 mark for 17.9% (with error carried forward credited for B: 21.4%, C: 25.0%, D: 28.6%). 06.4 awards up to 3 marks for linking physical factors (sunlight, wind, tectonic heat, river flow/relief, fossil fuel presence) to energy supply. 06.5 provides a 3-level rubric (1-2, 3-4, 5-6 marks) assessing knowledge of energy conservation in homes/workplaces and transport linked to sustainability.

Total

Qu Pt Marking Guidance

marks

06 1 Complete Figure 15 using the following data. 2

One mark for each country correctly shaded.

AO4 – 2 marks

06 2 Name one country where 5–9.9% of households could not afford to heat 1

their home in 2021.

One mark for any correctly named country.

France, Hungary, Italy, Serbia, Slovak Republic– – –

AO4 – 1 mark

06 3 How many of the countries shown in Figure 15 had 10–19.9% of 2

households that could not afford to heat their homes in 2021?

One mark for the correct answer.

A 5 (1 mark)

No credit if two or more statements are shaded.

What percentage of the 28 countries for which data is shown had

10–19.9% of households that could not afford to heat their homes?

Answer to one decimal place.

17.9% (1 mark)

Percentage sign not required. Answer must be to one decimal place.

If the candidate has made a mistake in the first part then allow the

corresponding answer to the second part of the question:

B – 21.4%, C – 25.0% / 25%, D – 28.6%

AO4 – 2 marks

06 4 Outline one or more ways that physical factors can affect energy supply. 3

Credit any reasonable statement where the factor is qualified or development

of a point, eg

• Countries with a sunny climate (1) can generate solar power easily (1).

• Lack of fossil fuels (1) limits fuel supply (1).

• Highland areas may have enough wind (1) to power wind turbines (1).

• Geothermal energy can be produced in areas with tectonic activity (1)

such as Iceland (1) therefore allowing a plentiful supply (1)

• HEP works best in areas with steep, fast flowing rivers (1) as these are

easier to build a dam across to generate power (1).

• Credit relevant example for one mark.

No credit for human factors.

Max 2 marks for list like statements with no development.

1×3, 3x1 (1+1)+1 – – –

AO2 – 3 marks

06 5 Explain how strategies to conserve energy in homes and workplaces and 6

in transport can lead to increased sustainability of energy supply.

Level Marks Description

3 5–6 AO1 – Demonstrates detailed knowledge of strategies

(Detailed) to conserve energy in homes/workplaces and in

transport.

36 AO2 – Shows thorough geographical understanding of

how strategies to conserve energy in

homes/workplaces and in transport can contribute to

sustainability.

2 3–4 AO1 – Demonstrates clear knowledge of strategies to

(Clear) conserve energy in homes/workplaces and/or in

transport.

AO2 – Shows reasonable geographical understanding

of how strategies to conserve energy in homes/

workplaces and/or in transport can contribute to

sustainability.

1 1–2 AO1 – Demonstrates limited knowledge of strategies to

(Basic) conserve energy in homes/workplaces and/or in

transport.

AO2 – Shows limited geographical understanding of

how strategies to conserve energy in homes/

workplaces and/or in transport can contribute to

sustainability.

0 No relevant content

• Level 3 (detailed) responses will cover strategies to conserve energy in

homes/workplaces and in transport in detail and link these to sustainability.

• Level 2 (clear) responses will cover strategies to conserve energy in

homes/workplaces and/or in transport clearly with at least an implicit link to

sustainability.

• Level 1 (basic) responses will cover strategies to conserve energy in

homes/workplaces and/or in transport in a basic manner and/or merely

assert the connection to sustainability.

• Max Level 2 for addressing only one element of the question.

Indicative content

There is no requirement for a named example although some students may

choose to include one.

The question does not stipulate a HIC/NEE/LIC focus so credit any relevant

points.

Credit references to economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Any comment referring to energy conservation in buildings can be taken as

referring to both homes and workplaces.

– – –

Energy conservation in homes and workplaces

• Insulating houses (cavity wall, loft insulation, double glazed windows) to

keep heat in / out reducing need for heating / air conditioning.

• Thermostats on radiators / computerised controls for heating / smart meters.

• Energy saving appliances.

• Encouraging people to turn off devices such as computers / not leaving on

standby.

• Large windows in homes / offices to make use of natural lighting.

• Energy saving lighting – LED lights or with motion sensors in offices.

Transport for sustainability

• Development of more fuel-efficient cars.

• Carbon fibre cars which are lighter with more aerodynamic designs.

• Increased use of electric and hybrid cars.

• Car tax in the UK encourages people to drive less polluting cars.

• Increased investment in public transport – buses running on hydrogen,

electric trams.

• Park and ride schemes.

• Clean air zones in some cities – charging vehicles to enter.

Sustainability will equally vary according to strategies but is likely to include:

• Less energy is needed to heat / cool / light houses and businesses therefore

fossil fuels, which are running out, will be used at a slower rate.

• Decreased use of fossil fuels will mean a reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions from power stations, which contribute to climate change.

• A decline in the use of petrol and diesel vehicles can lead to a reduction in

the amount of oil that needs to be obtained – which can cause damage to

the environment through extraction in fragile environments and leaks during

transportation.

• Fewer vehicles releasing greenhouses gases reduces the level of pollutants

in the atmosphere. This will have a positive effect on human health.

• Schemes that reduce congestion and increase public transport use may

reduce travel times – bringing economic benefits to businesses.

• Encouraging more walking and cycling can be beneficial for people’s health

and wellbeing.

AO1 – 3 marks

AO2 – 3 marks

How to answer it

Energy Security, Fuel Poverty & Sustainable Supply

AQA GCSE Geography • Resource Management (Energy)

📋 What this question tests

This question assesses your geographical skills and core understanding of global energy issues:

  • Cartographic & Graphical Skills: Accurately completing and reading a choropleth map using standard patterns.
  • Maths Skills: Calculating a percentage from raw data and rounding to one decimal place.
  • Physical Geography of Energy: How climate, geology, relief, and tectonics determine energy availability.
  • Energy Conservation & Sustainability: Explaining how demand-side management (homes, workplaces, transport) reduces fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation.

Question 06.1 • Choropleth Map Completion

Complete Figure 15 using the data for Bulgaria and Poland [2 marks]

✅ Required Shading

  • Bulgaria (20 or more): Shade using solid grey / dark fill matching the top category in the key.
  • Poland (2–4.9): Shade using diagonal striped lines sloping upwards from left to right ( /// ), matching the fourth category in the key.

❌ Common Errors

  • Misidentifying countries (e.g., shading Romania instead of Bulgaria).
  • Using the wrong pattern (e.g., using horizontal lines instead of diagonal stripes for Poland).
  • Messy shading extending over national borders.
Mark allocation: 1 mark per country correctly identified and shaded using the exact key pattern. (AO4 = 2 marks)

Question 06.2 • Map Reading

Name one country where 5–9.9% of households could not afford to heat their home in 2021 [1 mark]

✅ Accepted Answers

Any one of the following countries (marked by horizontal line pattern ≡ on Figure 15):

  • France
  • Italy
  • Hungary
  • Serbia
  • Slovak Republic

🧠 Exam Technique

Locate the category 5–9.9 in the key first. Observe the pattern (horizontal lines), scan the map to find a matching country, and write down its printed label exactly.

Mark allocation: 1 mark for any single correct country named. (AO4 = 1 mark)

Question 06.3 • Data Interpretation & Percentage Calculation

Part 1: How many countries had 10–19.9%? [1 mark]
Part 2: What percentage of the 28 countries is this? [1 mark]

✅ Part 1: Multiple Choice

Correct option: A (5)

Countries showing cross-hatch shading: Portugal, Spain, Romania, Greece, Lithuania.

📐 Part 2: Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Identify values: Count = 5; Total countries = 28.
  2. Set up fraction: 5 / 28
  3. Multiply by 100: (5 / 28) × 100 = 17.8571...%
  4. Round to 1 d.p.: Look at the second decimal place (5), round up → 17.9%

🧠 Error Carried Forward (ECF)

If you mistakenly counted the wrong number in Part 1, you can still get the mark for Part 2 if your math is correct:

  • If you chose B (6) → 6 / 28 × 100 = 21.4%
  • If you chose C (7) → 7 / 28 × 100 = 25.0%
  • If you chose D (8) → 8 / 28 × 100 = 28.6%

❌ Common Calculation Traps

  • Forgetting to round to one decimal place (e.g., writing 17.8% or 18%).
  • Shading more than one circle in the multiple-choice section (automatically 0 marks).
Mark allocation: Part 1 = 1 mark; Part 2 = 1 mark. Percentage sign ( % ) is not required. (AO4 = 2 marks)

Question 06.4 • Physical Factors & Energy Supply

Outline one or more ways that physical factors can affect energy supply [3 marks]

💡 Key Physical Factors

  • Climate / Weather: High sunshine hours allow solar power; high average wind speeds enable wind turbine generation.
  • Geology: Presence of sedimentary rock determines fossil fuel reserves (coal, oil, gas).
  • Tectonic activity: Plate margins/volcanic areas provide magma heat near the surface for geothermal energy (e.g., Iceland).
  • Relief & Drainage: High rainfall and steep, narrow valleys allow large-scale Hydroelectric Power (HEP) dam construction.

🧠 Structuring a 3-Mark "Outline"

You can achieve 3 marks in either of these ways:

  • 1 factor fully developed (1 × 3 marks): Point → Explanation → Developed consequence/example.
  • 2 factors with 1 developed (2 + 1 marks): E.g., one point developed plus one separate stated point.

Full Marks Model:
"Highland areas with steep valleys and high annual rainfall (1) allow rivers to flow fast and make it easier to dam valleys (1) to generate reliable hydroelectric power (1)."

❌ Critical Examiner Warning: Physical vs Human Factors

Zero credit is given for human factors such as political instability, government subsidies, poverty, or level of technology. Keep your answer strictly focused on nature, climate, relief, and geology.

Mark allocation: Max 2 marks for a simple list without development. Max 1 mark for a named example. (AO2 = 3 marks)

Question 06.5 • Energy Conservation & Sustainability

Explain how strategies to conserve energy in homes and workplaces and in transport can lead to increased sustainability of energy supply [6 marks]

🧠 Level Breakdown & The "AND" Rule

  • Level 3 (5–6 marks): Covers conservation in homes/workplaces AND transport, clearly linking both to sustainability.
  • Level 2 (3–4 marks): Clear explanation of one or both, but only has an implicit or brief link to sustainability.
  • Strict Examiner Cap: Max Level 2 (4 marks) if you only write about homes/workplaces OR only about transport!

💡 What is "Sustainability"?

Always connect your points to the pillars of sustainability:

  • Environmental: Burning fewer fossil fuels reduces greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂), combating climate change.
  • Economic: Lower fuel bills for households and businesses; conserves finite fossil fuel reserves so they last longer into the future.
  • Social: Cleaner air reduces respiratory illnesses; warm homes reduce fuel poverty.

🏡 1. Homes & Workplaces Strategies

  • Insulation: Cavity wall insulation, double/triple glazing, and loft insulation stop heat escaping. Less energy is needed to heat rooms, reducing fossil fuel combustion at power stations.
  • Smart Technology: Smart meters and thermostatic radiator valves automatically turn down heating when rooms are unoccupied.
  • Efficient Devices: Switching to LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances reduces overall electricity demand on the national grid.

🚗 2. Transport Strategies

  • Electric Vehicles (EVs): Phasing out petrol/diesel cars reduces oil and petroleum consumption.
  • Public Transit & Park & Ride: Electrified rail, hydrogen buses, and integrated cycle routes encourage modal shift away from single-occupancy cars.
  • Congestion & Clean Air Zones: Charging high-polluting vehicles disincentivises vehicle use in urban centres.

📝 Level 3 Model Response Plan

Paragraph 1 (Homes & Workplaces): Explain a strategy (e.g. cavity wall insulation & LED lighting in offices) → Link to reduced electricity/gas consumption → Sustainability link: Finite fossil fuel reserves (coal/gas) last longer, extending their availability for future generations (economic sustainability).

Paragraph 2 (Transport): Explain a strategy (e.g. promoting electric vehicles and expanding bus rapid transit) → Link to lower petrol/diesel combustion → Sustainability link: Drastically cuts CO₂ and NOₓ emissions, reducing atmospheric pollution and slowing global warming (environmental sustainability).

Mark allocation: AO1 (Knowledge of strategies) = 3 marks; AO2 (Understanding of links to sustainability) = 3 marks. Total = 6 marks.

Topics

3.2 Challenges in the human environment · 3.4 Geographical skills · 3.2.3 Section C: The challenge of resource management · 3.4.1 Cartographic skills · 3.4.2 Graphical skills · 3.4.4 Statistical skills

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Geography examination, Paper 2, June 2025. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.