AQA GCSE Geography Paper 3, June 2025: Question 1

Total

Qu Pt Marking Guidance

marks

01 1 Describe the changes to total energy consumption in the UK (1990–2021). 2

2 x 1 mark

1 mark for each single observation about part of the timeline/whole of the

timeline

Changes to total energy might include:

• Increase from 1990 to 2000 /2001

• Relatively stable 2000–2005

• General decline between 2005 and 2020 / General decline 2004/2005–2020

with fluctuations

• Increase 2020–2021

• Overall decrease (1990–2021)

• Drops to lowest total in 2020-2021

• Goes up and down/fluctuates

Answers do not need to quote specific data.

Accept any other reasonable changes to total energy consumption

No credit for energy sectors such as services, transport etc.– – –

AO4 – 2 marks

01 2 Suggest TWO reasons why energy consumption for transport might 2

decrease in the future.

2×1 mark

Possible answers might include:

• Increasing number of electric/hybrid vehicles (might reduce fossil fuel

demand)

• More efficient cars/vehicles

• Increasing costs of cars

• Increasing use of public transport

• Increasing use of cycling/development of cycle tracks

• People encouraged to walk (to work)

• People working from home

• Increasing cost of fuel

• Road pricing/vehicle taxation

• Government policy restricting private vehicles

• Increasing awareness of carbon footprint issues/sustainability/reduced global

or overseas travel

• More car sharing schemes

No credit for stating that fewer people using transport

No credit for improved technology unless specifically linked to transport

AO3 – 2 marks

01 3 In which year were energy exports from the UK highest? 1

D 1998 – – –

AO4 – 1 mark

01 4 Explain why energy security is important in helping to achieve social and 6

economic well-being.

Level Marks Description

3 5–6 AO2 – Demonstrates detailed understanding using

(Detailed) evidence of what is meant by energy security and

how it might impact social and economic well-being.

AO3 – Demonstrates detailed application of

understanding by expressing links between energy

security and specific social and economic activities

that affect well-being.

2 3–4 AO2 – Demonstrates clear understanding by

(Clear) showing some awareness of what is meant by

energy security and how it might impact social

and/or economic well-being.

AO3 – Demonstrates clear application of

understanding by expressing the importance of

energy in relation to social and/or economic

activities.

1 1–2 AO2 – Basic understanding of the importance of

(Basic) energy to everyday aspects of life. 7

AO3 – Basic consideration of the importance of

energy with some exemplification.

0 No relevant content.

• Level 3 (detailed) responses – Considers energy security in relation to

some aspects of the 4 “A”s of energy security expressed in the resources.

Offers an evidenced explanation of the significance of energy in terms of

both social and economic well-being, by using some exemplification of both

social and economic factors (employment/industry – income; transportation –

work and leisure related; leisure/tourism opportunities; infrastructure delivery

– energy/water/technology; social services – healthcare/education).

• Level 2 (clear) responses – Shows an understanding that energy is

fundamental to different aspects of life with actual/implied links to social

and/or economic factors. Either some mention of economic and social

factors, which is not always balanced OR more extended consideration of

either economic or social factors. Limited evaluative reference to the idea of

well-being.

• Level 1 (basic) responses – Shows an awareness of the importance of

energy and how the quality of life would be limited without access to energy.

Indicative content

• The resource offers a definition of energy security which considers aspects

of reliability, affordability and sustainability, with links to how a lack of energy

security would affect daily activities.

• The 4 key factors of energy security are identified (availability; accessibility;

affordability and acceptability). – – –

• Specific links between energy security, food supply and economic

development are mentioned in Figure 1.

• Consideration of how a lack of energy reliability and increasing energy prices

8 can have a significant effect on living standards.

• The energy consumption graph (Figure 1) indicates clearly the different

areas where energy is used (domestic, industry, transport and services).

This gives a clear indication of the general economic and social importance

of energy supply.

• There are a range of economic factors that might be considered, largely

related to industry and the ability to earn a living and transportation.

• There are a range of social factors that might be considered, including links

to service provision (healthcare, education), person communication and

leisure activities.

• In some cases the distinction between economic and social may not be

totally clear, for example infrastructure requires energy and is important both

in economic and social terms.

AO2 – 3 marks

AO3 – 3 marks

01 5 Complete the pie chart below using the following data. 2

1 mark for accurately dividing up the remaining sector in relation to Gas and

Renewables (any order). Line must touch the outer circle.

1 mark for accurate shading in relation to the two sectors

AO4 – 2 marks

01 6 What percentage of the UK’s electricity energy mix (2020) came from 1

fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal)?

46(%) – – –

AO4 – 1 mark

01 7 Name ONE country in Europe where the wind and solar share of 19

electricity generation was 5–9.9% in 2021.

Norway or France (accept Slovenia; Serbia; Bulgaria; Bosnia/Herzegovina;

Slovakia; Czech Republic; Latvia)

AO4 – 1 mark