AQA GCSE Geography (8035) — Geographical skills
Have you ever tried to explain a route to a friend, only for them to get completely lost? In geography, communicating clearly and tailoring your message to your audience is just as important as knowing the facts.
AQA strictly defines describe as giving an account in words of a phenomenon, such as an event, pattern, or process. You must state what is there or what happens, but explicitly avoid explaining why it happens. When writing about map evidence, you must describe the relief (height, gradient, and shape of the land) and drainage (presence, direction, and density of rivers).
When interpreting data or graphs, use the PDA Technique: identify the Pattern, cite specific Data, and spot anomalies. For describing map distributions, use the 4-Step Rule: state the general pattern, quantify it with examples, provide specific named detail, and note any anomaly. Always use descriptive detail (like "steep-sided" or "fertile alluvium") rather than vague adjectives like "big", and use compass directions or grid references instead of "top" or "bottom".
When using an annotated diagram, you must add descriptive text to explain features and processes. This is different from simple labelling, which only identifies a feature without describing it.
When describing physical processes, you must provide a sequential, step-by-step account. For example, the formation of a waterfall follows a strict sequence:
Analytical writing requires you to break down content to provide an in-depth account of causal chains. This involves creating a linear sequence () where one process triggers another. This skill is part of AO3, which as a whole (including both analysis and evaluation) accounts for 35% of your total marks.
To reach Level 3 marks, you must use double development, which means explaining the initial effect and then the "effect of the effect". To ensure depth, use the "So What?" rule after every point to prompt the next link in the chain, joined by analytical connectives like consequently or as a result.
For a 3-mark "Explain" question, use the 1+1+1 formula: .
When answering 9-mark questions, you must pay close attention to the specific command word used, as each requires a slightly different approach, though all require a balanced argument and a substantiated judgement. To evaluate means to consider options or arguments to judge importance, success, or worth. To assess means to weigh up options or arguments to judge effectiveness or validity. If asked to look critically at an issue, you must focus specifically on the strengths and weaknesses of points of view.
Regardless of the exact command, to pass the Level 1 threshold in 9-mark questions, you must use the "However" rule to acknowledge alternative viewpoints.
Use the PEEL+J Formula to structure your evaluation: Point, Evidence, Explain, Link (mini-judgement), and Judgement (final conclusion). Your final conclusion must be backed by specific case study facts or data provided in the exam.
A stakeholder is any individual or group affected by a geographical change. Because different stakeholders have different priorities, you must adapt your reporting based on the Sustainability Triple Bottom Line (social, economic, and environmental factors).
When writing about an issue, you must identify the "winners and losers" and adjust your tone, terminology, and visual aids accordingly:
| Audience | Tone | Focus/Terminology | Visual Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Residents | Persuasive/Emotive | Quality of life, house prices, noise, NIMBY. | Annotated photos, field sketches. |
| Developers | Formal/Economic | ROI, Multiplier effect, feasibility, infrastructure. | GIS overlay, proportional symbols. |
| Agencies/Councils | Technical/Analytical | Sustainability, EIA, social equity, statutory. | OS maps, radar diagrams. |
Using specialist terminology is crucial for securing the 3 additional SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar) marks available in 9-mark questions. When reporting on fieldwork, you must precisely evaluate your accuracy, reliability, and validity.
You must also use cartographic communication tailored to your audience's needs. This involves selecting appropriate map types, such as topological maps for relationships, flow lines for movement, or a cross-section to show a side view of relief. Always ensure accessibility; for instance, maps should use patterns or hatching rather than just colour to accommodate Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD).
Students often write "list-like" descriptions of primary and secondary effects in 'Explain' questions, but examiners require a linked causal chain showing explicit cause and effect.
Do not explain "why" a feature formed if the command word is "Describe" — writing out causal chains here will waste time and earn zero marks.
In 9-mark 'Evaluate', 'Assess' or 'To what extent' questions, always include at least one "However" or "On the other hand" paragraph to move beyond Level 1 marks.
When tackling the "BUG it" technique, quickly Box the command word, Underline the theme, and Glance back to the text to ensure your answer stays sharply focused.
In Paper 3 Issue Evaluation, do not just copy bullet points from the pre-release booklet; elaborate on them to show geographical understanding (e.g., "it creates jobs" should become "construction jobs increase disposable income, supporting local shops").
Describe
To give an account in words of a phenomenon, such as an entity, event, pattern, or process, without explaining why it happens.
PDA Technique
A strategy used to describe data and graphs by identifying the Pattern, specific Data, and Anomalies.
Anomalies
Specific data points or features that do not fit the general pattern or trend.
Descriptive detail
The use of specific characteristics (e.g., 'steep-sided', 'V-shaped', 'fertile alluvium') over vague adjectives like 'big'.
Annotated diagram
A sketch or photograph with descriptive text added to describe specific features and geographical processes.
Labelling
The simple identification of a feature on a diagram or map without any descriptive or explanatory text.
Differential erosion
The process where softer rocks erode faster than harder rocks, often leading to the formation of features like waterfalls.
Hydraulic action
The force of water trapping air in cracks in a rock, causing it to break apart.
Abrasion
The scraping or sandpapering effect of rocks and pebbles being thrown against a river bank or bed.
Overhang
A protruding shelf of hard rock left behind when softer rock beneath it has been eroded away.
Gorge
A narrow, steep-sided valley formed as a waterfall retreats upstream over time.
Causal chains
A linear sequence of events where one geographical process triggers another, creating a chain of cause and effect.
Double development
Explaining the initial effect of a geographical event and then explicitly explaining the knock-on consequence (the 'effect of the effect').
Analytical connectives
Linking words or phrases used to build causal chains, such as 'consequently', 'therefore', or 'as a result'.
Multiplier effect
The process where an initial injection of money into an economy leads to a much greater overall increase in wealth and jobs.
Evaluate
To consider options or arguments in order to judge their importance, success, or worth.
Assess
To weigh up options or arguments in order to judge their effectiveness or validity.
Critically
To focus specifically on the strengths and weaknesses of different points of view.
Substantiated judgement
A final conclusion in an evaluation that is directly backed up by specific evidence, data, or case study figures.
Stakeholder
An individual, group, or organisation that is affected by or has an interest in a geographical change or project.
Sustainability Triple Bottom Line
A framework for evaluating geographical issues based on three pillars: Social (people), Economic (profit), and Environmental (nature) impacts.
GIS overlay
Digital mapping that superimposes multiple layers of data on top of each other to show relationships, such as economic benefits versus environmental risks.
Specialist terminology
Subject-specific geographical vocabulary that demonstrates precise understanding to an examiner.
Accuracy
How close a fieldwork measurement is to the true, real-world value.
Reliability
The extent to which a geographical investigation could be repeated by someone else with similar results.
Validity
Whether the chosen fieldwork methods actually measure what the investigation originally intended to measure.
Cartographic communication
The process of transferring geographical information effectively using maps tailored to an audience's specific needs.
Topological maps
Simplified diagrams that show the relationship between places rather than accurate scale or distance, such as the London Underground map.
Flow lines
Lines drawn on a map indicating the direction and volume of movement, such as migration, traffic, or trade.
Cross-section
A side-view diagram of the landscape's relief, often used to show valley shapes or the impact of buildings on a horizon.
Put your knowledge into practice — try past paper questions for Geography
Describe
To give an account in words of a phenomenon, such as an entity, event, pattern, or process, without explaining why it happens.
PDA Technique
A strategy used to describe data and graphs by identifying the Pattern, specific Data, and Anomalies.
Anomalies
Specific data points or features that do not fit the general pattern or trend.
Descriptive detail
The use of specific characteristics (e.g., 'steep-sided', 'V-shaped', 'fertile alluvium') over vague adjectives like 'big'.
Annotated diagram
A sketch or photograph with descriptive text added to describe specific features and geographical processes.
Labelling
The simple identification of a feature on a diagram or map without any descriptive or explanatory text.
Differential erosion
The process where softer rocks erode faster than harder rocks, often leading to the formation of features like waterfalls.
Hydraulic action
The force of water trapping air in cracks in a rock, causing it to break apart.
Abrasion
The scraping or sandpapering effect of rocks and pebbles being thrown against a river bank or bed.
Overhang
A protruding shelf of hard rock left behind when softer rock beneath it has been eroded away.
Gorge
A narrow, steep-sided valley formed as a waterfall retreats upstream over time.
Causal chains
A linear sequence of events where one geographical process triggers another, creating a chain of cause and effect.
Double development
Explaining the initial effect of a geographical event and then explicitly explaining the knock-on consequence (the 'effect of the effect').
Analytical connectives
Linking words or phrases used to build causal chains, such as 'consequently', 'therefore', or 'as a result'.
Multiplier effect
The process where an initial injection of money into an economy leads to a much greater overall increase in wealth and jobs.
Evaluate
To consider options or arguments in order to judge their importance, success, or worth.
Assess
To weigh up options or arguments in order to judge their effectiveness or validity.
Critically
To focus specifically on the strengths and weaknesses of different points of view.
Substantiated judgement
A final conclusion in an evaluation that is directly backed up by specific evidence, data, or case study figures.
Stakeholder
An individual, group, or organisation that is affected by or has an interest in a geographical change or project.
Sustainability Triple Bottom Line
A framework for evaluating geographical issues based on three pillars: Social (people), Economic (profit), and Environmental (nature) impacts.
GIS overlay
Digital mapping that superimposes multiple layers of data on top of each other to show relationships, such as economic benefits versus environmental risks.
Specialist terminology
Subject-specific geographical vocabulary that demonstrates precise understanding to an examiner.
Accuracy
How close a fieldwork measurement is to the true, real-world value.
Reliability
The extent to which a geographical investigation could be repeated by someone else with similar results.
Validity
Whether the chosen fieldwork methods actually measure what the investigation originally intended to measure.
Cartographic communication
The process of transferring geographical information effectively using maps tailored to an audience's specific needs.
Topological maps
Simplified diagrams that show the relationship between places rather than accurate scale or distance, such as the London Underground map.
Flow lines
Lines drawn on a map indicating the direction and volume of movement, such as migration, traffic, or trade.
Cross-section
A side-view diagram of the landscape's relief, often used to show valley shapes or the impact of buildings on a horizon.
