Briefing Session on 2015 HKDSE Geography Examination

Briefing Session on 2015 HKDSE

Geography Examination

(9 & 10 November 2015)

Programme• Report on Examination Statistics

• Comments & Suggestions from the HKDSE Geography Subject

Committee

• Review on the Examination Papers

• Review on Candidates’ Performance

• Review on Marking

• Reminders for Candidates in 2016 Geography Examination

• Revisions on Geography Curriculum, SBA & Public Examination

after New Academic Structure Medium-term Review

• Q & A

2

Report on Examination Statistics

4

Entry Statistics2012 2013 2014 2015

Day Schools

Geog-C 8 814 8 387 7 567 6 995

Geog-E 4 990 4 712 4 354 4 286

Total 13 804 13 099 11 921 11 281

Whole

Group

Geog-C 9 045 9 016 8 275 7 571

Geog-E 5 006 4 921 4 613 4 469

Total 14 051 13 937 12 888 12 040

5

Day Schools Level %2012 2013 2014 2015

5** 0.7 1.0 1.0 1.1

5*+ 3.2 4.0 3.9 4.7

5+ 7.9 9.4 10.4 11.3

4+ 30.3 33.5 35.4 36.2

3+ 61.5 61.3 63.0 63.0

2+ 83.4 84.0 84.8 85.3

1+ 94.7 95.3 95.5 95.3

U 5.3 4.7 4.5 4.7

6

Whole Group Level %2012 2013 2014 2015

5** 0.7 1.0 1.0 1.1

5*+ 3.1 3.9 3.9 4.7

5+ 7.8 9.4 10.3 11.2

4+ 29.9 33.5 35.3 36.0

3+ 61.0 61.3 62.8 62.7

2+ 82.9 83.8 84.4 84.8

1+ 94.4 95.0 95.1 94.9

U 5.6 5.0 4.9 5.1

7

M.C. Statistics2012 2013 2014 2015

Day Schools

Mean (%) 24.2 (60.5) 26.5 (66.2) 26.9 (67.3) 26.0 (65.0)

SD (%) 5.2 (13.0) 5.6 (14.0) 5.2 (13.0) 4.7 (11.8)

Min 3 3 6 1

Max 38 40 39 39

Whole

Group

Mean (%) 24.2 (60.4) 26.5 (66.2) 26.9 (67.2) 26.0 (65.0)

SD (%) 5.2 (13.1) 5.6 (14.0) 5.2 (13.1) 4.7 (11.8)

Min 3 3 6 1

Max 38 40 39 39

8

Performance on Individual QuestionsPaper 1

Q1(18)

Q2(18)

Q3(18)

Q4(18)

Q5(12)

Q6(12)

Q7(12)

Mean Score

(% marks)

9.01

(50.1)

9.27

(51.5)

8.12

(45.1)

9.26

(51.4)

4.77

(39.8)

4.81

(40.1)

3.13

(26.1)

Highest Score

18 18 18 18 12 12 12

9

Performance on Individual QuestionsPaper 2

Q1(18)

Q2(18)

Q3(18)

Q4(18)

Q5(12)

Q6(12)

Q7(12)

Q8(12)

Mean Score

(% marks)

7.06

(39.2)

11.08

(61.6)

8.00

(44.4)

9.14

(50.8)

3.83

(31.9)

3.90

(32.5)

3.27

(27.3)

3.63

(30.3)

Highest Score

17 18 17 18 12 11 12 12

Popularity % of Questions in Paper 1

10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Q1Q1Q1Q1 Q2Q2Q2Q2 Q3Q3Q3Q3 Q4Q4Q4Q4 Q5Q5Q5Q5 Q6Q6Q6Q6 Q7Q7Q7Q7

75757575

25252525

43434343

58585858

27272727

55555555

19191919

Popularity % of Questions in Paper 2

11

0000

5555

10101010

15151515

20202020

25252525

30303030

35353535

40404040

45454545

Q1Q1Q1Q1 Q2Q2Q2Q2 Q3Q3Q3Q3 Q4Q4Q4Q4 Q5Q5Q5Q5 Q6Q6Q6Q6 Q7Q7Q7Q7 Q8Q8Q8Q8

27272727

45454545

7777

21212121

40404040

11111111

26262626

22222222

Comments & Suggestions from the

HKDSE Geography

Subject Committee

Subject Committee’s Comments &

Suggestions on Paper-setting

• Questions in the two papers showed a balanced coverage

of the syllabus

• The wording of the questions in the two papers, both the

Chinese and English versions, was appropriate

• The testing of map reading skills should be fine with

more support to the candidates, such as simplifying the

tasks or using sketch maps in appropriate scales

• A clearer definition of the terms used in the questions

13

Subject Committee’s Comments &

Suggestions on Marking

• Members generally supported the revised rubrics for the

marking of higher-order questions as marks should be

awarded more appropriately to answers demonstrating

higher abilities

• The Subject Committee advised setters of short essay

questions to follow the questions directly when setting

the marking scheme, whereas the inclusion of other

relevant points might not be necessary

14

Review on the Examination Papers

Comments from Markers (1): Duration of Papers

16

Slightly

long

4.9%

About

right

93.9%

Slightly

short

1.2%

Paper 1Slightly

long

1.8%

About

right

98.3%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (2): Level of Difficulty

17

Slightly

difficult

26.8%

About

right

68.3%

Slightly

easy

3.7%

Too

easy

1.2%

Paper 1

Slightly

difficult

17.5%

About

right

77.2%

Slightly

easy

5.3%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (3): Level of Difficulty

Compared with 2014 Examination

18

Much

higher

1.2%

Slightly

higher

37.8%

About

the

same

34.2%

Slightly

lower

25.6%

Much

lower

1.2%

Paper 1Much

higher

1.8%

Slightly

higher

22.8%

About

the

same

56.1%

Slightly

lower

19.3%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (4): Papers Reflect

Assessment Aims & Objectives in C & A Guide?

19

Strongly

agree

3.7%

Agree

63.0%

Slighlty

agree

22.2%

Slightly

disagree

9.9%

Disagree

1.2%

Paper 1Strongly

agree

12.3%

Agree

59.7%

Slightly

agree

21.1%

Slightly

disagree

5.3%

Disagree

1.8%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (5): Papers Well-balanced

in Terms of Curriculum Coverage?

20

Strongly

agree

6.1%

Agree

67.1%

Slighlty

agree

17.1%

Slightly

disagree

7.3%

Disagree

1.2%

Strongly

disagree

1.2%

Paper 1Strongly

agree

12.3%

Agree

56.1%

Slightly

agree

26.3%

Slightly

disagree

3.5%

Disagree

1.8%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (6): Appropriate

Balance Between Questions Testing Basic

Knowledge/ Skills & Higher-order Skills?

21

Strongly

agree

4.9%

Agree

64.6%

Slighlty

agree

17.1%

Slightly

disagree

7.3%

Disagree

6.1%

Paper 1

Strongly

agree

17.5%

Agree

47.4%

Slightly

agree

26.3%

Slightly

disagree

7.0%

Disagree

1.8%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (7): Appropriate Allocation

of Marks?

22

Strongly

agree

8.5%

Agree

62.2%

Slighlty

agree

19.5%

Slightly

disagree

6.1%

Disagree

3.7%

Paper 1

Strongly

agree

17.9%

Agree

51.8%

Slightly

agree

21.4%

Slightly

disagree

7.1%

Disagree

1.8%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (8): Wording of Questions

Clear & Easily Understandable?

23

Strongly

agree

11.1%

Agree

65.4%

Slighlty

agree

17.3%

Slightly

disagree

3.7%

Disagree

1.2%

Strongly

disagree

1.2%

Paper 1

Strongly

agree

15.8%

Agree

57.9%

Slightly

agree

12.3%

Slightly

disagree

14.0%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (9): Optional Questions at

a Comparable Level of Difficulty?

24

N.A.

17.3%

Strongly

agree

2.5%

Agree

33.3%

Slighlty

agree

24.7%

Slightly

disagree

12.4%

Disagree

8.6%

Strongly

disagree

1.2%

Paper 1

N.A.

18.2%

Strongly

agree

9.1%

Agree

20.0%

Slightly

agree

18.2%

Slightly

disagree

20.0%

Disagree

14.6%

Paper 2

Comments from Markers (10): Two Language

Versions Identical in Meaning?

25

N.A.

21.5%

Agree

10.1%

Strongly

agree

41.8%

Agree

19.0%

Slightly

agree

3.8%

Slightly

disagree

3.8%

Paper 1

N.A.

18.2%

Strongly

agree

10.9%

Agree

34.6%

Slightly

agree

18.2%

Slightly

disagree

12.7%

Disagree

5.5%

Paper 2

Review on Candidates’ Performance

Comments from Markers on Candidates’ Standard

Compared with 2014 Examination

27

N.A.

21.3%Much

better

1.3%

Slightly

better

26.3%

About

the

same

36.3%

Slightly

poorer

15.0%

Paper 1

N.A.

42.9%

Much

better

1.8%

Slightly

better

17.9%

About

the

same

23.2%

Slightly

poorer

14.3%

Paper 2

2015 Examination Report and Question Papers

28

Samples of Candidates’ Performance (1)

29

(http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/hkdse/assessment/subject_information/category_a_subjects/hkdse_subj.html?A2&2&13)


30

(http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/hkdse/assessment/subject_information/category_a_subjects/hkdse_subj.html?A2&2&13_25)


31

(http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/HKDSE/assessment/subject_information/category_a_subjects/geog/sp/2015.html)

Review on Candidates’

Performance in Paper 1

Section A甲部

33

Section A: Item 16

• About two thirds of candidates wrongly chose Option D as the answer.

• Candidates might have misinterpreted ‘wave frequency’ as a factor

affecting the magnitude of wave energy, when in fact it is the other way

around.

34

Section A: Item 19

• About half of the candidates wrongly chose Option C as the answer.

• Candidates might have misinterpreted ‘stricter carbon emission control in

the USA’, which had no significant effect on the relocation of the IT

industry, as a push factor causing IT plants to relocate from the USA to

China.

35

Section A: Item 30

• A similar number of candidates chose Options A and D as the answer.

• Option D included ‘small annual range of temperature’ which is not the

climatic characteristic of Southern California.

36

Section A: Item 31

• A similar number of

candidates chose

Options C and D as the

answer.

• Candidates wrongly

chose Option C might

have missed the fact

that irrigation system X

(drip irrigation) inputs

much less amount of

water than irrigation

system Y (sprinkler

irrigation), thus the

amount of infiltration by

drip irrigation is also

less than that by

sprinkler irrigation.

37

Section A: Item 32• About half of the

candidates wrongly

chose Option D as the

answer.

• Candidates might

have misinterpreted

location (3), the East

African Highlands as

the extension of

location (2), whereas

the area of rainforests

in location (4) is the

smallest when

compared with

locations (1) and (2).

38

Section A: Item 39• Most candidates wrongly

chose Option B as the answer.

• Candidates might have

misinterpreted the building

design as ‘to enhance the

absorption of carbon dioxide

from the atmosphere’ by the

plants grown on the walls.

• The actual purpose of the

building design is to reduce

heat absorbed by the

building, thus reducing

energy consumed through

the use of air-conditioning.

39

乙部：題 1

40

乙部：題 1（續）

41


(a) 參閱圖 1a。描述震央的空間分布。

(b) (i) 比較 X 地與 Y 地海嘯的成因。

42

考生能正確地描述震央的空間分布，但只能簡略地比較X地與Y地海嘯的成因。


(b) (ii) 解釋 Y 地海嘯的波浪高度。

(c) (i) 說明 X 地與 Y 地在死亡人數上的差異。

43

考生能正確地解釋Y地波浪高的原因，亦能解釋X地死亡人數較Y地多的原因。


(c) (ii) 評估「土地利用分區」這項措施在減輕 X 地海嘯的破壞上的效用。

44

考生能提供「土地利用分區」的例子，亦能簡略地評估其效用。

Section B:

Question 2

45

Section B: Question 2 (cont.)

46

Section B: Question 2 (cont.)(a) (i) Describe the changes in velocity from sites 1 to 7.

(a) (ii) Using map evidence, explain the changes you described in (a) (i).

47

The candidate was

able to describe the

changes in velocity

from sites 1 to 7

and explain the

changes using map

evidence.


(b) (ii) Account for the downstream changes in channel width in terms of discharge and river processes.

48

The candidate was able to describe and explain

the downstream changes in channel width.


(b) (iii) Explain the favourable physical conditions for the formation of depositional features

downstream of site 4. Give map evidence to support your answer.

49

The candidate was not able to quote map evidence correctly to

explain the favourable physical conditions for the formation of

depositional features downstream of site 4.

乙部：題 3

50


51


(a) (i) 分別描述 X 地區低密度住宅用地及商業用地的分布形態。

(a) (ii) 解釋你在題 (a) (i) 中所描述的土地利用分布形態的優點。

52

考生能引用地圖證據描述及解釋低密度住宅用地及商業用地的分布形態。


(b) 引用地圖證據，解釋 X 地區較 Y 地區更適合作為計劃中的填海區的區位及地點優勢。

53

考生能引用地圖證據解釋X地區的區位及地點優勢。


(c) 討論 X 地區的土地利用規劃是否符合可持續發展的原則。

54

考生能討論X地區的土地利用規劃能符合可持續發展的原則，但內容欠詳盡。

乙部：題 4

55


56


(b) (i) 二氧化碳排放量的改變如何導致海冰範圍面積的改變？

57

考生能描述及解釋二氧化碳排放量與海冰範圍面積改變的關係，亦能解釋二氧化碳增加如何加劇温室效應。


(b) (ii) 你在題 (a) (ii) 中所找出的海冰範圍面積的改變可如何為北極地區帶來正面及

負面的影響？

58

考生只能簡略地解釋海冰範圍面積的改變可如何為北極地區帶來正面及負面的影響。

乙部：題 4（續）(c) 評估國際合作在控制全球二氧化碳排放上的效用。

59

考生能評估國際合作在控制全球二氧化碳排放上的效用。

丙部：題 5說明1978 年以前影響中國鋼鐵工業空間分布的主要因素。解釋自1978 年至今，「改革開放」政策如何改變了中國鋼鐵工業的空間分布。

60

考生能說明1978年以前影響中國鋼鐵工業空間分布的主要因素，但可更詳盡地說明政府如何影響工業的空間分布。

丙部：

題 5（續）

61

丙部：題 5（續）

62

考生能解釋自1978 年至今，「改革開放」政策如何改變了中國鋼鐵工業的空間分布，但對「西部大開發」政策的解釋較簡略。

Section C: Question 6How does the physical environment cause high risk of famine in the Sahel region? Evaluate the

effectiveness of biotechnology in lowering the risk of famine in the Sahel region.

63

Section C: Question 6 (cont.)

64

The candidate was able to explain how the physical environment

causes high risk of famine in the Sahel region.


65

Section C:

Question 6

(cont.)

66


67

The candidate was only able to evaluate briefly the effectiveness of

biotechnology in lowering the risk of famine in the Sahel region.

Section C: Question 7Describe and explain the negative socio-economic consequences of large-scale deforestation in

tropical rainforests. Discuss the roles of more developed countries in the deforestation of tropical

rainforests.

68


69


70

The candidate was able to describe and explain the

negative socio-economic consequences of large-scale

deforestation in tropical rainforests.


71


72

The candidate was only able to discuss some of the roles of

more developed countries in the deforestation of tropical

rainforests.

Overall Comments on Candidates’ Performance

Q No. Strengths Weaknesses

1

• Most candidates were able to

describe the spatial distribution

of the epicentres.

• Most candidates were able to

use appropriate geographical

terms to account for the

difference in the death toll

between X and Y.

• Some candidates were not

able to compare the causes of

tsunami at X and Y.

• Most candidates were not able

to explain the wave height in

the tsunami at Y.

• Some candidates failed to

evaluate the effectiveness of

‘land use zoning’ as a measure

to alleviate the damage

caused by tsunami at X in

detail.

73



2

• Many candidates were able to

apply data from the question to

describe the changes in

velocity from sites 1 to 7 and

use appropriate geographical

terms to explain the changes.


use geographical terms to

explain the downstream

changes in channel width.

• Many candidates were not

able to use appropriate map

evidence to explain the

favourable physical conditions

for the formation of

depositional features

downstream of site 4.

74



3


communicate clearly and use

specific terms to describe and

explain the distribution

patterns of low density

residential land use and

commercial land use in area X.

• Some candidates were able to

quote correct map evidence to

explain the locational and site

advantages of area X as a

more suitable reclamation site

than area Y in the Project.


able to discuss clearly whether

the land use planning of area

X aligns with the principles of

sustainable development.

• Many candidates simply

copied the data from Table 3b

as their answers.

75



4


explain how the change in the

amount of carbon dioxide

emission led to the areal

change of sea ice extent and

the negative effect brought

about by such change.


evaluate the effectiveness of

international cooperation in

controlling global carbon

dioxide emission.

• Many candidates failed to

calculate correctly the area

and percentage change of sea

ice extent; some candidates

did not attempt these two parts

at all.


able to explain the positive

effect brought about by the

areal change of sea ice extent,

or mixed it up with the climatic

change brought about by

global warming.

76



5


explain the major factors

affecting the spatial distribution

of the iron and steel industry in

China before 1978.


give a brief explanation on how

‘Reform and Opening-up’

policy has changed the spatial

distribution of iron and steel

industry in China since 1978.


able to discuss how the ‘Go

West’ policy further affected

the location of iron and steel

industry in China since 1978.

• Many candidates did not have

a clear understanding of the

historical events affecting the

spatial distribution of the iron

and steel industry in China.

• Some candidates wrongly

quoted Shenzhen as an

example of new iron and steel

centre developed after 1978.

77



6


demonstrate a general

understanding of how the

physical environment causes

high risk of famine in the Sahel

region.


able to give in-depth

evaluation on the effectiveness

of biotechnology in lowering

the risk of famine in the Sahel

region.

• Many candidates were only

able to quote “GM food” as the

example of biotechnology.

78


Q No. Weaknesses

7

• Many candidates failed to describe and explain the negative socio-

economic consequences of large-scale deforestation in tropical

rainforests.

• Many candidates mentioned only the physical consequences which

were irrelevant to the question.

• Many candidates were not able to identify clearly the roles of more

developed countries in the deforestation of tropical rainforests.

79

Suggestions for Improvement

Section B:

• Candidates should pay attention to the key words, especially

the geographical terms, provided in the questions and study

carefully the information given to avoid misinterpretation.

• Candidates should answer the questions using the data

provided, instead of copying the information provided in the

questions directly as their answers.

• Candidates should master the skills of map reading, especially

for different types of maps, and the skills of interpreting

photographs and numerical data.

80

Suggestions for Improvement (cont.)

Section C:

• Candidates should make a better use of time in answering the

question.

• Candidates should note the equal weightings for the two parts

of the question and should not elaborate on just one part of

the answer.

• Candidates should give answers systematically, using correct

geographical terms, concepts and perspectives.

• Candidates should study the content of the question carefully

to understand its main points and give relevant answers.

81

Review on Candidates’

Performance in Paper 2

Section D: Question 1

83

Some candidates had a wrong concept that the rock could be easily weathered

because of its well-jointed structure.

(a) (ii) Most candidates were able to state the general characteristics of the

rock type clearly.

(a) (i) Most candidates were able

to identify the rock type.

Section D: Question 1 (cont.)

84

(a) (iii) Most candidates were able to describe the formation of the rock with the proper

use of geographical terms.

Proper use of

geographical

terms

Could not differentiate ‘lava’ & ‘magma’

Irrelevant

Some candidates explained the formation of columnar joints or the

mechanism of plate movement.


85

Photograph 1b shows that mass wasting has occurred in area X.

(b) (i) Quite a number of candidates were able to identify rockfall.

Photograph

evidence

Not many candidates were able to give photograph evidence precisely & specifically.

Candidates wrongly used the warning sign in Photograph 1c as

evidence of mass wasting.


86

(b) (ii) Candidates were able to describe the general natural factors of the mass wasting.

Only a few candidates were able to apply the concept of stress and strength.

Photograph

evidence

General

natural

factors


87

(b) (ii) Many candidates confused ‘mass wasting’ with ‘weathering’ or ‘rainsplash erosion’.

Most candidates were not able to quote relevant photograph evidence to support

their answers.

General

explanation

Weathering


88

(c) Many candidates did not take into consideration the specific land use and environment

in their discussion.

Merely

recited

different

landslide

mitigation

measures


89

(c) Candidates were expected to make concrete judgement when asked to discuss the

appropriateness of a measure.

Concrete

judgement

Specific land use

& environment

Purpose & function of the measure


90

(c) Ambiguous conclusion, such as “on one hand, it’s appropriate; but on the other

hand, it’s inappropriate”, was commonly found.

Purpose & function

of the measure


91

(a) (i) Candidates were able to match the data sets correctly.

(a) (ii) Candidates were able to use proper geographical terms and account for the

difference in temperature.

Proper

geographical

terms, with

calculations

Distance

from the sea

Latitudinal difference


92

(a) (ii) Some candidates failed to explain the moderating effect.

Failed to explain

the moderating

effect

Unsystematic

explanations

Irrelevant


93

(b) Refer to Figure 2a and Table 2c. Account for the patterns of prevailing winds of city X in

July and December respectively.

• Most candidates were able to identify the prevailing wind patterns.

• Some of them were only able to give a brief description of monsoons.

• They should give a more detailed explanation on the formation of monsoons.


94

(b) Candidates were quite common in mixing up planetary wind belts and monsoons.

Explanation

Explanation

Planetary

wind belt

Planetary

wind belt

Description of wind directions

Description of wind directions


95

(c) (i) Most candidates were able to mention ‘drought’ or ‘sandstorm’

as the climatic hazard.

However, a few candidates stated irrelevant hazards, such as

flooding, cold surge, storm, tropical cyclone, etc.

(c) (ii) Many

candidates were

able to explain

the influence of

offshore winds in

causing drought.

Explanation

Role of wind

Role of wind


96

(c) (ii) Some candidates were not able to discuss clearly the more complicated role of

wind in the formation of sandstorm.

Discussion of

the indirect

role of wind,

e.g. influence

on vegetation

needed

The role of

wind in the

formation

of

sandstorms


97

(a) (i) A high proportion of

candidates were able

to draw the graph

correctly with

appropriate labelling.

A few candidates plotted the

starting point of the curves

wrongly at zero value.


98

(a) (i) A few candidates drew the graph inside the Answer Book.

Most of the curves were inaccurately plotted.


99

(a) (ii) Most candidates were able to describe the changing importance of the two public

transport modes.

Description

of changing

importance

Some

candidates

were able to

calculate the

percentage

changes.


100

(b) (i) In general, candidates were able to mention the advantages of railways.


101

(b) (i) However, environmental-friendly would not bring about the changes if without

increasing environmental awareness of passengers.


102

(b) (ii) Candidates were weak in spatial concepts:

• They were not able to use proper geographical terms in describing spatial

changes.

• Many of them simply copied the names of railways and new towns from

Figure 3b.

General

spatial

description


103

(c) Many candidates

were able to give

daily examples,

such as interchange

facilities or

concession fares, as

the strengthening of

cooperation. Most candidates showed inadequate understanding of

the efficiency of public transport.

No explanation

Irrelevant

Irrelevant


104

Poor

explanation

UnsoundContradictory

Service

providers

Passengers

Efficiency

of public

transport


105

(c) Only a small

proportion of

candidates were

able to discuss both

the competitive

and complementary

roles of railways and

franchised buses and

make sound

discussion and

evaluation.

Regions not

served by

railways

Section not

over-saturated

Section over-

saturated

Few candidates could make use of the data given in their discussion.


106

(a) (i) Most candidates were able to name the cities but some failed to calculate the

difference correctly.

(a) (ii) some candidates merely compared the variations of concentration among cities.

They were not able to describe the spatial variations in the region appropriately.

Named the cities only


107

(a) (iii) In general, candidates

explained the general

causes of air pollution

only.

• Not specifically referring

to nitrogen dioxide

• Without referring to the

data given


108

(a) (iii) Candidates should make better use of the data and information provided to

support their answers.

Irrelevant

Irrelevant

Unable to

make logical

inference

Section D:

Question 4

(cont.)

109


110

(b) (i) Most candidates were able to describe the general increase or decrease in trends.

The extent

of changes


111

(b) (ii) Most candidates were able to explain the decreasing trend of the concentration

of nitrogen dioxide.

General

explanation


112

(b) (ii) Only few candidates were able to explain the simultaneous increasing trend

of gross industrial output.

Many candidates overlooked the non-governmental factors.

Candidates should note that the discussion of ‘relative importance’ should

include factors other than government policy.

Non-governmental

factors

Decreasing trend of nitrogen dioxide concentration

Section E: Question 5

113

Explain the occurrence of intensive weathering in granite areas in Hong Kong.

Many candidates described only the characteristics of granite.

Characteristics

of granite

Some candidates

confused the concept

of ‘weathering’ with

‘erosion’.

Section E: Question 5 (cont.)

114

Many candidates described different physical weathering processes of rocks but failed to

explain the causes of intensive weathering.

Physical

weathering

processes

Wrong concept


115

Only a few candidates were able to state that chemical weathering was of greater importance

than physical weathering in granite areas in hot and humid environments.

Climatic

conditions

Structure of

granite

Chemical

composition

of granite


116

Discuss the relative importance of weathering in shaping the landforms in Hong Kong.

Many candidates gave simple and general descriptions of relief in granite areas in Hong

Kong only.

General

descriptions of

influence of

rock types


117

A high proportion of candidates did not understand the role of weathering in shaping

the overall landforms in Hong Kong.

Irrelevant

Merely describing

the formation of

landform features


118

Candidates did not show a good understanding of how weathering worked with the other

denudation processes, i.e. erosion and mass movement, in shaping landforms.

Roles of

weathering

and erosion

Brief & general

description of

badland

formation


119

Some candidates described the formation of coastal erosion features which was of little

relevance to this question.

Human

influence

Irrelevant


120

Only a few candidates were

able to mention that intensive

weathering in Hong Kong

provided a large amount of

weathered materials for

erosion and mass movement.


121

Many candidates were able to describe the general spatial pattern of planetary wind belts.

General

spatial pattern

of planetary

wind belts


122

• Some candidates drew

diagrams to illustrate the

planetary wind systems.

• Written descriptions and

explanations are essential

in answering short essay

question.


123

• A few candidates were able to explain the formation of planetary winds clearly and

systematically.

• Candidates were particularly weak in explaining subtropical high pressure and

circumpolar low pressure belts.

• Candidates should note that besides solar energy, convergence and divergence of air

are important factors affecting air pressure.

Explanation

was brief &

general


124

• In general, candidates did not have the concept of global climate.

• A high proportion of candidates were neither able to describe the distribution of global

climatic zones, nor able to describe the climatic characteristics in these zones.

Explanation

needed

Able to discuss

other climatic

factors


125

• Candidates were able to explain the influence of onshore and offshore winds on

precipitation; or

• the seasonal shifting of planetary wind belts on the precipitation patterns of some

zones, e.g. the Mediterranean region.


126

• Candidates should note that the discussion of ‘relative importance’ should include

the influences of other factors.

• Candidates should point out solar energy as the most influential factor in controlling

global climate.


127

Candidates should describe the factors for the development of the logistics industry,

e.g. communication systems and linkages, legal systems, supply chain management and

technology, etc.

General factors

for the

development of

Hong Kong as a

port

Some gave

Yuen Long

Logistics Park

as example

General

examples


128

• Candidates lacked a good understanding of the transport infrastructure development

in the Zhujiang Delta Region.

• Discussions were mostly brief and superficial.

• Mainly focused on competition between the two regions.

Negative

impact

Positive

impactBrief &

general

discussion


129

Candidates were weak in giving examples of transport infrastructure development in the

Zhujiang Delta Region.

General

explanation


130

Irrelevant examples, such as High Speed Railway or the third runway, were found in

candidates’ answers.

Irrelevant example


131

Not many candidates demonstrated a good understanding of relevant concepts, such as

hinterland and regional cooperation.


132

Candidates should have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the

Zhujiang Delta Region.

Superficial

explanation

of common

industrial

locational

factors


133

• Not many candidates were able to give recent examples of major industries in

the Zhujiang Delta Region.

• Candidates of average performance were able to mention briefly labour

shortage and rising wages, pollution control and rising land rent, etc.

• Only a small proportion of candidates were able to give in-depth

explanations.

Brief

descriptions


134

Some candidates described challenges to developments in the Zhujiang Delta Region as a

lack of capital, low education levels, lack of technology and poor infrastructure, etc.

Candidates should keep themselves continuously updated with the contemporary

development in the Zhujiang Delta Region.


135

An overwhelming majority of candidates

showed little understanding of

‘branding strategy’.

Examples


136

For those with a better understanding of ‘branding’, their discussions were often about

the advantages and limitations of developing brands in China.

Irrelevant example

Limitations

of branding


137

Discussion

on the

effectiveness

of the

strategy in

tackling the

challenges

Example


138

Concrete &

relevant

arguments

Examples

General Comments and Recommendations

• Candidates should refer to the information provided in answering

data-based questions.

– They should strengthen their skills in interpreting and

extracting useful data and information from graphs,

photographs and maps, etc.

– They should also learn to apply geographical knowledge and

concepts to specific situations or cases in the questions.

• Candidates were generally weak in spatial concepts.

– They should learn to describe spatial distribution by using

appropriate geographical terms.

• Candidates should organise and present their ideas systematically,

especially in answering the short essay questions.

139

General Comments and Recommendations (cont.)

• Candidates were weak in making judgement of appropriateness or

evaluating relative importance.

– They should strengthen their ability in reasoning and

argumentation.

– They should learn to put forward concrete arguments and proof

and state their stands clearly and logically.

– They should avoid giving vague and ambiguous arguments and

conclusions.

– They should also be aware of the latest development in Hong

Kong and the Zhujiang Delta Region.

140

General Comments and Recommendations (cont.)

• Candidates should avoid using ‘common sense’ in answering

questions, especially for questions in the two electives of

‘Transport’ and ‘Regional Study of Zhujiang Delta’.

– They should show a solid foundation in geographical concepts in

their answers and be able to use accurate and specific

geographical terms.

– They should also be aware of the latest development in Hong

Kong and the Zhujiang Delta Region.

141

Review on Marking

General Comments from Markers

on the Marking Scheme

143

1 2 3 4 5 6

Allowed reasonable degree of discretion

Catered for different approaches in answering

Main points for mark awards clearly stated

Clear and concise language used

Systematic layout

4.40

4.57

4.71

4.78

4.76

Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree

Reminders for Candidates in

2016 Geography Examination

• Self-made transparent plastic sheets with gridlines are NOT

allowed

• DO NOT use colour pencils, colour marker pens or highlighters

• CLEAR HANDWRITING is essential for accurate marking

• Mark CAREFULLY & ACCURATELY the question number box on

EACH PAGE of the Answer Book

• Study carefully the 2016 Handbook for Candidates which will

be available in mid-December 2015

– http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/hkdse/admin/student_s_handbook/

– http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/tc/hkdse/admin/student_s_handbook/

144

Revisions on SBA & Public Examination after

New Academic Structure Medium-term Review

145

(http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201504/17/P201504170346_0346_145003.pdf)

Revisions on Curriculum after New Academic

Structure Medium-term Review

• Revising two compulsory (‘Global Warming’ and ‘River & Coast’)

and three elective modules (‘Weather & Climate’, ‘Transport’ and

‘Zhujiang Delta’)

• To be implemented at S4 in 2018/19; 2021 HKDSE Examination

• For details, refer to Annex 1 of the Geography Questionnaire on

“School Survey on the New Academic Structure Medium-term

Review”

(http://334.edb.hkedcity.net/doc/eng/schoolsurvey_medium_term2/Q_Geog_Eng

.pdf)

146

For enquiries and suggestions, please contact:

Patrick Tam

Manager-Assessment Development (Geography), HKEAA

Direct Line: 3628 8013

E-mail: [email protected]

Thank You for Your Participation

147

Briefing Session on 2015 HKDSE Geography Examination

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