specification overview
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Geography B: Investigating Geographical Issues (1GB0) is a single-tier linear qualification with three papers. Paper 1 (Global Geographical Issues) is 37.5%; Paper 2 (UK Geographical Issues) is 37.5%; Paper 3 (People and Environment Issues, including fieldwork) is 25%.
subject content
1. Hazardous Earth
Paper 1- Global atmospheric circulation, tropical cyclones
- Tectonic hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes)
2. Development dynamics
Paper 1- Development gap, development indicators
- Case study of one emerging country
3. Challenges of an urbanising world
Paper 1- Global urbanisation trends
- Megacity case study in an LIC/NEE
4. The UK's evolving physical landscape
Paper 2- UK physical geography, coasts, rivers
- Case studies of coastal and river management
5. The UK's evolving human landscape
Paper 2- UK population, economy, urbanisation
- Case study of a UK city
6. Geographical investigations (fieldwork)
Paper 2- One physical fieldwork enquiry (coasts or rivers)
- One human fieldwork enquiry (urban or rural)
7. People and the biosphere
Paper 3- Biomes: global distribution and importance
- Human use of the biosphere, biodiversity threats
8. Forests under threat
Paper 3- Tropical rainforest and taiga case studies
- Threats and management strategies
9. Consuming energy resources
Paper 3- Global energy resources, changing energy mix
- Fossil fuel and renewable energy case studies
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Global Geographical Issues) | Hazardous Earth, development dynamics, challenges of an urbanising world | 1h 30m | 94 | 37.5% | Multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response essays (including 8- and 12-mark essays). SPaG on the 12-mark essay |
| Paper 2 (UK Geographical Issues) | UK's evolving physical + human landscapes, geographical investigations (fieldwork) | 1h 45m | 94 | 37.5% | Section A: The UK's evolving physical landscape. Section B: The UK's evolving human landscape. Section C: Geographical investigations (fieldwork – 2 enquiries) |
| Paper 3 (People and Environment Issues, Making Geographical Decisions) | People and the biosphere, forests under threat, consuming energy resources | 1h 30m | 64 | 25% | Decision-making exercise: a booklet of sources is provided in the examination; answer stimulus-based questions culminating in a 12-mark written decision |
Paper 3 is a Decision-Making Exercise (DME). A booklet of sources is provided in the examination itself (not pre-released); students answer stimulus-based questions culminating in a written decision (12-mark essay).
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge of locations, places, processes and environments at all geographical scales. | 15% |
| AO2 | Demonstrate geographical understanding of concepts and how they are used in relation to places, environments and processes and the interrelationships between them. | 25% |
| AO3 | Apply knowledge and understanding to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues to make judgements. | 35% |
| AO4 | Select, adapt and use a variety of skills and techniques to investigate questions and issues and communicate findings. | 25% |
key tips for success
Practise reading unseen resource booklets
Paper 3 includes a booklet of sources provided in the exam itself (not pre-released). Practise reading unseen sources under time: annotate maps, extract figures, identify stakeholder views. The decision essay depends on it.
Complete fieldwork carefully, Paper 2 depends on it
Paper 2 Section C tests two fieldwork enquiries you conducted (one physical, one human). Take detailed notes during fieldwork: methods, data, sampling, sketches, evaluation.
Learn 8-10 case studies
Every extended answer rewards case studies. Prepare: 1 tropical cyclone, 1 earthquake/volcano, 1 emerging country, 1 megacity, 1 UK city, 1 river/coast management, 1 rainforest, 1 energy issue.
Master 8- and 12-mark essay structure
Essays reward: intro (define terms), 2-3 developed points with evidence, considered judgement. Practise until automatic.
Practise decision-making essays
Paper 3's decision-making essay (12 marks) rewards clear justification for a chosen option, comparing alternatives. Practise using the resource booklets from past papers.
Watch SPaG marks
SPaG is assessed in all three papers, contributing 4 marks to each paper. Simple: correct spellings of geographical terminology, varied sentences, correct punctuation.
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