Difficulty Verdict
The May 2025 Geography Paper 1 and Paper 2 showcase a balanced, moderately challenging assessment (3 out of 5 stars). The short-answer data questions are highly accessible, utilizing clean visuals like Venn diagrams (vertical farming) and radar-style travel times (the 15-minute city). However, Paper 2 Section B (Australia migration synthesis) and Section C (circular economy essay) demand a high level of critical synthesis and conceptual precision to reach the top marks.
Where the Marks Are
Top marks are heavily concentrated in AO3 (Synthesis and Evaluation) and AO4 (Skills and Structure). In the 10-mark essay questions across both papers, examiners award the highest marks to candidates who integrate clear geographical concepts (such as Boserupian vs. Malthusian theories or albedo enhancement) with specific, localized case study details. Additionally, the 6-mark synthesis question in Paper 2 Section B rewards candidates who offer a structured, two-sided evaluation of the infographic evidence rather than simply listing positive points.
Examiner Pitfalls & Mistakes
- Demographic vs. General Population Characteristics: In hazard risk questions, candidates often lose marks by offering general metrics like population growth or density instead of true demographic characteristics such as age structure, gender distribution, or language barriers.
- Neglecting the 'Growing' Aspect: For freshwater or resource pressure questions, students frequently outline static human impacts rather than explaining the dynamic, expanding nature of those pressures over time.
- Dual-Axis and Map Scale Errors: Simple errors in extracting values from complex dual-axis or split bar charts (e.g., dependency ratio ranges) remain a common source of lost marks.
Success Strategy & Predictions
To secure a 7, students must master the art of the 10-mark essay structure. Always draft a quick, 1-minute plan that clearly outlines your geographical framework (e.g., spatial scales, temporal variations, or stakeholder perspectives). In future series, expect a shift in Paper 1 toward under-tested options like Oceans and Coastal Margins (specifically marine conservation conflicts) and Geophysical Hazards focusing on secondary impacts (such as landslides and tsunamis).