How to Answer 5 Mark Decision-Making Questions (Cambridge International IGCSE Geography)

What is a decision-making question?

• The 5-mark questions in Paper 1 and Paper 2 are Section B, Question 3 b(ii)
• The questions give you information about different options and ask you to choose between them
• This tests a specific AO3 skill: "make and justify a decision based upon information provided."

Command phrases and assessment objectives

• This question uses the command phrase "justify your decision"

  • The question tests:

    • AO3 (Evaluation and decision-making)

How this question is marked

• Unlike the longer 7-mark decision making question, these are point-marked, not levels-marked

  • You are awarded marks for specific content points, with one mark specifically reserved for your evaluation or judgement
  • You're reading resources rather than recalling your own knowledge, and you must commit to one option, not just weigh up pros and cons in the abstract

How marks are awarded

• Up to 4 marks for relevant points

  • Either four simple points, or fewer points developed further (a point plus its development counts as 2 marks)

• 1 mark is reserved specifically for a stated evaluation or judgement

  • This means you cannot get full marks from a list of facts alone, however accurate
  • The judgement mark only comes from an evaluative statement

Structuring your answer

• Give three to four relevant points (advantages of the plan you have selected and disadvantages of the plans you have rejected), briefly developed rather than just named

• Finish your answer with a clear evaluative sentence

  • A word like "however", "overall" or "ultimately" is often the signal that you have reached your judgement

Assessment objectives

• These 5 mark questions are used to assess AO3: Evaluation and decision-making

• This means you are expected to :

  • Evaluating the importance of geographical factors, processes and change
  • Recognise the limitations of data, theories and models
  • Evaluate the impact of different values and attitudes in environmental management; making and justifying decisions
  • Weigh up the options available to decision-makers
  • Evaluating the success of management strategies, including sustainable approaches

Worked Example Study Table 3.1, which shows three plans which the government of a country in Africa is considering to sustainably manage the tropical rainforest.

Choose the plan that you think will be the most effective in sustainably managing the tropical rainforest. Justify your decision.

Answer

Plan chosen - A

Justification - Plan A has several advantages by restricting the places where development can happen it will prevent large scale destruction [1] and the development can be focussed on areas which do not contain sensitive ecosystems [d]. The planting of trees also means that more trees will be planted than removed [1]. However, there are disadvantages such as the new trees planted will take time to grow [1] but the advantages of this plan outweigh the disadvantages [1].

The command word is 'justify' this means the answer needs to include valid reasons to support the point of view given. The answer must explain why it is the best option.

Mark allocation

• 1 mark for evaluation/judgement [1]
• 1 mark for each simple point [1]
• 1 mark for each developed point [d]

Answers can be either:

• 4 simple points plus evaluation
• 1 developed point plus 2 simple points plus evaluation
• 2 points which are developed plus evaluation

Common errors

• Common errors where students lose marks include:

  • Not including judgement or evaluation within the answer

Alternative content

The answer above is just one example of a response to this question. Other information that could be used in the answer includes:

• Plan B

  • The area will be conserved
  • Ecosystems will not be destroyed
  • Resources will not be exploited
  • May affect the growth of the economy

• Plan C

  • Development can be controlled
  • The community can be involved in decision making/jobs
  • Many areas have already been destroyed