How to Revise International A-Level Geography

Master International A-Level Geography with practice on physical environments, human geography, and global issues.

Revision Strategy

Revising Geography requires you to balance factual recall with analytical skills. You need to remember specific dates, events, facts, and examples, but the marks are awarded for how you use this knowledge to construct arguments and evaluate evidence. Avoid the trap of spending all your time memorising facts without practising how to deploy them in essays and structured answers.

Source analysis and essay writing are central to Geography exams, so practise these skills regularly. For sources, develop a consistent approach: consider who created it, when, why, and what perspective it represents. For essays, plan your argument before you start writing and make sure every paragraph has a clear point supported by specific evidence.

Case studies and specific examples are what separate strong answers from weak ones in Geography. Learn three or four precise details for each major topic — specific names, dates, statistics, or places — and practise weaving them into your answers. Vague generalisations will not earn top marks, but precise, well-deployed evidence demonstrates genuine understanding.

Study Tips for International A-Level Geography

✓ Build a comprehensive bank of case studies with specific data, dates, locations and outcomes. International A-Level Geography rewards precise, well-supported examples from a range of countries.
✓ Practice drawing and annotating diagrams of physical processes (river systems, atmospheric circulation, plate tectonics). Visual explanations are highly valued in exam answers.
✓ Stay informed about current geographical events (natural disasters, urban development, climate change policies) as up-to-date examples strengthen your exam responses.
✓ Practice data analysis using a range of statistical techniques (Spearman rank correlation, chi-squared, measures of central tendency) as quantitative skills are assessed throughout the course.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Geography

✓ In extended response questions, structure your answer with a clear introduction, developed paragraphs with case study evidence, and a conclusion that addresses the question directly.
✓ When evaluating management strategies or policies, discuss effectiveness, sustainability and unintended consequences to demonstrate depth of analysis.
✓ Use appropriate geographical terminology precisely. At International A-Level, vague language is penalised and specific terms are expected.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in International A-Level Geography

Hydrology & Fluvial Geomorphology

Atmosphere & Weather

Rocks & Weathering

Population

Migration

Settlement

Economic Activity

Environmental Management

Available Exam Boards

International A-Level Geography specification guides for each exam board

Cambridge International Edexcel International

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there fieldwork in International A-Level Geography? +

This depends on the exam board and variant. Some International A-Level Geography specifications include a fieldwork investigation component, while others assess geographical skills entirely through written examination. Check your specific syllabus.

What case studies do I need for International A-Level Geography? +

You need case studies from a range of geographical contexts, including both developed and developing countries. Specific requirements depend on your syllabus, but you should have detailed examples for each major topic area (hazards, development, urban change, resource management, etc.).

How is International A-Level Geography different from UK A-Level Geography? +

The content and depth are similar, but International A-Level Geography uses international case studies, offers a modular assessment structure with multiple exam sessions per year, and may have different fieldwork requirements.

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