Fig. 1 shows a map of a country that specialises in the production of iron ore for export and for industries within the country. The country imports food and manufactured goods from other countries. [Figure 1]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2011). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] (a)(i) iron ore mines
2. [1] (a)(ii) steel works/car factory/car/steel.
3. [4] (b) Any four points × 1 mark each or two explained points × 2 marks:
4. • can use the iron ore and other minerals in industries within the country
5. • can dispose of surpluses abroad and so earn foreign currency to buy what it lacks
6. • can develop particular expertise in production methods/use of technology/division of labour
7. • can provide employment leading to better standard of living
8. • can achieve comparative advantage – concentrating on what the country does best
9. • may give the country importance politically as a producer of minerals that other countries lack
10. • can achieve competitive advantage leading to greater revenue
11. • enhance trade relationships with other countries.
12. Any other relevant point.
13. [4] (c) Any four points × 1 mark each or 2 × 2 marks. Points should be taken from Fig. 1:
14. • iron ore is transported to the port
15. • iron ore is exported by ship
16. • employees travel to and from the cities
17. • iron ore is taken to steel works
18. • steel is transported by road to car plant
19. • imported machinery transported to iron ore mine.
20. Comment on importance of transport to industry = 2 max.
21. [4] (d) Any two services described × 2 marks:
22. • clear waterways and channels so that ships can move freely
23. • tugs and pilots to move ships
24. • dock labour to load bulk carriers
25. • wharves with loading gear to load ships
26. • repair facilities such as dry docks for ships
27. • railway junction in the docks so that iron ore can be unloaded easily/transport facilities
28. • fuel for ships
29. • security services to safeguard the ships, cargoes and staff
30. • customs facilities where customs officials can operate/oversee loading of ships
31. • freeport.
32. Any other relevant service relating to bulk cargo.
33. Warehousing/containers = 0 marks.
34. [6] (e) Level 2 (4-6 marks)
35. Candidate has discussed the importance of international trade in relation to this country and has given a reasoned answer showing whether or not international trade is important to this country.
36. This country specialises in the production of iron ore and other minerals, so it is likely that it has good reserves of these commodities. Some of the iron ore is used within the country but much of it goes for export. The country imports food and manufactured goods from other countries. The diagram does not indicate that it produces food itself. The country is, therefore, very concerned with international trade as it is disposing of surpluses of minerals in order to pay for goods that it does not produce itself. It is possible that it can produce the minerals cheaply and that it has the manpower and machinery to do so. International trade is, therefore, very important to this country. (Weak context = 5 marks max.)
37. Level 1 (1-3 marks)
38. Candidate has made some statements about the importance of international trade with/without context.
39. International trade is important to most countries. Countries export goods and import other goods that they do not have. Some countries have surplus goods. Some countries have poor climates or they lack oil or raw materials.