O-LevelGeographyPopulation and settlement2217/12 · May/June 2019 · Q225 Marks

Study Fig. 2.1, which shows information about a settlement hierarchy.

(a)(i)Tick the one statement which best describes a settlement hierarchy. An area with large numbers of shops and services A method of arranging settlements based on the size of their population A diagram to show service provision in the settlements in an area The area served by a settlement and its services[1]
(a)(ii)Using evidence from Fig. 2.1 only, describe the relationship between population size and number of settlements. Give examples of settlement types from Fig. 2.1 in your answer.[2]
(a)(iii)Give three examples of high order services which are likely to be located in large cities, such as capital cities.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain why large cities, such as capital cities, have many high order services.[4]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 2.2, which gives information about rural decline. Using Fig. 2.2 only, give three examples of services which are being closed in rural settlements.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain why service provision in some rural areas is declining.[5]
(c)Name a settlement you have studied. Describe and explain its functions. Name of settlement[7]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] A method of arranging settlements based on the size of their population.
[2] The larger / smaller the population the less / more settlements there will be / inversely proportional;
E.g. more villages than cities (must compare two settlement types)
[3] Examples such as: Department store; (Specialist shops such as) Jeweller; Wedding dress shop; Umbrella shop: National stadium; Theatre; (International) airport; University; Parliament; Embassy HQ; Etc. Note: Can give 3 different high order shops
[4] Ideas such as: There is a large population / lots of customers / large market / large demand;
The sphere of influence is a large area / many people travel from a long distance / large catchment area;
Enough people to meet threshold;
Capital cities are a focus of route networks / good transport links;
Many tourists will visit / use the services;
Wealthy people live there;
Etc.
[3] Post office(s);
Doctors / surgeries;
Shops;
Schools;
Bank;
Cashpoint / ATM
[5] Ideas such as: People move away from rural areas / move to city / urbanisation;
Decline of population in some rural areas;
Services are unprofitable / uneconomical / not sustainable
Less demand / customers;
Increased mobility / car ownership;
Many people use services in the urban areas where they work;
Poor communications make supplying resources to these services difficult / expensive;
Internet / online shopping;
Ageing population / young people leave;
Etc.
[7] Levels marking
Level 1 (1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail which describe / state the function and/or explain why the chosen settlement has that function.
Level 2 (4-6 marks) Uses named example. More developed statements which explain why the chosen settlement has that function (Note: Max. 5 if no named or inappropriate example)
Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements with some place specific reference.
Content Guide: Answers will depend on the function of the chosen settlement which may include: Port, Capital city, Industrial town, Route centre, Market town, Administrative centre, Tourist resort Service centre / offers services Note: Do not accept examples of services
Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details, Specific details of land uses related to the function, Named parts of settlement etc. Statistics (can also be credited as PS)