O-LevelGeographyPopulation and settlement2217/13 · Oct/Nov 2010 · Q125 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 1, population pyramids for Singapore (an MEDC in South East Asia). [Figure 1]

(a)(i)Which age group had the largest number of males in the year 2000?[1]
(a)(ii)What evidence in the population pyramids suggests that by 2050 there is likely to be: A an increase in the old dependent population, B an increase in the dependency ratio in Singapore?[2]
(a)(iii)Explain how the expected increase in the number of dependents is likely to affect the economically active population of Singapore by 2050.[3]
(b)Study Fig. 2, a newspaper article about Singapore's immigration policy. [Figure 2]
(b)(i)Explain why the government of Singapore wants to increase the population.[3]
(b)(ii)Suggest reasons why some people in Singapore disagree with the immigration policy.[4]
(b)(iii)What strategies, other than immigration, can be used by governments to increase population growth?[5]
(c)For a country which you have studied, explain why the rate of natural population growth is low.[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 (Oct/Nov 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) 35 to 39
[2] (a)(ii) A. More old people/65+/old dependents/2050 pyramid has wider apex/top to pyramid/ large amount/bulge of economically active in 2000 have become old in 2050
[2] (a)(ii) Can also use comparative statistics.
[2] (a)(ii) B. Greater percentage of population in dependent ages/young and old people/smaller proportion of economically active/central part of pyramid is narrower in relation to top and bottom.
[2] (a)(ii) NB: A comparative element is needed.
[3] (a)(iii) strain on working population/work harder/longer hours;
[3] (a)(iii) higher taxation/have to pay for pensions/government spending on pensions;
[3] (a)(iii) more money has to be spent on care homes/health care/old peoples homes;
[3] (a)(iii) less pressure on job market/lower unemployment/less competition for jobs;
[3] (a)(iii) reduced supply of workers leads to increase in wages;
[3] (a)(iii) less money to spend on services for economically active;
[3] (a)(iii) racial tension in country;
[3] (a)(iii) slow down economic growth;
[3] (b)(i) so there are more workers/to fill job vacancies;
[3] (b)(i) birth rates are too low;
[3] (b)(i) population is ageing/'greying';
[3] (b)(i) boost economy/increase productivity;
[4] (b)(ii) competition for jobs;
[4] (b)(ii) it may lead to increased crime;
[4] (b)(ii) and create more traffic congestion;
[4] (b)(ii) causes property prices to fall;
[4] (b)(ii) xenophobic reaction/they are prejudiced
[4] (b)(ii) fear of racial conflict
[4] (b)(ii) increased demand for housing/increased house prices;
[5] (b)(iii) offer incentives to people with larger families;
[5] (b)(iii) such as free education/healthcare (dev);
[5] (b)(iii) subsidised housing for large families;
[5] (b)(iii) or offer of cash to have more babies/monthly payments/family allowances/child credits;
[5] (b)(iii) women with large families given medals/gifts;
[5] (b)(iii) e.g. title of 'Hero Mother' given to women with large families (dev);
[5] (b)(iii) pay women to give up work to have child/maternity leave;
[5] (b)(iii) propaganda idea/adverts/education on benefits;
[7] (c) (Level 3) Must include place specific information. Uses named example (e.g. France).
[7] (c) (Level 3) Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place specific reference.
[7] (c) (Level 3) (e.g. children have to attend school therefore large numbers create a greater economic burden, contraception is easily available even in rural area such as Massif Central as there are family planning clinics, in urban areas such as Paris many women are career minded so prefer to wait longer until they have children. Could also quote accurate population growth rates/dates for place specific. etc.)