O-LevelGeographyPopulation and settlement2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2012 · Q225 Marks

Study Fig. 3, which shows information about the world's urban population in 1950 and 2005.

(a)(i)What percentage of the world's urban population lived in the richest countries in 2005? %[1]
(a)(ii)Using evidence from Fig. 3 only, identify two changes in the world's urban population between 1950 and 2005. 1 2[2]
(a)(iii)Describe three different pull factors of urban areas in the poorest countries (LEDCs) for people who live in rural areas.[3]
(a)(iv)The increasing percentage of people living in urban areas is known as urbanisation. Describe the impacts of urbanisation on the natural environment.[4]
(b)(i)Describe three changes in the housing and amenities along the transect X-Y between the inner city and the urban fringe.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain why many newly arrived migrants to cities in LEDCs live in squatter settlements.[5]
(c)For a named town or city in an LEDC, describe what has been done to improve the quality of life for the people who live in squatter settlements. Name of town or city[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 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] 24-25 (accept answers within this range)
[1] lower percentage of urban population in richest countries;
[1] lower percentage of urban population in rich countries;
[1] higher percentage of urban population in poor countries;
[1] higher percentage of urban population in poorest countries; MAX 1 for correct pair of statistics however phrased.
[1] work opportunities/better pay/more jobs;
[1] better provision of doctors/hospitals/health care;
[1] better chance of education for children;
[1] more food supplies/shops to buy food;
[1] bright lights/entertainment or examples;
[1] better water supply/sanitation/electricity;
[1] better transport/communications;
[1] to follow friends and family etc (NB: Focus is on pull factors/ need focus on the city) 3 @ 1 mark
[1] deforestation/loss of natural vegetation;
[1] loss of habitats;
[1] threats to species/death of animals/disturbance to animals/extinction;
[1] disruption of ecosystems/food chains;
[1] pollution of water/rivers/groundwater;
[1] atmospheric pollution or named gases/acid rain;
[1] increased risk of flooding etc; 4 @ 1 mark
[1] reduction in housing quality/good quality housing in inner city but squatter settlements in urban fringe;
[1] reduction in supply of amenities/electricity/water supply/sewerage or statistics (max 2);
[1] increase in building density (NB: max 2 on points relating to amenities/electricity/water supply/ sewerage. Accept information quoted from the table. Assume answer is reading from X to Y unless opposite is clearly stated. Ignore references to outer suburbs.) 3 @ 1 mark
[1] many people are unable to obtain jobs;
[1] work for low pay/they are very poor;
[1] they cannot afford to buy housing/pay rent/it is a cheaper alternative;
[1] many work in informal sector;
[1] migrants are unable to arrange regular payments;
[1] inadequate investment in housing stock/authorities cannot provide enough housing;
[1] newly arrived migrants build their own homes wherever space is available;
[1] newly arrived migrants stay with family/friends already living in squatter settlements;
[1] sense of security;
[1] near to place of work etc; 5 @ 1 mark or development
Levels marking Level 1 (1–3 marks) Statements including limited detail on methods used to improve quality of life in squatter settlements. Level 2 (4–6 marks) Uses named example More developed statements on methods used to improve quality of life in squatter settlements. Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example Comprehensive and accurate statements on methods used to improve quality of life in squatter settlements, including some place specific reference. Candidates are likely to refer to issues such as: Improvement of water supply and sanitation; Infrastructural development; Building of low cost housing; Provision of education facilities and health facilities; Improvement of transport links; Self help schemes; Charitable initiatives working with street children etc Place specific detail may include names of places within the urban area (or appropriate regional terms), specific schemes or appropriate statistics.