(a) Study Fig. 1, which shows information about some of the factors which influence population density. [Figure 1]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] (a)(i) High density people are more closely packed together or in a low densely populated area people are less closely packed together or; More people per square kilometre or less people per square kilometre; A lot of people live in an area and few people live in an area. N.B.: Needs to compare. Not a list of factors from the table.
2. [2] (a)(ii) The better the access, the higher the population (density)/in areas of good access, there are more people; The higher/steeper the relief, the lower the population (density). Accept vice versa answers. N.B.: No need to compare. Can use words and phrases from the table as long as the relationship is clear – for example, remote and difficult to get to areas have a low population density.
3. [3] (a)(iii) Ideas such as: People prefer to live or there is a higher population density in temperate climates or areas that are warm/not too hot/not too cold/medium amount of rainfall; Explanation - for example, it is easier to grow crops; People do not want to live or there is a lower population density in areas of extreme climate/harsh climate/arid areas/(very) cold areas/icy areas/areas that are too wet etc.; Explanation - for example, there is a lack of water supply for drinking. N.B.: No double credit on reasons for opposites.
4. [4] (a)(iv) Ideas such as: Employment/to make money/can get jobs/industry needs employees; Factories/manufacturing; Mines/quarries; Farms/in agriculture/in food production; Fishing; Forestry; Tourism; Inward migration/people move to the area/people want to save travel costs/to avoid commuting/it attracts people; Developed infrastructure/electricity/water supply; Transport networks develops/communications/ roads/railways/accessible; River provides water supply or transport or fuel etc.
5. [3] (b)(i) Ideas such as: Fewer young dependants (in 2020)/ more young dependants in 2005; Fewer economically active (in 2020)/ more economically active in 2005; More old dependants (in 2020)/ fewer old dependants in 2005;
6. [5] (b)(ii) In the 15 years the bigger/smaller bars will move up the pyramid; Small(er) family size/low(er) birth rates/people have few(er) children; Expense of having children/high costs of children; Couples prefer independence/careers/spend longer in education; Later marriages/people have children later; Desire for material possessions; People live longer/long(er) life expectancy/low(er) death rates; Better medication/improved medical care; Care for the elderly/more care homes; Pensions/financial support for the elderly; Early retirement; Healthy lifestyles/improved diet/exercise etc. N.B.: No need to explicitly link explanation to the group of people. This question relates to Japan and is MEDC not LEDC context.
7. [7] (c) Levels marking Level 1 (1–3 marks): Statements including limited detail which describe the problems caused by overpopulation. Level 2 (4–6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements which describe the problems caused by overpopulation. (N.B. Max 5 if no named example or inappropriate example) Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place-specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Food supply, Poverty, Employment, Housing, Pressure on service provision, Employment, Lack of resources, Crime, Traffic Congestion; Specified pollution; Deforestation; Habitat loss; Desertification; Disease Place-specific reference is likely to consist of: Named parts of the chosen country/locational detail, population data etc. N.B.: Development is of the problem not the cause. People or environment points are valid. Accept problems at any scale including global warming. Impacts of one child policy = IR.