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Syllacon TEMPLATES
SINGAPORE-CAMBRIDGE GCE O-LEVEL
PURE GEOGRAPHY OUTLINE
SYLLABUS 2236
UPDATED 2013
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Overview
Themes
Topics
Chapters Count
Physical Geography 1. Coasts
1-3
3
4-6
3
3. Variable Weather and Changing Climate 7-9
3
4. Global Tourism
10-12
3
5. Food Resources
13-15
3
6. Health and Diseases
16-18
3
2. Living with Tectonic Hazards
Human Geography
Coasts
1. How and why are coastal environments different and dynamic? ................................................. 7
2. Why are coastal areas valuable? ................................................................................................ 8
3. How can we manage coastal areas in a sustainable manner? .................................................... 9
Living with Tectonic Hazards
4. Why are some areas more prone to tectonic hazards? ............................................................. 11
5. What landforms and associated tectonic phenomena are found at plate boundaries? .............. 12
6. How do people prepare for and respond to earthquakes? ......................................................... 13
Variable Weather and Changing Climate
7. Why do different places experience different weather and climate? .......................................... 15
8. What is happening to the Earth’s climate? ................................................................................ 16
9. Is the weather becoming more extreme? .................................................................................. 17
Global Tourism
10. How does the nature of tourism vary from place to place? ...................................................... 19
11. Why has tourism become a global phenomenon? ................................................................... 20
12. Developing tourism at what cost?............................................................................................ 21
Food Resources
13. How and why has food consumption patterns changed since 1960s? ..................................... 23
14. What are the trends and challenges in production of food crops? ........................................... 24
15. How can the problem of food shortage be addressed? ........................................................... 25
Health and Diseases
16. What are the global patterns of health and diseases? ............................................................. 27
17. What influences the spread and impact of infectious diseases? .............................................. 28
18. How can we manage the current and future spread of infectious diseases? ........................... 29
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Contents
1. How and why are coastal environments different and dynamic? .......................................... 7
(a) explain the dynamic nature of coastal environments .............................................................. 7
(b) explain how waves are generated and the factors influencing them ....................................... 7
(c) explain wave refraction and the processes which occur when waves break ........................... 7
(d) distinguish between the different types of waves and their associated coastal environments . 7
(e) explain the different coastal processes................................................................................... 7
(f) describe and explain the formation of cliffs, headlands, caves, arches, stacks and shore
platforms ..................................................................................................................................... 7
(g) describe and explain the formation of bays, beaches, spits and tombolos .............................. 7
2. Why are coastal areas valuable? ............................................................................................. 8
(a) describe four key ecosystem services obtainable from coastal ecosystems ........................... 8
(b) explain how the distinctive characteristics of coastal areas support a variety of human
activities ...................................................................................................................................... 8
(c) describe the global distribution and characteristics of coral reef ecosystem ........................... 8
(d) explain the value of coral reef ecosystem in the coastal environment .................................... 8
(e) discuss the issues surrounding the destruction of coral reef ecosystem ................................. 8
(f) describe the global distribution and characteristics of coral reef ecosystem ............................ 8
(g) explain the value of coral reef ecosystem in the coastal environment .................................... 8
(h) discuss the issues surrounding the destruction of coral reef ecosystem ................................. 8
(i) identify and explain the threats to coastal areas ...................................................................... 8
3. How can we manage coastal areas in a sustainable manner? .............................................. 9
(a) explain how coastal areas can be managed in a sustainable manner .................................... 9
(b) evaluate the effectiveness of coastal protection measures ..................................................... 9
4. Why are some areas more prone to tectonic hazards? ........................................................ 11
(a) compare the different types of natural hazards..................................................................... 11
(b) describe the internal structure of the Earth (core, mantle, crust) and tectonic plates ............ 11
(c) explain the movement of plates ............................................................................................ 11
(d) describe the global distribution of tectonic plates and types of plate boundaries .................. 11
5. What landforms and associated tectonic phenomena are found at plate boundaries?..... 12
(a) discuss how plate movements influence the general distribution of landforms and associated
phenomena ............................................................................................................................... 12
(b) describe the characteristics of landforms and phenomena associated with plate movements
.................................................................................................................................................. 12
(c) explain the causes of landforms and phenomena associated with plate movements ............ 12
(d) describe the structure of volcanoes ...................................................................................... 12
(e) explain the shape and size of volcanoes .............................................................................. 12
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(f) describe the benefits and risks of living in volcanic areas ...................................................... 12
(g) discuss the impact of earthquakes on peopleliving in areas prone to this natural hazard ..... 12
6. How do people prepare for and respond to earthquakes? .................................................. 13
(a) discuss the responses of people to earthquakes and tsunamis ............................................ 13
(b) assess the effectiveness of strategies in mitigating and responding to the effects of
earthquakes and tsunamis ........................................................................................................ 13
7. Why do different places experience different weather and climate? .................................. 15
(a) differentiate between weather and climate ........................................................................... 15
(b) explain the daily and seasonal variations in temperature at a particular location .................. 15
(c) compare and explain the variations in temperature between different locationsExplain the
differences in relative humidity in different locations .................................................................. 15
(d) explain the formation of convectional rain and relief rain ...................................................... 15
(e) explain how coastal temperatures are moderated by land and sea breezes ......................... 15
(f) explain the formation of monsoon winds ............................................................................... 15
(g) describe and explain the distribution and characteristics of equatorial, monsoon and cool
temperate climates .................................................................................................................... 15
(h) describe and explain the weather and climate of Singapore with reference to rainfall, relative
humidity and temperature .......................................................................................................... 15
8. What is happening to the Earth’s climate? ........................................................................... 16
(a) discuss climate change in the last 150 years........................................................................ 16
(b) explain the greenhouse effect .............................................................................................. 16
(c) discuss the natural causes of recent climate change ............................................................ 16
(d) explain how human activities such as deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, rice cultivation and
cattle farming increase greenhouse gases and lead to enhanced greenhouse effectExplain the
impact of climate change such as sea level rise, extreme weather events and human health ... 16
(e) describe the responses to climate change ........................................................................... 16
9. Is the weather becoming more extreme? .............................................................................. 17
(a) describe the location and characteristics of tropical cyclones ............................................... 17
(b) discuss the impact of tropical cyclones on human lives and the environment ....................... 17
(c) evaluate the effectiveness of measures adopted to mitigate and respond to the effects of
tropical cyclones ........................................................................................................................ 17
10. How does the nature of tourism vary from place to place? ............................................... 19
(a) describe and give examples of different types of tourism ..................................................... 19
(b) explain why tourist activities are different at different places ................................................ 19
(c) discuss the roles of different groups in promoting tourism .................................................... 19
11. Why has tourism become a global phenomenon? ............................................................. 20
(a) describe the trends of both domestic tourism and international tourism................................ 20
(b) describe the changing nature of global tourism .................................................................... 20
(c) explain the growth of global tourismExplain why tourism is subject to regional fluctuations .. 20
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12. Developing tourism at what cost? ....................................................................................... 21
(a) assess the impact of tourism on a country ........................................................................... 21
(b) explain how tourism can be made sustainable ..................................................................... 21
(c) compare the roles of various groups in taking care of the tourist areas ................................ 21
13. How and why has food consumption patterns changed since 1960s? ............................. 23
(a) describe variations in global food consumption patterns between DCs and LDCs over time 23
(b) describe the changing food preferences in DCs and LDCs .................................................. 23
(c) explain why variations exist and persist in food consumption between DCs and LDCs ........ 23
(d) discuss the impact of variations in food consumption on individuals within DCs and LDCs .. 23
14. What are the trends and challenges in production of food crops? ................................... 24
(a) describe and explain the trends in production of food crops since 1960s ............................. 24
(b) discuss the factors affecting the intensity of food production and supplyDiscuss the effects of
intensification of food production activities on water and soil quality .......................................... 24
(c) discuss why the production of genetically modified food crop varies between countries ....... 24
(d) discuss the causes of food shortage .................................................................................... 24
15. How can the problem of food shortage be addressed? ..................................................... 25
(a) discuss strategies adopted to alleviate the problem of food shortage ................................... 25
(b) evaluate the effectiveness of technology to solve the problem of food shortage................... 25
16. What are the global patterns of health and diseases? ....................................................... 27
(a) describe how the health of people varies between DCs and LDCs....................................... 27
(b) explain the variations in the health of people between DCs and LDCs ................................. 27
(c) describe the variations in types of diseases between DCs and LDCs ................................... 27
(d) explain the main causes of death in DCs and LDCs ............................................................. 27
17. What influences the spread and impact of infectious diseases? ...................................... 28
(a) compare and give examples of epidemic and pandemic outbreaks at different times in the
past ........................................................................................................................................... 28
(b) describe and explain the transmission of malaria ................................................................. 28
(c) describe the spread of malaria in the world .......................................................................... 28
(d) describe and explain the extent of spread of malaria in a selected country in Asia ............... 28
(e) discuss the impact of malaria in a selected countryDescribe and explain the transmission of
HIV/AIDS ................................................................................................................................... 28
(f) describe the spread of HIV/AIDS in the world........................................................................ 28
(g) describe and explain the factors contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS in a selected country
.................................................................................................................................................. 28
(h) discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS in a selected country .......................................................... 28
18. How can we manage the current and future spread of infectious diseases? ................... 29
(a) discuss the challenges faced in managing the spread of infectious diseases ....................... 29
(b) explain the re-emergence of malaria in several countries in the world .................................. 29
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(c) discuss measures that individuals, governments and organisations can take to manage the
spread of infectious diseases .................................................................................................... 29
(d) assess the effectiveness of measures taken by a country to contain the spread of the disease
.................................................................................................................................................. 29
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TOPIC 1: COASTS
Should coastal environments matter?
One third of the world’s population live in coastal areas, approximately 4% of Earth’s total land
area. The study of coastal environments is especially crucial at a time when there is greater threat
to coastal areas due to the rise in sea levels. Through the study of physical processes occurring in
coastal areas and the resulting landform features, students will understand how dynamic and
fragile coastal environments are. They will examine why coastal environments are highly valuable
in supporting a variety of human activities. They will also study the challenges involved in making
decisions pertaining to the management of issues that arise from increasing human interferences
in coastal environments.
Extracted from GEOGRAPHY GCE ORDINARY LEVEL (2014) Syllabus Document
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1. How and why are coastal environments different and dynamic?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) explain the dynamic nature of coastal environments
(b) explain how waves are generated and the factors influencing them
(c) explain wave refraction and the processes which occur when waves break
(d) distinguish between the different types of waves and their associated coastal
environments
(e) explain the different coastal processes
(f) describe and explain the formation of cliffs, headlands, caves, arches, stacks and shore
platforms
(g) describe and explain the formation of bays, beaches, spits and tombolos
7
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2. Why are coastal areas valuable?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) describe four key ecosystem services obtainable from coastal ecosystems
(b) explain how the distinctive characteristics of coastal areas support a variety of human
activities
(c) describe the global distribution and characteristics of coral reef ecosystem
(d) explain the value of coral reef ecosystem in the coastal environment
(e) discuss the issues surrounding the destruction of coral reef ecosystem
(f) describe the global distribution and characteristics of coral reef ecosystem
(g) explain the value of coral reef ecosystem in the coastal environment
(h) discuss the issues surrounding the destruction of coral reef ecosystem
(i) identify and explain the threats to coastal areas
8
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3. How can we manage coastal areas in a sustainable manner?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) explain how coastal areas can be managed in a sustainable manner
(b) evaluate the effectiveness of coastal protection measures
9
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TOPIC 2: LIVING WITH TECTONIC HAZARDS
Risk or opportunity?
Certain places in the world like those near plate boundaries are prone to earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions and tsunamis. Such natural hazards pose dangers to people who live there and have
significant impact on their quality of life. In examining the spatial patterns of these natural hazards
and why such patterns exist, students have to explore the concept of plate tectonics and
understand how plate movements resulting from internal earth processes create mountain
systems, some large-scale landform features and tectonic hazards around the world. They will
examine how and why the impact of these tectonic hazards vary greatly from place to place and
consider the decision-making process that leads people to adopt certain responses when deciding
to live in hazard-prone areas. Although Singapore is not at the plate boundaries, we do experience
tremors and effects associated with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occurring in neighbouring
countries. Through studying this topic, students will gain an appreciation of the constraints people
face and the reasons behind the different choices people make in similar situations.
Extracted from GEOGRAPHY GCE ORDINARY LEVEL (2014) Syllabus Document
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4. Why are some areas more prone to tectonic hazards?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) compare the different types of natural hazards
(b) describe the internal structure of the Earth (core, mantle, crust) and tectonic plates
(c) explain the movement of plates
(d) describe the global distribution of tectonic plates and types of plate boundaries
11
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5. What landforms and associated tectonic phenomena are found at
plate boundaries?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) discuss how plate movements influence the general distribution of landforms and
associated phenomena
(b) describe the characteristics of landforms and phenomena associated with plate
movements
(c) explain the causes of landforms and phenomena associated with plate movements
(d) describe the structure of volcanoes
(e) explain the shape and size of volcanoes
(f) describe the benefits and risks of living in volcanic areas
(g) discuss the impact of earthquakes on peopleliving in areas prone to this natural hazard
12
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6. How do people prepare for and respond to earthquakes?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) discuss the responses of people to earthquakes and tsunamis
(b) assess the effectiveness of strategies in mitigating and responding to the effects of
earthquakes and tsunamis
13
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TOPIC 3: VARIABLE WEATHER AND
CHANGING CLIMATE
A continuing challenge?
Variations in day-to-day weather are occurring all the time; they are an integral part of our lives.
The average weather conditions of about 30 years is known as climate. Climate has changed in
the past through natural causes on timescales ranging from millions to hundreds of years.
However, in this topic, the study of climate change is confined to the changes taking place in the
last 150 years. Changes in climate are often discussed as they impact human lives, livelihoods and
nature’s life support systems. In recent years, severe weather events such as tropical cyclones
appear to have become more intense. In studying this topic, students will examine the fundamental
concepts and essential principles involved in the Earth’s weather and climate system. They will
gain an understanding of the scientific basis of changing weather and climate and the complex
inter-connections among the physical and biological components of the Earth system. Through the
study, students will also appreciate that climate change poses challenges as well as opportunities.
Extracted from GEOGRAPHY GCE ORDINARY LEVEL (2014) Syllabus Document
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7. Why do different places experience different weather and climate?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) differentiate between weather and climate
(b) explain the daily and seasonal variations in temperature at a particular location
(c) compare and explain the variations in temperature between different locationsExplain
the differences in relative humidity in different locations
(d) explain the formation of convectional rain and relief rain
(e) explain how coastal temperatures are moderated by land and sea breezes
(f) explain the formation of monsoon winds
(g) describe and explain the distribution and characteristics of equatorial, monsoon and
cool temperate climates
(h) describe and explain the weather and climate of Singapore with reference to rainfall,
relative humidity and temperature
15
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8. What is happening to the Earth’s climate?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) discuss climate change in the last 150 years
(b) explain the greenhouse effect
(c) discuss the natural causes of recent climate change
(d) explain how human activities such as deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, rice
cultivation and cattle farming increase greenhouse gases and lead to enhanced greenhouse
effectExplain the impact of climate change such as sea level rise, extreme weather events
and human health
(e) describe the responses to climate change
16
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9. Is the weather becoming more extreme?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) describe the location and characteristics of tropical cyclones
(b) discuss the impact of tropical cyclones on human lives and the environment
(c) evaluate the effectiveness of measures adopted to mitigate and respond to the effects of
tropical cyclones
17
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TOPIC 4: GLOBAL TOURISM
Is tourism the way to go?
Tourism is an important industry in many countries of the world. However, it has both advantages
and disadvantages. The growth in tourism has impact on people and places and requires careful
management in order to ensure that it is sustainable. In Singapore, tourism is an important sector
of the economy and many students also aspire to work in the industry. Through examining this
topic, students will gain a better understanding of the challenges faced in the global competition for
the tourist dollar and management of tourist sites.
Extracted from GEOGRAPHY GCE ORDINARY LEVEL (2014) Syllabus Document
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10. How does the nature of tourism vary from place to place?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) describe and give examples of different types of tourism
(b) explain why tourist activities are different at different places
(c) discuss the roles of different groups in promoting tourism
19
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11. Why has tourism become a global phenomenon?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) describe the trends of both domestic tourism and international tourism
(b) describe the changing nature of global tourism
(c) explain the growth of global tourismExplain why tourism is subject to regional
fluctuations
20
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12. Developing tourism at what cost?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) assess the impact of tourism on a country
(b) explain how tourism can be made sustainable
(c) compare the roles of various groups in taking care of the tourist areas
21
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TOPIC 5: FOOD RESOURCES
Is technology a panacea for food shortage?
Food is an important resource issue in contemporary society. This topic focuses on food
consumption, production and distribution patterns in societies. It looks at the perplexing problem of
why there is hunger in some societies while others enjoy excess food provision that results in
obesity and food wastage. Students will examine the role and impact of technology in raising yields
to combat the food shortage problem. In the light of growing world population and the challenges of
environment sustainability, solutions to the issue of hunger may be in continuing the intensification
of farming practices in the midst of global climate change, changing the food supply and
distribution chains or population control.
Extracted from GEOGRAPHY GCE ORDINARY LEVEL (2014) Syllabus Document
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13. How and why has food consumption patterns changed since 1960s?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) describe variations in global food consumption patterns between DCs and LDCs over
time
(b) describe the changing food preferences in DCs and LDCs
(c) explain why variations exist and persist in food consumption between DCs and LDCs
(d) discuss the impact of variations in food consumption on individuals within DCs and
LDCs
23
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14. What are the trends and challenges in production of food crops?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) describe and explain the trends in production of food crops since 1960s
(b) discuss the factors affecting the intensity of food production and supplyDiscuss the
effects of intensification of food production activities on water and soil quality
(c) discuss why the production of genetically modified food crop varies between countries
(d) discuss the causes of food shortage
24
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15. How can the problem of food shortage be addressed?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) discuss strategies adopted to alleviate the problem of food shortage
(b) evaluate the effectiveness of technology to solve the problem of food shortage
25
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TOPIC 6: HEALTH AND DISEASES
Are we more vulnerable than before?
This topic deals with the health of people around the world and the main diseases that affect them.
According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity. However, in this topic, the focus is only on physical
well-being. It examines how people’s interactions with the environment increase their susceptibility
to disease and early mortality. It is concerned with the location and spatial spread of selected
major diseases, the disease transmission cycles and intervention strategies to reduce disease
burden. It examines the causes underlying the spread of diseases, such as poverty, lack of access
to medical services, and the physical environment like weather changes that influence the speed
and agents of spread. Through the study, students will appreciate that people in different
environments have unequal access to resources and face varying risks of succumbing to poor
health and diseases. They will also appreciate the need to exercise individual and collective
responsibility in responding to infectious diseases.
Extracted from GEOGRAPHY GCE ORDINARY LEVEL (2014) Syllabus Document
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16. What are the global patterns of health and diseases?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) describe how the health of people varies between DCs and LDCs
(b) explain the variations in the health of people between DCs and LDCs
(c) describe the variations in types of diseases between DCs and LDCs
(d) explain the main causes of death in DCs and LDCs
27
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17. What influences the spread and impact of infectious diseases?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) compare and give examples of epidemic and pandemic outbreaks at different times in
the past
(b) describe and explain the transmission of malaria
(c) describe the spread of malaria in the world
(d) describe and explain the extent of spread of malaria in a selected country in Asia
(e) discuss the impact of malaria in a selected countryDescribe and explain the
transmission of HIV/AIDS
(f) describe the spread of HIV/AIDS in the world
(g) describe and explain the factors contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS in a selected
country
(h) discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS in a selected country
28
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18. How can we manage the current and future spread of infectious
diseases?
Learning Outcomes:
Candidates should be able to:
(a) discuss the challenges faced in managing the spread of infectious diseases
(b) explain the re-emergence of malaria in several countries in the world
(c) discuss measures that individuals, governments and organisations can take to manage
the spread of infectious diseases
(d) assess the effectiveness of measures taken by a country to contain the spread of the
disease
29
Compiled by Lim Ting Jie