Guide to Writing AS Geography Coursework
Download Fieldwork Data Here
You can use all data that is collected, however if you want to view your own groups data use the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet.
They are both large files (13MB) and will take some time to download:
1. Porlock Data – pebble analysis and beach profiles at Gore and Hurlstone Point
2. Porlock Data – pebble analysis and beach profiles at terminal groyne – although the spreadsheet says Gore and Hurlstone Point it means east or west of the terminal groyne.
If you have any questions post them at the bottom of this page and I will get back to you ASAP.
Nettlecombe Field Centre, Exmoor
Microsoft Virtual Earth: Porlock Bay
Guidelines
Download an example of best practice geography coursework here
Mark scheme to download is here
- Word limit 2500 word – so make sure you use lots of boxes
- You will have a project title with hypothesises or key questions when you leave Exmoor – this will be the focus of your study
Purpose of Investigation (10 marks – 300 words)
This is your introduction to your study, it should include:
- Very focused statement of the aim of your enquiry
- Introduce the topic of study
- Outline the key questions or hypothesises
- Develop enquiry questions to help you focus area of your study. These should be your theme throughout your work. The number is dependent on your study but should be no more than three.
- Detailed sketch map of the site or small area that you investigated
- Include as much information as possible on your map using annotations.
- More generalised location maps of the British Isles
Methodology (15 marks)
- Methodology is best presented in a table:
What measured
How measured
Sampling strategy
Equipment
Justification
Limitations
Make sure in your Method that you:
- Samples of work you have done in the field e.g. field notes, sketches, should be included in your appendix at the end of your work.
- Make sure you discuss the sampling techniques used e.g. stratified, systematic
- Use diagrams and photographs as evidence for your method
- Use grid references and a site map showing the locations of transects
Data representation (10 marks)
- Avoid pages of simple pie and bar graphs
- Be careful when using excel to get the right type of graph
Make sure you use a variety of data presentation techniques, some examples are below:
- Make sure you use a wide range of data presentation techniques
- Present data using qualitative maps – land use and geological maps
- Present data using quantitative maps – flow diagrams, proportional symbols, dot maps, choropleths, isopleths
- Present data using annotated diagrams and photos
- Present data in graphs – histograms, pie charts, scatter graphs, line graphs, frequency curved, cross sections, field sketches and tables
- Make sure data presentation techniques used are appropriate
- Try and be original in your techniques used
- Hand drawn maps and diagrams are very useful
- Integrate data representation with your writing
Analysis and explanation (25 marks – 900 words)
In this section you will analyse and explain the data in order to answer your aims or key questions.
Top tips for this section are:
- Make sure you use the correct statistical tests e.g. chi square, spearman’s rank
- Refer back to your theory in your introduction – geographical concepts
- Explain results linking with data presentation
- Data analysis table can help
- Analyse each piece of data
- Refer frequently to your enquiry question
Evaluation and conclusion (25 marks)
This section although often rushed is very important and is worth 25 marks!
- Consider the one or two enquiry questions – restate original aims
- Then make conclusions about these aims
- Link to earlier analysis and draw trends together
- Consider the usefulness of the data
- Be self critical – limitations and SWOT analysis
Quality of Written Communication (15 marks)
Top tips to get the marks in this section:
- Use the spell check on your computer
- Acknowledge all sources – books, Internet
- Divide your enquiry into the sections given
- Include a contents list and figure list – this should be one of your final tasks
- Make an appendix (if you need one)
How to reference your work
What is referencing?
When wring your coursework you will use information and ideas from other people’s work. It is important that you acknowledge your sources so that:
- Anyone reading your work can track them down
- You cannot be accused of plagiarism
- You can maximise your marks in the ‘quality of written communication’ section.
There are many methods. The Harvard method is widely recognised and used and is favoured by most exam boards.
How to reference
When referencing, the source is usually given with the information using the authors surname and the year of publication and then fully referenced in the references section.
- Books
Author (Date) Title Edition Place of publication Publisher
e.g. Aldridge, R (2008) Measuring pebbles 2nd Ed. Exmoor, Lawson publications
- Internet
When possible you should give the author of the source but where this is not possible you should use the organisation.
Author/Organisation (Date) Title (online) Place of publication Publisher
URL Accessed date (when you looked at it)
e.g. Field studies centre (2006) Stats for twits (online) Preston Montford, Field studies council.
Available from http://www.theseashore.org.uk (Accessed 22nd February 2008).
