Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Geography · Higher
Physical and economic causes of uneven development
Explain how physical and economic factors have caused uneven development.
Write your answer first. You can study the marking guidance whenever you need it.
Study the marking See what earns credit and compare it with a full-mark answer.
Marking points
- 1 Explains at least one physical factor causing uneven development.
- 2 Explains at least one economic factor causing uneven development.
- 3 Shows causal links to uneven development rather than only listing factors.
Full-mark answer
Physical factors can cause uneven development because landlocked countries often struggle to trade goods without ports, so transport costs are higher. Drought or unreliable rainfall can also reduce crop yields and incomes. Economic factors include dependence on primary products: if a country relies on copper or cocoa, world price changes can reduce income, while processing and higher profits often happen in HICs.
Why this answer loses marks
Some countries have hazards and some are poor.
The mark scheme requires explanation of how physical and economic factors cause uneven development; listing factors without links stays basic.