Hot arid and semi-arid environments: past paper questions
Real questions on hot arid and semi-arid environments
The newest 20 of 187 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9696/31 · May/June 2026 · Q10a[4]
Describe the main features of the cross-section of the landscape shown in Figure 10.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/31 · May/June 2026 · Q10b[6]
Explain the formation of an alluvial fan.
See it on the paper → - 9696/31 · May/June 2026 · Q11[20]
‘The problems of sustainable management cannot be solved.’ Using a case study of either a hot arid environment or a semi-arid environment, how far do you agree with this statement?
See it on the paper → - 9696/31 · May/June 2026 · Q12[20]
To what extent is latitude the main cause of differences between the climatic characteristics of hot arid environments and semi-arid environments?
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q9[20]
To what extent are the primary impacts of atmospheric disturbances more significant than the secondary impacts? Hot arid and semi-arid environments If answering this option, answer Question 10 and either Question 11 or Question 12.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q10a[4]
Describe the main features of the vegetation shown in Figure 10.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q10b[6]
Suggest reasons for the features of the vegetation you described in 10(a).
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q11[20]
‘The global distributions of hot arid and semi-arid environments are largely determined by latitude.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q12[20]
To what extent are the landforms of hot arid and semi-arid environments the result of erosion rather than deposition?
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · May/June 2026 · Q10a[4]
Describe the main features of the vegetation shown in Figure 10.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · May/June 2026 · Q10b[6]
Suggest reasons for the features of the vegetation you described in 10(a).
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · May/June 2026 · Q11[20]
‘The global distributions of hot arid and semi-arid environments are largely determined by latitude.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · May/June 2026 · Q12[20]
To what extent are the landforms of hot arid and semi-arid environments the result of erosion rather than deposition?
See it on the paper → - 9696/43 · May/June 2026 · Q10a[4]
Describe the variations in well-being of the Greater London region shown in Figure 10.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · October/November 2025 · Q10a[4]
Describe the pattern of annual precipitation anomalies shown in Fig. 10.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · October/November 2025 · Q10b[6]
Explain how a lack of precipitation might lead to desertification.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · October/November 2025 · Q11[20]
‘Extreme temperatures are the main influence on plant adaptation in hot arid and semi-arid environments.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · October/November 2025 · Q12[20]
Assess the extent to which erosion by water action is more important in the formation of some characteristic landforms than others in hot arid and semi-arid environments.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · October/November 2025 · Q10a[4]
Describe the global distribution of hot semi‑arid environments shown in Fig. 10.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · October/November 2025 · Q10b[6]
Suggest why the area labelled X in Fig. 10.1 is a hot semi‑arid environment.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question was answered extremely well. Most candidates were able to describe sufficient characteristics of the vegetation to obtain good marks. The only inconsistency was the failure to describe the vegetation. Thus, basically stating that there was a cactus was not a description but just a statement.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/32 Q10(a) (Cambridge)
Candidates seemed to enjoy this question and there were many excellent answers. The adaptation of vegetation to drought in semi-arid environments is well understood.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/32 Q10(b) (Cambridge)
There were three issues with answers to this question. Firstly, many candidates did not follow the either/or instruction and wrote about both hot arid and semi-arid environments. Secondly, other candidates did not recognise that the question was about problems and not just sustainable management. Finally, other candidates ignored the variations in precipitation element of the question and wrote ab...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/32 Q11 (Cambridge)
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