Coasts: past paper questions
Real questions on coasts
The newest 20 of 161 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(ii)[2]
Use Figure 2.1 to suggest two physical factors which have influenced the location of Wellington.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(i)[1]
Describe the location of the sand dunes shown in Fig. 3.1.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(ii)[2]
Which two of the following statements best describe the area of sand dunes shown in Fig. 3.1? Tick (3) the two correct statements in the table. tick (3) bare sand with no vegetation growing flat land with a wave cut platform lowland area with gentle slopes mainly covered by marram grass with some patches of sand steepl...
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(iii)[3]
Suggest how the sand dunes shown in Fig. 3.1 were formed.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(iv)[4]
The process of longshore drift is occurring along the beach shown in Fig. 3.1. Describe the process of longshore drift.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(i)[3]
Describe the characteristics of the headlands shown in Fig. 3.2.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(ii)[5]
Suggest how the bay and headlands shown in Fig. 3.2 have been formed.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[3]
Describe a problem which is likely to result from the following impacts of global warming. loss of species more droughts rising sea levels
See it on the paper → - 0460/21 · May/June 2025 · Q3a[4]
Using Fig. 3.1 to help you, label four coastal features on Fig. 3.2.
See it on the paper → - 0460/21 · May/June 2025 · Q3b[4]
Suggest how feature A shown in Fig. 3.1 is likely to change in the future. Give reasons for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2025 · Q4a(i)[1]
What is coastal erosion?
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2025 · Q4a(ii)[2]
Which of the following can be seen in Figs. 4.1 and 4.2? Tick (3) the two answers in the table which are correct. Tick (3) delta natural arch sand dune stack wave‑cut platform
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2025 · Q4a(iii)[3]
Explain how the process of hydraulic action may have eroded the area shown in Figs. 4.1 and 4.2.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2025 · Q4a(iv)[4]
Describe the problems caused by coastal erosion for people living along a coast.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2025 · Q4b(i)[3]
Describe three features of the mangrove swamp shown in Fig. 4.3.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2025 · Q4b(ii)[5]
Explain the importance of mangrove swamps for people and the natural environment.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2025 · Q4c[7]
Describe and explain the conditions which are required for the development of a coral reef. Section C Answer one question from this section.
See it on the paper → - 0460/22 · February/March 2025 · Q4a(i)[3]
Using Fig. 4.1, name and describe the feature marked X on the sketch map. name description
See it on the paper → - 0460/22 · February/March 2025 · Q4a(ii)[2]
On Fig. 4.1, draw an arrow with a label to show each of: • • the main wind and wave direction the direction of longshore drift.
See it on the paper → - 0460/22 · February/March 2025 · Q4b[3]
Study Fig. 4.2 (Insert), a photograph of the same section of coast. Using evidence from Fig. 4.2, state three opportunities that this section of coast provides for human activities. Give evidence for each opportunity from Fig. 4.2.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates suggested two relevant physical factors. • Many physical factors were well linked to its function. Limited responses • Many candidates suggested physical factors which were incomplete, such as ‘there is a mountain’ which does not refer to the land being too steep to build on, or that the place is surrounded by mountains for shelter. • Some candidates sugg...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0460/22 Q2(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
There was a mixed response to this question with some candidates explaining what had led to the loss of species, more drought and rising sea levels, rather than describing a problem which was likely to be caused by each of these factors. Good answers showed a detailed understanding of the impacts of loss of species, particularly on food chains and on biodiversity. Droughts were usually linked to a...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0460/13 Q5(b)(i) (Cambridge)
This question was based on the topic of coasts and featured a photograph of a classic coastal landscape in France. Accompanying this was a student’s field sketch of the area. Candidates were asked to label four coastal features on the sketch but some labelled fewer than four and some labelled more. It was important that an arrow was used to show exactly what was being labelled to avoid ambiguity....
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0460/21 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.