How to write a 20-mark Geography essay (Edexcel A-Level)

Short answer: to write a 20 mark geography essay for Edexcel, remember that only 5 marks are for knowledge (AO1). The other 15 are for applying it: making connections, using evidence and reaching a judgement (AO2) [2]. Define the key term, set out an argument, write three developed paragraphs with located evidence and a mini-judgement each, then weigh it all in a conclusion.

Where the 20-mark essays appear

Pearson Edexcel A-Level Geography (9GE0) has two 2 hour 15 minute papers worth 105 marks each. The specification says both include 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions [1]. Pearson's June 2019 mark schemes, the most recent we could open on Pearson's site, show the pattern [2][4]:

So you write two 20-mark essays on each paper: 80 of your 210 marks on Papers 1 and 2. Section C of Paper 1 covers both the water and carbon topics, so prepare essays for each. Paper 3 is different. It uses 8, 18 and 24-mark questions [1].

How the 20 marks are split

Edexcel Geography has three assessment objectives (AOs), not four. There is no AO4 [1]. On a 20-mark essay, the mark scheme gives 5 marks to AO1 and 15 marks to AO2 [2][4].

The mark scheme has four levels, with Level 4 at 16–20 marks. An answer that shows only knowledge, with no application, can earn at most 5 marks [2]. Evaluation sits inside AO2, so every paragraph must do more than describe.

"Evaluate" and "assess" are not the same

Pearson defines its command words in the specification [1]. In our words:

• Assess means use evidence to decide how significant something is. Consider all the factors fairly, then say which matter most.
• Evaluate means judge the value or success of something. Review strengths, weaknesses, alternatives and data, then reach a balanced, supported conclusion.

In June 2019, examiners described the Paper 1 20-markers as "evaluate" questions and warned that many 12-mark "assess" answers only explained [3]. Read the command word every time, because it tells you what kind of judgement to make.

How to write a 20 mark geography essay: a structure that works

1. Introduction (4–5 sentences). Define the key term in the question. Name the places you will use. State your argument in one sentence, so the examiner knows where you are going.
2. Three developed paragraphs. Each one makes a point, gives located evidence (a named place, a date, a figure), explains it with "so" and "because", and ends with a mini-judgement. Include at least one paragraph that argues against the statement.
3. Conclusion. Weigh the paragraphs against each other. Say which factor matters most, and when or where that changes. Examiners want a conclusion that follows from your evidence and does more than repeat it [5].

Three paragraphs is enough. Depth earns AO2 marks; a long list of thin points does not.

Timing

Each paper gives you 135 minutes for 105 marks, which is about 1.3 minutes per mark [1]. That means about 26 minutes for a 20-marker. A workable split is 3 minutes to plan, 3 for the introduction, 5–6 for each paragraph and 3–4 for the conclusion. Examiners advise leaving at least 25 minutes for the second essay on Paper 2 [5].

A worked paragraph on energy security

Energy security sits in Topic 6, which includes energy pathways and the changing UK energy mix [1]. Practice question, in our own words: Evaluate the view that dependence on imported energy is the main threat to a country's energy security.

Notice the structure. The paragraph uses dated figures for one named country, explains each step with "so" and "because", and ends by answering the question. That is what the 15 AO2 marks reward.

Common mistakes

• Describing instead of judging. Very descriptive 20-mark answers are unlikely to get beyond lower Level 2 [5].
• A one-sided essay. Examiners want both sides treated fairly, not an explanation of why one side is right [3].
• Generic examples. Name places, dates and figures. Evidence can be case studies, data or the resource booklet [5].
• Confusing terms. In 2019, some candidates mixed up river and coastal flooding [3]. Keep a glossary of the specification's key terms.
• A conclusion that only repeats. Weigh the arguments and say what your answer depends on.

If you take Pearson Edexcel International A-level (IAL) Geography instead, the course is different. It has four unit exams, sat in January or June, and energy security is an option in Unit 3 [7]. Check your own unit's mark scheme.