International A-Level (IAL) - Free Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Access Geography past papers covering physical and human geography topics for thorough exam preparation. Download free A-Level Geography question papers and mark schemes from Edexcel. All papers are available instantly with no sign-up required.
Understanding the exam structure helps you target your revision effectively. Here is a breakdown of each paper:
Covers hazardous Earth, globalisation, development, and resource challenges. Combines physical and human geography perspectives.
Focuses on fieldwork methodology, data collection techniques, and geographical research skills.
Advanced topics including energy security, water conflicts, biodiversity, and superpower geopolitics.
Independent research-based assessment covering environmental and social issues in depth.
Geography requires you to integrate knowledge across physical and human topics and apply it to specific case studies. Build a bank of detailed case studies for each topic: include specific facts, dates, statistics, and place names. For instance, when studying tropical cyclones, know the details of at least two specific examples with dates, wind speeds, impacts, and responses.
Map skills and data interpretation matter. Practise reading maps, calculating gradients, measuring distances, interpreting satellite images, and analysing statistical data such as population pyramids and climate graphs. Units 1, 2 and 3 each come with a resource booklet to interpret, and calculators may be used in all three.
Extended writing in Geography should follow a clear structure: introduce the topic, present evidence from case studies, analyse the geographical processes involved, and evaluate the significance or success of responses. Use geographical terminology precisely and support claims with specific data from your case studies.
Fieldwork is examined directly. Every student must carry out a geographical investigation, including both research and fieldwork, on Topic 1: Crowded Coasts or Topic 2: Urban Problems, Planning and Regeneration, and it is assessed in the Unit 2 paper, Sections B and C. Study the theory behind sampling techniques (random, systematic, stratified), methods of data collection, and how to evaluate the reliability of geographical data.
The following topics are covered across the Geography A-Level syllabus:
Four units. The International AS is Unit 1, Global Challenges (1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks, 60% of the AS), and Unit 2, Geographical Investigations (1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks, 40%). Unit 3, Contested Planet (2 hours, 90 marks), and Unit 4, Researching Geography (1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks), complete the A Level. For Unit 4 you answer one question from a list based on the options you have studied, with pre-release research focus questions for each option.
You should aim for at least 2 detailed case studies per major topic. For example, for tectonic hazards you might study the 2010 Haiti earthquake (developing country) and the 2011 Japan earthquake (developed country) to enable comparison. Each case study should include specific dates, locations, statistics (e.g., magnitude, death toll, economic damage), causes, impacts, and responses. Quality of detail matters more than quantity of case studies.
They are compulsory. You must carry out a geographical investigation with research and fieldwork, on Crowded Coasts or on Urban Problems, Planning and Regeneration, and the Unit 2 paper examines it in Sections B and C, together with a fieldwork question set in an unfamiliar context. Understand different sampling methods and when each is appropriate, data collection techniques, how to present data, and how to analyse and evaluate your findings.
Extended writing in Geography should demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge, clear use of geographical terminology, well-selected case study evidence, balanced evaluation, and a clear line of argument. Practise writing under timed conditions and compare your answers to the mark scheme. Focus on using connective phrases that show analysis ("this leads to", "as a consequence", "however, this is limited by") rather than simply listing facts.