A-Level Geography Revision — Report-style vs Essay-style Answers
Revise Report-style vs Essay-style Answers for A-Level Geography with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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- Report-style vs Essay-style Answers in A-Level Geography: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
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- Students revising A-Level Geography for UK exams.
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What is Report-style vs Essay-style Answers?
This topic explores the differences between report-style and essay-style answers in A-Level Geography exams. It covers the different structures, tones, and conventions of each style of writing, and how to choose the appropriate style for a particular question. The aim is to enable students to write in a way that is appropriate for the question and that meets the requirements of the exam board.
Board notes: The ability to write in different styles is an important skill for A-Level Geography for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. All boards use a variety of command words in their exams, and it is essential to be able to respond appropriately to each one. It is a good idea to practice writing in both report and essay styles.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
A report-style answer is typically used for questions that ask you to 'describe' or 'explain' a process or a phenomenon. It should be structured with clear headings and subheadings, and it should be written in a formal and objective tone. An essay-style answer is typically used for questions that ask you to 'assess', 'evaluate', or 'discuss' a topic. It should have a clear introduction, a series of paragraphs that develop an argument, and a conclusion. It should be written in a more discursive and persuasive tone.
Practise this topic
Start with low-focus cards for Report-style vs Essay-style Answers, then move into full exam-style practice when you want the heavier session.
Common mistakes
- 1Using the wrong style of writing for the question.
- 2Not using subheadings in a report-style answer.
- 3Writing in a too informal tone.
Report-style vs Essay-style Answers exam questions
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know which style of writing to use?
The style of writing that you should use will depend on the command word in the question. For example, if the question asks you to 'describe', you should use a report style. If the question asks you to 'evaluate', you should use an essay style.
Can I use diagrams in my answers?
Yes, you can use diagrams in both report-style and essay-style answers. Diagrams can be a very effective way of illustrating your points and communicating your understanding. Just make sure that they are clearly labelled and that you refer to them in your writing.