Candidates’ Weaknesses
The following weaknesses could be deduced from the candidates’ scripts:
- inaccurate drawing of cross-profile: even though most of them plotted the points accurately, they could not join the points with smooth curve, instead, they used straight lines;
- lack of precision in linear measurement: some candidates got wrong figures for the measurement of the length of the minor road;
- poor performance in statistical geography: some candidates drew the divergent bar graph poorly and some could not state its uses;
- incomplete coverage of the syllabus: this was reflected by the candidates’ answering fewer questions than required and displaying poor knowledge of some geographical terms e.g. annotated cross profile, alluvial fan and exfoliation.
SUGGESTED REMEDIES FOR OVERCOMING CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES
The following are useful suggestions that could help in overcoming the weaknesses reflected on the candidates’ scripts:
- practice exercises on cross profiles: cross profiles are to be joined with smooth curves and not straight lines. Practice leads to perfection, hence candidates are advised to practice the drawing of cross profiles;
- precision on linear measurement: candidates should practice how to get accurate measurement of distances. Carrying out practice exercises on maps could help;
- spending quality time in studying statistical geography: statistics is a vital tool in Practical Geography. Bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs should be studied- plotting them, learning their uses, advantages and disadvantages of each of those methods are key to reading geography maps and charts;
- studying physical features: comprehensive knowledge of the features of the upper course of rivers and other physical features are very important to the mastery of geography;
- full coverage of the syllabus: early preparation for the examination will ensure full coverage of the syllabus well ahead of the start of the examination.