Name every land use you see
Don’t just say “it’s houses.” Use terms like “residential,” “mixed retail,” or “recreational green space” so examiners know you can label land precisely.
Hunt for physical and human evidence
Spot rivers, valleys, and soil type alongside roads, estates, or wind turbines. These clues explain how people and nature connect.
Ask “Why here?” every time
Link cause and location: fertile soil → farming; motorway junction → warehouse. Show the chain of reasoning, not just the fact.
Show who wins and who loses
When land use changes, identify the beneficiaries (new jobs) and those at risk (wildlife, local traffic). This proves balanced thinking.
Track change through time
Compare old maps or photos with new ones. Use words like “continuity,” “redevelopment,” or “urban sprawl” to highlight what’s shifted.
Use map skills with confidence
Quote 4- or 6-figure grid references, compass points, and OS symbols in answers. That evidence earns easy marks.
Quantify your fieldwork findings
Turn tallies into bar charts or pie charts. Numbers (e.g., “60 % of plots are residential”) impress in FSCE data tasks.
Explain environmental impacts clearly
Link action to effect: deforestation → soil erosion; extra roads → higher CO₂. Cause-and-effect language is what markers look for.
Apply sustainability vocabulary
Use terms like “renewable,” “carbon footprint,” “green corridor,” and “biodiversity” to show advanced understanding.
Suggest realistic improvements
Propose cycle lanes, tree planting, or flood meadows—solutions that match the evidence you collected.
Back opinions with geographic facts
When arguing to protect a park, quote air-quality data or wildlife counts. Opinions without evidence score low.
Reflect like a young planner
Write “Next step: survey noise levels on the High Street” to show you can extend an enquiry and think ahead—vital for top-band marks.