Criterion A: Fieldwork question and geographic context The fieldwork question (the precise inquiry) guides the fieldwork

investigation. It must be narrowly focused, appropriate and stated as a question that can be answered through the collection of primary information in the field. (Where appropriate, students can make a brief preliminary judgment or prediction answering the fieldwork question. This prediction may be formulated as a hypothesis.) Students must also comment briefly on the geographic context, explaining why and where the fieldwork investigation is to be carried out. This can include relevant spatial, physical, socio-economic conditions and other background information, concepts or characteristics. A map of the research area and/or the locations used in the fieldwork investigation is essential to provide the necessary spatial element. Students must also state the area(s) of the syllabus to which the study relates, whether it is from the topic or development columns within the core, the optional themes or HL extension. It can be drawn from a combination of two or more topics or themes. The suggested length of this section for work appropriate to criterion A is approximately 300 words.

Fieldwork question options: To what extent has the population boom in Shenzhen influenced the oyster industry in Shenzhen Bay? To what extent has the transformation of Shenzhen influenced the growth of the oyster industry in Shenzhen Bay? To what extent has the oyster industry in Shenzhen Bay been influenced by changes in the demography of Guangdong Province in recent times?

Areas of the syllabus that seem most appropriately related to this study: Optional Theme B: The value of oceans Optional Theme G: Urban land use

How to get perfect marks: Marks 0 1 2 3 Level descriptor The work does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below. The fieldwork question is inappropriate, or the geographic context or locational map or relationship to the syllabus is missing. The fieldwork question is adequate with an acceptable attempt made to place it in its geographic context and relate it to the syllabus. A locational map is presented. The fieldwork question is well focused with a detailed, accurate explanation of the geographic context and is related to the syllabus.

Mr. Calvert's suggestions: Use one of the fieldwork questions above or choose your own that starts with To what extent Use Google Earth for the map and keep it simple. What are the major locations that need to be mentioned and how can you make the map look good and not overcrowded? There is no need to add the GPS locations of the water samples at this point You explanation of the geographic context needs to include more than simply the geographic location of Shenzhen and Shenzhen Bay. Please note this piece of information from the Geography Guide Students must also comment briefly on the geographic context,explaining why and where the fieldwork investigation is to be carried out. This can include relevant spatial, physical, socio-economic conditions and other background information, concepts or characteristics Yet at the same time please read this from the Geography Guide as well. The emphasis of the written report must be analytical and include focus on the method(s) employed for information collection, its treatment and analysis. A purely descriptive report and/or a long theoretical introduction must be avoided.