Unit Test Mark Schemes - April 2018

1. Examine the ways in which the world’s cities and their societies are becoming increasingly uniform. [16]

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

Possible AO1/2 Indicative content

Uniformity in this context refers to global homogeneity, ie all places coming to resemble one another through the adoption of common visual styles and forms.

While it can be argued that many cities are becoming increasingly uniform, the proposition needs to be examined more carefully in the context of societies (many of

which now have record levels of diversity due to migration).

Themes for synthesis from the geography guide include:

 urban landscape/styles

 migrants/diaspora/ethnic neighbourhoods

 presence of TNCs/logos/brands

 cultural uniformity (languages spoken, foods consumed, restaurants)

 technology and the “global village” and time–space compression.

Do not over-credit answers that argue against the proposition that places are becoming uniform: this is not asked for. However, it is perfectly acceptable to reflect

critically on the degree of uniformity as part of the examination of the statement.

Answers scoring highly according to the AO3 criteria for evaluation:

 might be structured around an examination of different aspects and degrees of uniformity (e.g. contrasts entirely homogenous “clone towns” with cities that have

retained a greater degree of including character/heritage, and some examination of the reasons for this)

 might examine more carefully the distinction between the city landscape and the actual societies that live there (which can be very diverse, despite an apparently

“uniform” landscape).

For band C (5–8), expect weakly-evidenced outlining of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide which focus on how cities/societies are becoming uniform.

For band D (9–12), expect;

 either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and

well-focused themes from the geography guide

 or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).

For band E (13–16), expect both of these traits.

2. Discuss why anti-globalization movements/groups are found in most countries. [16]

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

The focus is on the ubiquity of resistance to globalization. The statement is not intended as a challenge and no counter-argument is required.

Different reasons for resistance need to be identified; the reasons are not the same for all countries. To achieve the highest band (a well-developed answer), details of one or more actual anti-globalization movements/groups must be included as part of the account (rather than just reasons why globalization might be resisted by people in general).

Possible anti-globalization themes (expect examples of actual movements/groups for some but not all) include:

• anti-globalization movements (named groups are expected)

• migration, diaspora and multiculturalism

• the homogenizing power of global media and TNCs

• opposition to migration (may have names of political groups/parties)

• opposition to IMF/SAPs

• environmental concerns (example of civil society group/movement)

• cultural imperialism (may refer to indigenous movement/protest)

• resource nationalism (and populist/nationalist movements)

• deindustrialization and outsourcing

• food miles and local sourcing movements (may name organization)

Good answers scoring highly at AO3 may discuss globalization as a complex process, the effects of which are felt everywhere, albeit in varying ways, giving rise to movements/groups. Another approach may be to discuss how the veracity of the statement depends on what local effects of globalization are most strongly felt/perceived in a different locale (and perspectives may vary on this, even within the same locale).

For band D, there should either be a structured synthesis of several well-evidenced themes taken from the subject guide, or a properly evidenced conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) that critically discusses the statement.

At band E, expect both of these elements.

3. To what extent does a global culture exist? [16]