Cambridge IGCSE Geography 0460: Frequent mistakes

Cambridge Principal Examiner Reports for Geography 0460 emphasise rubric compliance, command words, focus and resource use. These recurring issues cost marks.

Rubric and question selection

Not following the rubric

Candidates must answer exactly one question from each of Sections A, B and C. Selecting two from the same section or missing a section loses all marks for that part.

Fix: Read the rubric. Choose one from A, one from B, one from C. No exceptions.

Selecting before reading all questions

Choosing questions without reading all options and studying the resources. Some questions suit the resource better.

Fix: Read every question. Look at maps, diagrams, data. Then choose.

Incomplete answers

Omitting parts of questions

Missing diagram completion, graph tasks or sub-sections. Each part carries marks.

Fix: Check each sub-part (a, b, c…). Complete all. Use diagrams and graphs when asked.

Wrong pages or extra sheets

Writing on incorrect pages or extra sheets instead of designated continuation pages. Examiners may not credit such answers.

Fix: Use continuation pages. Write question numbers clearly.

Command words and focus

Misinterpreting command words

Confusing describe (what/how) with explain (why); compare (similarities and differences) with suggest reasons (propose causes).

Fix: Describe = account. Explain = reasons. Compare = both, with comparative language.

Wrong focus

Not matching the question focus—e.g. causes vs. impacts; local vs. global; problems vs. strategies. Writing about the wrong scale or aspect.

Fix: Underline the focus. “Causes” = causes only. “Local” = local scale. “Strategies” = solutions, not problems.

No comparative language

When compare is asked, writing two separate descriptions instead of integrated comparison (“Both…”, “Whereas…”, “Unlike…”).

Fix: Use comparative language throughout. Refer to both items.

Content and development

Vague general statements

Writing vague statements instead of precise answers with place-specific detail.

Fix: Use specific examples. Name places. Use data from the resource.

Lifting from resources

Copying from resources without interpretation or analysis. Paraphrase and apply.

Fix: Use the resource but interpret. “This suggests…”, “The data shows…”

Overlong introductions

Spending too long on location and background at the expense of answering the question. Introduction should be brief.

Fix: Short introduction. Most of the answer should address the question directly.

Insufficient development

Not developing or linking ideas in longer responses. Single sentences per point.

Fix: Develop each point. Explain. Link to the question context.

Case studies

Wrong scale

Using case studies at wrong scale (e.g. national when local asked, or vice versa).

Fix: Match the scale. If “local”, use local example.

Irrelevant or excessive background

Including irrelevant or lengthy background. Case study should be relevant and concise.

Fix: Select relevant information. Focus on what the question asks.

Equipment and terminology

• Bring ruler and calculator. Required for diagrams and calculations.
• Use geographical terminology correctly. Define terms properly; don’t just repeat the word.

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Based on Cambridge IGCSE Geography 0460 Principal Examiner Reports (2016–2022).