Cambridge International · International A Level · 9696
Geography — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge International A Level Geography (9696)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Cambridge International International A Level Geography (9696)
Cambridge International International A Level Geography (9696)
Cambridge International A Level Geography (9696)
Cambridge 9696 (2026) combines physical topics (hydrology, atmosphere, lithosphere, hazards), human topics (migration, urbanisation, development, environment), and skills including fieldwork, statistics, and critical evaluation — exact papers depend on options.
Mark schemes: Essays: balanced arguments with named examples and data. Fieldwork: methodology, limitations, and how results answer the enquiry question. Skills: significance testing vocabulary used correctly; graphs interpreted with trends and anomalies. Examiner reports want specific place detail, not generic case studies.
Active recall: 0 / 17 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical systems | Core | Hydrological cycle | Stores and transfers — with residence times. | |
| Physical systems | Core | River regime | Seasonal discharge pattern — climate and land use controls. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Coastal sediment budget | Inputs, outputs, stores — management implications. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Atmospheric circulation | Hadley, Ferrel, Polar cells — pressure belts. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Plate boundaries | Constructive, destructive, conservative — hazards generated. | |
| Physical systems | Advanced | Hazard risk equation | Risk = hazard × vulnerability / capacity. | |
| Human & development | Core | Lee’s push–pull model | Migration decision factors. | |
| Human & development | Core | Rostow’s model | Stages of growth — criticisms. | |
| Human & development | Core | Human Development Index | Components and limitations. | |
| Human & development | Core | Global governance | UN, NGOs, treaties — environmental cooperation. | |
| Human & development | Core | Food security | Availability, access, utilisation, stability. | |
| Human & development | Advanced | Sustainable livelihoods framework | Assets, access, activities. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Core | Spearman’s rank | Correlation for ordinal data — significance interpretation. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Core | Chi-squared test | Association in categorical data — degrees of freedom awareness. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Core | GIS layers | Overlay analysis for decision-making. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Core | Sampling strategy | Systematic vs stratified — representativeness. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Advanced | Epistemology in geography | Positivist vs humanistic approaches — essay evaluation. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Geography (9696) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International International A Level Geography keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important geography terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Cambridge International A Level Geography (9696) (9696). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Geography glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for International A Level Geography (9696) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Geography.
- Can I download this Geography keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Geography list aligned to the 9696 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge International A Level Geography (9696) for Cambridge International International A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Geography at International A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.