Pearson Edexcel · IGCSE · 4GE1
Geography — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Geography (4GE1)
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.
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Geography (4GE1)
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Geography (4GE1)
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Geography (4GE1)
Aligned to Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Geography (4GE1) for 2026: physical topics (rivers, coasts, weather, hazards), human topics (cities, global development, resource management), and geographical skills.
Mark schemes: Named case studies with place-specific detail score highest. Skills: interpret OS maps, graphs, satellite images. ‘Explain’ questions need processes (e.g. erosion steps) and outcomes. Examiner reports note students losing marks for generic case studies.
Active recall: 0 / 17 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills & enquiry | Core | Hypothesis | Testable statement for geographical enquiry. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Core | Primary data | Collected first-hand — survey, measurement. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Core | Secondary data | Existing sources — census, atlas, web. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Core | Sampling | Random, systematic, stratified — bias awareness. | |
| Skills & enquiry | Advanced | Risk assessment | Fieldwork safety — identify hazards. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Drainage basin | Area feeding one river system. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Erosion / weathering / mass movement | Wear away, in situ breakdown, downslope movement. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Storm hydrograph | Discharge response to rainfall — lag time, peak. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Coastal erosion landforms | Cliffs, wave-cut platforms, stacks, arches. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Plate tectonics | Constructive, destructive, conservative margins. | |
| Physical systems | Advanced | Mitigation | Reduce hazard impact — prediction, protection, preparedness. | |
| Human geography | Core | Development indicators | GNI per capita, literacy, life expectancy. | |
| Human geography | Core | Development gap | Disparity between HICs and LICs. | |
| Human geography | Core | Globalisation | Increased interconnectedness of economies and cultures. | |
| Human geography | Core | Urban sprawl | Uncontrolled city expansion. | |
| Human geography | Core | Sustainable resource use | Meeting needs while conserving for future. | |
| Human geography | Advanced | Ecological footprint | Land/water needed to support a lifestyle. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Geography (4GE1) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Geography keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important geography terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Geography (4GE1) (4GE1). 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 IGCSE Geography (4GE1) 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 4GE1 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Geography (4GE1) for Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. 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 IGCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.