geography essay writing

How to Write Geography Essay: Topics and Examples

Table of contents

• 1 What Is Geography Essay
• 2 Choosing a Topic
• 3 Research and Data Collection
• 4 Planning the Essay
• 5 Writing the Essay
• 6 Examples of Geography Essays
• 7 Unlocking the World: Key Insights from Our Geographic Exploration

Welcome to the dynamic world of geography essays, where understanding the Earth’s surface becomes an enlightening journey. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to writing a geography essay, starting with the crucial step of selecting a captivating topic. We’ll navigate through various popular topics, emphasizing the importance of effective research and data collection.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How to select engaging and relevant geography essay topics.
• The importance of thorough research and effective data collection methods.
• Strategies for planning and organizing your geography essay for clarity and impact.
• Tips for writing a compelling geography essay, including structuring and presenting arguments.
• Analyzing examples of successful geography essays to guide and inspire your work.

As we transition into the details, prepare to enhance your understanding and skills in geography essay writing.

What Is Geography Essay

As we delve into the essence of a geography essay, it’s important to understand that it meticulously examines Earth’s landscapes and human activities. Furthermore, it aims to analyze how these two aspects interact, focusing on spatial relationships and patterns. Transitioning into the specifics, such essays often delve into particular geographic issues, aiming to broaden our comprehension of the world.

Moreover, when writing a geography essay, one must include accurate geographical data. This data, encompassing maps, statistics, and case studies, is crucial for a well-grounded analysis. Consequently, the essay should present facts and interpret them, offering fresh insights into the discussed topic.

Additionally, it’s noteworthy that an essay on geography stands out from others due to its unique subject matter approach. It demands a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the world’s physical and human dimensions. This requirement makes crafting such an essay a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor.

Lastly, the primary goal of a geography essay is to enlighten and inform. It persuades readers to view the world through a geographical lens, grasping the complex interplay between humans and their environment. This type of essay transcends mere academic exercise, serving as a means to foster a deeper appreciation for our world and its complex dynamics.

Choosing a Topic

The crucial point for a successful geography essay is selecting an engaging and appropriate topic. To choose a topic that resonates, consider current events, your interests, and the scope of your assignment. A good topic should captivate your interest and offer sufficient scope for in-depth study and analysis.

Popular geography essay topics often revolve around climate change , urban development, and cultural landscapes. These topics provide a rich ground for exploration and allow for diverse perspectives and interpretations. For example, a thematic essay on geography could focus on how urbanization affects local ecosystems or how cultural practices shape landscape use.

• Analyzing the Direct Impact of Climate Change on the Amazon Rainforest’s Biodiversity
• Urbanization in Mega Cities: Environmental Consequences and Sustainable Solutions
• Wind and Solar Power: Pioneers of Sustainable Energy Landscape
• Managing Water Scarcity in the Middle East: Strategies and Challenges
• The Amazon Deforestation Crisis: Causes, Impacts, and Global Responses
• Spatial Inequality: A Detailed Look at Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa
• The Dynamics of Population Growth and Overconsumption in Asia
• Cultural Preservation of Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon Basin
• Earthquakes in Japan: Analyzing Causes, Effects, and Preparedness Strategies
• Geography’s Role in the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
• Implementing Sustainable Agricultural Practices in India for Food Security
• The Kashmir Conflict: A Geopolitical Analysis of Border Disputes
• The Growing Crisis of Climate Refugees in the Pacific Islands
• The Importance of Urban Green Spaces in New York City’s Environmental Health
• The Impact of Globalization on Maori Culture in New Zealand
• Ecotourism in Costa Rica: Balancing Economic Benefits and Environmental Preservation
• Addressing Ocean Plastic Pollution: Case Studies from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
• The Nile River Conflict: Water Politics in a Changing Climate
• Preventing Desertification in the Sahel: Strategies and International Cooperation
• GIS in Disaster Management: Case Studies of Earthquake Response and Recovery
• Measuring the Effects of Glacial Melting on Greenland’s Coastal Communities
• Tracing the Economic Geography of the Silk Road in the 21st Century
• The Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Beijing: Urban Policies and Challenges
• Vulnerable Communities: Assessing the Socioeconomic Impacts of Climate Change in Bangladesh
• The New Face of Migration: Syrian Refugees and European Response
• The Critical Role of Metropolitan Areas in Combating Global Warming
• Saving Madagascar’s Rainforest: Conservation Strategies and Challenges
• The Transition to Renewable Energy in Germany: A Model for the World?
• Satellite Imagery in Land Use Changes: A Study of the Brazilian Amazon
• Arctic Sovereignty: The Geopolitical Implications of Melting Ice Caps for Global Powers

To guide and inspire your topic selection, you can use geography essay examples. These examples showcase a range of topics and approaches, helping you understand what makes a topic both engaging and feasible for study. Remember, a well-chosen topic is the first step toward a compelling and insightful geography essay.

Research and Data Collection

To talk about thorough research, it is the backbone of any geography study, providing the factual and theoretical foundation to understand complex geographical phenomena. To explain why the study of geography is important, one must delve into diverse and reliable sources that offer insights into how geographical factors shape our world and affect our lives. This research underpins the type of geography being studied, whether physical, human, or environmental.

Collecting geographical data can be done through various methods. Firstly, fieldwork is essential, especially for physical geography, as it allows for the direct observation and measurement of geographical features and processes. For human geography, surveys and interviews can yield valuable data on human behaviors and social patterns. Moreover, a thorough literature review also helps understand existing research and theories, providing a critical context for new findings.

Furthermore, evaluating sources for their credibility and relevance is vital. This involves checking the qualifications of the authors, the rigor of their methodologies, and the recency of their findings. Reliable sources are peer-reviewed and come from reputable academic or scientific institutions. What is more, ensuring the credibility of sources strengthens the arguments made in a geography essay and enhances the overall understanding of the topic.

In summary, comprehensive research and careful data collection are fundamental in geography. They enable a deeper understanding of how geographical aspects shape our environment and lives, which is central to the discipline.

Planning the Essay

When you start planning a geography essay, it begins with creating an outline to organize thoughts and research. This step is crucial as it helps structure the essay logically, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. Start by listing major points and supporting evidence. This framework guides the writing process and maintains focus on the chosen topic. Planning involves outlining the essay and crafting a compelling thesis. Planning involves outlining the essay and crafting a compelling thesis. This process ensures the essay remains focused and coherent, addressing the chosen geography topic. By establishing a clear roadmap for the essay, writers can navigate their arguments and evidence with precision, avoiding common pitfalls such as digression or ambiguity. Now, with our plan in place, let’s transition to examining the structure more closely, exploring how to effectively organize our thoughts and research into a well-structured essay that engages and informs the reader.

Writing the Essay

When you finally start writing, a geographical essay involves several key steps, each demanding attention to detail and a balance between descriptive and analytical writing. This balance is crucial in creating an essay about geography that informs, engages, and persuades.

The introduction sets the stage. Start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, followed by background information that provides context to the topic. This section should conclude with a clear and concise thesis statement that guides the rest of the essay.

In the body, organize paragraphs thematically or chronologically , depending on the essay’s focus. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that relates to the thesis. Following this, present your arguments and support them with geographical theories and data. This is where you incorporate detailed information from your research, including statistics, case studies, and examples. Make sure to explain how this data supports your arguments. A geography research paper demands precision in presenting data and clarity in its interpretation.

When discussing geographical theories, link them directly to your topic. This shows your understanding of the subject and how these theories apply to real-world scenarios. Remember, each paragraph should have a smooth transition to the next, maintaining a coherent flow of ideas.

In the conclusion, summarize the key points of your essay. Restate the thesis in light of the arguments and evidence presented. The conclusion should not introduce new information but encapsulate what the essay has covered. It’s also an opportunity to emphasize the importance of the topic, suggesting potential areas for future research or implications of your findings.

Throughout the essay, maintain a balance between descriptive and analytical writing . Descriptive writing helps paint a picture for the reader, making the data and theories more relatable. Analytical writing, on the other hand, demonstrates your ability to think critically about the topic, evaluating and interpreting the information in a meaningful way.

Examples of Geography Essays

Diversity in style and approach marks the essence of geography writing. A popular method is the comparative approach, contrasting different geographical phenomena. This method often appears in works comparing landscapes or urban vs. rural areas. Another common technique is the case study, focusing on a specific location or event for in-depth analysis of a particular issue.

Thematic approaches cover broader topics like climate change, globalization, or human migration, weaving together various theories and data for a comprehensive view. Additionally, argumentative compositions present a thesis supported by geographical evidence, frequently seen in discussions about environmental policies or land use conflicts.

Each style offers unique insights, providing varied ways to explore and understand geographical concepts and issues. For an in-depth exploration and diverse perspectives on these topics, consider reviewing geography essay examples. This resource can enrich your understanding and offer a broad spectrum of approaches to geographical analysis, from case studies on environmental conservation to essays on urban development and spatial inequalities.

• Geography Unveiled: Costa Rica’s Absolute Location Revealed
• Geography Unveiled: Navigating Earth’s Spatial Tapestry through Five Themes
• The Ever-Changing Canvas of New England Weather
• The Mystique and Marvels of the Desert Biome
• The Impact of Geography on the Development of Egypt

Unlocking the World: Key Insights from Our Geographic Exploration

This journey through the realm of geography reveals the field’s depth and complexity. From initial planning to diverse writing methods, the main insight stands out: geography compositions are more than maps and data; they are about comprehending our world’s rich tapestry. They balance descriptive narrative and critical analysis, backed by meticulous research and credible sources.

Whether exploring climate change impacts, urban developments, or cultural landscapes, these works offer a lens to see and understand the world anew. They prompt critical thinking about our environment and our place in it. Navigating various geographic topics brings not just academic insights but also life lessons in appreciating our world’s complexity and beauty.

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How to Write a Geography Essay: Structure, Tips, FAQs

Geography reveals fascinating facts about our planet, like the Dead Sea's buoyancy due to its high salt content. Similarly, writing a geography essay can be just as interesting.

In this guide, our paper writing service experts will discuss what defines this type of essay and share some tips for writing a great one. You’ll learn its key components and see why geography is relevant today. Whether you're a student aiming for success in geography or simply curious about its significance, let's begin!

What is a Geography Essay

A geography essay is a piece of writing that explores a topic related to the Earth's surface and its features. It goes beyond just memorizing locations. There are two main things a geography essay might explore:

• Physical features: This could be about mountains, rivers, oceans, deserts, or any other natural aspect of the Earth. The essay might explain how these features formed, how they affect the environment, or how they influence human life.
• Human-made features and influences: This could be about cities, borders, agriculture, or any other way humans have shaped the planet. The essay might discuss why these features exist where they do, or how they interact with the natural world.

In the next parts, our skilled writers, who you can buy essay from, will share a simple guide to help you write these essays successfully.

Ready to Turn Your Passion for Places into an Epic Essay?

Geography geek or not, we've got your back. Let us craft your custom essay that's as intriguing as it is insightful!

How to Write a Geography Essay

Writing a geography essay can be broken down into clear steps. Here's a roadmap to guide you:

• Understand the question: Make sure you grasp what the essay prompt is asking you to explore.
• Do your research: Gather information from reliable sources like textbooks, scientific journals, or reputable websites. Remember, a strong essay needs a solid foundation of facts.
• Craft your thesis statement: This is the main idea your essay will explore. Think of it as the sentence that summarizes the whole chapter of your story.
• Introduction: Grab the reader's attention with a captivating opening and introduce your topic. Briefly mention your thesis statement.
• Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one key point that supports your thesis. Use clear explanations, examples (like real-world places or case studies), and geographical terms to back up your ideas.
• Conclusion: Wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and leaving the reader with a final thought that reinforces your thesis.
• Proofread and edit: Double-check your work for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and clarity of your writing. Make sure your essay flows smoothly and transitions well between ideas.

Remember, geography essays explain the "why" behind where things are and how they interact. Use clear language, relevant examples, and a well-organized structure to build a strong and informative essay about our amazing planet.

While you’re at it, find out all about a cause and effect essay and how to write it in our separate guide!

How to Start a Geography Essay

The introduction is your chance to grab the reader's attention and set the stage for your exploration. Here are some tips to craft a compelling opening for your geography essay:

How to End a Geography Essay

A strong conclusion leaves the reader with a lasting impression and reinforces the key takeaways from your essay. Here's how to write a conclusion for an essay :

Geography Essay Example

For a closer look at how to structure and compose an effective geography essay, we've put together a compelling example for your review. As you go through it, you'll discover the essential elements that contribute to making an essay both informative and engaging.

For more inspiration for your upcoming writing project, check out our extensive list of research paper topics . 

Geography Essay Structure

We've covered the essential elements of a geography essay, but crafting a truly strong piece requires attention to detail within the structure. Here are some additional points to consider:

Tips for Writing a Geography Essay

Here are some final tips to equip you for crafting a stellar geography essay:

• Know Your Audience: Consider who will be reading your essay. Is it for a general audience or a professor well-versed in geography? Tailor your language complexity and level of detail accordingly.
• Focus on Clarity, Not Jargon: While geographical terms are important, avoid overusing complex vocabulary that might alienate your reader. Explain technical terms if necessary, and strive for clear, concise writing.
• Active Voice is Your Friend: Geography is about a dynamic planet! Use active voice to make your essay engaging and avoid passive constructions that can sound dull.
• Proofread and Edit Ruthlessly: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your essay's credibility. Take the time to proofread meticulously and have someone else review your work for a fresh perspective.
• Practice Makes Progress: The more you write about geography, the more comfortable you'll become. Don't be afraid to practice writing about different geographical topics to hone your skills.

This guide has equipped you with the tools to write a good geography essay. Remember, it's all about understanding the why behind where things are on Earth. Use clear language, strong examples, and a well-organized structure to craft an essay that explores our amazing planet in a compelling way. So, get out there, research your topic, and impress your professor!

Ready to Explore the World without Leaving Your Desk?

Let our expert writers be your guides on this geographical voyage and map out your academic success together!

How Do You Start a Geography Essay?

What is geographical essay, what is the structure of the geography essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Updated writing steps, structure and tips
• Added new essay sample and FAQs
• Geography Essay Writing Guidelines . (n.d.). https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/ua/media/40/learningguide-geographyessay.pdf 
• Extended Response Writing HSC Geography . (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2024, from https://gtansw.org.au/files/resources/SeniorGeography/2017/2a.%20Grace%20Larobina%20%20Extended%20Response%20Writing.pdf 

How to Write a Geography Essay Step by Step

Table of Contents

Introduction to Geography Essays

Importance of essay writing in geography.

Essay writing in geography is crucial as it allows students and researchers to explore complex environmental, physical, and societal issues. It enables the synthesis of empirical data and theoretical frameworks, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

Brief Overview of Common Types of Geography Essays

Geography essays come in various forms, each serving a different purpose:

• Research Papers: These involve in-depth analysis of geographic phenomena using primary and secondary data.
• Comparative Essays: They examine the similarities and differences between two or more geographic entities.
• Argumentative Essays: These essays present a stance on a geographic issue, supported by evidence and logical reasoning.

Understanding the Essay Question

How to interpret essay prompts.

To correctly interpret essay prompts, one must read the question carefully, noting any specific instructions or scope defined. Break down the prompt to understand what the examiner is asking for.

Identifying Key Terms and Directives

Key terms are the concepts central to the question, while directives are action words like “discuss,” “compare,” or “analyze” that dictate the approach to be taken. Identifying these helps in aligning your essay with the expectations of the question.

Research and Sources

Finding reputable sources for geographic data and theories.

Utilize academic databases, government publications, and verified online resources to gather reliable geographic data and theoretical perspectives. Libraries and academic journals are also invaluable sources.

Evaluating and Citing Sources Properly

Assess the credibility of sources by checking the author’s credentials, publication date, and the publisher’s reputation. Cite sources using the appropriate academic style guide to avoid plagiarism.

Balancing Quantitative Data with Qualitative Insights

Incorporate statistical data to support claims while also providing qualitative observations for a well-rounded argument. This balance ensures a comprehensive exploration of geographic issues.

Planning the Essay

Creating an outline to structure thoughts and research.

An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay. Start with the introduction, then detail each body paragraph’s main idea, and conclude with a summary of your argument and findings.

The Significance of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the centerpiece of your essay. It should clearly express the main argument or claim of your essay and guide the development of your supporting points. It is usually placed at the end of the introduction.

Writing the Essay

Crafting an engaging introduction.

Begin with a hook that captures the reader’s interest. Provide context for your topic, and establish the relevance of the essay. End the introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines your argument or perspective.

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Build your argument by integrating evidence, data, and geographic models or theories. Ensure each piece of evidence is analyzed and connected back to your thesis.

Concluding Effectively

The conclusion should restate your thesis, summarize the main points of your body paragraphs, and highlight the broader implications of your findings. Avoid introducing new information; instead, close the essay by reflecting on its significance.

Referencing and Bibliography

Overview of citation styles common in geography.

Geography papers commonly use APA or Chicago citation styles. Familiarize yourself with the one required for your essay, as each has specific rules for formatting in-text citations and bibliography entries.

Importance of Avoiding Plagiarism

Always credit the original authors of your sources. Use quotations for direct citations and paraphrase information with proper attribution. Plagiarism undermines your credibility and can have serious academic consequences.

Editing and Proofreading

Strategies for effective editing.

Review your essay multiple times, focusing on different aspects: content, structure, and clarity. Check for coherence in your arguments and the seamless integration of evidence.

Tips for Grammar, Punctuation, and Stylistic Consistency

Use tools like grammar checkers, but also manually review your essay. Pay attention to sentence structure, punctuation, and ensure stylistic consistency throughout the document.

Presentation and Submission

Adhering to format guidelines.

Follow the specified guidelines for font size, margins, spacing, and headers. Consistent formatting contributes to the professionalism and readability of your essay.

Importance of Visual Elements in Geography Essays

Visual elements like maps and graphs are crucial. They should be clear, well-labeled, and referenced in the text. Ensure they are relevant and enhance the reader’s understanding of your argument.

Examples and Resources

Examples of strong thesis statements and well-structured paragraphs.

• Thesis Statement: “The impact of climate change on coastal cities is multifaceted, leading to not only physical changes but also socio-economic challenges.”
• Paragraph Structure: Start with a clear topic sentence, followed by evidence and analysis, and conclude with a sentence that ties back to the essay’s thesis.

List of Resources for Further Support

• Writing Centers: Many educational institutions offer writing support services.
• Online Tools: Grammarly for proofreading, Zotero for managing citations, and Purdue OWL for style guidelines.
• Academic Journals: Access through your institution’s library for examples of scholarly work.

Remember, writing a geography essay is as much about showcasing your knowledge as it is about effective communication. Ensure that each part of your essay works towards clearly presenting your findings and analysis.

How to master A Level Geography 20-mark essay questions

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What should I do before attempting an A Level Geography 20-mark essay question?

Should i plan an a level geography 20-mark essay, how should i structure an a level geography 20-mark essay.

As we run up to exam season, many of you will now be completing your NEAs (non-examined assessment) and exam content, and starting to focus on exam technique. You may be thinking about how you will tackle the dreaded 20-mark essay questions . Essay questions are very much like marmite for students. Some love them as they get the chance to explore key geographic theories and showcase their knowledge and understanding, which may not be possible in lower-stakes questions. However, others may struggle to formulate their geographic ideas or structure them in a way that makes a convincing argument.

In my experience, all A Level geography students must be systematic and structured in the way they write their long-form answers. This approach ensures that students cover all the necessary content while also demonstrating the geographic skills that examiners are assessing.

Examiners use both AO1 and AO2 to evaluate students in essay questions. AO1 requires students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions and change at various scales. AO2 deals with the application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse, and evaluate geographical information and issues. The strongest students can produce answers that balance the two aspects in their responses. If you weigh your answers too far toward knowledge recall and simply state facts, figures, and case study knowledge without doing anything with the knowledge (this is where command words are essential), you will not be able to achieve the highest levels described in the level descriptors.

Before you attempt essay questions, I suggest you take a look at the mark schemes for some past paper questions. It is important to focus on the level descriptors as these are what the examiners will use to assess your answers. Pay attention to the language they use to describe what they are looking for, and when you start your attempts, consider whether your language and writing style match the descriptors. The exam board mark schemes are available on the PMT A Level Geography past papers webpage .

Another place to look before attempting essay questions is the assessed sample answers produced by the exam boards (e.g. AQA Paper 1 Hazards Example Responses ). These are available on the exam board websites and show a range of pupil responses to exam questions. They come with a helpful commentary that explains how the pupils gained marks, highlights the importance of a well-structured response, and provides insight into what examiners are looking for when assessing your answers.

Where to start – command words

As mentioned above, it is very important for students to be systematic in their approach to answering 20 markers. The first thing students need to understand is the command word . Without knowledge of what the command word means and what it is asking you to do, you will not be able to fully engage with the question. To find out the meaning of different command words , you should visit your exam board’s website and look in the specification.

Essay questions tend to use the command words “to what extent” or “assess” . According to AQA, if the question includes the “to what extent” command word, you should “Consider several options, ideas or arguments and come to a conclusion about their importance/success/worth”. On the other hand, if it is an “assess” question, you should “use evidence to weigh up the options to determine the relative significance of something. Give balanced consideration to all factors and identify which are the most important.”

BUG the question

Command words can help guide you in how to structure your answers and the skills you need to exhibit. During KS3 and KS4, you may have been told to BUG the question, where B stands for box the command work , U for underline key terms , and G for glance back at the question .

I would encourage all A Level students to continue to use this strategy, even for longer essay questions. It will help ensure that you are answering the question you are being asked, rather than the question you wish you were being asked.

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

It is crucial for all students to plan their essay writing before they start answering a question. An essay question requires you to write for a sustained period, and if you don’t have a clear plan for what you’re going to write, you may lose focus on your points and arguments and not fully answer the question.

I suggest that all A Level students write a brief plan before attempting the question . This plan should outline the introduction, including key terms to define and any case studies to introduce, the main argument in each of your paragraphs, and finally, the contents of your conclusion. Spending just five minutes on this will save you time in the long run and help keep you on track to answering the question fully.

A good structure is key to success in essay writing. A clear structure enables you to answer the question coherently and reduces the chance that you will lose the key focus of your points. All of the exam boards recommend following the structure outlined below:

Introduction

• Main body of the answer (three to four key arguments)

In academia, this is sometimes known as the hourglass essay . An hourglass essay starts with a big idea, narrows down to a specific question, and then widens back out to explain why that specific question is important in the grand scheme of things.

The introduction of your essay should account for approximately 10% of the total essay length , and it’s an excellent opportunity for you to impress the examiner. Your essay introduction should give a broad view of the essay themes and provide a definition of the key terms that you have underlined in your question. It is also the place to introduce a case study location . A strong start to your essay is crucial as it demonstrates to the examiner that you have a clear understanding of the geographic content you’ve been studying.

Once you have written your introduction, you can then get on to answering the questions. While the introduction mainly covers AO1 (knowledge and understanding of geography), the main body of your answer should cover both AO1 and AO2 (analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and understanding).

As before, the way you structure the main body of your answer is very important, and you must form your points clearly and coherently. During my teaching and tutoring, I have seen many ways of forming these arguments/points, but the two most effective methods I have seen are using PEEL or PEACE paragraphs .

• E xplanation
• A pplication

Everyone is different, and everyone has their unique writing style. My advice to all A Level students is to try both methods when beginning to tackle essay questions and determine which one works best for you. I would also recommend completing PEEL/PEACE paragraphs and asking for feedback from your teacher or tutor.

The main body of the essay should consist of three to four arguments that cover the views for the specific question. Those who can link back to the question but also between their paragraphs will have the best chance of performing well in their essay questions.

After completing the main body, you now need to finish your essay with a conclusion. Just like the introduction, this should be roughly 10% of the total essay length . The main aim of the conclusion is to bring your essay to a close and essentially answer the question you have been asked. In the conclusion, you should summarise your argument and avoid introducing any new information . It is simply a chance to express your own thoughts and opinions while bringing your essay to a close.

The quality of a conclusion is often a key indicator of the overall quality of an essay. Although it is a short section of the whole piece of writing, it provides a platform to showcase several important geographic skills such as analysis, summarising, and creating synoptic links .

Overall, it is very important that you give yourself enough time to complete your essay questions during your examinations and that you follow the structures discussed above. If you follow these guidelines, you will see an improvement in the quality of your essay responses.

If you’re in Year 13 and in need of additional help, PMT Education runs Geography A Level Easter Crash Courses for AQA and Edexcel . Whether you need support with exam technique or want to revise key sections of the syllabus with the help of an experienced tutor, these courses will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in your summer exams.

Dave is a qualified teacher with 10 years of experience teaching GCSE and A Level Geography. He has worked as an assistant faculty leader for Humanities and a professional mentor for new and trainee teachers. He has also been involved with the supervision and guidance of NEAs. Dave currently works in higher education and trains geography teachers across the North West of England. He is also a tutor at PMT Education , with experience running highly successful geography courses .

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Let's Learn How to Write a Geography Essay

Introduction

Welcome to The Knowledge Nest's comprehensive guide on how to write a top-notch geography essay. In this article, we will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and techniques to help you excel in your geography studies. Whether you are a student or a curious individual interested in enhancing your essay writing skills, this guide is designed to equip you with the necessary tools to create a compelling and well-researched geography essay.

The Importance of Geography Essays

Geography essays play a crucial role in helping students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. These essays require critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively. By writing a geography essay, you can explore various geographical concepts, analyze real-world issues, and gain insights into how our planet functions.

Choosing a Topic

The first step in writing a geography essay is choosing a topic that sparks your interest. Select a subject that you are passionate about or eager to learn more about. It could be anything from climate change and urbanization to cultural diversity and natural resource management. A well-chosen topic will not only engage your readers but also make the writing process more enjoyable for you.

Conduct Thorough Research

Once you have chosen your topic, it's time to dive into the world of research. Gather relevant and credible sources such as scholarly articles, books, and reputable websites. Take detailed notes and ensure you understand the key concepts and arguments presented in each source. This will help you develop a solid foundation for your essay and ensure that your arguments are well-supported.

Outline Your Essay

Before you start writing, create a clear and logical outline for your geography essay. This will serve as a roadmap, guiding you through the writing process and ensuring that your thoughts flow smoothly. Divide your essay into sections, such as introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Within each section, create subsections that correspond to the main points you want to address.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction is a crucial part of your geography essay as it sets the tone and grabs your reader's attention. Start with a compelling opening sentence that introduces the topic and highlights its significance. Provide some background information, contextualize the issue, and clearly state your thesis statement. Remember, a strong introduction will motivate readers to continue reading with interest.

Developing Strong Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your geography essay should contain well-structured and detailed arguments that support your thesis statement. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point or aspect related to your topic. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Follow this with supporting evidence, examples, and relevant data to strengthen your arguments. Remember to cite your sources properly to maintain academic integrity.

Using Subheadings

To enhance the readability and organization of your essay, consider incorporating subheadings. Subheadings allow you to segment your content and provide a clear structure for your readers. Ensure that your subheadings are keyword-rich and related to the content within each section. By using subheadings effectively, you can make your essay more scannable and appealing to both readers and search engines.

Enhancing the Conclusion

The conclusion is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Summarize your main points, reaffirm your thesis statement, and provide a sense of closure. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. Instead, reflect on the broader implications of your arguments and offer insights for further research or exploration.

Proofread and Edit

Before finalizing your geography essay, take the time to proofread and edit your work. Look out for grammar and spelling errors, awkward sentence structures, and inconsistencies in your arguments. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and free from any distractions. Consider seeking feedback from peers, teachers, or professionals in the field to gain valuable insights and make necessary improvements.

Congratulations! You have now acquired the essential knowledge and techniques to write an outstanding geography essay. Remember, writing is a skill that can be honed with practice and dedication. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can elevate your essay writing skills and excel in your geography studies. The Knowledge Nest is here to support and provide you with valuable resources, so keep exploring and expanding your knowledge.

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Essay Samples on Geography

Exploring why geography is important.

Why is geography important? This question beckons us to recognize the pivotal role that geography plays in shaping our understanding of the world around us. Geography extends beyond mere maps and coordinates—it encompasses a diverse range of concepts that impact our lives, societies, and the...

Exploring the Dimensions of "What is Geography"

What is geography? This seemingly simple question opens the door to a world of complexity, discovery, and understanding. Geography is not merely about memorizing maps or reciting the names of countries—it is a multidimensional field that delves into the interactions between people, places, and the...

Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Natural Marvels

Physical geography is a captivating field that delves into the natural processes and features that shape our planet's surface. It investigates the forces that have sculpted mountains, carved valleys, shaped coastlines, and molded landscapes over millions of years. In this essay, we embark on a...

Exploring the 5 Themes of Geography: Understanding the Earth's Complexities

The 5 themes of geography provide a comprehensive framework for studying and interpreting the diverse landscapes, cultures, and interactions that shape our planet. Developed by geographer Jean-Pierre De Bar in 1986, these themes serve as a guide for exploring the complexities of our world. In...

The Need for Geography Study in the Context of Today’s World

Geography entails the study of the earth and it’s atmosphere, as well as the human activities that it affects and is affected by – a great portion of this has to do with the distribution of populations and resources and political and economic activities. It...

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Discovering Problematic Issues During the History of Geography

Geography as a discipline has progressed dramatically since its colonial roots (pre-1700s) and has proceeded to become one of the most important studies in world history, being utilized in wars and everyday politics. Geography, however, has also been one of the most divided studies, in...

• Social Problems

In-Depth Explanation of the Main Concepts of Political Geography

During this essay, political geography will be explained, with the different types of politics outlined, as well as how politics have altered the history of Belfast. This essay will also provide an in-depth explanation of the key geographical concepts that are place, territory and identity,...

• Human Population

Analysis Of The Geographical Position And Features Of Egypt

In this essay I going to speak about Egypt's geography, its latitude and longitude coordinates are 26.8206° N, 30.8025° E and Cairo (the capital city) is 30° 2' N, 31° 14' E. It is located in North-East Africa, and it has borders with the Red...

Best topics on Geography

1. Exploring Why Geography is Important

2. Exploring the Dimensions of “What is Geography”

3. Physical Geography: Exploring Earth’s Natural Marvels

4. Exploring the 5 Themes of Geography: Understanding the Earth’s Complexities

5. The Need for Geography Study in the Context of Today’s World

6. Discovering Problematic Issues During the History of Geography

7. In-Depth Explanation of the Main Concepts of Political Geography

8. Analysis Of The Geographical Position And Features Of Egypt

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How To Write Essay About Geography

Table of Contents

Content of this article

• Outline sample
• Introduction writing
• Body writing
• Conclusion writing

A geography essay is an article that explains the appearance and existence of phenomena like physical features and some human-made features. It tries to explain how natural resources like rivers, mountains, and valleys came into existence. It also explains their significance. Most students have a difficult time writing a paper on geography due to its complexity. This article is meant to improve your essay on geography writing skills. As most students do not know how to start a geography essay, below is a geography essay outline .  This paper is a guide on how to write a geography essay.

Geography essay structure and outlining

Outline sample.

Introduction

The study of geography is far and wide.  These two broad areas; are natural and human-made. This essay on geography will focus on how human activities like industrialization and farming have affected nature.

Thesis statement

Over the years, climate change has been a topic of discussion as a bomb waiting to explode.  The industrialization has led to a shift in climate due to the emission of CFOs that have resulted in global warming. The effects of climate change can be felt in its different capacities. By 2020, the effects of global warming will be so severe that the earth will almost be inhabitable.

• Global warming has led to the expansion of deserts. Deserts such as the Sahara and the Kalahari have become drier and expanded due to the lack of rain in the surrounding areas.
• Melting of glaciers- the Arctic and the Antarctic have experienced a reduction in their ice mass due to global warming. The ice is gradually melting.
• Mutations of animals- due to the effects of global warming, animals have begun mutating, therefore, becoming more resistant.

Human beings have contributed to the change in climate, yet the more technology moves forward, the more the damage is likely to be in future. We need to derive a method of keeping the air, water, and soil pollution-free.

With this outline for a geography essay, it is easier to see the essay tackles.

Tips concerning introduction writing

There are many tips on geography essay writing to guide you through your paper. This section highlights some of the simple tips for introduction writing that one can use.

• First, you need to know the geography essay outline before you start writing the essay. Consider the geography essay topics of choice. It is important in developing a geography essay draft that guides you into the kind of research to carry out. Ensure that the topic is one that you understand fully for easy geography essay writing.
• In a geography essay introduction, explain the phenomena you are writing about in detail stating its exact location.

Tips on the body (paragraphs, length, and transition)

• The body of a geography essay includes both theory and specific real-life cases. It answers the what, where and the why questions. Geography essay prompts you to have a relevant case study about the phenomena.
• It should be factual. Mention specific names and location and ensure they are accurate.
• Ensure that the diagrams used are well-drawn and labeled.
• Ensure that what you write relates to the thesis.
• Keep it as objective as possible for example do not say the Big Bang Theory is a lie.
• It has to be well organized into categories, discussing different factors in well-thought-out paragraphs.
• The transitions should blend well in cases where one paragraph is not enough to explain the phenomena and its implications.

Writing the conclusion

How to conclude a geography essay is a challenge for many students. In the geography essay conclusion, give a general outlook of the phenomena of study and your opinion based on the case study done. The conclusion for a geography essay should state the recommendations and solutions that you think should be put in place to bring changes. It explains the significance of your findings. Do not introduce new information in the conclusion, but ensure that it matches the argument presented in the introduction.

Sources for geography essay choice

The geography essay topic chosen will guide you in finding out the best source to use. There are very many sources of geographical data. Find a source that is accessible such as libraries and the Internet.  Papers on geography can also be used as a reference.

Students can use the internet, topographical maps, Atlas, Globe, literature review, and observation as their sources. Observation, however, requires you to dedicate a lot of time for fieldwork. Books in the libraries are very helpful especially when you need diagrammatic representation.

The atlas is convenient for finding the accurate location.

Finalizing the essay

A geography essay is not complete without a glossary that explains the definition of technical terms used in the essay. A glossary is a requirement in all papers on geography.

• Ensure that the diagrams (if used) are clear and well labeled. State the sources of these charts and provide links for further reading. These pictures act as a geography essay writing guide for the readers.
• Proofread the essay for accuracy. Ensure that the argument proposed does not deviate from the topic. This makes sure that your geography papers writing can be defended as true.
• Check for punctuation, correct referencing for content, and spelling.

Geography essay tips for topic choice

These tips are important for students that want to learn how to write a geography essay.

• The choice of topic is the first step to passing papers on geography. Choose a topic that you are conversant with. This makes it easier to write without too much geography essay writing help.
• The topic should be catchy and precise to capture the attention of the reader.
• The topic should not be overly broad. It allows you to defend your argument.

Top 20 geography essay topics

• How do volcanic activities occur?
• Discuss the Supernova theory
• The effects of the rising climate change
• What is a human-wildlife conflict?
• How does climate affect vegetation?
• Discuss the ocean topography
• How does the principle of relativism relate to geography
• Explain how currents have affected fishing in Japan
• Discuss longitudes and latitudes and the concept of time
• How does the moon affect tides?
• Discuss the earth and solar system
• What causes tsunamis and hurricanes?
• Explain what causes the occurrence of rocks
• Statistical Geographical data
• Elaborate on the significance of faulting
• Explore the effects of the Himalayas and its surrounding
• Determine how sextants identify the position in the sea
• Identify how do physical features affect human activities?
• Explore the implications of farming on soil pollution
• Why do deserts occur?
• Discuss how water bodies affect the rain cycle

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Detailed resources for pre-university Geography students

How to write a good introduction

By Matt Burdett, 3 March 2019

This article is about how to write a good introduction to a Geography essay.

How useful is this introduction?

“The question of whether water consumption is increasing worldwide is an important one for humanity. Water consumption is defined as the amount of water used by people per year in cubic metres. Water consumption may be high or low depending on many factors which will be discussed in this essay.”

Answer: it’s not very useful. This article will suggest another way that gets your introduction done quickly and painlessly.

Weak introductions

Lots of students think the best thing to do in an introduction is to do the following:

• Restate the question in your own words
• Define each key term in the question
• Ask a rhetorical question

Sure; your teacher might like that. But in the exam, when you have about 30 minutes to write a three side essay, it’s not a very effective way of introducing your essay.

But first – what’s the point of an introduction? Why bother? Introductions are the ultimate in signposting. Signposting is when you tell the reader where you’re going next. It helps them to understand how your ideas are organised. The introduction should inform the reader of the main points that you will discuss in your essay.

So, what’s wrong with that first type of introduction?

• Restating the question is a waste of time – the examiner has probably already read fifty of these, so they don’t really need to know what the question is
• Defining key terms often takes a long time, and doesn’t introduce what you’re writing about
• Asking a rhetorical question is great for debate club, but it doesn’t add to your essay

Improving introductions

How can we switch these things to be more effective?

• Instead of restating the question, interpret the question. For example, if the question states ‘development’, you could show that you are interpreting it as ‘economic development’ or ‘multidimensional human development’
• Instead of defining key terms, only define debated or new key terms. For example, there’s no need to define ‘settlement hierarchy’ because it’s an accepted term with little ambiguity. But the term ‘sustainability’ could be defined because there are lots of types of sustainability – such as environmental sustainability, nexus thinking, social sustainability, economic sustainability and so on. What you mean by sustainability is up to you, and it’s worth defining because someone else might define it differently.
• Instead of asking rhetorical questions, try to briefly include the thesis statement of each body paragraph. For example, ‘xxx may be justified through the long term improvements in infrastructure and healthcare , but these must be balanced against the environmental consequences’. Each of the words in italics is the thesis point of a body paragraph.

Even better: three points for a perfect introduction

Now that we’ve improved a bit, let’s think about what would make the examiner even happier. What should you include in an essay introduction? Remember these three points for a perfect introduction :

• The focus of the essay (your interpretation of the question) plus any important definitions (remember – define only words that have some debate about them!)
• Case studies
• Signposting of your body paragraphs

Here’s an example of a good introduction:

‘Water consumption may be agricultural, domestic or industrial, all of which are likely to show increases in the future. The experiences of two countries at different levels of economic development – the USA and South Africa – show that consumption is increasing due to population growth and economic development, although conservation attempts may be made especially within agricultural consumption.”

What’s better about it?

• It’s clear that the author interprets water consumption in all main sectors i.e. domestic, industrial and agricultural
• The introduction indicates that consumption is increasing…
• …but only says ‘likely to’ which shows that they aren’t attempting a conclusion yet
• The case studies are really clear – it’s obvious there will be a comparison between the USA and South Africa
• The main reasons are stated clearly i.e. population growth and economic development – these make good body paragraph points
• There is a counter-argument included i.e. conservation attempts in agriculture
• There was no definition. It’s not needed because it doesn’t show where the essay is going

This introduction gives the examiner a very clear idea about what to expect.

A final point: many people believe that an essay introduction should captivate the reader and make them want to read on. However, you also need to consider the audience for your essay. Your audience is an examiner. They have no choice: they have to read your work! An examiner is looking for clarity – which means they want to quickly read your work and easily find where to give the marks. Short, sharp introductions with focus, case studies and signposting will brighten your examiner’s day.

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Geography Essays

Critical infrastructure map for columbia, geography project plan, the meteor crater in arizona, energy transition in china, understanding spatial disparities in sydney: a geographic information system (gis) analysis, the development of new western states and territories: a tale of expansion and innovation, the national art museum of the republic of sakha (yakutia): a gateway to yakutian artistry, sustainable practices in planning and management strategies: a case study of copenhagen, a comparative geography of guildford and cloverdale, history and analysis of pacific islands, essays on geography.

If you live on planet Earth geography is relevant to you and it is the study of the earth and its features. This can include how humans interact with the features of the earth, ecological economics, and regional geography. Geography helps us map out the world and our place in it, from how different areas are connected to a new perspective on current events.

How to write an essay on geography

Geography essays are great because they most often fall under the classic five-paragraph essay structure (introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusion). This gives you a set format that you can fill with relevant information.

Geography is literally the study of where we are in the world, so it’s the perfect opportunity to show how geography connects to our daily lives. Use clear and concise language to tie your thesis and relevance to the world at large. Make sure you keep your essay well organized (after all, geography covers maps we use to navigate, so organization is important to the study) and to the point.

What can you talk about in an essay on geography?

Geography covers a variety of disciplines, and any one of them is a gold mine that you can use to find topics. When it comes to geography topics, don’t be afraid to choose one that might seem niche; these are the topics you can tie back into the overarching importance of geography.

Topics you can use for a geography essay include:

• History of hydrology • The environmental impact of tourism • Environmental management • Types of river mouths and how they are formed • The goals of landscape ecology • How does geography impact culture? • Diversification of energy resources in the US • How Benno Werlen contributed to social geography • Glacial processes and landforms • Areas prone to erosion • Food security • What is the human impact on the coast? • Different types of geodesies • Geomorphology VS geology • Earthquakes and their occurrence • A comprehensive comparison of geology and geography, where they separate and overlap • What geographic features impact biodiversity? • Tropical fish harvesting and its effects on marine life • Human influence on climate change

So, try looking through the samples on this page. They will help you see different people’s points of view on Geography and create your own masterpiece!

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Geography Extended Essay: Definition, Rubric, And Topics for IB

by  Antony W

July 18, 2022

The IB program requires you to write a 4,000-word extended essay on any subject of your choice. So if you’ve picked Geography as your focus area, you’ll find this guide incredibly helpful.

This guide to Geography extended essay covers the following:

• Choice of topic
• Treatment of your selected topic and
• The assessment criteria

What’s Geography Extended Essay? 

An extended essay in Geography provide students the opportunity to employ a wide variety of abilities and develops an original and in-depth geographic investigation. Spatial focus as well as the application of geographical theories characterize the length of this assignment.

Choosing a Geography Extended Essay Topic

One thing you have to get right before you start writing an extended essay in Geography is topic selection.

1. Pick a Narrow, Focused Topic

The topic you choose should have a geographical focus because you’ll have to ensure the research topic guides you down a route that uses acceptable geographical materials and fosters the application of pertinent geographical concepts, theories, or ideas.  

To be abundantly clear, the topic you choose should not be excessively broad because essays written on broad topics are rarely successful.

Make your topic narrowly targeted to promote in-depth investigation as opposed to a broad one. Additionally, it is essential that you establish the geographical background of the essay early on.

2. Base Your Topic on Local Research

Investigations conducted on a local basis often receive the best grades. This restricted emphasis discourages an excessive dependence on existing information and promotes original research.

Extended essays written on topics known and accessible to the student have a larger probability of success due to the student’s stronger personal connection, which stimulates more in-depth research.

3. Choose a Topic that Encourages Original Research

The cornerstone of a successful geography extended essay is a robust technique that includes the collecting of high-quality facts.

Good data allows the IB learner to conduct the sort of in-depth examination that distinguishes the finest works. It’s unlikely that an essay relying solely on published textbooks will receive a high grade.

How to Treat Your Geography EE Topic

You don’t want to view a geography extended essay as merely an extended piece of fieldwork.

Although there may be parallels in technique, the extended essay doesn’t have to lay a heavy focus on original field data. In other words, you can rely on already existing research ideas on previously published data to get the work done.

When researching the topic you’ve selected, pay more attention on written analysis, interpretation, and assessment, as well as the development of an argument rather than data collection and processing procedures.  

Supporting Your Geography Extended Essay

A geography extended essay must include proper ways for showing information or data. You should include diagrams, sketch maps, tables, and graphs, making sure you acknowledge their origin if you draw them from other sources. 

We strongly recommend the use of maps at the beginning to provide a clear geographical backdrop for the inquiry. Every map must provide an indication of direction and size, as well as a key.

• As supporting data, the usage of sketch maps and labeled or annotated diagrams is strongly encouraged.
• You can use computer-generated maps provided you identify the computer software used.
• Hand-drawn maps should be neat and legible, with appropriate use of color shading, a scale, and a key.
• If you include photographs in your work, make sure they’re integral to the text and not just decorative.

IB Geography Extended Essay Assessment Criteria Explained

The following is the assessment criteria used for the extended essay in Geography:

Criterion A: Research Question

The research question must be specific, relevant to the topic of geography, provide a geographical context for the essay, and inspire an inquisitive approach.

Many effective essays in geography explore the research issue through the formation of one or more hypotheses. If you include a hypothesis in your work, make sure it’s well constructed, testable, grounded in geographical theory, and incorporate proper investigation channels.

Criterion B: Introduction

It is essential to contextualize the study issue geographically and theoretically. Therefore, the introduction should define the scope and location of the inquiry and illustrate the relevance of the issue to existing geographical knowledge and theory.

There should be an explanation of why you chose the issue and why it merits examination. The introduction of the essay should be simple and straightforward.

Criterion C: Investigation

It is essential that the inquiry utilize a variety of data sources, including those specified in the “Treatment of the issue” section. The materials you pick for the essay must be pertinent to the subject and give the evidence that will support your argument.

The essay must employ adequate qualitative and quantitative data and/or information. For instance, questionnaires must have enough respondents for the results to be reliable.

Adopting a technique that begins with the gathering and selection of relevant material leads to a methodical analysis with legitimate results, interpretation, and conclusions, and concludes with a critical review of the evidence and the strategy used is the correct essay planning.

Criterion D: Knowledge of the Topic

A successful essay requires knowledge and comprehension of the theoretical basis and an awareness of the academic setting.

Using both primary and secondary sources , you should integrate their own ideas with current geographical theory to accomplish this.

Criterion E: Reasoned Argument

The argument can be personal, but it must also be rational and well balanced. By using proper maps, diagrams, drawings, pictures, and charts/graphs, you can convey evidence in graphical as well as textual format.

If and where applicable, the argument you present should give evidence that leads to the acceptance or rejection of the initial hypothesis. Avoid prejudice in the context of an issue, dispute, or problem inquiry.

Criterion F: Application Analysis & Skill Evaluation

The majority of the evidence supplied to support an argument in a geography extended essay comes from data analysis. This necessitates the application of proper analytical procedures and tests of significance.

The use of interaction and gravity models, network analysis, correlation techniques, dispersion measurements, sampling procedures, and standard error estimates are among the legitimate tools distinctive of geographical investigation.

When analyzing qualitative data, you must employ the right analytic procedures. Your research should demonstrate an understanding of the data’s legitimacy, validity, and limits, as well as the methodologies employed.

It is possible that the outcomes of the study are surprising or do not appear to conform to prevailing trends. This might lead to the absence of data. Even if that’s the case, the essay must nonetheless include a critical examination and evaluation of the material presented.

Criterion G: Language Selection

This criterion examines whether you’ve utilized Geographical terminology and language correctly and consistently throughout the essay.

It is essential to adopt a style that is impartial, avoids long personal assertions and viewpoints, and conveys geographical facts and concepts clearly and precisely.

Criterion H: Conclusion

The conclusion should include a summary of the investigation’s conclusions and quickly recap the pertinent evidence. If and where applicable, you should indicate which hypotheses have been accepted or rejected – and give an explanation. 

The conclusion of your essay should examine the adequacy of the approach and identify any defects or constraints in the investigational procedure.

The conclusion should not be an emotional personal remark about a topic, dispute, or problem, nor should it bring new facts not presented throughout the argument.

Criterion I: Formal Presentation

This criterion addresses the extent to which the essay complies with academic norms about the format of research papers. It is inappropriate to offer an essay without a bibliography or citations.

Essays that remove one of the required extended essay outline get a rating of no higher than good, and those that omit two of them get a rating of subpar.

All graphic material mentioned in the body of the article (maps, pictures, field drawings, charts, and so forth) should be at the appropriate locations, not at the conclusion or in appendices. It should be well organized and utilized to complement the textual material and clarify explanations.

Big data tables, published large maps, transcripts of interviews, and lengthy series of computations go to the appendices. It is not necessary to add field notes as an appendix, but you can include at least one completed questionnaire form.

You need to cite source of any data, diagrams, graphs, charts, tables, and pictures where feasible.

Criterion J: Abstract

The abstract should clearly express the research topic, describe how you conducted the study, the techniques employed, and the types of data collected.

Also, it should provide a concise summary of the findings as stated in the conclusion.

Criterion K: Holistic Judgement

For holistic judgment, you need to make sure your Geography extended essay reflects the following characteristics:

• Intellectual initiative: You can demonstrate this by creating a hard research subject, applying unique or imaginative techniques of data collecting and data analysis, and generating an original work.
• Understand the topic’s theoretical context and maintain it as the focus of the inquiry.
• Utilize introspection in the construction of your argument and assessment of your writing.
• Pick and employ inventive illustrative ways
• Overcome difficulties that emerge
• Modify views based on fresh facts.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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• How to Write a Great Essay for Different A-Level Subjects

In previous articles, we’ve given you lots of advice on how to write the perfect essay.

However, the skills we’ve discussed up to now have been generic, and have not taken into account the fact that different subjects require different skills when it comes to writing excellent essays for them. In this article, we look at the particular skills needed to write great essays for individual A-level subjects, so that you can familiarise yourself with what you need to do to excel in whatever A-levels you happen to be studying.

Good English literature essays revolve around intelligent interpretation. The problem many students have with this is organising their interpretations into a tightly structured essay that flows well; many simply let their ideas run wild and flit aimlessly between one point and the next. To combat this problem, you need to consider the writer’s overall aims and then show how they have conveyed those aims, paragraph by paragraph, with each paragraph devoted to a particular technique or focus. A good structure to use is as follows:

• Point – make a statement, such as “Brontë uses the bleakness of the moorland setting to reflect Heathcliff’s temperament.”
• Explanation – elaborate on the statement in more detail. In this example, your explanation would involve explaining the parallels between Heathcliff and the moors – their unpredictability and wildness, for instance, and the violence of the weather mirroring Heathcliff’s violent personality.
• Evidence – now provide quotes from the text to back up what you mean. In the Heathcliff example, you could quote specific words and phrases that show similarities in the way Heathcliff is described and the way in which the moorland landscape and weather are described.
• Reiterate – close off the paragraph by reiterating the point, and perhaps developing it a little further or introducing the idea you’re going to carry into the next paragraph. For example, “This ties in with a wider theme running through the book as a whole, which is that nature parallels human emotions.”

Good English essays pay close attention to detail, noting specific words, phrases and literary devices a writer has used, and to what effect. They quote liberally from the text in order to support each point, deconstructing the writing and analysing the use of language; they look at different interpretations, seeing beyond the surface and picking up on possible deeper meanings and connotations. But they also consider the meaning of the piece as a whole, and the overall effect created by the specific details noted. All this should be considered within the framework of the genre and context of the piece of writing. For instance, a poem by William Wordsworth would be considered within the context of the Romantic poets, and might be compared with work by contemporary poets such as Shelley or Keats; the historical background might also be touched upon where relevant (such as the Industrial Revolution when discussing the poetry of William Blake).

Though it’s also a humanities subject, History requires its own very particular set of skills that differ to an appreciable degree from those expected of you in English. A history essay is unequivocal about its writer’s opinion, but this opinion must be based on a solid analysis of evidence that very often can’t be taken as fact. Evidence must be discussed in terms of its reliability, or lack thereof. The good historian considers what biases may be inherent in a source, what vested interest the source might have, and what viewpoint that source was written from. For instance, you might analyse a source by discussing whether or not the person was present at the events they are describing; how long after the events they were writing (and therefore whether they are remembering it accurately if they were there, or whether they are getting their information second or third hand from someone else; and if so, how reliable the original source is); whether they are trying to show evidence to support a particular political view; and so on. So, each time you make a point, back it up with evidence, and consider the strengths and weaknesses of that evidence. A good history essay makes connections between what’s been written about, considering how issues interrelate, so think about how what you’re writing about ties in with other things; what was the impact of the event you’re discussing, did it happen in isolation, and what were the events that led to it?

It’s vital to look at both sides of the argument – or, where many possible viewpoints exist, to acknowledge these nuances. It’s fine to contradict yourself, provided you do so consciously; that is, you can build up an argument and then turn it on its head, observing that you are doing so (for example, “So far, so compelling; but what about the less well-known evidence from such and such?”). You can use quotes from historians you’ve read, but use these in the context of discussing scholarly opinion. Don’t quote a historian’s words as evidence of something, because this is only someone’s opinion – it’s not proof. Finally, where possible, use specialist terms to show that you know your stuff (“proletariat” instead of “workers”, for example).

The primary task that lies ahead of you in writing a French essay is, of course, to demonstrate your superior language skills. Keep the content itself very even-handed, sitting on the fence rather than presenting a forceful opinion that could distract attention away from the quality of your use of French. Focus on using as wide a variety of vocabulary and tenses as you can. It will help your essay if you can learn how to say more sophisticated phrases in French, of the sort you would use if you were writing an essay in English. This useful document from RealFrench.net, Writing Essays in French, will give you numerous useful French phrases to help you put together an impressive essay, including the vocabulary you need to present a balanced argument.

Geography is a subject that crosses the divide between the sciences and the humanities, considering both physical processes and human activities (and their effects on the world around us). Essays for Geography may differ depending on which of these focuses the essay is discussing, and the evidence you might include in your essay could vary from phenomena observed and data gathered in the natural world to the results of population censuses. To write a good Geography essay, you’ll need to include both theory and detailed, real-world case studies to support your answer. Mention specific places by name, and communicate the facts accurately. Your teacher will be assessing not just your knowledge, but your ability to support what you say with relevant information that proves it. You shouldn’t just rattle off everything you know about a particular case study; you should deploy relevant facts from the case study to support a specific point you’re trying to make. Keep linking each point back to the question, so that you’re always working towards answering it; this also helps you ensure that everything you include is actually relevant to the question. Showing that you’ve thought about an issue from multiple perspectives, and that you appreciate how they interrelate, is important in Geography. You can do this by organising the content of your essay into categories, considering different factors in turn, such as the scale of the issue, and the timeframe and environment involved. Discuss the various factors involved logically, one by one, such as the environmental impact of climate change or a natural disaster (such as a tsunami or volcanic eruption), followed by its physical, economic, social and political implications. Acknowledging the numerous nuances of the situation will demonstrate your appreciation of its complexity and show that you are thinking at a high level.

Classical Civilisations

As the study of the ancient world (primarily ancient Rome and Greece), Classical Civilisations combines archaeology and history, looking both at what survives materially (from small finds, to art and sculpture, to temples) and what survives in the way of texts by ancient authors. A good essay for this subject analyses, evaluates and interprets. The historical elements of the subject will require the same set of skills we discussed for History earlier, while the archaeological components of this subject require slightly different skills. With your archaeologist hat on, your job becomes similar to that of a detective, piecing together clues. Archaeology crosses over into science, and with that comes scientific considerations such as how archaeological evidence has been gathered – the methods used, their reliability, whether or not they could have been tampered with, how accurately they were recorded, and so on. You’ll look at a variety of different types of evidence, too, from the finds themselves to maps of the local topography. As with Geography, for which you’re required to learn lots of detailed case studies and names, you’ll need to learn plenty of examples of sites and finds to use as sources of evidence in building up a picture of the ancient world. And, as with any subject, looking at both sides of any argument is crucial to good grades. If the evidence you’re discussing could show one thing, but it could also show another, don’t just present one possibility – show that you’ve thought in depth about it and consider all the possible interpretations.

Science subjects

The sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics – are generally less essay-focused, so we’re grouping them together here because the essay skills required for each of these subjects are very similar. While the fundamentals of scientific essay writing are the same as any other subject – having a logical structure, well-developed argument, and so on – there are a few subject-specific considerations to bear in mind, and some common pitfalls to watch out for. The first is that there is no room for opinion in a scientific essay; unless you’re specifically asked for it, leave your own thoughts out of it and focus instead on a completely objective discussion of the evidence gathered through scientific research, which will most probably be quantitative data. Avoid vague language such as “it is thought that…”; be as precise as possible. Start with a hypothesis, and then discuss the research that supports or disproves it. Back up every statement you make with solid data; it’s not enough simply to drop in the name of the research, so briefly describe what the findings were and why they prove the statement you’ve just made. Another mistake many students make is to confuse cause and effect; this arises because of the tendency to assume that correlation implies causation, which is a common logical fallacy. Just because two things appear to be related, it doesn’t mean that one caused the other, and committing this error in an essay is a major faux pas that will lose you marks. It’s also a good idea to ensure that you’ve included every piece of research that could be relevant; if you don’t, you could be leaving out a crucial piece of evidence. Finally, mention any limitations there may have been with the methodology used to gather the data you discuss.

Psychology essays are best approached with a scientific mindset, but it’s far more difficult to prove anything in this subject – and this should be acknowledged in your essay. The task becomes one of assessing which theory is the more probable one, based on an analysis of the data from various studies. Make liberal reference to named and dated psychological experiments and research, but acknowledge the fact that there may be more than one theory that could account for the same set of results. When these experiments are quoted as evidence, this should be done with reference to any possible limitations of how the experiment was conducted (such as a small sample size). If you’ve reached the end of this article, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to write fantastic essays guaranteed to impress your teachers. You’re also well on the way to thinking in the right way for university-level essays, so keep working on these skills now and you’ll find it much easier to make the leap from sixth former to undergraduate.

Image credits: banner ; Wuthering Heights ; Diet of Worms ; factory workers ; Charioteer ; Hubble Space Telescope ; Psychology . 

Science - Geography 1: How to write an Essay

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