Edexcel A-level Geography – Glaciated Landscapes and Change
Explain how natural factors can lead to climate change and glaciation. [8 marks]
HOW TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
This 8-mark 'explain how natural factors' question rewards a range of distinct factors, each
explained as a full causal chain — plan one paragraph per factor before you write:
• 1. Use the key terminology linked to natural climate change: terms such as Milankovitch
cycles, axial tilt, eccentricity, solar radiation and the Maunder Minimum show the examiner
precise geographical knowledge and tie each explanation to real evidence.
• 2. Build clear chains of reasoning, not isolated statements: link each factor step by step to its
climatic outcome — for example, reduced axial tilt → weaker summer solar radiation at high
latitudes → cooler summers → less winter ice melts → snow accumulates over thousands of
years → glaciation. Explicit links like these are what secure Edexcel Level 3 (6–8 marks).
Examiner tip: connecting factors together (e.g. low eccentricity combined with low axial tilt) shows
the developed reasoning that separates an 8 from a 6.
The full model answer follows on the next page.
Explain how natural factors can lead to climate change and glaciation. [8 marks]
HOW TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
This 8-mark 'explain how natural factors' question rewards a range of distinct factors, each
explained as a full causal chain — plan one paragraph per factor before you write:
• 1. Use the key terminology linked to natural climate change: terms such as Milankovitch
cycles, axial tilt, eccentricity, solar radiation and the Maunder Minimum show the examiner
precise geographical knowledge and tie each explanation to real evidence.
• 2. Build clear chains of reasoning, not isolated statements: link each factor step by step to its
climatic outcome — for example, reduced axial tilt → weaker summer solar radiation at high
latitudes → cooler summers → less winter ice melts → snow accumulates over thousands of
years → glaciation. Explicit links like these are what secure Edexcel Level 3 (6–8 marks).
Examiner tip: connecting factors together (e.g. low eccentricity combined with low axial tilt) shows
the developed reasoning that separates an 8 from a 6.
The full model answer follows on the next page.
