Common Errors for GCSE Paper 3

( The fieldwork or skills paper in Geography, and practical or applications paper in other subjects too):

AreaCommon ErrorsTip to Avoid
Fieldwork Data CollectionVague descriptions of methodsBe specific: name equipment, sampling method, and time/location.
Graphs and ChartsWrong type of graph, no labels or unitsChoose the best graph for the data; label axes clearly.
Data AnalysisJust describing, not explaining patternsAlways add “because…” to explain why a pattern happens.
Evaluation of MethodsOnly saying “human error” without detailExplain exactly what the error was and how it affected results.
Use of Statistical TechniquesNot knowing how or when to apply themRevise mean, median, mode, interquartile range, and how to comment on data reliability.
Hypothesis TestingSaying hypothesis is “correct” or “wrong” with no evidenceUse data to support or refute your hypothesis.
Maps and SketchesNo scale, north arrow, or annotationsAlways add a scale bar, north arrow, and neat labels.
Answering the QuestionWriting everything you know, not focusing on the questionHighlight command words (e.g., “explain,” “evaluate”) and stay focused.
Fieldwork LinksWriting generic answers, not linking back to your own fieldworkRefer directly to your fieldwork location, methods, and findings.
Time ManagementRunning out of time, missing evaluation questionsPractice timed past papers and save 10–15 mins for evaluation questions.

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