Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography A (1GA0) · Spec Skills
Geographical, mathematical and statistical skills
Read the notes, then try the questions. Each one is marked the moment you press Check, and shows the right answer and why.
Key ideas
- On an OS map a six-figure grid reference gives eastings first, then northings. It is more precise than a four-figure one.
- Mean is the total divided by the number of values. Median is the middle value of ordered data. Mode is the most common. Range is the highest minus the lowest.
- A scattergraph shows the relationship between two variables. A line of best fit is one ruled straight line through the general trend, with roughly equal points on each side.
- Percentage change is the change divided by the original, times 100.
- Show your working and give the unit and decimal places asked.
Key terms
- Mean
- Total divided by the number of values.
- Median
- The middle value of ordered data.
- Mode
- The most common value.
- Range
- Highest value minus lowest value.
- Scattergraph
- A graph that plots two variables to show a relationship.
Common mistakes
- Giving eastings and northings the wrong way round.
- Dividing by the new figure for percentage change. Divide by the original.
- Joining every point on a scattergraph. Draw one line of best fit.
Exam tip
On a 'calculate' item, show your working, since marks go for method as well as the answer. Read the command word and the focus words in the question.
Free practice questions
6 questions, 14 marks. Answer, then press Check. The marking guide explains how the marks are worked out. Nothing is saved.
- Question 1 · Fill the gaps[2 marks]
A six-figure grid reference gives the ___ first, then the ___.
Word bank: northings · eastings · contours
- Question 2 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which graph is best for showing the relationship between two variables?
- Question 3 · Matching[4 marks]
Match each statistic to its definition.
- Question 4 · True or false[3 marks]
Decide whether each statement about OS maps is true or false.
1. A six-figure grid reference is more precise than a four-figure one.
2. Eastings are read before northings.
3. Relief on an OS map includes the roads and railways.
- Question 5 · Choose more than one[2 marks]
Which TWO statements about a line of best fit are correct?
Choose 2.
- Question 6 · Fill the gaps[2 marks]
The ___ is the middle value of ordered data, and the ___ is the most common value.
Word bank: mean · mode · median