OCR GCSE (9-1) Geography A: Geographical Themes (J383) · Spec 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3 and 1.2.4
UK people, trade and the economy
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
- Exports are goods and services sold to other countries. Imports are bought from them. The UK trades with countries across the world, including the EU countries, the USA and China.
- A trade deficit means imports are worth more than exports. A trade surplus means exports are worth more.
- Average incomes and jobs are strongest in London and the south-east. Parts of the north-east, Wales, Northern Ireland and old industrial areas do less well. This is the north-south divide, with exceptions in every region.
- Causes of uneven development: location near London and Europe, the decline of coal, steel, shipbuilding and textiles in the north, better infrastructure in the south-east, and government policy.
- Government strategies to reduce the gap include the Northern Powerhouse, enterprise zones and freeports.
- The UK population is ageing because people live longer and birth rates are lower. This puts pressure on the NHS, care and pensions.
- Immigration is people moving into a country to live. It fills job gaps and brings tax income. It also brings demand for housing and school places.
Key terms
- De-industrialisation
- The decline of manufacturing industry.
- Globalisation
- Growing links between countries in trade, investment and communication.
- Post-industrial economy
- An economy based mostly on services such as IT, finance and research.
- North-south divide
- The pattern of generally higher incomes and more jobs in the south than the north of the UK.
- Ageing population
- A population with a growing share of older people.
- Immigration
- People moving into a country to live there.
- Emigration
- People leaving a country to live somewhere else.
Common mistakes
- Answering 'impacts of an ageing population' by explaining why the population is ageing. Impacts are the results, such as more demand for care and higher pension costs.
- Saying migrants simply take jobs. The economic impacts include filling skills gaps, paying tax and spending money locally.
- Comparing two population pyramids with two separate statements, or using population totals. Write one statement that mentions both places, and use percentages of the population.
Exam tip
On a 2-mark calculate question, show the method as well as the answer, because the method can earn a mark. When you give a reason for a difference, explain it, for example high-paid jobs cluster in London. Do not just say the numbers are different.
Free practice questions
7 questions, 13 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]
The decline of manufacturing is called ___; growing worldwide links in trade and communication are called ___.
Word bank: de-industrialisation · globalisation · urbanisation
- Question 2 · Matching[3 marks]
Match each term to its meaning.
- Question 3 · Matching[3 marks]
Match each trade term to its meaning.
- Question 4 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which statement best describes the north-south divide in the UK?
- Question 5 · Choose more than one[2 marks]
Which TWO are named strategies to reduce regional differences?
Choose 2.
- Question 6 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which describes a UK rural area of population decline?
- Question 7 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which of these is the best definition of immigration?