If you have ever looked at a “Made in China” label or wondered why certain cities become financial hubs while others remain industrial heartlands, you are already diving into Economic Geography. This field isn’t just about money; it’s about the where and the why of economic activity. It examines how geography dictates what we produce, where we trade, and how wealth is distributed across the planet.
Below is the exam paper download link
Past Paper On Economic Geography For Revision
Above is the exam paper download link
However, Economic Geography can be a tough nut to crack. It forces you to balance complex spatial models with the messy reality of global politics and environmental constraints. To move from “just getting by” to “mastering the material,” you need to see how these theories are tested. Using past papers for revision is like having a GPS for your exam—it shows you the shortcuts, the roadblocks, and exactly where the high marks are hidden.
To get your gears turning, we’ve put together a specialized Q&A session based on the “heavy hitters” of Economic Geography, followed by a link to download a full revision paper.
The Logic of Wealth: Revision Q&A
Q1: What is Alfred Weber’s “Least Cost Theory,” and does it still apply today?
A: This is a foundation stone of the syllabus. Weber argued that industries choose their location based on three main factors: transportation costs, labor costs, and agglomeration (being near similar businesses). In an exam, you’ll need to explain the “Weight-Gaining” vs. “Weight-Losing” industry. For example, a bakery (weight-gaining) usually sits near the market, while a copper smelter (weight-losing) sits near the mine.
Q2: How does the “Dependency Theory” explain the gap between the Global North and South?
A: This is a critical perspective. Dependency theory suggests that resources flow from a “periphery” of poor and underdeveloped states to a “core” of wealthy states, enriching the latter at the expense of the former. Instead of seeing poverty as a “stage” of development, this theory sees it as a result of the global economic structure. Examiners love to see you compare this with Rostow’s Stages of Growth.
Q3: What is “Agglomeration Economy,” and why do Silicon Valley or Wall Street exist?
A: Agglomeration is the “clustering” effect. When businesses in the same industry locate near each other, they share a skilled labor pool, specialized suppliers, and “knowledge spillover.” In an exam, if you are asked why certain regions dominate specific sectors, agglomeration is your secret weapon.
Q4: Explain the impact of “Transnational Corporations” (TNCs) on regional development.
A: TNCs are the giants of economic geography. They can bring investment, technology, and jobs to a region (the “Multiplier Effect”). However, they can also cause “deindustrialization” in their home countries and exploit labor in host countries. A high-scoring answer will weigh both the “spread effects” and the “backwash effects” of TNC activity.
Why You Should Practice with This Past Paper
In Economic Geography, the examiner is checking your Analytical Depth. You aren’t just memorizing facts; you are explaining the global machine. Here is why the download below is a game-changer:
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Model Application: Can you draw the von Thünen model of agricultural land use and explain why it’s still relevant in the age of refrigeration? Past papers give you the space to practice these diagrams.
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Data Interpretation: You might be given a table of GDP vs. Gini Coefficient. Practicing helps you explain why a country can be “rich” on paper but have extreme inequality geographically.
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Case Study Integration: Whether it’s the “Export Processing Zones” in Mexico or the “Rust Belt” in the USA, past papers teach you how to weave these examples into 20-mark essays.
Your Free Revision Resource
Ready to stop guessing where the factories go and start proving you know the science behind it? We have curated a high-standard Economic Geography Past Paper to help you refine your models and boost your confidence.
[Download: Economic Geography Revision Past Paper (PDF)]
(Pro-tip: When revising, don’t just read—map! Take a blank map of your country and try to plot where the major industries are located. If you can explain why they are there using Weber or Christaller’s theories, you are ready for the exam.)
Final Thoughts
Economic Geography is the study of how the world works, trades, and survives. By mastering these papers, you are learning to see the hidden forces that shape our cities and our livelihoods. Download the paper, grab your highlighters, and start your revision journey.
