The IB Geography exams around the corner and I imagine students around the world are revising all the content and material they have covered in the past two years.
One of the best ways to prepare is by doing practice papers. Paper 2 consists of a 10-mark infographic question, which students at times may not know how to best go about.
I have a post on tips for the infographic question which lists a few simple strategies that students can focus on to get a 10/10. Here is the post: https://www.misterglobal.xyz/post/tips-for-ib-geography-paper-2-infographic-question
Also, I created another practice infographic question, along with a mark scheme for some extra help. Here it is:
This infographic (https://elements.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-solar-power-by-country-in-2021/) shows solar power by country.
1. Estimate the watts per capita from solar power in:
a. Germany [1]
b. India [1]
a. Accept 620-650
b. Accept 40 - 70
2. According to the infographic, China has a solar power capacity of 254,355MW. Explain one presentation method that could be used to illustrate this information in comparison to other countries. [2]
Award [1] for identification of a valid technique such as bars graphs/line graphs/pie charts/proportional symbols. Award further [1] for application to the details shown [countries’ solar power capacity] – bars for each country/segments for pie charts/separate symbols. Award full credit for answers given as appropriate diagram.
3. Evaluate the infographic’s effectiveness in showing solar power by country in 2021. [6]
Award [1] for each valid point and a further mark [1] for supported development / elaboration / exemplification up to a maximum of [5].
Award the final [1] for an overall appraisal that weighs up the infographic as a whole. Award a maximum of [4] if only one perspective is given.
Examples of strengths:
- Infographic divided into four clear sections (Europe, The Americas, Asia & Oceania, Africa & Middle East)
- Interesting points given at the bottom that could further interest audience about the topic of solar energy
- Good choice of colors used that makes it easy to read the text
- Clever choice of colors (yellow and orange in black background) to represent the theme of the sun / solar energy
- Credible (source given as IRENA – Renewable Capacity Statistics) and timely as the data is for 2021.
Examples of limitations:
- Difficult to identify the watts per capita for the countries shown because you need to constantly refer to the scale given from 0 – 650 at the bottom.
- Very little data of countries in Africa so lacking on information of a large continent
- Lack of call to action because it is not telling the audience to do anything as a result of the information given
For example:
The infographic uses a clear structure dividing the topic into regions of Europe, The Americas, Asia & Oceania, Africa & Middle East [1]. There is a good use of colors (yellow, orange, and red), related to the topic of solar energy [1]. The actual information is difficult to compare with one another [1]. For example, it takes time to identify the watts per capita for any country as one needs to refer to the scale [1]. Also, there is very little data given for countries in Africa meaning many countries are missing. Even if no data is available, the infographic would be more useful if it were able to provide the data [1]. Overall, the infographic is looks good in terms of color and style, but at times is difficult to understand the actual data points in relation to countries [1]