IGCSE Geography
Cambridge IGCSE Geography studies population, settlement, the natural environment, and economic development, combining theory with fieldwork skills.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
56%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~3 hours 45 minutes across 3 papers
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Geographical Themes | 1 hour 45 minutes | Structured questions | 45% |
| Paper 2 — Geographical Skills | 1 hour 30 minutes | Map & data skills | 27.5% |
| Paper 4 — Alternative to Coursework | 1 hour 30 minutes | Fieldwork-based questions | 27.5% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Organize your knowledge by themes (politics, economy, society, foreign policy), not just chronology.
- 2
Every claim needs specific evidence — names, dates, statistics, events. Vague generalizations score poorly.
- 3
Practice planning an essay in 5 minutes: thesis, three arguments, counter-argument, conclusion.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Describe the key features of Population & Settlement, giving specific and accurate supporting detail.
Explain the main causes and consequences of The Natural Environment, showing how the factors connect to one another.
"Economic Development was the most significant turning point of its era." Assess the validity of this claim, weighing the evidence before reaching a judgement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Describing sources instead of analyzing their origin, purpose, and reliability.
- ✕
Narrating events chronologically instead of building an argument that answers the question.
- ✕
Making claims without specific supporting evidence (names, dates, statistics).
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE Geography — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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