Part (a): describe location or a pattern, with evidence (every paper)
Absolute and relative location, or the pattern quantified — then the anomaly.
The describing formula
LOCATION: absolute (coordinates, hemisphere, named country) then relative (distance and direction from a known place, and what it is next to).
Say whether the location is an ADVANTAGE or a CONSTRAINT, and for whom.
PATTERN: the overall trend, with figures from the resource.
The highest and lowest values, named.
One anomaly that does not fit the pattern — and, if asked, why.
Exam-style Describing location with both absolute and relative detail Describe the geography (location, size, and extent) of a named salt flat, using resource evidence. Absolute: state the coordinates or region given in the resources (e.g. on the Bolivian altiplano, in the Andes). Relative: state its position against a known reference — its elevation above sea level, and its position relative to surrounding mountain ranges or countries. Size and extent: quote the actual area figure from the resources, and compare it to something familiar in scale if the resource allows. ✓ Absolute location, relative location, AND a quantified size/extent — all three, not just one, is what a full-credit describe answer includes. ✕
Location without an advantage/constraint judgement is incomplete
Simply stating coordinates and neighbouring features describes location but stops short of what the question usually also wants: whether that location is an ADVANTAGE (e.g. coastal access, fertile floodplain) or a CONSTRAINT (e.g. isolated, prone to flooding) — and for which group.
Describing element
What to include
Absolute location
Coordinates, hemisphere, named country/region
Relative location
Distance/direction from a known place; what borders it
Pattern
Overall trend + highest/lowest values, both named with figures
Anomaly
One value that breaks the pattern, and why if asked
A fast check before moving to part (b)
Have I named both absolute AND relative location, not just one?
Have I quoted at least one figure from the resource, not just described the trend in words?