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ESS Paper 2 Markscheme N17
ESS Paper 2 Markscheme N17
Markscheme
November 2017
Standard level
Paper 2
20 pages
–2– N17/4/ENVSO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
The following are the annotations available to use when marking responses.
Unclear
Contradiction
No working shown
SLP2 ONLY Expression of ideas (see section on SL
Paper 2 only)
Ellipse. Dynamic; can be used to surround an area of
the candidate’s answer
Dynamic, vertical wavy line that can be expanded (to
highlight a section of irrelevant work for instance)
Dynamic, horizontal wavy line that can be expanded (to
highlight a section of irrelevant work for instance)
DOT. Valid part (to be used when more than one
element is required to gain the mark e.g. Drawings)
Example / reference
No definition
NExa No examples
Examiners should be aware that in some cases, candidates may take a different approach, which if
appropriate should be rewarded. If in doubt, check with your team leader.
In the case of an “identify” question read all answers and mark positively up to the maximum marks.
Disregard incorrect answers. In all other cases where a question asks for a certain number of facts
eg “describe two kinds”, mark the first two correct answers. This could include two descriptions,
one description and one identification, or two identifications.
It should be recognized that, given time constraints, answers for part (c) questions are likely to include
a much narrower range of issues and concepts than identified in the markband. There is no “correct”
answer. Examiners must be prepared to award full marks to answers which synthesize and evaluate
even if they do not examine all the stimulus material.
1. Follow the markscheme provided, award only whole marks and mark only in RED.
2. Make sure that the question you are about to mark is highlighted in the mark panel on the
right-hand side of the screen.
3. Sometimes, careful consideration is required to decide whether or not to award a mark. In these
cases use RM™ Assessor annotations to support your decision. You are encouraged to write
comments where it helps clarity, especially for re-marking purposes. Use a text box for these
additional comments. It should be remembered that the script may be returned to the candidate.
5. Where an answer to a part question is worth no marks but the candidate has attempted the part
question, enter a zero in the mark panel on the right-hand side of the screen. Where an answer
to a part question is worth no marks because the candidate has not attempted the part question,
enter an “NR” in the mark panel on the right-hand side of the screen.
6. If a candidate has attempted more than the required number of questions within a paper or
section of a paper, mark all the answers. RM™ Assessor will only award the highest mark or
marks in line with the rubric.
7. Ensure that you have viewed every page including any additional sheets. Please ensure that
you stamp “seen” on any page that contains no other annotation.
8. Mark positively. Give candidates credit for what they have achieved and for what they have got
correct, rather than penalizing them for what they have got wrong. However, a mark should not
be awarded where there is contradiction within an answer. Make a comment to this effect using a
text box or the “CON” stamp.
–6– N17/4/ENVSO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
1. Environmental systems and societies uses marking points and markbands to determine the
achievement of candidates
When using marking points (All of this paper except Section B, part c questions):
i. A markscheme often has more marking points than the total allows. This is intentional
ii. Each marking point has a separate line and the end is shown by means of a tick/check ()
iii. Where a mark is awarded, a tick/check () must be placed in the text at the precise point
where it becomes clear that the candidate deserves the mark. One tick to be shown for
each mark awarded
iv. The order of marking points does not have to be as in the markscheme, unless stated
otherwise.
2. An alternative answer or wording is indicated in the markscheme by a slash (/). Either wording
can be accepted.
3. Words in brackets ( ) in the markscheme are not necessary to gain the mark.
5. If the candidate’s answer has the same “meaning” or can be clearly interpreted as being of
equivalent significance, detail and validity as that in the markscheme then award the mark.
Where this point is considered to be particularly relevant in a question it is emphasized by
OWTTE (or words to that effect).
–7– N17/4/ENVSO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
6. Remember that many candidates are writing in a second language. Effective communication is
more important than grammatical accuracy.
7. Occasionally, a part of a question may require an answer that is required for subsequent
marking points. If an error is made in the first marking point then it should be penalized.
However, if the incorrect answer is used correctly in subsequent marking points then follow
through marks should be awarded. When marking, indicate this by adding ECF (error carried
forward) on the script.
8. Do not penalize candidates for errors in units or significant figures, unless it is specifically
referred to in the markscheme.
–8– N17/4/ENVSO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
Section A
(ii) Identify three reasons why carrying capacity can be difficult to estimate. [3 max]
Generally:
there are many different potential limiting factors for natural populations;
populations’ needs may change through time due to genetic
changes/evolution;
environmental conditions may change eg climate change/introduced species;
it takes extensive/long-term study to identify a precise relationship between a
species and given environmental factor;
For human populations:
human populations exploit/depend upon a far greater range of different
resources than most other species;
(human ingenuity) humans are able to substitute one resource/material for
another;
variations in lifestyle/culture/economic status between human populations
mean different resources/amounts of resources are used/needed;
the importation of resources from other ecosystems/regions can offset a lack
of resources in an area;
technological developments cause changes in resources required/available
over time;
(b) (i) With reference to Figure 1 calculate the DT for India (X). [1]
50 (years);
(ii) With reference to Figure 1 calculate the NIR for Japan (Y). [1]
−0.2 (%);
(c) Identify two reasons why Uruguay has the biggest ecological footprint. [2 max]
(ii) With reference to Figure 2 identify three factors that could explain the high
biodiversity in Ecuador. [3 max]
(b) Describe a method that may have been used for collecting the tree data in Figure 3.
[2 max]
aerial photograph;
identify from the leaf canopy the different species seen;
OR
OR
Do not credit responses that address abundance rather than number of different
species.
– 10 – N17/4/ENVSO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
40 × 35
( = ) 46.67 Accept answers from 46 - 47 (ocelot population size);
30
(d) Outline two reasons for the differences in population size and density of ocelots at
Site A and B of Yasuni National Park as shown in Figure 4. [4 max]
population may be lower in site B due to higher levels of human disturbance (or
converse for site A ie less disturbance);
...leading to more emigration of ocelots/greater death rate/reduced
reproduction/loss of nesting sites in site B (or converse for site A);
Award 1 max for the possible cause and 1 max for linking it appropriately to
either higher density in site A or lower density in site B.
N.B. If candidate has miscalculated population size of site B in part c, such that
it is GREATER than for site A, then apply ECF and credit responses that
provide valid reasons for B>A.
– 11 – N17/4/ENVSO/SP2/ENG/TZ0/XX/M
3. (a) (i) Identify one human factor that contributes to photochemical smog. [1]
(ii) Identify one natural factor that contributes to photochemical smog. [1]
(b) Explain why the formation of photochemical smog may have harmful effects on the
environment of cities such as Santiago (Chile). [4 max]
Section B
producers are plants that convert light energy into chemical energy by
photosynthesis;
photosynthesis/primary producers convert carbon dioxide and water into
glucose/sugar and oxygen;
this conversion/glucose forms the raw material of biomass/the basis of food chains;
producers (thereby) provide food for consumers/energy in a form that can be
passed along food chains;
the production of oxygen by producers is vital for the majority of ecosystems;
the absorption of CO2 maintains a balance of CO2 in atmosphere/reduces global
warming;
primary producers may alternatively generate biomass through chemosynthesis;
chemosynthetic bacteria use chemical energy to produce food without using
sunlight;
plants may also provide other resources/services for ecosystem eg habitats/soil
conservation/cycling of matter;
(b) Explain the potential impact of ocean acidification on environmental systems and
societies. [7 max]
(c) To what extent do anthropocentric value systems dominate the international efforts to
address climate change? [9 max]
The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be
offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria given in each of
the markbands (although “ESS terminology” has been conflated with
“Understanding concepts”). This guide simply provides some possible inclusions
and should not be seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of
elements to look for when deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific
mark within that band.
5. (a) Distinguish between the concept of a “charismatic” (flagship) species and a keystone
species using named examples. [4 max]
(b) Explain the role of two historical influences in shaping the development of the
environmental movement. [7 max]
(c) Discuss the implications of environmental value systems for the protection of tropical
biomes. [9 max]
The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be
offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria given in each of
the markbands (although “ESS terminology” has been conflated with
“Understanding concepts”). This guide simply provides some possible inclusions
and should not be seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of
elements to look for when deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific
mark within that band.
6. (a) Outline the reasons why natural capital has a dynamic nature. [4 max]
Award [1] for each correct reason and/or example, up to [4 max]. N.B. Credit may
be allowed for alternative egs of equivalent validity, detail and relevance.
(b) Explain how the inequitable distribution of natural resources can lead to conflict. [7 max]
(c) The management of a resource can impact the production of solid domestic waste.
To what extent have the three levels of the pollution management model been
successfully applied to the management of solid domestic waste? [9 max]
The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be
offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria given in each of
the markbands (although “ESS terminology” has been conflated with
“Understanding concepts”). This guide simply provides some possible inclusions
and should not be seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of
elements to look for when deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific
mark within that band.
Award marks as above for identifying relevant common features, and also for
giving examples (provided it is clear what is being exemplified).
(b) Compare and contrast the impact of humans on the carbon and nitrogen cycles. [7 max]
(c) Discuss the role of humans in the destabilization of ecological systems. [9 max]
The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be
offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria given in each of
the markbands (although “ESS terminology” has been conflated with “Understanding
concepts”). This guide simply provides some possible inclusions and should not be
seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of elements to look for when
deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific mark within that band.
The response does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below and is not
0 relevant to the question.