What is a case study?

Any real life example of something you have studied can be used as a case study. It might be a village, city, factory, earthquake or river. All GCSE geography syllabuses expect you to learn several case studies, both from within the UK and other parts of the world. Some syllabuses name the areas from which your case studies must come, other syllabuses will leave that decision up to your teacher.

When should I use a case study?

The words in an exam question will give you a clue if you should use a case study. Here are some examples, all answers to questions starting, like these ones require you to use a case study in your answer.

'Using an example from your studies............'

'For a named .................... you have studied........'

'With reference to a ............ from your studies.'

'Choose a .............. you have studied'

 

Will I get better marks if I use a case study?

Yes, in both foundation and higher tier exams you need to prove that you really know the topic you're writing about.

 

To make good use of a case study:

• Don't just write down everything you can remember. Read each question carefully and pick only the information from your case study which answers that question.
• Use names of places and facts and figures - don't be vague. For example an answer which says 'the Kobe earthquake in 1995 measured 7.2 on the Richter scale' shows your knowledge about that particular earthquake. An answer saying 'a big earthquake in Japan happened a few years ago' is too vague.
• If possible use a sketch map or diagram to support your answer.
• Make sure you use geographical words and phrases whenever possible. For example rather than saying 'there is a large difference between the hottest and coldest temperatures during the day' you should say 'there is a large diurnal temperature range'.

 

How can I remember which case study to use?

As you revise write down a list of all the topics you study. Beside each topic write the name of a case study. e.g.

Weather and climate - Hurricane Mitch

Energy - HEP in Norway

Tourism - Thailand

 

Remember!

Some case studies can be used more than once.

Tourism in Thailand could be used as an example of how a developing country is using an industry to help it develop. It could also be used as an example of the environmental impact of tourism on a country.