Climate change in Antarctica: essay planning

The aim of this activity is to build upon knowledge and understanding of climate change by looking specifically at the effects it is having on Antarctica.

Students are encouraged to conduct their own research to deepen their understanding, then apply it to an extended examination-style question that focuses on their ability to evaluate opinions.

A structure has been included in the activity so that students can work independently to build their confidence in approaching examination questions at this level.

The raw marks and structure for an extended answer of this nature might vary depending on the examination board. However, the question has been designed to focus on areas of content within the following A Level specifications:

AQA
3.2.1.5.1 Antarctica as a global common.

Cambridge International
2.3 Global warming and climate change.

Cambridge OCR
4.b. The impacts of climate change are global and dynamic.

Pearson Edexcel
5.6 Climate change may have significant impacts on the hydrological cycle globally and locally.

Pearson Edexcel (International)
3.4.2 Threats to biodiversity.

Eduqas (WJEC)
(4)3.5.7 People, climate and the future.