Key Skills: Writing and Photos

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. How can we use key questions?
3. How can we describe places?
4. What are key words and key sentences?
5. How can we describe physical features  on a photo?
6. How can we use photos to study settlements?
7. What do aerial photos show?
8. How can we use satellite photos?
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Introduction

In studies, writing and photographs are fundamental tools for studying and understanding the world. Writing helps students express their understanding of concepts and processes, while photographs provide visual insights into landscapes, human activities, and natural features. Both mediums play a crucial role in developing observational, analytical, and communication skills necessary for exploring diverse environments and cultures

How can we use key questions?

Asking questions is one of the best ways to learn in geography. Questions help us describe places and explain how they came to be. Some questions are more important and useful than others, known as key questions. These key questions can also help structure our writing. Answering each question with a sentence or two makes it easier to describe and explain geographical features in an organized manner. Below are questions that address topics of particular interest to geographers.

• What are the key questions in geography?
• How can questions help us learn in geography?
• Why are key questions important?
• How do key questions help structure writing in geography?
• What do key questions help us describe and explain?
• How do geographers use key questions?
  
  MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

  Try yourself: How can key questions help us learn in geography?

  A

  By providing visual insights into landscapes and natural features.

  B

  By helping us express our understanding of concepts and processes.

  C

  By developing observational and communication skills.

  D

  By structuring our writing and organizing geographical descriptions and explanations.

  View Solution

  Correct Answer: DHide Explanation ⌃

  - Key questions in geography help us structure our writing and organize our thoughts when describing and explaining geographical features.
  - By answering each key question with a sentence or two, we can provide a clear and organized account of the topic at hand.
  - This approach makes it easier for both the writer and the reader to comprehend and understand the information being conveyed.
  - Key questions ensure that important aspects of the topic are covered and help us present information in a logical and coherent manner.

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How can we describe places? 

Photo A depicts a typical scene in the mountains of northern Italy. The labels describe the main features of the area, encompassing both physical and human elements. The conclusion provides a concise summary of the characteristics of the place. Understanding how to describe such a location is a crucial and valuable skill in geography.

The most effective way to describe a place is to create a list of geographical terms and then write a sentence or two about each one sequentially. Diagram 8 illustrates some of the more significant terms. Not all terms need to be used on every occasion; sometimes, you may only need to include those relevant to your specific study.

What are key words and key sentences? 

Text in books, newspapers, and magazines can often be lengthy and complex, making it challenging to read and comprehend. To effectively use these sources for our geography studies, it's important to learn how to identify key words and key sentences. This helps simplify the text and aids in easier learning of the topic.

These pages explore how we can identify and utilize key words and key questions, particularly in four straightforward stages, as depicted in Diagrams A and B. The example used is river flooding, a significant but complex topic in geography.

Key words and key sentences can be used to create notes, which are crucial for learning and later revision. They can also be incorporated into diagrams, which are effective tools for presenting information and explaining ideas in geography. Diagrams C and D below illustrate how such diagrams can be used to explain the causes of river flooding, as described on pages 36 and 37. These diagrams will enhance your understanding of the topic.

How can we describe physical features  on a photo? 

Photos play a crucial role in geography by depicting places and features as they truly appear, providing a clear understanding of what a place is like. However, they often contain so much detailed information that identifying important features can be challenging. Using a checklist or a set of key questions can simplify this task.

In physical geography, it's essential to describe the relief, drainage, and vegetation, as shown in Photo A. Describing relief involves identifying mountains, hills, valleys, and determining whether areas are steep, gently sloping, or flat. Drainage features such as lakes and rivers are easily identifiable. Vegetation can be more challenging to describe; grass is typically green, while moorland and rough pasture tend to appear in shades of brown or yellow.

Below are key questions that can help describe the physical features in Photos A and B:

• What are the key physical features in the photos?
• How can photos help us understand geography?
• What is the importance of using a checklist or key questions?
• Why is it important to describe relief, drainage, and vegetation?
• How can we use key questions to describe physical features?
• What can we learn from physical geography?

How can we use photos to study settlements?

Settlements are places where people live. Small settlements with only a few houses are called villages, while larger settlements are known as towns or cities. Photos are valuable for studying settlements as they provide insights into a settlement's site, situation, age, land use patterns, and main features.

As mentioned earlier, a checklist or set of key questions can assist in describing features in a photo.
Diagram A lists key questions that can be used when analyzing settlement features. The choice of questions depends on the aspects of the settlement being studied.

Photo B shows the village of Ilfracombe in Devon, used to study the village's site and situation, as per key question 2. Labels in the photo explain why the village developed on that particular site.

Photo C depicts the town of Harlow in Essex, a new town with a population of nearly 100,000. The spread-out nature of the settlement is evident.

Activities:

1. Look at the lettered features on photo C and match them to each feature: Main road (I), Town centre (2), Woodland (3), Car park (4), Housing estate (5), School (6), Golf course (7), Open countryside (8).
2. Read description D of the Harlow area shown on photo C. Complete the description using the following words: housing estates, wooded areas, gently sloping, landscaped, large, planned, centre, outskirts, good.
3. Describe Ilfracombe using key questions 2 and 3 from drawing A, and compare it with Harlow in terms of modernity and other differences you observe.

What do aerial photos show?

Aerial photos provide a view of the land from above, captured from an airplane or helicopter, offering detailed and accurate information about an area. There are two types of aerial photos: vertical and oblique. Vertical photos are taken directly overhead, similar to maps, while oblique photos are taken at an angle, providing a better sense of the landscape's height and features (see Diagram A).

Below is a comparison of a map and an aerial photo showing the same area. The photo offers a detailed view of the area's appearance, while the map simplifies details and includes additional information such as place names and building uses.

An aerial photo reveals many landscape features that a map cannot capture. It is particularly effective in showing vegetation and crop patterns. Additionally, aerial photos can depict people, cars, and the level of activity in an area. They can also highlight signs of pollution, such as factory smoke and polluted rivers, which are clearly visible.

How can we use satellite photos? 

Photo B below displays the Earth from space, taken from 36,000 km above its surface by an orbiting satellite. The colors in the photo are natural but have been slightly adjusted or enhanced to highlight features more clearly. It's easy to interpret: green areas represent grassland or forest, yellow areas denote deserts, and white patches indicate snow or permanent ice. All water features are depicted in blue, making it straightforward to identify different geographical elements.

Satellite photos, also known as images, provide a vast amount of accurate information. They help us understand the world and make better use of its resources. Drawing A illustrates some of the uses of satellite information.

Some satellite images use false colors to convey information. These images are more complex to interpret and often require a key. False colors make features stand out that would be difficult to recognize using natural colors. For example, diseased crops, variations in sea temperatures, and drought-affected areas can be highlighted using different colors.

Look at photo C, a false color image of San Francisco. Notice how clearly it shows the built-up areas and mountains. Can you see the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge. The San Andreas fault, an earthquake zone, runs through the mountains to the south of the photo.