Development Dynamics: Revision and Exam Practice

This final lesson brings together everything you have learned about Development Dynamics. It provides a comprehensive glossary of key terms, revision tables, exam technique guidance for different question types, and common mistakes to avoid. Use this lesson to consolidate your knowledge and prepare effectively for the exam.

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Key Terms Glossary

Term	Definition
Development	The process of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of a country's population
GNI per capita	Gross National Income divided by population; measures average income
HDI	Human Development Index; composite measure combining health, education, and income
HIC	High-Income Country; GNI per capita above $13,205
NEE	Newly Emerging Economy; a country experiencing rapid economic growth and industrialisation
LIC	Low-Income Country; GNI per capita below $1,135
Brandt Line	Imaginary line dividing the wealthy "North" from the poorer "South" (1980)
Development gap	The difference in development levels between the world's richest and poorest countries
Colonialism	The practice of one country taking control of another, exploiting its resources and people
Rostow's model	Theory that all countries pass through five stages of economic growth
Dependency theory	Theory that rich countries keep poor countries underdeveloped through exploitation
Core-periphery	Model dividing the world into wealthy core and exploited periphery countries
FDI	Foreign Direct Investment; investment by a company in business operations in another country
TNC	Transnational Corporation; a company that operates in more than one country
Microfinance	Small loans provided to people too poor to access conventional banking
Fair trade	Trading system that guarantees minimum prices and better conditions for producers in LICs
HIPC	Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative; provides debt relief to the world's poorest nations
Aid	Transfer of resources from richer countries/organisations to poorer ones
Liberalisation	Reducing government control over the economy; opening up to foreign investment and trade
SEZ	Special Economic Zone; area with relaxed regulations and tax incentives to attract business
Monsoon	Seasonal wind pattern bringing heavy rainfall to South Asia (June–September)
Demographic dividend	Economic benefit from having a large working-age population relative to dependents
Slum	An overcrowded, informal settlement with inadequate housing and limited services
BRICS	Group of major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (expanded 2024)
Soft power	Ability to influence others through culture, values, and ideas rather than force
Remittances	Money sent home by migrants working abroad
Brain drain	Emigration of skilled workers from LICs to HICs
Resource curse	Phenomenon where resource-rich countries experience slower growth due to corruption and conflict
Poverty trap	Vicious cycle where poverty breeds conditions that perpetuate poverty
Intermediate technology	Technology suited to the needs, skills, and resources of local communities

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Comparing Development Indicators

Use this table to revise the strengths and limitations of key indicators:

Indicator	Type	What It Measures	Strength	Limitation
GNI per capita	Economic	Average income	Easy to compare; widely available	Hides inequality within countries
GDP per capita	Economic	Economic output per person	Standard economic measure	Ignores informal economy
Life expectancy	Social	Average lifespan	Good overall health indicator	Does not show quality of life
Literacy rate	Social	Reading and writing ability	Shows education provision	Does not capture education quality
Infant mortality	Social	Baby deaths per 1,000 births	Sensitive health measure	Data collection issues in LICs
HDI	Composite	Health + education + income	More complete picture	Still uses averages; limited dimensions

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Revision Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have covered all the key content:

Defining and Measuring Development

• Define development (economic, social, environmental dimensions)
• Explain at least 5 development indicators with strengths and limitations
• Explain how HDI is calculated and evaluate it as a measure
• Name other composite measures (GDI, GII, MPI)

Global Patterns and Causes

• Describe the global pattern of development (North-South divide)
• Explain the Brandt Line and its limitations
• Classify countries as HIC, NEE, and LIC with examples
• Explain physical causes of inequality (climate, resources, hazards, landlocked)
• Explain historical causes (colonialism, slave trade)
• Explain economic causes (trade, debt, corruption)
• Explain political causes (conflict, governance, brain drain)

Theories and Strategies

• Explain Rostow's modernisation theory (five stages) with strengths and weaknesses
• Explain Frank's dependency theory (core-periphery) with strengths and weaknesses
• Compare the two theories
• Evaluate aid (types, arguments for and against)
• Evaluate debt relief (HIPC initiative, Uganda case study)
• Evaluate fair trade (how it works, limitations)
• Evaluate microfinance (Grameen Bank case study)
• Evaluate intermediate technology (examples, strengths, limitations)
• Evaluate FDI (benefits and drawbacks)

India Case Study

• Describe India's physical geography (Himalayas, plains, monsoon, rivers)
• Explain India's colonial history and its impact on development
• Describe the 1991 liberalisation reforms and their effects
• Explain the growth of India's IT industry (Bangalore)
• Name TNCs in India and Indian TNCs going global
• Describe social progress (education, healthcare, poverty reduction)
• Discuss gender inequality and the caste system
• Explain environmental impacts (air pollution in Delhi, Ganges pollution, deforestation)
• Discuss population growth and the demographic dividend
• Describe urbanisation challenges (slums, Dharavi case study)
• Explain India's international role (BRICS, UN, ISRO, nuclear, diaspora)

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Exam Technique: Question Types

The Edexcel B exam includes different types of questions. Here is how to approach each:

1-Mark Questions (Define/State)

• Give a brief, precise definition or name
• Do not waste time writing extended answers
• Example: "Define the term 'development gap'."
• Answer: The difference in development levels between the world's richest and poorest countries.

2-Mark Questions (Describe/Identify)