Answering 'Explain' Questions (4–6 Marks)

'Explain' questions are the backbone of the AQA GCSE Geography exam. They appear on every paper and test your ability to show why or how something happens, linking causes to effects in a logical chain. This lesson gives you a clear framework for structuring your explanations and maximising your marks.

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What Does 'Explain' Mean?

When the examiner uses the word "Explain", they want you to give reasons. It is not enough to describe what happens — you must say why it happens and how one thing leads to another.

Describe (what)	Explain (why / how)
"Erosion wears away the cliff."	"Hydraulic action forces water into cracks in the cliff face. The pressure of the trapped water weakens the rock, causing pieces to break away over time."
"The population is growing."	"The birth rate is higher than the death rate because improved healthcare has reduced infant mortality, while cultural factors encourage large families."