Based on the 2024 final exams, Grade 12 learners are currently struggling with the Climate and Weather questions in Geography Paper 1. These questions continue to expose gaps in understanding of key processes, interpretation of diagrams, and the ability to apply knowledge across different formats.
On the other hand, learners are finding the straightforward, familiar sections more manageable. They perform better when asked direct questions that test definitions or previously learned content.
On this page, we provide a proper guide on how to answer the Grade 12 Geography Climate and Weather questions. These insights are based on the latest feedback and recommendations from the Department of Basic Education.
The paper in Question:
Grade 12 Geography Climate and Weather Hard Parts
Learners are currently struggling with:
Tropical Cyclone Filipo (Q1.4)
Most learners cannot use the infographic correctly. They fail to connect the warm ocean path with the cyclone’s strengthening. They also ignore the role of latent heat and evaporation between 10 and 11 March.
Cold Fronts and Cloud Formation (Q1.3.3)
Learners cannot explain how the steep cold front forces warm air to rise rapidly. They leave out key details such as uplift, condensation, and cumulonimbus cloud formation.
Environmental Management Strategies (Q1.3.4)
Many learners miss all three parts of this paragraph question. They describe the rainfall, but they do not explain strategies or focus on the physical environment. Common incorrect answers include general mentions of flooding without solutions.
Cross-Section of a Tropical Cyclone (Q1.4.4)
Sketches are not labelled properly. Learners draw arrows without showing air movement. The eye is often missing or in the wrong position. Labels like cumulonimbus clouds are not used.
Line Thunderstorms and Physical Impact (Q1.5.4)
Learners confuse physical and human environments. They mention loss of livestock and crops instead of habitat loss or ecosystem damage.
Incorrect or vague terminology
Instead of writing “ocean temperature of at least 26.5°C”, most learners just say “warm ocean”. These vague responses do not get marks.
Grade 12 Geography Climate and Weather Easy Parts
Learners are performing well in the following:
Synoptic Weather Maps (Q1.1)
Learners correctly identify features like low pressure systems and cold fronts. These concepts are repeated from Grades 10 and 11.
Urban vs Rural Climates (Q1.2.1 to Q1.2.4)
Most learners answer these well. They understand the basic differences in temperature, pollution, and surface materials.
Mid-latitude Cyclone Sketch (Q1.3.1)
With the help of the given diagram, learners identify the correct structure and direction of the mid-latitude cyclone.
Short Objective Questions
True or false, multiple choice, and basic matching questions are answered correctly when the phrasing is familiar and content is factual.
How to Answer the Climate and Weather Questions Properly?
Label diagrams correctly
A diagram must include labels. Write “eye”, “Cb clouds”, and “air movement”. Do not leave arrows unlabelled.
Be specific with terms
Say “cold front undercuts warm moist air causing vertical uplift and cumulonimbus cloud formation”. Do not say “storm clouds form”.
Answer every part of the question
When a question asks about a strategy to reduce the impact of rainfall, describe the strategy. Write about afforestation, terracing, or gabions. Avoid vague answers like “control flooding”.
Use all parts of the source
If the question includes a map and a table, refer to both. In Q1.4.2, learners only use the table. The answer also needs information from the cyclone’s path on the map.
Know what each action verb means
“State” needs a direct fact. “Explain” needs reasons. “Account for” means you must give the cause of something. Use the correct structure based on the verb.
Use correct pairing in comparisons
If a question asks about Wind A and Wind B, do not mix them. Write clearly: Wind A – cold and dry. Wind B – warm and moist.
Do not confuse environments
Physical environment refers to natural elements like ecosystems and habitats. Do not mention farmers or livestock when the question asks about physical impacts.