Grade 8 Population Study Outline & Tips

GRADE 8- POPULATION STUDY OUTLINE & TIPS ? TEST FORMAT OVERVIEW Type: Short Answer Responses Only Includes: Scenario-based questions requiring explanation and application of knowledge Topics Focused: Population concepts Factors influencing population distribution Population density Population growth Challenges of population change ? STUDY OUTLINE 1. Key Concepts & Definitions Population: The total number of people living in an area. Population Density: Number of people per square kilometer (people/km²). Population Distribution: How population is spread out across a region. Birth Rate, Death Rate, Natural Increase/Decrease Migration: Movement of people from one area to another. Urbanization: Movement of people from rural areas to cities. 2. Factors Influencing Population Distribution Know the physical and human factors and be able to apply them in scenarios. A. Physical Factors: Climate (e.g., extreme cold or heat discourages settlement) Relief (flat land vs. mountainous areas) Water supply (proximity to rivers, lakes, coastlines) Soil fertility B. Human Factors: Job opportunities (cities attract workers) Infrastructure (transport, schools, hospitals) Political stability and security Government policies 3. Population Density High Population Density: Causes, examples (e.g., cities like Lagos, Mumbai), and effects (pressure on resources). Low Population Density: Causes, examples (e.g., deserts, mountains), and effects (isolation, lack of services). Calculation Practice: Population Density = Total Population ÷ Land Area 4. Population Growth Reasons for population increase (high birth rate, low death rate) Consequences of overpopulation: Lack of housing Unemployment Pollution Pressure on healthcare & education 5. Migration & Urbanization Push factors: war, lack of jobs, poor living conditions Pull factors: better services, job opportunities, peace Effects of migration on cities (e.g., overcrowding, cultural diversity) ?? REVISION TIPS FOR SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS Use key terms. Always include geographic vocabulary in your answers. Be specific. Give examples (e.g., "Mountains like the Himalayas have low population density because..."). Apply your knowledge. Read the scenario and explain using relevant concepts. Practice past questions or make up your own scenario and explain: Why would people choose to live in this area? What problems could result from this population growth?