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VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Unit 4: Sustainable outdoor relationships
AOS 1: Healthy outdoor environments

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2016!

Developed by:
Teagan Dixon
Joe Draffen
Amy-Louise Munro
Kai Murray
Joshua Newman
Charles Pascazio
Hayden Susigan
Mathew Teasdale

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!VCE!Unit!4!AOS!1!Exam!Revision!Booklet!
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This booklet contains past exam questions and example answers with
examination remarks relating to the VCE Outdoor and Environmental
Studies Unit 4, Area of Study 1.

Table of Contents
Past Exam Questions .................................................................................

1 17

4.1.1 .......................................................................................................

14

4.1.2 .......................................................................................................

58

4.1.3 .......................................................................................................

9 10

4.1.4 .......................................................................................................

11 13

4.1.5 .......................................................................................................

14 17

Example Exam Answers & Examiners Remarks ....................................... 18 34

4.1.1 ........................................................................................................ 18 21
4.1.2 ........................................................................................................ 22 25
4.1.3 ........................................................................................................ 26 27
4.1.4 ........................................................................................................ 28 30
4.1.5 ........................................................................................................ 31 34
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Past Exam Questions

4.1.1
Understandings and critiques of sustainability and sustainable development

2012
Question 7 (17 marks) [*Note 7a and 7b refer to KK point 4.1.5]
At a recent symposium on Melbournes biodiversity, the vegetation of the Melbourne
region was described as heavily diminished in extent and composition since 1900.
a. Explain three causes that could have been responsible for this situation.
(6 marks)
1.

2.

3.

b. Identify how changes in native vegetation have affected the native fauna of the
Melbourne region. (3 marks)

c. Describe and evaluate an action that you or the community could undertake to
improve the health of the outdoor environments of the Melbourne region.
(4 marks)

d. Discuss how the concept of sustainable development can be used to manage the
Melbourne regions outdoor environments. (4 marks)

2013
Question 5 (3 marks)
Select one of the following critiques of sustainable development or state another
critique that you may know.

Sustainable development is an oxymoron.

Sustainable development is too vague a term and, therefore, basically
meaningless.
Society does not understand the possible consequences of sustainable
development.
Sustainable development does not work.
Sustainable development is too expensive.

Analyse the validity of your chosen critique

2014
Question 4 (7 marks)
An Outdoor and Environmental Studies class is on a multi-day outdoor experience.
While on the trip, the students meet a conservationist, who discusses the concepts
of sustainability and sustainable development with them. The conservationist rejects
sustainable development and says it is an invalid concept.
a. Describe an argument that the conservationist might have used to label
sustainable development as an invalid concept. (2 marks)

b. Describe an argument that could be used to label sustainable development as a

valid concept. (2 marks)

c. Evaluate the concept of sustainable development by referring to the arguments

described in parts a. and b. (3 marks)

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4.1.2
Indicators of healthy outdoor environments, including:
quality and adequacy of water, air and soil
levels of biodiversity, pest and introduced species

2012
Question 8 (9 marks)
The amount of vegetation is one indicator used in evaluating the health of an
environment.
a. Name an outdoor environment that you have studied and describe two other
indicators that could be used to determine its health. (4 marks)
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!!!!!!!outdoor environment ___________________________

1.

2.

b. Outline three reasons why it is important for society to maintain this outdoor
environment in a healthy condition. (3 marks)
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c. For this outdoor environment, identify two management strategies that can be
used by either public or private land managers to maintain a healthy and
sustainable environment. (2 marks)
1.

2.
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2013
Question 4 (9 marks)
.

A school group has just completed a three-day environmental field trip to an outdoor
environment. While on the trip, the students collected a range of information that
included
soil and water samples from various locations
a variety of photographic images of the environment.
The students also participated in a number of activities, including bushwalking and
camping.
a. Identify two environmental indicators that the students could examine from the
information they collected and/or from the activities they were involved in.
(2 marks)

b. Describe how each of the indicators identified in part a. could be used to

determine the health of any outdoor environment. (4 marks)

c. Use the two indicators identified in part a. to evaluate the health of an outdoor
environment that you have visited or studied this year. (3 marks)
outdoor environment ____________________________

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Question 6 (10 marks)

Recent State of the Environment (SOE) reports have used themes such as human
settlements and biodiversity as a framework for understanding and reporting on the
health (or otherwise) of the Australian environment.
Identify an outdoor environment that you have visited or studied this year.

a. Using two different themes other than human settlements and biodiversity,
complete the table below with reference to the identified environment. For each
theme, provide a description of an indicator that could be used to help determine
the health of the outdoor environment. (6 marks)

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Theme

Description of indicator

b. Using the two themes from part a., evaluate the health of the identified outdoor
environment. (4 marks)!

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4.1.3
The contemporary state of outdoor environments in Australia, with reference to
common themes used in State of the Environment reports
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2015!!
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Question 11 (15 marks)

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Construct a State of the Environment (SOE) report for a specific environment that
you have studied or visited. Your SOE report should analyse and evaluate the state
of that specific environment.
Environment studied/visited _____________________________________________
Your report should include:
descriptions of at least two environmental indicators that could be used to
evaluate the health of the specific environment
an evaluation of the state of the specific environment, with reference to at
least two common SOE themes
identification of at least one threat to the specific environment
prediction and description of at least two potential impacts resulting from the
threat identified.

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4.1.4
The importance of healthy outdoor environments for individual physical and
emotional wellbeing, and for the future of society

2012
Question 8 (7 marks) [*Note Question 7a refers to KK point 4.1.2]
The amount of vegetation is one indicator used in evaluating the health of an
environment.
a. Name an outdoor environment that you have studied and describe two other
indicators that could be used to determine its health. (4 marks)
1.

2.

b. Outline three reasons why it is important for society to maintain this outdoor
environment in a healthy condition. (3 marks)

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2013
Question 6 (5 marks)
a. Identify two reasons why it is important that outdoor environments remain
healthy. (2 marks)

b. Choose one of the reasons identified in part a. Explain its importance to

individuals or society or both. (3 marks)

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2014
Question 5 (12 marks) [*Note Question 5b refers to KK point 4.1.5]
a. Explain two reasons why healthy outdoor environments are important to an
individuals wellbeing. (6 marks)

12

b. Identify a significant environmental threat and describe two potential impacts it

could have on society. (6 marks)!
Environmental threat _________________________________

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4.1.5
The potential impact on society and outdoor environments of land degradation,
introduced species, climate change, urbanisation and other significant threats.
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2012
Question 7 (17 marks) [*Note 7a and 7b refer to KK point 4.1.5]
At a recent symposium on Melbournes biodiversity, the vegetation of the Melbourne
region was described as heavily diminished in extent and composition since 1900.
a. Explain three causes that could have been responsible for this situation.
(6 marks)
1.

2.

3.

b. Identify how changes in native vegetation have affected the native fauna of the
Melbourne region. (3 marks)

14

c. Describe and evaluate an action that you or the community could undertake to
improve the health of the outdoor environments of the Melbourne region.
(4 marks)

d. Discuss how the concept of sustainable development can be used to manage the
Melbourne regions outdoor environments. (4 marks)

15

2013
Question 7 (3 marks)
Select one of the following environmental threats or state another threat that you
may know.

Land degradation
Introduced species
Climate change
Urbanisation

Describe two potential impacts of your chosen threat on an individual or group that
would affect their use of a specific outdoor environment.

2014
Question 5 (12 marks) [*Note Question 5a refers to key knowledge point 4.1.4]
a. Explain two reasons why healthy outdoor environments are important to an
individuals wellbeing. (6 marks)

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b. Identify a significant environmental threat and describe two potential impacts it

could have on society. (6 marks)!
Environmental threat _________________________________

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Example$Exam$Answers$&$Examination$Remarks$

4.1.1
Understandings and critiques of sustainability and sustainable development

2012
Question 7a.
Marks$
%$

0$
7!

1$
3!

2$
10!

3$
11!

4$
25!

5$
16!

6$
29!

Average
4.1

Two marks each were awarded for the identification and accurate explanation of
each cause. Causes that were similar in nature, such as constructing roads, building
infrastructure and making footpaths were not awarded full marks. Where multiple
answers are required, students should aim to provide responses that are notably
different.
A possible response would be:
timber harvesting has resulted in fewer native species being present
the introduction of pest species has led to native species being overrun and
their numbers reduced
urban development has led to decreased habitats and thus decreased
biodiversity.
Question 7b.
Marks$
%$

0$
15!

1$
26!

2$
36!

3$
23!

Average
1.7

Three marks were awarded for accurately identifying the ways in which native fauna
may have been affected by changes in native vegetation.
A possible response would be: Native fauna has been negatively affected, as there
is a decrease in their habitat, their food sources may have been taken over by
introduced species and they may also be preyed upon. This may force them to move
locations in search of habitat or food, and may also reduce their numbers overall,
possibly leading to extinction.
Question 7c.
Marks$
%$

0$
9!

1$
13!

2$
30!

3$
25!

4
24!

Average
2.4

Two marks were awarded for naming and describing an appropriate action that could
be undertaken to improve the health of the environment. Two further marks were
awarded for evaluating the chosen action.

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Students who described multiple actions could only be awarded marks for the first
named action. Many students did not evaluate the action as the question required.
A possible response would be: Tree planting a community group could undertake
weed removal to make way for native tree planting to help ensure native plants
remain in the area. Removing weeds and planting native vegetation promotes the
health of outdoor environment.
Question 7d.
Marks$
0$
%$
20!

1$
20!

2$
34!

3$
17!

4
9!

Average
1.8

Four marks were awarded for a discussion about the concept of sustainable
development, identification of what this might lead to (such as an action, impact,
behaviour or interaction) and how it manages the environment.
A possible response would be: Sustainable development is about using resources
conservatively to serve the needs of the current generation, while also allowing these
resources to continue to exist in the future for following generations. It can include
the creation of areas of land that are protected and reserved, like the Victorian Parks
and Reserves system. This means certain species are protected from habitat
fragmentation, some human interactions are restricted and people have a minimal
impact in these particular areas. This means Melbournes environment is maintained
and sustained for the future.

2013
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Question$5.$
Marks$
%$

0$
14!

1$
28!

2$
39!

3$
20!

Average
1.7

Students needed to select a critique of sustainable development or state another

critique. Three marks were then available for analysing the validity of the chosen
critique.
This question was answered poorly. Students appeared to have a limited capacity to
describe what their critique actually meant, to examine its validity or to provide
supportive reasons.
A possible response for sustainable development is too expensive could have been:
There is no doubt that the idea of sustainable development is too expensive and
therefore it is not being practised by a large number of people in society. Sustainable
development includes the use of materials such as insulation in homes, solar panels,
grey water tanks, recycled building materials and double-glazed windows. All of
these items come at a premium cost which deters people from using them,
minimising the success of sustainable development as a concept. The government
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did implement rebates to encourage people to use these options, but these have
since been withdrawn.

2014
Question$4a.!!
Marks$
%$

0$
17!

1$
22!

2$
61!

Average
1.5

Two marks were awarded for describing an argument that could be used to label
sustainable development as invalid.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Sustainable development can be very expensive as installations of home
insulation, double glazed windows and solar panels can have high premium
costs. Even with government rebates the cost is to high for society making
sustainability unwanted and invalid.
Question$4b!.!
Marks$
%$

0$
26!

1$
37!

2$
37!

Average
1.1

Two marks were awarded for describing an argument that could be used to label
sustainable development as valid.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Sustainable development allows for the future generations and current to
have all resources necessary. If sustainability is not introduced the health of
the environment will be deteriorated and may cause extinction of some
environments depriving society of necessary resources.
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Question$4c.!!
Marks$
%$

0$
20!

1$
23!

2$
36!

3
22!

Average
1.6

Three marks were awarded for evaluating the concept of sustainable development.
Responses that did not refer to both arguments from parts a. and b. were not
awarded full marks.
Many students did not provide an evaluation, but rather defined the concept of
sustainable development and merely mentioned the arguments from parts a. and b.
verbatim.
There are many ways to construct responses to questions that require evaluation in
the response. Responses that received full marks did not solely offer a clear-cut
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judgment. Such responses may have included several well-made points and
presented multiple reasons to support and/or refute the item being evaluated.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Sustainability can be very expensive due to installation costs but in the future
it may save people money as it can lower power bills and solar panels even
provide free energy. If sustainable development is not introduced resources
will become more scare which will increase the prices of such resources.
Overall, including the argument that it provides for current and future
generations, sustainable development is effective and necessary as it may be
expensive at first but it will protect and maintain environments which will
prevent future increases in prices for resources.
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4.1.2
2012
Question 8a.
Marks$
%$

0$
5!

1$
5!

2$
16!

3
19!

4
54!

Average
3.1

Students needed to name an outdoor environment and use this as the basis for their
response. Two marks each were awarded for naming and accurately describing two
indicators of the health of an outdoor environment. The amount of vegetation was
not an acceptable answer as it was already stipulated in the question.
A possible response would be

Water quality if the water quality is clear, free of algae and drinkable this
would suggest that the environment is healthy. The environment at Wilsons
Promontory is healthy as the streams are clear and the water is drinkable
Biodiversity if the environment can sustain a wide range of biodiversity it is a
good indicator that it is healthy. Wilsons Promontory supports a vast range of
flora and fauna, from kangaroos, wombats and birds to tea-trees and
eucalypts, suggesting it is a very healthy environment.

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Question 8b.
Marks$
%$

0$
10!

1$
22!

2
30!

3
38!

Average
2

One mark each was awarded for accurately outlining three reasons why it is
important for society to maintain the outdoor environment in a healthy condition. The
reasons given needed to pertain to society, rather than individuals.
The following are possible points that could have been made.
scientific research nature holds medicines and remedies to cure illness
aesthetic value society needs the outdoor environment to be happier and
escape from daily urban lifestyles
economic value environments provide jobs for the tourism industry and
more money for our country
Question 8c.
Marks$
%$

0$
13!

1$
22!

2
66!

Average
1.6

One mark was awarded for accurately identifying each of two management
strategies. Student responses that referred to following codes of conduct, such as
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taking rubbish home, were not accepted, as these are individual actions rather than
management strategies that can be applied by land managers.
The following is an example of a possible response.
zoning focus on sectioning the environment for various uses like recreation,
wilderness and conservation in order to minimise impacts across the
environment
limiting the number of people restricting the amount of people who can enter
or use an environment will cause less impact on the environment and is more
sustainable
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2013$
$

Question 4a.
2
Average
Marks$
0$
1$
1.5
%$
16!
21!
63!
One mark was awarded for each indicator identified that was relevant to the
information collected and/or from the activities outlined. Two different indicators
needed to be identified in order to receive full marks.
Question 4b.
Marks$
%$

0$
17!

1$
9!

2
26!

3
26!

4
32!

Average
2.7

Two marks were awarded for a general description of how each of the indicators
identified in part a. could be used to determine the health of any outdoor
environment. An adequate description was needed for each of the indicators in order
to receive full marks.
Some students misinterpreted this question. Responses that focused either on the
importance of keeping environments healthy, or on how
consequences such as salinity, erosion or pollution occur, could not be awarded any
marks.
The following is an example of a high-scoring student response.
1 Soil Quality: this could determine the health of any outdoors environment if the soil
is moist and soft, also if there is a wide variety of vegetation for ground cover, it can
indicate a healthy outdoor environment. Yet, if it is hard and dry top soil, with little
surrounding vegetation, it can indicate the environment in an poor state.
2 Water Quality: if the water in the given environment is clear and flowing, also is
drinkable without treating it. This is a good indication of a healthy outdoor
environment. Yet, if the water is discoloured and has large amounts of sediment, this
could indicate the state of the environment is poor.

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Question 4c.
Marks$
%$

0$
11!

1$
11!

2
34!

3
44!

Average
2.1

Three marks were awarded for providing an adequate evaluation of the health of an
outdoor environment that was visited or studied throughout the year, using both of
the indicators identified in part a.
Students needed t
o name an outdoor environment and use this as the basis of their response. The
selected environment could have been a broad area (such as the Bellarine
Peninsula in south-west Victoria or the coastline between Wonthaggi and Wilsons
Promontory) as long as the students response included specific and detailed
examples.
The following is an example of a high-scoring student response.
Mt Buller Alpine Resort
Soil Quality: At Mt Buller, the soil is moist, also very soft. There is also a wide range
of various species of vegetation covering the ground. This indicates that Mt Bullers
soil is in a healthy state.
Water Quality: At Mt Buller, the water is clean and clear, there are no clear signs of
ant sediment present, and the water was drinkable without treating it, thus indicating
healthy water quality. Overall, judging by these two indicators, it is clear that Mt
Buller Alpine Resort is a healthy environment.
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2014
Question 6a.
Marks$
%$

0$
17!

1$
8!

2
21!

3
12!

4
21!

5
7!

6
14!

Average
2.9

Students needed to name an outdoor environment that was to be used as the basis
of their response.
One mark was awarded for identifying each of two themes. Two different themes,
other than human settlements and biodiversity, were required in order to receive full
marks. Acceptable themes included atmosphere, coasts and oceans, inland waters,
land, and natural and cultural heritage.
Two marks were awarded for describing each of the two indicators that could be
used to determine the health of the environment. Two different indicators were
required in order to receive full marks. Acceptable indicators were those that were
measureable, such as soil quality, water quality, level of air pollution, level of
biodiversity, etc.

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Students responses highlighted confusion between State of the Environment

themes and indicators, as these were often placed in the wrong columns.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Theme!

Description$of$indicator!

Atmosphere*!

Air quality If an environments air is clear and free of pollution like at Mt

Buller, the atmosphere can considered to be in a healthy state.

Land*!

Soil quality If the soil is soft, moist and species filled and covering a
vast area, like at Mt Buller, then the soil can be considered a healthy
state.

Question 6b.
Marks$
0$
%$
20!

1$
8!

2
18!

3
22!

4
32!

Average
2.4

Four marks were awarded for evaluating the health of the selected environment.
Responses that did not use the themes from part a. were not awarded full marks.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Mt Bullers outdoor environment can be considered healthy. This is due to its soil is
soft, moist and species filled, as well as covering a vast area. Mt Bullers atmosphere
and air quality is good as well. It is clear and pollution free, with no smog. Due to
these reasons Mt Buller can be considered in a healthy state.
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4.1.3
The contemporary state of outdoor environments in Australia, with reference to
common themes used in State of the Environment reports

2015
Question 11.
Marks
%$

0$
6!

1$
1!

2$
2!

3$
3!

4$
5!

5$
6!

6$
6!

7$
8!

8$
10!

9$
9!

10$ 11$ 12$ 13$ 14$ 15$ Average$

10! 8! 7! 8! 6! 6!
8.7$

Students needed to name a specific environment that they had studied or visited,
which was used as the context for their response.
Students needed to:

describe at least two environmental indicators that could be used to evaluate

the health of the selected environment
evaluate the state of the selected environment, with reference to at least two
common State of the Environment (SOE) themes
identify at least one threat to the selected environment
predict and describe at least two potential impacts resulting from the selected
threat(s).

Acceptable indicators were those that were measureable, such as soil quality, water
quality, level of air pollution, level of biodiversity, level of pest/introduced species and
amount of vegetative cover.
Acceptable SOE themes were those such as atmosphere, coasts and oceans, inland
waters, land, natural and cultural heritage, biodiversity and built environment.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Environment studied/visited: Karaft Wetlands
Quality and adequacy of water: The inland water around the karaft wetlands could be
tested by sight and taste as well as pH levels. If the water is clear and tastes clean,
free of any pollutants it can be considered healthy. Also, if the pH level is in the
correct range, it indicates its also free of polutants and can also be considered
healthy.
Range and number of species (biodiversity): If the karraft wetlands has a wide range
of flora and fauna native to the area including orange bellied parrots and glasswarts,
it can be considered healthy. A high number of these native species also indicates a
healthy environment.

Inland water: Positive The water seemed clear to look at and was able to
be consumed by humans. This indicated no major contaminations.
Negative There were clear signs of oily residue on the bottom of the inland
waterways and the pH level was in an insufficient range indicating
contamination from herbicide and pesticide runoff from surrounding farms.

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Overall the inland water at the karaft wetlands can be considered a relativly
unhealthy environment because although it was adequate enough to look at,
there was clear contamination from oil based herbacides from farms, which
are unnatural to the waterways.

Biodiversity: Positive There was an adequate range of flora and fauna

around the karaff wetlands which includes a large number of glassworts and
small crabs and other grasses. These all provide food and habitat for the
native orange bellied parrot and indicate a healthy environment.
Negative There was clear evidense of introduced species such as the
English thistle and even dog droppings. This shows the impact of human
settlement and these introduced species compete with native flora and fauna,
which indicates an unhealthy environment.
Overall the biodiversity at the karraff wetlands indicates a healthy
environment as there was a wide range of native species including a high
number of glasswarts and crabs. This outweighed the number of introduced
thistles and dogs and indicates a relativly healthy environment.

Urbanisation posses a threat to the karaff wetlands as development of

housing estates, orchids and golf courses encroach on the remaining
fragment of wetland. This presents threats to the endangered species the
orange bellied parrot and cats and dogs from the surrounding estates may
escape and attack these birds, which may possibly lead to their extinction, as
their breeding numbers decrease. Herbacides and oily pollutants running into
the waterways in the karaff wetlands from surrounding neighbourhoods and
orchids may also damage the ability of glasswarts to grow. Which is the main
source of food for the parrot. If glasswarts are diminished, the parots suffer
significantly as they do not have a stable food source and hence extinction
may also occur for the bird this way too.
Overall the karaff wetlands can be considered a relativly healthy environment
however there are potential threats to the area that may negativly impact the
environment into the future if not properly managed now.

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4.1.4
The importance of healthy outdoor environments for individual physical and
emotional wellbeing, and for the future of society

2012
Question 8a.
Marks$
%$

0$
5!

1$
5!

2$
16!

3
19!

4
54!

Average
3.1

Students needed to name an outdoor environment and use this as the basis for their
response. Two marks each were awarded for naming and accurately describing two
indicators of the health of an outdoor environment. The amount of vegetation was
not an acceptable answer as it was already stipulated in the question.
A possible response would be

Water quality if the water quality is clear, free of algae and drinkable this
would suggest that the environment is healthy. The environment at Wilsons
Promontory is healthy as the streams are clear and the water is drinkable
Biodiversity if the environment can sustain a wide range of biodiversity it is a
good indicator that it is healthy. Wilsons Promontory supports a vast range of
flora and fauna, from kangaroos, wombats and birds to tea-trees and
eucalypts, suggesting it is a very healthy environment.

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Question 8b.
Marks$
%$

0$
10!

1$
22!

2
30!

3
38!

Average
2

One mark each was awarded for accurately outlining three reasons why it is
important for society to maintain the outdoor environment in a healthy condition. The
reasons given needed to pertain to society, rather than individuals.
The following are possible points that could have been made.
scientific research nature holds medicines and remedies to cure illness
aesthetic value society needs the outdoor environment to be happier and
escape from daily urban lifestyles
economic value environments provide jobs for the tourism industry and
more money for our country

28

Question 8c.
2
Average
Marks$
0$
1$
21.6
%$
13!
22!
66!
One mark was awarded for accurately identifying each of two management
strategies. Student responses that referred to following codes of conduct, such as
taking rubbish home, were not accepted, as these are individual actions rather than
management strategies that can be applied by land managers.
The following is an example of a possible response.
zoning focus on sectioning the environment for various uses like recreation,
wilderness and conservation in order to minimise impacts across the
environment
limiting the number of people restricting the amount of people who can enter
or use an environment will cause less impact on the environment and is more
sustainable

2013
Question$6a.$
Marks$
%$

0$
7!

1$
32!

2
61!

Average
1.6

Two marks were awarded for identifying two reasons why it is important that outdoor
environments remain healthy. The reasons provided needed to be different in order
to receive full marks.
Broad statements such as for future generations were not awarded any marks.
!
Question$6b.$
Marks$
%$

0$
12!

1$
26!

2
38!

3
24!

Average
1.8

Three marks were awarded for further explaining the importance of one of the
reasons identified in part a. to individuals or society or both.
The following is an example of a high-scoring student response.
Scientific research
This is very important to society as the health of natural environments is
crucial to conducting research to discover how the health of humans can
benefit from natural resources. Medicines, vaccines or cures that may save
the lives of individuals may be found, meaning that it is important for society
as a whole and also individuals who may require assistance further in life.
!

29

2014
Question 5a.
Marks$
%$

0$
4!

1$
5!

2
13!

3
21!

4
21!

5
17!

6
19!

Average
3.8

Each reason was worth three marks. In order to receive full marks, two different
reasons explaining why healthy environments are important were required.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
.

Recreation/Adventure: Many industries seek the outdoors for many past times and
activities such as bike riding, surfing and bushwalking. For these activities to be
undertaken with enjoyment and in a successful manner, the environment must be in
a healthy state, free of pollution, erosion and with high soil and air quality.
.

Education: Many people seek the outdoors for knowledge and to develop a deeper
understanding of the world around them. Learning in the outdoors is especially
beneficially for individuals who are kinaesthetic learners, and many subjects at
schools use outdoors as a basis for their curriculum eg. PE, Outdoor education,
Geography. Therefore for individuals to be able to do this successfully, the
environment must be in a healthy state.
Question 5b.
Marks$
%$

0$
13!

1$
9!

2
19!

3
21!

4
17!

5
10!

6
9!

Average
2.9

Students needed to identify an environmental threat that was to be used as the basis
of their response. They then had to describe two potential impacts this threat could
have on society.
Each impact was worth three marks. Two different impacts were required in order to
receive full marks.
This question was not well answered as students tended to focus their responses on
describing the threat alone or its impact on the environment, rather than its impact on
society. Impacts on society could have been positive and/or negative.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Land degradation can cause soil erosion and decreased soil quality this can
cause reduced productivity on farms and in agriculture due to the land being
degraded. This can reduce profit and decrease the societys economy and
amount of resources for society. Land degredation can also impact on the
waterways as soil run-off from the erosion can get into the rivers and streams.
This can reduce the quality of the water due to increased turbidity. It can cause
the water to be unfit for human consumption reducing water supplies for society
but also increases the cost that society has to pay in order to get clean water.
30

4.1.5
The potential impact on society and outdoor environments of land degradation,
introduced species, climate change, urbanisation and other significant threats.

2012
Question 7a
Marks$
%$

0$
7!

1$
3!

2$
10!

3$
11!

4$
25!

5$
16!

6$
29!

Average
4.1

Two marks each were awarded for the identification and accurate explanation of
each cause. Causes that were similar in nature, such as constructing roads, building
infrastructure and making footpaths were not awarded full marks. Where multiple
answers are required, students should aim to provide responses that are notably
different.
A possible response would be:
timber harvesting has resulted in fewer native species being present
the introduction of pest species has led to native species being overrun and
their numbers reduced
urban development has led to decreased habitats and thus decreased
biodiversity.
Question 7b
Marks$
%$

0$
15!

1$
26!

2$
36!

3$
23!

Average
1.7

Three marks were awarded for accurately identifying the ways in which native fauna
may have been affected by changes in native vegetation.
A possible response would be: Native fauna has been negatively affected, as there
is a decrease in their habitat, their food sources may have been taken over by
introduced species and they may also be preyed upon. This may force them to move
locations in search of habitat or food, and may also reduce their numbers overall,
possibly leading to extinction.
Question 7c
Marks$
%$

0$
9!

1$
13!

2$
30!

3$
25!

4
24!

Average
2.4

Two marks were awarded for naming and describing an appropriate action that could
be undertaken to improve the health of the environment. Two further marks were
awarded for evaluating the chosen action.

31

Students who described multiple actions could only be awarded marks for the first
named action. Many students did not evaluate the action as the question required.
A possible response would be: Tree planting a community group could undertake
weed removal to make way for native tree planting to help ensure native plants
remain in the area. Removing weeds and planting native vegetation promotes the
health of outdoor environment.
Question 7d
Marks$
0$
%$
20!

1$
20!

2$
34!

3$
17!

4
9!

Average
1.8

Four marks were awarded for a discussion about the concept of sustainable
development, identification of what this might lead to (such as an action, impact,
behaviour or interaction) and how it manages the environment.
A possible response would be: Sustainable development is about using resources
conservatively to serve the needs of the current generation, while also allowing these
resources to continue to exist in the future for following generations. It can include
the creation of areas of land that are protected and reserved, like the Victorian Parks
and Reserves system. This means certain species are protected from habitat
fragmentation, some human interactions are restricted and people have a minimal
impact in these particular areas. This means Melbournes environment is maintained
and sustained for the future.
!

2013
Question$7$
Marks$
%$

0$
10!

1$
29!

2$
39!

3$
22!

Average
1.8

Students needed to select an environmental threat or state another threat. Three

marks were awarded for giving a description of the threat and its subsequent impact
on an individual or group that would affect their use of a specific outdoor
environment.
Students tended to focus their responses on simply describing the threat, and
neglected to mention its impact on individuals or groups. As the question stipulated,
reference to a specific outdoor environment was required in order to receive full
marks.
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
32

2014
Question 5a.
Marks$
%$

0$
4!

1$
5!

2
13!

3
21!

4
21!

5
17!

6
19!

Average
3.8

Each reason was worth three marks. In order to receive full marks, two different
reasons explaining why healthy environments are important were required.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
.

Recreation/Adventure: Many industries seek the outdoors for many past times
and activities such as bike riding, surfing and bushwalking. For these activities
to be undertaken with enjoyment and in a successful manner, the
environment must be in a healthy state, free of pollution, erosion and with high
soil and air quality.
.

Education: Many people seek the outdoors for knowledge and to develop a
deeper understanding of the world around them. Learning in the outdoors is
especially beneficially for individuals who are kinaesthetic learners, and many
subjects at schools use outdoors as a basis for their curriculum eg. PE,
Outdoor education, Geography. Therefore for individuals to be able to do this
successfully, the environment must be in a healthy state.
Question 5b.
Marks$
%$

0$
13!

1$
9!

2
19!

3
21!

4
17!

5
10!

6
9!

Average
2.9

Students needed to identify an environmental threat that was to be used as the basis
of their response. They then had to describe two potential impacts this threat could
have on society.
Each impact was worth three marks. Two different impacts were required in order to
receive full marks.
This question was not well answered as students tended to focus their responses on
describing the threat alone or its impact on the environment, rather than its impact on
society. Impacts on society could have been positive and/or negative.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Land degradation can cause soil erosion and decreased soil quality this can
cause reduced productivity on farms and in agriculture due to the land being
degraded. This can reduce profit and decrease the societys economy and
amount of resources for society. Land degredation can also impact on the
waterways as soil run-off from the erosion can get into the rivers and streams.
This can reduce the quality of the water due to increased turbidity. It can
cause the water to be unfit for human consumption reducing water supplies
33

for society but also increases the cost that society has to pay in order to get
clean water.
!

34