This Grade 12 IEB Geography test on Settlements assesses learners’ understanding of both rural and urban settlement geography, with a strong focus on correct terminology and the application of theory. The paper covers key concepts such as central places, functional magnetism, threshold population, informal settlements, urban decay, edge cities and conurbations. Learners analyse a rural settlement case study using maps, satellite images and photographs, classifying settlement type, structure, land use and farming activities, and explaining rural–urban migration and rural poverty.

The urban section examines settlement patterns, higher- and lower-order services, urban sprawl and urban expansion, using Cape Town as a case study, as well as urban land use change and gentrification.

(8 pages, detailed memo at the end)