In geography, we use many acronyms and some abbreviations. The GCSE syllabus requires that you know and understand some of the most important ones and how to use them appropriately and correctly in the particular topic you are studying. Unfortunately, a few of them are not exclusive and sometimes different sources will use a different term to mean the same thing. You therefore need to learn as many as you can, so keep your eyes open when researching topics for essays or fieldwork.
You will find that the majority of abbreviations are used during your studies of human geography for example, you may have been taught about the differences in response to a natural hazard in an LEDC compared to an MEDC. Could you do the same if asked about an LIC and an HIC?
The answer is yes, but only if you recognised that LEDC and LIC (and MEDC and HIC) are effectively the same. It is also handy to know some examples of LEDCs, MEDCs, LICs and HICs.
When discussing globalisation, you will come across NEEs, TNCs, the EU and the IMF so it is essential that you know they stand for newly emerging economies, transnational corporations, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. You may also need to consider the main reasons why some countries have a low GDP or a high GNI per capita. And then there are the BRICs countries ... When studying international aid, particularly that which is given following a natural disaster such as an earthquake, do you know who or what the WHO is?
You will have come across another acronym in your maths lessons. That’s BIDMAS (also known as BODMAS). Refresh your knowledge of the order of operations by having a read of the article.