Formulating a hypothesis in geography involves creating a specific statement about a chosen area.

Step 1: Formulating a hypothesis in geography involves creating a specific statement about a chosen area.

• The statement must address four key questions: Where is it?, What is it?, How it ought to be?, and Human Impacts?
• For example, a hypothesis could be: "Conventional energy sources, especially coal in Mpumalanga, are central to South Africa's energy supply but cause significant environmental damage and pose sustainability challenges." This example identifies the what (conventional energy sources/coal), where (Mpumalanga, South Africa), and the impacts (environmental damage, sustainability challenges).