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Class XII – Geography – Paper – 3

SECTION – A

(Questions number 1 to 17 are Multiple Choice Type Questions.)

1. Behavioural geography became popular during ___________

(a) colonial period

(b) late 1950s

(c) during 1970s

(d) in 1990s

Ans. (c) during 1970s

2. Which of the following explanations is NOT related to the humanisation of nature?

(a) Making a tunnel in the mountain

(b) Cutting forest for paper factory

(c) Cultivation of rice as a staple food

(d) Tribals plucking tendu leaves

Ans. (d) Tribals plucking tendu leaves

3. Consider the following statements and choose the correct answer with the help of given options:

(I) Areal differentiation was used to study spatial patterns.

(II) Areal differentiation helped in understanding the interactions of various elements in an area.

(III) Applied in 1930s during the war period.

(IV) Imperial and trade interests prompted the discovery and exploration of new areas.

Options:

(a) Only statements (I) and (II) are correct

(b) Only statements (II) and (III) are correct

(c) Only statements (I) and (III) are correct

(d) Only statements (III) and (IV) are correct

Ans. (b) Only statements (II) and (III) are correct

4. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided below.

Assertion (A): Transhumance means the seasonal movement of tribals along with their livestock.

Reason (R): Tribals move from one place to another to evade giving taxes to the local government.

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(c) Both (A) and (R) are incorrect.

(d) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect.

Ans. (d) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect.

5. Which of the following statements is not true about footloose industries?

(I) They are located on specific locations only.

(II) Dependent on variety specific raw material.

(III) Dependent on component part.

(IV) Produce in small quantity.

Options:

(a) Only statements (0) and (W) are not true

(b) Only statements (I) and (l) are not true

(c) Only statements () and () are not true

(d) Only statements (I)) and (IV) are not true

Ans. (a) Only statements (0) and (W) are not true

6. Fazendas are:

(a) Coffee plantations in Brazil

(b) Rubber plantations in Indonesia

(c) Grasslands in Australia

(d) Sugarcane plantation in Philippines

Ans. (a) Coffee plantations in Brazil

7. Arrange the following states from the highest density of population to the lowest density of population in 2011.

(I) Punjab

(II) West Bengal

(III) Manipur

(IV) Odisha

Options:

(a) (II), (III), (IV), (I)

(b) (III), (II), (I), (IV)

(c) (II), (I), (IV), (III)

(d) (IV), (II), (I), (III)

Ans. (c) (II), (I), (IV), (III)

8. The major categories of workers as per the Census of India are:

(a) Main workers, Agricultural workers, Industry workers, Other workers

(b) Cultivators, Agricultural labourers, Household Industrial workers, Other workers

(c) Primary workers, Secondary workers, Tertiary workers

(d) Main workers, Marginal workers, Non-workers

Ans. (b) Cultivators, Agricultural labourers, Household Industrial workers, Other workers

9. Arrange the following in trends of urbanisation from highest decennial growth to lowest decennial growth.

(I) 1951

(II) 1961

(III) 1971

(IV) 1981

Options:

(a) (I), (II), (III), ((V)

(b) (IV), (III), (II), (I)

(c) (II), (III), (I), (IV)

(d) (IV), (I), (III), (I)

Ans. (d) (IV), (I), (III), (I)

10. In _____________ settlements few huts are found in a remote jungle or hill with pastures on slope.

(a) Isolated

(b) Agglomerated

(c) Semi-clustered

(d) Hamleted

Ans. (a) Isolated

11 Consider the following statements and choose the correct answer with the help of given options:

(I) Smart cities primarily aim expanding urban areas into the rural periphery ignoring their sustainability.

(II) Smart cities are urban areas that use the latest technology to improve the infrastructure and the quality of life of urbanites.

(III) Making areas less vulnerable to disasters.

(IV) Using more resources and providing cheaper services.

Options:

(a) Only statements (I), (II), and (III) are correct.

(b) Only statements (II), (III) and (IV) are correct

(c) Only statements (III), and (IV) are correct

(d) Only statements (II) and (III) are correct

Ans. (d) Only statements (II) and (III) are correct

12, Northeastern railway zone is present in:

(a) Gorakhpur

(b) Kolkata

(c) New Delhi

(d) Allahabad

Ans. (a) Gorakhpur

13. ldentify the pollution from the given source.

The faecal pollution levels in the Yamuna River, indicative of untreated sewage and significant contamination, reached a record high in September. This came despite some improvement in dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels. attributed to the heavy rainfall in August However, the rain had little effect on the faecal coliform levels, which soared to 4,900,000 MPN (most probable number)/100 ml

(a) Water

(b) Soil

(c) Air

(d) Noise

Ans. (a) Water

14. There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the codes provided below.

Assertion (A): Today land is degraded and its productivity declines.

Reason (R): Soil erosion, waterlogging, salinization and alkalinisation leads to land degradation.

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(c) Both (A) and (R) are incorrect.

(d) (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect.

Ans. (b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Observe the table given below and answer the questions from 15 to 17:

15. Export of which commodity registered the highest growth?

(a) Agriculture and allied products

(b) Ore and minerals

(c) Manufactured goods

(d) Crude and petroleum products

Ans. (c) Manufactured goods

16. The graph shows a decline in the export of agriculture and allied products. Which of the following factors are attributed to this decline?

(a) Government support on key agricultural items

(b) Constant global prices

(c) Non- tariff barriers

(d) Low shipping costs

Ans. (c) Non- tariff barriers

17. The lowest share of India’s exports in 2022 was of ore and minerals. This does not indicate that:

(a) Governments are not focusing on exports

(b) Increased domestic demands

(c) Less efficient logistics

(d) Decline in international prices

Ans. (a) Governments are not focusing on exports

SECTION – B

(Questions number 18 and 19 are Source- Based Questions)

18. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Density of population, is expressed as number of persons per unit area. It helps in getting a better understanding of the spatial distribution of population in relation to land. The density of population in India (2011) is 382 persons per sq km. There has been a steady increase of more than 200 persons per sq km over the last 50 years as the density of population increased from 117 persons/ sq km in 1951 to 382 persons/sq km in 2011.

The density of population, is a crude measure of human and land relationship. To get a better insight into the human-land ratio in terms of pressure of population on total cultivable land, the physiological and the agricultural densities should be found out which are significant for a country like India having a large agricultural population.

(A) How do you think regional variations in population density impact economic development in different states of India?

Ans. States with higher population densities, such as Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, often attract more investment and resources due to their larger consumer markets. This can lead to accelerated economic growth and infrastructure development.

(B) What factors contribute to the high population density in urban areas compared to rural regions in India?

Ans. Cities usually have better infrastructure, including transportation, healthcare, education, and utilities. This makes urban living more appealing and supports higher population densities.

(C) In what ways might the increasing population density in cities affect infrastructure and public services in India?

Ans. Higher densities can lead to overcrowded places, spread of diseases, shortage of affordable housing, pressure on public services.

19. Observe the given table and answer the following questions that follow.

(A) What geographical patterns can you observe in the distribution of high HDI countries across continents?

Ans. High HDI countries are mostly clustered in Europe, with markable concentrations in Scandinavia and Western Europe. There are also significant representations in North America (e.g., Canada and the United States), as well as in parts of Asia (e.g., Singapore and Hong Kong).

(B) In what ways do you think climate and natural resources contribute to the high HDI scores of these countries?

Ans. Climate and natural resources can play a crucial role in a country’s development. For example, countries like Norway benefit from abundant natural resources such as oil and hydropower, which support economic growth and public welfare. Conversely, nations with harsh climates may face challenges in agriculture and resource management.

(9 How do trade routes and economic partnerships affect the development levels of these nations?

Ans. Countries with access to major trade routes often experience enhanced economic growth due to increased trade opportunities. For example, Singapore’s strategic location as a global shipping hub has facilitated its economic success.

SECTION – C

(Questions number 20 to 23 are Short Answer Type Questions.)

20. Explain how international trade is beneficial for individual countries.

Ans. International trade is beneficial for individual countries:

(1) It boosts the economy of the country by giving access to a wider market for selling its goods and services.

(2) Economic development would further lead to the creation of more jobs, lowering the unemployment rate.

(3) Manufacturing industries can import those raw materials which are not available in their own country, thus empowering the secondary sector of the country.

OR

Analyse the impact of free trade on small entrepreneurs.

Ans. Free trade can be both beneficial and harmful for small entrepreneurs.

Benefits:

(1) It gives them access to a wider range of customers.

(2) They can access raw materials and other inputs at cheaper prices, increasing their profits.

Harmful effects:

(1) Small entrepreneurs face competition from the international market which offers better products at cheaper rates.

(2) They become vulnerable to any economic fluctuations in the global market.

21. Observe the given map and answer the following questions:

(A) This map shows major seaports of the world. Which seaport connects the Arabian Sea with the Mediterranean Sea?

Ans. Suez Port connects the Arabian Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.

(B) Which is the most important seaport in Japan?

Ans. Important seaport of Japan is Yokohama.

(C) Why are seaports important?

Ans. Seaports are important because:

(1) Seaports facilitate the trade of goods over long distances at cheap rates. So, they are crucial for global trade.

(2) They act as drivers of growth for the local economy by connecting a country to the rest of the world and by creating various types of jobs.

22. Prepare a proposal for urban waste management strategy that effectively reduces waste generation, promotes recycling, and engages the community in sustainable practices.

Ans. (1) Implement programs that encourage residents and businesses to separate waste at the source into categories such as recyclables, organic waste, and general waste.

(2) Organise workshops to educate the community about reducing waste, such as minimising single-use plastics and opting for reusable products.

(3) Upgrade waste collection systems to include regular pickups of recyclables and organics. Implement a schedule that is convenient for residents.

23. Enlist two advantages and one disadvantages of roadways in India.

Ans. Advantages:

(1) Roadways give access to even remote areas and difficult terrain such as hills and mountains.

(2) They are crucial for the transportation of goods and people.

Disadvantages:

(1) Many roads in India are not properly maintained and are frequently damaged.

(2) Large road networks and a high number of vehicles lead to traffic congestion. (Any one point)

SECTION –D

(Questions number 24 to 28 are Long Answer Type Questions.)

24. Why do you think this increasing population needs to be controlled? Suggest some measures to control population growth.

Ans. India’s rapidly increasing population is a cause for concern for various reasons:

(1) It puts a burden on resources such as water, food, housing and energy.

(2) When the population is too large, many people remain unemployed or underemployed.

(3) The increasing population also leads to environmental degradation such as deforestation, pollution, etc.

Ways to control the increasing population:

(1) The government should promote family planning and educate people about its benefits and provide contraceptives.

(2) The government should give some incentives for small families such as exemption in tax or through some government scheme.

(3) Making efforts to increase female literacy would result in lowering the fertility rate of women. (Any two points)

25. Assess the factors that manufacturing sector contributes significantly to the world economy.

Ans. (1) Manufacturing contributes around 16% of global GDP and 14% of employment. Agriculture is an important component of many economies, especially in developing countries, as it can lead to greater revenues and living standards from subsistence farming.

(2) Manufacturing has a significant multiplier effect on the economy. In the United States, manufacturing accounts for 20% of capital investment and 60% of exports, but accounting for only 10% of GDP. Manufacturing growth has the potential to boost economic activity across sectors.

(3) Manufacturing drives R&D, leading to key patents and technological improvements.

(4) Automation, artificial intelligence, and new manufacturing techniques are revolutionising the sector. These technologies increase productivity, lower costs, and open up new market prospects, reinforcing manufacturing’s role in economic growth.

(5) Manufacturing jobs frequently pay middle-class wages and benefits, which contribute to overall economic stability and growth. This sector directly supports millions of jobs in countries such as the United States and Canada.

(6) Manufacturing is essential for international trade, as many countries rely on manufactured items as their principal exports. This not only benefits national economies but also improves global trade partnerships. (Any five points)

OR

Large scale industries are different from small scale industries. Justify the statement with suitable examples.

Ans. Difference between large-scale and small-scale industries:

26. Evaluate why urban areas face a lot of traffic congestion these days.

Ans. Urban areas face lot of traffic rush today due to various factors that interact with each other:

(1) With increasing population density in urban areas and raising bar of living standards, more and more are owning personal vehicles, leading to increased traffic volumes. This rise in vehicle ownership results in outpacing the development of adequate road infrastructure.

(2) Developmental plans in many urban areas have developed with a separation between residential areas and commercial or industrial areas. This requires longer commutes, increasing the number of vehicles on the road during peak hours on specific timings.

(3) Most of the existing infrastructure in urban areas is outdated and unable to handle current traffic volumes. Poor road design, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of investment in expanding capacity contribute to traffic jams.

(4) Economic growth generally leads to higher traffic volumes as more goods are transported across urban areas. The rise of e-commerce has led to more delivery vehicles on urban roads.

(5) Individual driving behaviours—such as aggressive lane changing or stopping at intersections—can disrupt traffic flow and lead to congestion.

(6) Inadequate public transportation options force more people to rely on personal vehicles. (Any five points)

OR

‘The significance of a mode depends on the type of goods and services to be transported’. Justify the statement.

Ans. Different transportation modes cater to specific needs based on the characteristics of the goods and services involved. Here’s an assessment based on the search results:

(1) Rail transport is highly efficient for bulk goods like coal, iron ore, and agricultural products due to its capacity to carry large quantities over long distances at a lower cost. In contrast, road transport is preferred for perishable items that require quick delivery, as it offers door-to-door service and flexibility in routing.

(2) Air transport is ideal for valuable, lowvolume goods over long distances.

(3) The choice of transport mode also depends on cost efficiency. Air freight is faster, but at the same time expensive than rail or any other transport.

(4) The availability of infrastructure can decide, the choice of transport mode. For example, regions with well-developed rail networks may favor rail transport for heavy goods, while areas with limited infrastructure may rely more on road transport due to its accessibility.

(5) The impact of mode of transport on environment can also be the factor. For example, water transport is generally more favourable for bulk shipments compared to road transport, due to their emissions differences.

(6) Certain goods are transported under the regulatories of government norms. (Any five points)

27. ‘Minerals are unevenly distributed over space.’ Substantiate the statement with suitable arguments.

Ans. Geological, geographical, and economic factors influence the mineral distribution in a region:

(1) Minerals are formed through different geological processes over millions of years. For example, the peninsular plateau in India is rich in metallic minerals like iron ore and manganese due to its ancient crystalline rocks, while the alluvial plains of northern India are largely devoid of significant mineral deposits due to their sedimentary nature.

(2) Minerals such as coal are primarily found in sedimentary rocks, while metallic minerals often occur in igneous or metamorphic formations. This difference in formation processes leads to uneven distribution across regions.

(3) Certain regions have concentrated deposits of specific minerals. For instance, Rajasthan is known for its reserves of non-ferrous minerals like copper and zinc, while Gujarat and Assam have significant petroleum deposits located in their sedimentary basins.

(4) Many mineral deposits are found near mountain ranges or tectonic plate boundaries where geological activity is high. For example, mineral deposits often clump around convergent plate boundaries due to volcanic activity and subduction processes that bring minerals closer to the surface.

(5) The economical mining operations influences mineral distribution. Areas with easy access to infrastructure are more likely to see mining activities.

(6) Economic demand for specific minerals can drive exploration and extraction in certain areas.

(7) Environmental regulations can also affect where mining occurs. Regions with strict environmental protections may limit mining activities, leading to uneven distribution based on regulatory frameworks rather than geological potential farmers and improve their earnings. (Any five points)

OR

‘Non-conventional sources of energy have their own challenges and opportunities’. Justify the statement.

Ans. It is true that non-conventional sources of energy have their own challenges and opportunities. Challenges:

(1) Non-conventional sources such as sun and wind are not available everywhere with the same intensity. Their availability depends on the weather.

(2) The initial cost of installing nonconventional energy technologies is high. So, people in developing countries hesitate to adopt them.

(3) Building bioenergy and hydropower plants need large land areas or water bodies which may have environmental impacts.

Opportunities:

(1) Non-conventional sources are cleaner and can reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

(2) They encourage the production of energy at the point of consumption, reducing the cost involved in its transmission.

(3) It can provide electricity to remote areas where electricity is not available otherwise.

(4) Research and development in these areas can reduce the cost in the future and improve its efficiency.

28. ‘Water quality in India is deteriorating fast.’ Analyse the statement.

Ans. The following are the reasons for the deterioration of water quality:

(1) Various toxins are released into the water bodies from industries and domestic waste.

(2) The fertilisers and pesticides used in agricultural fields often find their way into the water bodies, thus polluting the water.

(3) Overuse of water for irrigation and domestic use lowers the water table and leads to degradation of water quality.

Suggestions to improve water quality:

(1) The wastewater should be treated properly before discharging into the water bodies.

(2) Encourage the use of organic and chemical-free fertilisers, so that chemicals do not find their way into the water bodies.

(3) Plant more trees so that more water infiltrates into the ground to improve the level of the water table and regulate its quality. (Any two points)

OR

Discuss the need and some measures for water conservation and management

Ans. Need for Water Conservation and Management:

(1) Water is a vital resource, and its conservation is essential for sustainable development.

(2) The increasing demand for water due to population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation has led to significant pressure on freshwater resources.

(3) With climate change, pollution, and over-extraction, many regions face severe water scarcity, impacting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and ecosystems.

(4) Water is a critical input for various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and energy production. Efficient water use can enhance productivity and reduce costs associated with water supply and treatment.

(5) Access to clean water is essential for public health. Poor water management can lead to contamination and the spread of waterborne diseases. Conservation efforts can help ensure safe drinking water supplies. (Any two points)

Measures for Water Conservation and Management:

(1) Collecting rainwater from rooftops or other surfaces can significantly reduce dependence on groundwater and municipal supplies. This harvested water can be used for irrigation, flushing toilets, or even drinking after proper filtration.

(2) Implementing modern irrigation techniques such as drip or sprinkler systems can minimise water wastage in agriculture. These methods deliver water directly to the plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.

(3) Reusing water from sinks, showers, and washing machines for irrigation or toilet flushing can conserve significant amounts of freshwater.

SECTION –E

(Questions number 29 and 30 are Map Based Questions having 5 sub-parts each.)

29. On the given political map of the world, seven geographical features have been marked as (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) and (G). ldentify ANY FIVE with the help of the following information and write their correct names.

(A) An area of subsistence gathering

(B) An area of nomadic herding

(C) A Trans-continental railway

(D) A major seaport of South America

(E) A major seaport in Australia

(F) A major airport in Asia

(G) A major airport of Russia

Ans.

30. Locate and label ANY FIVE of the following geographical features on the political outline map of India with appropriate symbols:

(A) State with the highest density of population

(B) A leading producer of tea

(C) An iron ore mine in northern Odisha

(D) A manganese mine in south-eastern Madhya Pradesh

(E) A copper mine in northern Jharkhand

(F) A major seaport in Karnataka

(G) A major airport in Gujarat

Ans.