ISC Class 12 Geography Board Exam Question Paper 2016 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Geography Board Exam Question Paper 2016 with Solutions

PART - I (30 Marks)
Answer all questions.

SECTION - A

Question 1. [10 x 2]
(i) State the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
8°4' North to 37°6' North latitude and 68°7' East to 97°25' East longitude.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure the cardinal directions (North and East) are explicitly stated with the degrees and minutes.
b) Students often confuse the mainland extent with the overall island territories (such as Indira Point at 6°45' N).

(ii) Mention any two characteristic features of the Peninsular Plateau of India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest landmass of India, composed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
2. Its general elevation ranges from 600 to 1000 metres, sloping down towards the north and generally from west to east.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the geological origin as a stable shield area formed by the breaking of Gondwanaland.
b) Do not miss mentioning the general gradient or slope direction.

(iii) The diagram given below represents the Punjab Plain. Study the diagram and answer the questions that follow :
(a) Name any two of the rivers numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4.
(b) Name any two of the five doabs marked A, B, C, D and E. [2 Marks]

[Figure: Outline diagram of the Punjab Plain showing River Indus on the left, River Satluj at the bottom, numbered rivers 1, 2, 3, 4 between them, and doab regions marked A, B, C, D, E]

Answer:
(a) Jhelum, Chenab (Any two of Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas)
(b) Sind Sagar Doab, Chaj Doab (Any two of Sind Sagar Doab, Chaj Doab, Rechna Doab, Bari Doab, Bist Jullundur Doab)

Teacher's Note:
a) Familiarity with the north-to-south sequence of rivers in the Indus river system is essential for regional identification.
b) A doab is defined as the tract of land lying between two converging rivers.

(iv) Differentiate between inter-state migration and intra-state migration. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Inter-state migration refers to the movement of people from one state to another (e.g., migration from West Bengal to Maharashtra).
2. Intra-state migration refers to the movement of people within the boundaries of the same state (e.g., migration from Kanpur to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh).

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the boundary prefix: 'Inter' means between different units, while 'Intra' means within the same unit.
b) Give relevant Indian examples to secure full marks.

(v) Explain the following :
(a) Inshore fishing
(b) Deep sea fishing [2 Marks]

Answer:
(a) Inshore Fishing: Fishing conducted close to the coast (about 5 to 8 km from the shore) using small boats running on petrol, where shellfish and seaweed are also caught.
(b) Deep Sea Fishing: Fishing carried out far from the shore in the deep sea using large mechanised vessels, trawlers, and junks equipped with diesel engines and on-board refrigerating plants.

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate clearly based on distance from the coast and the scale/technology of the watercraft used.
b) Mentioning the target catch or processing facilities adds precision.

(vi) Mention the two environmental concerns with regard to the use of conventional energy resources. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The burning of coal produces a large residue of ash and greenhouse gases, causing severe air pollution and disposal issues if not managed properly.
2. The consumption of petroleum and natural gas releases toxic emissions into the atmosphere, while improper nuclear waste disposal poses radiation hazards.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on atmospheric pollution and solid/hazardous waste accumulation.
b) Conventional energy sources primarily include fossil fuels and nuclear minerals.

(vii) What is Geographic Information System (GIS) ? How is it useful ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
GIS is a computer-based system designed to capture, store, check, integrate, manipulate, analyse, and display spatial data referenced to the Earth. It is useful for mapping patterns, managing resources, urban planning, and spatial decision-making.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention both the definition (database and software aspect) and practical utility.
b) Keywords like 'spatial data' and 'computer database' are critical for examiners.

(viii) Name any two minor industrial regions of India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Mumbai - Pune Industrial Region
2. Bengaluru - Tamil Nadu Industrial Region

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure correct regional pairings as per standard ICSE/ISC regional geography textbooks.
b) Do not confuse minor industrial regions with major industrial belts like Hugli or Damodar Valley.

(ix) (a) Define industrial clusters.
(b) State any two indices used to identify industrial clusters. [2 Marks]

Answer:
(a) Industrial clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected businesses, specialized suppliers, and associated institutions in a particular field that drive wealth creation primarily through exports of goods and services.
(b) The two indices used are:
1. Quantum of power used.
2. Total industrial output.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the agglomeration and interconnection of industries in the definition.
b) Power consumption and output value are standard quantitative measures for cluster identification.

(x) State the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of Chhattisgarh. [2 Marks]

Answer:
17°46' N to 24°05' N latitude and 80°15' E to 84°20' E longitude.

Teacher's Note:
a) State-specific extents require precise degree and minute values.
b) Ensure correct directional labels are appended.

SECTION - B

Question 2. [10]
On the outline map of India provided :
(a) Mark and name the major river which flows
(b) Mark and label the Thal Ghat gap in Western Ghats.
(c) Shade and label the 68°7'E longitude.
(d) Mark the Khasi hills. industrial purposes.
(e) Shade and name the main area of Arid forests.
(f) Mark the capital city of Bihar.
(g) Shade and name the main state for the cultivation of jute.
(h) Mark the Kalpakkam Nuclear Power station.
(i) Mark and name the first oil refinery of India.
(j) Trade the North-South Corridor and name any one terminal city. through Assam.
Note : All the map work, including legend (Index) should be done on the map sheet only. [10 Marks]

[Figure: Outline map of India showing completed map work including River Brahmaputra, Thal Ghat, 68°7'E longitude, Khasi hills, Rajasthan and Gujarat arid forest, Patna, West Bengal, Kalpakkam, Digboi, and the North-South Corridor with Srinagar and Kanyakumari]

Answer:
Map work completed as per instructions on the outline map of India.
(a) River Brahmaputra marked in the northeast.
(b) Thal Ghat gap marked in the Western Ghats.
(c) 68°7' E longitude shaded along western Gujarat.
(d) Khasi Hills marked in Meghalaya.
(e) Arid forest shaded in western Rajasthan and Gujarat.
(f) Patna marked as the capital of Bihar.
(g) West Bengal shaded as the main jute-cultivating state.
(h) Kalpakkam marked on the coast of Tamil Nadu.
(i) Digboi marked in Assam as the first oil refinery.
(j) North-South Corridor traced from Srinagar to Kanyakumari.

Teacher's Note:
a) Map pointing requires accurate locations and clear labelling directly on the map sheet.
b) Ensure symbols and lines do not clutter the map; use a clean legend if required.

PART - II (40 Marks)
Answer any four questions.

Question 3.
(a) Give any three differences between Eastern Coastal lowland and Western Coastal lowland. [3 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Presenting geographical differences in a tabular format ensures clarity and full credit.
b) Mentioning width, location, and delta formation covers all essential comparative parameters.

(b) Study the climatic data provided in the table below for a city A in India and answer the questions that follow : [3 Marks]

T = Mean monthly temperature in degree Celsius (°C).
R = Average monthly rainfall in millimetres (mm).
(i) Account for the maximum rainfall in the months of October-November.
(ii) Account for the low rainfall in city A during the months of June to September.

Answer:
(i) The maximum rainfall in October and November is caused by the Retreating Monsoon and Northeast Monsoon winds passing over the Bay of Bengal and picking up moisture before striking the eastern coast of India.
(ii) City A is located on the eastern coast (such as Chennai), which lies in the rain shadow area of the Southwest Monsoon's Bay of Bengal branch as these winds blow parallel to the coast, resulting in scanty rainfall during June to September.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analyse temperature and rainfall tables by identifying seasonal wind directions and coastal orientation.
b) This data is characteristic of Chennai's climate regime (winter rainfall maximum).

(c) In the Brahmaputra river basin, floods are almost an annual feature. Give two reasons to explain why. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Heavy monsoon rainfall (averaging around 250 cm) combined with the vast volume of water brought down by numerous tributaries causes the river to swell beyond its banks.
2. Severe silt deposition and heavy sediment load raise the river bed, while occasional earthquakes and landslides create temporary blockages, leading to sudden inundation when natural dams breach.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention both meteorological factors (heavy rainfall) and physical/geological factors (siltation, earthquakes, landslides).
b) Conciseness is key for a 2-mark question.

(d) With reference to Forest Conservation Movement, explain the Chipko Movement. Give the reason for its success. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The Chipko Movement was a grassroots environmental movement in the Garhwal Himalayas where local villagers, particularly women, hugged tree trunks to protect them from being felled by contractors. The movement succeeded because hundreds of unarmed villagers courageously clung to the trees, challenging loggers to cut them down first, which forced the contractors to withdraw without harming the forest.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define the term 'Chipko' (to hug or stick to) and state its geographical origin (Garhwal Himalayas).
b) Highlight community participation and non-violent resistance as the primary reasons for its success.

Question 4.
(a) Explain the meaning of the following terms :
(i) Birth rate
(ii) Migratory growth of population [2 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Birth Rate: The number of live births per thousand of the mid-year population in a given year.
(ii) Migratory Growth of Population: The net change in population size resulting from the in-migration and out-migration of people into or out of a region.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure standard demographic definitions are written with precise statistical phrasing ('per thousand').
b) Distinguish clearly between natural growth and migratory growth.

(b) Discuss one positive and one negative social consequence of migration. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Positive Consequence: Migration enables people to seek better employment opportunities, leading to higher incomes and financial remittances sent back home, which improves living standards.
2. Negative Consequence: Uncontrolled rural-urban migration leads to overpopulation, overcrowding, and the rapid proliferation of urban slums, placing immense pressure on civic infrastructure.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide one clear social/economic benefit and one urban challenge.
b) Remittances and slum formation are standard evaluative points.

(c) Study the streams of migration from the given diagram and answer the questions that follow :
(i) In which stream of migration is the number of female migrants the highest ? What is the reason for the high rate of migration amongst females, in the stream mentioned by you?
(ii) Give a reason for the high rate of migration amongst males, from rural to urban areas. [3 Marks]

[Figure: Bar chart showing migration streams: Rural to rural, Rural to urban, Urban to rural, Urban to urban, broken down by Male and Female numbers in millions]

Answer:
(i) The number of female migrants is highest in the Rural-to-Rural stream. The primary reason is marriage, as young women migrate to their husband's household following traditional marriage customs.
(ii) The high rate of male migration from rural to urban areas is driven by the search for better employment opportunities, higher wages, and better educational and career prospects in cities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Interpret census migration data correctly, noting that female migration in India is predominantly marriage-driven.
b) Male migration is primarily economic in nature.

(d) (i) What is Star shaped pattern of settlement? Name a state in India where this pattern of settlement is generally found.
(ii) What are slums? What is the reason for their growth? [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) A star-shaped settlement pattern develops where several streets or routes converge from different directions onto a common center or focal point. Tamil Nadu is an example of a state where such settlements are found.
(ii) Slums are substandard residential areas characterized by overcrowding, dilapidated housing, lack of proper ventilation, and poor sanitation facilities. Their growth is primarily driven by massive rural-urban migration, poverty, and the shortage of affordable housing for low-income urban workers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define settlement morphology clearly based on transport routes converging at a point.
b) Include the statutory definition or characteristics of slums along with socio-economic causes.

Question 5.
(a) (i) Define sustainable development.
(ii) Mention any two reasons for low percentage of area sown more than once in India. [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
(ii) The low percentage of net sown area sown more than once is primarily due to the lack of assured irrigation facilities during the dry season and infertile or degraded soils coupled with inadequate use of manures and fertilizers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Quote the standard Brundtland Commission definition for sustainable development.
b) Relate multiple cropping intensity to water availability and soil fertility.

(b) State any two advantages of using sprinkler irrigation. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Water is distributed through pipes under pressure, preventing water loss due to seepage.
2. Spraying water directly onto crops eliminates evaporation losses associated with surface flooding, ensuring high water-use efficiency.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on water conservation mechanisms in modern irrigation techniques.
b) Highlight the absence of conveyance and surface evaporation losses.

(c) State two geographical conditions essential for the construction of canal irrigation. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Low-level, flat, and level relief that facilitates the gravity flow of water across extensive command areas.
2. A perennial source of water (such as snow-fed or major rivers) ensuring a continuous and reliable water supply.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention topography (flat terrain) and water source (perennial rivers).
b) Avoid writing socio-economic factors when geographical conditions are specifically requested.

(d) Explain any three reasons why irrigation is necessary for profitable farming in India. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Rainfall in India is seasonal, erratic, and uncertain; irrigation provides essential crop security during dry spells or failure of monsoons.
2. Assured irrigation enhances agricultural productivity and promotes stability in crop yields by allowing multiple cropping throughout the year.
3. Certain commercial and high-value crops like rice, sugarcane, and jute require large and regulated quantities of water that natural rainfall alone cannot supply.

Teacher's Note:
a) Structure the answer into three clear points focusing on monsoon unreliability, multiple cropping, and water-demanding crops.
b) Use economic terms like 'productivity' and 'crop stability'.

Question 6.
(a) Explain the following types of farming :
(i) Crop rotation
(ii) Crop combination [2 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Crop Rotation: The practice of growing different types of crops in sequential rotation on the same land (such as alternating nitrogen-fixing leguminous crops with cereal crops) to maintain soil fertility.
(ii) Crop Combination: The cultivation of two or more different crops simultaneously in the same field during the same growing season.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish clearly between sequential rotation (one after another) and simultaneous cultivation (together in the same field).
b) Mention the replenishment of soil nutrients as the chief objective of crop rotation.

(b) (i) What are the climatic conditions required for wheat cultivation in India ?
(ii) Name the two main wheat growing areas of China. [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Wheat requires a cool climate with temperatures around 10°C at the time of sowing and 15°C to 20°C during ripening and harvesting. It needs moderate annual rainfall between 50 cm and 70 cm, and fertile well-drained alluvial or mixed soils on flat plains or gentle slopes.
(ii) The two main wheat-growing areas of China are the Great Plain (including the Wei Ho Valley) and the Shantung Peninsula.

Teacher's Note:
a) State distinct temperature ranges for sowing and ripening phases.
b) Memorize major agricultural regions in neighboring countries for world geography mapping and short notes.

(c) Explain any two reasons for the underdevelopment of fishing industry in India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. India's tropical climate causes fish to spoil rapidly, and high costs incurred on refrigeration and cold storage drive up market prices.
2. Unlike countries like Norway, India's coastline lacks sufficient indented gulfs, bays, estuaries, and sheltered backwaters, resulting in fewer natural fishing grounds.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight climatic limitations (tropical heat affecting preservation) and topographical differences (lack of indented coastlines).
b) Comparison with countries having advanced fisheries (like Norway) adds geographical depth.

(d) (i) Differentiate between metallic minerals and non-metallic minerals. Give an example of each.
(ii) Which is the leading state for iron ore production in India? [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Metallic minerals are those from which metals can be extracted upon melting; they are ductile and malleable, and typically associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks (e.g., Iron ore). Non-metallic minerals do not yield new metals upon melting, lack ductility and malleability, and are usually associated with sedimentary rocks (e.g., Limestone or Mica).
(ii) Odisha is the leading state for iron ore production in India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate based on malleability, rock association, and metal content.
b) State current leading mineral-producing states accurately as per official mineral statistics.

Question 7.
(a) Mention any three factors that affect inland water transport in India. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Availability of a regular and sufficient flow of water in rivers and canals throughout the year.
2. Silt deposition in river beds, which reduces water depth and obstructs navigation, making frequent and costly desilting necessary.
3. Natural obstacles in the river course, such as waterfalls, rapids, and sharp bends, which hinder smooth water transport development.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on hydrological and topographical factors.
b) Siltation and seasonal fluctuation are major impediments to inland waterways in peninsular and northern rivers.

(b) Explain why :
(i) Large area of Western Rajasthan lacks rail transport.
(ii) Northern Plains have a dense network of road and rail transport.
(iii) Pipelines are more suitable for the transportation of petroleum. [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Western Rajasthan has sandy terrain and sparse population, making railway construction and maintenance difficult and economically unviable.
(ii) The Northern Plains feature level topography, fertile soil, and high population density, which facilitate the economical construction and heavy utilization of road and rail networks.
(iii) Pipelines are the most efficient and economical mode for transporting petroleum and natural gas as they can be laid across difficult terrains and underwater, involving low energy consumption with zero transit loss.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain each sub-part with specific reference to terrain, population density, and transport economics.
b) Emphasize why pipelines are superior for liquid/gas transport.

(c) (i) Where is the New Mangalore Port located ?
(ii) What is the chief importance of this port ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
(i) New Mangalore Port is located on the southern coast of Karnataka.
(ii) Its chief importance is the export of iron ore originating from the Kudremukh mines.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give the precise coastal location and hinterland mineral linkage.
b) Kudremukh iron ore export is the defining characteristic of New Mangalore Port.

(d) State two ways in which cellular phones are an important means of communication. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. They provide instant wireless voice and non-voice messaging services (such as SMS and data connectivity) regardless of the user's location.
2. They support advanced digital data services, mobile banking, and internet access, revolutionizing personal and commercial communication networks.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize mobility, accessibility, and multi-functional digital utility.
b) Keep points direct and clear.

Question 8.
(a) Discuss the two factors which influence the location of Sugar industry in Maharashtra. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Maharashtra enjoys a longer crushing period (about 162 days) due to its tropical maritime climate, which is favorable for sugarcane growth.
2. The cooperative sugar mill network in the state ensures efficient management, higher sucrose recovery rates (averaging 11.6%), and the use of bagasse as a captive fuel source.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight agro-climatic advantages (long crushing season) and institutional factors (cooperative sector).
b) Mentioning sucrose recovery rate adds high value.

(b) Enumerate three factors favouring the location and growth of Hindustan Steel Plant at Durgapur. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Abundant supply of hydroelectric power and thermal power available readily from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) grid.
2. Close proximity to rich iron ore deposits obtained from the Bolani and Mayurbhanj mines.
3. Continuous water supply secured from the Durgapur Barrage built across the Damodar River.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention raw material (iron ore), power (DVC), and water source (Damodar River).
b) Essential iron and steel industry location factors must be tied to regional resource hubs.

(c) (i) Which is the first fertilizer plant that was set up in India after independence?
(ii) Why are the fertilizer industries located near the oil refineries? [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) The Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI) was the first major fertilizer plant set up after independence.
(ii) Fertilizer industries are located near oil refineries because about 70% of nitrogenous fertilizer plants utilize naphtha and natural gas—by-products of petroleum refining—as their primary raw material.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name the pioneering public sector undertaking correctly.
b) Explain the chemical feedstock dependence on petroleum by-products (naphtha).

(d) (i) Define Tourism.
(ii) Give two reasons as to why domestic tourism is an important segment of the tourism industry. [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Tourism is defined as travel to less disturbed or natural areas for recreation, study, and enjoyment of scenery, flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.
(ii) Domestic tourism is important because:
1. It promotes national integration by fostering cultural understanding among people from diverse regions of the country.
2. It generates widespread employment opportunities and stimulates local economic development in remote and rural tourist destinations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define tourism as an economic and recreational activity focused on natural and cultural exploration.
b) Emphasize national integration and employment generation for domestic tourism.

Question 9.
(a) Explain the following terms briefly :
(i) Regional development
(ii) Multi-level planning
(iii) A Planning region [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Regional Development: The balanced economic, social, and political growth and upliftment of a specific lagging or less-developed region within a country.
(ii) Multi-level Planning: A hierarchical planning approach involving multiple administrative tiers (national, state, district, and local) to address regional disparities and ensure grassroots implementation.
(iii) Planning Region: A self-contained geographical territorial unit possessing functional homogeneity and economic cohesion, delineated specifically for effective regional planning.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide precise geographical terminology for regional planning concepts.
b) Emphasize hierarchy in multi-level planning and functional unity in planning regions.

(b) Give a reason for the following :
(i) Bengaluru is known as the Electronic Capital of India.
(ii) Chhattisgarh is the 'Rice Bowl of India'.
(iii) Haldia Port was developed to support Kolkata Port. [3 Marks]

Answer:
(i) Bengaluru is the leading hub for electronic hardware and software industries, housing major manufacturing plants for computers, telecommunication equipment, and defence electronics.
(ii) Chhattisgarh features the fertile Mahanadi basin, which produces vast quantities of rice, accounting for a significant share of regional foodgrain production.
(iii) Haldia Port was constructed about 105 km downstream from Kolkata on the Hugli River to relieve severe congestion at Kolkata Port and accommodate larger deep-draft vessels.

Teacher's Note:
a) Justify each regional title and port location with clear economic and geographic rationale.
b) Mention draft limitations on the Hugli River as the primary reason for Haldia's development.

(c) (i) Name the two main districts for silk production in Chhattisgarh.
(ii) State two characteristic features of the silk industry in Chhattisgarh. [4 Marks]

Answer:
(i) The two main districts for silk production in Chhattisgarh are Bastar and Bilaspur.
(ii) Characteristics of the silk industry in Chhattisgarh:
1. Sericulture is highly labor-intensive, providing substantial rural employment, particularly for tribal communities.
2. Silk production is largely decentralized, carried out by small household units and individual farm families in rural areas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name specific producing districts accurately in regional geography questions.
b) Highlight the cottage industry nature and tribal employment aspect of sericulture in central India.