ISC Class 12 Geography Board Exam Question Paper 2019 with Solutions

ISC Class 12 Geography Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions 2019

PART - I (30 Marks)
Answer all questions.
SECTION - A

Question 1. [10 x 2]
(i) Why is the location of India in the Indian Ocean considered to be significant? Give two reasons. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. India stands at the head of the Indian Ocean at the very center of the Eastern Hemisphere commanding trade routes running in all directions.
2. It serves as a great linkage between the countries lying on its coasts and further beyond, making it the most dominating country among the littoral states.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention India's central position at the head of the Indian Ocean.
b) Emphasize its role in maritime trade connectivity between Eastern and Western hemispheres.

(ii) With reference to the extent of India, write the angular values of the points marked as (a), (b), (c) and (d) in the map given below : [2 Marks]

[Figure: Outline map of India showing points (a) at southernmost tip of mainland/western longitude extremity 68 degrees 7 minutes East, (b) standard meridian 82 degrees 30 minutes East, (c) eastern longitude extremity 97 degrees 25 minutes East, and (d) Tropic of Cancer 23 degrees 30 minutes North]

Answer:
(a) Western longitude \( 68^{\circ} 7' \) East.
(b) Standard Meridian \( 82^{\circ} 30' \) East.
(c) Eastern Longitude \( 97^{\circ} 25' \) East.
(d) Tropic of Cancer \( 23^{\circ} 30' \) North.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note that point (a) refers to the westernmost longitude of India despite its position on the map grid.
b) Ensure proper degree and minute symbols are used when writing angular values.

(iii) Name the four Indian geological eras in their chronological order. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Archean era (Early Pre-Cambrian)
2. The Purana era (Late Pre-Cambrian)
3. The Dravidian era
4. The Aryan era

Teacher's Note:
a) Chronological order is mandatory from oldest to youngest geological eras.
b) Memorize the four main divisions of India's geological time scale accurately.

(iv) Briefly explain any two factors responsible for the depletion of forests in India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Thoughtless and rapid exploitation of forest resources driven by the demands of an increasing population.
2. Reckless felling of forests to acquire land for agriculture, industries, and construction purposes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on population pressure and commercial land conversion as primary drivers.
b) Keep explanations concise and clearly separated into two distinct points.

(v) Mention any two differences between the Bhabar and the Tarai regions. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Location: Bhabar lies along the foot of the Shiwaliks from Indus to Tista (8 to 16 km wide), whereas Tarai lies immediately to the south of Bhabar and runs parallel to it (20 to 30 km wide).
2. Composition and Utility: Bhabar comprises pebble-studded rocks with porous beds unsuited for agriculture, whereas Tarai is composed of comparatively finer alluvium and is reclaimed for agriculture.

Teacher's Note:
a) Present differences clearly comparing location and soil characteristics.
b) Emphasize the porosity of Bhabar versus the damp, fine alluvial nature of Tarai.

(vi) Briefly explain the following terms :
(a) Psychological Density
(b) Conurbation [2 Marks]

Answer:
(a) Psychological Density: The official key notes a terminology error in the paper; it refers to physiological density, which is the ratio of the total population of a country to its total cultivated area.
(b) Conurbation: An extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging with the suburbs of a central city.

Teacher's Note:
a) The official key notes that psychological density should correctly be read as physiological density; marks are awarded accordingly.
b) Define conurbation precisely as a continuous urban agglomeration formed by the coalescence of towns.

(vii) State two problems affecting the fishing industry in Bangladesh. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Severe tropical cyclones originating frequently in the Bay of Bengal pose a serious threat to fishermen.
2. Fishing operations remain on a small scale with small boats and traditional, inefficient methods.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight both natural hazards (cyclones) and technological limitations (traditional equipment).
b) Ensure specific reference to the Bay of Bengal context.

(viii) Name one mining centre for each of the following :
(a) Mica in Andhra Pradesh
(b) Iron ore in Odisha [2 Marks]

Answer:
(a) Nellore district
(b) Keonjhar district (or Mayurbhanj district)

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention recognized mining districts or specific centers for accuracy.
b) Alternative correct mining hubs accepted by the board are also valid.

(ix) Name the two terminals of the East-West corridor. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Silchar in Assam and Porbandar in Gujarat.

Teacher's Note:
a) State both eastern and western terminal cities clearly.
b) Spell Silchar and Porbandar accurately to secure full marks.

(x) What is an agro-based industry ? Which is the largest agro-based industry in India? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Agro-based industries are those that depend on raw materials produced in the agricultural sector. The largest agro-based industry in India is the cotton textile industry.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define the dependence on agricultural raw materials clearly.
b) Identify cotton textiles as the premier agro-based sector.

SECTION - B

Question 2. [10 Marks]
On the outline map of India provided :
(a) Mark and name the northernmost point of the Indian Union.
(b) Mark and label the Nilgiri Hills.
(c) Shade and label the Gulf of Khambat.
(d) Trace the course and label the river Mahanadi.
(e) Show with a single arrow and name the wind that brings rain over the coast of Tamil Nadu, during winters.
(f) Locate with a dot and name the capital city of Rajasthan.
(g) Mark and name the Nathula Pass.
(h) Mark and name the oldest oil-field of India.
(i) Mark with a dot and name the major port of Andhra Pradesh.
(j) Mark and label the hinterland of Chennai.
Note : All the map work, including legend (Index) should be done on the map sheet only.

[Figure: Outline map of India showing locations for Indira Col (northernmost point), Nilgiri Hills, Gulf of Khambat, River Mahanadi, North-East Monsoon wind arrow, Jaipur, Nathula Pass, Digboi, Vishakhapatnam port, and Chennai hinterland]

Answer:
Map-based question. Correct locations as per standard ICSE Geography map marking scheme:
(a) Indira Col (Northernmost point)
(b) Nilgiri Hills (Southern convergence of Western and Eastern Ghats)
(c) Gulf of Khambat (Inlet in Gujarat coast)
(d) River Mahanadi (Flowing east into Bay of Bengal through Odisha)
(e) North-East Monsoon (Indicating winter rainfall over Tamil Nadu coast)
(f) Jaipur (Capital of Rajasthan)
(g) Nathula Pass (Sikkim border)
(h) Digboi (Oldest oil-field in Assam)
(i) Visakhapatnam (Major port of Andhra Pradesh)
(j) Hinterland of Chennai (Hinterland area covering parts of Tamil Nadu and neighboring states)

Teacher's Note:
a) Map locations must be marked accurately with dots, lines, or shading as specified in the sub-parts.
b) Proper labeling and inclusion in the map legend are essential for full credit.

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

Question 3.
(a) Briefly explain the geological evolution of the Himalayas. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Himalayan ranges were formed when the Indian plate was driven northwards and pushed beneath the Eurasian Plate.
2. With the advance of the Indian Plate towards the north, the Tethys sea started contracting about 65-70 million years ago, and about 30-60 million years ago, the plates came closer causing the Tethys sea crust to fracture into thrust edges.
3. About 20-30 million years ago, the final Himalayan ranges started emerging from the compressed geosynclinal deposits.

Teacher's Note:
a) Describe the plate tectonics interaction between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
b) Mention the role of the Tethys Sea geosyncline in mountain building.

(b) Explain giving any two reasons why the deltas of the river Mahanadi suffer from occasional floods. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Large scale silting leads to a continuous change in river courses, reducing carrying capacity.
2. High tides at the time of flood aggravate the water accumulation and worsen the flood situation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on sediment deposition (silting) and tidal interference.
b) Both points directly address deltaic flooding dynamics.

(c) Study the temperature and rainfall graph of station X given below and answer the questions that follow : [3 Marks]
(i) Is the location of station X inland or coastal ?
(ii) What is the cause of sudden fall of temperature in July, even though it is a summer month ?
(iii) Mention one main feature of the climate experienced by the station X.

[Figure: Line graph showing monthly temperature peaking in May/June and dropping in July, with bar graphs showing heavy monsoon rainfall in June, July, August, September]

Answer:
(i) Inland.
(ii) The sudden fall of temperature in July is due to the onset of the monsoon season and associated rainfall.
(iii) The station experiences a continental type of climate with marked seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall.

Teacher's Note:
a) Interpret climatic graphs by observing temperature range and rainfall distribution.
b) Connect temperature drops during summer months directly to monsoon cloud cover and precipitation.

(d) What is Agro-forestry ? Mention any two benefits of Agro-forestry. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Agro-forestry involves raising trees and agricultural crops either on the same land or in close association so that all land, including waste patches, is put to productive use.
Two benefits:
1. Farmers obtain food, fodder, fuel, fruit, and timber from their land.
2. It maximizes land productivity and generates rural employment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define agro-forestry as the integration of trees and crops on agricultural land.
b) List dual socioeconomic and ecological advantages clearly.

Question 4.
(a) (i) Define index of concentration. [1 Mark]
(ii) How is it useful in the study of population? [1 Mark]

Answer:
(i) Index of concentration is the proportion of the population living in each state or union territory relative to the total population of the country.

(ii) It is useful to understand the uneven distribution of population across regions (e.g., calculating concentration ratios for states like Uttar Pradesh).

Teacher's Note:
a) Define the index as a proportional demographic ratio.
b) Explain its utility in highlighting spatial disparities in population distribution.

(b) Differentiate between natural growth of population and migratory growth of population. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Natural Growth: The population growth resulting from the difference between the birth rate and death rate within a region, typically prevalent in developing countries.
2. Migratory Growth: The population growth caused by the physical migration of people into or out of a region, commonly seen in developed countries.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish clearly between natural demographic changes (births minus deaths) and spatial mobility (migration).
b) Mention regional prevalence trends for completeness.

(c) Explain why sex composition is an important demographic attribute of the population in India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Separate data for males and females is vital for demographic planning, natality, mortality, and socio-economic studies.
2. The declining sex ratio reflects deep-rooted social imbalances and secondary treatment of females, highlighting areas requiring policy intervention.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize planning and socio-economic balance.
b) Note the critical importance of monitoring sex ratio trends for gender equity.

(d) Figure A and B given below show two types of settlement patterns that have developed in India [2 Marks]
(i) Name the settlement patterns in Figures A and B.
(ii) State one characteristic feature of each of the settlement patterns.

[Figure: Figure A shows a checkerboard/rectangular street layout near a railway line and road; Figure B shows a star-like layout where multiple roads radiate from a central point]

Answer:
(i) Figure A: Checkerboard or rectangular pattern.
Figure B: Star-like pattern.

(ii) Characteristics:
Figure A: Streets are parallel or perpendicular to each other, developing at road intersections in plains like the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
Figure B: Streets radiate outwards from a common center or focal point.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify settlement geometries correctly from visual diagrams.
b) Relate morphological patterns to underlying transport intersections.

(e) (i) What is urbanisation ? [1 Mark]
(ii) What are the two main components of urbanisation ? [1 Mark]

Answer:
(i) Urbanization refers to the population shift from rural to urban areas and the corresponding increase in the proportion of people living in urban settings.

(ii) Two main components:
1. Push factors like rural population pressure and lack of resources.
2. Pull factors like better standards of living, employment, and educational facilities in cities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define urbanization as a demographic shift towards cities.
b) Clearly categorize push and pull factors as components driving this process.

Question 5.
(a) Briefly explain any two adverse effects of small and fragmented holdings on agricultural productivity [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. A large amount of time and labor is wasted in moving seeds, manure, and cattle between scattered plots.
2. Irrigation and modern mechanized farming become extremely difficult on small, fragmented fields, while fertile land is wasted on field boundaries.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on operational inefficiencies and loss of cultivable land due to boundaries.
b) Link fragmentation directly to lowered agricultural output.

(b) State two ways in which forest area in our country can be increased. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Undertaking massive tree plantation drives (afforestation).
2. Imposing rigorous restrictions on the reckless felling of trees and restoring degraded lands back to forests.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention proactive planting (afforestation) and protective conservation.
b) Keep answers direct and action-oriented.

(c) Mention three constraints explaining why cultivable waste land is not being used for cultivation at present. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Large tracts have turned infertile due to salinity and alkalinity caused by human neglect.
2. Extensive soil erosion, waterlogging, or lack of water has rendered historical agricultural land unusable.
3. Unfavourable physiographic positions and soil deficiencies resulting from faulty agricultural practices prevent cultivation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight soil degradation factors such as salinity and alkalinity.
b) Include environmental constraints like waterlogging and erosion.

(d) In which two ways are tube-wells better than ordinary wells as a form of irrigation ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Tube-wells can irrigate a much larger area (approximately 2 hectares per day) compared to ordinary wells.
2. Tube-wells extract water quickly and efficiently using mechanical power, whereas ordinary wells take significantly longer.

Teacher's Note:
a) Compare irrigation capacity per day.
b) Highlight the mechanical efficiency of tube-wells over manual or traditional lifting.

(e) With reference to canal irrigation, name one canal in each of the following states [1 Mark]
(i) Uttar Pradesh
(ii) Punjab

Answer:
(i) Uttar Pradesh: Upper Ganga Canal
(ii) Punjab: Bhakra Canal

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide exact canal names mapped to respective states.
b) Ensure correct spellings of major irrigation systems.

Question 6.
(a) (i) What is crop rotation ? [1 Mark]
(ii) Mention two reasons why crop rotation is necessary in India. [1 Mark]

Answer:
(i) The growing of different varieties of crops in succession on the same piece of land to avoid exhausting the soil and to control weeds, pests, and diseases.

(ii) Reasons:
1. It helps restore soil fertility, especially when leguminous crops fix nitrogen.
2. It breaks the life cycles of weeds and pests, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define crop rotation as sequential cropping.
b) Emphasize biological nitrogen fixation and pest control benefits.

(b) What is the importance of importance of animal husbandry in Indian agriculture ? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It plays a vital role in supplementing rural incomes, especially for landless, small, and marginal farmers through dairy development.
2. It provides subsidiary occupations in semi-urban, hilly, and drought-prone areas where crop production alone cannot sustain households.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on income supplementation and rural livelihood support.
b) Highlight its special importance in fragile ecosystems and for marginal farmers.

(c) Differentiate between pelagic fish and demersal fish. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Pelagic Fish: Small fish that swim near the surface in large shoals (e.g., mackerel, herring).
2. Demersal Fish: Fish that live at the bottom of shallow seas in cooler waters (e.g., cod, halibut).

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish habitat depth (surface waters versus sea bed).
b) Provide appropriate examples for each category.

(d) Name the following : [3 Marks]
(i) A geothermal energy plant in Himachal Pradesh.
(ii) An offshore oilfield in the country.
(iii) The nuclear power station in Tamil Nadu.

Answer:
(i) Manikaran
(ii) Mumbai High
(iii) Kalpakkam

Teacher's Note:
a) Verify exact geographical names for energy installations.
b) Ensure correct spelling of Manikaran, Mumbai High, and Kalpakkam.

Question 7.
(a) Explain two factors that affect inland waterways in India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Seasonal fluctuation in rivers means many do not maintain a regular flow of sufficient water year-round.
2. Presence of waterfalls, cataracts, sharp bends, and heavy silting in river beds obstruct navigation and make maintenance costly.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight water volume fluctuations and navigational hazards.
b) Mention the economic burden of riverbed silting and desilting.

(b) Give reasons for the following [3 Marks]
(i) There is a dense network of railways over the North Indian Plains.
(ii) Peninsular Plateau has a high proportion of metalled roads.
(iii) A good transport network promotes industrial development.

Answer:
(i) The North Indian Plain is densely populated with flat terrain, intensive agriculture, and high urbanization, making rail construction economically viable and essential.
(ii) The Peninsular Plateau has abundant local building materials and growing industrial/urban clusters requiring durable road connectivity.

(iii) Efficient transport acts as a vital link connecting raw material sources to manufacturing sites and finished goods to markets.

Teacher's Note:
a) Relate railway density to terrain and population concentration.
b) Explain industrial transport linkages clearly.

(c) Mention one advantage and one disadvantage of air transport. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Advantage: It is the fastest mode of transport, essential for a vast country like India, bridging long distances rapidly.
Disadvantage: It is the costliest mode of transport, making it unaffordable for many people.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize speed and time-saving over vast distances.
b) Contrast with high operational and passenger costs.

(d) Differentiate between Telecommunication and Mass Communication. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Telecommunication: Facilitates rapid communication at both individual and mass levels through high-speed transfer of messages (e.g., telephone, fax, telegraph).
2. Mass Communication: Focuses on creating awareness, education, and entertainment for large audiences simultaneously through electronic and print media (e.g., radio, television, newspapers).

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish point-to-point/individual communication from broadcast media.
b) Provide correct examples for each type.

(e) State any two ways in which radio can still be considered as a powerful means of mass communication in remote areas. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It provides immediate access to news, educational programs, and entertainment without requiring literacy.
2. Public broadcasting networks (like AIR) cover over 90 percent of the country, broadcasting in numerous regional languages and dialects to reach linguistically diverse populations in remote regions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the audio nature overcoming literacy barriers.
b) Emphasize deep geographical and linguistic penetration in rural/remote areas.

Question 8.
(a) Mention two reasons for the development of the Bengaluru-Tamil Nadu Industrial Region. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Availability of cheap hydro-electric power harnessed from various regional dams.
2. Availability of cheap skilled labor, favorable climate, and proximity to vast local markets.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention power availability and climatic/labor advantages.
b) Highlight industrial agglomeration factors in southern India.

(b) Give three reasons to explain the development of sugar industry in Maharashtra. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. High recovery rate of sugarcane (about 11.6 percent) yielding more sugar per unit of crop.
2. Longer crushing period owing to favorable maritime climatic conditions.
3. Close proximity of cooperative sugar mills to sugarcane growing areas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on high recovery percentage and crushing duration.
b) Mention the cooperative mill structure near farming belts.

(c) State two advantages that mini steel plants have over large integrated steel plants. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. They are easier to construct and operate with a much shorter gestation period.
2. They utilize scrap metal and electric furnaces to produce specialized alloy and stainless steel closer to local consumer markets.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize lower gestation periods and flexibility.
b) Note their localized production capacity for alloy steels.

(d) (i) Define tourism. [1 Mark]
(ii) State any two advantages of tourism in India. [1 Mark]

Answer:
(i) Travelling to less disturbed or natural areas with the objective of studying, admiring, and enjoying scenery, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

(ii) Advantages:
1. Improvement of local infrastructure.
2. Promotion and economic support for local handicrafts and cultural activities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define ecotourism/travel accurately.
b) State infrastructure development and cultural preservation as economic benefits.

Question 9.
(a) (i) What is a Planning Region? [2 Marks]
(ii) Mention any two characteristics of a planning region. [2 Marks]

Answer:
(i) A planning region is a functional spatial unit possessing internal economic coherence and administrative viability designed to facilitate regional planning and development.

(ii) Characteristics:
1. It should be neither too big nor too small in scale.
2. It must exhibit natural cohesion and economic harmony across flexible boundaries.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define planning regions as functional economic spaces.
b) List operational characteristics like size, flexibility, and internal cohesion.

(b) Explain giving two reasons why there is a need for planned development for a country like India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. To manage a rapidly increasing population and mounting pressure on physical resources.
2. To bridge regional disparities and improve the general standard of living in less developed parts of the country.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect planning to population pressure and resource allocation.
b) Emphasize equitable regional development.

(c) Mention any two factors which have influenced the development of the Electronic City of Bengaluru. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Favorable policy incentives and support provided by state and central governments.
2. Strategic location with robust transport connectivity and heavy investment by domestic and multinational IT corporations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight government policy support and infrastructural backing.
b) Mention agglomeration of IT giants in the region.

(d) (i) What is sericulture ? [1 Mark]
(ii) Name two main districts of Silk production in Chhattisgarh. [1 Mark]

Answer:
(i) Sericulture is a labor-intensive agro-based industry dealing with the rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk.

(ii) Bastar and Bilaspur districts.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define sericulture as silkworm rearing for silk.
b) Note specific administrative districts in Chhattisgarh.

(e) With reference to Haldia port, answer the following [2 Marks]
(i) Where is the port located ?
(ii) State the need for the development of this port.

Answer:
(i) Haldia port is located at the confluence of the Hooghly and Haldia rivers, about 105 km downstream from Kolkata.

(ii) It was developed to relieve heavy congestion at the Kolkata port and enable the docking of larger vessels that cannot navigate up to Kolkata.

Teacher's Note:
a) Give the precise river confluence location.
b) Explain its role as an outport to reduce Kolkata port congestion.