CBSE Class 12 –Geography Question Paper 2022

SECTION A

1. Why is ‘access to market’ essential for setting up industries in the world?

Answer:
Access to markets is essential because it allows industries to sell their products, reduces transportation costs, ensures demand for goods, encourages competition and innovation, and supports economic growth.

2. “Tertiary activities include both production and exchange.” Support the statement.

Answer:
Tertiary activities involve producing services (like education, healthcare) and exchanging them (through trade, transportation). They facilitate the movement and consumption of goods and services in the economy.

(a) Mention any four features of the ‘North-Eastern Plateau Region’ mineral belt of India.

Answer:

  1. Rich in coal, iron ore, bauxite, and mica.
  2. Key coal fields in Jharia, Bokaro, and Kargali.
  3. Major iron ore reserves in Odisha and Jharkhand.
  4. Strong industrial base, especially in steel and power industries.

(b) Mention any four features of the ‘South-Western Plateau Region’ mineral belt of India.

Answer:

  1. Rich in iron ore, especially in Karnataka and Goa.
  2. Deposits of manganese and bauxite.
  3. Coastal access for export of minerals.
  4. Supports industries like iron and steel, cement, and chemicals.

SECTION B

4.Read the following source and answer the questions that follow

The concept of development is dynamic and has evolved during the second half of the twentieth century. In the post-World War II era, the concept of development was synonymous with economic growth, which is measured in terms of temporal increase in Gross National Product (GNP) and per capita income/per capita consumption. But, even the countries having high economic growth, experienced a speedy rise in poverty because of its unequal distribution. So, in the 1970s, phrases such as “redistribution with growth” and “growth and equity” were incorporated in the definition of development. While dealing with the questions related to redistribution and equity, it was realized that the concept of development cannot be restricted to the economic sphere alone. It also includes issues such as improving the well-being and living standards of people, availing of health, education, and equality of opportunity, and ensuring political and civil rights. By the 1980s, development emerged as a concept encapsulating widespread improvement in social as well as material well-being of all in a society.

Questions and Answers:

4.1 Explain the meaning of ‘Multidimensional concept of development’. (1×3=3)

Answer:
The ‘Multidimensional concept of development’ refers to development that includes not just economic growth, but also social, political, and environmental improvements. It focuses on enhancing the well-being, health, education, equality of opportunity, and the protection of political and civil rights, ensuring a holistic and inclusive growth for all.

4.2 Explain the difference between ‘growth’ and ‘development’. (1×3=3)

Answer:

  • Growth refers to the increase in economic indicators like Gross National Product (GNP), per capita income, and consumption.
  • Development is a broader concept that includes economic growth but also focuses on improving social, political, and environmental conditions. It aims at enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for all people, ensuring equity and justice.

4.3 Define the term ‘sustainable development’. (1×3=3)

Answer:
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It focuses on long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability, ensuring a balanced and equitable future for all.

SECTION C

5. How has ‘tourism’ become the world’s single largest tertiary activity in terms of total revenues? Explain with examples. (3×1=3)

Answer:
Tourism has become the world’s largest tertiary activity due to its significant contribution to global revenue and employment. The reasons are:

  1. Global Accessibility: Advances in transportation (like affordable air travel) and the internet have made tourism more accessible to people worldwide.
  2. Economic Impact: Tourism generates revenue through spending on accommodations, food, transportation, and entertainment. Countries like France, Spain, and the United States receive billions of dollars annually from international tourism.
  3. Job Creation: The tourism sector creates millions of jobs in hotels, restaurants, airlines, travel agencies, and entertainment industries, making it a key driver of economic growth globally.

6. (a) “Iron and Steel industry is called a basic industry.” Support the statement with examples. (3×1=3)

Answer:
The iron and steel industry is considered a basic industry because it forms the foundation for the development of other industries. The steel produced is used in a variety of industries, such as construction, automobile manufacturing, and machinery production.

  • Example 1: Steel is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects.
  • Example 2: In the automobile industry, steel is used in the manufacturing of car bodies, engines, and other components. Thus, the iron and steel industry is integral to the economy, as it supplies the necessary raw materials for many other industries to function.

6. (b) “High technology’ is known as the latest generation of manufacturing activities in the world.” Support the statement with examples. (3×1=3)

Answer:
High technology refers to the latest advancements in manufacturing, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, automation, and computer-controlled systems. This sector is focused on innovation and efficiency.

  • Example 1: The electronics industry uses high-tech machinery for the production of smartphones, semiconductors, and computers, involving precision engineering and automation.
  • Example 2: The aerospace industry relies on advanced technologies to manufacture airplanes, satellites, and space exploration vehicles, utilizing the latest in materials science, robotics, and computer programming. These examples show how high technology drives modern manufacturing, increasing productivity, reducing costs, and enabling the creation of more advanced products.

SECTION D

7. How are pollutants from human activities responsible for water pollution? Explain with examples. (5×1=5)

Answer:
Pollutants from human activities contribute significantly to water pollution through various mechanisms:

  1. Industrial Waste: Factories often discharge harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins into water bodies. For example, untreated industrial effluents from textile factories are released into rivers, contaminating the water.
  2. Agricultural Runoff: The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides in farming leads to runoff during rains, contaminating nearby rivers and lakes. This can cause nutrient pollution, leading to algal blooms, like those in lakes in the USA.
  3. Sewage Disposal: Domestic sewage, if not treated properly, can introduce pathogens and organic waste into water sources, causing diseases. In many parts of India, untreated sewage is dumped into rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga.
  4. Plastic Waste: Improper disposal of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials leads to water pollution. Plastic waste accumulates in oceans and rivers, harming aquatic life and ecosystems.
  5. Oil Spills: Industrial accidents or tanker leaks result in oil spills in seas and oceans, which pollute water and damage marine life. The 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a major example.

8. “India has one of the largest road networks in the World.” Examine the statement. (5×1=5)

Answer:
India has one of the largest road networks in the world, with over 6.3 million kilometers of roads, making it the second-largest after the United States. Key points include:

  1. Extensive Coverage: Roads connect rural and urban areas, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the country.
  2. National Highways: India has a vast network of national highways, which are vital for long-distance travel and trade.
  3. Rural Accessibility: Road networks provide access to remote areas, improving connectivity for agricultural and rural development.
  4. Economic Impact: Road transportation plays a crucial role in the movement of goods, contributing to India’s economy by supporting industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
  5. Infrastructure Development: The government has been investing in road infrastructure projects, such as the Golden Quadrilateral and Bharatmala Pariyojana, to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time.

9. (a) What is ‘transport network’? Describe the main features of road transport in the World. (1+4=5)

Answer:

  • Transport Network: A transport network refers to the interconnected system of infrastructure, vehicles, and routes used for the movement of people, goods, and services. It includes roads, railways, airways, and waterways, enabling efficient transportation.

  • Main Features of Road Transport in the World:

    1. Versatility: Roads connect urban, rural, and remote areas, providing flexible routes for passengers and goods.
    2. Accessibility: Roads are accessible in almost every part of the world, making them a primary mode of transportation.
    3. Cost-effective for Short Distances: Road transport is often cheaper and faster for short-distance travel compared to other modes.
    4. Freight and Passenger Transport: Roads facilitate the movement of both passengers and freight, with various vehicles like cars, buses, trucks, and vans.

9. (b) Define the term ‘trans-continental railways’. Describe the main characteristics of the Trans-Siberian Railway. (1+4=5)

Answer:

  • Trans-continental Railways: Trans-continental railways are railway systems that connect different continents, facilitating long-distance travel and trade. They typically traverse multiple countries and span vast geographical areas.

  • Main Characteristics of the Trans-Siberian Railway:

    1. Longest Railway Line: The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world, running over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok, connecting European Russia to the Pacific Ocean.
    2. Crosses Diverse Terrain: The railway passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, mountains, and the vast Siberian plains.
    3. Economic and Strategic Importance: It plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods, particularly raw materials like coal and oil, between Europe and Asia.
    4. Cultural and Tourism Significance: The railway is also a popular route for tourists, offering a unique travel experience across the Russian landscape, connecting diverse cultures and regions.

SECTION E

10.1 Bauxite mines located in Odisha.

  • Location: Bauxite mines are located primarily in the Kalahandi and Koraput regions in Odisha.

Symbol: A symbol for mines (a black circle with a dot inside) can be used to mark the bauxite mines.

10.2 Ratnagiri – Iron Ore Mines.

  • Location: Ratnagiri is located in Maharashtra. The iron ore mines are mainly located around Ratnagiri, in the western part of India.

Symbol: Use the mine symbol to mark the location.

10.3 An oil refinery in Uttar Pradesh.

  • Location: The oil refinery is located at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.

Symbol: You can mark this with a small black circle or a refinery symbol.

10.4 Hazribagh Copper Mines.

  • Location: Hazribagh is located in Jharkhand and has copper mines in the region.

Symbol: Use a symbol for mines (black circle with a dot inside) for marking copper mines.

10.5 The eastern-most station on the East-West Corridor.

  • Location: The eastern-most station on the East-West Corridor is Silchar in Assam.

Symbol: You can mark this with a small square or station symbol.

10.6 The Southern-most metropolitan city connected by Golden Quadrilateral.

  • Location: The southern-most metropolitan city connected by the Golden Quadrilateral is Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

Symbol: Use a symbol for a city (a small circle or star) to mark Chennai.

Note: The following questions are for the Visually Impaired Candidates only, in lieu of Qn. 10. Attempt any five:

10.1 Name the place where bauxite mines are located in Odisha.

Answer: Kalahandi and Koraput.

10.2 In which state is the Jamnagar oil refinery situated?

Answer: Gujarat.

10.3 Name any one place of copper mines located in Jharkhand.

Answer: Hazribagh.

10.4 Write the name of the eastern-most station of the East-West corridor.

Answer: Silchar (Assam).

10.5 Name the Southern-most metropolitan city connected by the Golden Quadrilateral.

Answer: Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

10.6 Name the State where Ratnagiri iron-ore mines are located.

Answer: Maharashtra.