Geography: CBSE Sample Question Paper with Solutions - 5 | Sample Papers for Class 11 Humanities - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

General Instructions:
(i) All questions are compulsory.
(ii) Question number 1 to 14 are Multiple choice questions carrying 1 mark each.
(iii) Question number 15 to 16 are Multiple source based questions carrying 3 marks each.
(iv) Question number 17 to 21 are Short-answer questions carrying 3 marks each. Answer to each of these questions should not exceed 80 – 100 words.
(v) Question number 22 to 26 are Long-answer questions carrying 5 marks each. Answer to each of these questions should not exceed 150 words.
(vi) Question number 27 and 28 are related to identification and locating and labelling of geographical features on maps, carrying 5 marks each.
(vii) Outline maps of the World and India provided to you must be attached within your answer-book
(viii) Use of templates and stencils for drawing outline maps is allowed.

Q.1. The only natural satellite of the earth is:
(a) galaxy
(b) moon
(c) sun
(d) planets

Correct Answer is option b.

Q.2. The ocean crust rocks are much younger than the:
(a) continental bay
(b) continental shore
(c) continental rocks
(d) continental sediments

Correct Answer is option a.

Q.3. The earth’s surface is being continuously subjected to external forces induced basically by:
(a) wind
(b) power
(c) sunlight
(d) water

Correct Answer is option c.

Q.4. ______ is essential to the survival of all organisms.
(a) Clothes
(b) House
(c) Ozone
(d) Air

Correct Answer is option d.

Q.5. The wind circulation around a low is called:
(a)  anti-frictional circulation
(b)  frictional circulation
(c)  cyclonic circulation
(d)  atmospheric circulation

Correct Answer is option b.

Q.6. Arrange the formation of cumulous clouds in correct order:
(i) Air on being heated, becomes light.
(ii)  Air rises up in convection currents.
(iii)  As air rises, it expands and loses heat.
(iv) Condensation takes place.
Options:
(a)  ii, iii, i, iv
(b)  iv, iii, ii, i
(c)  iv, ii, iii, i
(d)  i, ii, iii, iv

Correct Answer is option d.

Q.7. The warmest year, not only for the 20th century but also for the whole millennium was:
(a) 1998
(b) 2008
(c) 1988
(d) 1978

Correct Answer is option a.

Q.8. __________ geography studies the spatial pattern of natural vegetation in their habitats.
(a) Environmental
(b) Human
(c) Plant
(d) Zoo

Correct Answer is option c.

Q.9. The thickness of the continental crust is:
(a) 40 km
(b) 30 km
(c) 20 km
(d) 10 km

Correct Answer is option b.

Q.10. ______ contains calcium, aluminium, magnesium, iron and silica.
(a) Coal
(b) Graphite
(c) Pyroxene
(d) Sodium

Correct Answer is option c.

Q.11. ________ can cause significant damage to even un-weathered rocks and can reduce high mountains into low hills and plains.
(a) Drumlins
(b) Fjords
(c) Cirques
(d) Glacier

Correct Answer is option d.

Q.12. Which one of the following gases is transparent to incoming solar radiation and opaque to outgoing terrestrial radiation:
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Helium
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Oxygen

Correct Answer is option a.

Q.13. Arrange the following rivers from South to North direction:
(i) Mahanadi
(ii) Godavari
(iii) Cauvery
(iv) Krishna
Options:
(a) i, ii, iv, iii
(b) ii, iii, iv, i
(c) iii, iv, ii, i
(d) iv, iii, ii, i

Correct Answer is option d.

Q.14. Which one of the following is the source region for the formation of air masses:
(a) The Siberian Plain
(b) The Deccan Plateau
(c) The Himalayas
(d) The Equatorial forest

Correct Answer is option a.

Q.15. Read the case study given below and Answer any three of the questions that follow.
The protection of wildlife has a long tradition in India. Many stories of Panchtantra and Jungle Books, etc. have stood the test of time relating to the love for wildlife. These have a profound impact on young minds. In 1972, a  comprehensive  Wildlife  Act  was  enacted,  which  provides  the  main  legal framework  for  conservation  and  protection of wildlife in India. The two main objectives of the Act are to provide protection to the endangered species  listed  in  the  schedule  of  the  Act  and  to  provide  legal  support  to  the  conservation  areas  of  the  country  classified as National parks, sanctuaries and closed areas. This Act has been comprehensively amended in 1991, making punishments more stringent and has also made provisions for the protection of specified plant species and conservation of endangered species of wild animals. There are 103 National parks and 535 wildlife sanctuaries in the country (Appendix V). Wildlife conservation has a very large ambit with unbounded potential for the well-being  of  humankind.  However,  this  can  be  achieved  only  when  every  individual  understands  its  significance  and  contributes  his  bit.  For  the  purpose  of  effective  conservation  of  flora  and  fauna,  special  steps  have  been  initiated by the Government of India in collaboration with UNESCO’s ‘Man and Biosphere Programme’. Special schemes like Project Tiger (1973) and Project Elephant (1992) have been launched to conserve these species and their  habitat  in  a  sustainable  manner.  Project  Tiger  has  been  implemented  since  1973.  The  main  objective  of  the scheme is to ensure maintenance of viable population of tigers in India for scientific, aesthetic, cultural and ecological  values,  and  to  preserve  areas  of  biological  importance  as  natural  heritage  for  the  benefit,  education  and enjoyment of the people. Initially, the Project Tiger was launched in nine tiger reserves, covering an area of 16,339 sq. km, which has now increased to 44 tiger reserves, encompassing 36,988.28 sq. km of core tiger habitats distributed in 17 states. The tiger population in the country has registered an increase from 1,411 in 2006 to 1,706 in 2010. Project Elephant was launched in 1992 to assist states having free ranging population of wild elephants.
It was aimed at ensuring long-term survival of identified viable population of elephants in their natural habitat. The project is being implemented in 17 states. Apart from this, some other projects such as Crocodile Breeding Project, Project Hangul and conservation of Himalayan Musk deer have also been launched by the Government of India.
(i) When was the Project Tiger implemented?
(a) 1963
(b) 1983
(c) 1973
(d) 1993

Correct Answer is option c.

(ii) When was Project Elephant launched?
(a) 1972
(b) 1992
(c) 1982
(d) 1962 

Correct Answer is option b.

(iii) How many National Parks are there in the country?
(a) 103
(b) 104
(c) 101
(d) 102

Correct Answer is option a.

Q.16. Read the case study given below andAns.wer any three of the questions that follow.
The foundation of map-making in India was laid during the Vedic period when the expressions of astronomical truths  and  cosmological  revelations  were  made.  The  expressions  were  crystallised  into  ‘sidhantas’  or  laws  in  classical  treaties  of  Arya  Bhatta,  Varahamihira  and  Bhaskara,  and  others.  Ancient  Indian  scholars  divided  the  known  world  into  seven  ‘dwipas’.  Mahabharata  conceived  a  round  world  surrounded  by  water.  Todarmal  pioneered land surveying and map making as an integral part of the revenue collection procedure. Besides, Sher Shah Suri’s revenue maps further enriched the mapping techniques during the medieval period. The intensive topographical  surveys  for  the  preparation  of  up-to-date  maps  of  the  entire  country,  were  taken  up  with  the  setting up of the Survey of India in 1767, which culminated with the map of Hindustan in 1785. Today, the Survey of India produces maps at different scales for the entire country.
(i) Sher Shah Suri’s ________maps enriched the mapping techniques during the medieval period.
(a) revenue
(b) social
(c) physical
(d) political

Correct Answer is option a.

(ii) When was the foundation of map-making in India laid?
(a) In Mughal times
(b) In Modern times
(c) In Mahabharata times
(d) In Vedic times

Correct Answer is option d.

(iii) Who produces maps at different scales for the entire country?
(a) The Survey Maps
(b) The Maps of Survey
(c) The Survey of India
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer is option c.

Q.17.  What impact does the landslide have on human life?

Landslides can have significant impacts on human life, including:
Loss of human life: Landslides can cause fatalities, particularly in densely populated areas where buildings and infrastructure can be affected.
Property damage: Landslides can damage or destroy buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, resulting in significant economic losses.
Displacement of people: Landslides can force people to leave their homes and move to temporary shelters or other areas, leading to social and economic disruptions.
Soil erosion: Landslides can cause soil erosion and affect the quality of water resources, leading to environmental degradation.
Economic impacts: Landslides can have significant economic impacts, particularly in areas where agriculture and tourism are major industries. The disruption to these industries can have long-term effects on the local economy.

Q.18.  Describe the meaning of "Break in the Monsoon."

The term 'Break in the Monsoon' refers to a short-term interruption in the monsoon rainfall pattern that occurs for a few days or weeks during the monsoon season. During this period, the monsoon winds weaken, leading to a reduction in rainfall over a large area. Breaks in the monsoon are caused by the movement of the monsoon trough, which is a low-pressure area that moves northward during the summer months. When the trough moves northward, it takes away the moisture-laden winds, resulting in a temporary reduction in rainfall. Breaks in the monsoon are a normal feature of the monsoon climate, and they can have significant impacts on agriculture, water availability, and other aspects of the economy.

Q.19.  Note-making about shield volcanoes

A shield volcano is a type of broad and low-lying volcano that is characterized by gently sloping sides and eruptions of fluid basaltic lava. These volcanoes are the largest of all the volcanoes on Earth and are primarily composed of basalt, which is a type of lava that is very fluid when it erupts. The Hawaiian volcanoes are some of the most prominent examples of shield volcanoes. Although they can become explosive if water enters the vent, they are generally low-explosivity due to the fluidity of the lava. The lava moves in the form of a fountain and is thrown out of the cone at the top of the vent, which eventually develops into a cinder cone.

Q.20. When compared to other times of the year, how does the energy received in the upper layer of the atmosphere change?

The solar output that reaches the Earth's atmosphere varies slightly throughout the year due to changes in the distance between the Earth and the Sun. The Earth is farthest from the Sun, known as aphelion, on July 4th, at a distance of 152 million kilometers. On January 3rd, the Earth is closest to the Sun, known as perihelion, at a distance of 147 million kilometers. As a result, the amount of solar radiation received by the Earth on January 3rd is slightly more than that received on July 4th. However, this variation in solar output is not the only factor that affects weather patterns on Earth. Other factors, such as the distribution of land and sea and atmospheric circulation, can mask the effects of this variation. Therefore, this variation in solar output has a minimal impact on daily weather changes on the Earth's surface.

Q.21.  Explain the oceans' three-layer temperature structure.

The temperature structure of the ocean in the middle and low latitudes can be divided into three layers from the surface to the bottom. The top layer is warm and approximately 500 meters thick, with temperatures ranging between 20° and 25° C. In the tropical region, this layer exists throughout the year, but in mid-latitudes, it only develops during summer. The second layer, called the thermocline layer, is located below the first layer and is characterized by a rapid decrease in temperature as depth increases. This layer is approximately 500-1,000 meters thick. The third layer is very cold and extends all the way to the ocean floor. In the Arctic and Antarctic circles, the surface water temperatures are close to 0° C, and the temperature change with depth is minimal. Here, only one layer of cold water exists, extending from the surface to the ocean floor.

Q.22. Both cause management and catastrophe management can benefit from development. Justify.

Development can indeed help in disaster management as well as cause management, as it can provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to mitigate the impact of disasters and address their root causes. At the same time, development can also contribute to the occurrence of disasters by creating new risks and vulnerabilities.
On the one hand, development can help in disaster management by:
Building infrastructure: Development can involve the construction of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, which can be used to evacuate people, transport emergency supplies, and provide shelter to those affected by disasters.
Developing early warning systems: Development can also include the development of early warning systems, such as weather monitoring and forecasting systems, which can provide advance notice of disasters and allow for early evacuation and preparation.
Strengthening disaster preparedness and response: Development can involve the establishment of disaster management agencies, the training of emergency personnel, and the stockpiling of emergency supplies, all of which can help to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.

On the other hand, development can cause disasters by:
Altering the natural environment: Development can involve the alteration of the natural environment, such as deforestation, which can lead to soil erosion and increased risk of landslides and flooding.
Creating new risks and vulnerabilities: Development can create new risks and vulnerabilities, such as building in flood-prone or earthquake-prone areas, or constructing buildings with inadequate safety standards.
Disrupting traditional coping mechanisms: Development can also disrupt traditional coping mechanisms, such as community-based disaster preparedness and response, by breaking up traditional social structures and replacing them with more individualistic ones.

Development can help in disaster management by building infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and strengthening disaster preparedness and response. However, it can also contribute to the occurrence of disasters by altering the natural environment, creating new risks and vulnerabilities, and disrupting traditional coping mechanisms. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that development is sustainable and takes into account the potential risks and vulnerabilities that it may create.

Q.23. Describe the key characteristics of India's winter season.

The winter season in India typically begins in December and lasts until February. The following are some of the important features of the winter season in India:
Cool temperatures: During the winter season, temperatures in most parts of India drop significantly, particularly during the night. Some parts of northern India, such as the Himalayan region, experience sub-zero temperatures during this season.
Clear skies: The winter season is characterized by clear blue skies, particularly in the northern parts of India. This makes it an excellent time to visit hill stations or engage in outdoor activities.
Fog and mist: In some parts of northern India, particularly in the plains, winter mornings are often shrouded in dense fog and mist, which can reduce visibility and cause transportation disruptions.
Crop harvesting: The winter season is also an important time for crop harvesting in many parts of India, particularly for crops such as wheat, mustard, and sugarcane.
Festivals and holidays: The winter season is a time of many important festivals and holidays in India, such as Diwali, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. These festivals are often celebrated with great enthusiasm and involve traditional rituals, decorations, and food.
Increased tourism: Many parts of India, particularly hill stations and desert areas, experience an increase in tourism during the winter season due to the pleasant weather and clear skies.
The winter season in India is characterized by cool temperatures, clear skies, fog and mist, crop harvesting, festivals and holidays, and increased tourism.

Q.24. Describe the carbon cycle in detail. Diagram drawn using labels.

Carbon is an essential element in all living organisms and is a basic constituent of organic compounds. The biosphere contains a vast number of carbon compounds. The carbon cycle involves the conversion of carbon dioxide, which starts with photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide is fixed from the atmosphere, resulting in the production of glucose and carbohydrates. These carbohydrates may be converted into other organic compounds such as sucrose, starch, cellulose, etc. Some of these carbohydrates are utilized directly by the plant, and during this process, more carbon dioxide is generated and released into the atmosphere through the plant's leaves or roots during the day. The remaining carbohydrates become part of the plant tissue, which is either consumed by herbivores or decomposed by microorganisms. The herbivores convert some of the consumed carbohydrates into carbon dioxide through respiration, releasing it into the air. When animals die, microorganisms decompose their tissues, oxidizing the carbohydrates into carbon dioxide, which is then returned to the atmosphere.

Q.25. What distinguishes Bhangar from Khadar?

Bhangar and Khadar are two types of alluvial soils found in the northern plains of India. The main difference between Bhangar and Khadar is their age, composition, and fertility.
Age: Bhangar is an old alluvial soil formed due to depositional activities of the rivers during ancient times. Khadar, on the other hand, is a new alluvial soil formed due to the recent depositional activities of the rivers.
Composition: Bhangar is a sandy and clayey soil with a high concentration of gravel and kankar. It is composed of sedimentary rocks and is characterized by its alkaline nature. Khadar, on the other hand, is a loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of newer alluvium and is characterized by its acidic nature.
Fertility: Bhangar is less fertile compared to Khadar due to its low organic matter content and alkaline nature. Khadar, on the other hand, is highly fertile due to its high organic matter content and nutrient-rich composition.
Bhangar is an old alluvial soil composed of sedimentary rocks and characterized by its alkaline nature, low organic matter content, and lower fertility. Khadar is a new alluvial soil composed of newer alluvium and characterized by its acidic nature, high organic matter content, and higher fertility.

Q.26. List the factors that induce soil erosion.

Soil erosion is the process of wearing away of the topsoil by physical or chemical agents. The following are some of the primary causes responsible for soil erosion:
Water: The flow of water is one of the most significant causes of soil erosion. Heavy rainfall or flooding can wash away topsoil and expose the subsoil.
Wind: Wind erosion is common in areas where there is little vegetation and high wind speeds. The wind can pick up soil particles and carry them away, causing soil erosion.
Deforestation: Trees and vegetation help to stabilize soil and prevent soil erosion. Deforestation can lead to increased soil erosion, as the exposed soil is more susceptible to erosion by wind and water.
Overgrazing: Overgrazing by livestock can lead to soil erosion as the trampling of hooves can loosen the soil, and grazing can remove vegetation cover.
Improper farming practices: Improper farming practices, such as monoculture, over-tilling, and leaving fields bare, can lead to soil erosion. These practices can leave the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion by wind and water.
Construction and urbanization: Construction activities, such as building roads and buildings, can cause soil erosion by disrupting the natural topography of the land and removing vegetation cover.
Mining: Mining activities can cause soil erosion by removing vegetation cover and altering the natural topography of the land.

Q.27. Mark the following on a map of India's outline using the corresponding symbols:
A. State with high level of population density
B. A city with more than 10 million population in Maharashtra state
C. An iron-ore mine in Odisha state
D. A centre of cotton textile in Gujarat state
E. An important node on east-west corridor in Assam state

Q.28. Five features are denoted by the letters A, B, C, D, and E on the provided globe map. With the use of the following details, locate the following features on the map and label them with their proper names:
A. An area of subsistence gathering
B. A major international airport
C. A terminal station of Trans-Canadian Railway
D. The largest country in South America
E. A mega city