ICSE Class 10 Syllabus 2023 Geography Paper 2

HISTORY, CIVICS AND GEOGRAPHY (50)
GEOGRAPHY
H.C.G. - Paper - 2
Candidates offering History, Civics and Geography (Thailand) are not eligible to offer History, Civics and
Geography.

Aims:
1. To develop an understanding of terms, concepts 5. To know the availability of resources, understand,
and principles related to Geography. explain their uses and appreciate the problems of
2. To explain the cause- effect relationships of natural development in India.
phenomena. 6. To understand and encourage human efforts made
3. To understand the use of natural resources and to conserve and protect the natural environment.
development of regions. 7. To acquire practical skills related to the meaning
4. To acquire knowledge of and appreciate the and use of maps and their importance in the study
interdependence of nations and different regions of of Geography.
the world.
CLASS IX
There will be one paper of two hours duration (b) Concept of longitudes - Prime Meridian,
carrying 80 marks and an Internal Assessment of time (local, standard and time zones,
20 marks. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and
International Date Line (IDL). Eastern
The question paper will consist of Part I and Part II.
and Western hemisphere.
Part I (compulsory) will consist of two questions.
(c) Using latitudes and longitudes to find
Question 1 will consist of short answer questions from
location. Calculation of time.
the entire syllabus and Question 2 will consist of a
question based on World Map. (d) Great Circles and their use.
Part II. Candidates will be required to choose any five (iii) Rotation and Revolution
questions.
Rotation – direction, speed and its effects
Candidates will be expected to make the fullest use of (occurrence of day and night, the sun rising in
sketches, diagrams, graphs and charts in their the east and setting in the west, Coriolis effect)
answers.
Revolution of the earth and its inclined axis –
Questions may require answers involving the effects: the variation in the length of the day
interpretation of photographs of geographical and night and seasonal changes with
interest. Equinoxes and Solstices.
PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHY 2. Structure of the Earth
1. Our World (i) Earth’s Structure
(i) Earth as a planet Core, mantle, crust – meaning, extent and
their composition.
Shape of the earth. Earth as the home of
humankind and the conditions that exist. (ii) Landforms of the Earth
(ii) Geographic grid - Latitudes & Longitudes Mountains, plateaus, plains (definition, types
and their formation):
(a) Concept of latitudes: main latitudes, their
location with degrees, parallels of latitude Mountains – fold, residual and block.
and their uses.
Plateaus – intermont and volcanic.

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Plains – structural and depositional. 4. Atmosphere
Examples from the world and India. (i) Composition and structure of the atmosphere.
(iii) Rocks - difference between minerals and Troposphere, Stratosphere, Ionosphere and
rocks, types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, Exosphere; Ozone in the Stratosphere, its
metamorphic, their characteristics and depletion. Global warming and its impact.
formation; rock cycle.
(ii) Insolation
(iv) Volcanoes
 Meaning of insolation and terrestrial
Meaning, Types – active, dormant and extinct. radiation.
Effects – constructive and destructive.  Factors affecting temperature: latitude,
Important volcanic zones of the world. altitude, distance from the sea, slope of
land, winds and ocean currents.
(v) Earthquakes
(iii) Atmospheric Pressure and Winds.
Meaning, causes and measurement.
 Meaning and factors that affect
Effects: destructive and constructive. atmospheric pressure.
Earthquake zones of the World  Major pressure belts of the world.
(vi) Weathering and Denudation  Factors affecting direction and velocity of
Meaning, types and effects of weathering. wind – pressure gradient, Coriolis Effect.
Types: Physical Weathering – block and  Permanent winds – Trades, Westerlies
granular disintegration, exfoliation; and Polar Easterlies.
Chemical Weathering–oxidation,  Periodic winds - Land and Sea breezes,
carbonation, hydration and solution; Monsoons.
Biological Weathering – caused by humans,  Local winds - Loo, Chinook, Foehn and
plants and animals. Mistral.
Meaning and agents of denudation; work of  Variable winds - Cyclones and
river and wind. Anticyclones.
Stages of a river course and associated land  Jet Streams- Meaning and importance.
forms – V-shaped valley, waterfall, meander
and delta. (iv) Humidity

Wind – deflation hollows and Sand dunes.  Humidity – meaning and difference
between relative and absolute humidity.
3. Hydrosphere
 Condensation – forms (clouds, dew, frost,
Meaning of hydrosphere. fog and mist).
Tides - formation and pattern.  Precipitation - forms (rain, snow, and
Ocean Currents – their circulation pattern and hail).
effects. (Specifically of Gulf Stream, North  Types of rainfall – relief/orographic,
Atlantic Drift, Labrador Current, Kuro Shio and convectional, cyclonic/ frontal with
Oya Shio.) examples from the different parts of the
world.

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5. Pollution 3. Rivers – Mississippi, Colorado, Amazon,
Paraguay, Nile, Zaire, Niger, Zambezi,
(a) Types - air, water (fresh and marine), soil,
Orange, Rhine, Volga, Danube, Murray,
radiation and noise.
Darling, Hwang Ho, Yangtse Kiang, Ob,
(b) Sources: Indus, Ganga, Mekong, Irrawaddy, Tigris,
Euphrates.
 Noise: Traffic, factories, construction
sites, loudspeakers, airports. 4. Mountains – Rockies, Andes, Appalachian,
Alps, Himalayas, Pyrenees, Scandinavian
 Air: vehicular, industrial, burning of
Highlands, Caucasus, Atlas, Drakensburg,
garbage.
Khinghan, Zagros, Urals, Great Dividing
Water: domestic and industrial waste.
Range.
 Soil: chemical fertilizers, bio medical 5. Plateaus – Canadian Shield, Tibetan Plateau,
waste and pesticides. Brazilian Highlands, Patagonian Plateau,
 Radiation: X- rays; radioactive fallout Iranian Plateau, Mongolian Plateau.
from nuclear plants.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
(c) Effects - on the environment and human
health. PRACTICAL WORK/ PROJECT WORK
(d) Preventive Measures 1. A record file having any three of the following
exercises will be maintained. (The file will be
Carpools, promotion of public transport, no evaluated out of 10 marks).
smoking zone, restricted use of fossil fuels,
saving energy and encouragement of organic (a) Uses of important types of maps.
farming. (b) Directions and how to identify them - an
6. Natural Regions of the World illustrative diagram.
Location, area, climate, natural vegetation and (c) Reading and using statement of scale, graphic
human adaptation. scale and scale shown by representative
fraction method. (No drawing work, only
Equatorial region, Tropical grasslands, Tropical explaining their meanings).
Deserts, Tropical Monsoon, Mediterranean,
Temperate grasslands, Taiga and Tundra. (d) Reading of one town guide map or an atlas
map. (Recognising the symbols and colours
7. Map Work used, identifying directions and distances).
On an outline map of the World, candidates will (e) Drawing and recognising forms of important
be required to locate, mark and name the contours viz. valleys, ridges, types of slopes,
following: conical hill, plateau, escarpment and sea cliff.
1. The major Natural Regions of the world - (f) Drawing at least one sketch map to organize
Equatorial, Tropical Monsoon, Tropical information about visiting an important place,
Deserts, Mediterranean type, Tropical a zoo or a monument.
grasslands, Temperate grasslands, Taiga and
Tundra. 2. Candidates will be required to prepare a project
report on any one topic. The topics for
2. The Oceans, Seas, Gulfs and Straits - all assignments may be selected from the list of
Major Oceans, Caribbean Sea, North Sea, suggested assignments given below. Candidates
Black Sea, Caspian Sea, South China Sea, can also take up an assignment of their choice
Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria, under any of the four broad areas given below.
Hudson Bay, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Mexico, (The project will be evaluated out of 10 marks).
Gulf of Guinea, Bering Strait, Strait of
Gibraltar, Strait of Malacca.

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Suggested list of Assignments: visited during the year as a part of school
activity.
(a) Weather records: Maintaining and
interpreting weather records as found in the (d) Find out the sources of pollution of water
newspaper for at least one season. bodies in the locality and determine the
quality of water.
(b) Collection of data from secondary sources:
{Using Modern techniques i.e., Global (e) Collect information on global environmental
Positioning System (GPS), Remote Sensing, issues and problems and communicate your
Aerial Photography and Satellite imageries}: findings through appropriate modes (posters,
Preparing a Power Point presentation on charts, collages, cartoons, handouts, essays,
current issues like – use of earth resources/ street plays and PowerPoint presentation).
development activities/dangers of
(f) Area Studies: Choosing any aspect from
development and ecological disasters like
World Studies and preparing a Power Point
droughts, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods,
presentation or a write up on it.
landslides cyclones and tornadoes in the
world. (g) Meteorological Instruments and their uses:
Six’s maximum and minimum thermometer,
(c) Physical Features: Collection of data from
mercury barometer, aneroid barometer, wind
primary and secondary sources or taking
vane, anemometer, rain gauge and
photographs and preparing notional sketches
hygrometer.
of features found in the vicinity or areas

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CLASS X
There will be one paper of two hours duration 2. Map of India
carrying 80 marks and Internal Assessment of
On an outline map of India, candidates will be
20 marks.
required to locate, mark and name the
The Paper will consist of two parts, Part I and Part II. following:
Part I (compulsory) will consist of two questions.
Mountains, Peaks and Plateaus: Himalayas,
Question 1 will be based on Topographical Map.
Karakoram, Aravali, Vindhyas, Satpura,
Question 2 will be based on outline Map of India.
Western and Eastern Ghats, Nilgiris, Garo,
Part II: Candidates will be expected to answer any Khasi, Jaintia, Mount Godwin Austin (K2),
five questions. Mount Kanchenjunga. Deccan Plateau, Chota
Candidates will be expected to make the fullest use of Nagpur Plateau.
sketches, diagrams, graphs and charts in their
answers. Plains: Gangetic Plains and Coastal plains –
(Konkan, Kanara, Malabar, Coromandel,
Questions set may require answers involving the
Northern Circars).
interpretation of photographs of geographical
interest. Desert: Thar (The Great Indian Desert)
PART – I Rivers: Indus, Ravi, Beas, Chenab, Jhelum,
Satluj, Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghra, Gomti,
MAP WORK
Gandak, Kosi, Chambal, Betwa, Son,
1. Interpretation of Topographical Maps Damodar, Brahmaputra, Narmada, Tapti,
(a) Locating features with the help of a four figure Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauveri,
or a six-figure grid reference. Tungabhadra.
(b) Definition of contour and contour interval. Water Bodies: Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of
Identification of landforms marked by Khambhat, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Strait,
contours (steep slope, gentle slope, hill, Andaman Sea, Chilka Lake, Wular Lake.
valley, ridge / water divide, escarpment),
triangulated height, spot height, bench mark, Passes: Karakoram, Nathu-La Passes.
relative height/ depth. Latitude and Longitudes: Tropic of Cancer,
(c) Interpretation of colour tints and conventional Standard Meridian (82 30’E).
symbols used on a topographical survey of
India map. Direction of Winds: South West Monsoons
(Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal Branches),
(d) Identification and definition of types of scale
given on the map. North East Monsoons and Western
Disturbances.
Measuring distances and calculating area
using the scale given therein. Distribution of Minerals: Oil - Mumbai High
(e) Marking directions between different (Offshore Oil Field) and Digboi. Iron –
locations, using eight cardinal points. Singhbhum, Coal – Jharia.
(f) Identify: Site of prominent villages and/or Soil Distribution – Alluvial, Laterite, Black
towns, types of land use / land cover and and Red Soil.
means of communication with the help of the
index given at the bottom of the sheet. Cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai,
Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chandigarh,
(g) Identification of drainage (direction of flow
Srinagar, Vishakhapatnam, Allahabad.
and pattern) and settlement patterns.
(h) Identification of natural and man-made Population - Distribution of Population
features. (Dense and sparse).

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PART - II  Conventional Sources: Coal, Petroleum,
Natural gas (distribution, advantages and
GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA disadvantages).
 Hydel power (Bhakra Nangal Dam and
3. Location, Extent and Physical features
Hirakud).
 Position and Extent of India. (through Map  Non-conventional Sources: Solar, wind, tidal,
only). geo-thermal, nuclear and bio-gas (generation
 The physical features of India – mountains, and advantages).
plateaus, plains and rivers. (through Map
9. Agriculture
only).
 Indian Agriculture – importance, problems
4. Climate and reforms.
Distribution of Temperature, Rainfall, winds in  Types of farming in India: subsistence and
commercial: shifting, intensive, extensive,
Summer and Winter and factors affecting the
plantation and mixed.
climate of the area. Monsoon and its mechanism.
Seasons: March to May – Summer; June to  Agricultural seasons (rabi, kharif, zayad).
September – Monsoon; October to November -  Climatic conditions, soil requirements,
Retreating Monsoon. December to February – methods of cultivation, processing and
Winter. distribution of the following crops:
- rice, wheat, millets and pulses.
5. Soil Resources - sugarcane, oilseeds (groundnut, mustard
and soya bean).
 Types of soil (alluvial, black, red and laterite)
distribution, composition and characteristics - cotton, jute, tea and coffee.
such as colour, texture, minerals and crops 10. Manufacturing Industries
associated. Importance and classification
 Soil Erosion – causes, prevention and  Agro based Industry - Sugar, Textile (Cotton
conservation. and Silk).
6. Natural Vegetation  Mineral based Industry – Iron & Steel
(TISCO, Bhilai, Rourkela, Vishakhapatnam)
 Importance of forests. Petro Chemical and Electronics.
 Types of vegetation (tropical evergreen,
tropical deciduous, tropical desert, littoral 11. Transport
and mountain), distribution and correlation Importance and Modes – Roadways, Railways,
with their environment. Airways and Waterways –- Advantages and
 Forest conservation. disadvantages.

7. Water Resources 12. Waste Management
 Impact of waste accumulation - spoilage of
 Sources (Surface water and ground water).
landscape, pollution, health hazards, effect on
 Need for conservation and conservation terrestrial, aquatic (fresh water and marine)
practices (Rain water harvesting and its life.
importance).  Need for waste management.
 Irrigation: Importance and methods.  Methods of safe disposal - segregation, dumping
and composting.
8. Mineral and Energy Resources
 Need and methods for reducing, reusing and
 Iron ore, Manganese, Copper, Bauxite – uses recycling waste.
and their distribution.

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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 6. Need for industrialization in India, the latest trends
and its impact on economy of India.
PRACTICAL / PROJECT WORK
Candidates will be required to prepare a project report 7. Visit a water treatment plant, sewage treatment
on any one topic. The topics for assignments may be plant or garbage dumping or vermicomposting
selected from the list of suggested assignments given sites in the locality and study their working.
below. Candidates can also take up an assignment of
their choice under any of the broad areas given below. EVALUATION

Suggested list of assignments: The assignments/project work is to be evaluated by the
subject teacher and by an External Examiner. (The
1. Local Geography: External Examiner may be a teacher nominated by the
(a) Land use pattern in different regions of India– Head of the school, who could be from the faculty, but
a comparative analysis. not teaching the subject in the section/class. For
(b) The survey of a local market on the types of example, a teacher of Geography of Class VIII may be
shops and services offered. deputed to be an External Examiner for Class X,
Geography projects.)
2. Environment:
The Internal Examiner and the External Examiner will
Wildlife conservation efforts in India.
assess the assignments independently.
3. Current Geographical Issues:
Award of Marks (20 Marks)
Development of tourism in India.
Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 10 marks
4. Transport in India:
External Examiner 10 marks
Development of Road, Rail, Water and Air
The total marks obtained out of 20 are to be sent to the
routes.
Council by the Head of the school.
5. List different type of industries in the States and
The Head of the school will be responsible for the
collect information about the types of raw
online entry of marks on the Council’s CAREERS
materials used, modes of their procurement and
portal by the due date.
disposal of wastes generated. Classify these
industries as polluting or environment friendly
and suggest possible ways of reducing pollution
caused by these units.

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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN GEOGRAPHY - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES
Criteria Preparation Procedure/ Observation Inference/Results Presentation
Testing
Grade I Gives complete States the Studies text and States theoretical information in a coherent Neatly and correctly
(4 marks) theoretical objectives and source material and and concise manner using geographical stated statement of
information defines the makes a list. terminology. Uses a variety of techniques. intent and conclusion
using relevant aspects to be Shows resourcefulness. Supports matches with
geographical studied. investigation with relevant evidence. objectives.
terms
Grade II Provides States objectives Makes a limited list Uses sound methodology-using methods Limited use of
(3 marks) adequate but not the of source material suggested. Makes a valid statement about the reference material
information limitations of the only from secondary data collected. Attempts to develop and a presentation,
using appropriate study. sources. explanations using available information. which is routine.
terms.
Grade III States objectives Only lists the References are Uses methodology in which selective Simple and neat with
(2 marks) using some aspects to be minimal. techniques are applied correctly. Makes correct placement of
geographical studied. descriptive statement. Analysis is limited. references,
terms but mostly Relates and describes systematically the data acknowledgements,
in descriptive collected. Tries to relate conclusion to contents, maps and
terms. original aim. diagrams.
Grade IV States intent Shows evidence Uses methodology Makes few relevant statements. Does analyse Neat but lacking in
(1 mark) without using of what to look with some techniques data that is not presented or tends to copy correct placement of
relevant for and how to but is unable to analysis available from other sources. Makes table of contents,
geographical record the same. systematically record superficial conclusions. Link between the maps, diagrams and
terms but data and collect original aim and conclusion is not clear. pictures.
explaining them information.
correctly.
Grade V Does not make Has not collected Does not use any Does not analyse data. Does not use the Presents the report
(0 marks) any use of any relevant data logical technique and suggested methods. without reference.
geographical and has not does not follow the Makes conclusions but does not relate them to
terms. presented sources methodology the original aim.
correctly. suggested.

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