NIOS Class 12 Sample Paper 2023 Geography

SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
ALONG WITH
DETAILED MARKING SCHEME

SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
GEOGRAPHY
(Theory)

Time : Three Hours Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions :

(i) There are 21 questions in all.
(ii) all question are compulsory.
(iii) Marks for each question are indicated against it.
(iv) Question numbers 1 and 2 are on filling outline maps of the world and India respectively.
Each question contains 4 test-items of very short answers of 1 mark each.
(v) Question number 3 to 8, 19 and 20 are short answer question. Answer to these questions
should not exceed 60 words each.
(vi) Question number 9 to 14 and 21 are also short answer question. Answer to these questions
should not exceed 10 words.
(vii) Question numbers 15 to 18 are long answer questions of 5 marks each. Answer of each of
these questions should not exceed 140 words.
(viii) Outline maps of the WORLD and INDIA provided to you must be attached with your answer
books.
(ix) Use of templates or stencils for drawing outline maps in illustrating your answer is allowed.
(x) Answers of question number 19 to 21 should be given from any ONE of the OPTIONAL
MODULES.

Q.1 On the outline map of the world provided mark and label each of the following correctly.
(4 x 1) = 4
(1.1) Andes range;
(1.2) River Nile;
(1.3) Plateau of Tibet;
(1.4) Prairies

Q.2 On the outline map of the India provided mark and label each of the following correctly.

(2.1) Aravali Range
(2.2) A leading cotton-textile center in Gujarat
(2.3) The oldest atomic power station in India
(2.4) A newly developed major port in Tamil Nadu (4 x 1) = 4

Q.3 Name six factor which influence the climate of a place (6 x ½ ) = 3

Q.4 Name three major parallel ranges of the Himalayas and state the height of each.
(1½ x 1½ ) = 3

Q.5 Why is earth considered a unique planet? Give three reasons in support of your answer.
(3 x 1) = 3

Q.6 Compare and contrast the latitudinal location and natural vegetation of the Tundra region with
those of the Hot Desert region. (1 ½ + 1 ½ ) = 3)

Q.7 How does land use change with time? Give three examples. (3x1)=3

Q.8 Explain three important physical factors responsibly for uneven distribution of population in
India. (3x1)=3

Q.9 What are ocean currents? Name three factors which influence the ocean currents. (1+3)=4

Q.10 Describe briefly the important characteristics of the equatorial Lowlands region with reference to
its location, climate, natural vegetation and animal life. (4x1)=4

Q.11 Name four types of soils found in Penninsular India. State four characteristics of the soil which
is of volcanic origin. (2+2)=4

Q.12 Point out two differences between estuary and delta. (2+2)=4

Q.13 Explain with two supporting facts how each of the following factors influences the climate of
India :

(a) Location and latitudinal extent;
(b) Northern mountains;
(c) Distance from the sea;
(d) Wind direction (4x1)=4

Q.14. Give two reasons for each of the following :

(14.1) The hilly and mountainous terrain provide unfavourabel conditions for laying railway line.
(14.2) Road transport is flexible, reliable and quick. (2+2)=4

Q.15 Name the four types of mountains based on their mode of formation, and also describe briefly
any three economic benefits of mountains. (2+3)=5

Q.16 Describe briefly five major characteristic of traditional Agriculture in India. (5x1)=5

Q.17 Distinguish between land breeze and sea breeze. Give five distinctive features of each.(5x1)=5

Q.18 Study the table given below carefully and answer the following question :

Annual Birth rates, Death rates and Natural growth rates
Decade Birth Rate Per Death Rate Per Natural Growth Natural Growth
Thousand Thousand Per Thousand Per Thousand
(00/00) (00/00) (00/00) (%)
1901-11 49.2 42.6 6.6 0.6
1911-21 48.1 47.2 0.9 0.09
1921-31 46.4 36.3 10.1 1.01
1931-41 45.2 31.2 14.0 1.4
1941-51 39.9 27.4 12.5 1.25
1951-61 41.7 22.8 18.9 1.89

1961-71 41.2 19.0 22.2 2.22
1971-81 37.2 15.0 22.2 2.22
1981-91 32.7 11.7 21.0 2.1
1995 28.3 9.0 19.0 1.9

(18.1) In which decade was the death rate at its highest?
(18.2) What was its impact on the natural growth rate of population?
(18.3) Compare the trends in birth rate and death rate between 1921 and 1995, and find out by how
many points each of the two have fall respectively.
(18.4) What conclusion do you draw from these two figures about relative pace with which each one of
them has been falling?
(18.5) Of the two-birth rate-death rate – which one needs to be brought down more speedily than the
other to stabilize our population in near future. (1x5)=5

Optional Modules
(Attempt the Questions from any one module)

TEACHING OF GEOGRAPHY AT PRIMARY LEVEL

Q.19. Explain how days, months and years are caused by three different natural cyclic phenomena. 3
Q.20. Critically examine how : “The march from the crude barter system to the modern international
trade is nothing bout story of transport, communication and money of currencies.” (3x1)=3

Q.21 State how geography as a subject has been perceived over years in four different ways. 4

OR
GEOGRAPHY OF TOURISM IN INDIA

Q.19 Suggest three reason explaining tourism as a cluster of industries instead of any single industry. 3

Q.20 A rapid development of large scale mass tourism brings us the much needed foreign exchange.
Analyse with the help of three need to change it into a slow or area selective tourism. 3

Q.21 What are the four major steps proposed for further and better development of tourism in
Himachal Pradesh? 4

OR
FIELD WORK IN GEOGRAPHY

Q.19. For which one reason the test of a hypothesis about a problem is necessary and for which two
reason a pre-tested hypothesis may need to be changed? (1+2)=3

Q.20 Analyse giving three examples, how a random sampling may have to be changed into a stratified
random sampling in a different situation? (3x1)=3

Q.21 State four major basis for classification of field date giving one example in each case. (2+2)=4

DETAILED MARKING SCHEME

Q.1 Half mark for each correct location and half mark for each correct labelling.
(for answers refer attach map of the World map) (4x1)=4

Q.2 Half mark for each correct location and half mark for each correct labelling.
(for answer refer attached map of India) (4x1)=4

Q.3 (i) Latitude
(ii) Altitude
(iii) Continentality/distance from sea,
(iv) Prevailing winds
(v) Ocean currents
(vi) The direction of mountain
(vii) Slopes/aspect
(viii) Vegetative cover
(Any six points 6 x ½ mark each) = 3

Q.4 1. Himadri :- Height above sea/level about 6000 metres.
2. Himachal :- Height varies from 1000 to 4500 metres.
3. Siwalik :- Average height 600 metres above sea.

Q.5 1. Ideal/optimum distance from the sun, so that the earth is neither too hot (like
Mercury) nor too cold (like Pluto).
2. The existence of three realms (viz. the lithosphere, the atmosphere and the hydrosphere) –
the only planet in our solar system to possess all three realms.
3. The right mixture of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, with life sustaining Oxygen.
4. presence of Ozone layer in our atmosphere – protects us from ultra violet radiation.
5. rich variety of plants (5 lakh species) and animals (14 lakh species)

(Any three points x 1 mark each)=3

Q.6 Tundra Region Hot Desert Region
1. Location – Situated north of the coniferous Situated between 20o to 30o latitudes
forest belt in North-America and in both N and S. hemispheres, on the
Eurasia western margins of land-masses

2. Natural- Mosses and lichens/short Vast areas without vegetation cover/
Vegetation grasses/smaller flowering some Xerophytic plants such as
Plants Cactus/thorny bushes/Date Palms
(Any one point) = (1½ mark) (Any one point)= (1 ½ mark)
(1 ½ x 1 1/2 )=3

Q.7 Examples :-

(i) increasing population pressure of the land.
(ii) Changes in cropping system.
(iii) Technological development.

(1 mark for each point) (3x1)=3

Q.8 (i) Relief, land forms and Terrain (Any one) 1
(ii) Climate and Natural Vegetation (Any one) 1
(iii) Soils or availability of minerals (Any one) 1
Or availability of water
(1+1+1)=3

Q.9 (a) The Ocean currents are horizontal flow of a mass of water in a fairly defined
direction over great distances. (1 mark)
(b) Factors :

(i) Difference in density
(ii) Earth’s rotation
(iii) Planetary winds (3x1 mark each)=3 marks (1+3)=4

Q.10 (a) Location :- Between 50 N and 50 S latitudes/Amazon Basin in S. America/Zaire
basin in Africa/Malaysia and Indonesia in Asia.
(Any 2 pts. x ½ mark each)=(1 mark)
(b) Climate :- Hot and Humid throughout the year/Annual range of temperature very
low/Heavy annual rainfall/Daily rainfall, convectional in nature.
(Any 2 pts. x ½ mark each) = (1 mark)
(c) Natural Dense evergreen forests/Tall trees with canopy of foliage/climbing
Vegetation :- plants like lianas and creepers/numerous parasitic plants/ground covered
with decayed vegetation/Dense undergrowth.
(Any 2 pts. x ½ mark each) = (1 mark)
(d) Animal life :- Monkeys and other animals living on tree tops/Alligators/Turtles/other
animals live-in in water bodies/Large variety of birds/insects.
(Any 2 pts. x ½ mark each) = (1 mark)

Q.11 (a) 1. Red soil
2. Black soil
3. Alluvial soil
4. Laterite soil
(4 x ½ mark for each) = (2 marks)

(b) Black cotton soil - Fine clay
- Black in colour
- Basaltic base
- Moisture retentive
- Poor in organic matter

(Any 4 pts. ½ mark each, 2 mark)
(2+2) =4

Q.12 Estuary Delta

1. It is a funnel-shaped mouth of 1. It is a triangular tract of land at the
a single river, where tides flow mouth of the river traversed by its,

in and out several distributaries.
2. It is formed by the drawing of 2. It is formed by the deposition of the lower
part of the river as a result of alluvium at the river mouth.
rising of sea level.
3. Suitable site for the establishment 3. Not suitable for establishment of ports
of ports as silting does not occur. due to heavy silting.
(Any 2 pts x 1 mark each) = (2 marks) (2+2)=4

Q.13 (a) Location and latitudinal Extent :

- India between 60 N to 370 N Latitude. Tropic of cancer passing through in the
middle of the country.
- Southern parts nearer equator with high temperature throughout the year /
Northern parts in warm temperature with low temperature in winter.
- Water bodies surrounding peninsular part giving rise to moderate climatic
conditions along coastal area.

(Any 2 facts x ½ mark each) = (1 mark)
(b) The Northern Mountain Regions :

- Northern Mountain ranges protect India from the cold and dry winds of Central
Asia during winter.
- They prevent rain bearing SW Monsoon winds to cross over them.
- Therefore, they act as climatic divide between India sub-continent and central
Asia.
(Any 2 facts x ½ mark each) – (1 mark)

(c) Distance from the sea :

- Coastal regions enjoy equable climate.
- Regions far away from the sea have extreme climate.
- Range of temperature increases away from the sea.
(Any 2 facts x ½ mark each) – (1 mark)

(d) Wind Direction :
- In winter winds are off-shore or north-east in direction causing dry weather.
- In summer winds are on-shore or south-west in direction.

(Any 2 facts x ½ mark each) = (1 mark)
(1+1+1+1) =(4 marks)

Q.14 (1) Rugged topography/thick forest cover/heavy rainfall/low level of economy/and sparse
population lead to unfavorable conditions for the development of rail transport.
(Any 2 facts x 1 mark each)=(2 mark)
(2+2)=4

(2) Roads can negotiate higher gradient of slopes/construction of roads comparatively easy and
inexpensive/suitable for short distance/and suitable for carrying perishable goods like milk fruits
and vegetables/provide door-to-door service/Routes and stops flexible.

(Any 2 facts x 1 mark each)=(2 mark)
Q.15 (a) Types of Mountain :
(i) Fold mountain
(ii) Block mountain
(iii) Volcanic mountain
(iv) Residual mountain (4 x ½ mark each) = 2marks

(b) Economic Benfits :
Storehouse of resources/Generation of hydroelectricity/Abundant source of water/Formation of
fertile plains/Natural political frontiers/Effect on climate/Tourist centres
(Description of any 3 points x 1 mark each) = 3 marks

Q.16 (1) Low Per Capita Availability of Land :
- Per Capita land in India is 0.29 hectares which is lower than the world aver of
0.36 hectare; it is an indicator of high pressure of population on land.

(2) Dominance of foodgrains :
- Cultivable land under food grain more than development of plantation and
commercial agriculture.
(3) High Dependence of Nature :
- dependence on rainfall
- meagre irrigation facilities.
(4) Low Yield :
- use of poor quality of seeds and old method of farming
(5) Low level of Mechanization:
- use of machines in less due to small size of farms
- the agriculture to labour intensive
(6) Emphasis on subsistence farming
(Any 5 points x 1 mark each)=5

Q.17 Land Breeze Sea Breeze
- Blow from land toward the sea - Blow from the sea towards the land
- These blow during night - These blow during the day
- Caused by high pressure developing on - Caused by low pressure developing over
land during night (due to terrestrial radiation) land during day time
- Do not bring moderating influence to - Bring moderating influence to coastal
coastal areas area
- Tends to reduce humidity -Tends to increase humidity.

(5x1 mark each)=5
Q.18 (i) 1911-1921 1 mark
(ii) Very low/lowest National Growth rate 1 mark
(iii) Birth Rate 48.1 – 28.3 – 19.8 1 mark
Death Rate 47.5 – 9.0 = 38.2
(iv) The death rate has been falling more rapidly than the birth rate 1 mark
(v) Birth Rate 1 mark

(1+1+1+1+1)=5

OPTIONAL MODULES
TEACHING OF GEOGRAPHY AT PRIMARY LEVEL

Q.19 (i) Rotation of Earth about its axis – day and night 1 mark
(ii) Revolution of Moon round the Earth = Month 1 mark
(iii) Revolution of the Earth round the Sun = Year 1 mark
(1+1+1) = 3
Q.20 (i) Impact of steady growth in the means of transport 1 mark
(ii) Rapid growth of communication 1 mark
(iii) Impact of emergence of money metal and paper currencies 1 mark
(1+1+1) = 3
Q.21 (i) Geo-graphy – description of the earth’ surface 1 mark
(ii) Science of location and distribution 1 mark
(iii) Defining regional identity/personality 1 mark
(iv) Interplay between man and environment 1 mark
(1+1+1) = 3

OR
GEOGRAPHY OF TOURISM IN INDIA

Q.19 (i)
Tourism industry directly provides hospitality services through workers employed in
hotels, restaurants, transport services for tourists and in gift shops at tourist spots. 1 mark
(ii) It guides visits to old monuments called now-a-days as heritage industry. 1 mark
(iii) Indirectly additional services by laundries, medical stores, crafts, photographic and sports
dealers, food processors, and cinema entertainers etc. also provide jobs to tourism
industrial workers. All these service industries are scattered forming widespread clusters.
1 mark
(1+1+1)=3
Q.20. (i) Developing mass tourism rapidly anywhere and everywhere increases the pressure on
local resources and social amenities – the damage may reach a stage beyond repair.
1 mark
(ii) Slow and area selective approach is an alternate strategy to see that the numbers of
increasing tourists do not exceed the carrying capacity of a resort at a point of time.
1 mark
(iii) This planned strategy protects our cultural heritage and lifestyle of the youth from any
harm. It will also halt the encroachments on ancient monuments, natural scenery, wild life
and age-old traditions. 1 mark
(1+1+1)=3
Q.21 Himachal Pradesh proposes to :

(i) Divert the great rush of tourists by developing new hill resorts other than Shimla, Manali and
Dalhousie at accessible sites. 1 mark
(ii) Northern half of the state in inner section of the Himalaya remains almost untouched by
tourism at present. To start with three places in Kinnaur Distt. Along Hindustan-Tibet road
are approved for attracting tourists in this part. 1 mark
(iii) Organisation of inter-state package tours with J&K in the west for touring Laddak’, Zanskor,
Vaishno Devi in north and the west and with U.P. for touring Dehradun-Mussourie in the
west. 1 mark
(iv) Maintenance of neglected trekking routes from outer to inner ranges for encouraging
adventure tourism. 1 mark

(1+1+1+1)=4
OR
FIELD WORK IN GEOGRAPHY

Q. 19 (i) Testing of an hypothesis is necessary for drying definite conclusions. 1 mark
(ii) As every hypothesis is always pre-conceived and pre-tested before its final formulation, a
change in it may become unavoidable later on. 1 mark
(iii) An hypothesis once pre-tested may have to be rejected after investigation and processing
of primary data. 1 mark

(1+1+1)=3
Q. 20 (i) A simple random sampling is replaced by a stratified random sampling in the case of
considerable heterogenity in distribution of items of the universe i.e. population. 1 mark
(ii) Division of a universe of study into strata or sub-groups may be required such as general
population, ST population and SC population. One sample to be taken from each category.

1 mark
(iii) Where the economic structure needs to be meaningfully rule-divided into primary,
secondary and tertiary sectors or rocks into different types on the basis of their marked
variation. 1 mark

(1+1+1)=3

Q.21 (i) Classification according to numerical Characteristics by 1 mark
Keeping equal or unequal intervals of each class. e.g Settlements with population from
lowest level of less than 200, 200-500, 500-1000, to the highest 1000-2000 and so on.
(ii) On the basis of descriptive characteristics of phenomenon 1 mark
which can’t measured quantitavely e.g. big farmers, small vegetables, fruit farmers under
each class.

(iii) Temporal classification of land use data over a time period 1 mark
specified in terms of years
(iv) Classification on the basis of areas such as northern, southern, western, 1 mark
eastern regions of India.
(1+1+1+1)=4