ICSE 2024

ANALYSIS OF PUPIL
PERFORMANCE
GEOGRAPHY

Research Development and Consultancy Division

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations
New Delhi
November 2024
____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Examinations.
Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

MISSION STATEMENT

The Council for the Indian School Certificate

Examinations is committed to serving the nation's
children, through high quality educational
endeavours, empowering them to contribute towards
a humane, just and pluralistic society, promoting
introspective living, by creating exciting learning
opportunities, with a commitment to excellence.

ETHOS OF CISCE

Trust and fair play.

Minimum monitoring.
Allowing schools to evolve their own niche.
Catering to the needs of the children.
Giving freedom to experiment with new ideas
and practices.
Diversity and plurality - the basic strength for
evolution of ideas.
Schools to motivate pupils towards the
cultivation of:
Excellence - The Indian and Global
experience.
Values - Spiritual and cultural - to be the bedrock
of the educational experience.
Schools to have an 'Indian Ethos', strong roots in
the national psyche and be sensitive to national
aspirations.
 FOREWORD
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasises building 21st-century skills and competencies
through systemic reforms in pedagogy and assessments. It is an endeavour of Council for Indian
School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) to ensure that assessments are utilised as tools for
promoting learning and development in students rather than a mere end to the instruction year.

With the objective to provide feedback on the common errors made by the students in the board
examinations of both ISC and ICSE and to provide information on the question-wise performance of
students, CISCE releases the Analysis of Pupils’ Performance document every year. It is one of the
unique and best practice of the CISCE board, which supports the candidates in their preparation for
the upcoming board examinations.
We would like to extend our appreciation to the Research Development and Consultancy Division
(RDCD) of the CISCE for their efforts in creating this detailed document for the benefit of our
students. We also express our gratitude to the examiners who have provided meticulous feedback on
the candidates’ performance during the examinations and also suggested pedagogical interventions
for the teachers to mitigate the common errors made by the candidates.
We are sanguine that students, teachers, and parents would make the best use of this document by
going through the various sections in detail and implementing the learnings from the same for
successful performance in the upcoming examinations.

November 2024 Dr. Joseph Emmanuel

Chief Executive & Secretary
CISCE

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 PREFACE
As you are aware, the Analysis of Pupil Performance document has been developed by the Council
for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) with the objective to provide feedback to
teachers on the performance of students in the ICSE and ISC examinations. These subject-wise
documents highlight the misconceptions that students might have related to certain topics that are
reflected as common errors made by them while answering questions in the examinations. The
document also contains certain suggestive teaching strategies to reduce the occurrence of similar
errors in forthcoming examinations by students. The criteria used for marking each question has also
been provided in brief so that the teachers and students can comprehend the scope of the question
and the correct approach to answer it. Topics in the question paper that were found to be difficult or
unclear by the majority of the candidates have also been highlighted so that teachers can lay more
stress on bringing clarity to them, along with recommendations for candidates to attempt the
examination of a particular subject keeping in mind subject-specific nitty-gritty and techniques of
answering.
The Analysis of Pupil Performance document for ICSE for the Examination Year 2024 covers the
following 16 subjects - English Language, Literature in English, Hindi, History and Civics,
Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Commercial Studies, Economics, Computer
Applications, Economic Applications, Commercial Applications, Environmental Science and Home
Science.
The 20 subjects covered in the ISC Analysis of Pupil Performance document for the Year 2024 are -
Accounts, English Language, Literature in English, Hindi, Economics, Commerce, Business Studies,
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Elective English, History, Political Science, Geography,
Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science, Environmental Science and Home Science
I extend my appreciation and gratitude to all the ICSE and ISC examiners who have shared their
valuable comments on each question. I also acknowledge the efforts of the RDCD team of Dr. Manika
Sharma, Ms. Parul Kohli, Ms. Lyimee Saikia and Ms. Mansi Guleria, for their focused hard work
and diligence towards the preparation of this document.
We are hopeful that this document will be helpful to teachers to bring in timely interventions for the
topics required, in order to support the students in their preparation and readiness towards the
upcoming ICSE and ISC examinations. We also hope the students learn from the detailed notes on
the common errors made while answering, so as to be well-prepared with the correct answering
strategies for the upcoming ICSE and ISC examinations.

November 2024 Dr. Bhawna Taragi

Deputy Head
RDCD, CISCE

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 GEOGRAPHY
PART I – (30 MARKS)
(Attempt all questions from this Part)
Question 1
Study the extract of the Survey of India Map Sheet No. G43S7 and answer the following
questions:
(i) (a) Give the six-figure grid reference for spot height .522. [2]
(b) What is the pattern of settlement in the grid square 3591?
(ii) (a) Mention two man-made features seen in the grid square 3794. [2]
(b) Mention two means of transport used by the people of Nani Bhatamal in
the grid square 3691.
(iii) (a) Identify the landform marked by the contours in the grid square 3896. [2]
(b) What is the pattern of drainage seen in the grid square 3697?
(iv) (a)What is the reason for the presence of causeway in the grid square 3695? [2]
(b) What is the compass direction of Khara (4097) from Karja (3994)?
(v) Calculate the area in kilometre square of the region to the south of 94 [2]
Northing.

Comments of Examiners
(i) (a) Some candidates wrote only the four- Suggestions for teachers
figure grid reference while the rest - Give adequate practice regarding 6
confused the 3rd number of northing with figure grid reference where easting
the 3rd number of easting. numbers should be mentioned first
(b) Most of the candidates answered it followed by northing numbers.
correctly. However, some candidates - Familiarize students with the pattern of
mentioned permanent huts and temporary settlement such as Nucleated/Compact
huts instead of mentioning the ‘pattern’. when huts are close together and
Also, some of them mentioned the Scattered/dispersed when huts are
spread out in the grid square.
‘general settlement pattern’ of the map
- Familiarize students with the
extract instead of the given grid conventional symbols and the index
reference. given below the map.
(ii) (a) Most of the candidates answered this sub- - Explain the difference in symbol for
part correctly. However, some candidates ‘temple’ and ‘chatri’
mentioned the ‘covered tank’ and - Train students to identify the
‘overhead tank’, but no symbol of tank conventional symbols well and also
was present in the said ‘grid square’. equip them to differentiate between
‘modes’ and ‘means of transport.

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Also, some candidates mentioned

‘temple’ instead of ‘chatri’. Many
candidates lost marks by writing Suggestions for teachers
‘houses’ instead of ‘huts’ as a - Emphasize that means of transport
manmade feature as ‘house’ was a includes different types of
general term and not specific to roads/railway lines present in the given
toposheet. grid square and familiarize students
(b) Many candidates failed to write this with the same.
answer and interpreted it as roadways, - Equip students to be able to identify the
railways and waterways or carts, car, relief features mentioned in the scope
bus and bullock carts instead of cart of syllabus.
- Teach students to identify features
track, metalled road etc.
looking at the shape and space between
(iii) (a) Most of the candidates were not able to contours on the toposheet.
identify relief features. Many - Familiarize students with an
candidates wrote ‘Rocky slopes’, understanding of contour lines in terms
‘trees’ and ‘wooded forest’ as of steep slopes and gentle slopes.
landform. A few candidates randomly - Explain different types of drainage
mentioned any feature such as- saddle, pattern with the help of a diagram and
pass etc. provide enough practice of
(b) Some candidates mentioned trellised identification of drainage pattern in
or dendritic instead of radial drainage class.
pattern which depicted lack of - Advise students to read the question
carefully before attempting.
understanding of the concept.
- Discuss the definitions and reasons
(iv) (a) Some of the candidates defined the behind the presence of main
term ‘causeway’ as raised metalled conventional symbols along with their
road instead of mentioning the cause of identification.
the presence of causeway. Also, some - Explain the differences between a river
candidates mentioned river instead of and a stream.
minor stream while explaining the - Discuss the 8 cardinal directions well
meaning. in class.
(b) This sub-part was answered correctly - Guide students to read ‘from’ and ‘to
by most the candidates. Some ’in the question carefully to find
candidates mentioned ‘north’ and compass direction correctly.
- Provide sufficient practice of
‘northwest’ as the answer.
calculation of area on a regular basis.
(v) Calculation of area was another domain of - Emphasise on the importance of
concern where candidates lost marks due to correct units for this question.
wrong calculation and carelessness of
missing out the ‘unit’ while writing the
answer.

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MARKING SCHEME
Question 1
(i) (a) 375966
(b) Scattered / Dispersed

(ii) (a) Permanent hut / hut / chatri / lined perennial well / well / cart track / pack track/metalled
road / tehsil or taluk boundary/cultivated land/arable settlement (Any two)
(b) Cart track / pack track / metalled road (Any two)

(iii) (a) Hill / valley / ridge / escarpment / steep slope/conical hill/watershed or divide/ saddle
(b) Radial

(iv) (a) Many seasonal streams are present.

(b) Northeast/NE

(v) 40 km2 – 40 grid squares. Each square has an area of 1 km2 as per the scale.
40 x 1 = 40 km2

Question 2
On the outline map of India provided:

(i) Mark and label the river Krishna. [1]

(ii) Mark and label the Eastern Ghats. [1]

(iii) Shade and label a densely populated area in the southern part of India. [1]

(iv) Shade and label the Konkan coastal plain. [1]

(v) Mark with an arrow and label the direction of western disturbance. [1]

(vi) Shade and label the Thar Desert. [1]

(vii) Shade and label the Andaman Sea. [1]

(viii) Mark and label the city Chennai. [1]

(ix) Mark and name the highest peak of Himalayas in India. [1]

(x) Mark and label Mumbai High. [1]

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Comments of Examiners
(i) Candidates wrongly marked the river Suggestions for teachers
Godavari or Tungabhadra as Krishna. - Encourage students to highlight the
(ii) Eastern ghats was marked wrong by many river in question with an arrow or write
candidates as they marked it too near to the on the river drawn touching the line
Bay of Bengal. and not between the two rivers.
(iii) Many candidates did not follow the - Familiarize students with the location
instructions of shading and labelling a of Eastern and Western ghats through a
densely populated area and hence lost demonstration on the blackboard.
marks. Some of them shaded but did not - Emphasise that Western ghats are
label it. much closer to the Arabian Sea
compared to Eastern ghats which are
(iv) Konkan Coastal plain was wrongly marked
relatively away from the Bay of
by many candidates. They marked it quite Bengal.
below where Kanara Coastal plain is - Guide students to be more vigilant
located. while reading the question paper and
(v) Many candidates could correctly point the carefully read the instructions within
direction of Western disturbance. the stipulated 15 minutes reading time.
(vi) Some candidates incorrectly shaded and - Provide sufficient practice and vividly
marked the Thar desert beyond the correct demonstrate the boundaries of the
area. coastal plains with different colour
(vii) Some candidates shaded the Andaman Sea chalks on the blackboard to the
incorrectly by shading the Bay of Bengal students.
- Ensure regular map practice in class.
or on the island itself.
- Demonstrate the boundary of the Thar
(viii) Many candidates marked Chennai desert on the blackboard and allot
correctly. practice sessions for the same.
(ix) Many candidates failed to mark the highest - Facilitate regular revision of map
peak of India as Kanchenjunga and instead practice and advise students to read the
marked Mt. K2. questions carefully.
(x) Many candidates lost marks as they - Highlight recurring errors during map
marked Mumbai High either too near or practice session to minimise such
too far in the Arabian Sea. mistakes.
- Drill for the accurate location of
Mumbai High in the map pointing
classes by demonstrating it on the
board.

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MARKING SCHEME
Question 2

Question 3 [10]

Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options.
(Do not copy the questions, write the correct answers only.)
(i) What causes snowfall in Kashmir during winter?
(a) Tropical cyclone
(b) Northeast Monsoon wind
(c) Southwest Monsoon wind
(d) Temperate cyclone
(ii) Which of the following helps in soil conservation?
(a) Afforestation

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(b) Overgrazing
(c) Mining
(d) Shifting agriculture
(iii) Which means of irrigation can be developed with minimum expenditure?
(a) Tube well
(b) Canal
(c) Well
(d) Drip irrigation
(iv) Read the table and identify the pair that is correctly matched:

Natural Vegetation
Tree
Belt

P Tropical evergreen Babool

Q Tropical deciduous Teak

R Littoral Ebony

S Mountain forest Banyan

(a) P
(b) Q
(c) R
(d) S
(v) Bauxite is the ore of:
(a) Aluminium
(b) Copper
(c) Manganese
(d) Iron
(vi) Identify the source of energy that leads to pollution:
(a) Tidal energy
(b) Wind energy
(c) Natural gas
(d) Geo-thermal energy
(vii) Which of the following is NOT a centre for the iron and steel industry?
(a) Bhilai
(b) Bengaluru
(c) Rourkela
(d) Vishakhapatnam
(viii) Which of the following farming method is used to grow tea on a large scale?
(a) Subsistence farming

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(b) Plantation farming

(c) Mixed farming
(d) Shifting agriculture
(ix) Which of the following means of transport has best use during floods /
earthquake?
(a) Airways
(b) Railways
(c) Roadways
(d) Waterways
(x) Which of the following is a biodegradable waste?
(a) Broken glass
(b) Wastepaper
(c) Polythene
(d) Plastic bags

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Comments of Examiners
(i) Some candidates mentioned ‘Tropical Suggestions for teachers
Cyclone’ and ‘Northwest Monsoon’ winds
instead of ‘Temperate Cyclone.’ - Explain the difference between
Tropical cyclone and Temperate
(ii) Most of the candidates answered this sub-
cyclones.
part correctly except for some who - Clearly explain that winter rainfall in
incorrectly mentioned ‘overgrazing’. the north-northwestern part of India is
(iii) Some candidates incorrectly mentioned caused by Western Disturbances which
‘Drip irrigation’ or ‘Tube well’ instead of are also known as ‘Temperate
‘Well’ which was the correct option. Cyclones’.
(iv) Some candidates failed to understand the - Guide students to read the question and
question and wrote either the name of trees options properly to answer the
or the natural vegetation belt instead of questions correctly.
selecting the correct option. - Familiarize students that ‘minimum
(v) Some candidates incorrectly mentioned expenditure’ means ‘cost of
construction’ and not less money spent.
‘Iron’ as the ore of Bauxite instead of
- Advise students to spend time to read
‘Aluminum’ while others were confused questions well for better
between ‘Copper’ and ‘Aluminum’. understanding.
(vi) Most of the candidates identified the - Make students practice the ‘Match the
pollution causing source of energy as both following’ type of questions for MCQs.
‘Natural gas’ and ‘Geo-thermal energy’ - Ensure that students can differentiate
whereas a few candidates incorrectly between ‘ore’ and ‘mineral’ by
mentioned ‘tidal energy’. explaining the differences clearly.
(vii) Some candidates missed the word ‘NOT’ - Familiarize and explain that Bauxite is
given in the question and incorrectly selected an ore of Aluminum by taking help of
either ‘Rourkela’ or ‘Bhilai’. a picture-based study.
- Ensure that questions are specific
(viii) Most candidates answered this question
leading to only one correct answer.
correctly. Few candidates selected ‘Mixed
- Guide students to read the question and
farming’ and ‘Subsistence farming’ which options properly to answer correctly.
are incorrect options. - Provide enough practice of MCQs for
(ix) Some candidates mentioned ‘Waterways’ as conceptual clarity in class.
the correct option instead of ‘Airways’. - Bring out the fact that ‘earthquake’ also
(x) Some candidates mentioned ‘Broken glass’ affects water bodies.
instead of ‘Wastepaper’. - Clarify the concept related to Bio-
degradable and non-biodegradable
waste.

MARKING SCHEME
Question 3
(i) (d) Temperate cyclones

(ii) (a) Afforestation

(iii) (c) Well

(iv) (b) Q

(v) (a) Aluminium

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(vi) (c) Natural gas/Geothermal energy

(vii) (b) Bengaluru

(viii) (b) Plantation farming

(ix) (a) Airways

(x) (b)Wastepaper

PART II – (50 MARKS)

(Attempt any five questions from this Part.)
Question 4
(i) ‘Himalayas act as a climatic divide.’ Justify the statement giving two reasons. [2]

(ii) Differentiate between Southwest Monsoon and Retreating Monsoon. (Any two [2]
differences)

(iii) Give a geographical reason for the following: [3]

(a) Kolkata gets more rain than Delhi during rainy season.
(b) Though both are hill stations, Shimla experiences snowfall during the winters
but Ooty does not.
(c) Winter monsoons bring less rain.

(iv) Study the climate data of Station X and answer the questions that follow: [3]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temp 8.4 11.5 21.6 28.3 35.1 38.5 41.0 38.0 30.8 29.2 15.6 10.2
C

Rainfall 1.5 0.9 0.5 _ _ 12.5 17.8 18.5 12.5 12.5 6.2 2.1
cms

(a) Calculate the annual range of temperature of Station X.

(b) Name the rainiest month of the Station X.
(c) Is the Station X located in coastal area or in the continental interior?

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Comments of Examiners
(i) Many candidates answered this part of the Suggestions for teachers
question correctly. However, some
- Make use of wall maps while explaining
mentioned ‘climatic divide’ as the the chapter on climate to enable students
temperate zone north of Himalayas and to understand the location of relief
tropical zone south of Himalayas. features and their impact on the climate.
(ii) Some candidates answered this part - Insist on writing differences in a tabular
form with corresponding points on
correctly. However, some were able to give either side.
only one correct difference between - Explain clearly to students the
‘Southwest Monsoon’ and ‘Retreating difference between South West
monsoon’ while a few candidates were Monsoon and retreating monsoon.
- Conduct regular class quiz to make
confused between ‘Retreating Monsoon’ students memorise easily.
and ‘Northeast Monsoon’. - Make use of wall maps while explaining
(iii) (a) Many candidates answered this part the chapter on climate to enable students
correctly but some failed to mention both to understand the location of a station
in relation to water bodies and their
the cities in their answers. effects on the temperature and rainfall.
(b) This part was answered correctly by most of - Use wall maps in class to explain
the candidates. However, some candidates geographical reasons as these cannot be
explained without proper knowledge of
failed to mention the stations in the answer.
reading a map.
(c) Many candidates failed to understand this - Give sufficient practice of reasoning-
question correctly hence, instead of winter based questions to ensure that the
monsoon wrote about western disturbances. concepts are clear.
- Clearly explain the different sources of
(iv) (a) Some candidates failed to mention the units
rain in winter with the help of
while some committed calculation errors appropriate examples to avoid any
and gave incorrect answers. confusion
(b) This question was answered correctly by - Lay emphasis on writing of units in the
majority of the candidates. calculation related questions.
(c) Many candidates answered this question - Provide regular practice of questions
correctly. However, few candidates were related to climatic data in class.
- Discuss in detail the method to know the
not able to identify the location of the
location of a place with reference to the
station. sea coast and provide examples of the
same.

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MARKING SCHEME
Question 4
(i) Himalayas block the cold Siberian winds / cold winds coming from the north / coming
from Siberia and also intercept / stop the monsoons forcing them to bring rains everywhere
in the country. Thus towards north of Himalayas it is cold and dry and towards its south its
warm and humid.

(ii)

South West Monsoon Retreating Monsoon

On-shore/sea to land Off-shore/land to sea

Pressure condition – low pressure Reverse pressure condition

over land and high pressure over sea.

June – September October – November

Advancing monsoon Transition between rainy and winter

Rain in most of Indian areas Rain in coromandel coast

periodic effects in South Asia and October heat withdrawal of South West
most of India Monsoon affects Coromandel coast.

(iii) (a) Bay of Bengal branch reaches Kolkata first. By the time it reaches Delhi, it is dry as
it sheds the moisture on the way leaving less amount with it.
(b) Shimla experiences snowfall in the winters and Ooty does not because Shimla is
located at a much higher altitude than Ooty, in the Himalayas. Ooty is located in the
Nilgiris in South India. Shimla is away from Equator and so snow line is low there
whereas Ooty is closer to Equator.
(c) Winter monsoons blow from land to sea in winter as a low pressure prevails on sea
and a high pressure on land. Offshore has less moisture.

(iv) (a) 32.6 degree C

(b) August
(c) It is located in the interiors/ it has a continental location.

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Question 5
(i) Why is Black soil found suitable for the production of cotton? (Any two points) [2]

(ii) Give one difference between each of the following: [2]

(a) Alluvial soil of Uttarakhand and alluvial soil of West Bengal.
(b) Transported soil and residual soil.

(iii) With reference to Laterite soil, answer the questions that follow: [3]
(a) How is Laterite soil formed?
(b) How can Laterite soil be made productive?
(c) Name one region where Laterite soil is found.

(iv) (a) Mention two causes of soil erosion in India. [3]

(b) Mention a soil conservation method suitable for hilly area.

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Comments of Examiners
(i) Most candidates answered this sub-part
correctly. However, a few candidates
Suggestions for teachers
failed to give the correct explanation and - Lay emphasis on the characteristics of
only mentioned that black soil is fertile in soil that makes it suitable to grow
nature. certain types of crops.
(ii) (a) Some candidates failed to understand the - Ensure more practice of application -
question properly. Few candidates based questions.
- Familiarize students with the names of
mentioned the alluvial soil of Uttarakhand
states and the regions with help of the
as more fertile than alluvial soil of West “Physical Map of India” and ensure that
Bengal. Additionally, some of them also students can relate to the study area with
mentioned the presence of khadar soil in better understanding.
Uttarakhand and Bhangar soil in West - Explain the difference between Khadar
Bengal. and Bhangar using the map of India for
(b) Many candidates were able to answer this conceptual clarity.
question correctly. Some candidates wrote - Emphasise that examples are not
examples of residual and transported soils considered as differences.
as differences. - Encourage students to write answers in
(iii)(a) Most candidates mentioned leaching as complete sentences with proper
explanation along with characteristics
the process of formation. However, some
of each soil type and explanation using
candidates wrote only ‘high temperature’ the map to show the area.
or ‘high rainfall’ as separate points - Discuss the composition and
without correct explanation. characteristics of each soil type in detail
(b) Some candidates wrote about the crops as per the scope of the syllabus.
grown in laterite soil and incorrectly - Explain the difference between region
mentioned the friable nature of the laterite and state.
soil without correct explanation as to what - Emphasise that when the question
should be added to the soil to increase demands ‘region,’ writing names of
productivity. states in not sufficient.
(c) Some candidates wrote only western and - Discuss the difference between the
causes and agents of soil erosion. Also,
eastern ghats instead of mentioning
explain that causes are the reasons
‘summits’ of western and eastern ghats. A which leads to removal of soil and make
few candidates mentioned names of states them aware of various reasons.
instead writing about regions. - Ensure that students answer the
(iv) (a) Some candidates mentioned ‘agents of questions in an effective manner.
soil erosion’ in place of ‘causes of soil - Clearly explain the conservation
erosion’. methods specific for hilly areas and
(b) Most candidates answered this question make students aware of the correct
correctly. However, some candidates terminology to describe it.
mentioned ‘shelter belts’ as method of
conservation. Some also wrote
conservation schemes implemented by the government instead of mentioning specific
methods of soil conservation in hilly areas

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MARKING SCHEME
Question 5
(i) - It is moisture retentive, self-ploughing capacity, rich in minerals due to volcanic origin.
- Rich in carbonates of ca and mg
- Rich in LIMCAP
- Aerated
(any two points)
(ii) (a) Alluvial soil in Uttarakhand and Alluvial in West Bengal.
- Uttarakhand: coarse-grained, porous alluvial soil /old/Bangar/less fertile/darker
inland
- West Bengal- fine-grained, compact alluvial soil/new/Khadar/fertile/deltaic or
coastal/replenished, lighter
(b) Transported and residual soil
- Transported- Ex situ; transported by running water and found far from their parent
rock./not defined profile/formed by denudation.
- Residual- In-situ; found where they are formed, over the parent rocks./ well defined
profile/ formed by weathering

(iii) (a) It is formed by leaching of essential minerals down the soil profile leaving the top
soil infertile. /alternate wet and dry season/high temperature, heavy rains/ weathering
of lateritic rocks/desilication
(b) Use of fertilizer and irrigation facility/addition of lime
(c) - Summits of Western & Eastern Ghats/Rajmahal hill
- Part of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal,
Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerela, Assam, Meghalaya, Goa.

(iv) (a) Deforestation / heavy rain / faulty farming practice / shifting agriculture/
overgrazing/mining/quarrying
(b) Contour ploughing / Terrace cultivation / Strip cropping / crop rotation / social
forestry / afforestation/ dams/ intercropping/ cover crops/ agroforestry/ contour
binding.

Question 6
(i) How is tropical monsoon forest useful for the Indian economy? (Any two points) [2]
(ii) Mention the climatic condition that leads to the development of tropical desert [2]
vegetation.
(iii) Give a reason to explain each of the following: [3]
(a) Mountains have varied vegetation.
(b) Stilt like / aerial roots are a typical feature of littoral forest.
(c) The tropical evergreen forests do not look bare at any time of the year.
(iv) (a) How has the rising population of India resulted in the loss of forest cover? [3]
(Any one point)
(b) Mention any two forest conservation methods that may be adopted to protect
the forests.

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Comments of Examiners
(i) Several candidates lost marks as they
wrote only the characteristics of Tropical
Suggestions for teachers
Monsoon forests. - Teach the characteristics and uses of
each vegetation belt separately and
(ii) Some candidates got the climatic
guide students to demarcate the
conditions incorrect as their range of characteristics and uses.
temperature and rainfall did not match - Facilitate repeated revision for learning
with the one furnished in the marking the temperature and rainfall conditions
accurately and along with worksheets
scheme.
on a regular basis.
(iii) (a) Many candidates were unable to furnish - Explain annual rainfall, soil
the keywords for this question. They distribution and temperature
emphasised only on altitude instead of conditions, the growth and
variations in temperature and rainfall characteristics of vegetation belts in
India using map for better conceptual
while answering why ‘mountains have clarity.
varied vegetation’. - Explain in detail the meaning of the
(b) Some candidates mentioned the climatic term ‘littoral’ forests and the specific
conditions namely temperature range characteristics of the natural vegetation
that grows in this area along with their
and rainfall prevalent in littoral forests, adaptation.
instead of specifically writing about - Teach and highlight the basic
adaption of the root systems of the differences between evergreen and
vegetation found here due to the nature deciduous trees.
- Provide regular practice and clear
of marshy land. understanding of the difference
(c) Many candidates lacked conceptual between specific methods and schemes
clarity for this question as they wrote of forest conservation.
trees of the Tropical Evergreen forests
never shed their leaves, instead of at
different times of the year.
(iv) (a) This question was well answered by most of the candidates.
(b) Some candidates mentioned forest policy instead of ‘method’ for forest conservation. Some
candidates were not aware of two methods and only mentioned afforestation.

MARKING SCHEME
Question 6
(i) This forest has hardwood tree, the wood of which will yield durable wood for furniture /
construction work/ raw material for industry, paper, wax, gum, lac, raisin, honey, incense
sticks, cosmetic, medicinal, livestock rearing, handicraft, perfumes, soaps, oil.

(ii) Temperature: 25 –35o C/ Scanty seasonal rain, long dry spell/ less than 80% humidity
Rain: 25 cm – 100 cm / less than 50 cm

(iii) (a) Mountains display varied vegetation

In a mountain, temperature and rainfall varies with altitude / Temperature and rainfall
are both high at lower altitudes and hence have denser vegetation.
(b) Aerial roots are a typical feature of the trees of the tidal forest.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

The marshy ground of tidal forests has very compact soil that are inundated with
saline water, making it difficult for roots to respire. Thus, the plants grow roots above
the ground to absorb oxygen. Survive in soft and shifting mud for breathing.
(c) The tropical evergreen forests do not look bare at any time of the year.
Areas of tropical rain forest receive rainfall throughout the year. Hence, they do not
need to shed all their leaves to conserve water during the dry season. Therefore, they
never look bare / old leaves fall and new leaves grow.

(iv) (a) - Forests converted to agricultural farms to feed the growing population.
- Increased urbanization/ infrastructure
- Growing industrialization/ mining / quarrying
- Increased demand for forest products like timber
(b) Afforestation
Reforestation
Social forestry farm forestry/ agro forestry/ check overgrazing/ energy
plantation/develop separate grazing ground/ controlled grazing/ Silviculture.

Question 7
(i) Mention one advantage and one disadvantage of using tank irrigation. [2]

(ii) (a) What is the advantage of using Drip irrigation? [2]

(b) Why is Drip irrigation not practiced on a large scale in India?

(iii) Give a reason to explain each of the following: [3]

(a) Sprinkler irrigation is gaining popularity in recent times.
(b) Tube well irrigation is used in Punjab.
(c) North India has more area under canal irrigation.

(iv) [3]

(a) Name the water conservation practice shown in the above picture.
(b) How does this system help to reduce floods?
(c) Why is water conservation necessary? (Any two reasons)

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2024 ICSE-Geography

Comments of Examiners
(i) Most candidates mentioned the advantage
of tank irrigation. However, some Suggestions for teachers
candidates faltered in writing about the - Explain all methods of irrigation in depth
disadvantage of tank irrigation. Some so that students can write the benefits
candidates mentioned the nature of the and drawbacks of each method.
terrain instead of highlighting the - Explain the advantage and disadvantage
of each method through a comparative
advantage, while others mentioned the study in a tabular form for better
characteristics of tank irrigation. understanding of students.
(ii) (a) Most candidates were able to answer this - Guide students to read questions
sub-part correctly. However, a few carefully before attempting to answer.
candidates mentioned the process of - Clarify to the students that
characteristics and benefits of irrigation
watering in Drip irrigation instead of cannot be same.
mentioning its advantage. - Teach the modern methods of irrigation
(b) Some candidates mentioned loss of water in detail with the help of a comparative
table for better understanding.
by evaporation in their answer instead of
- Make use of pictures and videos to
pointing to its expensive nature or clogging provide clarity of concepts to the
of pipes in Drip irrigation. students.
(iii) (a) Some candidates were not able to - Provide more practice of reasoning
understand the question well and questions.
- Explain in detail with examples which
mentioned the method of Sprinkler means of irrigation is available in which
irrigation. area and why it is available or popular in
(b) A few candidates wrote the answer that area.
- Ensure maximum practice of picture
correctly. However, most of the candidates,
related questions and answers during
instead of writing high underground water classroom teaching.
table wrote flat area which was not an - Explain the importance of rain water
appropriate answer. harvesting in the context of flood
control, preventing soil erosion, etc. in
(c) Only a few candidates answered this
the present scenario.
question correctly. Most of them wrote - Explain the need for water conservation
high underground water table instead of in the present scenario with the help of
writing the presence of perennial rivers, examples.
soft soil and fertile agricultural land.
(iv) (a) Many candidates answered this question
correctly. However, a few candidates committed errors by explaining rainwater harvesting
without mentioning the name.
(b) Majority of the candidates gave correct answers.
(c) Most of the candidates answered this question correctly.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

MARKING SCHEME
Question 7
(i) Advantage:
- Simple / easy to build/subsidiary occupation - Pisciculture
- Cheap
Water used for domestic purpose/ help in increasing groundwater.
- It stores surplus rain water which could otherwise go waste.
Disadvantage:
- They dry up when they are needed the most/dry up in summer/ seasonal
- Silting up of the tanks is common/ problem of siltation
- They occupy large area which could have been used for other productive
purposes./pollution of water/ loss of water by evaporation as it is shallow.

(ii) (a) Drip irrigation conserves water as the irrigation water reaches the roots where it is
needed. Reduced loss of water by evaporation
(b) Expensive to develop/ need of proper infrastructure/ high maintenance cost/ clogging
of pipes.

(iii) (a) Sprinkler irrigation is gaining popularity in recent times.

- It conserves water as there is no loss of water by evaporation./ even distribution
- No loss of water by seepage./less water/ irrigate large area/ best suited for arid
areas.
(b) Tube-well irrigation is used in Punjab because cheap hydel power is available. There
is plenty of ground water and land is fertile so the cost is recovered. / soft soil easy to
dig
(c) In north India, there is flat land area and perennial rivers / large arable land / fertile
soil/ soft soil.

(iv) (a) Roof-top rainwater harvesting / rainwater harvesting.

(b) It collects rainwater and reduces runoff and flooding.
(c) - Due to increase in population, there is a tremendous increase in demand for water.
- Much water gets polluted due to faulty human activities
- Much water gets wasted
- Increase demand of water due to industrialization and urbanization.
- Reduction of underground water.
- Overexploitation of groundwater has lowered the groundwater table considerably.
- Erratic, sporadic and seasonal rain for irrigation.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

Question 8
(i) (a) Name any three varieties of coal produced in India. [2]
(b) Name the variety of coal widely used in Iron and Steel Industries of India.

(ii) (a) Name the state that is the largest producer of iron ore in India. [2]
(b) Name any one mining area of Iron ore from the state mentioned by you.

(iii) (a) Mention two ways in which Hirakud dam has helped the people of Odisha? [3]
(b) Across which river is the Hirakud dam built?

(iv) Give reasons for each of the following: [3]

(a) Geothermal energy is not popular in India.
(b) Solar energy is gaining popularity.
(c) Petroleum is considered a harmful source of energy.

Comments of Examiners
(i) (a) Types of iron ore such as magnetite,
haematite, etc. was wrongly interpreted as Suggestions for teachers
varieties of coal produced in India and - Make use of visual presentations such as
hence many candidates gave incorrect PPT presentations to show students the
different varieties of coal and iron-ore
answer. with their uses.
(b) Several candidates got this part wrong as - Explain the varieties of coal with the
they identified the varieties of coal wrong. help of a flow chart.
(ii) (a) Most candidates were unable to identify - Guide students to write answers in
tabular form to help them to memorise
the largest iron ore producing state it easily.
correctly. - Encourage students to write the names
(b) The mining area subsequently was of the mineral producing states and
answered wrongly by many candidates. mining areas in tabular form to aid them
in memorising.
(iii)(a) Majority of the candidates responded well - Lay stress on the key words while
giving correct answer to this question. explaining why geothermal energy is
(b) Most of the candidates answered this not popular, such as - confined to few
question correctly. areas, expensive to develop, less energy
generated etc.
(iv) (a) Many candidates failed to understand this
question and could not support their
answer with appropriate reason as to why
geothermal energy is not popular in India.
(b) Majority of the candidates answered this question correctly.
(c) Many candidates were able to answer it correctly.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

MARKING SCHEME
Question 8
(i) (a) Anthracite / Bituminous / Lignite / Peat (Any three)
(b) Bituminous

(ii) (a) Odisha.

(b) Gurumahishani, Badampahar, Sulaipat in Mayurbhanj district, Bonai in Sundargarh,
Keonjhar. (Any one)

(iii) (a) Hirakud dam controls floods, generates power, supplies water for irrigation, canals
of the dam serve as inland waterways, dam site is a popular tourist destination.
Pisciculture or fishing is done in the lake behind the dam / recreation/ drinking water/
eradication of malaria/ prevents soil erosion
(Any two)
(b) Mahanadi.
(iv) (a) It is confined to few areas / expensive to develop / less energy is generated/ Causes
air and water pollution
(b) - India is a tropical nation with ample sunshine/ long summer/ 300 sunny days/ no
pollution/ low maintenance /inexhaustible/ecofriendly/diverse use
- Subsidy by Government
(c) It causes pollution/Inflammable

Question 9
(i) Why is agriculture considered an important sector of Indian economy? (Any two [2]
points)
(ii) (a) What is mixed farming? [2]
(b) Mention any one advantage of mixed farming.
(iii) Give one reason to explain each of the following: [3]
(a) West Bengal is a leading producer of jute.
(b) Millets are fast becoming the popular food crops.
(c) More than two ratoon crops are not advisable for sugarcane farmers.
(iv) (a) With reference to tea cultivation, explain the term ‘fine pluck’. [3]
(b) Name the Indian state that leads in coffee production.
(c) Why is cotton grown as a Kharif crop in India?

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2024 ICSE-Geography

Comments of Examiners
(i) Many candidates answered this question
correctly. However, few candidates were
Suggestions for teachers
not able to draw relationship between - Emphasise on explaining the economic
agriculture and Indian economy to state benefits of agriculture.
its importance. - Ensure that the meaning of the
(ii) (a) Most of the candidates were unable to important terms is grasped well by the
explain this question clearly as they students in order to build conceptual
clarity.
misunderstood mixed farming with
- Explain the different types of farming
mixed cropping. clearly to students for conceptual
(b) Since it was a linked question, if the clarity.
answer for (ii) (a) was incorrect, then this - Guide students to read the questions
sub part was also incorrect for most of carefully.
the candidates. - Discuss the climatic characteristics for
(iii) (a) Some candidates mentioned the nature of the growth of jute in West Bengal.
jute cultivation in West Bengal instead of - Provide more practice of reasoning
highlighting on the physical and climatic questions and instruct students to read
characteristics that makes it the largest the questions carefully.
producer and, thus, failed to answer it - Ensure that the meaning important term
is understood by the students and
appropriately.
facilitate repeated revision for the same.
(b) Most candidates answered this subpart - Discuss the concept of ‘fine pluck’ in tea
correctly. However, some candidates cultivation along with its benefits.
mentioned that millets require less water - Encourage students to remember the
for growth. names of all leading states of different
(c) This subpart was answered correctly by food crops and cash crops.
the majority of the candidates. A few - Ensure that the meaning of the different
candidates wrote definition of ratooning cropping season is well explained in
which was incorrect. class along with the growth
(iv) (a) Some of the candidates were not able to requirements for different crops.
explain the term ‘fine pluck’ correctly.
(b) Many candidates mentioned Tamil Nadu
and Andhra Pradesh instead of Karnataka as leading state of coffee production.
(c) Most of the candidates were not able to explain why cotton is grown as a kharif crop in
summer season.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

MARKING SCHEME
Question 9
(i) - Major source of employment
- Provides food to the large Indian population
- Surplus is exported to earn foreign exchange
- Provides raw materials to agro-based industries
- Contributes to national income/ market for industrial products/helpful for livestock
rearing/ earning for railways for movement of agricultural products.
(Any two)
(ii) (a) Growing crops and raising animals simultaneously on the same farm.
(b) - Low wastage because agro-residue is used as animal fodder & animal dung is used
as manure in the agricultural fields
- Less risk for the farmer as in case of crop failure he can sustain on income from
livestock farming
- Higher and more steady income for the farmer.
(Any one)
(iii) (a) West Bengal is a leading producer of jute.
- Warm (average temperature of 25-35º C
- humid climate (about 90% humidity)
- Heavy rainfall (more than 150-200 cm annually)
- Rich alluvial soil
- Plenty of soft water from the Hooghly river (Any one)
(b) Millets are becoming popular food crops/ Healthy crops
- They are nutritious food crops
- Cheaper option for those who cannot afford rice & wheat
- Residue makes good animal fodder.
- Initiative by government
(Any one)
(c) More than two ratoon crops are not advisable for sugarcane farmers.
- Yield declines
- The risk of pest infestations increases
- Roots may be infected with diseases.
- Low sucrose content.
- Soil exhausting crop
(Any one)
(iv) (a) Plucking of two leaves and a bud which gives rise to good quality tea.
(b) Karnataka
(c) Uniformly high temperature ranging from 21º - 30º C is required during the growing
period. This temperature is experienced in tropical summers.
200 frost free days/ frost is harmful / rain is less likely harvest.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

Question 10
(i) (a) Based on the ownership, what type of industry is Visakhapatnam Steel Plant? [2]
(b) What is meant by cooperative sector industry?
(ii) Explain the following terms: [2]
(a) Sericulture
(b) Integrated steel plant
(iii) Give one reason to explain each of the following: [3]
(a) Mini-steel plants help in conservation of coal.
(b) Location of sugar industry is shifting to the southern part of India.
(c) The electronic industry is growing at a fast rate.
(iv) (a) State two conditions that favour the location of cotton textile industry in [3]
Ahmedabad.
(b) State any one advantage of locating Iron and Steel industry at Rourkela.

Comments of Examiners
(i) (a) This question was attempted by almost
all the candidates and majority of them Suggestions for teachers
answered private sector, which was - Discuss manufacturing industries with
incorrect. Most of the candidates are not the students to help them understand the
familiar with the concept of types of term.
industries. - Clearly explain rearing and its meaning
(b) Many candidates were unable to define along with the production.
cooperative sector and incorrectly - Explain the concept of how the
explained that cooperative is under the byproducts of one industry can be used
government and private companies. as the raw material for other industries.
(ii) (a) Most the candidates incorrectly - Facilitate regular revision to help
students score better.
explained sericulture as production of
- Guide students to read and practice the
silk. questions properly.
(b) Majority of the candidates failed to - Discuss with the help of a table each
explain integrated steel plant and gave type of industry and the areas of
vague answers. availability of minerals along with other
(iii) (a) Most of the candidates have written the features so that students are able to write
meaning of mini steel plant without their answers specifically.
explaining it helps in conservation of
coal and, thus, lost marks.
(b) Many candidates have correctly
explained the reason behind shifting of sugar industry toward south. However, few have
mentioned the loss of sucrose, which was not required.
(c) Many candidates failed to explain the growth of electronic industry appropriately and
answered this question vaguely.
(iv) (a) Most of candidates answered this question correctly.
(b) Many candidates were confused about the advantage of location of iron and steel industries
at Rourkela. Specific location for various minerals & other advantage were not mentioned
instead candidates only wrote about the availability of coal, iron ore, water, etc.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

MARKING SCHEME
Question 10
(i) (a) Public Sector industry
(b) When a group of individuals own and operate an industry collectively.
(ii) (a) Sericulture - The rearing of silkworms for the production of silk threads.
(b) Integrated steel plant - When all the processes of steel-making take place in one
manufacturing unit.
(iii) (a) Mini-steel plants conserve coal as they operate on electricity and do not use coal for
smelting.
(b) Sugar industry is gaining popularity in the southern part of India.
- Favourable climatic conditions like temperature, rainfall, frost free days ensures
steady supply of sugarcane.
- Fertile black soil gives superior quality yields
- Large land holdings
- Scientific methods of farming, improved machinery
- Mills located near sugarcane fields
- Long crushing season
- Cooperative farming
- Humid climate
- Sugar lobby

(Any one)
(c) The electronic industry is growing at a rapid pace.
- All digital devices / gadgets
- Computers
- Robots
- Artificial Intelligence
- Useful for education, defence, research, entertainment, offices, medical field, space
exploration, meteorological field, postal services.
(iv) (a) - Adequate supply of good quality raw cotton
- Availability of cheap labour
- Cheap hydel power from nearby area
- Port facility / transport facility
- Availability of capital/ banking sector
- humid climate/ market (Any two)
(b) - Iron ore from Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar in Odisha
- Coal from Raniganj and Jharia close to it
- Limestone and Dolomite from Birmitrapur Odisha
- Hydroelectric power from Hirakud project in Odisha
- Water from Sankh and Koel River
- Manganese- Naomundi/ Keonjhar
(Any one)

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2024 ICSE-Geography

Question 11
(i) Why is road transport an important means of transport in India? (Any two reasons) [2]

(ii) Give a reason for each of the following: [2]

(a) Northern plain is best suited for the development of Railways.
(b) Railways are managed completely by the Central Government.
(iii) Mention two advantages and one disadvantage of Inland water transport. [3]

(iv) Why has airway become more popular than other means of transport? (Any three [3]
reasons)

Comments of Examiners
(i) Most of the candidates answered this Suggestions for teachers
question correctly.
(ii) (a) Many candidates were not clear with the - Explain and clarify the basic concept in
concept of northern plains with respect to class by explaining important terms in a
railway. This resulted in answers that more elaborate manner.
were mostly about importance of - Discuss the various issues related to the
railways in detail with an emphasis on the
railways, rather than its relation to the
role of the Central Government.
plains with respect to construction. - Explain the concepts clearly to address
(b) Most of the candidates could not relate misconceptions and common stereotypes
the difference between state and central regarding certain topics.
government with respect to
management of railway.
(iii) Majority of the candidates got the answer correct.
(iv) Most of the candidate had written that air transport was comfortable and safe, which was
incorrect and, thus, lost marks.

MARKING SCHEME
Question 11
(i) - Road transport remains the most popular mode of transportation as road construction is
easier and simpler.
- Roadways provide door to door service.
- Roadways are cheaper.
- Roadways link other modes of transport.
- Roadways are favourable for transporting perishable commodities.
- Flexible usage
- Can be laid in difficult terrain
- Can be used 24*7
(Any two)

(ii) (a) Northern India has flat lands, softer rocks making construction easier, demand for
railways is high because of high density of population, demand for movement of
agricultural and industrial products is high.
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2024 ICSE-Geography

(Any one)
(b) Railways are always managed by central government as its construction involves
heavy expenses that is difficult to be managed by private individuals. Moreover,
railways are the principal mode of transport for both freight and passengers that needs
attention and management of central government. Links several state so central
government intervention is a must/ influences Indian economy/ defence police and
army.

(iii) Advantages of water transport:

Fuel efficient/ environment friendly/ cheapest mode of transport/ most suitable for carrying
bulky goods. (Any two)
Disadvantage:
Slowest mode of transport/ dependent on weather conditions/ Indian fleet is old and needs
replacement/ slow handling of cargo at the ports causing delay/ Can be developed in only
few areas.
(Any one)

(iv) - Air transport is the fastest mode of transport. Indispensable for business people, for
defence, during times of emergency like epidemics, floods and earthquakes.
- Air transport is gaining popularity due to private airlines offering attractive schemes
and low air fare.
- Drop in air fare.
- Most significant in hilly and border areas which are not accessible by surface transport.
(Any three)

Question 12
(i) With reference to the picture below, answer the questions that follow: [2]

(a) Which waste management method is depicted here?

(b) State one way in which this method may be implemented at our home.

(ii) Explain how waste accumulation can be harmful. (Any two points) [2]

(iii) Explain how waste generated in following sectors may be made useful. (Give one [3]
example for each)

26
2024 ICSE-Geography

(a) Household
(b) Industry
(c) Agriculture
(iv) (a) Give two uses of composting. [3]
(b) Why are landfills set up far away from the city? (Any two reasons)

Comments of Examiners
(i) (a) Many candidates answered this question
correctly. However, some candidates
Suggestions for teachers
wrongly interpreted the picture to be - Ensure more practice of picture-based
about the 3 R’s namely, reuse, reduce and questions and guide students to look at
pictures carefully and answer
recycle and answered incorrectly. accordingly.
(b) This was a follow up question of the - Discuss different methods of waste
previous one, hence those candidates disposal and emphasise on the use of
correct terminology while writing
who got part (i) (a) wrong also got this
answers.
sub-part incorrect. - Discuss the need of waste management
(ii) Most of the candidates answered correctly. in detail with examples.
(iii) (a) Most of the candidates gave correct - Provide more practice of application-
based questions and explain different
answer to this question. Some candidates
types of waste with examples and also
gave examples of domestic waste instead the new products which can be made out
of highlighting the way in which it can of waste.
be made ‘useful’. - Discuss the reuse of various industrial
waste in classroom with real life
(b) Some candidates mentioned about the
examples.
pollution caused by Industrial waste - Facilitate revision of concept with clear
instead of mentioning the ways in which understanding and explain the concept
the specific waste can be put to of 3 R’s with examples from agricultural
sector.
‘repurpose’ and ‘reuse’.
- Emphasize on the advantages and
(c) Some candidates mentioned the names of disadvantages of composting, and
the agricultural waste without explaining various waste disposal methods along
its uses. with real life examples for better
understanding of students.
(iv) (a) Some candidates mentioned the ‘methods
- Explain the ‘impact of waste
of composting’ instead of highlighting its accumulation’ on the environment in
two ‘uses’. A few candidates were able to detail and with examples.
mention only one use correctly.
(b) Most candidates answered this question
correctly.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

MARKING SCHEME
Question 12
(i) (a) Waste segregation/segregation
(b) We can dispose biodegradable waste like kitchen waste and non-biodegradable waste
like plastic waste into separate bins.

(ii) - Gaseous waste causes diseases of the lungs

- Mercury poisoning cause Minamata disease.
- Wastes reduces the oxygen level in water (eutrophication) that kills aquatic organisms.
- Wastes cause biomagnification that prove toxic for the aquatic creatures.
- Hazardous nuclear waste
- Ground water pollution by seepage from open dumps.
- Spoils landscape/foul smell/aim of water pollution/breeding ground for flies,
mosquitoes, rodents and scavengers.
(Any two)

(iii) (a) - Recycle of old newspaper, glass articles metal scraps, plastic and converting it into
useful articles.
- Composting of kitchen waste.
- Reusing the articles like tin boxes for storage.
(b) Using industrial waste like bagasse for making cardboard, molasses for alcohol /
distilleries, press mud for shoe polish/ carbon paper or wax/road by fly ash/fly ash as
cement/bricks/scrap from steel plants used in mini steel plants.
(c) Biofuel may be made by farm waste /composting and tar making/
biogas/fodder/cardboard. (One each)

(iv) (a) Compost when added to soil makes it fertile naturally. It helps in water retention and
makes soil compact/ supress plant disease/ absorb odour.
(Any two)
(b) -To avoid spoilage of landscape
- To avoid spreading of pollutants from the garbage/avoid greenhouse gas emission.
- Prevent health hazards and pest infestations
- To avoid groundwater contamination in inhabited areas
- Foul smell
- Requires large area
- To keep our city clean
(Any two)

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2024 ICSE-Geography

GENERAL COMMENTS
Topics found difficult by candidates

• Q 1 (v)Area calculation in toposheet.

• Q 1(iii)(a)Identification of landform features in the toposheet.
• Q 2(ii)(iv)(ix) Marking and labelling Eastern Ghats, Konkan Coastal Plain, and highest
peak of Himalayas in India.
• Q 3(i)(ii)(viii) Reasoning-based questions on climate, soil and natural vegetation.
• Q 6(iii) Reasoning-based questions on natural vegetation, like how mountains have varied
vegetation.
• Q 6(iii)(b) Conditions for the presence of aerial root in littoral forest.
• Q 9(iv)(c) Reasoning question on cotton grown as a Kharif crop.
• Q 9(iv)(a) Explanation of the meaning of terms like mixed farming, fine pluck, cooperative
sector industry, etc.
• Q 11(ii)(b)Explanation on management of Railways by Central Government.
• Q 11(iii)Disadvantages of inland water transport.
• Q 12(iii)Examples of making household, industry and agriculture waste useful.

Concepts in which candidates got confused

• Six-figure grid reference between 3rd easting and 3rd northing values.
• Difference between river and stream in toposheet.
• Area calculation in toposheet.
• Writing of units.
• Difference between ‘Southwest Monsoon’ and ‘Retreating Monsoon.’
• Difference between alluvial soil of Uttarakhand and alluvial soil of West Bengal.
• Meaning of the term ‘mixed farming.’
• Need for water conservation.
• Waste generated from household, industry and agriculture can be made useful.

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2024 ICSE-Geography

Suggestions for candidates

• Study the chapters in detail and avoid selective study.

• Must try to comprehend concepts better rather than memorising them without
understanding.
• Read questions carefully before attempting them.
• Practice map work regularly and refer to the Atlas or Physical Map of India for reference.
• Practice topographical maps on regular basis.
• Solve ICSE Competency Focused Practice Questions, Specimen papers and previous
year’s board question papers.
• Prepare mnemonics, charts, tables, sketch-notes, and revise with its help.
• Use the technique of colour-coding and highlighting important terms while reading the
textbook for better recall of facts.
• Remember to mention the units in calculation-based questions.
• Write answers to the point.
• Write answers in a neat manner and ensure to mention the key words while answering.
• Use the 15-minute reading time judiciously to select the answers that can fetch full scores.
• Avoid attempting more questions in Part B and not giving enough time to write answers in
complete detail.
• Difference between questions must be written in tabular form.
• Revise the answer script before submission of the paper.
• Ask questions in class and get help from the teachers for clarification during lessons.
• Read questions very carefully before and after writing the answers, to avoid missing any
content.
• Follow the scope of syllabus and cover all the topics instead of selectively studying.
• Do not rush to write answers in order to attempt extra questions.
• Work neatly and write in legible handwriting.
• Number of points should be in accordance with number of marks allotted.

30