How to use this page: Write the answer yourself before checking the model answer. For 5-mark questions, organise your response with clear points, examples and appropriate geographical terms. Use the MCQ page for rapid recall and the Q&A page for broader written practice.
SECTION 01
2-Mark Important Questions
Short, direct questions for definitions, distinctions and core concepts.
8 QUESTIONS
01
What is a resource? State any one factor that makes a substance a resource.
2 MARKS
ANSWERA resource is a material, substance or thing that has utility and can satisfy human needs. Its usefulness, technological accessibility and economic feasibility help determine whether it functions as a resource.
02
Distinguish between biotic and abiotic resources with one example of each.
2 MARKS
ANSWERBiotic resources are obtained from the biosphere and have life, such as forests and livestock. Abiotic resources are non-living, such as rocks and metals.
03
Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.
2 MARKS
ANSWERRenewable resources can be replenished or renewed, such as solar and wind energy. Non-renewable resources are finite and take very long periods to form, such as coal and petroleum.
04
What is a potential resource? Give one example.
2 MARKS
ANSWERA potential resource is a resource found in a region that has not been fully utilised. Wind energy in coastal areas is an example that may be developed more extensively in future.
05
What is sustainable development? Why is it necessary?
2 MARKS
ANSWERSustainable development means using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is necessary to prevent depletion and environmental degradation.
06
What is resource planning? Why is it important in India?
2 MARKS
ANSWERResource planning is a systematic process of identifying, developing and using resources judiciously. It is important because resources are unevenly distributed and need planned, balanced and sustainable utilisation.
07
What is land degradation? Mention one major cause.
2 MARKS
ANSWERLand degradation is the decline in the quality and productive capacity of land. Major causes include deforestation, overgrazing, over-irrigation, mining and improper disposal of industrial wastes.
08
Differentiate between Khadar and Bangar.
2 MARKS
ANSWERKhadar is newer alluvial soil deposited frequently by floods and is generally more fertile. Bangar is older alluvial soil found above the floodplains and commonly contains kankar nodules.
SECTION 02
3-Mark Important Questions
Explain, describe and analyse questions requiring developed answers.
6 QUESTIONS
09
Explain the three major steps involved in resource planning in India.
3 MARKS
ANSWER1. Identification and inventory of resources across regions through surveying, mapping and qualitative and quantitative estimation. 2. Evolving a planning structure with appropriate technology, skills and institutions. 3. Matching resource development plans with overall national development plans.
10
Explain any three factors that determine land-use pattern in India.
3 MARKS
ANSWERLand use is influenced by physical factors such as topography, climate and soil, and human factors such as population density, technological capability and economic activities. Availability of land and the needs of agriculture, settlements, industries and infrastructure also influence its use.
11
Explain any three causes of land degradation in India.
3 MARKS
ANSWERDeforestation removes protective vegetation cover. Overgrazing exposes soil and reduces vegetation. Over-irrigation may cause waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity. Mining and industrial wastes can also degrade land.
12
Explain any three measures for controlling land degradation.
3 MARKS
ANSWERAfforestation and proper management of grazing can restore vegetation cover. Planting shelter belts and stabilising sand dunes help in dry regions. Proper management of mining and treatment of industrial effluents reduce degradation caused by these activities.
13
Describe the main characteristics of black soil.
3 MARKS
ANSWERBlack soil is largely associated with the Deccan Plateau and is derived largely from basaltic lava rocks. It is fine-textured and has high moisture-retention capacity. It is especially suitable for cotton and is also important for other crops.
14
Explain the formation and main features of laterite soil.
3 MARKS
ANSWERLaterite soil develops in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall where intense leaching removes soluble materials. It is generally poor in fertility unless properly manured and fertilised. With suitable management, crops such as tea and coffee can be grown on it.
SECTION 03
5-Mark Important Questions
High-value long-answer practice built around major chapter themes.
5 QUESTIONS
15
Explain the need for resource planning in India and describe its main stages.
5 MARKS
ANSWERIndia has a great diversity of resources, but they are unevenly distributed. Some regions have abundant resources while others face shortages, so judicious and balanced use is necessary. Resource planning involves: (1) identification and inventory of resources through surveying, mapping and estimation; (2) development of a planning structure with suitable technology, skills and institutions; and (3) matching resource-development plans with overall national development plans. Such planning supports sustainable and balanced development.
16
Explain the major causes of land degradation in India and suggest suitable conservation measures.
5 MARKS
ANSWERMajor causes include deforestation, overgrazing, over-irrigation, mining and industrial activities. Deforestation removes vegetation cover; overgrazing reduces protective grass cover; over-irrigation can create waterlogging and salinity; mining leaves scars and overburden; and industrial wastes pollute land and water. Measures include afforestation, controlled grazing, proper irrigation management, scientific mining practices, stabilisation of sand dunes, shelter belts and treatment of industrial effluents.
17
Describe the major soil types of India and their important characteristics.
5 MARKS
ANSWERAlluvial soil is widespread in the northern plains and river valleys and is divided into Khadar and Bangar. Black soil is associated with the Deccan Plateau, has high moisture-retention capacity and is especially suitable for cotton. Red and yellow soils develop over crystalline igneous rocks and obtain their colour largely from iron compounds. Laterite soil forms under high temperature and heavy rainfall with intense leaching. Arid soils are generally sandy and often saline in dry western regions. Forest and mountain soils vary with altitude and the conditions of mountainous regions.
18
Explain soil erosion and describe the major methods of soil conservation.
5 MARKS
ANSWERSoil erosion is the removal of soil cover by agents such as running water and wind. Sheet erosion removes a thin layer of soil over a large area, while gully erosion creates deep channels and ravines. Contour ploughing reduces runoff on slopes; terrace farming slows water flow in hilly areas; strip cropping reduces the force of wind; shelter belts of trees help check wind erosion and stabilise sand dunes; and afforestation protects soil through vegetation cover.
19
Why is soil considered an important renewable natural resource? Explain the factors responsible for soil formation and the need for soil conservation.
5 MARKS
ANSWERSoil supports vegetation and agriculture and is essential for human life, making it a vital renewable natural resource. Its formation is influenced by parent rock, relief, climate, vegetation and time, along with natural forces such as running water and wind. Soil formation is very slow compared with the speed at which erosion and degradation can occur. Therefore, conserving topsoil through appropriate farming practices, vegetation cover, contour methods, terraces, strip cropping and shelter belts is essential for sustained productivity.
SECTION 04
Case-Based Questions
Application-focused practice using familiar Resources and Development situations.
5 SETS
CASE-BASED SET 01
A district in a semi-arid region has experienced rapid loss of vegetation because of heavy livestock pressure. The soil is increasingly exposed and wind erosion is becoming severe. The administration plans to restore vegetation and reduce soil loss.
QUESTIONS
1. Identify the major cause of land degradation described above.
2. Suggest two suitable measures for the district.
3. Which conservation measure would be especially useful against wind erosion?
4. Why is vegetation cover important for soil conservation?
ANSWER KEY
1. The major cause is overgrazing.
2. Proper management of grazing and afforestation/vegetation restoration should be adopted.
3. Shelter belts are especially useful against wind erosion.
4. Vegetation protects the soil surface, reduces the force of wind and water, and helps hold soil particles in place.
CASE-BASED SET 02
A farming area in Punjab has expanded irrigation rapidly. Farmers now observe waterlogging in some fields and increasing salinity and alkalinity in the soil.
QUESTIONS
1. What type of land degradation is indicated?
2. Identify the human activity responsible.
3. Mention two effects associated with this problem.
4. Suggest one broad approach to reduce the degradation.
ANSWER KEY
1. Land degradation caused by over-irrigation is indicated.
2. Excessive or improper irrigation is responsible.
3. Waterlogging and salinity/alkalinity are major effects.
4. Irrigation should be managed judiciously to avoid excessive application and waterlogging.
CASE-BASED SET 03
A river floods its low-lying floodplain and deposits fresh layers of fine sediment. Farmers notice that the newly deposited soil is generally fertile.
QUESTIONS
1. Which type of alluvial soil is described?
2. Why is it renewed frequently?
3. How is it different from Bangar?
4. Name one important characteristic that makes it valuable for agriculture.
ANSWER KEY
1. The soil is Khadar.
2. It is renewed through fresh deposits brought by floods.
3. Bangar is older alluvial soil found above the floodplain and commonly contains kankar nodules.
4. Its relatively fresh and generally fertile alluvial deposits make it valuable for agriculture.
CASE-BASED SET 04
A farmer on a steep hill wants to reduce the speed of water flowing down the slope. Another farmer in a dry, windy region wants to reduce wind erosion.
QUESTIONS
1. Which method should the hill farmer adopt?
2. Why does this method help?
3. Which method should the farmer in the windy region adopt?
4. State one other method of soil conservation suitable for reducing water erosion.
ANSWER KEY
1. The hill farmer should adopt terrace cultivation.
2. Terraces reduce the speed of water flowing down the slope and help control runoff.
3. The farmer in the windy region should use shelter belts.
4. Contour ploughing, strip cropping or afforestation can help reduce erosion by water.
CASE-BASED SET 05
A region has substantial wind-energy potential along its coast, but the technology and infrastructure needed to use it commercially are not yet fully developed. At the same time, the state wants its resource-development programme to support future generations.
QUESTIONS
1. How should the wind-energy resource be classified?
2. Which principle should guide its development?
3. Why is resource planning important in this situation?
4. Mention one feature of sustainable resource use.
ANSWER KEY
1. It can be classified as a potential resource because it is available but not fully utilised.
2. Sustainable development should guide its development.
3. Planning helps assess the resource, provide suitable technology and institutions, and integrate its development with broader plans.
4. Resources should be used judiciously while conserving them for future generations.
CONTINUE YOUR PREPARATION
Official Syllabus & Textbook Basis
This question set follows the CBSE Class 10 Geography Learning Standards for Resources and Development, covering resource types and development, resource planning, land resources and land use, land degradation and conservation, soil, soil classification, soil erosion and soil conservation.
CBSE Curriculum 2026–27 · CBSE Learning Standards · NCERT Contemporary India–II