Geography Exam Questions for SS3 First Term with Answers

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on Geography exam questions. We will cover Geography exam questions for SS3 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass Geography examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Introduction to Geography as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past Geography Exam Questions for SS3 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

Geography is the study of the Earth and everything that exists on it — the land, water, air, plants, animals, and human activities. As a school subject, Geography helps students to understand their physical environment and how people interact with it. It explains why places differ in terms of climate, vegetation, population, and economic activities.

Through Geography, students learn how to read maps, interpret data, and analyze the relationships between people and their surroundings. The subject also teaches awareness of global issues such as climate change, resource management, and urban development.

In summary, Geography equips learners with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable them to make informed decisions about the use and preservation of the Earth’s resources.

Geography Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Geography Exam Questions for SS3 First Term are divided into two Parts:

• Part One
• Part Two

The first part, namely, Part One is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Part Two is the theory/Essay part divided into sections A (Physical Geography) & B (Human Geography), and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are SS3 Geography First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

PART ONE: Objective Test

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. The scale of a topographic map showing a large area with few details is most likely to be
A. 1:50,000
B. 1:100,000
C. 1:250,000
D. 1:500,000

2. Contour lines that are closely spaced together on a map indicate
A. a gently sloping surface
B. a valley bottom
C. a steep slope
D. a flat plain

3. Which of the following instruments is used for measuring the bearing of objects on a map?
A. Barometer
B. Compass
C. Rain gauge
D. Theodolite

4. The difference in height between two contour lines is called
A. contour gradient
B. contour spacing
C. contour interval
D. contour pattern

5. Which of the following best describes a col on a map?
A. A narrow valley between hills
B. A small depression in the landscape
C. A low point between two peaks
D. A steep-sided ridge

6. The method of showing relief using lines drawn through points of equal height above sea level is known as
A. hachuring
B. contouring
C. shading
D. layer tinting

7. When the time at Greenwich is 12 noon, the local time at longitude 45°E will be
A. 1:00 p.m.        B. 2:00 p.m.
C. 3:00 p.m.        D. 4:00 p.m.

8. Which of the following statements about the solar system is correct?
A. The earth is at the centre of the solar system.
B. All planets revolve around the moon.
C. The sun is the centre of the solar system.
D. The planets remain stationary in space.

9. The earth rotates on its axis once every
A. 24 hours        B. 12 hours
C. 30 days          D. 365 days

10. Day and night occur as a result of the
A. revolution of the earth
B. inclination of the earth’s axis
C. rotation of the earth
D. movement of the moon

11. The layer of the earth immediately beneath the crust is called the
A. lithosphere
B. mantle
C. core
D. atmosphere

12. Rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of molten materials are known as
A. sedimentary rocks
B. metamorphic rocks
C. igneous rocks
D. plutonic rocks

13. Which of the following rocks is an example of a chemically formed sedimentary rock?
A. Shale
B. Rock salt
C. Limestone
D. Conglomerate

14. A fold in which the central part bends downward is called
A. anticline        B. syncline
C. overfold        D. nappe

15. When the roof of a limestone cave collapses, the feature formed is known as a
A. doline         B. gorge
C. lagoon        D. geo

16. The Red Sea has a higher degree of salinity than the Mediterranean Sea because it
A. receives little freshwater inflow
B. is larger in size
C. is linked with the Atlantic Ocean
D. is located at a higher latitude

17. The rush of water up the shore during wave action is called
A. backwash
B. undertow
C. swash
D. longshore drift

18. The movement of eroded materials from one place to another by wind is called
A. attrition         B. deflation
C. corrosion       D. abrasion

19. Which of the following factors least influences atmospheric pressure?
A. Temperature     B. Altitude
C. Latitude            D. Longitude

20. The instrument used for measuring relative humidity is the
A. hygrometer      B. barometer
C. anemometer     D. rain gauge

21. When the head of the arrow on a wind vane points north, it means the wind is blowing
A. from the north
B. towards the north
C. from the south
D. towards the south

22. The average annual temperature range in an equatorial region is usually
A. 3°C          B. 5°C
C. 10°C        D. 15°C

23. Which of the following climatic regions experiences a single rainfall season in the year?
A. Equatorial
B. Tropical maritime
C. Tropical continental
D. Mediterranean

24. Which of the following instruments measures wind speed?
A. Hygrometer
B. Rain gauge
C. Anemometer
D. Thermometer

25. The Koppen classification of climate is based mainly on
A. temperature and rainfall
B. air pressure and wind
C. temperature only
D. humidity only

26. A vertical section of the soil showing all its layers is called
A. soil profile
B. soil horizon
C. soil texture
D. soil structure

27. The topsoil is usually dark in colour because it
A. contains humus
B. contains minerals
C. has fine particles
D. has low porosity

28. Which of the following vegetation belts is characterized by tall trees and thick undergrowth?
A. Sudan savanna
B. Mangrove swamp
C. Guinea savanna
D. Tropical rainforest

29. The term “ecosystem” refers to
A. the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment
B. the study of soil formation
C. the movement of wind and water
D. the interaction between oceans and continents

30. Environmental degradation can be caused by
A. reforestation
B. afforestation
C. bush burning
D. soil conservation

31. A major consequence of deforestation is
A. increased soil fertility
B. decrease in erosion
C. loss of biodiversity
D. increase in humidity

32. The concept of environmental balance means that
A. changes in one component affect others
B. no part of the environment ever changes
C. humans have no influence on nature
D. animals control the climate

33. The main problem associated with overgrazing is
A. soil erosion
B. flooding
C. siltation
D. waterlogging

34. Which of the following is a renewable natural resource?
A. Crude oil      B. Coal
C. Forest           D. Gold

35. Crude oil is transported from Nigeria to Europe mainly through the
A. North Atlantic route
B. Trans-Pacific route
C. Indian Ocean route
D. South Atlantic route

36. Which continent has the largest population?
A. Africa
B. Asia
C. Europe
D. South America

37. The pattern of rural settlements in eastern Nigeria is mainly
A. dispersed        B. nucleated
C. linear               D. elongated

38. Which of the following rivers takes its source from the highlands of western Nigeria?
A. Osse            B. Gongola
C. Kaduna        D. Hadejia

39. The Sokoto Plains are characterized by
A. basement complex rocks
B. inland drainage
C. volcanic activity
D. high rainfall

40. The major timber-producing countries in Africa include
A. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire
B. Egypt and Libya
C. Sudan and Chad
D. Tunisia and Algeria

41. The greatest problem facing livestock rearing in East Africa is
A. competition for land
B. frost action
C. heavy rainfall
D. inadequate pasture

42. The Mediterranean type of climate in Africa is found mainly in
A. the Congo Basin
B. southern tip of Africa
C. northern and southern fringes
D. western coast of Africa

43. Which of the following industries is based on agricultural raw materials?
A. Iron and steel
B. Cement
C. Textile
D. Aluminum

44. One major disadvantage of road transport in West Africa is
A. high maintenance cost
B. flexibility
C. accessibility
D. affordability

45. Air transport in West Africa is mostly hindered by
A. harmattan haze and storm clouds
B. lack of pilots
C. poor ticket sales
D. low altitude terrain

46. The largest producer of crude oil in Africa is
A. Libya           B. Angola
C. Nigeria        D. Algeria

47. Which of the following products is not derived from crude oil?
A. Synthetic rubber
B. Detergent
C. Glass
D. Plastic

48. The major problem facing industrial growth in Nigeria is
A. shortage of raw materials
B. high electricity supply
C. low cost of production
D. abundant capital

49. Which of the following countries has the greatest hydro-electric power potential in Africa?
A. Nigeria
B. Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
C. Egypt
D. Ghana

50. The main objective of ECOWAS is to
A. promote economic cooperation among member states
B. unify educational curricula
C. control currency exchange
D. operate a single political system

51. The type of agriculture that involves growing crops mainly for family use is called
A. commercial farming
B. subsistence farming
C. plantation farming
D. mixed farming

52. The term “population density” refers to
A. the number of people per square kilometre of land
B. the total population of a country
C. the number of people living in a city
D. the birth rate per year

53. A census conducted at intervals of ten years is called a
A. de facto census
B. de jure census
C. periodic census
D. sample census

54. Which of the following factors least affects population distribution in Nigeria?
A. Rainfall
B. Soil fertility
C. Occurrence of earthquakes
D. Availability of water

55. The relationship between rural and urban areas is best described as
A. interdependent
B. one-sided
C. competitive
D. isolated

56. Urbanization refers to
A. movement of people to rural areas
B. concentration of people in cities
C. increase in agricultural production
D. growth of industries in villages

57. The leading factor responsible for rural-urban migration in developing countries is
A. search for employment
B. cultural festivals
C. government policy
D. natural disaster

58. A natural region can best be defined as an area having
A. the same political boundaries
B. uniform physical and human characteristics
C. the same population density
D. the same industrial output

59. A good example of a renewable energy source is
A. solar energy
B. coal
C. petroleum
D. natural gas

60. The main reason for the low volume of trade among African countries is
A. poor transport network
B. similar raw materials and products
C. different currencies
D. lack of political independence

PART TWO – THEORY / ESSAY QUESTIONS

SECTION A – PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Answer Question 1 and any other two questions from this section.

1. (a) Define a topographic map.
(b) List three methods of representing relief on maps.
(c) Describe the relationship between relief and communication in any area of your choice.
(d) Explain two ways in which contour patterns can show different landforms.

2. (a) Distinguish between:
(i) Latitude and Longitude
(ii) Standard Time and Greenwich Mean Time
(b) If the local time at a place is 4:48 a.m. on July 4, when the Greenwich Mean Time is 10:00 a.m. on the same day, calculate the longitude of the place.
(c) Explain two reasons why time varies from one longitude to another.

3. (a) Define sedimentary rocks.
(b) Describe two processes involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks.
(c) Discuss three ways sedimentary rocks are important to man.

4. (a) Draw and label a well-developed soil profile.
(b) Describe the characteristics of any two horizons in the soil profile drawn in (a).
(c) Explain two factors responsible for the differences between the horizons.

SECTION B – HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Answer any three questions from this section.

1. (a) Explain how each of the following has affected world population:
(i) Improved medical care
(ii) Advances in technology and industry
(b) State four factors responsible for high population density in some regions of the world.

2. (a) Give three reasons for the low volume of trade between Nigeria and other African countries.
(b) Give three reasons for the high volume of trade between Nigeria and Britain.
(c) Suggest two ways to improve intra-African trade.

3. (a) On a sketch map of Nigeria, show and name one major industrial zone in each of the following areas:
(i) North of the Rivers Niger and Benue
(ii) East of the River Niger
(iii) West of the River Niger
(b) Name one cottage industry and one manufacturing industry found in any of the zones shown on your map.
(c) Explain two factors responsible for the location of each of the industries named in (b).

4. (a) Explain four factors that limit the rate of development in the southern coastlands of Nigeria.
(b) Suggest four ways in which the development of the region can be enhanced.

Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Answers to Geography Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Answers to Part One (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Geography exam questions for SS3 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of Geography Exam Questions for SS3 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Part Two (Theory / Essay)

SECTION A – PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Answers to Question 1.

(a) A topographic map is a detailed representation of the earth’s surface showing both natural and man-made features using symbols and contour lines to indicate relief.

(b) Three methods of representing relief on maps are:
(i) Contour lines
(ii) Layer colouring or layer tinting
(iii) Hachuring

(c) Relief influences communication because it affects the construction of roads, railways, and other transport routes. In mountainous areas like the Jos Plateau, steep slopes and rugged terrain make road construction difficult, while lowland areas such as the Niger Delta support easy road and rail development.

(d) Contour patterns show landforms in different ways:
(i) Closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes, while widely spaced lines indicate gentle slopes.
(ii) Circular contours with the lowest value in the centre show a depression, while those with the highest value in the centre indicate a hill or mountain.

Answers to Question 2.

(a) (i) Latitude is the angular distance of a place north or south of the equator, while longitude is the angular distance east or west of the Greenwich Meridian.
(ii) Standard Time is the uniform time adopted by countries within the same longitude zone, while Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is the time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude).

(b) Difference in time = 10:00 a.m. – 4:48 a.m. = 5 hours 12 minutes = 5.2 hours
Each 15° of longitude represents 1 hour difference.
Therefore, 5.2 × 15° = 78°
Since the local time is earlier than GMT, the place is west of Greenwich.
Hence, the longitude of the place = 78°W.

(c) Time varies from one longitude to another because:
(i) The earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, making every 15° difference in longitude correspond to one hour difference in time.
(ii) The rotation of the earth from west to east causes places east of Greenwich to experience sunrise earlier than those to the west.

Answers to Question 3.

(a) Sedimentary rocks are rocks formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments derived from pre-existing rocks, plants, or animals.

(b) Two processes involved in their formation are:
(i) Deposition – the laying down of sediments in layers at the bottom of seas, lakes, and rivers.
(ii) Compaction and cementation – the compression of accumulated sediments by overlying materials, followed by the binding of particles with natural cements like silica and calcium carbonate.

(c) Three ways sedimentary rocks are important to man are:
(i) They serve as sources of minerals such as coal, petroleum, and limestone.
(ii) They provide building materials like sandstone and limestone.
(iii) They contain fossils which help in studying the history of the earth.

Answers to Question 4.

(a) A well-developed soil profile shows three major horizons:
O – Organic layer, A – Topsoil, B – Subsoil, C – Parent material, and D – Bedrock.

(b) Characteristics of any two horizons:
(i) Horizon A (Topsoil): It is dark in colour, rich in humus and nutrients, and supports plant growth.
(ii) Horizon B (Subsoil): It contains less humus but more minerals leached from the upper layer and is usually lighter in colour.

(c) Two factors responsible for the differences between horizons are:
(i) Leaching, which transfers minerals from the topsoil to lower layers.
(ii) Biological activity, which is more intense in the upper layers due to the presence of plant roots and microorganisms.

SECTION B – HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Answers to Question 1.

(a) (i) Improved medical care has reduced death rates and increased life expectancy, resulting in population growth.
(ii) Advances in technology and industry have increased food production and job opportunities, attracting people to urban areas and boosting population.

(b) Four factors responsible for high population density include:
(i) Fertile soil and favourable climate.
(ii) Availability of social amenities and employment opportunities.
(iii) Industrialization and commercial activities.
(iv) Efficient transportation and communication systems.

Answers to Question 2.

(a) Three reasons for low volume of trade between Nigeria and other African countries:
(i) Poor transport and communication networks.
(ii) Similarity of goods and raw materials produced.
(iii) Trade barriers and political instability.

(b) Three reasons for high volume of trade between Nigeria and Britain:
(i) Colonial relationship and historical ties.
(ii) Availability of complementary goods and markets.
(iii) Reliable shipping routes and communication links.

(c) Two ways to improve intra-African trade:
(i) Development of transport and communication infrastructure.
(ii) Removal of trade barriers and promotion of regional economic organizations like ECOWAS and AU.

Answers to Question 3.

(a) On a sketch map of Nigeria:
(i) North of Rivers Niger and Benue – Kano Industrial Zone
(ii) East of River Niger – Enugu/Port Harcourt Industrial Zone
(iii) West of River Niger – Lagos/Ibadan Industrial Zone

(b) Cottage and manufacturing industries:
(i) Kano Zone – Cottage: Leather work; Manufacturing: Textile industry.
(ii) Enugu Zone – Cottage: Pottery; Manufacturing: Cement industry.
(iii) Lagos Zone – Cottage: Furniture making; Manufacturing: Vehicle assembly.

(c) Factors responsible for location of industries:
(i) Availability of raw materials.
(ii) Good transport network.
(iii) Large market and labour supply.
(iv) Access to power and water supply.

Answers to Question 4.

(a) Four factors limiting development in the southern coastlands of Nigeria include:
(i) Poor transport network due to swampy terrain.
(ii) Prevalence of diseases like malaria.
(iii) High rainfall leading to frequent flooding.
(iv) Low soil fertility due to leaching.

(b) Four ways the development of the region can be enhanced:
(i) Construction of bridges and all-season roads.
(ii) Implementation of effective drainage and flood control measures.
(iii) Provision of healthcare facilities and mosquito control.
(iv) Establishment of industries to create employment and promote development.

Read Also: Geography Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

How to Pass Geography Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Passing your Geography exam questions for SS3 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Know the syllabus.Get the official SS3 Geography syllabus. Tick off topics you have covered. Focus your revision on what the exam expects.
2. Make a revision plan.Set small daily goals. Mix theory, map work and past questions. Spend more time on weak topics. Rest well between sessions.
3. Learn key terms and definitions.Write short, exact definitions for words like relief, drainage, ecosystem, climate, contour interval. Practice saying them out loud.
4. Master map skills.Practice bearings, scale conversions, contour interpretation and sketch maps. These questions are common and score well when done correctly.
5. Practice past questions.Use WAEC/NECO style papers. Time yourself. Mark your answers and learn from mistakes. Repeat until you are consistent.
6. Use diagrams and sketches.Draw neat, labeled diagrams for processes and profiles (soil, drainage, rock cycle). A good diagram wins marks quickly.
7. Answer precisely in theory questions.Read each question twice. Use headings and short paragraphs. Give points and explain briefly. Avoid long, off-topic essays.
8. Improve map answers with calculations.Show steps for scale, distance and bearing. Write units. Examiners mark working, not only the final answer.
9. Revise environmental and human topics.Focus on causes, effects and solutions. For development questions, list clear ways to improve or manage a problem.
10. Manage exam time well.Allocate time for Objective and Essay sections. Do the questions you know first. Leave hard ones for later but keep moving.
11. Keep answers tidy.Write legibly. Number your answers. Use bullet points where allowed. Clean work looks confident to the examiner.
12. Stay calm and rest before the exam.A relaxed mind remembers facts better. Stay hydrated and get a good night’s sleep. Go in confident.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS3 First Term Questions on Geography, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap. Don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Best wishes…