Geography Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term

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 SS1 Third 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 Facebook. (Like and Follow Page)

Introduction to Geography as a School Subject

Geography is the study of the Earth, its features, and the people who live on it. It helps students understand the relationship between people and their environment, including how natural forces like weather, rivers, and mountains affect human activities.

As a school subject, Geography covers both physical and human aspects. Physical Geography deals with natural features like landforms, climate, and vegetation, while Human Geography focuses on population, settlements, transportation, and economic activities.

Geography helps students develop skills in map reading, observation, and critical thinking. It also increases awareness of global issues such as environmental pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Overall, Geography is an important subject that prepares students to become responsible and informed global citizens.

The subject is offered by students in Primary school and Secondary School as Geography.

Geography Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term

Geography Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term are divided into two sections:

• Section A
• Section B

Sêction A is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions. The second section, namely, Section B is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section.

Note that what you have below are SS1 Geography Third Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 3rd term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Essay

INSTRUCTION – Answer Question 1 and 3 other questions in this section.

1. a. State the five differences between parallels and meridians
b. When it is 15.00 hours local time at K (long 20°W, Lat 45°S) calculate the time and day at
(I) X (long 151°E, Lat 30°N)
(II) T (Long 70°W, Lat 40°S)
(III) Z (Long 100°E, Lat 20°N)

2. (a) With the aid of a diagram explain the outer layer of the earth crust.
b. List three importance of each of
(I) Hydrosphere
(II) Biosphere

3. (a) In what four ways does a town differ from a village?
b. Explain with examples, four functions which a town may perform for a village.

4. (a) With the aid of diagrams and examples, write explanatory notes on any two of the following.
(i) Rift valley
(ii) Horst
(iii) Volcanic mountain

b. Last four importance of mountain to man.

5. (a) What is a plateau?
(b) Describe the formation of;
(I) Tectonic Plateaux
(II) Dissected Plateaux
(c) Last four importance of Plain

6. Explain five (5) types of depositional Plain

SECTION B: Objectives

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

1. How was the major mountain belts of the world produced?
A. By wind erosion
B. By folding
C. By glacial erosion
D. By weathering

2. Identify the pair of forces/processes which may be responsible for the formation of rift valleys:
1. Centrifugal 2. Erosional 3. Compressional 4. Magnetic 5. Faulting
A. 1 and 5         B. 2 and 3
C. 3 and 4         D. 5 and 3

3. A ship’s radioed message on the high sea at 5:45pm was heard at Abidjan (5°W) at 11.15am on the Sunday. Find the position of the ship
A. 90°E          B. 92°30°E
C. 95°E          D. 100°E

4. Which of these statements is NOT true of the great circle?
A. The equator is a great circle
B. The great circle is the large circle one can draw on a sphere
C. All great circles bisect the earth
D. Each meridian is a great circle

5. The Enugu-Nsukka plateau in Nigeria is an example of
A. Intermontane plateau
B. Volcanic plateau
C. Dissected plateau
D. Tectonic plateau

6. The difference between towns and villages is that
A. Towns perform more tertiary functions
B. Villages have more food
C. Villages have more occupations
D. Towns produce more children

7. Venus is often described as the Earth’s twin because
A. It has a natural satellite
B. It supports life
C. It has the same diameter
D. Of its proximity in size and density

8. The Atlas mountain is found in which continent?
A. Asia               B. Europe
C. America         D. Africa

9. An international foot ball match is scheduled to start at 4.45pm local time Alexandria, Egypt, which lies on longitude 30°E. What will be the local time at Botuake, Ivory Coast, on longitude 5°W
A. 2.25pm        B. 2.05pm
C. 2.45pm        D. 6.45pm

10. Which of the following is not a sedimentary rock?
A. Coal        B. Slate
C. Clay        D. Sand

11. Which of the following is not a characteristic of the International Date Line?
A. A traveller loses a day by crossing from the East to the West.
B. A traveller gains a day crossing from West to East
C. Local time is the same on either side
D. The line has a Zigzag shape

12. The earth
A. Rotates on its axis round the moon
B. Is inclined at 23° on its orbital plane
C. Revolves round the sun in 365 days
D. Is inclined at 66° on its orbital plane

13. Mountain induced rainfall is called
A. Relief Rainfall
B. Orographic Rainfall
C. Original Rainfall
D. Orogenic Rainfall

14. When it is 12.00noon on long 30°W local time, long 75°E is
A. 5.00am         B. 7.00pm
C. 3.00pm         D. 4.00am

15. In which of the following rock types is petroleum mainly found?
A. Igneous         B. Sedimentary
C. Plutonic         D. Metamorphic

16. Ferrell’s law states that winds deflect to the
A. Right in both Hemispheres
B. Left in both hemisphere
C. Left in the Northern Hemisphere and to the right in the southern hemisphere
D. Right in the Northern hemisphere and left in the southern hemisphere

17. A radio message sent from Lagos at 2pm was received at another location at 7am the same day what is the approximate longitudinal location of the place.
A. 105°E         B. 90°E
C. 90°W         D. 105°E

18. Latitudes 62° North and South of the equator are important because they
A. Are called the Arctic and Antarctic circles
B. Indicate the angle of inclination of the axis of the earth’s rotation
C. Mark the limits of the polar areas which experience periods continuous right and daylight
D. Mark precipitation in the form of snow

19. Which of this African mountain is NOT volcanic?
A. Kilimanjaro        B. Cameroon
C. Kenya                D. Ruwenzori

20. A soccer match which began at 1800hours GMT at town S on longitude 90°W was telecast live to an audience in town T on longitude 15°E. The local times in town S and T were respectively
A. 12noon and 7pm
B. 12 midnight and 7.00am
C. 12midnight and 7.00pm
D. 12noon and 7.00am

21. U and V are two places along the same meridian on latitudes 20N and 250N respectively. The shortest distance between the two places is approximately
A. 500km         B. 560km
C. 620km         D. 680km

22. At the summer Solstice (June 21), which of the following latitudes will have the shortest night?
A. 60°S          B. 30°N
C. 60°N         D. 30°S

23. When it is noon at the Greenwich meridian, the time is 5:00pm on longitude
A. 75°W         B. 82°E
C. 82°W         D. 75°E

24. Which of the following sedimentary rocks is mechanically formed?
A. Chalk         B. Coal
C. Shale         D. Limestone

25. A traveller from South America, on crossing the International Date Line to Asia at 12noon on Tuesday, would sail into
A. Monday noon
B. Tuesday noon
C. Wednesday noon
D. Wednesday mid-night

26. If the deadline given Iraq expired at 7pm(ET) on 15th January 1991 in New York USA(long 75°W), at what time did it expire in Baghdad (long 45°E)?
A. 8pm, 15th January
B. 9pm, 15th January
C. 12mid-night, 15th January
D. 3am, 16th January

27. The four basic components of the physical environment are
A. Atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere
B. Thermosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere
C. atmosphere, laccolith, hydrosphere and biosphere
D. atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and ecosystem

Use the diagram to answer question 28 and 29

(Image of a diagram with sections labelled T, X, Y, Z)

28. The divisions marked T, X, Y and Z are known collectively as
A. ozonations
B. Bedding planes
C. Sedimentation
D. Geologic formations

29. The feature marked PQ is a fault
A. Line           B. Scarp
C. Slope         D. Plane

30. The earth’s crust consist essentially of
A. Magnesium and silica
B. Silica and aluminium
C. Calcium and aluminium
D. Magnesium and calcium

31. Which of the following rock types is formed through the ejection of magma onto the surface of the earth?
A. Lignite         B. Granite
C. Slate            D. Basalt

32. Rocks that are composed of particles derived from previously existing rocks are called
A. Metamorphic rocks
B. Intrusive rocks
C. Sedimentary rocks
D. Extrusive rocks

33. Mountains formed as a result of compression forces are known as
A. Block Mountains
B. Fold Mountains
C. Residual Mountains
D. Volcanic Mountains

34. An example of an atmospheric resource is
A. Water        B. Coal
C. Tin             D. Petroleum

35. Igneous rocks are different from sedimentary rocks by their
A. appearance and origin
B. Shape and size
C. Density and appearance
D. Area and density

36. The highest mountain in Africa is found in
A. Cameroun       B. Ethiopia
C. Kenya              D. Ruwenzori

37. On September 23 each year, the earth experiences the
A. Summer solstice
B. Autumnal equinox
C. Winter solstice
D. Vernal equinox

38. Which of the following explains the variation in the lengths of day and night with the season?
A. Earth’s rotation on its axis
B. Earth’s revolution along its orbit
C. The inclination of the earth
D. The spherical shape of the earth

39. Which of the following pairs of longitudes forms a great circle?
A. 60°E and 140°E
B. 40°W and 140°E
C. 20°W and 160°W
D. 10°E and 180°E

40. Sedimentary rocks are easily recognized in the field because they
A. Form rounded hills
B. Are faulted
C. Form vertical columns
D. Occur in layers

41. Which of the following sets of rocks is organically formed?
A. Rock salt, breccias and conglomerate
B. Clay, mudstone and sandstone
C. Peat, chalk and limestone
D. Grit, coal and shale

42. The portion of the earth that contains life is the
A. Atmosphere        B. Hydrosphere
C. Lithosphere         D. Biosphere

43. Basaltic plateau are usually formed by a lava that is
A. Basic and fluid
B. Acidic and fluid ‘
C. Acidic and viscous
D. Basic and viscous

Use the diagram below to answer question 44 and 45

(Image of a diagram showing a fault line labeled F)

44. The feature marked F is a
A. normal fault
B. thrust fault
C. Tear fault
D. reversed fault

45. The force that is responsible for this type of process is primarily
A. Tensional
B. Compressional
C. Gravitational
D. kinetic

46. A traveller crossing the International Date Line from America to Asia at 12 midnight on Sunday would have to change his watch to 12 midnight on
A. Sunday         B. Monday
C. Tuesday        D. Saturday

47. The live commentary of a football match which started at 4:00pm at a place on longitude 15°E will be received by a listener in a town on longitude 160°W at
A. 6.20am same day
B. 4.20am same day
C. 1.40am next day
D. 3.40am next day

48. The time difference between a place on longitude 350W and another on longitude 250E
A. 2hrs         B. 3hrs
C. 4hrs         D. 5hrs

49. The South Pole is in darkness from
A. December 22nd of a year to June 21st of the next year
B. March 21st to September 22nd of the same year
C. September 22nd of a year to March 21st of the next
D. June 21st to December 22nd of the same year

50. If the standard time of a country is GMT +1hrs which longitude’s local time is adopted by the country?
A. 60°W      B. 60°E
C. 16°E        D. 15°E

Answers to Geography Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term

Answers to Section A (Theory)

1. a. Differences between Parallels and Meridians

Here are five differences between parallels and meridians:

1. Definition: Parallels are imaginary lines running parallel to the equator, indicating latitude, while meridians are imaginary lines running from the North Pole to the South Pole, indicating longitude.
2. Direction: Parallels run east to west, while meridians run north to south.
3. Length: Parallels decrease in length as they move towards the poles, with the equator being the longest. Meridians are all of equal length.
4. Measurement: Parallels measure distance north or south of the equator (latitude), while meridians measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian (longitude).
5. Reference Point: The equator is the reference point for parallels (0° latitude), while the Prime Meridian is the reference point for meridians (0° longitude).

1. b. Time and Day Calculations

To calculate the time and day at different locations, we use the concept that the Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, or 15° per hour.

(I) Time and Day at X (151°E) when it is 15:00 hours at K (20°W)

1. Difference in Longitude: 151°E + 20°W = 171°
2. Time Difference in Hours: 171° / 15°/hour = 11.4 hours = 11 hours and 24 minutes.
3. Time at X: Since X is east of K, we add the time difference. 15:00 + 11:24 = 26:24. This is 2:24 the next day.
4. Day at X: If K is on a certain day, X is on the next day.
5. Answer: The time at X is 2:24 the next day.

(II) Time and Day at T (70°W) when it is 15:00 hours at K (20°W)

1. Difference in Longitude: 70°W – 20°W = 50°
2. Time Difference in Hours: 50° / 15°/hour = 3.33 hours = 3 hours and 20 minutes.
3. Time at T: Since T is west of K, we subtract the time difference. 15:00 – 3:20 = 11:40
4. Day at T: T is on the same day as K.
5. Answer: The time at T is 11:40 the same day.

(III) Time and Day at Z (100°E) when it is 15:00 hours at K (20°W)

1. Difference in Longitude: 100°E + 20°W = 120°
2. Time Difference in Hours: 120° / 15°/hour = 8 hours.
3. Time at Z: Since Z is east of K, we add the time difference. 15:00 + 8:00 = 23:00.
4. Day at Z: Z is on the same day as K.
5. Answer: The time at Z is 23:00 the same day.

2. (a) Outer Layer of the Earth’s Crust

The Earth’s crust is the outermost and solid layer of the Earth. It is relatively thin compared to other layers. It is not a single, continuous piece, but rather is made up of several pieces called tectonic plates.

A diagram illustrating the Earth’s crust:

The crust is composed of various types of rocks and minerals. There are two types of crust:

• Continental Crust: Thicker (up to 70 km) and less dense, primarily composed of granite.
• Oceanic Crust: Thinner (about 5-10 km) and denser, mainly composed of basalt.

2. (b) Importance of Hydrosphere and Biosphere

(I) Importance of Hydrosphere

1. Source of Water: Provides fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
2. Climate Regulation: Oceans and other water bodies help regulate global temperatures and weather patterns.
3. Transportation: Rivers and oceans serve as important routes for transportation and trade.
4. Habitat: Supports a diverse range of aquatic life.
5. Recreation and Tourism: Provides opportunities for recreational activities like swimming, fishing, and boating.

(II) Importance of Biosphere

1. Provides Food: Plants and animals within the biosphere are sources of food for humans and other organisms.
2. Oxygen Production: Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which is essential for the survival of most living organisms.
3. Nutrient Cycling: The biosphere plays a crucial role in cycling nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
4. Ecosystem Services: Provides essential services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
5. Biodiversity: The variety of life forms contributes to the stability and resilience of ecosystems.

3. (a) Differences between a Town and a Village

Here are four ways in which a town differs from a village:

1. Population Size: Towns generally have a larger population than villages.
2. Economic Activities: Towns have a more diversified economy with a focus on secondary (manufacturing) and tertiary (services) activities, while villages are often centered on primary activities like agriculture.
3. Infrastructure and Services: Towns typically have better infrastructure, including transportation networks, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public utilities, compared to villages.
4. Administrative Functions: Towns often serve as administrative centers with local government offices, providing services to the surrounding areas, a role less pronounced in villages.

3. (b) Functions of a Town for a Village

Here are four functions a town may perform for a village:

1. Market Center: A town provides a marketplace where villagers can sell their agricultural products and buy manufactured goods and other necessities (e.g., villagers selling crops at a town market
   Service Provision: Towns offer access to essential services such as healthcare (hospitals, clinics), education (secondary schools, colleges), and banking, which are not readily available in villages (e.g., villagers going to a town for medical treatment or to attend a secondary school).
2. Transportation Hub: Towns often serve as transportation hubs, connecting villages to larger cities and facilitating the movement of people and goods (e.g., a village having a bus stop with routes going to the town).
3. Administrative Center: Towns house local government offices that provide administrative services to the surrounding villages, such as issuing permits, collecting taxes, and maintaining law and order (e.g., villagers going to the town’s local government office for land registration).

4. (a) Explanatory Notes on Landforms

(i) Rift Valley

A rift valley is a linear-shaped lowland between several highlands or mountain ranges created by the action of a geologic fault or faulting. It is characterized by parallel steep-sided faults.

A diagram of a rift valley:

Formation: Rift valleys are formed by tensional forces in the Earth’s crust that cause it to stretch and break. The central block of land subsides (sinks) relative to the flanking blocks.

Examples: The East African Rift System, the Rhine Valley in Europe.

(ii) Horst

A horst is a raised block of the Earth’s crust that has been uplifted along fault lines relative to the blocks on either side. It is the opposite of a graben (or rift valley).

A diagram of a Horst and Graben:

Formation: Horsts are formed by the same tensional forces that create rift valleys. When the central block is uplifted instead of subsiding, a horst is created.

Examples: The Vosges Mountains in France (adjacent to the Rhine Graben), the Harz Mountains in Germany.

4. (b) Importance of Mountains to Man

Mountains are important to humans in several ways:

1. Water Source: Mountains act as major water catchments. Snow and ice melt provide water for rivers, supporting agriculture, industry, and domestic use in lowland areas.
2. Tourism and Recreation: Mountains offer scenic landscapes and opportunities for activities like hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, boosting tourism and local economies.
3. Resource Extraction: Mountains are often rich in mineral resources such as ores, metals, and precious stones, which are extracted for industrial use.
4. Forestry: Mountain slopes often support forests that provide timber, fuelwood, and other forest products, which are vital for local communities and industries.

5. (a) Definition of a Plateau

A plateau is a large, relatively flat highland area that rises sharply above the surrounding terrain. It is also known as a tableland.

5. (b) Formation of Plateaux

(I) Tectonic Plateaux

Tectonic plateaus are formed by the slow, large-scale uplift of the Earth’s crust, often associated with tectonic plate movements.

Formation can occur in several ways. One way is when colliding continental plates cause a broad area to be uplifted.

Example: The Tibetan Plateau, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

(II) Dissected Plateaux

Dissected plateaus are formed when a plateau is gradually eroded by rivers and streams, which carve deep valleys and canyons into the previously flat surface.

Formation: The plateau is initially uplifted by tectonic forces. Then, rivers cut through the plateau over long periods, creating a complex network of valleys. The plateau surface, though still relatively high, becomes dissected by these valleys.

Example: The Colorado Plateau in the United States, dissected by the Colorado River, forming the Grand Canyon.

5. (c) Importance of Plains

Plains offer many advantages for human activities.

1. Agriculture: Plains are often fertile due to alluvial deposits and are well-suited for farming. They support the growth of crops.
2. Settlement: The flat terrain of plains makes it easier to build settlements, cities, and transportation networks.
3. Transportation: Construction of roads and railways is easier and less costly on plains than in hilly or mountainous areas.
4. Industrial Development: The flat land provides ample space for setting up industries and factories.

6. Types of Depositional Plains

Depositional plains are formed by the accumulation of sediments over time. Here are five types:

1. Alluvial Plains: Formed by the deposition of sediments (alluvium) carried by rivers. These plains are often very fertile due to the rich deposits. (Example: Indo-Gangetic Plain in India and Pakistan).
2. Floodplains: Formed by the periodic flooding of a river, where sediment is deposited on the adjacent land. (Example: Mississippi River Floodplain in the USA).
3. Lacustrine Plains: Created by the deposition of sediments at the bottom of a lake. When the lake dries up, it leaves behind a flat plain. (Example: Plains around the former Lake Bonneville in Utah, USA).
4. Deltaic Plains: Formed at the mouth of a river where it enters a large body of water (ocean, sea, or lake). The river deposits its sediment load, creating a flat, fan-shaped plain. (Example: Nile Delta in Egypt).
5. Coastal Plains: Formed by the deposition of sediments along the coast, often by wave action and river deposition. They are usually flat and gently sloping. (Example: Atlantic Coastal Plain of the USA).

Answers to Section B (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Geography exam questions for SS1 Third 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 SS1 Third term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

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How to Pass Geography Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term

Passing your Geography exam questions for SS1 Third term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Know the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the third term topics such as climate, vegetation, map reading, and human activities. Make a checklist to track your progress.

2. Study with Visuals: Use diagrams, maps, and charts to help you understand concepts like rainfall distribution, types of vegetation, and population patterns.

3. Practice Map Reading: Learn to interpret topographical maps and practice using compass directions, scale, and grid references. These questions are common in exams.

4. Memorize Key Terms: Geography includes definitions and explanations. Use flashcards to remember terms like erosion, deforestation, savanna, and ecosystem.

5. Revise Regularly: Don’t wait till exam week to start studying. Review your notes often and summarize each topic in your own words.

6. Answer Past Questions: Solve past questions to understand how questions are structured and what examiners expect in your answers.

7. Pay Attention to Examples: Use real-world examples to support your answers. For example, mention the Sahara Desert when discussing deserts in Africa.

8. Stay Calm and Focused: During the exam, read instructions carefully, plan your time well, and answer the questions you know first.

By following these steps and staying consistent, you can perform excellently in your SS1 Third Term Geography exam.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS1 Third Term Questions on Geography, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap.

Best wishes.

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