PYQs – Class 10 Geography Chapter 1: Resources and Development | CBSE | GPN

📚 Past Year Questions (PYQs) 2019-2024

This section contains 35 authentic questions from CBSE board exams (2019 to 2024) for Geography Chapter 1: Resources and Development. Organized by marks category with crisp answers. Master these to score full marks in the geography section.

🌱 Chapter 1 Focus Areas

This chapter is the foundation of Geography and typically carries 6-8 marks. High-weightage topics: Classification of resources, sustainable development, resource planning in India, land resources, and soil types.

Most Repeated: Soil types (7 times), Resource classification (5 times), Sustainable development (4 times)

Map Skills: Soil distribution map is almost guaranteed

Confusion Alert: Students often mix up Black soil and Laterite soil properties

PART A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each)

Answer in one word or one sentence. Keep it precise and to the point.

What is a resource? [CBSE 2024]
Answer: Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy human needs, provided it is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.
Name two states having black soil. [CBSE 2024]
Answer: Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Define sustainable development. [CBSE 2023]
⚠️ Repeated
Answer: Development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What is Agenda 21? [CBSE 2023]
Answer: Agenda 21 is a declaration signed by world leaders at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, aiming at achieving global sustainable development.
Name any two states where laterite soil is found. [CBSE 2022]
Answer: Karnataka and Kerala.
What is Net Sown Area? [CBSE 2022]
Answer: The physical extent of land on which crops are sown and harvested during a particular agricultural year.
What is land degradation? [CBSE 2021]
Answer: Decline in the quality of land resources due to human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, mining, etc.
Name two states where alluvial soil is found. [CBSE 2021]
Answer: Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
What is a renewable resource? [CBSE 2020]
Answer: Resources which can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical or mechanical processes. Example: Solar energy, wind energy.
What is soil erosion? [CBSE 2020]
Answer: The removal of topsoil by natural agents like wind, water, and human activities.

PART B: Short Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

Explain the classification of resources on the basis of ownership with examples. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
Answer: Classification based on ownership:

(1) Individual Resources: Owned privately by individuals. Examples: Houses, plots, plantations.
(2) Community Owned Resources: Accessible to all members of community. Examples: Grazing grounds, burial grounds, public parks.
(3) National Resources: Owned by the nation. Examples: Roads, railways, mines, water resources.
(4) International Resources: Regulated by international institutions. Examples: Oceanic resources beyond 200km Exclusive Economic Zone.
Describe any three features of arid soil. [CBSE 2024, 3 marks]
Answer: Features of arid soil:

(1) Found in arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat.
(2) Sandy in texture and saline in nature.
(3) Lacks humus and moisture due to dry climate.
(4) After proper irrigation, can be used for cultivation.
(5) Often contains kankar layers which restrict water infiltration.
Explain the importance of conservation of resources. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Importance of resource conservation:

(1) Prevents depletion of resources for future generations.
(2) Reduces environmental degradation and pollution.
(3) Ensures sustainable development.
(4) Maintains ecological balance.
(5) Prevents wastage and promotes efficient utilization.
Describe the distribution of alluvial soil in India. [CBSE 2023, 3 marks]
Answer: Distribution of alluvial soil:

(1) Covers about 40% of total land area of India.
(2) Found in entire northern plains (Punjab to Assam).
(3) Also found in eastern coastal plains (deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri).
(4) Most fertile soil, rich in potash, phosphoric acid, and lime.
(5) Divided into Khadar (new) and Bangar (old) alluvial.
Explain any three factors responsible for soil formation. [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
⚠️ High Probability
Answer: Factors for soil formation:

(1) Parent Rock: Determines colour, texture, mineral content.
(2) Climate: Temperature and rainfall affect rate of weathering.
(3) Relief: Altitude and slope determine accumulation of soil.
(4) Flora, Fauna and Microorganisms: Affect humus content.
(5) Time: Longer the time, thicker the soil profile.
What is resource planning? Why is it necessary? [CBSE 2022, 3 marks]
Answer: Resource planning is the strategy for judicious use of resources.

Necessity:
(1) Resources are limited but human wants are unlimited.
(2) To prevent over-exploitation and environmental degradation.
(3) For equitable distribution of resources.
(4) For sustainable development.
(5) To identify and develop backward regions.
Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer:

Renewable Resources: (1) Can be renewed/replenished quickly (2) Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, forests (3) Generally pollution-free

Non-renewable Resources: (1) Cannot be renewed quickly (2) Examples: Coal, petroleum, minerals (3) Take millions of years to form
Explain any three human activities responsible for land degradation in India. [CBSE 2021, 3 marks]
Answer: Human activities causing land degradation:

(1) Deforestation: Cutting trees without proper reforestation.
(2) Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock.
(3) Mining: Leaves deep scars and traces of overburdening.
(4) Industrialization: Disposal of industrial effluents.
(5) Over-irrigation: Leads to waterlogging and salinity.
Describe any three features of black soil. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
⚠️ Most Important
Answer: Features of black soil (Regur soil):

(1) Clayey in texture, deep and impermeable.
(2) Rich in iron, lime, calcium, potash, aluminium, magnesium.
(3) Develops cracks during dry season, helps in aeration.
(4) Retains moisture for long time.
(5) Ideal for cotton cultivation (also called black cotton soil).
Why is soil considered as a resource? Explain with three arguments. [CBSE 2020, 3 marks]
Answer: Soil as a resource:

(1) Agricultural Base: Essential for growing crops, food production.
(2) Natural Habitat: Supports flora and fauna.
(3) Water Filtration: Filters and purifies groundwater.
(4) Cultural Significance: Basis of civilizations.
(5) Raw Material: Source of minerals and nutrients.

PART C: Long Answer Questions (5 Marks Each)

Explain the steps involved in resource planning in India. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]
Answer: Steps in resource planning:

(1) Identification and Inventory: Surveying, mapping, and quantifying resources.
(2) Evolving Planning Structure: Developing appropriate technology and institutions.
(3) Matching Resource Development Plans: With overall national development plans.

In India, resource planning includes: - National Forest Policy (1952) - Five Year Plans - Watershed management programs - Various conservation programs

Describe the different types of soil found in India. Write two characteristics of each. [CBSE 2024, 5 marks]

⚠️ Most Important

Answer: Major soil types in India:

Soil Type	Characteristics	Regions
Alluvial Soil	1. Most fertile, rich in potash, lime 2. Khadar (new) & Bangar (old)	Northern Plains, Eastern Coastal Plains
Black Soil	1. Clayey, retains moisture 2. Rich in iron, lime, calcium	Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP
Red Soil	1. Red due to iron oxide 2. Less fertile, sandy	Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha
Laterite Soil	1. Leached soil, low fertility 2. Good for bricks	Karnataka, Kerala, Assam
Arid Soil	1. Sandy, saline 2. Kankar layer present	Rajasthan, Gujarat

Explain land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960-61? [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Land use pattern in India:

(1) Net Sown Area: 54% (2014-15)
(2) Forest Area: 22.5% (far less than required 33%)
(3) Fallow Land: 7.7%
(4) Barren Land: 6.3%
(5) Permanent Pastures: 3.4%

Reasons for low forest increase:
(1) Increasing population pressure on land
(2) Illegal encroachment and deforestation
(3) Industrial and urban development
(4) Mining activities
(5) Slow implementation of afforestation programs
Describe the measures to control soil erosion. [CBSE 2023, 5 marks]
Answer: Measures to control soil erosion:

(1) Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along contour lines to form natural barriers.
(2) Terrace Farming: Steps built on slopes to reduce runoff.
(3) Strip Cropping: Growing strips of grass between crops.
(4) Shelter Belts: Planting rows of trees to check wind erosion.
(5) Afforestation: Planting trees to bind the soil.
(6) Constructing Dams: To control river floods.
(7) Gully Plugging: Planting trees in gullies to stabilize them.
Explain the classification of resources on the basis of origin and exhaustibility. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer:

A. On basis of origin:
(1) Biotic Resources: Obtained from biosphere, have life. Examples: Forests, animals, birds.
(2) Abiotic Resources: Non-living. Examples: Rocks, metals, minerals.

B. On basis of exhaustibility:
(1) Renewable Resources: Can be renewed. Examples: Solar energy, wind energy.
(2) Non-renewable Resources: Cannot be renewed quickly. Examples: Coal, petroleum.
Describe the major problems caused due to indiscriminate use of resources by human beings. [CBSE 2022, 5 marks]
Answer: Problems due to indiscriminate resource use:

(1) Depletion of Resources: Non-renewable resources getting exhausted.
(2) Environmental Degradation: Pollution of air, water, soil.
(3) Global Warming: Due to excessive use of fossil fuels.
(4) Loss of Biodiversity: Habitat destruction.
(5) Resource Conflicts: Wars and disputes over resources.
(6) Social Inequality: Unequal access to resources.
Explain the concept of sustainable development with its goals. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Sustainable development:

Concept: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Goals:
(1) Conservation of resources for future
(2) Environmental protection
(3) Social equality and justice
(4) Economic growth with ecological balance
(5) Reduction of poverty

Rio Earth Summit 1992: Adopted Agenda 21 for achieving sustainable development.
Describe the distribution and characteristics of red and yellow soil in India. [CBSE 2021, 5 marks]
Answer: Red and Yellow Soil:

Distribution: (1) Parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh
(2) Southern parts of middle Ganga plain
(3) Eastern parts of Western Ghats
(4) Parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh

Characteristics: (1) Red color due to diffusion of iron in crystalline igneous rocks
(2) Yellow color when hydrated
(3) Sandy and less fertile
(4) Deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, humus
(5) Suitable for cultivation with proper use of fertilizers
Explain why resource planning is essential in a country like India. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Resource planning essential for India because:

(1) Uneven Distribution: Resources not evenly distributed. Example: Coal in Jharkhand, oil in Mumbai High.
(2) Large Population: Huge population puts pressure on limited resources.
(3) Regional Disparities: Some regions rich, others poor in resources.
(4) Development Needs: Rapid industrialization requires careful planning.
(5) Conservation: To prevent over-exploitation and degradation.
(6) Sustainable Development: To ensure resources for future generations.
Describe the features and problems of laterite soil. [CBSE 2020, 5 marks]
Answer: Laterite Soil:

Features: (1) Formed under high temperature and rainfall with wet and dry spells
(2) Intense leaching due to heavy rainfall
(3) Low humus content as microorganisms get destroyed
(4) Rich in iron and aluminium compounds
(5) Suitable for building material (bricks)

Problems: (1) Low fertility due to leaching
(2) Requires heavy manuring
(3) Poor water retention capacity
(4) Acidic in nature
(5) Limited crop suitability

PART D: Map-based Questions (2 Marks Each)

Note: These locations are crucial for map work in Geography.

On the outline map of India, identify: (i) Region of black soil (ii) Region of laterite soil [CBSE 2024, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Black soil: Western and central India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP). (ii) Laterite soil: Western Ghats region (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu).
Locate: (i) Alluvial soil region (ii) Arid soil region [CBSE 2023, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Alluvial soil: Northern Plains (Punjab to Assam). (ii) Arid soil: Western Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Identify: (i) Mountain soil region (ii) Forest soil region [CBSE 2022, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Mountain soil: Himalayan region. (ii) Forest soil: Forested areas of Himalayas and other hill ranges.
Locate: (i) Red soil region (ii) Areas of soil erosion [CBSE 2021, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Red soil: Deccan Plateau (Southern states). (ii) Soil erosion: Chambal ravines (MP), Shiwalik hills.
Identify: (i) Khadar region (ii) Bangar region [CBSE 2020, 2 marks]
Answer: (i) Khadar: New alluvial areas near rivers. (ii) Bangar: Old alluvial areas away from rivers in northern plains.

🌱 Chapter 1 Exam Strategy

Soil Types Mastery: Make a comparative table of all 6 soil types - features, crops, regions

Map Practice: Soil distribution map is 100% asked. Practice shading different soil regions

Definitions: Resource, sustainable development, Agenda 21 - learn exact definitions

Case Studies: Remember specific state examples for each soil type

Common Mistake: Don't confuse Laterite with Black soil. Laterite is leached, Black retains moisture

⚠️ Pro Tip: "Soil types comparison" and "Resource classification" appear every year. Prepare these topics thoroughly with tabular format for 5-mark answers.

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