NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 1: Geography as a Discipline | Line-by-Line MCQs & Mains Questions for UPSC


Chapter Insights

📚 NCERT Integrated 📖 Standard Book Ref ✅ PSC & UPSC Aligned

This chapter introduces geography as a fundamental field of study that explores the spatial attributes and areal differentiation of the Earth's surface. It defines geography not merely as a description of the Earth (from the Greek roots geo meaning 'earth' and graphos meaning 'description'), but as an integrating discipline that synthesizes data from both natural and social sciences.

The core of geography lies in asking three types of questions: What? (identifying features), Where? (locating their distribution), and most importantly, Why? (explaining the causal relationships and processes behind spatial patterns). The chapter emphasizes the dynamic, two-way interaction between humans and their physical environment, where nature provides the stage and resources, and humans, through technology and culture, modify and adapt to it.

The chapter systematically outlines the main branches of geography: Physical Geography (studying lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere), Human Geography (examining social, economic, political, and historical aspects), and Biogeography (the interface between the two).

It concludes by highlighting the critical importance of Physical Geography in understanding and managing natural resources for sustainable development, stressing that a proper understanding of the physical environment is essential to address modern ecological challenges.

Note on Coverage: These questions are developed through a line-by-line analysis of the textbook. This ensures that even the smaller details and nuanced concepts often overlooked are covered for comprehensive exam preparation.

Preparation Method

We recommend reading the NCERT chapter thoroughly before attempting these questions. The page numbers provided correspond to the actual textbook pages to help you locate the source material quickly. Attempt the questions first and use the toggles only to verify your answers.

Section A: Descriptive Questions

Objective: Practice drafting concise responses of 150-250 words to strengthen your conceptual understanding for subjective exams.

  1. Why should we study geography? Explain with examples. (Pg. 2) Page 2
  2. How is geography different from and related to other sciences? (Pg. 3) Page 3
  3. Describe the dynamic interactive relationship between 'Nature' and 'Human' as explained in the chapter. (Pg. 3) Page 3
  4. List and explain the three sets of questions geography is concerned with. (Pg. 4) Page 4
  5. Explain how geography is an integrating discipline, with an example from history. (Pg. 4) Page 4
  6. What is Biogeography? Name its sub-branches. (Pg. 8) Page 8
  7. Explain the importance of Physical Geography with examples of how each element (lithosphere, atmosphere, etc.) is important for human beings. (Pg. 9) Page 9

Section B1: Multiple Choice Questions

Objective: These questions focus on factual accuracy and conceptual clarity required for objective testing.

Page 2

Who coined the term 'Geography'? (Pg. 2)

A) HerodotusB) EratosthenesC) GalileoD) Aristotle
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 2
Page 3

Geography was logically perceived as the study of what? (Pg. 3)

A) Spatial attributesB) Areal differentiationC) Temporal synthesisD) Human ecology
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 3
Page 4

The question 'why?' in geography is related to: (Pg. 4)

A) Identification of featuresB) Distribution of featuresC) Causal relationshipsD) Locational aspects
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 4
Page 6

Which aspect of geography did Alexander Von Humboldt introduce? (Pg. 6)

A) Regional approachB) Human GeographyC) Systematic approachD) Biogeography
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 6
Page 6

Which branch of physical geography is devoted to the study of landforms? (Pg. 6)

A) ClimatologyB) HydrologyC) GeomorphologyD) Soil Geography
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 6
Page 7

The study of population growth, distribution, and density falls under which branch? (Pg. 7)

A) Social GeographyB) Economic GeographyC) Population GeographyD) Political Geography
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 7
Page 8

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common aspect of geographical methods and techniques? (Pg. 8)

A) CartographyB) Field SurveyC) Geo-informaticsD) Theoretical Modelling
View Answer
Answer: D
Source Reference: Page 8
Page 9

According to the chapter, which resource has India developed technology for collecting from the oceanic bed? (Pg. 9)

A) PetroleumB) Natural GasC) Manganese nodulesD) Polymetallic sulphides
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 9
Page 10

(Exercise) Which one of the following features can be termed as a 'physical feature'? (Pg. 10)

A) PortB) RoadC) PlainD) Water park
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 10
Page 10

(Exercise) Which one of the following questions is related to cause-effect relationship? (Pg. 10)

A) WhyB) WhereC) WhatD) When
View Answer
Answer: A
Source Reference: Page 10
Page 10

(Exercise) Which one of the following disciplines attempts temporal synthesis? (Pg. 10)

A) SociologyB) GeographyC) AnthropologyD) History
View Answer
Answer: D
Source Reference: Page 10

Section B2: One-Word / Factual Check

Objective: A quick review of key terms, dates, and essential data points from the chapter.

The Greek root 'graphos' means ______. (Pg. 2) Page 2

Show Answer
description (Reference: Page 2)

A geographer explains phenomena in a frame of ______ relationship. (Pg. 3) Page 3

Show Answer
cause and effect (Reference: Page 3)

Geography as a discipline takes note of ______ characteristics and attributes. (Pg. 4) Page 4

Show Answer
spatial (Reference: Page 4)

The regional geography approach was developed by ______. (Pg. 6) Page 6

Show Answer
Karl Ritter (Reference: Page 6)

The study of structure of atmosphere and elements of weather is called ______. (Pg. 6) Page 6

Show Answer
Climatology (Reference: Page 6)

______ Geography studies the historical processes through which space gets organised. (Pg. 7) Page 7

Show Answer
Historical (Reference: Page 7)

The new branch of geography concerned with problems like land degradation and pollution is ______ Geography. (Pg. 8) Page 8

Show Answer
Environmental (Reference: Page 8)

The study of physical geography is emerging as a discipline of evaluating and managing ______. (Pg. 9) Page 9

Show Answer
natural resources (Reference: Page 9)

(Exercise) The correct pair for 'Pedology' is ______. (Pg. 10) Page 10

Show Answer
Soil Geography (Reference: Page 10)


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 2: The Earth | Line-by-Line MCQs & Mains Questions for UPSC

Chapter Insights 📚 NCERT Integrated 📖 Standard Book Ref ✅ PSC & UPSC Aligned This chapter takes us on a journey to understand how our planet came into being. It begins by exploring fundamental questions about the stars and the universe, moving from early theories like the Nebular Hypothesis to the modern Big Bang Theory, which describes the universe's violent birth and ongoing expansion from a tiny, infinitely dense point. The narrative then details the formation of stars within vast hydrogen clouds called nebulae and the subsequent development of planets through the accretion of planetesimals. The story of Earth itself is one of dramatic transformation—from a barren, rocky, and hot object with a thin atmosphere to the life-sustaining planet we know today. The chapter explains the key processes that shaped Earth, including differentiation, which created its layered structure (crust, mantle, core), and degassing, which contribu...
Read more

NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 4: Distribution of Oceans and Continents | Line-by-Line MCQs & Mains Questions for UPSC

Chapter Insights 📚 NCERT Integrated 📖 Standard Book Ref ✅ PSC & UPSC Aligned This chapter explores the dynamic nature of Earth's surface, focusing on the theories that explain the distribution and movement of oceans and continents. It begins with Alfred Wegener's Continental Drift Theory (1912), which proposed that all continents were once joined in a supercontinent called Pangaea, surrounded by a mega-ocean, Panthalassa. The chapter details the evidence Wegener used, including the jigsaw-fit of continents, matching rock ages and glacial deposits (tillite) across oceans, and the distribution of fossils like Mesosaurus. The theory initially faced rejection due to its inadequate explanation for the driving force. However, post-World War II discoveries, especially the mapping of the ocean floor, revealed crucial new evidence: the existence of mid-ocean ridges, young oceanic crust, and magnetic stripes. This led to Harry Hess...
Read more