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Secondary 2 Geography Resources Sustainability Quiz
Free Exam-Derived Owl Alpha Secondary 2 Geography Resources Sustainability quiz with questions and answers for Singapore students. This page is rendered as a direct URL so the questions and answers can be discovered without pressing in-page buttons.
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Questions
Secondary 2 Geography Quiz - Resources Sustainability
Name: ___________________________
Class: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
Score: ________ / 40
Duration: 40 minutes
Total Marks: 40
Instructions
- Answer ALL questions.
- Write your answers in the spaces provided.
- The number of marks for each question is shown in brackets [ ].
- You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this quiz.
- Read each question carefully before answering.
Section A: Short Answer Questions (10 marks)
Questions 1–5
1. Define the term renewable resource.
[1]
2. Give one example of a non-renewable resource.
[1]
3. State two reasons why some resources are considered scarce.
(a) _____________________________________________________________________
(b) _____________________________________________________________________
[2]
4. What is meant by sustainable development?
[2]
5. Explain one way in which overuse of a resource can lead to its depletion.
[2]
Section B: Data and Source-Based Questions (20 marks)
Questions 6–15
Study the information below and answer Questions 6–10.
Table 1: Global consumption of selected resources (2010–2020)
| Resource | 2010 (million tonnes) | 2020 (million tonnes) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil | 4,100 | 4,400 | +7.3 |
| Natural Gas | 3,200 | 3,800 | +18.8 |
| Coal | 7,500 | 7,800 | +4.0 |
| Freshwater | 4,200 | 4,900 | +16.7 |
| Timber | 3,500 | 3,900 | +11.4 |
6. Which resource experienced the greatest percentage increase in consumption between 2010 and 2020?
[1]
7. Calculate the actual increase in coal consumption (in million tonnes) between 2010 and 2020. Show your working.
Working: _______________________________________________________________
Answer: ________________ million tonnes
[2]
8. Describe the trend in global resource consumption shown in Table 1.
[2]
9. Using data from Table 1, explain why the increasing consumption of crude oil is a concern for resource sustainability.
[2]
10. Suggest one strategy that could help reduce the rate of increase in natural gas consumption.
[1]
Study the extract below and answer Questions 11–15.
Extract: Water Scarcity in Cape Town, South Africa
In 2018, Cape Town faced a severe water crisis known as "Day Zero" — the day when the city's municipal water supply would be shut off. Years of below-average rainfall, a growing population, and increasing water demand had pushed dam levels to below 20%. The city implemented strict water restrictions, limiting each resident to 50 litres of water per day. Residents were encouraged to take shorter showers, reuse greywater for gardening, and report leaks. Through collective effort and good rainfall in the following year, Cape Town avoided Day Zero. However, experts warn that without long-term sustainable water management, the crisis could return.
11. According to the extract, what was "Day Zero"?
[1]
12. State two causes of Cape Town's water crisis mentioned in the extract.
(a) _____________________________________________________________________
(b) _____________________________________________________________________
[2]
13. Describe one water conservation measure implemented by Cape Town residents during the crisis.
[1]
14. Explain how population growth can threaten the sustainability of water resources.
[2]
15. Do you think Cape Town's approach to managing the water crisis was effective? Explain your answer.
[2]
Section C: Structured Response Questions (10 marks)
Questions 16–20
16. Explain two ways in which deforestation affects the sustainability of forest resources.
(a) _____________________________________________________________________
(b) _____________________________________________________________________
[2]
17. Describe two methods that can be used to manage fisheries sustainably.
(a) _____________________________________________________________________
(b) _____________________________________________________________________
[2]
18. "Recycling alone is not enough to achieve resource sustainability."
Do you agree with this statement? Give two reasons to support your answer.
Reason 1: _____________________________________________________________
Reason 2: _____________________________________________________________
[2]
19. Explain how the use of solar energy contributes to resource sustainability.
[2]
20. Singapore imports most of its food and energy. Explain two challenges this creates for Singapore's resource sustainability.
(a) _____________________________________________________________________
(b) _____________________________________________________________________
[2]
End of Quiz
Answers
Secondary 2 Geography Quiz - Resources Sustainability
Answer Key
Section A: Short Answer Questions
1. Define the term renewable resource.
Answer: A renewable resource is a natural resource that can be replenished or replaced naturally over a short period of time.
[1 mark]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for a clear definition that includes the idea of natural replenishment. Accept examples as part of the explanation but the definition must be present.
2. Give one example of a non-renewable resource.
Answer: Coal / crude oil / natural gas / petroleum / minerals (any one valid example).
[1 mark]
Marking note: Accept any valid non-renewable resource. Do not accept "water" or "timber" as these are renewable.
3. State two reasons why some resources are considered scarce.
Answer:
(a) Limited supply / finite quantity available in nature.
(b) High demand / increasing population leading to overconsumption / uneven distribution of resources.
[2 marks — 1 mark per valid reason]
Marking note: Accept any two valid reasons. Answers must relate to supply, demand, or distribution.
4. What is meant by sustainable development?
Answer: Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
[2 marks]
Marking note: Award 2 marks for a complete definition that includes both present needs and future generations. Award 1 mark if only one aspect is mentioned.
5. Explain one way in which overuse of a resource can lead to its depletion.
Answer: When a resource is used faster than it can be naturally replenished, the stock of that resource decreases over time until it runs out. For example, overfishing removes fish from the ocean faster than they can reproduce, causing fish populations to decline.
[2 marks]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for identifying the concept of use exceeding replenishment rate, and 1 mark for a valid example or elaboration.
Section B: Data and Source-Based Questions
6. Which resource experienced the greatest percentage increase in consumption between 2010 and 2020?
Answer: Natural Gas (+18.8%).
[1 mark]
Marking note: Award 1 mark only if "Natural Gas" is named. Do not accept just the percentage.
7. Calculate the actual increase in coal consumption (in million tonnes) between 2010 and 2020. Show your working.
Working: 7,800 − 7,500 = 300
Answer: 300 million tonnes
[2 marks]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for correct working and 1 mark for correct answer with unit. If the answer is correct but no working is shown, award 1 mark only.
8. Describe the trend in global resource consumption shown in Table 1.
Answer: The consumption of all five resources increased between 2010 and 2020. Natural Gas had the highest percentage increase (+18.8%), while Coal had the lowest (+4.0%).
[2 marks]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for stating the overall increasing trend, and 1 mark for referencing specific data from the table (e.g., naming the highest/lowest or quoting figures).
9. Using data from Table 1, explain why the increasing consumption of crude oil is a concern for resource sustainability.
Answer: Crude oil is a non-renewable resource, meaning it cannot be replaced once used up. Table 1 shows that consumption increased by 7.3% from 2010 to 2020, reaching 4,400 million tonnes. If consumption continues to rise at this rate, crude oil reserves will eventually be depleted, threatening long-term energy security.
[2 marks]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for identifying crude oil as non-renewable, and 1 mark for using data from the table to support the explanation.
10. Suggest one strategy that could help reduce the rate of increase in natural gas consumption.
Answer: Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power / improving energy efficiency in homes and industries / implementing carbon taxes to discourage fossil fuel use (any one valid strategy).
[1 mark]
Marking note: Accept any reasonable strategy that directly addresses reducing natural gas consumption.
11. According to the extract, what was "Day Zero"?
Answer: Day Zero was the day when Cape Town's municipal water supply would be shut off / when the city would run out of water.
[1 mark]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for correctly identifying Day Zero as the day water supply would be turned off or the city would run out of water.
12. State two causes of Cape Town's water crisis mentioned in the extract.
Answer:
(a) Years of below-average rainfall / drought.
(b) A growing population / increasing water demand.
[2 marks — 1 mark per cause]
Marking note: Answers must come directly from the extract. Award 1 mark for each valid cause stated.
13. Describe one water conservation measure implemented by Cape Town residents during the crisis.
Answer: Residents took shorter showers / reused greywater for gardening / reported water leaks / limited daily water use to 50 litres (any one valid measure from the extract).
[1 mark]
Marking note: Accept any one measure mentioned in the extract.
14. Explain how population growth can threaten the sustainability of water resources.
Answer: As population grows, the demand for water increases for drinking, cooking, sanitation, agriculture, and industry. If the demand exceeds the available supply of freshwater, water resources become depleted. This is especially problematic in areas where water supply is limited or dependent on rainfall.
[2 marks]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for linking population growth to increased water demand, and 1 mark for explaining the consequence (depletion / exceeding supply).
15. Do you think Cape Town's approach to managing the water crisis was effective? Explain your answer.
Answer: Yes, the approach was effective because the city avoided Day Zero through strict water restrictions and collective action by residents. The daily limit of 50 litres per person and measures like reusing greywater helped reduce consumption significantly. However, experts warn that without long-term sustainable management, the crisis could return, suggesting that short-term measures alone are not sufficient.
[2 marks]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for stating a clear opinion (yes/no/partially), and 1 mark for providing a reason supported by evidence from the extract. Accept either "yes" or "no" if well justified.
Section C: Structured Response Questions
16. Explain two ways in which deforestation affects the sustainability of forest resources.
Answer:
(a) Deforestation reduces the number of trees available for future use, meaning the forest cannot regenerate quickly enough to meet demand for timber and other forest products.
(b) Deforestation destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity, which weakens the ecosystem's ability to recover and sustain itself over time.
[2 marks — 1 mark per valid explanation]
Marking note: Accept any two valid explanations. Answers must go beyond simply stating "trees are cut down" and explain the impact on sustainability.
17. Describe two methods that can be used to manage fisheries sustainably.
Answer:
(a) Setting fishing quotas / limits on the amount of fish that can be caught to prevent overfishing.
(b) Establishing marine protected areas / no-fishing zones where fish populations can recover and breed.
[2 marks — 1 mark per valid method]
Marking note: Accept any two valid sustainable fishery management methods. Examples also include: banning certain fishing methods (e.g., trawling), enforcing minimum fish size limits, and seasonal fishing bans.
18. "Recycling alone is not enough to achieve resource sustainability."
Do you agree with this statement? Give two reasons to support your answer.
Answer:
Reason 1: Recycling only deals with waste after it has been created; it does not reduce the rate at which raw resources are extracted and consumed in the first place.
Reason 2: Not all materials can be recycled efficiently or indefinitely — for example, paper can only be recycled a limited number of times before the fibres degrade.
[2 marks — 1 mark per valid reason]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for each valid reason. Accept answers that agree or disagree with the statement, as long as the reasoning is sound and relevant. Other valid reasons include: recycling requires energy, reducing consumption is more effective, and some materials are not recyclable.
19. Explain how the use of solar energy contributes to resource sustainability.
Answer: Solar energy is a renewable resource that relies on sunlight, which is virtually inexhaustible. By using solar energy instead of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, we reduce the depletion of non-renewable resources. Solar energy also produces little to no pollution, helping to maintain environmental quality for future generations.
[2 marks]
Marking note: Award 1 mark for identifying solar energy as renewable/inexhaustible, and 1 mark for explaining how it reduces reliance on non-renewable resources or reduces pollution.
20. Singapore imports most of its food and energy. Explain two challenges this creates for Singapore's resource sustainability.
Answer:
(a) Singapore is heavily dependent on other countries for essential resources, which means any disruption in global supply chains (e.g., due to conflict, natural disasters, or trade restrictions) could lead to shortages.
(b) Importing resources increases the carbon footprint due to transportation, which contributes to environmental degradation and climate change, undermining long-term sustainability.
[2 marks — 1 mark per valid challenge]
Marking note: Accept any two valid challenges. Other acceptable answers include: vulnerability to price fluctuations, lack of control over foreign production methods, and limited ability to ensure sustainable sourcing.
End of Answer Key