GEOGRAPHY GRADE 5 - ANSWERS TO STUDY QUESTIONS
TERM 1: WATER AND TRANSPORT (25%)
1. Water
- Why is water important for people, animals, and plants?
Water is essential because it helps people stay hydrated, is used for cooking and cleaning, helps
plants grow, and is needed by animals for survival.
- Different forms in which water is found on Earth:
Water exists in three forms: solid (ice), liquid (rivers, lakes, oceans), and gas (water vapor in the air).
- Explain how droughts affect people and crops:
Droughts cause water shortages, crops to die, and animals and people to suffer due to lack of food
and water.
- Sources of safe drinking water in your community:
Examples include boreholes, treated tap water, wells, and bottled water.
- Differences between deserts and tropical rainforests:
Deserts are dry, hot, and receive very little rain. Tropical rainforests are wet, humid, and receive
heavy rainfall with dense vegetation.
- Why is it important to keep water sources clean?
To prevent diseases, protect aquatic life, and ensure safe water for drinking and farming.
2. Transport
- Forms of transportation and where they are used:
Land transport: cars, buses, bicycles used on roads.
Water transport: boats, ships used on rivers and seas.
Air transport: airplanes used for long-distance travel.
- Problems caused by heavy road traffic:
Traffic jams, air pollution, accidents, and delays in travel.
- Explain how transport helps development in a country:
It improves trade, allows movement of goods and people, creates jobs, and connects rural and
urban areas.
- Advantages and disadvantages of forms of transport:
Road transport: fast and flexible, but causes pollution and traffic.
Water transport: good for heavy goods, but slow.
Air transport: very fast, but expensive.
Rail transport: efficient for long distances, but limited routes.
TERM 2: COASTS AND COASTAL SETTLEMENTS (25%)
1. Coasts
- What is a coast? Features found at the coast:
A coast is the area where land meets the sea. Features include beaches, cliffs, bays, and dunes.
- Describe natural and man-made threats to the coast:
Natural threats: erosion, storms, rising sea levels.
Man-made threats: pollution, building near the shore, cutting down mangroves.
- What are waves and how do they shape the coastline?
Waves are movements of water on the sea surface. They shape coastlines by eroding rocks,
carrying sand, and forming beaches or cliffs.
- Why are coasts important to people?
They support fishing, tourism, trade, and provide homes and natural beauty.
2. Coastal Settlements
- Why do people build settlements near coasts?
For fishing, trading, transport, tourism, and because of flat land and water access.
- Examples of coastal towns or cities:
Accra (Ghana), Cape Town (South Africa), Lagos (Nigeria), Mombasa (Kenya).
- How do coastal settlements support trade and tourism?
They have ports for ships and attract visitors with beaches and sea views.
- Describe the challenges people face in coastal areas:
Flooding, erosion, storms, pollution, and overcrowding.
TERM 3: WIND AND STORM SYSTEMS (50%)
1. Wind
- How is wind formed?
Wind is formed when air moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas due to differences
in temperature.
- What tool is used to measure wind direction?
A wind vane or weather vane.
- Explain how wind helps in daily life:
It helps dry clothes, cools us down, helps pollinate plants, and is used to produce wind energy.
- Name one place that experiences strong winds and explain why:
Chicago, USA known as The Windy City due to strong breezes from Lake Michigan and open flat
land.
2. Hurricanes and Tornadoes
- What is a hurricane? How is it formed? Describe the effects it can have on people:
A hurricane is a powerful storm with strong winds and heavy rain, formed over warm ocean waters.
It can cause floods, destroy buildings, and lead to injuries or deaths.
- How is a tornado different from a hurricane?
A tornado is a small, fast-spinning funnel of air that touches the ground, while a hurricane is a large
storm system over the ocean.
- Name countries where tornadoes and hurricanes are common:
USA, Mexico, Philippines, Japan, and Caribbean islands.
- What safety measures should people take during a storm?
Stay indoors, listen to warnings, move to safe shelter, avoid windows, and store emergency
supplies.
