WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL (WAEC) GCE STYLE
2026 GEOGRAPHY MOCK EXAMINATION
Objective and Essay (Theory) Questions and Answers
Independently Produced Practice Paper for Revision Purposes
This is a 100% original mock examination prepared strictly with reference to the current WAEC Geography syllabus for practice purposes. It is not a WAEC past question paper, it does not reproduce any official WAEC document, and it does not claim to predict or represent the actual WAEC examination in any way.
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General Instructions
1. This paper consists of two sections: Section A (Objective) and Section B (Essay).
2. Section A contains 60 objective questions. Answer ALL questions. Time: 40 minutes.
3. Section B contains 6 essay questions. Answer any FOUR (4) questions. Time: 1 hour 40 minutes.
4. Total marks obtainable: 100 (60 marks for Section A and 40 marks for Section B).
5. Write clearly and number your answers correctly.
SECTION A: OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (60 MARKS)
Answer ALL questions. Each question carries 1 mark. Choose the correct option A, B, C or D.
1. Geography can best be defined as the study of
A. only the political boundaries of countries
B. the earth’s surface, its physical features, climate, and the relationship between people and their environment
C. only the history of human civilisation
D. only the movement of celestial bodies
2. The branch of geography that deals with landforms, climate, and natural features of the earth is called
A. human geography
B. physical geography
C. economic geography
D. political geography
3. The branch of geography that deals with population, settlement, and economic activities of people is called
A. physical geography
B. human geography
C. cartography
D. geomorphology
4. The imaginary line that divides the earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is called the
A. Prime Meridian
B. Equator
C. Tropic of Cancer
D. International Date Line
5. The imaginary line from which longitude is measured, passing through Greenwich, London, is called the
A. Equator
B. Prime Meridian
C. Tropic of Capricorn
D. Arctic Circle
6. Lines on a map that join places of equal height above sea level are called
A. isotherms
B. contour lines
C. isobars
D. isohyets
7. Lines on a map that join places of equal temperature are called
A. contour lines
B. isotherms
C. isobars
D. isohyets
8. Lines on a map that join places of equal atmospheric pressure are called
A. isotherms
B. contour lines
C. isobars
D. isohyets
9. The ratio of the distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground is called the
A. contour interval
B. scale
C. bearing
D. gradient
10. A scale expressed as a straight line divided into units representing kilometres or miles is called a
A. statement scale
B. linear scale
C. representative fraction
D. ratio scale
11. A scale expressed in the form ‘1 : 50,000’ is called a
A. linear scale
B. statement scale
C. representative fraction (R.F.)
D. graphic scale
12. The slope or steepness of the land, usually calculated from the vertical interval and horizontal distance, is called the
A. contour interval
B. gradient
C. relief
D. aspect
13. The process by which rocks are broken down in situ by physical, chemical or biological agents is called
A. erosion
B. weathering
C. deposition
D. transportation
14. The process by which weathered materials are removed from their original position and moved elsewhere is called
A. weathering
B. erosion
C. deposition
D. denudation
15. The process by which materials that have been eroded and transported are laid down elsewhere is called
A. weathering
B. erosion
C. deposition
D. transportation
16. Which of the following is an agent of erosion?
A. Rivers
B. Wind
C. Glaciers
D. All of the above
17. Rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma are called
A. sedimentary rocks
B. igneous rocks
C. metamorphic rocks
D. organic rocks
18. Rocks formed from the compaction and cementation of layers of sediment over time are called
A. igneous rocks
B. sedimentary rocks
C. metamorphic rocks
D. volcanic rocks
19. Rocks formed when existing rocks are changed by intense heat and pressure are called
A. igneous rocks
B. sedimentary rocks
C. metamorphic rocks
D. organic rocks
20. A landform created by a river at its mouth, where sediment is deposited as it enters a sea or lake, is called a
A. waterfall
B. delta
C. meander
D. gorge
21. A winding, looping bend in the course of a river, usually found in its lower/mature stage, is called a
A. waterfall
B. gorge
C. meander
D. rapids
22. A steep drop in a river’s course, often occurring where a river flows over a band of hard rock, is called a
A. delta
B. waterfall
C. meander
D. floodplain
23. The point at which a river begins its course, usually in highland areas, is called the
A. mouth
B. source
C. tributary
D. confluence
24. The point at which a river enters a sea, lake, or another river is called its
A. source
B. mouth
C. watershed
D. estuary source
25. A smaller river or stream that joins a larger river is called a
A. tributary
B. distributary
C. watershed
D. confluence
26. The area of high land that separates two river drainage basins is called a
A. floodplain
B. watershed
C. delta
D. meander
27. The climate type characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and heavy rainfall, found near the equator, is called the
A. equatorial/tropical rainforest climate
B. hot desert climate
C. temperate climate
D. polar climate
28. The climate type characterized by very low rainfall, high daytime temperatures and large diurnal temperature range is called the
A. equatorial climate
B. hot desert climate
C. monsoon climate
D. polar climate
29. The natural vegetation typically found in the equatorial region, consisting of tall, dense trees forming multiple layers/canopies, is called
A. savanna grassland
B. tropical rainforest
C. desert vegetation
D. tundra
30. The natural vegetation consisting mainly of tall grasses with scattered drought-resistant trees, typical of tropical wet-and-dry regions, is called
A. tropical rainforest
B. savanna (grassland)
C. mangrove
D. tundra
31. The vegetation type found along tropical and subtropical coastlines, adapted to saline, waterlogged soil, is called
A. savanna
B. mangrove (swamp forest)
C. tundra
D. steppe
32. Which of the following is a major relief feature of West Africa?
A. The Jos Plateau
B. The Niger River basin
C. The Atlas Mountains
D. Both A and B
33. Which of the following rivers is the longest in West Africa?
A. River Niger
B. River Benue
C. River Senegal
D. River Volta
34. A large flat-topped hill with steep sides, common in savanna regions, is called a
A. plateau
B. inselberg
C. delta
D. escarpment
35. An extensive, relatively flat highland area, usually higher than the surrounding land, is called a
A. plain
B. plateau
C. valley
D. basin
36. The total number of people living in a given area at a particular time is referred to as the area’s
A. population density
B. population distribution
C. population size
D. population growth rate
37. The number of people living per unit area (for example, per square kilometre) is called
A. population size
B. population density
C. population distribution
D. population structure
38. The way in which people are spread out or arranged over an area is referred to as
A. population density
B. population distribution
C. population growth
D. population census
39. The movement of people from one place to another, especially to settle, is called
A. migration
B. urbanisation
C. census
D. diffusion
40. The movement of people from rural to urban areas is called
A. emigration
B. immigration
C. rural-urban migration
D. urban-rural migration
41. The process by which an increasing proportion of a country’s population comes to live in towns and cities is called
A. industrialisation
B. urbanisation
C. migration
D. modernisation
42. A settlement pattern in which houses and buildings are closely grouped together, often around a central point, is called a
A. dispersed settlement
B. nucleated settlement
C. linear settlement
D. isolated settlement
43. A settlement pattern in which houses are spread out and widely scattered over an area is called a
A. nucleated settlement
B. dispersed settlement
C. linear settlement
D. compact settlement
44. A settlement that has grown up along a road, river, or coastline in a long, narrow pattern is called a
A. nucleated settlement
B. dispersed settlement
C. linear settlement
D. circular settlement
45. The system of farming in which a small plot of land is cleared, cultivated for a few years, then abandoned to allow it to regain fertility, is called
A. mechanized farming
B. shifting cultivation
C. plantation agriculture
D. mixed farming
46. The system of farming that involves the large-scale cultivation of a single cash crop, often for export, is called
A. shifting cultivation
B. subsistence farming
C. plantation agriculture
D. nomadic herding
47. Farming carried out mainly to produce food for the farmer’s family, with little surplus for sale, is called
A. commercial farming
B. subsistence farming
C. plantation agriculture
D. mechanized farming
48. The movement of herders and their livestock from place to place in search of pasture and water is called
A. shifting cultivation
B. nomadic herding (pastoralism)
C. plantation agriculture
D. sedentary farming
49. Which of the following is a major mineral resource extracted in Nigeria?
A. Crude petroleum
B. Tin
C. Coal
D. All of the above
50. The process of extracting minerals from the earth is called
A. quarrying
B. mining
C. drilling
D. smelting
51. An industry that is located close to its raw materials because the materials are heavy, bulky or perishable is said to be
A. market-oriented
B. raw-material-oriented
C. labour-oriented
D. power-oriented
52. An industry that is located close to its consumers, often because the finished product is fragile or costly to transport, is said to be
A. raw-material-oriented
B. market-oriented
C. port-oriented
D. footloose
53. The system used to move goods and people from one place to another is called
A. communication
B. transportation
C. distribution
D. migration
54. Which of the following is a mode of transportation?
A. Road
B. Rail
C. Water (marine)
D. All of the above
55. Weather is best described as
A. the average atmospheric condition of a place over a long period
B. the day-to-day state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time
C. the study of ocean currents
D. the pattern of vegetation in a region
56. Climate is best described as
A. the day-to-day state of the atmosphere
B. the average weather condition of a place over a long period, usually 30 years or more
C. a single rainfall event
D. the temperature of a place on a particular day
57. The instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure is the
A. thermometer
B. barometer
C. rain gauge
D. anemometer
58. The instrument used to measure the amount of rainfall is the
A. barometer
B. rain gauge
C. anemometer
D. hygrometer
59. The instrument used to measure wind speed is the
A. anemometer
B. barometer
C. thermometer
D. rain gauge
60. The instrument used to measure temperature is the
A. barometer
B. thermometer
C. rain gauge
D. anemometer
SECTION A MARKING GUIDE: OBJECTIVE ANSWER KEY
Each correct answer carries 1 mark. Total = 60 marks.
| Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans |
| 1 | B | 16 | D | 31 | B | 46 | C |
| 2 | B | 17 | B | 32 | D | 47 | B |
| 3 | B | 18 | B | 33 | A | 48 | B |
| 4 | B | 19 | C | 34 | B | 49 | D |
| 5 | B | 20 | B | 35 | B | 50 | B |
| 6 | B | 21 | C | 36 | C | 51 | B |
| 7 | B | 22 | B | 37 | B | 52 | B |
| 8 | C | 23 | B | 38 | B | 53 | B |
| 9 | B | 24 | B | 39 | A | 54 | D |
| 10 | B | 25 | A | 40 | C | 55 | B |
| 11 | C | 26 | B | 41 | B | 56 | B |
| 12 | B | 27 | A | 42 | B | 57 | B |
| 13 | B | 28 | B | 43 | B | 58 | B |
| 14 | B | 29 | B | 44 | C | 59 | A |
| 15 | C | 30 | B | 45 | B | 60 | B |
SECTION B: ESSAY QUESTIONS (40 MARKS)
Answer any FOUR (4) questions only. Each question carries 10 marks.
1. (a) Define geography, and distinguish between physical geography and human geography. (4 marks)
(b) State three uses of maps to man. (6 marks)
2. (a) Distinguish between weathering and erosion. (4 marks)
(b) List and briefly explain three agents of erosion, stating one landform produced by each. (6 marks)
3. (a) Distinguish between weather and climate. (4 marks)
(b) Describe four characteristics of the equatorial (tropical rainforest) climate. (6 marks)
4. (a) Distinguish between population density and population distribution. (4 marks)
(b) State three factors that influence the distribution of population in a region. (6 marks)
5. (a) Distinguish between shifting cultivation and plantation agriculture. (4 marks)
(b) State three problems facing agriculture in West Africa and one possible solution to each. (6 marks)
6. (a) State the meaning of a topographical map, and list four items of information it can show. (6 marks)
(b) Explain how the gradient of a slope can be calculated from a topographical map. (4 marks)
SECTION B MARKING GUIDE (ESSAY)
Each question carries 10 marks. Award marks as guided below, giving credit for any other correct and relevant point not listed.
Question 1
(a) Geography is the scientific study of the earth’s surface, including its physical features, climate, natural resources, and the relationship between people and their environment (2 marks). Physical geography deals with the natural features of the earth, such as landforms, climate and vegetation, while human geography deals with people, including population, settlements and economic activities (2 marks).
(b) Any three uses at 2 marks each: Maps are used for navigation and finding directions from one place to another; maps are used in planning, such as urban and regional development planning; maps are used by the military for defence and strategic purposes; maps are used to show the distribution of natural resources, population, and economic activities; maps are used in education for the study of geography and related subjects.
Question 2
(a) Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down in place (in situ) through physical, chemical or biological action, without the resulting material being moved away. Erosion is the process by which the weathered or loose material is worn away and removed from its original position by agents such as running water, wind, or ice. (4 marks, 2 marks each)
(b) Any three agents at 2 marks each (1 mark for correct explanation, 1 mark for a correct landform example): River/water erosion, which wears away the land through the action of flowing water, producing landforms such as valleys, gorges, or waterfalls; wind erosion, which is significant in dry/desert areas, producing landforms such as sand dunes or wind-carved rock features (yardangs); glacial erosion, which occurs through the movement of ice, producing landforms such as U-shaped valleys or cirques; wave/marine erosion, which occurs along coastlines, producing landforms such as cliffs, caves, or arches.
Question 3
(a) Weather refers to the day-to-day (short-term) state of the atmosphere at a particular place, including conditions such as temperature, rainfall and wind on a given day. Climate refers to the average weather condition of a place over a long period of time, usually taken over 30 years or more. (4 marks, 2 marks each)
(b) Any four characteristics at 1.5 marks each: High temperatures throughout the year, usually above 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, with little seasonal variation; heavy and well-distributed rainfall throughout the year, often exceeding 2000 mm annually; high humidity due to the constant heat and abundant moisture; a small diurnal (daily) and annual temperature range; frequent convectional rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms in the afternoons.
Question 4
(a) Population density refers to the number of people living per unit area of land, usually expressed as persons per square kilometre. Population distribution refers to the way in which the population of an area is spread out or arranged across the region, showing which parts are densely or sparsely populated. (4 marks, 2 marks each)
(b) Any three factors at 2 marks each: Climate, as favourable climates with moderate temperature and adequate rainfall tend to attract dense settlement, while extreme climates such as deserts discourage settlement; relief, as flat, low-lying land is generally more attractive for settlement and farming than steep, mountainous terrain; soil fertility, as fertile soils that support agriculture tend to attract dense population; availability of natural resources, such as minerals or fertile land, which can attract population and economic activity; availability of social and economic infrastructure, such as roads, schools, hospitals, and job opportunities, which attract people to an area.
Question 5
(a) Shifting cultivation is a farming system in which a farmer clears and cultivates a small plot of land for a few years until its fertility declines, then abandons it and moves to a new plot, allowing the old plot to lie fallow and regain fertility. Plantation agriculture is a large-scale farming system, usually involving a single cash crop such as rubber, oil palm, or cocoa, grown mainly for export or industrial use, often using modern methods and hired labour. (4 marks, 2 marks each)
(b) Any three problems, each with a solution, at 2 marks each: Poor/traditional farming methods leading to low yields, which can be addressed through the introduction of improved farming techniques and modern implements; inadequate access to credit facilities for farmers, which can be addressed by providing agricultural loans and cooperative credit schemes; poor rural road networks that hinder the transportation of farm produce to markets, which can be addressed through the construction and maintenance of farm-to-market roads; pests and diseases affecting crops and livestock, which can be addressed through the use of appropriate pesticides, disease-resistant varieties, and extension services; land tenure problems that discourage long-term investment in farmland, which can be addressed through land tenure reform.
Question 6
(a) A topographical map is a detailed map that shows both the natural (physical) and man-made features of an area, drawn to scale, usually including relief (through contour lines), drainage, vegetation, settlements, roads, and other features. (2 marks) Any four items of information at 1 mark each: Relief (heights and shapes of landforms, shown by contour lines); drainage features, such as rivers, lakes and streams; vegetation cover; settlements and their patterns; roads, railways and other transport networks; administrative boundaries.
(b) Gradient is calculated as the vertical interval (the difference in height between two points) divided by the horizontal equivalent (the actual horizontal distance between the same two points on the ground), and is usually expressed as a ratio, such as 1 in 50 (2 marks). To calculate it: first find the vertical interval between two points using the contour values; then find the horizontal distance between the two points, converting the map distance to actual ground distance using the map’s scale; finally, divide the vertical interval by the horizontal equivalent to express the gradient as a simplified ratio (2 marks).
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