2026 NECO Objective & Practical & Physical – Geography examination Questions and Answers
PAPER I
OBJECTIVE TEST (PART 1)
Time: 1 Hour
- Answer Questions 1–30.
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- Choose the most appropriate option (A–D).
QUESTIONS 1–60
SECTION A: THE EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM
1. Geography is best defined as the study of
A. animals and plants only
B. the Earth, its features, and the relationship between people and their environment
C. rocks only
D. weather only
Answer: B
2. The Earth rotates on its axis from
A. North to South
B. East to West
C. West to East
D. South to North
Answer: C
3. One complete rotation of the Earth takes
A. 12 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 30 days
D. 365 days
Answer: B
4. The Earth’s revolution around the Sun takes approximately
A. 24 hours
B. 30 days
C. 365¼ days
D. 180 days
Answer: C
5. The imaginary line that divides the Earth into two equal halves is the
A. Tropic of Cancer
B. Prime Meridian
C. Equator
D. Arctic Circle
Answer: C
6. Longitude is measured from the
A. Equator
B. Prime Meridian
C. Tropic of Capricorn
D. International Date Line
Answer: B
7. The latitude of the Equator is
A. 23½°N
B. 90°N
C. 0°
D. 180°
Answer: C
8. Which instrument is used to determine direction?
A. Thermometer
B. Compass
C. Barometer
D. Hygrometer
Answer: B
2026 NECO Objective & Practical & Physical – Geography examination Questions and Answers
SECTION B: MAP READING
9. A map is
A. a photograph of the Earth
B. a representation of part or all of the Earth’s surface drawn to scale
C. a weather forecast
D. a satellite image only
Answer: B
10. The relationship between a distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground is called
A. legend
B. scale
C. contour
D. bearing
Answer: B
11. Contour lines join points of equal
A. rainfall
B. temperature
C. altitude
D. longitude
Answer: C
12. Closely spaced contour lines indicate
A. a gentle slope
B. a steep slope
C. a valley
D. a plain
Answer: B
13. Widely spaced contour lines indicate
A. a steep slope
B. a cliff
C. a gentle slope
D. a mountain peak
Answer: C
14. The top of a hill on a contour map is usually represented by
A. concentric closed contours with increasing values inward
B. broken lines
C. straight parallel lines
D. river symbols
Answer: A
15. Grid references are commonly made up of
A. latitude and longitude
B. eastings and northings
C. rivers and roads
D. bearings and contours
Answer: B
SECTION C: WEATHER AND CLIMATE
16. The instrument used to measure rainfall is a
A. rain gauge
B. thermometer
C. barometer
D. hygrometer
Answer: A
17. Atmospheric pressure is measured using a
A. wind vane
B. anemometer
C. barometer
D. hygrometer
Answer: C
18. Wind speed is measured with a
A. rain gauge
B. anemometer
C. thermometer
D. compass
Answer: B
19. Relative humidity is measured using a
A. hygrometer
B. barometer
C. rain gauge
D. wind vane
Answer: A
20. Climate refers to
A. daily weather conditions
B. average weather conditions over a long period
C. rainfall only
D. temperature only
Answer: B
SECTION D: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
21. Igneous rocks are formed by the
A. deposition of sediments
B. cooling and solidification of magma or lava
C. weathering of limestone
D. compression of fossils only
Answer: B
22. Weathering is the
A. transportation of rocks
B. breakdown of rocks in situ
C. deposition of sediments
D. movement of glaciers
Answer: B
23. Which of the following is an agent of erosion?
A. Wind
B. Running water
C. Ice
D. All of the above
Answer: D
24. A waterfall is most commonly formed where
A. hard rock overlies soft rock
B. soft rock overlies hard rock
C. only sand is present
D. no river exists
Answer: A
25. Meanders are commonly found in the
A. upper course of a river
B. middle and lower courses of a river
C. river source only
D. mountain summit
Answer: B
2026 NECO Objective & Practical & Physical – Geography examination Questions and Answers
SECTION E: HUMAN AND ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY
26. Population density is the number of people
A. in a country
B. per unit area of land
C. in a town
D. in a village
Answer: B
27. Subsistence farming is mainly carried out for
A. export
B. commercial purposes
C. family consumption
D. industrial production
Answer: C
28. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
A. Coal
B. Petroleum
C. Solar energy
D. Natural gas
Answer: C
29. Urbanization refers to
A. movement from urban to rural areas
B. growth and expansion of towns and cities
C. decrease in population
D. cultivation of crops
Answer: B
30. The main occupation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is
A. cattle rearing
B. mining of crude oil
C. cocoa farming
D. tin mining
Answer: B
SECTION F: SETTLEMENT AND POPULATION
31. A settlement where houses are widely separated is known as
A. nucleated settlement
B. dispersed settlement
C. linear settlement
D. circular settlement
Answer: B
32. A settlement that develops along a major road or river is called
A. circular settlement
B. linear settlement
C. dispersed settlement
D. nucleated settlement
Answer: B
33. Population census is conducted mainly to determine the
A. number of industries
B. number and characteristics of people
C. amount of rainfall
D. number of rivers
Answer: B
34. Migration from rural areas to urban areas is known as
A. urban-rural migration
B. international migration
C. rural-urban migration
D. seasonal migration
Answer: C
35. The difference between the birth rate and death rate is called
A. migration rate
B. population density
C. natural increase
D. dependency ratio
Answer: C
SECTION G: AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY
36. Which of the following is a cash crop in Nigeria?
A. Rice
B. Cassava
C. Cocoa
D. Yam
Answer: C
37. Mechanized farming is characterized by the use of
A. simple hand tools only
B. modern machines and technology
C. animal power only
D. fishing equipment
Answer: B
38. One major factor influencing the location of industries is
A. soil colour
B. availability of raw materials
C. cloud cover
D. latitude
Answer: B
39. Cottage industries are usually
A. large-scale industries
B. government-owned industries
C. small-scale industries operated mainly by families
D. multinational companies
Answer: C
40. Which of the following is a mineral resource?
A. Cocoa
B. Limestone
C. Cotton
D. Rubber
Answer: B
SECTION H: TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION
41. The cheapest means of transporting bulky goods over long distances is
A. air transport
B. road transport
C. water transport
D. motorcycle transport
Answer: C
42. Which mode of transport is the fastest?
A. Rail
B. Road
C. Air
D. Water
Answer: C
43. One advantage of rail transport is that it
A. carries only passengers
B. is suitable for transporting heavy goods
C. is always the fastest
D. requires no maintenance
Answer: B
44. The major international airport in Abuja is
A. Akanu Ibiam Airport
B. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
C. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
D. Murtala Muhammed Airport
Answer: C
45. Modern communication has been greatly improved through the use of
A. satellite technology
B. smoke signals
C. town criers only
D. drums only
Answer: A
2026 NECO Objective & Practical & Physical – Geography examination Questions and Answers
SECTION I: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
46. Desertification is most common in the ______ region of Nigeria.
A. southern
B. eastern
C. northern
D. coastal
Answer: C
47. One major cause of flooding is
A. afforestation
B. proper drainage
C. heavy rainfall
D. terracing
Answer: C
48. Which of the following helps to control soil erosion?
A. Deforestation
B. Bush burning
C. Planting cover crops
D. Overgrazing
Answer: C
49. Sustainable development means
A. exploiting resources without limits
B. meeting present needs without preventing future generations from meeting theirs
C. using only fossil fuels
D. increasing pollution
Answer: B
50. Afforestation involves
A. cutting down forests
B. planting trees
C. mining minerals
D. reclaiming deserts only
Answer: B
SECTION J: NIGERIA AND AFRICA
51. Nigeria shares an international boundary with
A. Ghana
B. Cameroon
C. Togo
D. Mali
Answer: B
52. The River Niger empties into the
A. Atlantic Ocean
B. Mediterranean Sea
C. Red Sea
D. Indian Ocean
Answer: A
53. The Jos Plateau is noted for the mining of
A. coal
B. limestone
C. tin
D. gold
Answer: C
54. The largest vegetation belt in Nigeria is the
A. mangrove swamp
B. tropical rainforest
C. Guinea savanna
D. montane vegetation
Answer: C
55. Which of the following countries lies west of Nigeria?
A. Cameroon
B. Chad
C. Benin Republic
D. Niger Republic
Answer: C
SECTION K: GENERAL GEOGRAPHY
56. The Earth’s atmosphere is composed mainly of
A. oxygen
B. carbon dioxide
C. nitrogen
D. hydrogen
Answer: C
57. Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?
A. Coal
B. Petroleum
C. Solar energy
D. Natural gas
Answer: C
58. The main source of fresh water for rivers is
A. ocean currents
B. rainfall
C. tides
D. underground oil
Answer: B
59. Geographic Information System (GIS) is primarily used for
A. drilling oil
B. storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data
C. predicting earthquakes only
D. measuring rainfall only
Answer: B
60. Remote sensing refers to the collection of information about the Earth’s surface using
A. hand-drawn maps
B. direct field observation only
C. satellites and aerial sensors
D. road surveys only
Answer: C
2026 NECO Objective & Practical & Physical – Geography examination Questions and Answers
Paper III – Practical & Physical Geography Revision Exercises
These are original practice questions designed to help candidates prepare for the practical paper. They are not past examination questions.
Section A: Topographical Map Reading (5 Questions)
Question 1
A map has a scale of 1:50,000. Two villages are 8 cm apart on the map.
Answer
Ground distance
= 8 × 50,000 cm
400,000 cm
4 km
Answer: 4 km
Question 2
A river begins at a height of 620 m and flows to 180 m.
Calculate the total fall.
Answer
620 − 180
= 440 metres
Question 3
Mention four features commonly represented on a topographical map.
Answer
- Rivers
- Roads
- Settlements
- Contour lines
Question 4
State three uses of contour lines.
Answer
- Determining elevation.
- Showing slope.
- Identifying landforms.
Question 5
A closely spaced contour pattern indicates what type of slope?
Answer
A steep slope.
Section B: Six-Figure Grid References (5 Questions)
Question 1
A point lies halfway between Eastings 34 and 35, and three-tenths between Northings 62 and 63.
Write its six-figure grid reference.
Answer
345623
Question 2
A school lies at grid reference 418672.
Identify its Easting.
Answer
418
Question 3
Identify the Northing in 562347.
Answer
347
Question 4
Arrange these correctly when giving a grid reference.
Northings
Eastings
Answer
Eastings first, then Northings.
Question 5
What is the purpose of a six-figure grid reference?
Answer
To locate a point accurately on a map.
Section C: Measurement of Distance and Area (5 Questions)
Question 1
Map scale = 1:25,000
Road length on map = 12 cm
Calculate the actual distance.
Answer
12 × 25,000
= 300,000 cm
= 3 km
Question 2
A rectangular farmland measures 6 cm × 4 cm on a map.
Scale = 1 cm represents 100 m
Calculate the actual area.
Answer
Length = 600 m
Width = 400 m
Area
= 600 × 400
= 240,000 m²
Question 3
Name two instruments used for measuring curved distances on maps.
Answer
- Thread
- Opisometer
Question 4
State one advantage of using an opisometer.
Answer
It measures curved lines accurately.
Question 5
Mention two methods of estimating irregular areas on maps.
Answer
- Grid square counting
- Planimeter
2026 NECO Objective & Practical & Physical – Geography examination Questions and Answers
Section D: Bearings and Gradients (5 Questions)
Question 1
A village lies directly east of another village.
State its bearing.
Answer
090°
Question 2
A town lies southwest of another town.
State its bearing.
Answer
225°
Question 3
A road rises 80 m over a horizontal distance of 1,600 m.
Calculate the gradient.
Answer
Gradient
= 80/1600
= 1/20
Gradient = 1 : 20
Question 4
A hilltop is 500 m high while the valley is 260 m high.
Calculate the difference in height.
Answer
500 − 260
= 240 metres
Question 5
What instrument is commonly used for measuring bearings on maps?
Answer
Protractor.
Section E: Cross-Sections (5 Questions)
Question 1
What is a cross-section?
Answer
A side view of the relief along a selected line on a map.
Question 2
Which map feature is used in drawing a cross-section?
Answer
Contour lines.
Question 3
Why is vertical exaggeration sometimes used?
Answer
To make relief features easier to see.
Question 4
A cross-section with many sharp peaks indicates what type of relief?
Answer
Mountainous relief.
Question 5
State one importance of cross-sections.
Answer
They help engineers plan roads and railways.
Section F: Climatic Data Interpretation (5 Questions)
Question 1
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Jan = 12
Feb = 18
Mar = 45
Apr = 110
Which month recorded the highest rainfall?
Answer
April.
Question 2
Monthly temperatures (°C)
26
27
28
30
29
Find the highest temperature.
Answer
30°C
Question 3
Calculate the annual rainfall.
Monthly rainfall (mm)
50
80
100
120
150
90
70
60
55
45
40
40
Answer
Total
= 900 mm
Question 4
State one instrument used for measuring rainfall.
Answer
Rain gauge.
Question 5
Which climate graph normally combines rainfall and temperature?
Answer
Climograph.
2026 NECO Objective & Practical & Physical – Geography examination Questions and Answers
Section G: River Profiles and Drainage Patterns (5 Questions)
Question 1
Name the three stages of a river.
Answer
- Upper course
- Middle course
- Lower course
Question 2
Which drainage pattern resembles branches of a tree?
Answer
Dendritic drainage.
Question 3
Which river stage has the steepest gradient?
Answer
Upper course.
Question 4
Name one erosional feature found in the upper course.
Answer
Waterfall.
Question 5
State one depositional feature of the lower course.
Answer
Floodplain.
Section H: Fieldwork Techniques and Environmental Observation (5 Questions)
Question 1
State two methods of collecting primary geographical data.
Answer
- Observation
- Measurement
Question 2
Mention two tools used during fieldwork.
Answer
- Measuring tape
- Compass
Question 3
Why is note-taking important during fieldwork?
Answer
It ensures accurate recording of observations.
Question 4
State two safety precautions during fieldwork.
Answer
- Follow the teacher’s instructions.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Question 5
Mention two environmental problems that can be observed during a field study.
Answer
- Soil erosion
- Waste pollution
Summary
This revision set contains 40 original practical questions and answers, covering the key skill areas assessed in NECO Geography Paper III:
- Topographical map reading
- Six-figure grid references
- Measurement of distance and area
- Bearings and gradients
- Cross-sections
- Climatic data interpretation
- River profiles and drainage patterns
- Fieldwork techniques and environmental observation
