Industries – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
Geography — Chapter 4: Industries
30 Topic-wise MCQs with Answers & Explanations — NCERT-aligned for CBSE Class 8
CBSE Board Preparation — Systematic Order
1. Which of the following is a primary industry?
Answer: B
Coal mining extracts natural resources and is classified as a primary industry; textile mills and IT firms are secondary and tertiary respectively.
2. Which sector includes services like banking and transport?
Answer: C
The tertiary sector comprises service activities such as banking, transport, education and health.
3. An industry that processes agricultural produce is called:
Answer: B
Agro-based industries use agricultural products as raw materials, e.g., sugar mills using sugarcane.
4. Which of these is a secondary industry?
Answer: C
Steel plants process raw materials (iron ore) into finished goods, hence they are secondary industries.
5. Cottage industries are usually:
Answer: B
Cottage industries are small home-based units like handloom weaving and pottery, using traditional skills.
6. Which industry is part of the tertiary sector?
Answer: C
Hotels and tourism provide services and fall under the tertiary sector, supporting travel and hospitality.
7. Which of these is a public sector enterprise?
Answer: A
BHEL is a government-owned enterprise operating in heavy engineering; others are private companies.
8. An industry where government and private companies jointly invest is called:
Answer: C
Joint sector industries involve both government and private investment and management.
9. Small-scale industries are important because they:
Answer: A
Small-scale industries provide local jobs, support rural economies and preserve traditional skills.
10. Cottage industries are mainly located in:
Answer: B
Cottage industries operate from homes or villages, relying on family labour and traditional methods.
11. Which factor is LEAST important in locating a heavy industry?
Answer: C
Tourist attractions are generally irrelevant; raw materials, energy and transport are key factors for heavy industries.
12. Why do industries locate near ports?
Answer: B
Ports provide easy access to international shipping, lowering export-import costs and time for industries.
13. Which industry needs the most water among these?
Answer: B
Paper and pulp industries require large water quantities for processing, bleaching and pulping operations.
14. Which factor encourages industries to set up in urban areas?
Answer: B
Urban areas offer skilled labour, large consumer markets and better services, attracting industries like IT and manufacturing.
15. Industrial estates are created to provide:
Answer: B
Industrial estates offer common facilities (roads, power, waste treatment) reducing initial setup costs for firms.
16. Why might an industry locate near raw materials?
Answer: B
Locating near raw material sources reduces handling and transport costs, which is important for industries using bulky inputs like minerals.
17. Which region is famous for iron and steel industry in India?
Answer: B
The Chotanagpur plateau has rich iron ore and coal deposits supporting steel plants in Jamshedpur, Bokaro and Rourkela.
18. Tea plantations are commonly found in:
Answer: B
Tea requires hilly terrain, well-distributed rainfall and acidic soils—conditions found in Assam and Darjeeling.
19. Bengaluru is known for which industry?
Answer: B
Bengaluru has a strong IT and software services industry due to skilled workforce and tech ecosystem.
20. Which city developed as an industrial centre due to its port and cotton trade?
Answer: A
Mumbai's port, access to raw cotton and large market helped it develop as a major industrial and commercial centre.
21. Industries contribute to a country's GDP by:
Answer: B
Industries transform raw materials into higher-value products, increasing national income and GDP.
22. Which is a forward linkage of an industry?
Answer: B
Forward linkages refer to industries that use the output of another industry—e.g., engineering firms using steel.
23. Industrial growth promotes urbanisation because:
Answer: A
Industries create job opportunities and services in urban areas, attracting rural migrants and increasing urban population.
24. Which is an export-oriented industry example for India?
Answer: B
Textiles and software services are major export earners, contributing foreign exchange and employment.
25. Backward linkage refers to:
Answer: B
Backward linkages are supplier industries (e.g., parts manufacturers for automobiles) supporting the main industry.
26. Which of the following is a major environmental issue caused by industries?
Answer: C
Industrial effluents and emissions contribute to air and water pollution, harming health and ecosystems.
27. What is one method industries can use to reduce water pollution?
Answer: B
Effluent treatment plants treat industrial wastewater before discharge, reducing pollutants and protecting water bodies.
28. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities by industries may include:
Answer: A
CSR includes social initiatives like health camps, school support and environment conservation to benefit communities.
29. Which government measure helps industries reduce pollution?
Answer: B
Strong regulations, monitoring and penalties push industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce pollution.
30. Which practice helps industries conserve water?
Answer: A
Drip irrigation (in agriculture-linked industries) and recycling water in industrial processes conserve water and reduce demand on fresh sources.
Note: These MCQs are aligned with NCERT Class 8 Geography Chapter 4 (Industries) and include explanations for conceptual clarity and exam preparation.