Attempt each question, then click “Show answer” to reveal the correct option and a brief explanation.
1. Which is the largest continent in terms of land area?
Correct answer: B. Asia — It covers about 30% of the world’s land area and about 60% of its population.
2. The Tropic of Cancer does NOT pass through which of the following countries?
Correct answer: D. Argentina — The Tropic of Cancer lies in the Northern Hemisphere; Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. The longest river in the world is generally considered to be:
Correct answer: B. Nile — Traditionally regarded as the longest, though some studies argue for the Amazon.
4. Which ocean has the greatest average depth?
Correct answer: C. Pacific Ocean — It is both the largest and generally the deepest of the world’s oceans.
5. The Great Rift Valley is primarily associated with which region?
Correct answer: B. Eastern Africa — It extends from the Red Sea through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and beyond.
6. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Correct answer: C. Denali – North America — Denali is the highest peak in North America, located in Alaska.
7. The term “Ring of Fire” is associated with:
Correct answer: B. Seismically active Pacific rim — It is known for frequent earthquakes and numerous volcanoes.
8. Which of the following rivers does NOT flow into the Bay of Bengal?
Correct answer: D. Indus — The Indus primarily flows through Pakistan and empties into the Arabian Sea.
9. Which country is completely landlocked?
Correct answer: B. Laos — It is surrounded by land and has no coastline.
10. The Strait of Gibraltar separates:
Correct answer: C. Europe and Africa — It lies between Spain (Europe) and Morocco (Africa).
11. Which of the following is the world’s largest desert (by area)?
Correct answer: D. Antarctic Desert — Polar deserts like Antarctica have extremely low precipitation and vast area.
12. The “monsoon” is best described as:
Correct answer: B. Seasonal wind reversal — Monsoons are driven by differential heating of land and sea.
13. Which of the following cities lies closest to the Prime Meridian (0° longitude)?
Correct answer: A. London — The Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich in London.
14. The “Rain Shadow” effect is typically found:
Correct answer: B. Leeward side — Moist air rises and drops rain on the windward side, leaving the leeward side drier.
15. Which of the following lakes is known for having the largest surface area of any freshwater lake?
Correct answer: B. Lake Superior — It is the largest freshwater lake by surface area; Caspian Sea is larger but is saline.
16. Which of the following regions is famous for Mediterranean climate?
Correct answer: C. Coastal California & Southern Europe — Characterized by dry summers and wet winters.
17. Which mountain range separates Europe and Asia to a significant extent?
Correct answer: C. Ural Mountains — Commonly considered part of the boundary between Europe and Asia.
18. Which of these countries is NOT a member of the group known as the “BRICS” countries?
Correct answer: D. Japan — BRICS originally refers to Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
19. The equatorial low-pressure belt is also known as:
Correct answer: A. Doldrums — A region of calm or light winds near the equator.
20. Which of the following seas is connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the Bosporus Strait?
Correct answer: A. Black Sea — It connects to the Aegean and Mediterranean via the Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, and Dardanelles.
