This MCQ module is based on: Exercises
Exercises
Exercises
NCERT Social Science — Exploring Society: India and Beyond | Locating Places on the Earth — Questions, Activities & Projects
Key Terms — Maps, Globe, Latitudes and Longitudes Quick Reference
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Map | A representation of an area viewed from above on a flat surface |
| Atlas | A book or collection of maps |
| Scale | Ratio between map distance and actual ground distance |
| Cardinal Directions | N, S, E, W — the four main directions |
| Symbols | Standard marks on maps representing real-world features |
| Globe | Spherical model of Earth giving accurate representation |
| Coordinates | Latitude + Longitude pair to pinpoint any location |
| Latitude | Distance N or S of the Equator (0° to 90°) |
| Longitude | Distance E or W of Prime Meridian (0° to 180°) |
| Equator | 0° latitude — divides Earth into N & S Hemispheres |
| Prime Meridian | 0° longitude through Greenwich, London |
| Madhya Rekha | India's ancient prime meridian through Ujjayini |
| Grid | Network of latitudes and longitudes on a map/globe |
| Local Time | Time based on Sun's position at that longitude |
| Standard Time | Uniform time for a country from one chosen meridian |
| IST | Indian Standard Time — GMT +5:30, on 82.5°E |
| Time Zone | Region using single standard time (~15° wide) |
| Intl. Date Line | ~180° longitude where calendar date changes |
| Estuary | Place where a river meets the sea |
Chapter 1 Concept Map — Locating Places on the Earth
Locating Places on the Earth — Overview
L4 AnalysePhysical, Political, Thematic
Scale, Direction, Symbols
Spherical model of Earth
0° (Equator) to 90° (Poles)
East-west parallels
Climate zones
0° (Greenwich) to 180°
North-south meridians
Time zones
Figure: Concept map of Chapter 1
NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 1 Questions With Answers
Using a map of India (scale: 2.5 cm = 500 km), calculate the real distance from the Narmada estuary to the Ganga estuary.
Measure on map ≈ 7.5 cm. Scale: 1 cm = 200 km. So 7.5 × 200 = ≈ 1,500 km.
Explain why India is 5 h 30 min ahead of London.
IST is on 82.5°E; London at 0°. Difference = 82.5°. At 15°/hour: 82.5 ÷ 15 = 5.5 hours. India is east, so ahead.
Explain the importance of symbols and colours in maps.
Symbols provide compact standard marks for features. Colours add layers — blue for water, green for forests, brown for highlands. Together they make maps informative and universally readable.
Find what lies in all eight directions from your school.
Use a compass app. Note landmarks in each of the 8 directions and present in a table.
Discuss in groups (100–150 words) the difference between local time and standard time.
Local time is set by the Sun's position at a specific longitude. Standard time is a uniform national clock based on one meridian (82.5°E for India). Gujarat and Assam show the same IST despite ~2 hours local time difference.
Both at ~77°E longitude. What is the local time difference?
Practically zero. Local time depends on longitude, not latitude. Same longitude = same local noon.
Q7. True or False — With Explanations
(a) FALSE — Equator is longest; parallels shrink towards poles.
(b) TRUE — A meridian is a half-circle (pole to pole).
(c) TRUE
(d) FALSE — Assam (~94°E) is east of IST meridian (82.5°E), ~46 min ahead.
(e) FALSE — They follow political borders, not straight lines.
(f) TRUE — The Equator is the 0° parallel.
Across: 1. Squeeze huge area into map / 4. Convenient sphere / 5. Longest parallel / 6. Prime Meridian's home / 8. Find your way / 10. Distance from Equator
Down: 2. Distance from Prime Meridian / 3. Two values to locate a place / 6. Latitudes + longitudes create this / 7. India's time / 9. Top of world / 11. Date-change line abbrev.
Across: 1-SCALE, 4-GLOBE, 5-EQUATOR, 6-GREENWICH, 8-MAP, 10-LATITUDE
Down: 2-LONGITUDE, 3-COORDINATES, 6-GRID, 7-IST, 9-POLE, 11-IDL
Competency-Based Questions — Chapter Revision
1. FALSE — Political maps show boundaries; thematic maps show specific themes.
2. TRUE
3. FALSE — Aryabhata described Earth as spherical.
Answers: 1→(b), 2→(d), 3→(a), 4→(c), 5→(e)
Coordinates of Major Indian Cities
L2 UnderstandFigure: Latitude and longitude of major Indian cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Exercises
What are the key terms in NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 1?
The key terms in Chapter 1 include map, atlas, scale, direction, compass, symbols, globe, latitude, longitude, Equator, Prime Meridian, hemisphere, meridian, time zone, Indian Standard Time (IST), and International Date Line. Understanding these terms is essential for answering NCERT textbook questions and performing well in Class 6 Social Science exams.
What is the difference between latitude and longitude in Class 6 Geography?
Latitudes are horizontal lines running east to west, parallel to the Equator, measured from 0 to 90 degrees north or south. Longitudes are vertical lines running from pole to pole, measured from 0 to 180 degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian. Latitudes help determine climate zones while longitudes help determine time zones. This distinction is frequently tested in NCERT Class 6 Geography exams.
What are the three components of a map NCERT Class 6?
The three components of a map are scale, direction, and symbols. Scale shows the ratio between distances on the map and actual distances on the ground. Direction is indicated by a compass rose or north arrow. Symbols are conventional signs representing features like roads, rivers, railways, and buildings. These components are fundamental concepts in NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 1.
How many heat zones does the Earth have according to NCERT Class 6?
According to NCERT Class 6 Geography, the Earth has three major heat zones: the Torrid Zone (between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn), the Temperate Zones (between the tropics and the polar circles in both hemispheres), and the Frigid Zones (between the polar circles and the poles). These zones are determined by latitude and receive different amounts of solar energy.
What is the importance of the 82.5 degree East meridian for India?
The 82.5 degrees East meridian is significant because it serves as the basis for Indian Standard Time (IST). This meridian passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and was chosen as the standard meridian for India. IST is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Using a single standard time across the country ensures uniformity in railways, communications, and daily schedules.
Why is the Earth called the Blue Planet in NCERT Geography?
The Earth is called the Blue Planet because about 71 percent of its surface is covered by water, primarily oceans. When viewed from outer space, the abundance of water gives the Earth a distinctive blue appearance. Early astronauts coined this nickname after seeing our planet from space. This concept connects Chapter 1 on maps with Chapter 2 on oceans and continents in NCERT Class 6 Geography.