General Studies 2021 GS Paper I 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Explain

Q14

Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

विश्व की प्रमुख पर्वत श्रृंखलाओं के संरेखण का संक्षिप्त उल्लेख कीजिए तथा उनके स्थानीय मौसम पर पड़े प्रभावों का सोदाहरण वर्णन कीजिए । (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Explain

This question asks you to explain. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'explain' requires clear causal linkages between mountain alignments and weather patterns. Structure: brief introduction on major alignments → body covering 3-4 ranges with weather impacts → conclusion on broader climatic significance. Keep alignment description concise (50 words) to allow space for weather explanation.

Key points expected

North-South alignment (Rockies, Andes) blocking zonal winds and creating rain shadows
East-West alignment (Himalayas, Alps) acting as climatic barriers and monsoon triggers
Northwest-Southeast alignment (Western Ghats, Appalachians) influencing moisture interception
Orographic precipitation mechanism and rain shadow effects with specific examples
Temperature inversion and local wind patterns (chinook, foehn) linked to alignment
Impact on Indian monsoon due to Himalayan east-west alignment

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Correctly interprets 'briefly mention' as concise listing (20% weight) and 'explain' as detailed causal analysis (80% weight); maintains this proportion throughout	Spends equal space on alignment and weather, or over-describes alignments at cost of explanation	Misreads directive as 'describe' and gives lengthy alignment details without weather linkages, or ignores 'briefly' entirely
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Accurately identifies 3+ alignments with precise weather mechanisms (orographic lifting, adiabatic warming, wind deflection); no geographical errors	Identifies alignments correctly but weather explanations are generic or partially inaccurate; confuses cause-effect relationships	Major errors in alignment directions (e.g., calling Himalayas N-S) or invents weather mechanisms; confuses ranges across continents
Structure & flow	20%	3	Clear spatial or directional organization (N-S, E-W, diagonal); smooth transitions between ranges; weather impact follows naturally from each alignment described	Organized but inconsistent (mixes criteria); some logical jumps between alignment description and weather effects	Random listing without organizational principle; alignment and weather discussed separately without integration
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific, accurate examples: Patagonian desert (Andes rain shadow), Ladakh cold desert (Himalayas), Cherrapunji vs Shillong (Western Ghats), Chinook winds (Rockies)	Examples given but imprecise (e.g., 'rain shadow in India' without naming region) or repetitive across ranges	No concrete examples, or incorrect pairings (e.g., citing Alps for monsoon impact); vague references like 'some deserts'
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesizes how alignment determines whether mountains act as climatic barriers or corridors; connects to climate change vulnerability or regional weather predictability	Summary restatement without synthesis; or brief conclusion without analytical insight	No conclusion, or abrupt ending; conclusion contradicts body content or introduces new alignments not discussed

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