WAEC Geography 2020 past questions

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 15 October 2026

Ten questions from the 2020 WAEC Geography paper, with answers and explanations. We hold 36 questions from this paper, and the Skolra app has all of them.

WAEC Geography 2020 questions and answers

1. 1.

   Which of the following are process of physical weathering? I. Frost action II. Hydrolysis III. Oxidation IV. Temperature Changes

   1. A
      I and II only
   2. B
      I and IV only
      Correct
   3. C
      III and IV only
   4. D
      II and III only
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   Answer: B

   Physical weathering involves the mechanical breakdown of rocks without any chemical change. Frost action (freeze-thaw) and temperature changes (thermal expansion and contraction) are both purely mechanical processes, making I and IV the correct pair. Hydrolysis and oxidation involve chemical reactions with minerals and are classified as chemical weathering processes.

2. 2.

   Hamada is another name for

   1. A
      Oasis
   2. B
      Salt flat
   3. C
      Sandy desert
   4. D
      Rocky desert
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   Hamada is the Arabic term for a rocky desert — a high, flat, windswept rocky plateau surface from which all loose material has been removed by wind erosion, leaving bare rock exposed.

3. 3.

   The mode of transportation which is best used to convey perishable good is

   1. A
      Road transportation
   2. B
      Water transportation
   3. C
      Air transportation
      Correct
   4. D
      Railway transportation
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   Air transportation is the fastest mode of transport, making it ideal for conveying perishable goods such as fresh fruits, flowers, and seafood that require rapid delivery to prevent spoilage.

4. 4.

   Which climate is characterized by winter rain and summer drought?

   1. A
      Mediterranean climate
      Correct
   2. B
      Tropical monsoon climate
   3. C
      Temperate continental climate
   4. D
      Equatorial climate
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   Answer: A

   The Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot dry summers and mild wet winters. This pattern results from the shifting of high pressure belts — the subtropical high brings drought in summer, while westerly winds bring rainfall in winter.

5. 5.

   The type C of Koppen's climate is the

   1. A
      Arid climate
   2. B
      Tropical rainforest climate
   3. C
      Polar climate
   4. D
      Temperate climate
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   In Köppen's climate classification, Group C denotes the Mesothermal or Temperate climate, where the coldest month averages between -3°C and 18°C and at least one month averages above 10°C. It includes Mediterranean, humid subtropical, and oceanic sub-types. Group A is tropical, Group B is arid, and Group E is polar.

6. 6.

   One of the following features is an example of faulting

   1. A
      Rift valley
      Correct
   2. B
      Anticline
   3. C
      Syncline
   4. D
      Fold mountains
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   Answer: A

   A rift valley is formed by faulting, specifically when a block of land sinks between two parallel faults. Fold mountains, anticlines, and synclines are all features of folding, not faulting.

7. 7.

   A rock in which water cannot easily pass through is termed

   1. A
      Permeable rock
   2. B
      Sedimentary rock
   3. C
      Porous rock
   4. D
      Impermeable rock
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   An impermeable rock is one that does not allow water to pass through it easily. Examples include granite and clay. Such rocks are important in forming aquifers and causing surface runoff.

8. 8.

   A dominant factor that explains the establishment of industries in some rural areas of Tropical Africa is

   1. A
      Large consumer markets
   2. B
      Availability of skilled labour
   3. C
      Proximity to raw materials
      Correct
   4. D
      Developed infrastructure
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   Answer: C

   In Tropical Africa, industries are often established in rural areas due to the proximity to raw materials such as minerals, timber, and agricultural products, which reduces transportation costs.

9. 9.

   The hinterland of a port is

   1. A
      The harbour facilities of a port
   2. B
      The foreign country that trades with the port
   3. C
      The deep water area offshore
   4. D
      The area served by and supplying goods to a port
      Correct
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: D

   The hinterland of a port refers to the inland area that the port serves — the region from which goods are collected for export and to which imported goods are distributed. It is the port's zone of economic influence.

10. 10.

    Calculate the distance between town Y which is on latitude 40° N and town Z which is on latitude 10°S

    1. A
       6,000 km
    2. B
       5,550 km
       Correct
    3. C
       3,000 km
    4. D
       4,500 km
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer: B

    The angular difference between 40°N and 10°S is 40 + 10 = 50°. Each degree of latitude equals approximately 111 km. Therefore, distance = 50 × 111 = 5,550 km.

The questions come from past JAMB, WAEC and NECO papers. We use software to help write the answer options and explanations, and every answer is checked twice before it goes on the site. How we check

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Practise all 36 questions we hold from the 2020 paper, on a timed CBT screen

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