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1. Big Write About Plate Boundaries
(280 words)
The Earth's outer layer, called the crust, is divided into several large and small
plates. These plates are always moving, although very slowly. There are three
main types of plate boundaries where the plates interact:
1. Divergent boundaries: When plates move away from each other, it
creates a gap. Magma (molten rock) rises up from the Earth's mantle to
fill this gap, creating new crust. This process happens mainly under the
oceans, forming underwater mountain ranges called mid-ocean ridges.
2. Convergent boundaries: When plates collide, they can create different
kinds of interactions:
(a) If two plates with oceanic crust collide, one plate will be forced
beneath the other in a process called subduction. This forms deep
ocean trenches and can lead to volcanic activity.
(b) If two plates with continental crust collide, they push against each
other, creating mountains. The Himalayas are an example of two
continental plates.
(c) If one continental and one oceanic plate collide into each other, the
denser oceanic plate sinks beneath the continental plate in a process
called subduction. This can result in the formation of deep ocean
trenches and volcanic activity.
3. Transform boundaries: When plates slide past each other horizontally,
it forms a transform boundary. These boundaries are known for their
occurrence of earthquakes, such as the San Andreas Fault.
The movement of tectonic plates causes geological events like earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, and mountains. Earthquakes occur when the plates get
stuck and suddenly release built-up energy, causing the ground to shake.
Volcanic eruptions happen when molten rock (magma) reaches the surface
through cracks in the crust. Studying tectonic plates is important because it
helps scientists understand the Earth's history, predict earthquakes and
volcanic activity.

2. EXAM SAMPLE
Section A: Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following is NOT a type of plate boundary?
a) Divergent boundary
b) Transform boundary
c) Convergent boundary
d) Equilibrium boundary
2. What geological feature is created when two plates with continental crust
collide?
a) Deep ocean trench
b) Mid-ocean ridge
c) Volcanic island arc
d) Mountain range
3. What process occurs at a divergent boundary?
a) Subduction
b) Seafloor spreading
c) Folding
d) Earthquake propagation

3. Section B: Short Answer
Q: Compare and contrast the formation of mountains at convergent and divergent
boundaries.
A: At a convergent boundary, where two plates collide, the crust is compressed and
crumpled, leading to the formation of fold mountains. This happens when both plates
are continental crust, such as the Himalayas.
In contrast, at a divergent boundary, plates move apart, and new crust is formed through
seafloor spreading. This process creates underwater mountain ranges, such as the Mid-
Atlantic Ridge.
Q: What are the three main types of plate boundaries and the geological features
associated with each?
A: The three main types of plate boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform
boundaries. Divergent boundaries create gaps where new crust forms, like mid-ocean
ridges. Convergent boundaries can form deep ocean trenches or mountains, depending
on the type of plates involved. Transform boundaries cause earthquakes when plates
slide past each other.
Q: How do tectonic plates at divergent boundaries move and contribute to the
formation of new crust?
A: Tectonic plates at divergent boundaries move apart because of currents in the Earth's
mantle. Magma rises up to fill the gap, creating new crust in a process called seafloor
spreading.
Q: Describe the formation of new crust at a divergent boundary.
A: Tectonic plates at divergent boundaries move apart because of currents in the Earth's
mantle. Magma rises up to fill the gap, creating new crust in a process called seafloor
spreading.
Q: Why do earthquakes occur at transform boundaries?
A: Earthquakes occur at transform boundaries because plates slide past each other
horizontally. When the plates get stuck, stress builds up, and when they finally slip, it
causes an earthquake.

4. Q: What happens when oceanic plates and continental plates collide at convergent
boundaries?
A: When oceanic plates collide with continental plates at convergent boundaries, the
denser oceanic plate sinks beneath the continental plate in a process called subduction.
This can result in the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic activity.
Q: Explain the process of subduction at a convergent boundary.
A: When oceanic plates collide with continental plates at convergent boundaries, the
denser oceanic plate sinks beneath the continental plate in a process called subduction.
This can result in the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic activity.
Q: Why do earthquakes occur at transform boundaries?
A: Earthquakes occur at transform boundaries because plates slide past each other
horizontally. When the plates get stuck, stress builds up, and when they finally slip, it
causes an earthquake.
Q: Compare and contrast the formation of volcanic activity at convergent and
divergent plate boundaries.
A: At convergent boundaries, volcanic activity occurs when the denser oceanic plate
sinks beneath the continental plate, causing melting and the formation of magma. At
divergent boundaries, volcanic activity happens when plates move apart, allowing
magma to rise and create new crust.
Q: How are mountain ranges formed in relation to plate boundaries?
A: Mountain ranges are formed at convergent plate boundaries. When two continental
plates collide, they crumple and fold, creating fold mountains. Such as the Himalayas.
Q: How do scientists monitor and predict volcanic eruptions and earthquakes?
A: Scientists monitor volcanic eruptions by measuring ground deformation, gas
emissions, and seismic activity using instruments like seismographs and gas analyzers.
For earthquakes, they use seismographs to measure ground movements and study
patterns of seismic activity.

5. Q: How has the theory of plate tectonics contributed to our understanding of
Earth's geological history?
A: The theory of plate tectonics explains how continents move and interact, helping us
understand the formation of geological features over millions of years. It also helps
explain the occurrence of earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the distribution of fossils
on different continents.
Q: What is subduction and how does it occur at convergent plate boundaries?
A: Subduction is the process where one plate sinks beneath another plate at a convergent
boundary. It occurs when an oceanic plate collides with either another oceanic plate or
a continental plate. The denser plate is forced beneath the less dense plate into the Earth's
mantle, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic activity.
Q: What are the potential hazards and benefits of living near tectonic plate
boundaries?
A: Living near plate boundaries can have hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and
volcanic eruptions, which can cause damage and loss of life. However, there are also
benefits like access to geothermal energy, fertile soils due to volcanic activity, and
potential tourism related to geological features.

6. Section C: Diagram Analysis
Study the diagram below, which represents a plate boundary, and answer the
questions that follow.
Q: Identify the type of plate boundary shown in the diagram.
A: The type of plate boundary shown in the diagram is a transform boundary.
Q: Explain the geological features that are likely to form at this plate boundary.
A: At a transform boundary, plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement
can cause earthquakes as the plates get stuck and then suddenly release the built-up
stress. The San Andreas Fault is an example of a transform boundary where frequent
earthquakes occur.
Q: Discuss the potential hazards associated with this type of plate boundary.
A: Transform boundaries can have potential hazards. The main hazard is the occurrence
of earthquakes, which can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure, as well as a
great loss in human life; leaving people stuck under the debris and the destroyed houses.
Section D: Essay
10. Discuss the significance of plate tectonics in shaping the Earth's surface and
impacting human activities. Provide specific examples to support your answer.
A: Plate tectonics is significant in shaping the Earth's surface and impacting human
activities. The movement of tectonic plates creates various geological features such as
mountains, volcanoes, and oceanic trenches. For example, the formation of the
Himalayas through the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates has shaped the
landscape and provided natural barriers. Volcanic activity, has impacted human
settlements and led to historical events. Additionally, plate tectonics is responsible for
the occurrence of earthquakes, which can cause destruction and a loss in human lives as
well as infrastructure and buildings.