Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies: Power — Practice Questions

These are original practice questions written in the style of Cambridge O Level Pakistan Studies (2059) assessment objectives. They are not taken from any past paper and are not endorsed by Cambridge International.

Related: Power study guide and revision notes

This page gives two full Paper 2 style questions on Section 3 Power, each worth 25 marks and split into parts (a) to (d) like the real 2059 paper. Allow about 30 minutes per question, which is the time you have in the exam. Part (d) of each question asks you to analyse and judge, so write a conclusion. Figures in the resources are illustrative, not official statistics.

Question 1: Fuels and their transport

Fig. 1.1 (described): a sketch map of Pakistan showing the Thar coalfield in south-east Sindh, the Sui gas field in Balochistan, oil fields on the Potwar Plateau, a pipeline from Port Qasim to Mahmood Kot, and the cities Karachi, Multan, Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar.

(a) (i) Using Fig. 1.1, name the province where the Sui gas field is found. [1]

(ii) Name one oil field on the Potwar Plateau. [1]

(iii) Draw a labelled diagram to show how coal is obtained by open cast mining. [3]

(b) (i) Explain why most coal from Thar is used to generate electricity close to the mine. [3]

(ii) Describe how imported oil reaches users in northern Punjab. [3]

(c) Explain how gas is supplied to villages that are far from the pipeline network, and the problems of doing this. [5]

(d) Pakistan’s domestic gas output is falling while demand rises. Evaluate two ways in which Pakistan could meet the shortfall, and decide which is better. [9]

Question 2: Electricity generation

Fig. 2.1 (illustrative data): share of electricity generated by source in a recent year.

Source	Share (%)
Hydel	28
Imported fuels (oil, LNG, imported coal)	34
Domestic gas and Thar coal	18
Nuclear	15
Wind and solar	5

(a) (i) Using Fig. 2.1, state the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources. [1]

(ii) Name one nuclear power station site in Pakistan. [1]

(iii) State two differences between a renewable and a non-renewable source of electricity. [2]

(b) Explain why a high share of imported fuel in Fig. 2.1 is a problem for Pakistan’s economy. [4]

(c) (i) Describe the physical conditions that favour the building of a multi-purpose hydel scheme. [3]

(ii) Explain why hydel output falls in winter. [2]

(d) A village in the mountains of Chitral has no grid connection. Assess whether a micro-hydel scheme or solar home systems would be the more feasible way to bring electricity to it. [12]

Each question totals 25 marks: in Question 2, parts (a) to (c) total 13 and part (d) carries 12.

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Mark scheme: Question 1

(a) (i) Balochistan [1].

(ii) Any one of Khaur, Dhulian, Toot, Meyal or another correctly named Potwar field [1].

(iii) One mark each, up to 3: ground surface with overburden shown being removed; coal seam near the surface exposed in a pit; benches or excavator/dumper shown; spoil heap of overburden.

(b) (i) Thar coal is lignite [1] with high moisture and ash and low heat value [1], so carrying it long distances is uneconomic; burning it at mine-mouth power stations and sending electricity by transmission line is cheaper [1]. Also credit: no rail line suited to bulk coal across the desert [1].

(ii) Crude oil or products arrive by tanker at Karachi or Port Qasim [1]; refined fuel is pumped through the White Oil Pipeline to Mahmood Kot near Multan [1], then carried onwards by rail tank wagons or road tankers to depots in northern Punjab [1]. Credit refining at Karachi or at Mahmood Kot in the chain.

(c) Up to 3 for method: gas is bottled as LPG [1]; cylinders are taken by truck to local dealers [1]; households collect or have them delivered [1]. Up to 3 for problems: cost per unit is higher than piped gas [1]; supply runs short in winter when demand peaks [1]; poor roads in mountains and deserts delay delivery [1]; leaks and explosions are a safety risk [1]. Maximum 5.

(d) Levels marking.

• Level 3 (7–9): evaluates two developed options with Pakistani detail and reaches a supported judgement.
• Level 2 (4–6): explains two options with some evaluation, or one option well.
• Level 1 (1–3): simple statements.

Possible content. Import more LNG: quick to scale through the Port Qasim terminals and uses the existing pipelines; but costs foreign exchange, price swings with world markets and worsens the trade deficit. Explore and drill new fields: keeps money at home and creates jobs; but drilling is costly and slow, success is uncertain and some prospects lie in insecure or remote areas. Switch demand to other energy: solar water heaters, electric cooking, Thar coal for power stations, freeing gas for homes and fertiliser. A good judgement might be that LNG fills the gap now while exploration and renewables reduce dependence later.

Mark scheme: Question 2

(a) (i) 33% (hydel 28 + wind and solar 5) [1].

(ii) Chashma or Karachi (K-2/K-3) [1].

(iii) Any two: renewables are naturally replaced / non-renewables run out [1]; renewables have no fuel cost / non-renewables need fuel to be bought [1]; renewables produce little or no carbon dioxide in use [1].

(b) Any four developed points: imports must be paid in foreign currency [1], widening the trade deficit [1]; world oil and gas prices rise and fall, so generation costs are unpredictable [1]; a falling rupee makes each unit dearer [1]; high electricity prices raise industrial costs and reduce competitiveness of exports [1]; unpaid fuel bills feed circular debt [1].

(c) (i) Any three: a narrow, deep gorge so the dam can be short [1]; hard, impermeable rock for foundations [1]; a large, reliable river flow from snowmelt and monsoon rain [1]; a wide valley upstream to store water [1]; low earthquake and landslide risk [1].

(ii) Snow and ice in the mountains do not melt in cold months [1], and monsoon rain has ended, so river flow and the head of water behind dams are reduced [1].

(d) Levels marking (Level 3: 9–12; Level 2: 5–8; Level 1: 1–4).

Micro-hydel for: fast, steep streams fed by snowmelt in Chitral; low running cost; can run day and night; villagers can be trained to maintain it. Against: flow falls in winter, exactly when lighting and heating needs are highest; floods and landslides can damage the intake; needs initial capital and a suitable site.

Solar for: panels are cheap, light and easy to carry up mountain roads; each home can be supplied separately; no water rights needed. Against: short winter days, snow and cloud cut output; batteries are costly and need replacing; output is small, so it suits lights and phones more than workshops.

A Level 3 answer weighs these for the specific place and decides, for example that micro-hydel is more feasible where a reliable stream exists because it gives more power for small industry, with solar as a back-up in winter.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I spend on each Paper 2 question? About 30 minutes, since you answer three questions in 1 hour 30 minutes. Leave enough time for part (d), the part that specifically tests analysis.

What does “assess” mean in 2059 Paper 2? Weigh up the factors for and against a proposal and come to a judgement, according to the syllabus glossary.

Will the exam give me real statistics? Usually it gives a resource such as a table or graph. Use the figures provided, quoting them accurately, rather than numbers from memory.