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History Paper 2 Topical Questions On Development Of Transport And Communication

  1. Identify two ways in which the invention of the wheel promoted early transport.                               (2 marks) QUES 9,DIST 1
  1. Identify one advantage of beating drumsas a form of communication over the use of smoke signals in Africa during pre-colonial period.                                                                                                     (1 mark) QUES 10,DIST 1
  1. What was the contribution of Alexander Graham Bell in Communication.                                                (1 mark) QUES 11,DIST 1
  • a) Mention THREE early written forms of communication                   (3 marks)

b) Discuss ways through which the modern society has benefited from the development in Telecommunications.                                                       (12 marks) QUES 18,DIST 1

  1. What were the features of Roman roads                     (2mks) QUES 5,DIST 2
  2. Why is the world referred to as ‘global village’ today?         (1mk) QUES 6,DIST 2
  3. Name two wheels vehicles that were among the earliest to be developed by man                (2 mrks ) QUES 4,DIST 4
  4. a. Identify three results of the invention of the wheel in Mesopotamia         (3 Mrks)

                     b. Explain six disadvantages of modern forms of communication     (12 Mrks) QUES 17,DIST 4

  • Give two ways in which air transport has improved trade between nations                 (2mks) QUES 5,DIST 5
  • a)         State five reasons why road transport is commonly used all over the world             (5mks)

            b)         Explain five ways through which modern society has benefited from the development

                  of Telecommunications.               (10mks) QUES 18,DIST 5

  1. State two disadvantages of using the railway line as a modern means of transport.             (2 mks) QUES 4,DIST 6
  2. State two of the earliest forms of communication.     (2mks) QUES 5,DIST 7
  1. Give two limitations of animals transport                  (2mks) QUES 4,DIST 8
  2. (a) State five limitations of railway as a means of modern transport                                  (5mks)

       (b) Explain five ways through which modern society has benefited from the development of

      Telecommunication        (10mks) QUES 20,DIST 8

  1. Give the greatest contribution of Alexander Graham Bell in the field of communication                    (1mk) QUES 4,DIST 9
  2. Give two ways in which telecommunication has facilitated modern trade                                            (2mks) QUES 7,DIST 9
  3. State two limitations of canal transport                            (2mks)QUES 7,DIST 10
  4. Give two challenges facing space exploration                   (2mks)QUES 5,DIST 11
  5. Who invented the telegraph?                                               (1mk)QUES 7,DIST 11
  6. Give the main reason why drum beats were effectively used at dawn.         (1mk) QUES 3,DIST 12
  7. Give two methods used in building the Roman roads in the 18th Century.    (2mks)QUES 6,DIST 12
  8. Identify two additional improvements that have been made to the modern roads from the macadamized roads.            (2mks). QUES 5,DIST 13
  9. Identify two uses of the wheel among the Sumerians.           (2mks) QUES 3,DIST 14
  • Who revolutionalised railway transport in the world? (1 mk) QUES 5,DIST 15
  • Mention two negative impact of telecommunication in the modern world.                  (2 mks) QUES 6,DIST 15
  • State two advantages of cinemas.            (2mks) QUES 4,DIST 16
  • Give two results of space explanation          (2mks) QUES 5,DIST 16
  • (a) Give three advantages of motorcycles as a modern means of transport. (3mks)

      (b) Explain six effects of the modern terms of transport.                   (12mks) QUES 20,DIST 16

  • Outline three reasons why railway transport is preferred to road transport in major towns (3mks) QUES 18a,DIST 17
  • List two results of the development of the steamship in Europe       (2mks) QUES 2,DIST 18
  1. Give one challenge facing space exploration            (1mk)      QUES 8,DIST 20
  2. (a) Identify five limitations of early forms of communication. (5 mks)

(b.)Explain five disadvantages of railway transport. (10 mks)                 QUES 19,DIST 20

                      ANSWERS TO DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

  1. Identify two ways in which the invention of the wheel promoted early transport.
    1. Eased transportation of heavy loads
    1. Facilitated speedy transportation of people and goods
    1. Enhanced movement of solders during battles led to development of roads
    1. Facilitated transportation of goods over long distances.
    1. Mode travelling more comfortable

                                                                                                           2 x 1 = 2 marks QUES 9,DIST 1

  1. Identify one advantage of drum beating as a form of communication over the use of smoke signals in Africa during the pre-colonial period.
    1. Drum beating could be used any time day or night, smoke signals can only be used during the day.
    1. Drum beats relayed specific messages while smoke relayed general messages.
    1. Drum beats can be heard even if one is not on the look out. Smoke signals one must be on the look out to see it.
    1. Drum beats spread messages faster than smoke.
    1. Drum beats can be used during all seasons while smoke can not be used during all seasons e.g. can’t be used during cloudy or misty weather.

                                                                                           Any 1 x 1 = 1 mark QUES 10,DIST 1

  1.     What was the contribution of Alexander Graham Bell in communication?

                   – He invented the telephone                  1 x 1 = 1 mark QUES 11, DIST 1

  1. a) Mention three early written forms of communication.
    1. Pictures
    1. Stone tablets/clay tablets
    1. Patchments
    1. Scrolls

                                                                           Any 3 x 1 = 3 marks

       b) Discuss ways through which the modern society has benefited from the

            development in

           telecommunication.

  • It has facilitated commercial transactions between countries & individuals. Through use of fax and telephone.
  • Provide employment
  • Promote space research through satellite communication
  • It is used in modern warfare to provide information to the parties involved in the war.
  • Education – telecom serves as medium for public education.
  • Mass entertainment e.g. through T.V radio, Cinema etc.
  • Has helped to improve travel by air & water
  • National unity and patriotism i.e.
  • Has promoted fast transmission of ideas
  • Facilitated storage of information  through use of computer.
  • Has enabled organisations and individuals access information at their own convenience.

                                                                                      Any 6 x 2 = 12 marks QUES 18,DIST 1

5.They were straight

  • They were raised above the ground
  • They were well drained
  • They were all weather roads.                            2 points x1 = 2mks  QUES 5,DIST 2

6. Revolution n communication has reduced distance between different parts of the world hence increasing interaction between people.1×1 = 1mk      QUES 6,DIST 2

      7. Two vehicle without – wheels that were among the earliest to be developed by man

  • Travois
    • The sledge / sleigh
    • Portage / Sedan chair                                                        1 x 2 = 2 Marks    QUES 4,DIST

    8. a. Three results of the invention of the wheel in Mesopotamia

  • Increased volume of Goods transported
    • Made transport easier
    • Enable building of war chariots
    • Improved pottery                                                        1 x 3 = 3

b.   Six disadvantages of modern forms of communication

  –     Promotion of international crime e.g. fraud, drug trafficking

  –     increased terrorism because of easy and speedy communication

  –     Cause noise pollution e.g. radio, television

  –     Some telecommunication devices are expensive to buy

  –     Can enable transition of pornographic materials

  –     Led to destructive warfare e.g. though use of military satellite to direct missiles

  –     Cultural erosion as a few countries dominate it hence it’s easy to influence their ideas in the world

                                            2 x 6 = 12 Marks   QUES 17,DIST 4

9. – It has improved speed with which traders move

            – It has facilitated fast marketing of goods and strategies by organizations and individuals

            – It has improved transportation of urgent documents and messages relating to trade

            – It has enabled fast transportation of perishable goods.

            – Selling of air crafts is earning some countries a lot of revenue hence promoting trade

                        (Any 2 points, 2 x 1 =2mks),2 x 1 = 2mks) QUES 5,DIST 5

10. a)   – Roads are flexible – they are found in many places

                        – Roads are cheap to construct

                        – Motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles are cheap means of transport

                        – Road transport links other means of transport

                        – Road transport can offer door to door services        (any 5 x 1 = 5mks)

            b)         – Improved communication – There is good communication between countries,

                        governments and citizens among individuals

                        – Mass entertainment – Through radio, television and cinema. This has contributed to                     the development of popular arts

                        – Education- Education by radio and television to the public and schools are widely used in       many countries

                        – Transport – Ships at sea and aeroplane in the air are kept constant touch through

                        telecommunication gadgets

                        – Exploration of outer space – Satellites sent to space are able to send information back

                        about the outer space

                        – Warfare – They help in conducting warfare. They help to make precise target on the

                        enemy.

                        – Development of trade – It has helped to make quick business transactions throughout the    world and also advertisement of goods.

                        – National Unity – Using the radio to inform people about government policies. It helps in      administration.

                        – It has helped in management through the use of computers to store and retrieve

                        information

                        – Improved science and technology through scientific research on new gadgets.

                                    (any 5 points well explained x 2 = 10mks)QUES18,DIST 5

11. State two disadvantage of using the railway line as a modern means of transport. (2 mks)

– Locomotives are very expensive to buy.

– Rails need a lot of money to construct.

– Cannot give door to door services.

– Not economical over short distances.

– Only good for large amount or bulky goods. (2 x 1 2 mks)  QUES 4,DIST 6

12. State two of the earliest forms of communication.                                                                       ( 2 mks)

–           Drum beats

–           Messengers

            –           Horn blowing

            –           Fire and smoke           QUES 5,DIST 7

13. . Limitations of animal transport

            -Slow and time consuming

            -Limited to short distance

            -Carry limited load

            -Their movement is limited to day time

            -Some animals like donkey are stubborn when they are tired / over loaded.                          2×1=2mks  QUES 4,DIST 8

14. a) State five limitations of railway as a means of modern transport

-They are expensive to construct. The wagons are also expensive to buy and  maintain

            -They are less flexible because they only pass through certain landscape

            -They are slow compared to other means of transport

            -They are not self-sufficient and has be supplemented with road transport

            -Although accidents are rare, they are fatal when they occur

            -Emit a lot of smoke causing environment pollution                    5×1=5mks

  b) Explain five ways through which the modern society has benefited from the development of telecommunication

-It has eased and fastens communication between people and increased interaction and understanding

-It has enhanced information management by improving the storage and processing of information e.g. with use of computers

-They provide mass entertainment through transmission of music, films sports etc by the radio and television

-Promote water and air transport through the use of telecommunication devices to send signals to guide captain and pilots

-Promote and ease business transactions reducing cost and enabling quick transactions  through the use of fax machines, computers and mobile phone / improve economic  development.

            -Enable people, to access information and programmes at their convenience

            -Provide employment opportunities to many people

            -Ease accessibility to remove areas through use of cell phones

-Improvement in security systems by use of radio calls and cell phone to combat crime and use of telecommunication devices to provide accurate and reliable information

-Promoted space exploration through research with the use of satellite communication .                5×2 =10mks  QUES 20,DIST 8

History Paper 2 Topical Questions On Development Of Transport And Communication

15. Give the greatest contribution of Alexander Graham Bell in the field of communication  (1mk)

Invented the telephone                                                1 x 1 = 1mk  QUES 4,DIST 9

16. Give two ways in which telecommunication has facilitated modern trade.              (2mks)

i)          Through advertisement

            ii)         Buyers and sellers can communicate easily / faster.

iii)        Through improved  travel e.g air , water                    1 x 2 = 2mks  QUES 7,DIST 9

17. State two limitations of canal transport                                                    (2mks)

  1. Very expensive to construct and maintain
    1.  Needs constant dredging / cleaning
    1. Not suitable where the bedrock is permeable
    1. Requires heavy traffic to justify its construction

                                                                  Any 2×1 = 2marks  QUES 7,DIST 10

18. i) Natural environment in space is hostile

      ii) Extreme temperatures / extreme light and darkness

     iii) Deadly hazards e.g. solar and cosmic radiation that can puncture the space

           crafts.                                                           (Any 2x 1 =2mks)QUES 5,DIST 11

19. Samwel Morse.                                                          (1 x1 = 1mk)QUES 7,DIST 11

20. – It was calm hence would be heard at far distances.       1×1=1mk QUES 3,DIST 12

21. Dug deep trenches filled with heavy stones.

  • Were raised above land on each side.
  • Deep trenches on either side of the road to drain water.                                                        2×1=2mks   QUES 6,DIST 12

22. Improvement to macadamized roads

               (i)  They are wider.

              (ii) They are dual carriage ways.

              (iii) Have fly-overs.

              (iv) Have under ground tunnels.

              (v) Have been straightened.

              (vi) Have motor ways.                                                             (2mks).

             (vii) Have modern traffic lights and road signs.          (2×1=2mks). QUES 5,DIST 13

23. Identify two uses of the wheel among the Sumerians.                                                     (2mks)

  • Wheels were fixed on the carts which were pushed by animals and people
  • The wheels were used as war chariots
  • The wheel was used to make pots
  • It was used on shadoof

2 x 1 = 2mks  QUES 3,DIST 14

24. Who revolutionalised railway transport in the world. (1 mk)

  • George Stephenson. (1 x1 )     QUES 5,DIST 15

25.Mention two negative impact of telecommunication in the modern world.  (2 mks)

  • noise pollution
  • Transmission of pornographic materials/moral decay.
  • Promotion of international crime/terrorism
  • Erosion of cultural values.
  • Violence in schools due to violent programmes.

                  2 x 1 = 2mks             QUES 6,DIST 15

26. Two advantages of cinemas

  • Gives better understanding
  • Everything comes live                        2 x 1 = 2mk   QUES 4,DIST 16

27.       Two results of space exploration

  • Led to production of complicated weapons
  • promoted scientific research
  • -led to better understanding of the universe   2 x 1 = 2  QUES 5,DIST 16

28. a) Three advantages of motorcycle as modern means of transportation

  • Cheap compared to charges by other means
  • Reliable and convenient
  • Fast as compared to bicycle.                                                   Any 3×1 = 3 mks

b) Six effects of the modern forms of transport

  • Modern transport systems have facilitated the faster movement of goods and people
  • Transport systems have enhanced social developments such as schools and hospitals.
  • Population migration and settlement all over the world have been encouraged.
  • A sound transport network enhances political control in a nation.
  • Availability of good transport network led to colonization of Africa.
  • Fatal accidents have resulted due to the development of air transport.
  • Modern transport system has enhanced the exploitation of natural resources.
  • Tourism a major foreign exchange earner has been promoted.
  • Expansion of the transport system has led to the creation of employment opportunities.
  • Growth of towns/urban centres.
  • Led to enhanced agricultural development.
  • Local and international trade improved.
  • Industrial revolution is as a result of good transport systems.
  • Countries in the world earn a lot of revenue due to charges on licenses, oil and fuel levies.
  • Exchange of new ideas, science, religion, culture has been promoted.                                                           Any 6×2 = 12 mks   QUES 20,DIST 16

29. a)   – Faster than roads due to jams                                                                                          

                        – Cheaper than road

            – Carry bulky goods

            – Economy of space/shared traffic

            – Fewer accidents compared to roads

            – Less pollution                                               (Any 3 x 1=3mks) QUES 18a,DIST 17

30. i) Led to increased use of coal

         ii)      Expansion of international trade

  1. Increased use of water transport
  2. Led to improvement in water transport                (2 x 1 = 2mks) QUES 2,DIST 18

31. Give one challenge facing space exploration (1mk)

  • Natural environment space is unsuitable for human life
  • Very expensive
  • Space crafts are prone to accidents e.g. solar and cosmic radiation  QUES 8,DIST 20

32. (a)    Identify five limitations of early forms of communication      (5mks)

  •  They could not reach far away places
  • Some could not be used at all times e.g. fire or smoke at night
  • Weather restriction- some could not be used when its raining, windy, misty
  • Distortion and misinterpretation of messages
  • Confidentiality was not guaranteed
  • Speed limit- delivery of message was slow depending on the mode of transport
  • They could only deliver limited messages
  • They could not reach large audience e.g. messengers
  •  Messages could not be stored or recorded for future references

  (b)      Explain five disadvantages of railway transport (10mks)

  •  Railways are expensive to construct, the wagons are expensive to buy and maintain
  • Its less flexible:  Railway line cannot pass through some landscapes.  They require relatively flat surface
  • Smoke emitted by train leads to environmental pollution
  • Their accidents are fatal when they occur e.g. 1998 accident in Kenya
  •  It does not go beyond land.  Not self sufficient and has to be supplemented by roads transport
  • Railway lines were used by colonial powers to exploit other country’s resources
  •  Non –electric railways are slow

             Points should be explained   5 x 2 = 10 marks  QUES 19,DIST 20

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