Population Structure
14 Grade 9 Social Studies questions on Population Structure, with worked marking schemes. 14 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
5 marksPopulation structure can be represented using a population (age-sex) pyramid.
(a) Identify the two main characteristics shown by a population pyramid. (2 marks)
(b) State three problems that result from a rapidly growing population in a country like Kenya. (3 marks)
(5 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) The two main characteristics shown by a population pyramid are: (i) the age structure/composition (the distribution of the population across different age groups) and (ii) the sex composition (the number of males compared to females, shown on either side of the pyramid). (b) Any three problems of a rapidly growing population, such as: pressure on/shortage of land for settlement and farming; high unemployment as jobs are fewer than job seekers; strain on social services such as schools, hospitals, and housing; food shortages and increased malnutrition; high dependency ratio as many children depend on few working adults; environmental degradation through overuse of resources; increased poverty levels; or congestion and growth of slums in urban areas.
Question 2
1 markA high dependency ratio in a country implies that
A. the country has no elderly people
B. everyone is employed
C. there are very few children
D. the working population supports a large number of dependants
(1 mark)
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1 markA diagram that shows the distribution of a country's population by age and sex is called a
A. population pyramid
B. climate graph
C. topographical map
D. pie chart of resources
(1 mark)
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6 marksExplain three advantages a country with a large youthful population is likely to enjoy.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Any three explained (2 marks each): provides a large future labour force for development; offers a big market for goods and services; ensures continuity/growth of the population; provides personnel for defence/national service; encourages innovation. Award 1 point, 1 explanation.
Question 5
1 markA population pyramid with a very wide base usually indicates which of the following?
A. A high proportion of elderly people
B. A high birth rate and many young people
C. An equal number of all age groups
D. A declining young population
(1 mark)
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5 marksA population pyramid for Country X has a very broad base and tapers sharply towards the top.
(a) Describe what this shape tells you about the birth rate.
(b) State two challenges such a population structure poses to the government.
(5 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) The broad base shows a high birth rate / many young children (1 mark). (b) Any two challenges (2 marks each): heavy demand for schools/education; high spending on child health care; high dependency burden on workers; future unemployment pressure; strain on food/housing resources.
Question 7
1 markWhich of the following is the BEST example of a working/economically active population?
A. New-born babies in a hospital
B. A class of nursery pupils
C. Adults aged 15 to 64 years in employment
D. Retired grandparents in a rural home
(1 mark)
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4 marksDifferentiate between the economically active population and the dependent population.
(4 marks)
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2 marksDefine the term 'dependency ratio' as used in population studies.
(2 marks)
Marking scheme
The dependency ratio is the relationship/proportion between the dependent population (children under 15 and adults over 64) and the working/economically active population aged 15-64 (2 marks for a clear definition; 1 mark for a partial definition).
Question 10
1 markIn population studies, the age group that is generally regarded as the dependent population includes
A. all males of any age
B. children below 15 years and adults above 64 years
C. people aged 15 to 64 years
D. only women of child-bearing age
(1 mark)
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1 markA country whose population pyramid has a narrow base and a broad top is MOST likely experiencing
A. a high infant mortality rate only
B. a high birth rate
C. rapid population growth
D. an ageing population
(1 mark)
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1 markA population pyramid with a very wide base and a narrow top indicates a population that has
A. more males than females in old age only
B. many old people and few children
C. a high proportion of young people and a high birth rate
D. an equal number in every age group
(1 mark)
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1 markA population pyramid with a very wide base usually indicates a population with:
A. Many elderly people
B. A high proportion of young people
C. An equal number in all age groups
D. Mostly working adults
(1 mark)
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1 markKenya's population structure shows a large youthful population. One advantage of this to the country is that it provides
A. fewer people needing health care
B. a smaller market for goods
C. an immediate reduction in school enrolment
D. a large future labour force
(1 mark)
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