Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
2. Compare and contrast theory of plate tectonics with the continental drift theory. How does the plate tectonic theory answer questions left unanswered by the drift theory? .(250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
Directive word:
Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of the two.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by write about plate tectonics and the movement of continents and various theories put forward to explain them.
Body:
Write in brief about the continental drift theory and explains it briefly – forces it considers for the movement, supporting evidences it considers, critique of theory regarding the movement of the continents and its acceptance among scientists etc.
In the next part, write about plate tectonic theory, the mechanism of it and how it successfully explained the movement of continents. Use small and neat diagrams for better representation.
Conclusion:
Mention about general importance of the two theories and conclude your answer.








