Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

No, the oil reserves cannot be called 'resources' yet.

According to the textbook, "everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs, provided it is technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable can be termed as a Resource."

In this case, the country lacks technology to extract the oil and has no institutions to manage its use. Both conditions are absent. Such reserves fall under the category of potential resources — present in a region but not yet in use. Mere availability does not make something a resource; appropriate technology and institutional support are equally essential.

Source: Chapter 1 — Resources and Development, Introduction

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• Examiners expect you to quote or closely paraphrase the textbook definition of a resource (technological accessibility + economic feasibility + cultural acceptability).
• Then apply the definition: technology and institutions are missing → not a resource.
• Bonus marks come from using the correct term "potential resource" for discovered but unused reserves.
• Do NOT write a long essay — three focused points (definition, application, conclusion/category) are enough for 3 marks.