Q1. [3] deep thorough-understanding
A steel plant uses heavy raw materials like iron ore and coal and produces heavy finished goods like steel girders. A bread factory uses light agricultural inputs and produces light finished goods. On what basis are industries classified as 'heavy' or 'light'? Using these two examples, explain the criteria involved.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:34 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Industries are classified as heavy or light based on the bulk and weight of raw materials used and finished goods produced.
- A steel plant uses heavy, bulky raw materials (iron ore, coking coal, limestone) and produces heavy finished goods (steel girders), involving high transportation costs. Hence, it is a heavy industry.
- A bread factory uses light agricultural inputs (flour, yeast) and produces light finished goods (bread), with low transportation burden. Hence, it is a light industry.
The key criterion is whether the inputs and outputs are heavy/bulky or light in nature.
Source: Classification of Industries; Iron and Steel Industry, Chapter 6
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Explanation
- The examiner expects you to state the criterion clearly first, then apply it to both examples — this earns all 3 marks.
- Directly quote from the textbook definition: "bulk and weight of raw material and finished goods."
- Don't confuse this classification with capital investment or ownership — those are separate criteria.
- Iron and steel is explicitly called a heavy industry in the textbook due to heavy raw materials AND heavy finished goods — mention both sides for full credit.