Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The statement means that chemical industries themselves use a large share of the chemicals they produce as raw materials for further manufacturing.

Reasoning:

• Basic chemicals like sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and caustic soda are not just sold to end consumers; they are used within the chemical industry itself as inputs.
• For example, sulphuric acid is used to manufacture fertilizers, synthetic fibres, plastics, paints, and dyes — all of which are products of other chemical units.
• Petrochemicals (organic chemicals) are used to manufacture synthetic rubber, synthetic fibres, plastics, drugs, and pharmaceuticals.
• Thus, chemicals pass through multiple stages of processing within the industry before reaching agriculture or consumer markets.

Source: Manufacturing Industries, Chapter 6 — Chemical Industries section

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Examiners expect you to explain the statement and then give concrete examples from the textbook. The key idea is chemicals as raw materials for other chemical products — a chain reaction within the industry itself. Avoid vague statements; always name specific chemicals (sulphuric acid, petrochemicals) and their downstream uses. The reasoning with examples earns the full 3 marks.