Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Condition 1 — Difficult/undulating terrain: Roads can negotiate higher gradients and traverse dissected, hilly topography. Railways cannot easily be built in such terrain because laying tracks requires nearly level ground; high relief makes construction extremely costly or impractical. A hilly village is therefore better served by roads.

Condition 2 — Small loads over short distances / door-to-door need: Road transport is economical for fewer persons or smaller quantities of goods over short distances, and provides door-to-door service, reducing loading/unloading costs. Railways require fixed terminals and are economical only for bulk goods over long distances, making them unsuitable for a remote farm or a small construction site.

Source: Roadways, Railways — Chapter 7

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• The question has two parts within it: name TWO conditions and explain why railways cannot match roads. Address both for full marks.
• Stick to textbook language: "dissected and undulating topography," "negotiate higher gradients," "door-to-door service," "economical for smaller amounts over short distances" — these are exact phrases examiners look for.
• Don't write generic points; anchor each condition to the specific scenario (hilly village / small construction site) to show application.