What is Case Study Question / Paragraph Based Question?
A case study is a scenario in a particular academic / professional context which students are expected to analyse and respond to, guided by specific questions posed concerning the situation. In many cases, the scenario or case study involves a number of issues or problems that must be dealt with in a academic / professional workplace.
Why Case Study Questions are included in academics?
Case study assignments usually require students to identify problems and issues in a scenario, to demonstrate their developing knowledge of theories and academic / professional policies and to make decisions and recommendations based on these to either prevent or solve some of the issues in that scenario.
How to solve Case Study Questions?
There are several steps to writing an answer to a case study assignment:
STEP 1: Read the case study and questions carefully.
- Read the case and associated questions carefully.
- Highlight the main points of the case and any issues that you can identify.
- Read the questions closely and analyse what they are requiring you to do.
- Read the case again, linking the information that is relevant to each question you have been asked.
STEP 2: Identify the issues in the case study.
Case studies describe a situation which may arise in a particular profession or social context. They often involve a number of people in a complex situation. They will often describe a situation which is problematic, possibly in how it is dealt with, or in its complexity. An important part of your answer is to analyse the situation and to identify the issues/actions described in the case which may be problematic. The following questions may help you to do this:
- What actions were taken in the case?
- Were these actions the most appropriate and why?
- Were there any consequences of the actions taken?
- Was anything omitted or not considered?
- Were actions/procedures in line with existing codes of practice, policy or theories?
STEP 3: Link theory to practice.
Use your knowledge of existing codes of practice, theories and/or other academic / professional documents and behaviours to decide what was done appropriately and what was not.
STEP 4: Plan your answer.
It can be useful to use the questions you have been set as headings and to answer each part in turn, reducing the chance of omitting set questions. You can always take out the headings before you submit if you wish. Lecturers usually set questions in a logical order, so answer in the order they are written in your question.
STEP 5: Start writing your case study answer (for theory only)
Like any assignment, you will need an introduction, body sections in which you answer the questions put to you regarding the case study, and a conclusion.
STEP 6: Edit and proofread.
Read through your paper yourself to detect and correct other errors and omissions.
Check you have answered all questions and backed up your answer with relevant passage.
Types of Case Study Questions / Paragraph Based Questions
Case Study Questions / Paragraph Based Questions can be broadly classified into two types:
- MCQs type: In this type, student has to tick the correct option from various options.
- Theory type: In this type, student has to write proper solution / answer in cotext to the case study.
Case Study/ Passage Based Questions Chapter 3 Water Resources
Type 1: MCQ type
Case Study Question 01
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
“Recent evidence suggests that the groundwater is under serious threat of overuse in many parts of the country. About 300 districts have reported a water level decline of over 4 meters during the past 20 years. Nearly one-third of the country is overusing their groundwater reserves. In another 25 years, 60 per cent of the country would be doing the same if the present way of using this resource continues. Groundwater overuse is particularly found in the agriculturally prosperous regions of Punjab and Western U.P., hard rock plateau areas of central and south India, some coastal areas and the rapidly growing urban settlements.”
Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option:
Question.1. Groundwater is an example of ________ resource.
(a) renewable
(b) non-renewable
(c) perishable
(d) None of these
Question.2. The major use of groundwater in India is for _________.
(a) agricultural use
(b) domestic use
(c) industrial use
(d) All of the above
Question.3. The passage given above relates to which of the following options?
(a) Depleting water resources in India.
(b) Water is limited.
(c) Lack of management in water resource.
(d) Save water.
Question.4. Which one of the following statements shows maximum intensity of water scarcity in India?
(a) Groundwater is under serious threat.
(b) About 300 districts have reported a water level decline.
(c) Nearly one-third of the country is overusing their groundwater reserves.
(d) Groundwater overuse is particularly found in the agriculturally prosperous regions.
Ans.1. (a) renewable
Ans.2. (d) All of the above
Ans.3. (a) Depleting water resources in India.
Ans.4. (b) About 300 districts have reported a water level decline.
Type 2: Theory Type
Case Study Question 02
Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follows:
Source A-Hydraulic Structures in Ancient India
In the first century B.C., Sringaverapura near Allahabad had sophisticated water harvesting system channelling the flood water of the river Ganga. During the time of Chandragupta Maurya, dams, lakes and irrigation systems were extensively built. Evidences of sophisticated irrigation works have also been found in Kalinga, (Odisha), Nagarjuna konda (Andhra Pradesh), Bennur (Karnataka), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), etc.
Source B- Industrialisation and Urbanisation
The ever-increasing number of industries has made matters worse by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources. Industries, apart from being heavy users of water, also require power to run them. Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power. Today, in India hydroelectric power contributes approximately 22 per cent of the total electricity produced. Moreover, multiplying urban centres with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles have not only added to water and energy requirements but have further aggravated the problem.
Source A-Hydraulic Structures in Ancient India
Question.1. Name the place where the evidence of sophisticated irrigation works are found.
Source B- Industrialisation and Urbanisation
Question.2. How many percent of contribution made by the hydroelectric power in India?
Ans.1. Evidences of sophisticated irrigation works have been found in Kalinga, (Odisha), Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh), Bennur (Karnataka), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), etc.
Ans.2. Today, in India hydroelectric power contributes approximately 22 per cent of the total electricity produced.
