Consider the following statements regarding 'Utility' and 'Value': 1. All resources have utility. 2. All resources have economic value. 3. Utility gives a resource its value. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation In the context of resource geography, a substance or object is classified as a resource based on its utility (usability) and value (worth). These attributes determine the functionality of resources in satisfying human needs. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Utility or usability is the fundamental quality that makes an object or substance a resource. Without utility, an object cannot satisfy any human need and is therefore not considered a resource. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Value refers to worth, but this worth is not always economic. Some resources have economic value (e.g., minerals, crops), while others satisfy non-material needs (e.g., a beautiful landscape, clean air) and do not possess explicit economic value, yet they remain resources. - Statement 3 is Correct: Utility is the prerequisite for value. An object acquires value only because it has utility for humans. Consequently, utility is the factor that gives a resource its value. Key Takeaway: Utility is the defining characteristic of all resources. While all resources have value (worth), this value may be economic (monetary) or non-economic (aesthetic/ecological).

NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Resources

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Consider the following statements regarding 'Utility' and 'Value':

All resources have utility.
All resources have economic value.
Utility gives a resource its value.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

In the context of resource geography, a substance or object is classified as a resource based on its utility (usability) and value (worth). These attributes determine the functionality of resources in satisfying human needs.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Utility or usability is the fundamental quality that makes an object or substance a resource. Without utility, an object cannot satisfy any human need and is therefore not considered a resource.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Value refers to worth, but this worth is not always economic. Some resources have economic value (e.g., minerals, crops), while others satisfy non-material needs (e.g., a beautiful landscape, clean air) and do not possess explicit economic value, yet they remain resources.
Statement 3 is Correct: Utility is the prerequisite for value. An object acquires value only because it has utility for humans. Consequently, utility is the factor that gives a resource its value.

Key Takeaway: Utility is the defining characteristic of all resources. While all resources have value (worth), this value may be economic (monetary) or non-economic (aesthetic/ecological).

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Resources

With reference to the concept of 'Resources', consider the following statements: 1. Utility or usability is the primary criterion that makes an object a resource. 2. All resources possess economic value at the time of their use. 3. Resources cannot acquire economic value with the passage of time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors are primarily responsible for changing substances into resources? 1. Time 2. Technology is unrelated to the transformation of substances into resources. 3. Needs of the people Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

With reference to the distribution of natural resources, consider the following statements: 1. The distribution is unequal across the earth. 2. It depends solely on the level of technological development of a region. 3. Physical factors like terrain, climate, and altitude play a major role in distribution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding 'Human Resource Development' (HRD): 1. It refers to increasing the population to ensure more workforce. 2. It involves improving the quality of people's skills. 3. Education and health are critical components of HRD. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following best defines the concept of 'Sustainable Development'?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: Resources

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Utility or usability is the fundamental quality that makes an object or substance a resource. Without utility, an object cannot satisfy any human need and is therefore not considered a resource.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Value refers to worth, but this worth is not always economic. Some resources have economic value (e.g., minerals, crops), while others satisfy non-material needs (e.g., a beautiful landscape, clean air) and do not possess explicit economic value, yet they remain resources.
Statement 3 is Correct: Utility is the prerequisite for value. An object acquires value only because it has utility for humans. Consequently, utility is the factor that gives a resource its value.

Key Takeaway: Utility is the defining characteristic of all resources. While all resources have value (worth), this value may be economic (monetary) or non-economic (aesthetic/ecological).