In a question on India's size, if options include both kilometres and square kilometres, what should be checked first?

Correct answer: Whether the question asks distance or area

The governing concept is dimensional analysis: the unit must match the quantity being asked. A kilometre is a linear unit used for distance, length, breadth, height, boundary length or coastline. A square kilometre is an areal unit used for the surface area of a country, state or region. Thus the first step is to read the wording and decide whether the question asks for a distance or an area; option A states that correct method. The visual length of an option, its position, or the amount of English provides no geographical evidence. For example, India’s coastline is measured in kilometres, whereas India’s total area is measured in square kilometres. Checking units prevents a category error.