Vardaan Learning Institute

ANSWER KEY & SOLUTIONS
Class: 8 (CBSE) Subject: Social Science
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark each)
1. Which of the following is a leading producer of coffee in the world?
Correct Answer: (b) Brazil
Explanation: Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world, followed by countries like Vietnam and Colombia. The climate and soil in Brazil are ideal for coffee cultivation.
2. Which industry is often referred to as the "backbone of modern industry"?
Correct Answer: (d) Iron and Steel
Explanation: The Iron and Steel industry provides the raw material (steel) for almost all other industries, from making safety pins to huge ships and machinery.
3. The method of soil conservation in which bare ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like straw is called:
Correct Answer: (a) Mulching
Explanation: Mulching helps to retain soil moisture and prevents soil erosion by covering the bare soil with organic matter.
4. When did the Modern Period of Indian history begin?
Correct Answer: (c) After the death of Aurangzeb
Explanation: Historians generally mark the beginning of the Modern Period in India in the 18th Century, specifically following the death of the last powerful Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, in 1707.
5. Which one of the following is NOT a factor of soil formation?
Correct Answer: (d) Soil erosion
Explanation: The factors of soil formation are parent rock, climate, relief, flora/fauna (organic matter), and time. Soil erosion is a process that removes soil, not one that forms it.
Section B: Very Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks each)
6. Define 'Sustainable Development'. Why is it required in the context of natural resources?
  • Definition: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • Requirement: It is required because many resources (like coal and petroleum) are non-renewable and limited. If we use them recklessly, they will get exhausted, leaving nothing for the future.
7. Differentiate between 'Biotic' and 'Abiotic' resources with examples.
  • Biotic Resources: These are resources obtained from the biosphere and have life. (e.g., Plants, animals, human beings, fisheries).
  • Abiotic Resources: These are resources that are composed of non-living things. (e.g., Rocks, minerals, soil, land, light).
8. What is meant by the 'density of population'? What is the average density of population in India (2011 census)?
  • Definition: Population density is the number of people living in a unit area of the earth's surface. It is normally expressed as per square kilometer.
  • India's Density: As per the 2011 census, the average density of population in India is 382 persons per square kilometer.
9. Why did the British preserve official documents? Give one reason.
The British believed that the act of writing was very important. Every instruction, plan, policy decision, agreement, and investigation had to be clearly written up. They preserved these documents in record rooms (archives) because they served as a permanent record that could be studied, debated, and used as a reference for future administration.
Section C: Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks each)
10. "Ahmedabad is often referred to as the 'Manchester of India'." Give three reasons to support this statement.
  1. Geographical Location: Ahmedabad is situated in the heart of a cotton-growing area, ensuring easy availability of raw material.
  2. Climate: The humid climate is ideal for spinning and weaving, as it prevents the thread from breaking easily.
  3. Infrastructure & Labour: The flat terrain makes it easy to establish mills. It has well-developed road and railway networks for transportation and access to skilled and semi-skilled labour from Gujarat and Maharashtra.
11. Distinguish between Subsistence Farming and Commercial Farming.
Feature Subsistence Farming Commercial Farming
Purpose Crops are grown to meet the needs of the farmer’s family. Crops are grown for sale in the market to earn profit.
Land Size Practiced on small plots of land. Practiced on large estates or farms.
Technology Use of primitive tools and low levels of technology/labor. Use of modern machinery, HYV seeds, and chemical fertilizers.
12. Explain the significance of Human Resources. Why are people considered the most important resource of a country?
  • Significance: Human resources are the ultimate resource. Healthy, educated, and motivated people develop resources as per their requirements.
  • Importance: Nature’s bounty becomes significant only when people find it useful. It is people with their demands and abilities that turn nature (like iron ore or coal) into 'resources' (like steel or electricity). Without human intervention, natural substances would remain useless.
13. Describe the main sources of information used to reconstruct the history of the Modern Period in India.
  1. Official Records: The British administration kept detailed records of every plan, instruction, and policy. These are found in archives and museums.
  2. Surveys: The British conducted detailed surveys (revenue surveys, botanical surveys, census operations) to map and understand the country.
  3. Non-Official Sources: These include diaries of people, accounts of pilgrims and travelers, autobiographies of important personalities, and popular booklets/newspapers that reflect the feelings of the common people.
Section D: Long Answer Type Question (5 Marks each)
14. (A) Classify industries on the basis of Raw Materials. Explain each category with a suitable example.
Industries are classified into four types based on the raw materials they use:
  1. Agro-based Industries: These industries use plant and animal-based products as their raw materials.
    Example: Cotton textile, food processing, dairy products.
  2. Mineral-based Industries: These are primary industries that use mineral ores as their raw materials. The products of these industries feed other industries.
    Example: Iron and steel industry (uses iron ore), cement industry.
  3. Marine-based Industries: These industries use products from the sea and oceans as raw materials.
    Example: Processing sea food, manufacturing fish oil.
  4. Forest-based Industries: These industries utilize forest produce as raw materials.
    Example: Paper and pulp, furniture, pharmaceuticals.
14. (B) What is the Revolt of 1857? Explain the major causes (Political, Economic, and Social) that led to the uprising against British rule.
The Revolt of 1857 was a major uprising against the rule of the British East India Company, often called the "First War of Indian Independence."

Causes:
  • Political Causes: The British policy of expansion, particularly the 'Doctrine of Lapse' introduced by Lord Dalhousie, created fear among Indian rulers. Many kingdoms like Jhansi and Satara were annexed, causing resentment.
  • Economic Causes: Heavy taxation on peasants and the destruction of traditional Indian handicrafts and industries led to widespread poverty and misery. Landlords and zamindars also lost their lands.
  • Social and Religious Causes: The British passed laws to stop Sati and encouraged widow remarriage. They also promoted Western education and Christianity. Indians felt that the British were destroying their social customs and religion.
  • Military Causes (Immediate): The introduction of the Enfield rifle was the spark. The cartridges were greased with the fat of cows and pigs, which insulted the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers (sepoys).
Vardaan Learning Institute | Class 8 | Social Science Answer Key