CBSE Class 8 Social Science Assignment Set 02

CH-1 RESOURCES

Question 1. _____ and _____ help in making people a valuable resources.
Answer: Education and Health
In simple words: Education and health make human beings capable of contributing effectively to society.

Exam Tip: Remember that human resource development depends heavily on investing in education and healthcare.

Question 2. Things become resources only when they have a _____.
Answer: Value
In simple words: Utility or worth gives an object resource status.

Exam Tip: Economic value is a key characteristic that transforms a substance into a recognized resource.

Question 3. _____ are human resources.
Answer: People
In simple words: Human beings themselves constitute the ultimate human resource.

Exam Tip: People use their skills, knowledge, and technology to transform natural materials into valuable resources.

Question 4. Technology is a _____ resource.
Answer: Human made
In simple words: Technology is created by humans using their knowledge and ideas.

Exam Tip: Human-made resources are developed when the original nature of substances is altered by human application.

Question 5. On the basis of _____ resources are classified into localized and ubiquitous.
Answer: Distribution
In simple words: Resources are grouped based on where they are found across the globe.

Exam Tip: Ubiquitous resources (like air) are found everywhere, while localized resources (like copper) are found in specific places.

Question 6. _____ and _____ are two important factors that can change substances into resources.
Answer: Technology and Time
In simple words: As time passes and technology advances, new uses for substances are discovered.

Exam Tip: Both time and technology are critical catalysts in resource creation and evolution.

Question 7. The invention of the _____ ultimately resulted in development of newer modes of transport.
Answer: Wheel
In simple words: The wheel revolutionized transport and movement across history.

Exam Tip: Technological inventions often spark rapid advancements across entire sectors.

Question 8. Resources that are drawn from nature and used without much modification is called _____.
Answer: Natural Resources
In simple words: Resources taken directly from nature with minimal processing.

Exam Tip: Air, water, and minerals are classic examples of natural resources.

Question 9. _____ means the exclusive right over any idea or invention.
Answer: Patent
In simple words: Legal protection ensuring sole ownership of an innovation.

Exam Tip: Patents prevent unauthorized commercial use of intellectual property and inventions.

Question 10. All uses of _____ resources are sustainable.
Answer: Renewable
In simple words: Renewable resources replenish naturally and support sustainable consumption.

Exam Tip: Sustainable use ensures that resources remain available for future generations without depletion.

CHAPTER - 2 LAND, SOIL, WATER, NATURAL VEGETATION & WILD LIFE

Question 1. The uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world is mainly due to varied characteristics of _____ and _____.
Answer: Land, Water
In simple words: People prefer settling in areas with favorable terrain and water availability.

Exam Tip: Topography and water supply are primary geographical determinants of human settlement patterns.

Question 2. Ninety percent of the land population occupies only _____ of land area.
Answer: 30% or thirty percent
In simple words: A vast majority of people live on less than a third of Earth's total land area.

Exam Tip: Memorize this statistical demographic distribution fact for exams.

Question 3. _____ land is owned by the community.
Answer: Community
In simple words: Land held collectively by a group for common use.

Exam Tip: Community lands are also known as common property resources.

Question 4. Community lands are also called _____.
Answer: Common Property land
In simple words: Land shared by a community for collective needs like fodder and fuel collection.

Exam Tip: Distinguish clearly between private land and community (common property) land.

Question 5. _____ is made up of organic matter, minerals and weathered rocks.
Answer: Soil
In simple words: Soil is a complex mixture of weathered rock particles and organic debris.

Exam Tip: Pedology is the scientific study of soil composition and formation.

Question 6. _____ is the breaking up and decay of exposed rocks, by temperature changes, host action, plants, animals and human acitivity.
Answer: Weathering
In simple words: The breakdown of rocks in situ due to environmental and biological factors.

Exam Tip: Weathering is the initial preparatory step in soil formation before erosion and deposition occur.

Question 7. _____ and _____ are the major treats to soil as a resource.
Answer: Soil erosion, depletion
In simple words: Loss of fertile topsoil and decline in soil nutrient quality threaten agricultural productivity.

Exam Tip: Deforestation and overgrazing are leading human activities accelerating soil erosion.

Question 8. _____ is the bare ground between the plants, is covered with a layer of organic matter like straw.
Answer: Mulching
In simple words: Covering soil with organic matter to retain moisture and check weed growth.

Exam Tip: Mulching is an effective soil conservation method used in dry agricultural regions.

Question 9. Fresh water accounts for only about _____.
Answer: 2.7%
In simple words: Only a tiny fraction of Earth's total water is fresh and fit for human use.

Exam Tip: Of this 2.7% freshwater, a major portion is locked in ice sheets and glaciers.

Question 10. The growth of vegetation depends primarily on _____ and _____.
Answer: Temperature, moisture
In simple words: Climate factors like warmth and rainfall dictate plant distribution.

Exam Tip: Dense forests thrive in regions with heavy rainfall and high temperatures.

Question 11. Tundra vegetations of cold, polar regions comprises of _____ and _____.
Answer: Mosses, lichens
In simple words: Low-growing hardy plants found in extremely cold polar environments.

Exam Tip: Tundra regions experience extremely short growing seasons due to sub-zero temperatures.

Question 12. _____ is an international agreement between governments.
Answer: Cities
In simple words: CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) protects endangered flora and fauna.

Exam Tip: Remember CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

HISTORY WORKSHEET - SA I PORTION

CH:1 HOW, WHEN AND WHERE?

Question 1. _____ is about changes that occur over time.
Answer: History
In simple words: History studies how things have changed across different time periods.

Exam Tip: History is not merely dates; it is about tracking societal and political transformations.

Question 2. Historians have divided History into ancient, _____ and _____ periods.
Answer: medieval, modern
In simple words: Chronological categorization helps in structured historical study.

Exam Tip: This three-period classification simplifies the vast scope of world history.

Question 3. Indian history has also been divided into _____ and _____ periods.
Answer: Hindu, Muslim, British
In simple words: James Mill classified Indian history based on the religion of the rulers.

Exam Tip: James Mill's periodization of Indian history is widely criticized by modern historians for being communal.

Question 4. History is about finding out how things were in the _____ and how things have _____ .
Answer: past, changed
In simple words: Historical inquiry compares past conditions with present realities.

Exam Tip: Understanding past changes helps societies navigate present challenges.

Question 5. The first map produced by _____ in 1782.
Answer: James Rennell
In simple words: Robert Clive prepared maps of India through James Rennell.

Exam Tip: Cartography played a vital role in British colonial administration and territorial expansion.

Question 6. Britannia was the symbol of _____ power.
Answer: British
In simple words: Britannia personified British imperial might and authority.

Exam Tip: Visual symbols were widely used to project the superiority and permanence of colonial rule.

Question 7. First Governor General under British rule was _____.
Answer: Warren Hastings
In simple words: Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal in 1773.

Exam Tip: Official records and administrative reports of Governor-Generals are key sources of modern Indian history.

Question 8. In 1817, James Mill, a Scottish economist and political philosopher, published a three volume work _____.
Answer: A History of British India
In simple words: James Mill authored a comprehensive book dividing Indian history into colonial periods.

Exam Tip: Note the author, year (1817), and title of this influential historical text.

Question 9. British rule was called as _____ by James Mill
Answer: period of darkness / civilization
In simple words: Mill believed British rule could civilize India.

Exam Tip: James Mill's colonial mindset reflected European ethnocentrism of the 19th century.

Question 10. When the subjugation of one country by another leads to political, economic, social and cultural changes is called the process of _____.
Answer: Colonisation
In simple words: The establishment of political and economic control by one nation over another.

Exam Tip: Colonization profoundly altered traditional Indian economic structures and social institutions.

Question 11. Social life before British rule was dominated by religious intolerance, caste taboos and _____ practices.
Answer: superstitious
In simple words: Traditional Indian society faced various regressive social practices before British intervention.

Exam Tip: British administrators often highlighted social evils to justify colonial domination.

Question 12. _____ and _____ were established to preserve important records.
Answer: Archives, museums
In simple words: Special institutions built to store historical documents and artifacts.

Exam Tip: The National Archives of India came up in New Delhi when it was built.

FROM TRADE TO TERRITORY

Question 1. _____ was the last powerful Mughal ruler.
Answer: Aurangzeb
In simple words: Aurangzeb was the final formidable Mughal emperor before the empire fragmented.

Exam Tip: After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Mughal power declined rapidly, paving the way for regional kingdoms and European powers.

Question 2. By the second half of 18th Century, new political power came to India _____.
Answer: British
In simple words: The British East India Company emerged as a dominant political force.

Exam Tip: The British transitioned from a trading corporation to a territorial colonial power.

Question 3. When 1857 revolt broke _____ was the Mughal emperor.
Answer: Bahadur Shah Zafar
In simple words: The aging Mughal emperor was proclaimed the leader of the 1857 revolt.

Exam Tip: Following the failure of the 1857 revolt, Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Rangoon by the British.

Question 4. _____ was a Portuguese explorer who had discovered sea route to India in _____.
Answer: Vasco da Gama, 1498
In simple words: The Portuguese sailor reached Calicut, opening direct maritime trade with India.

Exam Tip: This discovery marked the arrival of European mercantile powers in Asian waters.

Question 5. A royal order granting the company the right to trade duty free is called _____.
Answer: Farman
In simple words: An official imperial decree providing trading concessions.

Exam Tip: The misuse of farmans by company officials for private trade caused severe revenue loss to Bengal Nawabs.

Question 6. The battle of Plassey was fought between _____ and _____ in 1757.
Answer: Sirajuddaulah, British (Robert Clive)
In simple words: The decisive clash between the Nawab of Bengal and the East India Company.

Exam Tip: The Battle of Plassey (1757) is widely regarded as the starting point of British political domination in India.

Question 7. In battle of Plassey, the Bengal forces was led by _____.
Answer: Mir Jafar (commander betrayed Nawab)
In simple words: Mir Jafar's betrayal ensured British victory at Plassey.

Exam Tip: Robert Clive secured victory through diplomacy and defection rather than sheer military strength.

Question 8. Battle of Buxar was fought in _____ year between company and _____.
Answer: 1764, Mir Kasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II
In simple words: The combined forces of Bengal, Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor fought the British in 1764.

Exam Tip: The Battle of Buxar led to the grant of Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to the Company.

Question 9. Tippu sultan was called as _____.
Answer: Tiger of Mysore
In simple words: The brave ruler of Mysore who fiercely resisted British expansion.

Exam Tip: Tipu Sultan died defending his capital Srirangapatna in 1799 during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.

Question 10. Two famous Maratha soldiers and statesman were _____ and _____.
Answer: Mahadji Sindhia, Nana Fadnis
In simple words: Prominent Maratha leaders who played crucial roles in state affairs.

Exam Tip: Internal rivalries among Maratha confederacy chiefs facilitated British conquest.

Question 11. Series of war between Marthas and Britishers
Ist War _____
IInd War _____
IIIrd War _____
Answer: 1st War: 1775-1782 (Treaty of Salbai), 2nd War: 1803-1805, 3rd War: 1817-1819
In simple words: Three major military conflicts fought between the Maratha Empire and the British.

Exam Tip: The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819) completely crushed Maratha power.

Question 12. Lord Hastings introduced a new policy called _____.
Answer: Paramountcy
In simple words: The policy asserting that British authority was supreme over all Indian states.

Exam Tip: Under Paramountcy, the Company claimed the right to annex or threaten to annex any Indian kingdom.

CIVICS - CH.I THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Question 1. A written document in which we find rules formulated through consensus is called a _____.
Answer: Constitution
In simple words: The supreme law of a country agreed upon by its people.

Exam Tip: A constitution lays down foundational principles for governance and citizen rights.

Question 2. The constitution of a country tells us the _____ of the society of that country.
Answer: Fundamental Nature
In simple words: It reflects the core values and ideals of a nation.

Exam Tip: The constitution reflects the political ideals and aspirations of a democratic society.

Question 3. The most important Fundamental Right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution is the _____.
Answer: Right to constitutional remedies
In simple words: Dr. Ambedkar called Article 32 the heart and soul of the Constitution.

Exam Tip: This right allows citizens to move the Supreme Court if their Fundamental Rights are violated.

Question 4. According to the Right _____, human trafficking, forced labour and children working under 14 years of age is prohibited.
Answer: Right against exploitation
In simple words: Fundamental right protecting vulnerable sections from abuse and forced labor.

Exam Tip: Articles 23 and 24 specifically enshrine the Right against Exploitation in the Indian Constitution.

Question 5. A _____ state is one in which the state does not officially promote anyone religion as the state religion.
Answer: Secular
In simple words: A state that maintains neutrality towards all religious groups.

Exam Tip: Secularism ensures that no religious community is favored or discriminated against by the government.

Question 6. The word _____ refers to a political institution that represents a _____ people, who occupy a definite territory.
Answer: State, Sovereign
In simple words: A political entity governing a defined geographical population with supreme power.

Exam Tip: In political science, 'State' refers to the governing institutions, distinct from the government in power.

Question 7. _____ means a goal or a principle in its most excellent or perfect form.
Answer: Ideal
In simple words: A standard of excellence or aspiration that a society strives to achieve.

Exam Tip: Democracy, equality, and fraternity are key constitutional ideals in India.

Question 8. _____ is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
In simple words: The visionary leader who chaired the drafting committee of the Constitution.

Exam Tip: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in ensuring social justice and equality in the Indian Constitution.

Question 9. _____ means a society that has an organized political structure.
Answer: Polity
In simple words: An organized society under a specific political regime.

Exam Tip: Polity defines the structural framework of governance within a nation.

Question 10. The term _____ refers to the existence of more than one level of government in the country.
Answer: Federalism
In simple words: Power sharing between central and state/provincial governments.

Exam Tip: India has a federal system with a central government and state governments.

Question 11. _____ is responsible for administering and enforcing laws.
Answer: The Government
In simple words: The executive branch responsible for policy execution and law enforcement.

Exam Tip: The government consists of the legislature, executive, and judiciary organs.

Question 12. In Nepal, the monarchy ended in the year of _____.
Answer: 2008 (Note: Answer key in PDF mentions 2006 for interim steps, 2008 for republic)
In simple words: Nepal transitioned from a kingdom to a democratic republic.

Exam Tip: Nepal adopted its new democratic constitution in 2015 after abolishing monarchy.

CIVICS - Why do we need a Parliament?

Question 1. EVM's were used throughout the country for the first time in the general elections held in _____.
Answer: 2004
In simple words: Electronic Voting Machines were deployed nationwide in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

Exam Tip: EVMs revolutionized Indian elections by reducing vote counting time and eliminating paper fraud.

Question 2. The Parliament of India is also known as _____.
Answer: Sansad
In simple words: The Hindi term for the supreme legislative body of India.

Exam Tip: Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.

Question 3. The total membership of the Rajya Sabha is _____.
Answer: 250
In simple words: The upper house of Parliament has a maximum strength of 250 members.

Exam Tip: Out of 250, 238 represent states and union territories, while 12 are nominated by the President.

Question 4. The Lok Sabha is presided over by the _____.
Answer: Speaker
In simple words: The presiding officer of the lower house of Parliament.

Exam Tip: The Speaker maintains order and conducts business in the Lok Sabha.

Question 5. The Supreme law making institution is the _____.
Answer: Parliament
In simple words: The ultimate authority empowered to pass laws for the entire nation.

Exam Tip: Laws enacted by Parliament apply across India.

Question 6. The executive is a group of persons who work together to implement the laws made by the _____.
Answer: Parliament
In simple words: The government machinery enforcing laws passed by legislators.

Exam Tip: The executive is accountable to the legislature in a parliamentary democracy.

Question 7. The Prime Minister of India is the _____ of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha.
Answer: Leader
In simple words: The head of government who commands majority support in the lower house.

Exam Tip: The Prime Minister selects the Council of Ministers.

Question 8. Sixty years ago, only four per cent of MP's were women and today it is just above _____ percent.
Answer: Nine
In simple words: Women representation in Parliament has shown slow but gradual increase.

Exam Tip: Debates on women's reservation bill aim to ensure 33 percent seats for women in legislatures.

Question 9. The south block of the Central Secretariat houses the Prime Minister's Office, the ministry of _____ and ministry of _____.
Answer: Defense, External Affairs
In simple words: Key government ministries located in New Delhi's South Block.

Exam Tip: North Block houses Finance and Home ministries, while South Block houses Defense and External Affairs.

Question 10. The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected member of the _____ Assemblies of various state.
Answer: Legislative
In simple words: State MLAs vote in indirect elections for Rajya Sabha members.

Exam Tip: Rajya Sabha is a permanent house not subject to dissolution.

Question 11. The Parliament of India consists of the _____, the Rajya Sabha and the _____.
Answer: President, Lok Sabha
In simple words: The three integral components comprising the Indian Parliament.

Exam Tip: No bill can become an act without the President's assent.

Question 12. The constitution of Independence India adopted the principle of _____.
Answer: Universal Adult Franchise
In simple words: Voting rights for all adult citizens regardless of wealth, gender, or caste.

Exam Tip: Universal adult suffrage embodies political equality in a democracy.

Question 13. When the Parliament is in session, it begins with a _____.
Answer: Question Hour
In simple words: The first hour of a parliamentary sitting dedicated to asking questions to ministers.

Exam Tip: Question Hour is an important mechanism through which MPs exercise control over the executive.

Question 14. The President of India nominates the _____ members of Rajya Sabha.
Answer: 12
In simple words: Twelve experts from literature, science, art, and social service are nominated.

Exam Tip: Nomination ensures that eminent personalities who may not contest elections contribute to legislation.

Question 15. The _____ parties play a crucial role in the healthy functioning of a democracy.
Answer: Opposition
In simple words: Opposition parties keep the ruling government accountable and critique policies.

Exam Tip: A strong opposition is vital for preventing authoritarian tendencies in a democracy.

HISTORY MAP WORK - INDIA

Question 1. Mark and label the following historical and geographical locations on the outline map of India: Delhi, Lucknow, Calcutta, Bombay, Goa, Madras.
Answer: 
- Delhi: National capital territory located in northern India along the Yamuna river. 
- Lucknow: Capital of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. 
- Calcutta (Kolkata): Major port city in West Bengal, eastern India. 
- Bombay (Mumbai): Major financial hub and port on the western coast of Maharashtra. 
- Goa: Coastal state on the southwestern coast of India. 
- Madras (Chennai): Major southern port city on the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu.
In simple words: These are key historical administrative centers during British colonial rule.

Exam Tip: Practice locating presidency cities (Bombay, Calcutta, Madras) accurately on map test outlines.

GEOGRAPHY MAP WORK - NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

Question 1. Mark and label the following National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries on the outline map of India: 1. Dachigam, 2. Jim Corbett, 3. Gir, 4. Sunderbans, 5. Kaziranga.
Answer: 
- Dachigam: Located in Jammu & Kashmir, famous for the Hangul (Kashmir stag). 
- Jim Corbett: Located in Uttarakhand, India's oldest national park known for tigers. 
- Gir: Located in Gujarat, the sole natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. 
- Sunderbans: Located in West Bengal, famous for Royal Bengal Tigers and mangroves. 
- Kaziranga: Located in Assam, renowned for the one-horned rhinoceros.
In simple words: These protected sanctuaries preserve India's diverse wildlife and flora.

Exam Tip: Always memorize the specific state and endemic animal species associated with each national park.