FIRST MID TERM TEST - 2024
Standard - IX
SOCIAL SCIENCE
I. Choose the correct answer: 7×1=7
1) ________ is genetically closest to humans.
2) The Sumerian system of writing ________.
3) Magma is found in the ________.
4) ________ is seen in the lower course of the river.
5) Kudavolai System was followed by ________.
6) Find the odd one out.
7) Which one of the following countries is not a member of SAARC?
II. Write any five short answers: 5×2=10
8) List out the features of Megalithic Burial types.
9) The Egyptians excelled in art and architecture. Illustrate.
10) Mention the layers of the interior of the Earth.
11) What is Tsunami?
12) Define Weathering.
13) Give Abraham Lincoln's definition for democracy.
14) What are the indicators of development?
15) Mention the factors that affect the climate.
III. Write any five brief answers: 5×5=25
16) The history of humans is closely related to the history of the earth. Elucidate.
17) Fill in the blanks:
18) Write a paragraph about the structure of the atmosphere.
19) Distinguish between the following:
20) Explain the erosional landforms formed by underground water.
21) What is your opinion about democracy in India?
22) Describe in detail the environmental policies in India.
IV. Answer the following: 1×8=8
23) a) Write about the hidden treasure of Indus Civilisation.
b) Describe the structure of the Earth.
24) Mark the following in the outline map of the World.
Solved Answers
1. ________ is genetically closest to humans.
2. The Sumerian system of writing ________.
3. Magma is found in the ________.
4. ________ is seen in the lower course of the river.
5. Kudavolai System was followed by ________.
6. Find the odd one out.
Reason: Solar energy, wind energy, and natural gas are sources of energy found in nature. Paper is a man-made product.
7. Which one of the following countries is not a member of SAARC?
Reason: The member states of SAARC are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. China is an observer state, not a full member.
8. List out the features of Megalithic Burial types.
Megalithic burials are characterized by the use of large stone slabs. Key features include:
- Use of Large Stones: They are built using large, undressed, or semi-dressed stones (megaliths).
- Burial Goods: Skeletons or cremated remains are often found along with pottery (especially Black and Red Ware), iron artifacts (tools, weapons), and beads made of carnelian or quartz.
- Common Types: These include Dolmens (table-like structures), Cists (box-like graves), Urn burials (remains in a large pot), Menhirs (monolithic pillars), and Cairn circles (stone circles over burials).
9. The Egyptians excelled in art and architecture. Illustrate.
The ancient Egyptians demonstrated remarkable skills in art and architecture, which were closely linked to their religious beliefs.
- Architecture: Their most iconic achievements are the Pyramids of Giza, massive tombs built for pharaohs, and the Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue. They also built magnificent temples like those at Karnak and Luxor, featuring huge columns, obelisks, and detailed carvings.
- Art: Egyptian art is famous for its distinctive style, seen in tomb paintings and reliefs. They used a system of writing called hieroglyphics, which was both a script and an art form, intricately carved on monuments and written on papyrus.
10. Mention the layers of the interior of the Earth.
The interior of the Earth is composed of three main concentric layers:
- The Crust: The outermost, solid, and thinnest layer. It is divided into continental crust (Sial) and oceanic crust (Sima).
- The Mantle: Located beneath the crust, it is a thick layer of semi-molten rock (magma). It constitutes about 84% of the Earth's volume.
- The Core: The innermost layer, which is extremely hot and dense. It is divided into a liquid Outer Core and a solid Inner Core, composed mainly of iron and nickel.
11. What is Tsunami?
A Tsunami is a series of extremely large ocean waves caused by major disturbances on the ocean floor. These disturbances are typically underwater earthquakes, but can also be caused by volcanic eruptions, coastal landslides, or meteorite impacts. Tsunamis can travel across entire oceans and cause catastrophic destruction in coastal areas.
12. Define Weathering.
Weathering is the process of breaking down and decomposition of rocks, soil, and minerals on the Earth's surface. It occurs in situ (with no movement) and is caused by direct contact with the atmosphere, water, and biological organisms. There are three main types: physical (mechanical), chemical, and biological weathering.
13. Give Abraham Lincoln's definition for democracy.
Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address (1863), defined democracy as:
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people."
14. What are the indicators of development?
Development is measured using various indicators that reflect the economic and social well-being of a country's population. Key indicators include:
- Per Capita Income (PCI): Average income per person.
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods and services produced in a country.
- Literacy Rate: The percentage of the population that can read and write.
- Life Expectancy at Birth: The average number of years a newborn is expected to live.
- Human Development Index (HDI): A composite index measuring life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
15. Mention the factors that affect the climate.
The main factors that affect the climate of a place are:
- Latitude: Distance from the equator.
- Altitude: Height above sea level.
- Distance from the Sea: Coastal areas have a moderate climate, while inland areas have an extreme climate.
- Winds and Ocean Currents: They distribute heat across the globe.
- Relief Features: Mountain ranges can block winds and cause rainfall differences (e.g., windward vs. leeward side).
16. The history of humans is closely related to the history of the earth. Elucidate.
The history of human evolution and civilization is deeply intertwined with the history of the Earth's geology and climate.
The geological ages provide the backdrop for human evolution. The story of humans began in the Cenozoic Era, specifically during the Pleistocene Epoch, often called the "Ice Age." The cyclical patterns of glaciations and warmer interglacial periods profoundly influenced human migration, settlement, and adaptation. During colder periods, lower sea levels exposed land bridges (like the Bering Strait), allowing early humans to migrate across continents.
The development of human culture is also linked to environmental changes.
- Paleolithic (Old Stone Age): Humans were hunter-gatherers, their survival dependent on the available flora and fauna, which were shaped by the prevailing climate.
- Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age): As the last Ice Age ended and the climate became warmer and wetter, forests expanded. Humans adapted by developing new tools (microliths) for hunting smaller animals and fishing.
- Neolithic (New Stone Age): The stable, warmer climate of the Holocene Epoch enabled the agricultural revolution. Humans began to domesticate plants and animals, leading to settled life, the formation of villages, and eventually the rise of civilizations in fertile river valleys like the Nile, Indus, and Mesopotamia.
17. Fill in the blanks:
a) Mesolithic Age is known as the Middle Stone Age as it is placed between the Paleolithic and Neolithic.
b) The Great Sphinx of Giza is a massive limestone image of a lion with a human head.
c) The constitution of India was finally adopted on 26th November 1949.
d) Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of Independent India.
e) The state having the highest literacy rate in India is Kerala.
18. Write a paragraph about the structure of the atmosphere.
The Earth's atmosphere is a blanket of gases held by gravity, and it is divided into five distinct layers based on temperature variations.
- Troposphere: The lowest layer, extending up to about 8-18 km. It contains 75% of the atmospheric mass and almost all water vapor. All weather phenomena occur here, and temperature decreases with altitude.
- Stratosphere: Above the troposphere, extending to about 50 km. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Temperature increases with altitude in this layer.
- Mesosphere: Extending from 50 km to 85 km. Meteors burn up in this layer. The temperature decreases with altitude, reaching the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere.
- Thermosphere: From 85 km to about 600 km. The temperature rises dramatically due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation. The International Space Station orbits in this layer, and auroras occur here.
- Exosphere: The outermost layer, where the atmosphere merges into space. It is composed of very dispersed particles of hydrogen and helium.
19. Distinguish between the following:
a) Core and Crust
| Feature | Core | Crust |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Innermost layer of the Earth. | Outermost layer of the Earth. |
| Composition | Mainly Iron (Fe) and Nickel (Ni), so it's called NiFe. | Mainly Silica (Si) and Aluminium (Al) in continental crust (Sial) and Silica (Si) and Magnesium (Mg) in oceanic crust (Sima). |
| State | Liquid outer core and solid inner core. | Solid and brittle. |
| Thickness | Approximately 3500 km radius. | Thin layer, 5-70 km thick. |
b) Delta and Estuary
| Feature | Delta | Estuary |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Formed by the deposition of sediments carried by a river at its mouth. | Formed where a river's current meets the sea's tides, creating a semi-enclosed coastal body of water. |
| Landform | A fan-shaped or triangular fertile landform. | A deep, funnel-shaped valley or mouth of the river. |
| Water | Distributaries of freshwater flow through it. | Brackish water (a mix of freshwater and saltwater). |
| Example Rivers | Ganges-Brahmaputra, Nile, Mississippi. | Narmada, Tapti (in India), Thames (in UK). |
c) Give reason: Wind can possibly erode the rocks from all sides.
Wind is a powerful agent of erosion, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where there is little vegetation to bind the soil and protect rock surfaces. Unlike water, which flows downwards, or glaciers, which move in a specific path, wind can blow from any direction with varying intensity. This multi-directional attack allows wind to abrade, deflate, and wear down rocks from all sides over time. This process is responsible for creating unique landforms like mushroom rocks (or pedestal rocks), where the base of a rock is eroded more quickly than the top, and yardangs, which are streamlined ridges carved from bedrock.
20. Explain the erosional landforms formed by underground water.
The work of underground water (groundwater) as an erosional agent is most effective in regions with soluble rocks like limestone. This type of landscape is known as Karst topography. The main erosional landforms are:
- Sinkholes: Funnel-shaped depressions formed on the surface when limestone below dissolves, or when the roof of an underground cave collapses.
- Caves and Caverns: As groundwater seeps through cracks in limestone, it dissolves the rock, gradually enlarging the passages to form underground caves. A cavern is a very large cave or a system of connected caves.
- Stalactites and Stalagmites: These are depositional features found inside caves, but formed as a result of prior erosion. Water containing dissolved calcite drips from the cave ceiling. As it evaporates, it leaves behind calcite deposits. Those hanging from the ceiling are Stalactites (tight to the ceiling). Those that build up from the floor are Stalagmites (might reach the ceiling).
- Karst Valleys: Large, enclosed depressions formed by the coalescence of several sinkholes.
21. What is your opinion about democracy in India?
Democracy in India is a remarkable achievement and a complex, ongoing process. My opinion is that it is a system with significant strengths but also faces persistent challenges.
Strengths:
- World's Largest Democracy: India successfully conducts regular, free, and fair elections for over 900 million eligible voters, which is a monumental feat.
- Constitutional Guarantees: The Indian Constitution provides fundamental rights, an independent judiciary, and a parliamentary system with checks and balances.
- Diversity and Pluralism: Despite its immense diversity of languages, religions, and cultures, democracy has provided a framework for unity and co-existence.
- Active Civil Society: A vibrant media, active non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and citizen movements hold the government accountable.
Challenges:
- Corruption: It remains a significant issue at various levels of government, eroding public trust and hindering development.
- Social and Economic Inequality: Despite progress, deep-rooted inequalities based on caste, religion, and gender persist. Economic disparity between the rich and poor is a major concern.
- Political Issues: Criminalization of politics, communalism, and regionalism sometimes threaten the fabric of democracy.
In conclusion, while Indian democracy is not perfect, its resilience and ability to self-correct through elections and public discourse are its greatest strengths. It is a work in progress that continues to evolve and adapt.
22. Describe in detail the environmental policies in India.
India has a comprehensive framework of environmental policies and legislations aimed at protecting its natural resources and controlling pollution. The commitment to environmental protection is enshrined in the Constitution (Article 48A and 51A(g)). Key policies and acts include:
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: This is a landmark legislation that provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants. It prohibits hunting of endangered species and established a network of protected areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This act was created to prevent and control water pollution and to maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water. It led to the establishment of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
- The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: This act was enacted to check deforestation. It makes it mandatory to get central government approval before diverting any forest land for non-forest purposes.
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This legislation aims to prevent, control, and abate air pollution. It empowers the CPCB and SPCBs to set standards for air quality and emissions.
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, this is an "umbrella" legislation that gives the central government broad powers to take all necessary measures to protect and improve the environment. It covers aspects like hazardous waste management and environmental impact assessment (EIA).
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010: The NGT was established for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
23. a) Write about the hidden treasure of Indus Civilisation.
The "hidden treasure" of the Indus Valley Civilisation is not gold or jewels, but the remarkable sophistication of its urban planning and social organization, which was far ahead of its time. This treasure reveals a highly disciplined and well-governed society.
- Advanced Town Planning: Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were built on a grid pattern with well-laid-out streets crossing at right angles. The cities were typically divided into two parts: a raised 'citadel' for public buildings and a lower town for residential areas.
- Sophisticated Drainage System: Every house had a connection to a covered drainage system that ran along the streets. This system, complete with manholes for cleaning, was more advanced than any other in the ancient world and indicates a strong emphasis on public health and sanitation. - The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro: This large, watertight public bath, made of baked bricks and sealed with bitumen, suggests a society that valued ritual purity and communal life.
- Granaries: Massive granaries found in cities like Harappa point to an organized system of agriculture, surplus food production, and a centralized authority for grain collection and distribution.
- Standardization: The civilization used standardized weights and measures, as well as mass-produced baked bricks of a uniform size, which facilitated trade and large-scale construction.
- Art and Craft: The treasure also includes thousands of steatite seals with intricate carvings of animals and an undeciphered script, beautiful pottery, bronze dancing girl figurines, and terracotta toys, showcasing high artistic and metallurgical skills.
This organized, clean, and peaceful urban life is the true, hidden treasure of the Indus people.
b) Describe the structure of the Earth.
The Earth is composed of several concentric layers, each with distinct physical and chemical properties. From the outside in, the main layers are the Crust, the Mantle, and the Core.
1. The Crust:
This is the outermost and thinnest layer of the Earth, like the skin of an apple. It is a solid, rocky layer.
- Continental Crust: This is thicker (about 35-70 km), less dense, and mainly composed of silica and alumina, hence called 'Sial'. It forms the landmasses.
- Oceanic Crust: This is thinner (about 5-10 km), denser, and composed of silica and magnesium, hence called 'Sima'. It lies beneath the oceans.
2. The Mantle:
Located beneath the crust, the mantle is the thickest layer, extending down to about 2,900 km. It makes up about 84% of Earth's volume.
- It is composed of silicate rocks rich in iron and magnesium.
- The upper part of the mantle is semi-molten and is called the Asthenosphere. The tectonic plates of the crust float on this layer. The crust and the rigid upper part of the mantle together are called the Lithosphere.
- The lower mantle is solid due to immense pressure. The mantle is the source of magma that erupts from volcanoes.
3. The Core:
This is the innermost layer of the Earth, with a radius of about 3,500 km. It is extremely hot and dense.
- It is primarily made of iron and nickel, so it is also known as 'NiFe'.
- Outer Core: This part is in a liquid state. The movement of this liquid metal is believed to generate the Earth's magnetic field.
- Inner Core: Despite being even hotter than the outer core, the inner core is a solid ball of metal due to the immense pressure exerted on it from the layers above.
24. Mark the following in the outline map of the World.
Note: Since a map cannot be drawn here, the locations are described for easy identification on a world map.
- a) China: A large country in East Asia, located west of the Korean Peninsula and Japan, and south of Russia.
- b) Egypt: A country in the northeast corner of Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. The Nile River flows through it.
- c) Mesopotamia: An ancient region located in the Middle East, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This area corresponds to modern-day Iraq, as well as parts of Syria and Turkey.
- d) Pacific Ring of Fire: A major horseshoe-shaped area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It stretches from the coast of New Zealand, up through Japan, across to the western coasts of North and South America.
- e) Earthquake prone zone: One major zone is the Himalayan Belt, running along the northern border of India. Another is the west coast of North and South America.
- f) Himalayas: A vast mountain range in Asia that separates the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. It passes through India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan.
- g) Karst region: The classic example is the Dinaric Alps region along the coast of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a limestone plateau known for its extensive underground water features.
- h) Cold desert: The Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China, or the Ladakh region in northern India. These are high-altitude deserts characterized by very cold winters.