Class 9 Social Science
FIRST MID TERM TEST - 2024 (Solved Paper)
Question Paper
I. Choose the correct Answer. (7x1=7)
- Direct ancestor of Modern Man was ___.
- The Harappans did not have the knowledge of ___.
- Inscription that mentions the Cheras ___.
- Magma is found in the ___.
- The President of India can nominate ___.
- ___ is seen in the Lower course of the River.
- The term 'Human Resource' refers to ___.
II. Give Short Answers (Any Five). (5x2=10)
- Discuss how the age of Speculation made humans become Conscious and Knowledgeable.
- State the salient features of the Ziggurats.
- How important are coins as a source of Evidence for the Study of Sangam Age?
- Mention the layers of the Interior of the Earth.
- Define Weathering.
- Give Abraham Lincoln's definition for democracy.
14. Expand the following: (i) PPP (ii) HDI
III. Write (Any 5) only. (5x5=25)
15. Fill in the blanks:
- ___ is known as the Middle Stone Age, as it is placed between the Paleolithic and Neolithic.
- ___ reflects Radio Waves.
- National voters day has been celebrated on ___.
- Public Sector means ___.
- ___ specifies the laws related to various crimes in ancient Babylonia.
16. Distinguish between the following:
- Core and Crust
- Physical and Chemical Weathering.
Give Reasons:
- Igneous Rocks are also called Primary Rocks or Mother Rocks.
17. The History of Humans is closely related to the history of the Earth. Elucidate.
18. Write about the Hidden treasure of Indus Civilisation.
19. Explain the effects of Volcanoes.
20. What are the challenges to Indian Democracy? Explain.
21. Differentiate between Renewable and Non - Renewable resources.
IV. On the given Outline Map of the world. Mark the following: (8x1=8)
22.
- Chad
- Taung
- Pacific Ring of Fire
- Himalaya Ranges
- Locate any one active Volcanoes of the World
- Cold Desert (any one)
- Great Rift Valley
- Delta (any one)
Solutions
I. Solutions for Choose the correct Answer.
1. (c) Homo Sapiens. Homo sapiens is the species to which all modern human beings belong. They are considered the direct ancestors of modern man.
2. (b) Horse and Iron. The Harappans (Indus Valley Civilisation) were a Bronze Age civilization. The use of iron began much later in the Iron Age. While terracotta figurines of a "horse-like" animal have been found, widespread use of the horse is not established for the Harappan period.
3. (a) Pugalur. The Pugalur inscription, found near Karur in Tamil Nadu, mentions Chera kings of three generations, providing crucial evidence for the Chera dynasty during the Sangam Age.
4. (b) Mantle. Magma is molten rock material that originates in the upper part of the Earth's mantle, where high temperatures and pressures cause rock to melt.
5. (c) 12 members of Rajya Sabha. The President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of Parliament) from people who have special knowledge or practical experience in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
6. (c) Delta. In its lower course, a river's velocity decreases, causing it to deposit the sediment it carries. This deposition at the river's mouth forms a landform called a delta.
7. (d) Collective abilities of People. Human Resource refers to the size of the population of a country along with its efficiency, educational qualities, productivity, organizational abilities, and farsightedness.
II. Solutions for Short Answers.
8. Age of Speculation and Human Consciousness:
The "Age of Speculation" refers to the period when early humans (like Homo Sapiens) developed advanced cognitive abilities. This made them conscious and knowledgeable in the following ways:
- Abstract Thought: They began to think about concepts beyond the immediate and visible, such as death, spirits, and the afterlife. This is evidenced by intentional burial practices with offerings.
- Language and Communication: The development of complex language allowed them to share ideas, pass on knowledge, plan complex activities like organized hunting, and build a collective memory.
- Art and Symbolism: Cave paintings and small sculptures show they could think symbolically, representing their world and beliefs through art. This indicates a higher level of consciousness and understanding.
9. Salient features of the Ziggurats:
Ziggurats were massive temple structures built in ancient Mesopotamia. Key features include:
- Form: They were built as stepped pyramids with successively receding stories or levels.
- Material: Constructed primarily from mud-bricks, with outer layers of baked bricks for durability.
- Purpose: They served as religious centers, with a shrine or temple at the summit dedicated to the patron god of the city. They were also administrative hubs.
- Location: They were typically located in the heart of the city, symbolizing the city's religious and political power.
10. Importance of Coins for Sangam Age Study:
Coins are a vital archaeological source for studying the Sangam Age.
- Economy and Trade: The discovery of Roman coins in Tamil Nadu confirms extensive trade links between the Tamil kingdoms and the Roman Empire.
- Dynastic Evidence: Coins issued by the Chera, Chola, and Pandya rulers often contain their royal emblems (e.g., bow, tiger, fish), which helps in identifying their territories and timelines.
- Metallurgy: The metals used (gold, silver, copper) and the minting techniques reveal the metallurgical skills of the period.
11. Layers of the Interior of the Earth:
The Earth's interior is divided into three main layers:
- The Crust: The outermost, thinnest layer. It is divided into continental crust (Sial) and oceanic crust (Sima).
- The Mantle: Located beneath the crust, it is the thickest layer, composed of dense, hot, semi-solid rock. Magma originates here.
- The Core: The innermost layer. It consists of a liquid Outer Core and a solid Inner Core, primarily made of iron and nickel (Nife).
12. Definition of 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 contact with the atmosphere, water, and biological organisms. It is the first step in the process of soil formation and erosion.
13. Abraham Lincoln's definition of democracy:
Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address, defined democracy as: "Government of the people, by the people, for the people."
III. Solutions for Section III.
14. Expand the following:
(i) PPP: Purchasing Power Parity
(ii) HDI: Human Development Index
15. Fill in the blanks:
i) Mesolithic Age is known as the Middle Stone Age, as it is placed between the Paleolithic and Neolithic.
ii) Ionosphere reflects Radio Waves.
iii) National voters day has been celebrated on January 25th.
iv) Public Sector means the part of the economy owned, controlled, and managed by the government and its agencies.
v) The Code of Hammurabi specifies the laws related to various crimes in ancient Babylonia.
16. Distinguish between:
i) Core and Crust
| Feature | Crust | Core |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Outermost layer of the Earth. | Innermost layer of the Earth. |
| Thickness | Relatively thin (5-70 km). | Very thick (radius of about 3485 km). |
| Composition | Composed of Silica and Aluminium (Sial) and Silica and Magnesium (Sima). | Composed mainly of Nickel and Iron (Nife). |
| State | Solid. | Outer core is liquid; Inner core is solid. |
ii) Physical and Chemical Weathering
| Basis | Physical Weathering | Chemical Weathering |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. | Decomposition of rocks through chemical reactions, altering their mineral composition. |
| Agents | Temperature changes (frost action, exfoliation), pressure, abrasion by wind, water, or ice. | Water, oxygen (oxidation), carbon dioxide (carbonation), acids from living organisms. |
| Result | Smaller fragments of the original rock. | New, more stable minerals are formed. |
Give Reasons:
i) Igneous Rocks are also called Primary Rocks or Mother Rocks.
Igneous rocks are called "Primary" or "Mother" rocks because they are the first rocks to be formed on the Earth. They are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava. All other types of rocks—Sedimentary and Metamorphic—are formed directly or indirectly from the alteration, erosion, and transformation of these original igneous rocks.
17. The History of Humans is closely related to the history of the Earth.
The history of humans is deeply intertwined with the geological and climatic history of our planet. Human evolution did not happen in a vacuum; it was shaped by the Earth's changing environments.
- Geological Timescale: Earth is about 4.5 billion years old, while human ancestors appeared only a few million years ago, and modern humans (Homo sapiens) only about 300,000 years ago. This puts human history into perspective as a very recent event on the planetary scale.
- Climate Change: Major climatic shifts, like the Ice Ages, directly influenced human evolution and migration. The expansion and contraction of ice sheets opened and closed land bridges (like the Bering Strait), allowing humans to migrate to new continents.
- Resource Availability: The geological distribution of stone for tools, fertile land for agriculture, and metals for technology dictated where human civilizations could flourish. The Rift Valley in Africa, a geologically active area, is known as the "cradle of humanity" where many early hominid fossils are found.
18. The Hidden treasure of Indus Civilisation.
The "hidden treasure" of the Indus Valley Civilisation is not gold or jewels, but the incredible advancement and sophistication of their society, which was "hidden" until its excavation in the 1920s. Key aspects include:
- Urban Planning: Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were built on a grid pattern with well-planned streets, demonstrating advanced civil engineering.
- Sanitation Systems: They had the world's first known urban sanitation systems, with houses having private toilets connected to a comprehensive, covered drainage network.
- Standardization: They used standardized weights, measures, and bricks across their vast territory, indicating a strong, centralized administration.
- Trade and Economy: Evidence of seals and trade with Mesopotamia shows they had a complex and far-reaching economy.
- Undeciphered Script: Their unique script, found on seals, remains undeciphered. This represents a hidden treasure of knowledge about their language, beliefs, and society.
19. Effects of Volcanoes.
Volcanoes have both destructive and constructive effects.
- Destructive Effects:
- Loss of Life and Property: Lava flows, ash falls, and pyroclastic flows can destroy entire settlements and cause significant loss of life.
- Pollution: They release harmful gases like sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which can cause acid rain.
- Climate Impact: Large eruptions can eject vast amounts of ash into the stratosphere, blocking sunlight and causing temporary global cooling.
- Constructive Effects:
- Fertile Soil: Weathered volcanic ash produces extremely fertile soils (like black soil), which are excellent for agriculture.
- Land Formation: Volcanic eruptions create new landforms, such as islands (e.g., Hawaii) and mountains.
- Geothermal Energy: The heat from the Earth's interior in volcanic regions can be harnessed to generate geothermal energy.
- Mineral Resources: Valuable minerals like diamonds, copper, and gold are often found in volcanic rocks.
20. Challenges to Indian Democracy.
Despite being the world's largest democracy, India faces several challenges:
- Illiteracy and Poverty: A large population living in poverty and lacking education can be easily manipulated by political parties, hindering their ability to make informed decisions.
- Casteism and Communalism: Politics based on caste and religion creates social divisions and undermines the principle of equality.
- Corruption: Corruption at various levels of government erodes public trust and diverts funds meant for development.
- Regionalism: Excessive loyalty to one's own region over the country can lead to demands for separatism and threaten national unity.
- Gender Inequality: Low representation of women in politics and society, along with crimes against women, remains a significant challenge to true democratic values.
21. Differentiate between Renewable and Non-Renewable resources.
| Basis | Renewable Resources | Non-Renewable Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Resources that can be replenished or regenerated naturally over a short period. | Resources that are available in fixed quantities and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan. |
| Availability | They are generally inexhaustible. | They are exhaustible and finite. |
| Environmental Impact | Generally low environmental pollution (green energy). | Often cause significant environmental pollution (e.g., carbon emissions). |
| Examples | Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass, geothermal energy. | Coal, petroleum, natural gas, nuclear minerals (like uranium). |
IV. Solution for Map Work.
22. Location of Geographical Features:
Map Placeholder: An outline map of the world would be provided here, with the following locations marked.
- Chad: A landlocked country in North-Central Africa.
- Taung: A small town in the North West Province of South Africa, famous for the "Taung Child" fossil discovery.
- 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 and Alaska, and down the western coasts of North and South America.
- Himalaya Ranges: A vast mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau.
- Active Volcano (any one): e.g., Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily, Italy; or Mount Vesuvius near Naples, Italy.
- Cold Desert (any one): e.g., The Gobi Desert in Northern China and Southern Mongolia; or the Patagonian Desert in Argentina.
- Great Rift Valley: A series of contiguous geographic trenches, approximately 7,000 kilometres in total length, that runs from Lebanon's Beqaa Valley in Asia to Mozambique in Southeastern Africa.
- Delta (any one): e.g., The Nile Delta in Northern Egypt where the Nile River spreads out and drains into the Mediterranean Sea; or the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta in Bangladesh and India.