CBSE Class 8 Social Science Model Question Paper
Subject Code: 087
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The question paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D.
- All questions are compulsory. However, internal choices are provided in some questions.
- Section A: Objective Type Questions (20 marks)
- Section B: Short Answer Questions (18 marks)
- Section C: Long Answer Questions (30 marks)
- Section D: Map-Based Questions (12 marks)
- Attach the map along with your answer sheet for Section D.
- Answers should be written neatly and legibly.
- Marks are indicated against each question.
Section A: Objective Type Questions (20 Marks)
This section contains 20 questions of 1 mark each. Choose the correct option or answer briefly as required.
Q1-Q6: History (6 marks)
- Who introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal?
a) Lord Cornwallis
b) Lord Wellesley
c) Lord Dalhousie
d) Lord Hastings
(1 mark) - The Revolt of 1857 began from which city?
a) Delhi
b) Meerut
c) Kanpur
d) Lucknow
(1 mark) - What was the main objective of the Indian National Congress when it was founded in 1885?
a) Complete independence
b) Economic reforms
c) Political reforms
d) Social equality
(1 mark) - Name the first Governor-General of India.
(1 mark) - When was the Battle of Plassey fought?
(1 mark) - Who was known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’?
(1 mark)
Q7-Q12: Geography (6 marks)
7. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
a) Coal
b) Petroleum
c) Solar energy
d) Natural gas
(1 mark)
- The largest producer of rice in India is:
a) Punjab
b) West Bengal
c) Uttar Pradesh
d) Andhra Pradesh
(1 mark) - What is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
a) Deforestation
b) Overgrazing
c) Over-irrigation
d) Mining
(1 mark) - Which type of soil is found in the Deccan Plateau?
(1 mark) - The term ‘sustainable development’ refers to:
a) Economic growth only
b) Development without harming the environment
c) Rapid industrialization
d) Urban expansion
(1 mark) - Which of the following is a Kharif crop?
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Barley
d) Mustard
(1 mark)
Q13-Q18: Civics (6 marks)
13. The Indian Constitution was adopted on:
a) 26th January 1950
b) 15th August 1947
c) 26th November 1949
d) 1st January 1950
(1 mark)
- What is the minimum age to become a member of the Lok Sabha?
(1 mark) - Who presides over the sessions of the Lok Sabha?
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Speaker
d) Vice President
(1 mark) - The Right to Education Act was passed in which year?
(1 mark) - Which article of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law?
a) Article 14
b) Article 19
c) Article 21
d) Article 25
(1 mark) - What is the full form of PIL?
(1 mark)
Q19-Q20: General (2 marks)
19. Name one leader of the 1857 Revolt.
(1 mark)
- What is the main source of water for irrigation in India?
(1 mark)
Section B: Short Answer Questions (18 Marks)
Answer each question in 60-80 words. Each question carries 3 marks.
Q21. Describe the main causes of the Revolt of 1857. (3 marks)
Q22. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources with examples. (3 marks)
Q23. What is the role of the judiciary in a democratic country like India? (3 marks)
Q24. Discuss the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy. (3 marks)
Q25. (Internal Choice)
a) Explain the impact of British policies on Indian artisans and weavers.
OR
b) Describe the role of women in the Indian freedom struggle. (3 marks)
Q26. (Internal Choice)
a) What are the major types of soils found in India?
OR
b) Explain the factors affecting the distribution of population in India. (3 marks)
Section C: Long Answer Questions (30 Marks)
Answer each question in 100-120 words. Each question carries 5 marks.
Q27. Discuss the impact of British rule on Indian agriculture and economy. (5 marks)
Q28. Explain the major types of natural resources and their conservation methods. (5 marks)
Q29. Describe the key features of the Indian Constitution. (5 marks)
Q30. What is the role of the Parliament in India? Explain its composition. (5 marks)
Q31. (Internal Choice)
a) Analyze the role of education in the Indian freedom struggle.
OR
b) Discuss the causes and consequences of the Battle of Buxar. (5 marks)
Q32. (Internal Choice)
a) Explain the importance of water resources and the need for their conservation.
OR
b) Discuss the factors responsible for land degradation in India and suggest measures to control it. (5 marks)
Section D: Map-Based Questions (12 Marks)
Q33. On the political map of India provided, locate and label any six of the following: (6 marks)
a) The state where the Battle of Plassey was fought.
b) The capital of India.
c) The state of Gujarat.
d) The river Ganga.
e) The Thar Desert.
f) The state of Tamil Nadu.
g) The Deccan Plateau.
Q34. On the outline map of India, locate and label any six of the following: (6 marks)
a) The state with the highest rice production.
b) The Western Ghats.
c) The city of Kanpur.
d) The Aravalli Range.
e) The state of Assam.
f) The river Yamuna.
g) The city of Mumbai.
Note: Attach the maps with your answer sheet.
Marking Scheme (Suggested Answers)
Below is a brief marking scheme for guidance. Teachers/examiners can use this to evaluate answers.
Section A: Objective Type Questions
- Q1: a) Lord Cornwallis
- Q2: b) Meerut
- Q3: c) Political reforms
- Q4: Warren Hastings
- Q5: 1757
- Q6: Tipu Sultan
- Q7: c) Solar energy
- Q8: b) West Bengal
- Q9: c) Over-irrigation
- Q10: Black soil
- Q11: b) Development without harming the environment
- Q12: b) Rice
- Q13: c) 26th November 1949
- Q14: 25
- Q15: c) Speaker
- Q16: 2009
- Q17: a) Article 14
- Q18: Public Interest Litigation
- Q19: Rani Lakshmibai / Mangal Pandey / Bahadur Shah Zafar (any one)
- Q20: Canals / Tube wells / Rivers
Section B: Short Answer Questions
- Q21: Causes of 1857 Revolt: Political (Doctrine of Lapse), economic (exploitation), social (cultural interference), military (greased cartridges).
- Q22: Renewable resources (e.g., solar energy) can be replenished; non-renewable (e.g., coal) cannot.
- Q23: Judiciary ensures justice, interprets laws, protects rights.
- Q24: Agriculture provides employment, food security, raw materials.
- Q25a: British policies: Deindustrialization, high taxes ruined artisans/weavers.
- Q25b: Women: Participated in movements, led protests (e.g., Sarojini Naidu).
- Q26a: Soils: Alluvial, black, red, laterite.
- Q26b: Population distribution: Affected by climate, terrain, resources.
Section C: Long Answer Questions
- Q27: British rule: Commercialized agriculture, land revenue systems, economic drain.
- Q28: Resources: Land, water, minerals; conservation: Afforestation, water harvesting.
- Q29: Features: Democracy, secularism, fundamental rights, federalism.
- Q30: Parliament: Makes laws, controls finance; Composition: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, President.
- Q31a: Education: Spread awareness, inspired nationalism.
- Q31b: Battle of Buxar: Strengthened British control; caused loss of Indian autonomy.
- Q32a: Water: Supports agriculture, industry; conservation: Rainwater harvesting, efficient use.
- Q32b: Land degradation: Caused by overgrazing, deforestation; measures: Afforestation, contour plowing.
Section D: Map-Based Questions
- Q33: Correct location and labeling (1 mark each for 6 items).
- Q34: Correct location and labeling (1 mark each for 6 items).
Notes for Students/Teachers:
- The question paper aligns with the CBSE Class 8 Social Science syllabus, covering Our Pasts-III (History), Resources and Development (Geography), and Social and Political Life-III (Civics).
- The map questions test geographical knowledge and map skills, as per CBSE guidelines.
- Internal choices are provided to give students flexibility.
- The paper balances factual recall, analytical skills, and application-based questions.
- For map work, ensure students practice locating and labeling accurately on outline maps.
- The paper is designed to be comprehensive yet manageable for Class 8 students.
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