S.T.D.B.
OXON CONVENT SCHOOL
FINAL EXAMINATION (2025-26)
SOCIAL SCIENCE — CLASS 8
MODEL ANSWER KEY | Full Marks: 80 | Time: 3 Hours
SECTION – A HISTORY (27 Marks)
Q.1. [1 Mark] Match the following — East India Company / Mir Jaffar / Tipu Sultan / Subsidiary
Alliance
Ans: (a) A–2, B–1, C–3, D–4
East India Company → Trade in India | Mir Jaffar → Puppet ruler | Tipu Sultan → Mysore ruler | Subsidiary
Alliance → British policy
Q.2. [1 Mark] The English Education Act was passed by ___
Ans: (a) William Bentinck
The English Education Act of 1835 was passed under Governor-General Lord William Bentinck.
Q.3. [1 Mark] Who founded the Indian National Congress?
Ans: (b) A.O. Hume
Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, founded the INC in 1885.
Q.4. [1 Mark] Which statements about the Revolt of 1857 are correct?
Ans: (a) 1 and 2 only
Statement 1 (started from Meerut) ✓ | Statement 2 (Bahadur Shah Zafar made leader) ✓ | Statement 3 is
wrong — the revolt began in 1857, not 1885.
Q.5. [1 Mark] Company controls revenue but avoids direct governance — this system is:
Ans: (b) Dual system of administration
Robert Clive introduced the Dual System in Bengal (1765): the Company held Diwani (revenue) while the
Nawab nominally governed.
Q.6. [1 Mark] Assertion–Reason: Colonial education and British administration
Ans: (d) A is false but R is true
The Assertion is FALSE — colonial education did NOT aim to create independent scientific thinkers. The
Reason is TRUE — the British needed English-educated Indians for clerical and administrative work.
VSA Questions (30–40 words each)
Q.7. [2 Marks] List out the effects of Western education (Any 3 points)
• Rise of a new educated middle class that challenged British policies.
• Spread of rationalism and scientific thinking, weakening superstitious practices.
• Growth of a sense of Indian nationalism and unity among educated people.
• Emergence of newspapers and vernacular literature that spread reform ideas.
Any 3 points for full marks.
Q.8A. [2 Marks] Two methods adopted by the British to expand territorial control in India
• Doctrine of Lapse (Dalhousie): If a ruler died without a natural heir, the state was annexed by
the Company (e.g., Jhansi, Satara).
• Subsidiary Alliance (Wellesley): Indian rulers had to accept British troops on their soil and pay
for them, surrendering sovereignty in exchange for protection.
OR
Q.8B. [2 Marks] Short account of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Ans: On 13 April 1919 (Baisakhi day), a large crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, to
protest the Rowlatt Act. General Dyer ordered troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd without
warning. Hundreds were killed and over a thousand were wounded. The massacre shocked the
nation and turned many moderate Indians against British rule, fuelling the Non-Cooperation
Movement.
SA Questions (50–60 words each)
Q.9. [3 Marks] Social and economic causes that led to the uprising of 1857
Ans: Social Causes:
• Introduction of new greased cartridges (pig/cow fat) hurt the religious sentiments of both Hindu
and Muslim soldiers.
• Christian missionaries were spreading their religion, causing fear of forced conversion.
• The British policy of racial superiority humiliated Indians.
Economic Causes:
• Heavy taxation on land ruined Indian farmers.
• British economic policies destroyed indigenous industries (especially textiles).
• Indian artisans and weavers were rendered jobless due to cheap machine-made goods from
Britain.
Q.10A. [3 Marks] How British diplomatic, economic, and military strategies expanded their territorial
authority
Ans: The British used a combination of three strategies. Diplomatically, they used the Subsidiary
Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse to absorb Indian states. Economically, they controlled trade, imposed
heavy taxes, and ruined local industries, making rulers financially dependent. Militarily, they
maintained superior armed forces and suppressed any resistance. Together, these strategies enabled
the British to gain control over almost all of India.
OR
Q.10B. [3 Marks] "Western thoughts and ideas were responsible for arousing nationalism among
Indians." Do you agree?
Ans: Yes, I agree. Western education introduced Indians to ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity
(from the French Revolution). Educated Indians began questioning British rule and comparing it with
democratic ideals. Books by thinkers like John Stuart Mill and Rousseau inspired Indians.
Newspapers and journals spread these ideas widely. Reformers like Tilak, Gokhale, and later Gandhi
channelled these ideas into the freedom movement.
LA Questions (100–120 words)
Q.11A. [5 Marks] Analyze how British repressive policies after 1919 reshaped Indian nationalism —
Gandhi's evolution from Non-Cooperation to Civil Disobedience
Ans: The Rowlatt Act (1919) allowed imprisonment without trial, provoking widespread outrage. The
Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) turned moderate Indians into ardent nationalists. Gandhi
responded with the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22): Indians boycotted British goods, courts,
schools, and titles. When it was suspended after the Chauri Chaura violence, Indians were
disillusioned but remained committed to Swaraj. Gandhi then shifted strategy. In 1930, the Civil
Disobedience Movement began with the famous Dandi March against the salt tax — a direct,
peaceful breaking of an unjust British law. This widened participation to peasants and women. Both
movements shared the goal of Swaraj (self-rule) but differed in method: Non-Cooperation was
withdrawal; Civil Disobedience was active, non-violent defiance. Together they transformed India's
freedom struggle into a truly mass movement.
OR
Q.11B. [5 Marks] Analyse how Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre paved the way for Non-
Cooperation Movement
Ans: The Rowlatt Act (1919) gave the British government sweeping powers to arrest and detain
Indians without trial. Indians saw this as a direct attack on civil liberties. Gandhi called for a
nationwide hartal (strike). Tensions rose sharply. On 13 April 1919, a peaceful crowd at Jallianwala
Bagh, Amritsar was fired upon by General Dyer's troops. Hundreds died. This atrocity horrified the
nation. Moderate leaders who once cooperated with the British turned against them. It became clear
that British rule would not be reformed from within. Gandhi concluded that Indians must withdraw all
cooperation from a government that treated them so brutally. This reasoning formed the moral and
political basis for the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), which called for boycotting British
institutions, goods, and honours — uniting millions across India for the first time.
Case-Based Question (CBQ)
Q.12. [4 Marks] Source: Social Reform and Change in Indian Society
(a) One social evil opposed by Raja Rammohan Roy:
Ans: Sati (the practice of a widow burning herself on her husband's funeral pyre). He also opposed
child marriage and purdah.
(b) Who helped in promoting widow remarriage in the nineteenth century?
Ans: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar campaigned vigorously for widow remarriage and helped pass the
Widow Remarriage Act in 1856.
(c) Two ways in which social reformers improved the condition of women and lower castes:
• Education: Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule opened schools for girls and children from
oppressed communities, providing them access to knowledge and opportunities denied for
centuries.
• Legal Reforms: Reformers advocated for laws like the Widow Remarriage Act (1856) and
worked to abolish sati and child marriage, giving women legal protection and dignity.
Q.13. [2 Marks] Map-Skill: Label and locate on India map — a. Champaran b. Calcutta
Ans: Students must mark the following on the outline map of India:
• Champaran — Located in the northern part of Bihar (site of Gandhi's first Satyagraha in 1917
against indigo planters).
• Calcutta (Kolkata) — Located in West Bengal, on the eastern coast of India, near the Hooghly
River. It was the capital of British India until 1911.
SECTION – B GEOGRAPHY (27 Marks)
Q.14. [1 Mark] Water is an example of:
Ans: (A) Renewable resource
Water is naturally replenished through the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation), so it is a
renewable resource.
Q.15. [1 Mark] Which type of soil is best for rice cultivation?
Ans: (B) Alluvial soil
Alluvial soil is fertile, retains moisture, and is found in river plains — ideal for rice (paddy) cultivation.
Q.16. [1 Mark] Which city has the highest number of software companies in India?
Ans: (A) Bengaluru
Bengaluru (Bangalore) is called the Silicon Valley of India and has the highest concentration of IT and software
companies.
Q.17. [1 Mark] Which state has the highest literacy rate?
Ans: (C) Kerala
Kerala has consistently had the highest literacy rate in India (over 94%), due to its early focus on education.
Q.18. [1 Mark] Terrace farming is mainly done to:
Ans: (B) Reduce soil erosion on slopes
Terrace farming cuts hillsides into steps, slowing water runoff and preventing soil erosion on steep slopes.
Q.19. [1 Mark] Case: Paper company near forest and river — most likely reason for location:
Ans: (A) Easy access to raw materials and abundant water for processing
Forests provide wood pulp (raw material) and river water is essential for the paper manufacturing process.
Q.20. [1 Mark] Assertion–Reason: High population density and quality of human resources
Ans: (D) A is false, R is false
Assertion is FALSE — high density does not necessarily mean high quality of human resources. Reason is also
FALSE — quality of population depends on education and health investment, not just climate or land fertility.
VSA Questions (30–40 words each)
Q.21A. [2 Marks] Why is soil considered an important natural resource?
• Soil supports agriculture — it provides nutrients and a medium for plants to grow.
• It supports diverse ecosystems and is home to countless microorganisms.
• Soil filters water and recharges groundwater. It takes hundreds of years to form, making
conservation essential.
OR
Q.21B. [2 Marks] Differentiate between birth rate and death rate
Ans: Birth rate is the number of live births per 1,000 people in a year. Death rate is the number of
deaths per 1,000 people per year. When birth rate exceeds death rate, the population grows. Birth
rate is influenced by social customs and healthcare access, while death rate is influenced by nutrition,
sanitation, and medical facilities.
SA Questions (50–60 words each)
Q.22. [3 Marks] What is migration? Explain its types.
Ans: Migration is the movement of people from one place to another in search of better opportunities,
safety, or due to natural disasters. Types:
• Internal Migration: Movement within a country (e.g., rural to urban migration within India).
• International Migration: Movement from one country to another (e.g., Indians migrating to the
USA or Gulf countries).
• Seasonal Migration: Temporary movement for work, such as farmers migrating during harvest
season.
• Push factors (poverty, drought, conflict) and pull factors (jobs, better living conditions) drive
migration.
Q.23A. [3 Marks] Three ways Green Revolution improved agricultural productivity + one
sustainability challenge
• High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds — Improved wheat and rice seeds dramatically increased
yield per hectare.
• Irrigation expansion — Canals and tube wells brought more land under irrigation, enabling
double-cropping.
• Use of fertilizers and pesticides — Chemical inputs boosted crop output significantly.
Challenge: Overuse of chemical fertilizers has led to soil degradation, falling water tables, and loss of
biodiversity — threatening long-term sustainability.
OR
Q.23B. [3 Marks] Why is the iron and steel industry called the backbone of the modern world?
Ans: Iron and steel form the foundation of modern industrial civilization. Steel is used in constructing
buildings, bridges, roads, railways, ships, and machinery. It supports every other industry —
automobile, construction, defence, and energy. Without iron and steel, no modern infrastructure could
be built. Hence it is called the backbone of the modern world. In India, the Chhota Nagpur region
hosts major steel plants (Jamshedpur, Bhilai, Rourkela) due to proximity to coal and iron ore.
LA Questions (100–120 words)
Q.24A. [5 Marks] Physical vs economic factors in determining type of agriculture — do you agree
physical factors alone decide?
Ans: No, I do not agree that physical factors alone determine the type of agriculture. While climate
and soil are crucial, economic factors are equally important. Physical factors: Rice is grown in areas
with high rainfall and alluvial soil (e.g., West Bengal, Tamil Nadu). Wheat grows in cooler climates
with well-drained loamy soil (e.g., Punjab, Haryana). However, economic factors also shape farming
decisions: Market access determines what crops are commercially viable. Capital availability decides
whether farmers can afford machinery, HYV seeds, or irrigation. Labour availability influences
whether labour-intensive crops like rice or mechanized crops like wheat are grown. In Punjab, even
though cotton grows well, wheat dominates because of better market infrastructure and government
support prices. Globally, the Netherlands grows flowers in greenhouses despite cold climate —
because market demand and capital make it profitable. Thus, agriculture is determined by the
interplay of both physical and economic factors.
OR
Q.24B. [5 Marks] Location of iron & steel industry — raw materials primary? Market/transport
secondary? Critically examine.
Ans: The statement is partially true but needs critical examination using the industrial system (inputs–
processes–outputs). Inputs (raw materials): Iron ore, coal, limestone, and water are the key inputs.
The Chhota Nagpur region in Jharkhand became India's steel heartland because of abundant coal
(Jharia) and iron ore (Singhbhum) nearby — explaining why Jamshedpur (Tata Steel), Bhilai, Bokaro,
and Rourkela are located here. However, market and transport are NOT secondary in modern times:
Steel plants now need efficient rail/road links to deliver finished goods to automobile factories,
construction sites, and ports. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant was built on the coast to import ore and
export steel easily. Modern mini steel plants (electric arc furnaces) are located near cities (market-
oriented) because they use scrap metal rather than raw ore. Thus, while raw materials were
historically the dominant location factor, changing technology, improved transport, and growing
markets have made industrial location more flexible. Today, all three factors — raw materials,
transport, and market — jointly determine where industries are established.
Case-Based Question (CBQ)
Q.25. [4 Marks] Source: Human Resources – Skill Development
(a) One skill being taught under this program:
Ans: Computer skills (also acceptable: tailoring or carpentry).
(b) Main objective of the government program:
Ans: The main objective was to improve the employability of rural youth by teaching them vocational
skills, making them productive contributors to local and national development.
(c) Two effects of skill development programs on rural society:
• Increased income levels: Trained youth could start small businesses or find jobs, raising
household and community incomes.
• Reduced migration to cities: With local employment opportunities, the pressure of rural-to-
urban migration decreased, easing the burden on cities and strengthening rural communities.
Q.26. [3 Marks] Map-Skill: Label on India map — p. Coffee growing region q. Thar desert r. Shade
high population density region
• Coffee growing region — Karnataka (Western Ghats, especially Coorg/Kodagu district). Also
acceptable: parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Thar Desert — Located in north-western India, covering most of western Rajasthan and
extending into Gujarat.
• High population density region — Shade the Indo-Gangetic Plain (covering Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, West Bengal) — one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
SECTION – C CIVICS (26 Marks)
Q.27. [1 Mark] Who is known as the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'?
Ans: (B) B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution and is rightly called its father.
Q.28. [1 Mark] Parliament is the ________ of India.
Ans: (B) Legislature
Parliament is the supreme legislative (law-making) body of India, consisting of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and
the President.
Q.29. [1 Mark] Why do we need an independent judiciary?
Ans: (A) To check abuse of power by legislature and executive
An independent judiciary ensures that neither Parliament nor the government can act unconstitutionally or
abuse power.
Q.30. [1 Mark] What is social justice?
Ans: (A) Equality and fairness in society
Social justice means ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for all individuals regardless of caste,
religion, gender, or economic status.
Q.31. [1 Mark] Why is the Indian Constitution described as 'lengthy and detailed'?
Ans: (B) It includes Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and detailed administrative provisions
due to India's diversity and historical context
India's vast diversity (linguistic, religious, ethnic) required comprehensive provisions. The framers also drew
lessons from colonial rule to protect citizens' rights thoroughly.
Q.32. [1 Mark] In the context of social justice, 'rule of law' means:
Ans: (A) Laws apply equally to all, regardless of status, but in practice, marginalized groups face
barriers
The ideal of rule of law requires equal application of law. However, in reality, marginalized communities face
systemic barriers in accessing justice.
Q.33. [1 Mark] Assertion–Reason: Money Bill and Rajya Sabha
Ans: (D) A is false, R is true
A is FALSE — A Money Bill can only be introduced in Lok Sabha, NOT Rajya Sabha. R is TRUE — Money Bills
deal with taxation, government expenditure, and borrowing.
VSA Questions (30–40 words each)
Q.34. [2 Marks] List out the functions of Parliament
• Law-making: Parliament passes laws on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists.
• Financial control: Parliament approves the national budget and controls government
expenditure.
• Executive accountability: Parliament questions ministers and can pass a vote of no-
confidence.
• Constitutional amendments: Parliament can amend the Constitution following prescribed
procedures.
Any 3–4 points for full marks.
Q.35. [2 Marks] Features of the Minimum Wages Act
• The Minimum Wages Act (1948) fixes minimum wages for workers in scheduled industries.
• It protects workers from exploitation by ensuring they receive a legally guaranteed minimum
pay.
• Wages are revised periodically by the government based on the cost of living.
• It applies to both skilled and unskilled workers in specified sectors.
SA Questions (50–60 words each)
Q.36A. [3 Marks] "Laws alone cannot ensure social justice" — Bhopal gas tragedy + why MNCs
escape punishment
Ans: The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy showed that laws alone are insufficient for social justice. Despite
thousands dying from Union Carbide's toxic gas leak, justice was delayed for decades. Two reasons
why powerful companies escape punishment: (1) Multinational companies have vast financial and
legal resources to delay court proceedings and pay off settlements. (2) Political influence and
economic leverage allow them to negotiate lenient terms with governments. Way to improve: Stricter
enforcement of environmental laws, faster special courts for industrial disasters, and international
treaties holding MNCs accountable across borders.
OR
Q.36B. [3 Marks] Two Directive Principles of State Policy and how they improve welfare
• Right to adequate livelihood (Article 39): The state must ensure all citizens have adequate
means of livelihood. This guides policies like MGNREGA (rural employment guarantee), PDS
(subsidized food), and minimum wage laws.
• Free and compulsory education for children (Article 45, now a Fundamental Right via RTE Act
2009): The state must provide free education to children aged 6–14. This improves literacy
and reduces inequality.
Q.37. [3 Marks] How are High Court judges appointed, and what qualifications are needed?
Ans: High Court judges are appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice
of India and the Governor of the concerned state. For a judge of a High Court other than the Chief
Justice, the Chief Justice of that High Court is also consulted. Qualifications required: (1) Must be a
citizen of India. (2) Must have been an advocate of a High Court (or two or more such Courts in
succession) for at least 10 years, OR must have held a judicial office in Indian territory for at least 10
years.
LA Questions (100–120 words)
Q.38A. [5 Marks] Judiciary as 'guardian of the Constitution' — two examples showing it checks
legislature and executive
Ans: The judiciary is the guardian of the Constitution because it has the power of judicial review — it
can declare any law or government action unconstitutional. Example 1 (Checking the Legislature): In
the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament cannot amend the
Constitution's 'Basic Structure' (fundamental features like democracy, secularism, and judicial
independence). This prevented Parliament from using its amendment power to destroy the
Constitution itself. Example 2 (Checking the Executive): In the Maneka Gandhi case (1978), the
Supreme Court ruled that the government cannot arbitrarily seize a citizen's passport without
following due process of law. This upheld the fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21. In
both cases, an independent judiciary stood between citizens and the misuse of power. Without
independence — meaning judges are not under political pressure — these protections would be
meaningless. Security of tenure, fixed salaries, and removal only through impeachment ensure
judges decide cases purely on law, protecting every citizen's rights.
OR
Q.38B. [5 Marks] How the Constitution protects citizens' rights through Parliament's laws (link:
Constitution + Parliament)
Ans: The Indian Constitution lays down Fundamental Rights in Part III (Articles 12–35) — these
include the right to equality, freedom of speech, protection from exploitation, and the right to
constitutional remedies. These rights are guaranteed to every citizen and cannot be taken away by
ordinary law. Parliament plays a crucial role in giving these rights practical effect through specific
laws: (1) The Right to Education Act (2009) gives effect to the right to education (Article 21A). (2) The
Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955) and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act enforce the right to
equality (Article 17) by penalising untouchability. (3) The Right to Information Act (2005) strengthens
freedom of speech by allowing citizens to access government information. However, Parliament
cannot make laws that violate Fundamental Rights — if it does, the Supreme Court can strike them
down (judicial review). Thus, the Constitution sets the framework and Parliament fills it with detailed
laws, while the judiciary enforces both. Together, all three branches protect citizens' rights in a
balanced democracy.
Case-Based Question (CBQ)
Q.39. [4 Marks] Source: Parliament — India's Supreme Law-Making Body
Question 1: Why can't the government make laws on its own without Parliament?
Ans: The government (executive — Prime Minister and Cabinet) cannot make laws on its own
because it must be accountable to the people. Parliament represents citizens from all regions and
communities through elected Members of Parliament. Laws made without Parliament would reflect
only the views of a few leaders and could easily become unjust or oppressive. Parliament debates
proposed laws, allows suggestions, and approves only those that reflect the wider public interest. This
prevents autocratic rule and ensures democratic governance.
Question 2: How does Parliament ensure that laws are fair and represent all citizens?
Ans: Parliament ensures fairness through several mechanisms: (1) Bills are debated openly in both
Lok Sabha (people's representatives) and Rajya Sabha (states' representatives), so diverse
viewpoints are heard. (2) Members from different states, parties, and communities can suggest
amendments. (3) Only after both Houses approve a bill and the President gives assent does it
become law — preventing hasty or one-sided decisions. (4) Citizens can raise concerns through their
elected representatives, making Parliament a voice for all sections of society.
★ END OF ANSWER KEY ★
S.T.D.B. Oxon Convent School | Final Examination 2025-26 | Social Science Class 8