Chapter 1 – Understanding Social Science
Worksheet
Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (20 × 1 = 20 Marks)
1. Social Science is primarily the systematic study of:
A. Natural resources
B. Human society
C. Living organisms
D. Physical substances
Answer: B
2. Which of the following is NOT a core discipline of Social Science in Grades 9–10?
A. Geography
B. History
C. Chemistry
D. Economics
Answer: C
3. Which discipline studies the relationship between people and their surroundings?
A. Economics
B. Geography
C. History
D. Political Science
Answer: B
4. History mainly helps us understand:
A. Weather conditions
B. Human past and social change
C. Production of goods
D. Election procedures
Answer: B
5. Which discipline studies governments, constitutions and citizenship?
A. Economics
B. History
C. Political Science
D. Geography
Answer: C
6. Economics mainly studies how societies:
A. Write historical records
B. Use limited resources to satisfy needs
C. Form mountain ranges
D. Preserve monuments
Answer: B
7. Which idea means "The world is one family"?
A. Dharma
B. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
C. Panchayati Raj
D. Arthashastra
Answer: B
8. The concept of Panchamahabhutas explains:
A. Political systems
B. Human evolution
C. Nature as an interconnected system
D. International trade
Answer: C
9. Which ancient text discusses administration, taxation and governance?
A. Ramayana
B. Arthashastra
C. Bhagavad Gita
D. Rigveda
Answer: B
10. Which is an archaeological source?
A. Personal diary
B. Monument
C. Newspaper
D. Speech
Answer: B
11. Coins used to study history are examples of:
A. Literary sources
B. Epigraphic sources
C. Numismatic sources
D. Oral sources
Answer: C
12. Inscriptions written on stone or metal are known as:
A. Literary sources
B. Numismatic sources
C. Epigraphic sources
D. Oral traditions
Answer: C
13. Which tool helps geographers study locations digitally?
A. Microscope
B. GIS
C. Telescope
D. Thermometer
Answer: B
14. Social Science helps us understand society through:
A. Guesswork
B. Evidence and logical reasoning
C. Superstitions
D. Personal opinions only
Answer: B
15. Which discipline studies how societies change over time?
A. History
B. Geography
C. Economics
D. Biology
Answer: A
16. Which of the following best shows the interconnected nature of society?
A. A farmer growing crops only
B. Food reaching consumers through farming, transport and trade
C. Reading a novel
D. Watching television
Answer: B
17. Assertion (A): Social Science helps us understand the relationship between people and society.
Reason (R): It studies only political institutions.
A. Both A and R are true, and R explains A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A.
C. A is true but R is false.
D. A is false but R is true.
Answer: C
18. Which of the following best explains why Social Science is interdisciplinary?
A. It studies only one topic.
B. It combines different disciplines to understand society.
C. It focuses only on the economy.
D. It ignores history.
Answer: B
19. Which factor is NOT mentioned in the chapter as influencing society?
A. Geography
B. History
C. Institutions
D. Planetary motion
Answer: D
20. Social Science mainly prepares students to become:
A. Professional scientists only
B. Responsible and informed citizens
C. Engineers only
D. Athletes
Answer: B
Section B – Very Short Answer Questions
(8 × 1 = 8 Marks)
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 1–2 sentences.
1. What is Social Science?
Answer:
Social Science is the systematic study of human society, its people, relationships, institutions, and the
ways societies develop and function.
2. Name the four main disciplines of Social Science introduced in this chapter.
Answer:
The four main disciplines are History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
3. What is the main focus of Geography?
Answer:
Geography studies the Earth's physical features, human activities, and the relationship between
people and their environment.
4. What does History help us understand?
Answer:
History helps us understand past events, societies, cultures, and how they have shaped the present.
5. What is Political Science?
Answer:
Political Science is the study of governance, constitutions, governments, power, public policies, and
democratic institutions.
6. What is the main objective of Economics?
Answer:
Economics studies how individuals and societies use limited resources to produce, distribute, and
consume goods and services to meet their needs.
7. Name any two types of historical sources mentioned in the chapter.
Answer:
Any two types of historical sources are:
Archaeological sources
Literary sources
8. Why should we study Social Science?
Answer:
We should study Social Science because it helps us understand society, develop critical thinking,
make informed decisions, and become responsible citizens.
Section C – Short Answer Questions
(5 × 3 = 15 Marks)
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 60–80 words.
1. Explain the meaning of Social Science. Why is it considered an interdisciplinary subject?
Answer:
Social Science is the systematic study of human society, its people, institutions, and relationships. It is
considered an interdisciplinary subject because it combines the knowledge of History, Geography,
Political Science, and Economics. Each discipline studies society from a different perspective, and
together they help us understand how societies function, change, and develop over time.
2. How does the study of History help us understand the present and prepare for the future?
Answer:
History helps us understand how people lived, how societies changed, and how important events
shaped the present. By studying historical evidence and learning from past experiences, we can
better understand current social, political, and economic conditions. History also helps us make
informed decisions and avoid repeating mistakes in the future.
3. Describe the importance of Political Science in everyday life.
Answer:
Political Science helps us understand how governments function, how laws are made, and how public
policies affect people's lives. It explains the rights and responsibilities of citizens and highlights the
importance of democratic participation. It also helps people become aware of governance,
accountability, and the role they can play in strengthening democracy.
4. Explain the role of Economics in improving the well-being of society.
Answer:
Economics studies how limited resources are used to satisfy human needs. It explains how goods and
services are produced, exchanged, and distributed. Economics also helps governments frame policies
that promote growth, fairness, and sustainable development. By understanding economic decisions,
people can use resources wisely and contribute to the country's progress.
5. Why should every student study Social Science? Give any three reasons.
Answer:
Every student should study Social Science because it helps them understand society and the world
around them. It develops critical thinking and the ability to analyse issues using evidence. It also
teaches democratic values, rights, and responsibilities, helping students become informed,
responsible, and active citizens who can contribute positively to society.
Section D – Case-Based Questions
(1 × 3 = 3 Marks)
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Social Science helps us understand how societies function and change over time. It studies human
behaviour, institutions, cultures, economies, governments, and the relationship between people
and their environment. By learning Social Science, students develop critical thinking, analyse
evidence, understand different perspectives, and become informed and responsible citizens.
1. What is the main purpose of studying Social Science?
Answer:
The main purpose of studying Social Science is to understand society, human behaviour, and how
societies function and change over time.
2. Mention any one skill that students develop by studying Social Science.
Answer:
Students develop critical thinking.
(Other acceptable answers: analysing evidence, problem-solving, informed decision-making.)
3. How does Social Science help students become responsible citizens?
Answer:
It helps students understand society, their rights and responsibilities, and encourages them to make
informed and responsible decisions.