Class 8 Social Science: CBSE Sample Question Paper Solutions Term II – 2 | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

 Page 1


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
Term II 
 
SECTION A 
History 
Answers 
1. (b) - Calico 
2. (c) – Buddhist stupa 
3. (b) - Asiatic Researches 
4. (d) - Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar 
5. (c) - The Arms Act 
 
Answer 6 
Jamdani is fine muslin on which decorative motifs are woven on the loom, typically in grey 
and white. Often a mixture of cotton and gold thread was also used. The most important 
centres of jamdani weaving were Dacca in Bengal and Lucknow in the United Provinces. 
 
Answer 7 
‘Picketing’ implies people protesting outside a building or shop to prevent others from 
entering. 
 
Answer 8 
Spinning Jenny is a machine by which a single worker could operate several spindles on to 
which thread was spun. When the wheel was turned, all the spindles rotated. 
 
Answer 9 
Two features of the Subsidiary Alliance System were: 
? Indian states entering subsidiary alliance were protected by the Company’s forces 
but had to pay for the maintenance of British troops.  
? Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces. They also 
could not sign treaty with any other state without the permission of the British. 
 
Answer 10 
No, it is not right to periodise Indian History into Hindu, Muslim and the British period. It is 
because it is not correct to periodise Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For 
example, when the Hindu kings ruled in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. 
The same is also true for mediaeval India. It was not correct to periodise mediaeval India as 
Muslim History because people belonging to different faiths existed during this time.  
Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, 
practices and culture of the other people do not matter. 
Page 2


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
Term II 
 
SECTION A 
History 
Answers 
1. (b) - Calico 
2. (c) – Buddhist stupa 
3. (b) - Asiatic Researches 
4. (d) - Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar 
5. (c) - The Arms Act 
 
Answer 6 
Jamdani is fine muslin on which decorative motifs are woven on the loom, typically in grey 
and white. Often a mixture of cotton and gold thread was also used. The most important 
centres of jamdani weaving were Dacca in Bengal and Lucknow in the United Provinces. 
 
Answer 7 
‘Picketing’ implies people protesting outside a building or shop to prevent others from 
entering. 
 
Answer 8 
Spinning Jenny is a machine by which a single worker could operate several spindles on to 
which thread was spun. When the wheel was turned, all the spindles rotated. 
 
Answer 9 
Two features of the Subsidiary Alliance System were: 
? Indian states entering subsidiary alliance were protected by the Company’s forces 
but had to pay for the maintenance of British troops.  
? Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces. They also 
could not sign treaty with any other state without the permission of the British. 
 
Answer 10 
No, it is not right to periodise Indian History into Hindu, Muslim and the British period. It is 
because it is not correct to periodise Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For 
example, when the Hindu kings ruled in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. 
The same is also true for mediaeval India. It was not correct to periodise mediaeval India as 
Muslim History because people belonging to different faiths existed during this time.  
Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, 
practices and culture of the other people do not matter. 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 
The non-Brahman movement started in the early part of the twentieth century. The 
political initiative came from those non-Brahman castes which had acquired access to 
education, wealth and influence. They argued that Brahmans were actually heirs of Aryan 
invaders from the north who had conquered southern lands from the original inhabitants 
of the region—the indigenous Dravidian races. These castes also openly challenged the 
Brahmanical claims to power. 
 
Answer 12 
Even though Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore agreed on many points on the 
matter of education, there were some discernible and significant differences too. Gandhiji 
was highly critical of Western civilisation and the prominence of machines and technology 
in it. On the other hand, Tagore wanted to combine elements of modern Western 
civilisation with what he saw best within Indian culture. He often emphasised the need to 
teach science and technology at Santiniketan along with art, music and dance. 
 
SECTION B 
Civics 
Answers 
1. (b) - 12 
2. (b) - Article 22 
3. (b) - 274 
4. (b) - Free or subsidised hostels 
5. (d) - 4–6 units 
 
Answer 6 
Steps which should be taken by the government to ensure the cleanliness of the 
environment are: 
? To ask the industries to replace old conventional technology by cleaner technologies 
and processes in the industry. 
? Government should provide incentives and tax rebate for the companies which use 
cleaner technologies. 
? Fines should be imposed on the industries which create pollution in excess of the 
prescribed limit 
 
Answer 7 
The term Adivasis means ‘original inhabitants’. They are communities who have 
historically lived in and even now continue to stay in forests. 
 
Answer 8 
Page 3


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
Term II 
 
SECTION A 
History 
Answers 
1. (b) - Calico 
2. (c) – Buddhist stupa 
3. (b) - Asiatic Researches 
4. (d) - Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar 
5. (c) - The Arms Act 
 
Answer 6 
Jamdani is fine muslin on which decorative motifs are woven on the loom, typically in grey 
and white. Often a mixture of cotton and gold thread was also used. The most important 
centres of jamdani weaving were Dacca in Bengal and Lucknow in the United Provinces. 
 
Answer 7 
‘Picketing’ implies people protesting outside a building or shop to prevent others from 
entering. 
 
Answer 8 
Spinning Jenny is a machine by which a single worker could operate several spindles on to 
which thread was spun. When the wheel was turned, all the spindles rotated. 
 
Answer 9 
Two features of the Subsidiary Alliance System were: 
? Indian states entering subsidiary alliance were protected by the Company’s forces 
but had to pay for the maintenance of British troops.  
? Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces. They also 
could not sign treaty with any other state without the permission of the British. 
 
Answer 10 
No, it is not right to periodise Indian History into Hindu, Muslim and the British period. It is 
because it is not correct to periodise Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For 
example, when the Hindu kings ruled in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. 
The same is also true for mediaeval India. It was not correct to periodise mediaeval India as 
Muslim History because people belonging to different faiths existed during this time.  
Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, 
practices and culture of the other people do not matter. 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 
The non-Brahman movement started in the early part of the twentieth century. The 
political initiative came from those non-Brahman castes which had acquired access to 
education, wealth and influence. They argued that Brahmans were actually heirs of Aryan 
invaders from the north who had conquered southern lands from the original inhabitants 
of the region—the indigenous Dravidian races. These castes also openly challenged the 
Brahmanical claims to power. 
 
Answer 12 
Even though Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore agreed on many points on the 
matter of education, there were some discernible and significant differences too. Gandhiji 
was highly critical of Western civilisation and the prominence of machines and technology 
in it. On the other hand, Tagore wanted to combine elements of modern Western 
civilisation with what he saw best within Indian culture. He often emphasised the need to 
teach science and technology at Santiniketan along with art, music and dance. 
 
SECTION B 
Civics 
Answers 
1. (b) - 12 
2. (b) - Article 22 
3. (b) - 274 
4. (b) - Free or subsidised hostels 
5. (d) - 4–6 units 
 
Answer 6 
Steps which should be taken by the government to ensure the cleanliness of the 
environment are: 
? To ask the industries to replace old conventional technology by cleaner technologies 
and processes in the industry. 
? Government should provide incentives and tax rebate for the companies which use 
cleaner technologies. 
? Fines should be imposed on the industries which create pollution in excess of the 
prescribed limit 
 
Answer 7 
The term Adivasis means ‘original inhabitants’. They are communities who have 
historically lived in and even now continue to stay in forests. 
 
Answer 8 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
Article 15 of the Constitution states that no citizen of India shall be discriminated against 
on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. This article has been used by Dalits 
to seek equality where it has been denied to them. 
 
Answer 9 
Reservation policy is a law which reserves seats in education and Government employment 
for Dalits and Adivasis. 
 
 
Answer 10 
The sanitation coverage in India is really bad and lower than the coverage of safe drinking 
water. Official figures for 2001 show that 68% of the households in India have access to 
drinking water and about 36% have access to sanitation (toilet facilities within the 
premises of residence). 
 
Answer 11 
To prevent the domination of a majority community over the others following provisions 
have been made in the Indian Constitution: 
? India has no official religion. It neither encourages nor discourages practice of any 
religion. For example, in government spaces like the court room, government schools 
and offices, no one can promote any religion. 
? The Indian State respects the religious sentiments of all people. Thus, it follows a policy 
of non-interference in the religious practices of the people. For example, the State 
allows the Sikhs to not wear a helmet as wearing a pagdi is part of their religious 
practice.  
? The Indian State also follows the strategy of intervention in cases where members of 
one community discriminate against members of the same religious community. For 
example, in order to prevent upper-caste Hindus from dominating lower-caste Hindus, 
untouchability has been abolished and no discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste 
or sect.  
? By following the policy of intervention, the Indian State also guarantees the right to 
minority groups of establishing their own educational institutions and colleges. It also 
provides financial assistance to them. 
 
Answer 12 
? India has a single integrated judicial system as the decisions 
made by the higher courts are binding on the lower courts.  
? The judiciary in our country exists at three different levels. There 
are numerous courts at the district level. These are also known as 
session courts. District courts are presided over by the District 
Judge. 
? At the second level are the High Courts. Every state has a High 
Court which is the highest court of appeal.  
Supreme Court
High Courts
Lower Courts
Page 4


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
Term II 
 
SECTION A 
History 
Answers 
1. (b) - Calico 
2. (c) – Buddhist stupa 
3. (b) - Asiatic Researches 
4. (d) - Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar 
5. (c) - The Arms Act 
 
Answer 6 
Jamdani is fine muslin on which decorative motifs are woven on the loom, typically in grey 
and white. Often a mixture of cotton and gold thread was also used. The most important 
centres of jamdani weaving were Dacca in Bengal and Lucknow in the United Provinces. 
 
Answer 7 
‘Picketing’ implies people protesting outside a building or shop to prevent others from 
entering. 
 
Answer 8 
Spinning Jenny is a machine by which a single worker could operate several spindles on to 
which thread was spun. When the wheel was turned, all the spindles rotated. 
 
Answer 9 
Two features of the Subsidiary Alliance System were: 
? Indian states entering subsidiary alliance were protected by the Company’s forces 
but had to pay for the maintenance of British troops.  
? Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces. They also 
could not sign treaty with any other state without the permission of the British. 
 
Answer 10 
No, it is not right to periodise Indian History into Hindu, Muslim and the British period. It is 
because it is not correct to periodise Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For 
example, when the Hindu kings ruled in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. 
The same is also true for mediaeval India. It was not correct to periodise mediaeval India as 
Muslim History because people belonging to different faiths existed during this time.  
Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, 
practices and culture of the other people do not matter. 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 
The non-Brahman movement started in the early part of the twentieth century. The 
political initiative came from those non-Brahman castes which had acquired access to 
education, wealth and influence. They argued that Brahmans were actually heirs of Aryan 
invaders from the north who had conquered southern lands from the original inhabitants 
of the region—the indigenous Dravidian races. These castes also openly challenged the 
Brahmanical claims to power. 
 
Answer 12 
Even though Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore agreed on many points on the 
matter of education, there were some discernible and significant differences too. Gandhiji 
was highly critical of Western civilisation and the prominence of machines and technology 
in it. On the other hand, Tagore wanted to combine elements of modern Western 
civilisation with what he saw best within Indian culture. He often emphasised the need to 
teach science and technology at Santiniketan along with art, music and dance. 
 
SECTION B 
Civics 
Answers 
1. (b) - 12 
2. (b) - Article 22 
3. (b) - 274 
4. (b) - Free or subsidised hostels 
5. (d) - 4–6 units 
 
Answer 6 
Steps which should be taken by the government to ensure the cleanliness of the 
environment are: 
? To ask the industries to replace old conventional technology by cleaner technologies 
and processes in the industry. 
? Government should provide incentives and tax rebate for the companies which use 
cleaner technologies. 
? Fines should be imposed on the industries which create pollution in excess of the 
prescribed limit 
 
Answer 7 
The term Adivasis means ‘original inhabitants’. They are communities who have 
historically lived in and even now continue to stay in forests. 
 
Answer 8 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
Article 15 of the Constitution states that no citizen of India shall be discriminated against 
on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. This article has been used by Dalits 
to seek equality where it has been denied to them. 
 
Answer 9 
Reservation policy is a law which reserves seats in education and Government employment 
for Dalits and Adivasis. 
 
 
Answer 10 
The sanitation coverage in India is really bad and lower than the coverage of safe drinking 
water. Official figures for 2001 show that 68% of the households in India have access to 
drinking water and about 36% have access to sanitation (toilet facilities within the 
premises of residence). 
 
Answer 11 
To prevent the domination of a majority community over the others following provisions 
have been made in the Indian Constitution: 
? India has no official religion. It neither encourages nor discourages practice of any 
religion. For example, in government spaces like the court room, government schools 
and offices, no one can promote any religion. 
? The Indian State respects the religious sentiments of all people. Thus, it follows a policy 
of non-interference in the religious practices of the people. For example, the State 
allows the Sikhs to not wear a helmet as wearing a pagdi is part of their religious 
practice.  
? The Indian State also follows the strategy of intervention in cases where members of 
one community discriminate against members of the same religious community. For 
example, in order to prevent upper-caste Hindus from dominating lower-caste Hindus, 
untouchability has been abolished and no discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste 
or sect.  
? By following the policy of intervention, the Indian State also guarantees the right to 
minority groups of establishing their own educational institutions and colleges. It also 
provides financial assistance to them. 
 
Answer 12 
? India has a single integrated judicial system as the decisions 
made by the higher courts are binding on the lower courts.  
? The judiciary in our country exists at three different levels. There 
are numerous courts at the district level. These are also known as 
session courts. District courts are presided over by the District 
Judge. 
? At the second level are the High Courts. Every state has a High 
Court which is the highest court of appeal.  
Supreme Court
High Courts
Lower Courts
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
? At the top of the Indian judicial system is the Supreme Court which is presided over by 
the Chief Justice of India. The Supreme Court in India is located at New Delhi. 
 
 
SECTION C 
Geography 
Answers 
1. (b) - Asia 
2. (b) - Second 
3. (b) - Large-scale industry 
4. (a) - Cotton textile 
5. (b) – Drip irrigation 
 
Answer 6 
Agriculture refers to the process of preparing the land for the cultivation of crops and to 
the rearing of livestock. Agriculture is one of the oldest occupations known to humans. It is 
a primary activity. 
 
Answer 7 
Sericulture is the commercial rearing of silkworms. It may supplement the income of the 
farmer. Pisciculture, on the other hand, is the breeding of fish in specially constructed tanks 
and ponds. 
 
Answer 8 
Industry is defined as an economic activity concerned with the production of goods, 
extraction of minerals or provision of services. 
 
Answer 9 
The first successful mechanised textile mill was established in Mumbai in 1854 because of 
its warm and moist climate, a port for importing machinery, availability of raw material 
and skilled labour, all of which resulted in rapid expansion of the textile industry in this 
region. 
 
Answer 10 
Life expectancy is the number of years which an average person can expect to live. 
 
Answer 11 
Secondary activities are concerned with the processing of natural resources. Manufacturing 
of steel, baking of bread and weaving of cloth are examples of this activity. Tertiary 
activities are those economic activities which provide support to the primary and 
secondary sectors through services. Examples of tertiary activities are transport, trade, 
banking, insurance and advertising. 
  
Done 2 M 
 
Page 5


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
Term II 
 
SECTION A 
History 
Answers 
1. (b) - Calico 
2. (c) – Buddhist stupa 
3. (b) - Asiatic Researches 
4. (d) - Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar 
5. (c) - The Arms Act 
 
Answer 6 
Jamdani is fine muslin on which decorative motifs are woven on the loom, typically in grey 
and white. Often a mixture of cotton and gold thread was also used. The most important 
centres of jamdani weaving were Dacca in Bengal and Lucknow in the United Provinces. 
 
Answer 7 
‘Picketing’ implies people protesting outside a building or shop to prevent others from 
entering. 
 
Answer 8 
Spinning Jenny is a machine by which a single worker could operate several spindles on to 
which thread was spun. When the wheel was turned, all the spindles rotated. 
 
Answer 9 
Two features of the Subsidiary Alliance System were: 
? Indian states entering subsidiary alliance were protected by the Company’s forces 
but had to pay for the maintenance of British troops.  
? Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces. They also 
could not sign treaty with any other state without the permission of the British. 
 
Answer 10 
No, it is not right to periodise Indian History into Hindu, Muslim and the British period. It is 
because it is not correct to periodise Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For 
example, when the Hindu kings ruled in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. 
The same is also true for mediaeval India. It was not correct to periodise mediaeval India as 
Muslim History because people belonging to different faiths existed during this time.  
Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, 
practices and culture of the other people do not matter. 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 
The non-Brahman movement started in the early part of the twentieth century. The 
political initiative came from those non-Brahman castes which had acquired access to 
education, wealth and influence. They argued that Brahmans were actually heirs of Aryan 
invaders from the north who had conquered southern lands from the original inhabitants 
of the region—the indigenous Dravidian races. These castes also openly challenged the 
Brahmanical claims to power. 
 
Answer 12 
Even though Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore agreed on many points on the 
matter of education, there were some discernible and significant differences too. Gandhiji 
was highly critical of Western civilisation and the prominence of machines and technology 
in it. On the other hand, Tagore wanted to combine elements of modern Western 
civilisation with what he saw best within Indian culture. He often emphasised the need to 
teach science and technology at Santiniketan along with art, music and dance. 
 
SECTION B 
Civics 
Answers 
1. (b) - 12 
2. (b) - Article 22 
3. (b) - 274 
4. (b) - Free or subsidised hostels 
5. (d) - 4–6 units 
 
Answer 6 
Steps which should be taken by the government to ensure the cleanliness of the 
environment are: 
? To ask the industries to replace old conventional technology by cleaner technologies 
and processes in the industry. 
? Government should provide incentives and tax rebate for the companies which use 
cleaner technologies. 
? Fines should be imposed on the industries which create pollution in excess of the 
prescribed limit 
 
Answer 7 
The term Adivasis means ‘original inhabitants’. They are communities who have 
historically lived in and even now continue to stay in forests. 
 
Answer 8 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
Article 15 of the Constitution states that no citizen of India shall be discriminated against 
on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. This article has been used by Dalits 
to seek equality where it has been denied to them. 
 
Answer 9 
Reservation policy is a law which reserves seats in education and Government employment 
for Dalits and Adivasis. 
 
 
Answer 10 
The sanitation coverage in India is really bad and lower than the coverage of safe drinking 
water. Official figures for 2001 show that 68% of the households in India have access to 
drinking water and about 36% have access to sanitation (toilet facilities within the 
premises of residence). 
 
Answer 11 
To prevent the domination of a majority community over the others following provisions 
have been made in the Indian Constitution: 
? India has no official religion. It neither encourages nor discourages practice of any 
religion. For example, in government spaces like the court room, government schools 
and offices, no one can promote any religion. 
? The Indian State respects the religious sentiments of all people. Thus, it follows a policy 
of non-interference in the religious practices of the people. For example, the State 
allows the Sikhs to not wear a helmet as wearing a pagdi is part of their religious 
practice.  
? The Indian State also follows the strategy of intervention in cases where members of 
one community discriminate against members of the same religious community. For 
example, in order to prevent upper-caste Hindus from dominating lower-caste Hindus, 
untouchability has been abolished and no discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste 
or sect.  
? By following the policy of intervention, the Indian State also guarantees the right to 
minority groups of establishing their own educational institutions and colleges. It also 
provides financial assistance to them. 
 
Answer 12 
? India has a single integrated judicial system as the decisions 
made by the higher courts are binding on the lower courts.  
? The judiciary in our country exists at three different levels. There 
are numerous courts at the district level. These are also known as 
session courts. District courts are presided over by the District 
Judge. 
? At the second level are the High Courts. Every state has a High 
Court which is the highest court of appeal.  
Supreme Court
High Courts
Lower Courts
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
? At the top of the Indian judicial system is the Supreme Court which is presided over by 
the Chief Justice of India. The Supreme Court in India is located at New Delhi. 
 
 
SECTION C 
Geography 
Answers 
1. (b) - Asia 
2. (b) - Second 
3. (b) - Large-scale industry 
4. (a) - Cotton textile 
5. (b) – Drip irrigation 
 
Answer 6 
Agriculture refers to the process of preparing the land for the cultivation of crops and to 
the rearing of livestock. Agriculture is one of the oldest occupations known to humans. It is 
a primary activity. 
 
Answer 7 
Sericulture is the commercial rearing of silkworms. It may supplement the income of the 
farmer. Pisciculture, on the other hand, is the breeding of fish in specially constructed tanks 
and ponds. 
 
Answer 8 
Industry is defined as an economic activity concerned with the production of goods, 
extraction of minerals or provision of services. 
 
Answer 9 
The first successful mechanised textile mill was established in Mumbai in 1854 because of 
its warm and moist climate, a port for importing machinery, availability of raw material 
and skilled labour, all of which resulted in rapid expansion of the textile industry in this 
region. 
 
Answer 10 
Life expectancy is the number of years which an average person can expect to live. 
 
Answer 11 
Secondary activities are concerned with the processing of natural resources. Manufacturing 
of steel, baking of bread and weaving of cloth are examples of this activity. Tertiary 
activities are those economic activities which provide support to the primary and 
secondary sectors through services. Examples of tertiary activities are transport, trade, 
banking, insurance and advertising. 
  
Done 2 M 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 2 Solution 
 
     
Answer 12 
On the basis of origin, resources can be classified into biotic and abiotic resources.  
Biotic Resources: These resources are obtained from nature and have life. Examples: 
Humans, forests, fisheries, livestock  
Abiotic Resources: These resources are obtained from nature but are made of non-living 
things. Examples: Metals, air, soil  
On the basis of status of development, resources can be classified into Actual and 
potential resources. 
Actual Resources: Resources whose quantity is known is called actual resources. Example: 
Coal deposits in Hazaribagh in Jharkhand 
Potential Resources: Resources whose quantity is not known and they are not being used 
at present. Example: Uranium present in Ladakh is a potential resource which could be 
used in the future. 
 
Answer 13 
Four methods by which soil can be conserved are: 
? Mulching: An uncovered piece of land is covered with straw or any other layer of 
organic matter. This method helps the soil to retain moisture. 
? Contour Barriers: Barriers along the contours are made by growing grass or by 
putting stones to help in preventing soil erosion. 
? Rock Dam: Rocks are placed above one another to regulate and slow down the 
speed of water. This help in preventing gully erosion and soil loss. 
? Terrace Farming: It is the construction of terraces or flat steps on steep slopes. 
Terrace farming helps in reducing surface runoff water and prevents soil erosion.