Class 6 Social Science: Sample Paper Solutions-2 | Sample Papers For Class 6 PDF Download

Time: 3 hrs
Total Marks: 80

General Instructions:

1. The question paper consists of 34 questions and is divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D.
2. All questions are compulsory.
3. Section A comprises question numbers 1 to 15. These are multiple-choice questions carrying one mark each. You are to select one most appropriate response out of the four provided options.
4. Section B comprises question numbers 16 to 22. These are short-answer questions carrying two marks each.
5. Section C comprises question numbers 23 to 31. These are short-answer questions carrying four marks each.
6. Section D comprises question numbers 32 to 34. These are short-answer questions carrying five marks each.

Section A

Q1: What makes it difficult to represent the Earth’s surface on a flat map? (1 Mark)
(a) The Earth’s surface is too vast to fit on paper
(b) The Earth is nearly spherical, and flattening a sphere causes distortion
(c) Map symbols are too detailed to show everything
(d) The scale cannot adjust to include all features

Ans: b
The Earth’s spherical shape cannot be flattened without distorting areas, shapes, or distances (e.g., like stretching an orange peel), unlike issues of size, symbols, or scale flexibility.

Q2: Which ocean is bordered by Asia to the north, Africa to the west, and Australia to the east? (1 Mark)
(a) Pacific Ocean
(b) Atlantic Ocean
(c) Indian Ocean
(d) Southern Ocean

Ans: c
The Indian Ocean fits this geography: Asia lies north, Africa west, Australia east, and the Southern Ocean south. The Pacific and Atlantic have different boundaries.

Q3: What is the significance of the term "Sapta Sindhava" in describing ancient India? (1 Mark)
(a) It refers to the seven mountains bordering the Subcontinent
(b) It names the northwest region as the land of seven rivers, linked to the Indus
(c) It describes the seven kingdoms listed in ancient texts
(d) It identifies the seven seas surrounding the Subcontinent

Ans: b
"Sapta Sindhava" (seven rivers) in the Rig Veda refers to the northwest region, including the Indus and its tributaries, not mountains, kingdoms, or seas.

Q4: What historical impact did Indian chintz have on European markets in the 17th century? (1 Mark)
(a) It led to a ban on European textile imports
(b) It caused a decline in the popularity of silk fabrics
(c) It prompted England and France to restrict its import to protect local products
(d) It inspired the mass production of synthetic fabrics

Ans: c
Indian chintz, a printed cotton, was so popular in Europe that England and France banned its import to safeguard their textile industries, not banning European goods or shifting to synthetics.

Q5: What levels does the Panchayati Raj operate at? (1 Mark)
(a) International, national, and local
(b) District, block, and village
(c) City, district, and state
(d) Block, city, and international

Ans: b
Panchayati Raj is a three-tier rural governance system: village (Gram Panchayat), block (Panchayat Samiti), and district (Zila Parisha(d), not urban or international levels.

Q6: Why aren’t time zone boundaries always perfectly aligned with 15° longitude intervals? (1 Mark)
(a) The Earth’s rotation varies over time
(b) Countries adjust time zones to match their borders
(c) Latitude changes the way time is calculated
(d) The International Date Line shifts all time zones

Ans: b
Nations tweak time zones for political or economic convenience (e.g., India’s single zone), deviating from the 15°-per-hour standard, not due to rotation, latitude, or the Date Line.

Q7: What caused the Sarasvati River to dry up? (1 Mark)
(a) Floods
(b) Climate
(c) Earthquakes
(d) Trade

Ans: b
Around 2200 BCE, a drier climate reduced rainfall, drying the Sarasvati’s central basin, impacting Harappan settlements, unlike floods or earthquakes.

Q8: What role does 'dharma' play in a family according to Indian traditions? (1 Mark)
(a) It signifies legal responsibilities only
(b) It refers to the financial dealings within the family
(c) It represents doing one’s duty towards family and society
(d) It is about individual success only

Ans: c
Dharma in Indian tradition means fulfilling duties (e.g., caring for family, contributing to society), beyond legal, financial, or selfish pursuits.

Q9: Which ancient collection of stories, originally in Sanskrit, has influenced literature across India and beyond, with numerous adaptations in over 50 languages? (1 Mark)
(a) Pañchatantra
(b) Jataka Tales
(c) Hitopadesha
(d) Kathasaritsagara

Ans: a
The Pañchatantra, a 2,200-year-old Sanskrit text of animal fables, has over 200 adaptations in 50+ languages, outpacing the reach of Jataka Tales or others.

Q10: What natural disaster, caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption, can travel thousands of kilometers and devastate coastal areas? (1 Mark)
(a) Cyclone
(b) Monsoon
(c) Tsunami
(d) Storm Surge

Ans: c
Tsunamis, triggered by underwater seismic events, travel vast distances as waves, flooding coasts, unlike weather-driven cyclones or surges.

Q11: Why did Siddhārtha Gautama abandon his royal life to become the Buddha? (1 Mark)
(a) He sought to conquer neighboring kingdoms
(b) He was inspired by a vision of deities
(c) He encountered suffering and sought its cause
(d) He aimed to establish a new Vedic ritual system

Ans: c
Siddhārtha left after witnessing an old man, sick man, corpse, and ascetic, seeking to understand suffering’s cause, not for conquest or rituals.

Q12: What is the primary role of governance? (1 Mark)
(a) To provide jobs to citizens
(b) To enforce personal rules at home
(c) To manage society's operations through rules and decisions
(d) To oversee international laws only

Ans: c
Governance organizes society via rules and decisions, ensuring order and functionality, beyond jobs, personal rules, or just international focus.

Q13: What makes floodplains particularly suitable for agriculture compared to other landforms? (1 Mark)
(a) They have steep slopes that retain water well
(b) Rivers deposit sediments that create fertile soil
(c) They are rich in mineral deposits like plateaus
(d) Their high altitude supports diverse crops

Ans: b
Floodplains gain fertile soil from river sediment deposits, ideal for farming, unlike steep slopes, mineral-rich plateaus, or high altitudes.

Q14: What differentiates economic activities from non-economic activities? (1 Mark)
(a) Economic activities are always illegal
(b) Non-economic activities generate income
(c) Economic activities are performed in exchange for money
(d) Non-economic activities are performed by professionals only

Ans: c
Economic activities involve monetary exchange (e.g., wages), while non-economic ones (e.g., volunteering) don’t, reversing option b’s claim.

Q15: How have the Rāmāyana and Mahābhārata contributed to cultural unity across diverse Indian communities? (1 Mark)
(a) By remaining exclusive to Sanskrit-speaking elites
(b) Through adaptations into regional languages and tribal folklore
(c) By enforcing a single interpretation of their narratives
(d) Through their rejection by modern Indian literature

Ans: b
These epics unify India via translations and local folklore (e.g., tribal versions), not elitism, uniform narratives, or modern rejection.

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Section B

Q16:  How does a compass assist in finding directions? (2 Marks)

Ans: A compass assists in finding directions by using a magnetic needle that always points to the magnetic north, aligning with Earth’s magnetic field. This helps people figure out other directions—east, west, and south—even in unknown places. For example, ancient travelers crossing deserts or seas relied on it to avoid getting lost. It’s a simple but powerful tool that works anywhere, making navigation easier without needing maps or stars.

Q17:  Why is Antarctica uninhabited by humans permanently? (2 Marks)

Ans: Antarctica is uninhabited permanently because it’s incredibly cold, with temperatures often below -50°C, and covered in thick ice sheets that make living nearly impossible. There’s no fertile soil for growing food, and fierce winds add to the harsh conditions. Only scientists stay there for short times in research stations, studying ice or animals like penguins. Unlike other continents, it lacks resources for everyday human life, keeping it empty of permanent homes.

Q18:  How are mountains both helpful and challenging? (2 Marks)

Ans: Mountains are helpful because they provide water from melting snow, feeding rivers like the Ganga, and hold minerals like coal or gold for mining. However, they’re challenging due to their steep slopes, which make farming tough and travel slow without roads or bridges. People living there need special tools, like terraced fields, to grow crops. This mix of benefits and difficulties shapes how communities adapt to mountain life.

Q19:  How do oral traditions preserve the past? (2 Marks)

Ans: Oral traditions preserve the past by passing down stories, songs, and knowledge through speaking, keeping history alive without writing. For instance, tribal groups in India share tales of their ancestors’ bravery or migrations, told from parents to children. These spoken records connect people to their roots when no books existed. They’re special because they carry emotions and details that written words might miss, linking us to ancient times.

Q20:  What makes the Peninsular Plateau unique in India? (2 Marks)

Ans: The Peninsular Plateau is unique because it’s an ancient landmass, stable for millions of years, unlike the younger, shifting Himalayas. It’s shaped like a triangle, with rocky hills and minerals like iron and coal hidden beneath. This plateau affects India’s rivers, like the Godavari, and its dry climate differs from the wet north. Its old age and resources make it a special part of India’s geography.

Q21: Why did Harappans build granaries? (2 Marks)

Ans: Harappans built granaries to store grain like wheat and barley safely after harvests, protecting it from floods, pests, or thieves. These large, strong buildings near cities like Harappa show they planned for food shortages, ensuring people wouldn’t starve in tough times. The granaries’ size and design prove their smart organization. This helped them stay strong as a civilization, ready for any season.

Q22:  How does the Panchatantra teach moral values? (2 Marks)

Ans: The Panchatantra teaches moral values through clever animal stories, like the monkey and crocodile tale, where trusting wisely saves the day. These ancient Indian tales mix fun with lessons about honesty, bravery, or teamwork, making them easy to remember. They guide kids and adults to think before acting, using animals as examples. Passed down for centuries, they shape how people choose right from wrong.

Section C

Q23: (i) What is the Tropic of Cancer?
(ii) How does it affect India’s climate? (4 Marks)

Ans: (i) The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line at 23.5°N latitude, where the Sun shines straight overhead once a year during the summer solstice in June. It runs across India through states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, dividing the country into two parts. This line marks the northern edge of the tropical zone on Earth.
(ii) It affects India’s climate by making the southern half tropical, with hot, wet weather and heavy monsoons that grow rice and cotton. North of the line, places like Delhi get colder winters and hotter summers, showing more seasonal changes. For example, Gujarat feels more tropical heat than Himachal Pradesh, which lies farther north. This split influences farming, clothing, and even how people live across India, thanks to the Sun’s position.

Q24: (i) What is the smallest continent?
(ii) Why is it called a ‘continent’ despite its size?  (4 Marks)

Ans: (i) The smallest continent is Australia, a single landmass surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It’s much smaller than giants like Asia or Africa, covering about 7.6 million square kilometers, and is famous for unique animals like kangaroos and koalas.
(ii) It’s called a continent despite its size because it sits on its own tectonic plate, separate from others, and isn’t joined to any bigger land like islands are. It has its own distinct geography, with deserts and forests, and a unique culture from its Indigenous people to modern cities. This independence and scale, even if small, make it more than just an island, earning it continent status in geography.

Q25: (i) How do valleys support farming?
(ii) Name one famous valley in India.  (4 Marks)

Ans: (i) Valleys support farming because they have fertile soil built up from river sediments, making them perfect for growing crops like rice or wheat. The flat land between hills is easy to plow, and rivers running through provide water for irrigation, especially in dry times. This mix helps farmers settle and feed many people.
(ii) The Kashmir Valley is a famous example in India, nestled between the Himalayas. It’s known for its stunning beauty and rich crops like apples, saffron, and walnuts, thanks to the Jhelum River. People have farmed there for centuries, making it a key agricultural spot that also attracts visitors for its scenery.

Q26: (i) What are manuscripts?
(ii) Why are they hard to read today?  (4 Marks)

Ans: (i) Manuscripts are books or scrolls written by hand long ago, often on palm leaves or paper, before printing machines existed. They recorded history, science, religion, or stories, like ancient Indian texts about kings or gods, and were copied carefully by scholars.
(ii) They’re hard to read today because they use old languages like Sanskrit or Pali, which few people know now, and their scripts look different from modern writing. Many are faded or torn after centuries, needing experts to fix or decode them. For example, a damaged manuscript might hide details about a king’s rule, making it a puzzle to solve.

Q27: Label the following with Oceans.  (4 Marks)

Ans: 

Q28: (i) What were Harappan weights used for?
(ii) How do they show trade skills?  (4 Marks)

Ans: (i) Harappan weights were small stone cubes, often made of chert, used to measure goods like grains, metals, or spices during trade. They came in different sizes, from tiny to large, and were found in cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, showing their importance in daily exchanges.
(ii) They show trade skills because their uniform sizes—like a set doubling in weight—suggest a standard system across the civilization. This precision helped Harappans trade fairly with distant places like Mesopotamia, where their goods reached by sea. Such organization proves they were advanced traders who planned and trusted their measurements, linking them to a big ancient trade network.

Q29: (i) What are the Upanishads?
(ii) How do they influence Indian thought?  (4 Marks)

Ans: (i) The Upanishads are ancient texts tied to the Vedas, written around 1000 BCE in Sanskrit, asking big questions about life, the soul (atman), and the universe (Brahman). They’re like deep conversations between teachers and students, preserved orally before being written down.
(ii) They influence Indian thought by teaching ideas like self-knowledge—knowing your true self—and the unity of all life, connecting everything to one big truth. These ideas shape yoga, meditation, and even modern leaders like Gandhi, who valued their wisdom. For example, the belief that all souls are one inspires kindness and peace in Indian culture today, showing their lasting power.

Q30:  (i) What connects India’s diverse food habits?
(ii) Give an example of a shared food practice.  (4 Marks)

Ans: (i) India’s diverse food habits are connected by the widespread use of spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili, adding flavor everywhere, and a love for grains like rice or wheat, eaten from north to south. Even with differences—like meat in the east or vegetarian diets in Gujarat—these basics tie meals together across regions.
(ii) A shared food practice is eating with hands, seen all over India, whether it’s scooping dosas in Tamil Nadu or tearing rotis in Punjab. This habit comes from old traditions, showing comfort and a link to the past, uniting people despite varied dishes. It’s a simple act that reflects India’s shared culture in daily life.

Q31: (i) How do festivals strengthen family bonds?
(ii) Name one festival that does this.  (4 Marks)

Ans: (i) Festivals strengthen family bonds by bringing everyone together to cook, pray, and celebrate, creating memories that last a lifetime. They teach kids traditions like sharing or respect, as families work as a team, like making sweets or decorating. This shared time builds love and trust.
(ii) Diwali, the festival of lights, does this perfectly. Families light lamps, share sweets like laddoos, and enjoy fireworks together, from grandparents to kids. It’s a time to forgive, laugh, and feel close, making the family stronger through joy and unity across India.

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Section D

Q32: Explain the role of the Panchayat Samiti. How does it link villages to districts?  (5 Marks)

Ans:

• The Panchayat Samiti is a block-level government sitting above the Gram Panchayat, made up of elected leaders from several villages and led by a chairperson.
• Its role is to plan and manage bigger projects that single villages can’t handle alone, like building roads connecting villages, running schools, or setting up health centers.
• It meets regularly to listen to village needs, decide priorities, and allocate funds from the government.
• For example, it might fix a shared water pump or start a market for farmers.
• It links villages to districts by acting as a middle step, taking ideas from Gram Panchayats—like needing a bridge—to the Zila Parishad, the district body, and bringing back resources or schemes, such as job programs or loans.
•  If villages want better irrigation, the Samiti works with the district to fund it, ensuring rural areas grow together. 
•  This coordination makes sure small places aren’t forgotten, tying local voices to bigger plans for progress. 

Q33:  X and Y are rural bodies. X includes all village adults meeting to discuss issues. Y oversees many villages at the block level.
(i) Name X.
(ii) What does X decide?
(iii) Name Y.
(iv) Give one duty of Y.
(v) How do X and Y improve rural life? (5 Marks)

Ans: (i) X is the Gram Sabha, a gathering of all adult villagers in a village to talk about their needs and plans.
(ii) X decides on things like fixing roads, picking people for government aid like housing, and approving the Gram Panchayat’s budget, ensuring everyone’s voice counts. For instance, they might vote to repair a school.
(iii) Y is the Panchayat Samiti, a block-level body with elected members overseeing many villages together.
(iv) One duty of Y is building health clinics, bringing doctors and medicine closer to rural families who’d otherwise travel far.
(v) X and Y improve rural life by solving small problems like water shortages with community input through X, and tackling bigger ones like schools or bridges through Y’s wider reach. Together, they make villages healthier, educated, and linked, giving people power to shape their future. For example, X might demand a well, and Y funds it, lifting daily life step by step.

Q34:  What challenges do economic activities face? Give one challenge for each type and explain. (5 Marks)

Ans:

• Economic activities face challenges that can disrupt how people work and live.
• In agriculture, a challenge is drought; when rain fails, rice crops die, leaving farmers like those in Rajasthan without food or money to survive the year.
• In manufacturing, power cuts stop machines; for instance, a cloth factory in Gujarat might halt, delaying shirts and costing workers their wages.
• In trade, bad roads block goods; vegetable sellers in hilly areas can’t reach markets, so their produce rots, losing income and food for others.
• In services, a lack of training hurts; untrained teachers in a village school teach poorly, so kids miss out on learning, slowing the community’s future.
• These challenges—weather, infrastructure, and skills—show how fragile work can be.
• Society must fix them with better planning, like dams or training, to keep life steady and growing.