Class 8 Social Science: CBSE Sample Question Paper Solutions Term I – 1 | Sample Papers For Class 8 PDF Download

 Page 1


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Term 1 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
Time: 2½ hours Total Marks: 75 
 
SECTION A 
History 
 
Answers 
   
1. A 
2. C 
3. A 
4. B 
5. C 
 
Answer 6 – Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General and Lord Mountbatten was 
the last Viceroy of India. 
 
Answer 7 - The traders of the East India Company were known as the ‘factors’ in India. 
 
Answer 8 – The Mughal Emperor appointed the East India Company as the Diwan of 
Bengal on 12 August 1765. As the Diwan of the region, the Company became the chief 
financial administrator of Bengal. It was given the responsibility to administer the land 
under its control and organise its revenue resources. This was to be done with a specific 
emphasis on yielding enough revenues to meet Company expenses. The Company also had 
to make sure that it could buy the goods that it needed and sell what it wanted. 
 
Answer 9 – The Baigas from central India saw themselves as ‘the people of the forest’ and 
found it below their dignity to work as labourers for others. 
 
Answer 10 - A dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint. A khanqah is a Sufi lodge that may be used 
as a rest house for travelers and as a place where people come to discuss spiritual matters, 
get saints’ blessings and hear Sufi music. Idgah was an open prayer place for Muslims 
primarily built for Eid prayers. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 2


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Term 1 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
Time: 2½ hours Total Marks: 75 
 
SECTION A 
History 
 
Answers 
   
1. A 
2. C 
3. A 
4. B 
5. C 
 
Answer 6 – Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General and Lord Mountbatten was 
the last Viceroy of India. 
 
Answer 7 - The traders of the East India Company were known as the ‘factors’ in India. 
 
Answer 8 – The Mughal Emperor appointed the East India Company as the Diwan of 
Bengal on 12 August 1765. As the Diwan of the region, the Company became the chief 
financial administrator of Bengal. It was given the responsibility to administer the land 
under its control and organise its revenue resources. This was to be done with a specific 
emphasis on yielding enough revenues to meet Company expenses. The Company also had 
to make sure that it could buy the goods that it needed and sell what it wanted. 
 
Answer 9 – The Baigas from central India saw themselves as ‘the people of the forest’ and 
found it below their dignity to work as labourers for others. 
 
Answer 10 - A dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint. A khanqah is a Sufi lodge that may be used 
as a rest house for travelers and as a place where people come to discuss spiritual matters, 
get saints’ blessings and hear Sufi music. Idgah was an open prayer place for Muslims 
primarily built for Eid prayers. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 - Following are the reasons why the Indian sepoys were dissatisfied with the 
Company administration: 
i) The sepoys were dissatisfied with their pay, allowances and service conditions.  
ii) Some of the new rules, it was felt, violated their religious beliefs and norms. In 1824, 
Indian sepoys were ordered to travel to Burma by sea and fight for the Company. 
The sepoys refused as it was considered blasphemous to cross the sea. Even though 
they offered to travel the distance by land route instead, they were severely 
punished. Since this issue kept festering for a long time, the Company was 
compelled to pass a law that required sepoys to commit to traveling overseas if 
necessary.  
iii) Many of the sepoys came from the peasant families of the Indian heartland. As a 
result, the anger and discontent of the peasantry was quickly reflected among them 
and hence led to dissatisfaction with the Company administration. 
 
Answer 12 - Under the Diwani of the Company, artisans began deserting villages since they 
were forced to sell their goods at abysmally low prices. In addition, the peasants were 
unable to pay the dues that were being demanded by the Company administration 
obsessed with increasing its own income. Gradually, artisanal production reduced 
significantly and agricultural cultivation began to show signs of a collapse. In the year 1770, 
Bengal suffered a terrible famine that killed 10 million people and wiped out about one-
third of the region’s population. This further increased the pressure on the Bengal economy 
which was already reeling under the inefficient rule of the Company. 
 
SECTION B 
Civics 
Answers 
 
1. D 
2. A 
3. A 
4. D 
5. B 
 
Answer 6 – The Constitution is an important document which lays down principles of the 
country. It is the written law of the land by which the country is governed. It is also 
regarded as the ‘fundamental law’ of the country. 
 
 
 
 
Page 3


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Term 1 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
Time: 2½ hours Total Marks: 75 
 
SECTION A 
History 
 
Answers 
   
1. A 
2. C 
3. A 
4. B 
5. C 
 
Answer 6 – Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General and Lord Mountbatten was 
the last Viceroy of India. 
 
Answer 7 - The traders of the East India Company were known as the ‘factors’ in India. 
 
Answer 8 – The Mughal Emperor appointed the East India Company as the Diwan of 
Bengal on 12 August 1765. As the Diwan of the region, the Company became the chief 
financial administrator of Bengal. It was given the responsibility to administer the land 
under its control and organise its revenue resources. This was to be done with a specific 
emphasis on yielding enough revenues to meet Company expenses. The Company also had 
to make sure that it could buy the goods that it needed and sell what it wanted. 
 
Answer 9 – The Baigas from central India saw themselves as ‘the people of the forest’ and 
found it below their dignity to work as labourers for others. 
 
Answer 10 - A dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint. A khanqah is a Sufi lodge that may be used 
as a rest house for travelers and as a place where people come to discuss spiritual matters, 
get saints’ blessings and hear Sufi music. Idgah was an open prayer place for Muslims 
primarily built for Eid prayers. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 - Following are the reasons why the Indian sepoys were dissatisfied with the 
Company administration: 
i) The sepoys were dissatisfied with their pay, allowances and service conditions.  
ii) Some of the new rules, it was felt, violated their religious beliefs and norms. In 1824, 
Indian sepoys were ordered to travel to Burma by sea and fight for the Company. 
The sepoys refused as it was considered blasphemous to cross the sea. Even though 
they offered to travel the distance by land route instead, they were severely 
punished. Since this issue kept festering for a long time, the Company was 
compelled to pass a law that required sepoys to commit to traveling overseas if 
necessary.  
iii) Many of the sepoys came from the peasant families of the Indian heartland. As a 
result, the anger and discontent of the peasantry was quickly reflected among them 
and hence led to dissatisfaction with the Company administration. 
 
Answer 12 - Under the Diwani of the Company, artisans began deserting villages since they 
were forced to sell their goods at abysmally low prices. In addition, the peasants were 
unable to pay the dues that were being demanded by the Company administration 
obsessed with increasing its own income. Gradually, artisanal production reduced 
significantly and agricultural cultivation began to show signs of a collapse. In the year 1770, 
Bengal suffered a terrible famine that killed 10 million people and wiped out about one-
third of the region’s population. This further increased the pressure on the Bengal economy 
which was already reeling under the inefficient rule of the Company. 
 
SECTION B 
Civics 
Answers 
 
1. D 
2. A 
3. A 
4. D 
5. B 
 
Answer 6 – The Constitution is an important document which lays down principles of the 
country. It is the written law of the land by which the country is governed. It is also 
regarded as the ‘fundamental law’ of the country. 
 
 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 7 – ‘Separation of powers’ is also known as ‘trias politica’. This term was coined by 
Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, an 18th century French 
social and political philosopher. The term refers to the division of government 
responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core 
functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for 
checks and balances. The normal division of branches is into a legislature, an executive and 
a judiciary. 
 
Answer 8 – The rule of law states that all laws apply equally to all citizens of the country 
and no one can be above the law. The law is equal and similar for all, be it a government 
official, a wealthy person or even the President--none of them are above the law. Hence, the 
law cannot differentiate between people on the basis of their religion, caste or gender. 
Nevertheless, any crime or violation of law has to be established after which a specific 
punishment is given. 
 
Answer 9 – Five important functions of the Parliament are as follows: 
i) Law-making 
ii) Introduction of new laws 
iii) Financial control over the government’s income 
iv) Control over the Executive  
v) Organ of Information 
 
Answer 10 – It is important that government schools do not promote any one religion 
because if the government itself does not follow the rules in the Constitution, a normal 
citizen will also not understand the importance of following it. Also, it results in the 
discrimination between the students belonging to different religious backgrounds. 
 
Answer 11 - Nepal is on the northern borders of India. It has witnessed several people’s 
struggles for democracy. The previous Constitution of Nepal, which was adopted in 1990, 
had the final authority rested with the King. Thus, people’s struggle in 1990 established 
democracy that lasted for 12 years until 2002. However, in October 2002, King Gyanendra 
cited the Maoist uprising in the countryside and started taking over different aspects of the 
government with the army’s assistance. The King then finally took control as the head of 
government in February 2005.  
 
In 2006, the people’s movement for democracy began gaining immense force and it 
repeatedly refused the small concessions that the King made. In April 2006, the King 
restored the Third Parliament and asked the political parties to form a government. Finally, 
in 2007, Nepal adopted an Interim Constitution. 
 
 
Page 4


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Term 1 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
Time: 2½ hours Total Marks: 75 
 
SECTION A 
History 
 
Answers 
   
1. A 
2. C 
3. A 
4. B 
5. C 
 
Answer 6 – Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General and Lord Mountbatten was 
the last Viceroy of India. 
 
Answer 7 - The traders of the East India Company were known as the ‘factors’ in India. 
 
Answer 8 – The Mughal Emperor appointed the East India Company as the Diwan of 
Bengal on 12 August 1765. As the Diwan of the region, the Company became the chief 
financial administrator of Bengal. It was given the responsibility to administer the land 
under its control and organise its revenue resources. This was to be done with a specific 
emphasis on yielding enough revenues to meet Company expenses. The Company also had 
to make sure that it could buy the goods that it needed and sell what it wanted. 
 
Answer 9 – The Baigas from central India saw themselves as ‘the people of the forest’ and 
found it below their dignity to work as labourers for others. 
 
Answer 10 - A dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint. A khanqah is a Sufi lodge that may be used 
as a rest house for travelers and as a place where people come to discuss spiritual matters, 
get saints’ blessings and hear Sufi music. Idgah was an open prayer place for Muslims 
primarily built for Eid prayers. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 - Following are the reasons why the Indian sepoys were dissatisfied with the 
Company administration: 
i) The sepoys were dissatisfied with their pay, allowances and service conditions.  
ii) Some of the new rules, it was felt, violated their religious beliefs and norms. In 1824, 
Indian sepoys were ordered to travel to Burma by sea and fight for the Company. 
The sepoys refused as it was considered blasphemous to cross the sea. Even though 
they offered to travel the distance by land route instead, they were severely 
punished. Since this issue kept festering for a long time, the Company was 
compelled to pass a law that required sepoys to commit to traveling overseas if 
necessary.  
iii) Many of the sepoys came from the peasant families of the Indian heartland. As a 
result, the anger and discontent of the peasantry was quickly reflected among them 
and hence led to dissatisfaction with the Company administration. 
 
Answer 12 - Under the Diwani of the Company, artisans began deserting villages since they 
were forced to sell their goods at abysmally low prices. In addition, the peasants were 
unable to pay the dues that were being demanded by the Company administration 
obsessed with increasing its own income. Gradually, artisanal production reduced 
significantly and agricultural cultivation began to show signs of a collapse. In the year 1770, 
Bengal suffered a terrible famine that killed 10 million people and wiped out about one-
third of the region’s population. This further increased the pressure on the Bengal economy 
which was already reeling under the inefficient rule of the Company. 
 
SECTION B 
Civics 
Answers 
 
1. D 
2. A 
3. A 
4. D 
5. B 
 
Answer 6 – The Constitution is an important document which lays down principles of the 
country. It is the written law of the land by which the country is governed. It is also 
regarded as the ‘fundamental law’ of the country. 
 
 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 7 – ‘Separation of powers’ is also known as ‘trias politica’. This term was coined by 
Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, an 18th century French 
social and political philosopher. The term refers to the division of government 
responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core 
functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for 
checks and balances. The normal division of branches is into a legislature, an executive and 
a judiciary. 
 
Answer 8 – The rule of law states that all laws apply equally to all citizens of the country 
and no one can be above the law. The law is equal and similar for all, be it a government 
official, a wealthy person or even the President--none of them are above the law. Hence, the 
law cannot differentiate between people on the basis of their religion, caste or gender. 
Nevertheless, any crime or violation of law has to be established after which a specific 
punishment is given. 
 
Answer 9 – Five important functions of the Parliament are as follows: 
i) Law-making 
ii) Introduction of new laws 
iii) Financial control over the government’s income 
iv) Control over the Executive  
v) Organ of Information 
 
Answer 10 – It is important that government schools do not promote any one religion 
because if the government itself does not follow the rules in the Constitution, a normal 
citizen will also not understand the importance of following it. Also, it results in the 
discrimination between the students belonging to different religious backgrounds. 
 
Answer 11 - Nepal is on the northern borders of India. It has witnessed several people’s 
struggles for democracy. The previous Constitution of Nepal, which was adopted in 1990, 
had the final authority rested with the King. Thus, people’s struggle in 1990 established 
democracy that lasted for 12 years until 2002. However, in October 2002, King Gyanendra 
cited the Maoist uprising in the countryside and started taking over different aspects of the 
government with the army’s assistance. The King then finally took control as the head of 
government in February 2005.  
 
In 2006, the people’s movement for democracy began gaining immense force and it 
repeatedly refused the small concessions that the King made. In April 2006, the King 
restored the Third Parliament and asked the political parties to form a government. Finally, 
in 2007, Nepal adopted an Interim Constitution. 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 12 – Following points underline the importance of the judiciary in a State: 
i) It provides a mechanism for resolving disputes/conflicts between people, between 
people and the state government, between two state governments and between the 
centre/union and state governments. 
ii) Because it is the final interpreter of the Constitution, it has the power to declare the 
law passed by the government as null and void if there is any kind violation of the 
principles and ideals of our Constitution. 
iii) It upholds, enforces and protects the Fundamental Rights of every citizen of the 
country. People can move the court if any of their Fundamental Rights are violated. 
 
SECTION C 
Geography  
 
Answers 
   
1. B 
2. D 
3. A 
4. C 
5. B 
 
Answer 6 – Anything that can be used to satisfy a need is a resource. When something can 
be used, you say it has ‘utility’. Utility or usability is what makes an object or substance a 
resource. 
 
Answer 7 - A patent enables the creator to have an exclusive right over an idea or 
invention patented by him/her. 
 
Answer 8 – Private land is owned by individuals, whereas community land is owned by the 
community for common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medicinal herbs. 
Community lands are also known as ‘common property resources’. 
 
Answer 9 – World has varied climate and land. The rugged topography, steep slopes of the 
mountains, low-lying areas to water logging and thick forest areas are normally sparsely 
populated or uninhabited areas. 
 
Answer 10 – The leading producers of coal in the world are China, USA, Germany, Russia, 
South Africa and France. 
 
 
 
Done 2 M 
 
Page 5


  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
CBSE 
Class VIII Social Science 
Term 1 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
Time: 2½ hours Total Marks: 75 
 
SECTION A 
History 
 
Answers 
   
1. A 
2. C 
3. A 
4. B 
5. C 
 
Answer 6 – Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General and Lord Mountbatten was 
the last Viceroy of India. 
 
Answer 7 - The traders of the East India Company were known as the ‘factors’ in India. 
 
Answer 8 – The Mughal Emperor appointed the East India Company as the Diwan of 
Bengal on 12 August 1765. As the Diwan of the region, the Company became the chief 
financial administrator of Bengal. It was given the responsibility to administer the land 
under its control and organise its revenue resources. This was to be done with a specific 
emphasis on yielding enough revenues to meet Company expenses. The Company also had 
to make sure that it could buy the goods that it needed and sell what it wanted. 
 
Answer 9 – The Baigas from central India saw themselves as ‘the people of the forest’ and 
found it below their dignity to work as labourers for others. 
 
Answer 10 - A dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint. A khanqah is a Sufi lodge that may be used 
as a rest house for travelers and as a place where people come to discuss spiritual matters, 
get saints’ blessings and hear Sufi music. Idgah was an open prayer place for Muslims 
primarily built for Eid prayers. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 - Following are the reasons why the Indian sepoys were dissatisfied with the 
Company administration: 
i) The sepoys were dissatisfied with their pay, allowances and service conditions.  
ii) Some of the new rules, it was felt, violated their religious beliefs and norms. In 1824, 
Indian sepoys were ordered to travel to Burma by sea and fight for the Company. 
The sepoys refused as it was considered blasphemous to cross the sea. Even though 
they offered to travel the distance by land route instead, they were severely 
punished. Since this issue kept festering for a long time, the Company was 
compelled to pass a law that required sepoys to commit to traveling overseas if 
necessary.  
iii) Many of the sepoys came from the peasant families of the Indian heartland. As a 
result, the anger and discontent of the peasantry was quickly reflected among them 
and hence led to dissatisfaction with the Company administration. 
 
Answer 12 - Under the Diwani of the Company, artisans began deserting villages since they 
were forced to sell their goods at abysmally low prices. In addition, the peasants were 
unable to pay the dues that were being demanded by the Company administration 
obsessed with increasing its own income. Gradually, artisanal production reduced 
significantly and agricultural cultivation began to show signs of a collapse. In the year 1770, 
Bengal suffered a terrible famine that killed 10 million people and wiped out about one-
third of the region’s population. This further increased the pressure on the Bengal economy 
which was already reeling under the inefficient rule of the Company. 
 
SECTION B 
Civics 
Answers 
 
1. D 
2. A 
3. A 
4. D 
5. B 
 
Answer 6 – The Constitution is an important document which lays down principles of the 
country. It is the written law of the land by which the country is governed. It is also 
regarded as the ‘fundamental law’ of the country. 
 
 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 7 – ‘Separation of powers’ is also known as ‘trias politica’. This term was coined by 
Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, an 18th century French 
social and political philosopher. The term refers to the division of government 
responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core 
functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for 
checks and balances. The normal division of branches is into a legislature, an executive and 
a judiciary. 
 
Answer 8 – The rule of law states that all laws apply equally to all citizens of the country 
and no one can be above the law. The law is equal and similar for all, be it a government 
official, a wealthy person or even the President--none of them are above the law. Hence, the 
law cannot differentiate between people on the basis of their religion, caste or gender. 
Nevertheless, any crime or violation of law has to be established after which a specific 
punishment is given. 
 
Answer 9 – Five important functions of the Parliament are as follows: 
i) Law-making 
ii) Introduction of new laws 
iii) Financial control over the government’s income 
iv) Control over the Executive  
v) Organ of Information 
 
Answer 10 – It is important that government schools do not promote any one religion 
because if the government itself does not follow the rules in the Constitution, a normal 
citizen will also not understand the importance of following it. Also, it results in the 
discrimination between the students belonging to different religious backgrounds. 
 
Answer 11 - Nepal is on the northern borders of India. It has witnessed several people’s 
struggles for democracy. The previous Constitution of Nepal, which was adopted in 1990, 
had the final authority rested with the King. Thus, people’s struggle in 1990 established 
democracy that lasted for 12 years until 2002. However, in October 2002, King Gyanendra 
cited the Maoist uprising in the countryside and started taking over different aspects of the 
government with the army’s assistance. The King then finally took control as the head of 
government in February 2005.  
 
In 2006, the people’s movement for democracy began gaining immense force and it 
repeatedly refused the small concessions that the King made. In April 2006, the King 
restored the Third Parliament and asked the political parties to form a government. Finally, 
in 2007, Nepal adopted an Interim Constitution. 
 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 12 – Following points underline the importance of the judiciary in a State: 
i) It provides a mechanism for resolving disputes/conflicts between people, between 
people and the state government, between two state governments and between the 
centre/union and state governments. 
ii) Because it is the final interpreter of the Constitution, it has the power to declare the 
law passed by the government as null and void if there is any kind violation of the 
principles and ideals of our Constitution. 
iii) It upholds, enforces and protects the Fundamental Rights of every citizen of the 
country. People can move the court if any of their Fundamental Rights are violated. 
 
SECTION C 
Geography  
 
Answers 
   
1. B 
2. D 
3. A 
4. C 
5. B 
 
Answer 6 – Anything that can be used to satisfy a need is a resource. When something can 
be used, you say it has ‘utility’. Utility or usability is what makes an object or substance a 
resource. 
 
Answer 7 - A patent enables the creator to have an exclusive right over an idea or 
invention patented by him/her. 
 
Answer 8 – Private land is owned by individuals, whereas community land is owned by the 
community for common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medicinal herbs. 
Community lands are also known as ‘common property resources’. 
 
Answer 9 – World has varied climate and land. The rugged topography, steep slopes of the 
mountains, low-lying areas to water logging and thick forest areas are normally sparsely 
populated or uninhabited areas. 
 
Answer 10 – The leading producers of coal in the world are China, USA, Germany, Russia, 
South Africa and France. 
 
 
 
Done 2 M 
 
  
 
CBSE VIII  |  Social Science 
Sample Paper – 1 Solution 
 
     
 
Answer 11 - Energy is everywhere but we can see that harnessing this energy is both 
difficult as well as costly. If we continue exploiting our non-renewable resources, they will 
soon be exhausted. The need of the hour is to better utilize our existing resources. Energy 
conservation is the most economical solution to the shortage of energy. It reduces energy 
consumption and energy demand per capita. 
  
We as citizens should minimize the use of  energy resources through conservation methods 
like using of public transport, switching of the lights, fans, televisions, computers when not 
in use, using energy saving devices, keeping the lights in our homes dust free etc. Each one 
of us can make a difference by not wasting energy. Thus, energy saved is energy generated. 
 
Answer 12 - Based on their development and use, resources can be classified into two 
groups - ‘actual resources’ and ‘potential resources’. 
Actual resources are those resources whose quantity is known. These resources are being 
used in the present.  For example, coal deposits in Ruhr region of Germany or the dark soils 
of the Deccan plateau in Maharashtra. 
Potential resources are those resources whose entire quantity may not be known and these 
are not being used at present. These resources could be used in the future as the level of 
technology we have at present may not be advanced enough to easily utilise these 
resources, e.g. uranium found in Ladakh.