The Land of Sand: Saudi Arabia - 2 Class 5 Worksheet SST

Q1: Fill in the Blanks

(ii) Cacti and small shrubs are common plants in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, and people also cultivate _____, _____, and ______.
Ans: wheat, barley, and date palms

(iii) A piece of land surrounded by water on three sides is called a ______.
Ans: peninsula

(iv) An ______ is a place in a desert where groundwater comes to the surface.
Ans: oasis 

(v) Oases are crucial for people in the desert regions of Saudi Arabia as they provide a source of ________.
Ans: water

(vi) Saudi Arabia is rich primarily because it has vast reserves of _______.
Ans: petroleum

(vii) Bedouins are the _______ and ______ people of Saudi Arabia.
Ans: local tribal, nomadic

(viii) Bedouins traditionally earned their living through activities such as ______ and selling _______.
Ans: herding, animals

(ix) Mecca and Medina are two of the holiest cities for _______ in Saudi Arabia.
Ans: Muslims

(x) The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the _______ of Islam.
Ans: Five Pillars

Q2: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

(ii) What kind of vegetation is commonly found in the deserts of Saudi Arabia?
(a) Tall trees
(b) Grasslands
(c) Cacti and small shrubs
(d) Rice paddies
Ans: (c)
Cacti and small shrubs are adapted to the arid desert conditions of Saudi Arabia.

(iii) What is the significance of an oasis in a desert?
(a) It's a type of desert animal.
(b) It's a large sand dune.
(c) It provides a source of water and supports vegetation.
(d) It's a traditional desert dwelling.
Ans: (c)
Oases are crucial in deserts as they provide water and create conditions for vegetation to thrive.

(iv) What is the primary source of wealth for Saudi Arabia?
(a) Tourism
(b) Agriculture
(c) Oil reserves
(d) Fishing
Ans: (c)
Saudi Arabia's primary source of wealth is its vast reserves of petroleum or oil.

(v) Which of these cities is the most important for Muslims in Saudi Arabia?
(a) Riyadh
(b) Jeddah
(c) Mecca
(d) Medina
Ans: (c)
Mecca is the most important city for Muslims worldwide, attracting millions of pilgrims for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Q3: True or False

(ii) Cacti are not commonly found in Saudi Arabian deserts.
Ans: False
Cacti are commonly found in the deserts of Saudi Arabia.

(iii) Bedouins traditionally earned their living by trading spices.
Ans: False
Bedouins traditionally earned their living through activities such as herding and selling animals, not by trading spices.

(iv) Mecca and Medina are important cities for Hindus.
Ans: False
Mecca and Medina are important cities for Muslims, not Hindus.

(v) The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Ans: True
The Hajj pilgrimage is indeed one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are fundamental acts of worship for Muslims.

Q4: Match the Following

Q5: Short Answer Questions

(i) Describe the climate of Saudi Arabia and its primary characteristics.
Ans: Saudi Arabia has a hot and dry desert climate characterized by intense heat and minimal rainfall. Summers are scorching, and the land is dominated by arid desert landscapes.

(ii) Why are oases important for people living in desert regions like Saudi Arabia?
Ans: Oases are crucial in desert regions as they provide a source of water, allowing people to grow crops and sustain themselves. They also support vegetation and provide relief from the harsh desert conditions.

(iii) What is the significance of Mecca and Medina for Muslims, and why do they attract millions of pilgrims each year?
Ans: Mecca and Medina are the two holiest cities for Muslims. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam. Muslims around the world are required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, known as the Hajj. Medina is significant for its role in early Islamic history. Both cities attract millions of pilgrims each year for religious rituals and prayers.

(iv) Explain how Bedouins traditionally earned their livelihoods.
Ans: Bedouins traditionally earned their livelihoods through activities such as herding and selling animals, including camels, goats, and sheep. They relied on these animals for food, milk, and products like wool and hides.

(v) What is the primary source of wealth for Saudi Arabia, and how does it contribute to the country's prosperity?
Ans: The primary source of wealth for Saudi Arabia is its vast reserves of petroleum or oil. The country exports oil, generating substantial revenue that contributes to its prosperity. Oil wealth has allowed Saudi Arabia to invest in infrastructure, education, and various sectors of its economy, making it one of the wealthiest nations in the world.