Half Yearly Class 7 Social Studies Set 1 | Social Science Class 7 - New NCERT PDF Download

Maximum Marks: 80
Time: 3 Hours
General Instructions:
(i) The question paper consists of 34 questions divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D. 
(ii) All questions are compulsory. 
(iii) Section A: Questions 1 to 15 are multiple-choice questions, carrying 1 mark each. Select the most appropriate response. 
(iv) Section B: Questions 16 to 22 are short-answer questions, carrying 2 marks each. 
(v) Section C: Questions 23 to 31 are short-answer questions, carrying 4 marks each. 
(vi) Section D: Questions 32 to 34 are short-answer questions, carrying 5 marks each. 
(vii) Write answers neatly and legibly.

Section A

Q1. Which of the following is a characteristic of the Deccan Plateau?  (1 mark)
(a) Snow-covered peaks
(b) Rocky terrain and moderate rainfall
(c) Fertile alluvial soil
(d) Dense mangrove forests

Q2. The city of Ujjain was a significant center during which period?  (1 mark)
(a) Gupta Empire
(b) Maurya Empire
(c) Vedic Period
(d) Chola Empire

Q3. In which type of government do a few powerful people rule?  (1 mark)
(a) Democracy
(b) Monarchy
(c) Oligarchy
(d) Republic

Q4. What was used as a medium of exchange before coins were introduced?  (1 mark)
(a) Paper notes
(b) Goods and services
(c) Gold bars
(d) Digital currency

Q5. Which place is considered sacred for Buddhists?  (1 mark)
(a) Varanasi
(b) Bodh Gaya
(c) Amritsar
(d) Tirupati

Q6. Which region in India is known for its heavy rainfall and lush greenery?  (1 mark)
(a) Thar Desert
(b) Western Ghats
(c) Gangetic Plains
(d) Himalayan Foothills

Q7. Who was the Mauryan emperor known for his policy of Dhamma?  (1 mark)
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Ashoka
(d) Samudra gupta

Q8. In a republic, who elects the representatives?  (1 mark)
(a) The king
(b) The citizens
(c) The priests
(d) The military

Q9. Which of the following was a key export item in ancient Indian trade?  (1 mark)
(a) Cotton textiles
(b) Automobiles
(c) Machinery
(d) Plastic goods

Q10. Which landform acts as a natural barrier in northern India?  (1 mark)
(a) Deccan Plateau
(b) Himalayas
(c) Indo-Gangetic Plain
(d) Thar Desert

Q11. Which ancient city was a hub for art and architecture?  (1 mark)
(a) Taxila
(b) Mathura
(c) Kanchipuram
(d) Pataliputra

Q12. What is a major limitation of the barter system?  (1 mark)
(a) Lack of technology
(b) Need for double coincidence of wants
(c) Use of coins
(d) High transaction speed

Q13. Which of the following is a sacred site for Sikhs?  (1 mark)
(a) Golden Temple
(b) Sanchi Stupa
(c) Ajmer Sharif
(d) Mount Abu

Q14. Which empire built the Grand Trunk Road?  (1 mark)
(a) Gupta Empire
(b) Maurya Empire
(c) Mughal Empire
(d) Chola Empire

Q15. Which feature defines a monarchy?  (1 mark)
(a) Elected representatives
(b) Rule by a single hereditary ruler
(c) Rule by the wealthy
(d) Rule by the military

Section B

Q16. What is meant by the term ’geographical diversity’ in the context of India?  (2 marks)

Q17. Name two rivers that contribute to the fertility of the Indo-Gangetic Plains.  (2 marks)

Q18. Define the term ’sacred landscape’ with an example.  (2 marks)

Q19. Differentiate between a republic and an oligarchy.  (2 marks)

Q20. What is the barter system? Give one example.  (2 marks)

Q21. Name two ancient Indian cities known for trade.  (2 marks)

Q22. What was the significance of Ashoka’s edicts?  (2 marks)

Section C

Q23. Explain the role of the Western Ghats in influencing India’s climate.  (4 marks)

Q24. Describe the growth of the city of Mathura as a cultural center in ancient India.  (4 marks)

Q25. Why are certain rivers considered sacred in Indian culture? Explain with an example.  (4 marks)

Q26. Compare the features of a monarchy and a democracy.  (4 marks)

Q27. How did the use of coins improve trade in ancient India?  (4 marks)

Q28. Discuss the role of trade routes in the development of ancient Indian cities.  (4 marks)

Q29. Explain the impact of the Thar Desert on the lifestyle of people in Rajasthan.  (4 marks)

Q30. Describe the administrative reforms introduced by Chandragupta Maurya.  (4 marks)

Q31. How did pilgrimage centers shape the cultural life of ancient India?  (4 marks)

Section D

Q32. Discuss the major geographical features of India and their significance in shaping its culture.  (5 marks)

Q33. Explain the rise of the Gupta Empire and its contributions to art and science.  (5 marks)

Q34. Describe the transition from the barter system to a monetary economy and its impact on ancient Indian society.  (5 marks)

You can access the solutions to this Half Yearly here.