Teachers recommend solving Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Social Science Question Paper Set 2 to improve time management during exams.
Kerala Syllabus Std 9 Social Science Model Question Paper Set 2 English Medium
Max Score: 80
Time : 21⁄2 hrs.
Instructions
- First 15 minutes is cool off time.
- Read the questions and instructions carefully before writing the answers.
- While answering the questions consider score and time.
Answer all questions from 1 to 11 (4 × 1 = 4)
Question 1.
What is human capital?
a) Natural resources used in production
b) The stock of knowledge, skills, and health in a population
c) Machines and equipment used in production
d) Financial investments in a business
Answer:
(b) The stock of knowledge, skills, and health in a population.
Question 2.
What was the primary purpose of early human tools made of stone?
a) Decorative purposes
b) Communication
c) Agricultural activities
d) Hunting and protection
Answer:
(d) Hunting and protection
Question 3.
What is the main reason for the formation of fold mountains like the Himalayas?
a) Volcanic activity
b) Erosion by rivers
c) Folding of sedimentary rock strata
d) Earthquake activities
Answer:
c) Folding of sedimentary rock strata
Question 4.
What are the early coins used in ancient India known as?
a) Gold Coins
b) Silver Coins
c) Punch Marked Coins
d) Copper Coins
Answer:
c) Punch Marked Coins
Question 5.
Match the Northern Mountain region and their features (2 × 4 = 8)
| Northern mountain region | Feature |
| Karakoram | Known as the Greater Himalaya |
| Himadri | Part of Eastern Hills |
| Naga Hills | Southern part of Himalayan mountain |
| Shiwalik | Connects Himalayas with Pamir Knot |
Answer:
| Northern mountain region | Feature |
| Karakoram | Connects Himalayas with Pamir Knot |
| Himadri | Known as the Greater Himalaya |
| Naga Hills | Part of Eastern Hills |
| Shiwalik | Southern part of Himalayan mountain |
Question 6.
Match the following figures with their roles:
| Administrative heads | Roles |
| President of India | The administrative head of the country |
| Prime Minister of India | Has the power of Judicial Review |
| Supreme Court of India | Head of Lok Sabha |
| Speaker of India | The executive head of the state |
Answer:
| Administrative heads | Roles |
| President of India | The executive head of the state |
| Prime Minister of India | The administrative head of the country |
| Supreme Court of India | Has the power of Judicial Review |
| Speaker of India | Head of Lok Sabha |
Question 7.
What are the four factors of production?
Answer:
Land, Labour, Capital, Entrepreneurship
Question 8.
What are Microliths, and in which Stone Age period were they predominantly used?
Answer:
Microliths are very small stone tools that were predominantly used during the Mesolithic Age. These tools represent a technological advancement from the larger tools used in the Palaeolithic Age.
Question 9.
What are the two main challenges faced by human capital formation?
Answer:
Poverty: which restricts access to education and healthcare.
Unemployment: which prevents optimal utilization of human resources.
Question 10.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Prime Minister of India?
Answer:
The Prime Minister of India is the administrative head of the country and the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha. Responsibilities include forming the Council of Ministers, deciding on Cabinet members, changing ministerial portfolios, and acting as the link between the President, the Cabinet, and the Parliament. If the Prime Minister loses the majority in the Lok Sabha, they must resign.
Question 11.
On the given outline map of India, mark the following places.
a) Karakoram
b) Shiwalik
c) Lower Ganga plain
d) Rajasthan plain.
Answer:
II. Answer any 8 questions from 12 to 20 (8 × 3 = 24)
Question 12.
Explain the role of education in human capital formation.
Answer:
- Enhances skills and knowledge, making individuals more productive.
- Allows people to use modern technology effectively.
- Provides access to better jobs and higher income.
- Contributes to creating a society with a high sense of values.
Question 13.
How did the use of stone tools evolve during the Palaeolithic Age?
Answer:
During the Palaeolithic Age, the use of stone tools evolved through the following phases:
- Initial Stage: Utilisation of available stones without altering their shape.
- Intermediate Stage: Fashioning stones by altering their shapes to suit specific needs.
- Final Stage: Standardisation of tools, where specific tools were made for specific purposes
Question 14.
Describe any three different types of unemployment mentioned in the text.
Answer:
Open Unemployment: People willing to work but unable to find jobs.
- Structural Unemployment: Job loss due to the introduction of new technology.
- Seasonal Unemployment: Employment during certain seasons, with unemployment during off-seasons.
- Disguised Unemployment: More workers are employed than needed, with no change in Output.
Question 15.
Compare the governance system of Athens with modern democracy.
Answer:
The governance system of Athens 2500 years ago was an early form of democracy, where male citizens over 30, excluding slaves, formed a committee to make decisions on important matters. Unlike modern democracy, where all adults typically have voting rights regardless of gender, class, or occupation, Athenian democracy was more exclusive. However, it laid the groundwork for the democratic principles seen in many countries today.
Question 16.
Explain the significance of the Banihal Pass in the Kashmir Himalaya.
Answer:
The Banihal Pass is a crucial mountain pass across the Pir Panjal Range in the Kashmir Himalaya. It connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley, facilitating freight and passenger movement across the mountainous terrain. This pass is essential for transportation and accessibility in the region.
Question 17.
How does the Indian Constitution ensure a balance of power among the three branches of government?
Answer:
The Constitution of India ensures a balance of power among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches through a system of checks and balances. Parliament controls the Executive through budget approval and question-hour sessions, while the Judiciary can control both Parliament and the Executive through the power of Judicial Review. The Executive controls the Parliament and Judiciary through its powers such as the approval of bills, consideration of mercy petitions, and appointments.
Question 18.
Explain how the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain was formed.
Answer:
The Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain was formed by the continuous deposition of sediments carried by rivers originating from the Himalayas and Peninsular India. These sediments were deposited in a vast depression south of the Himalayas, created as a result of the formation of the Himalayas. Over millions of years, these depositional processes led to the evolution of this fertile plain.
Question 19.
Describe the role of iron tools in the 6th century BCE and its impact on agriculture.
Answer:
The use of iron tools in the 6th century BCE significantly advanced agricultural practices. Iron ploughs and other implements allowed for more efficient farming, leading to surplus production. This surplus facilitated trade and the growth of cities, which in turn contributed to the development of states and new ideologies.
Question 20.
Describe the main features of the Punjab-Haryana Plain.
Answer:
The Punjab-Haryana Plain, part of the North Indian Plain, extends to the east and northeast of the Rajasthan Plain up to the Yamuna River. It is formed by the deposition of sediments from rivers such as the Satluj, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Beas. This fertile plain covers approximately 1.75 lakh sq. km and gently slopes towards the west.
III. Answer any 5 questions from 21 to 26 (5 × 4 = 20)
Question 21.
Describe the evolution of money as mentioned in the text.
Answer:
In the early stages, items like animal skins, agricultural products, and cattle were used as money. As metals became available, gold and various metals, followed by metal coins, were used. Trade then shifted to paper money, which could be used more conveniently. With technological advancements, money transformed into forms like card (plastic) money and electronic money.
Question 22.
How does the federal structure of the Indian Constitution contribute to democracy?
Answer:
The federal structure of the Indian Constitution enhances democracy by dividing power between the central and state governments, thus preventing the concentration of power at one level. This power-sharing arrangement ensures regional representation and addresses diverse local needs, making governance more responsive and effective. The bicameral legislature (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) further supports democratic discussions and debates, representing both the people and the states. The system also includes checks and balances through an independent judiciary, ensuring that no branch of government can dominate.
Question 23.
Discuss the three zones of the North Indian Plain based on geomorphic features.
Answer:
The North Indian Plain can be divided into three zones based on geomorphic features:
Bhabar: A narrow belt, 8 to 10 km wide, running parallel to the Shiwalik mountain range. It is formed by the deposition of rocks and boulders and is characterized by rivers flowing beneath the rocks.
Tarai: A marshy and swampy tract, 10 to 20 km wide, situated south of the Bhabar belt. Rivers that disappear in the Bhabar region re- emerge here, leading to the luxurious growth of natural vegetation and wildlife.
Alluvial plains: Consisting of older alluvium (Bhangar) and newer alluvium (Khadar). Features include riverine islands, sandbars, deltas, braided streams, meanders, and oxbow lakes.
Question 24.
How did the Mahajanapadas evolve into the Maurya Kingdom, and what were the key factors in this transformation?
Answer:
The Mahajanapadas were large states that emerged in the Indian subcontinent during the 6th century BCE. Constant conflicts among these states eventually led to the rise of Magadha as the dominant power due to its fertile land, abundant iron resources, and strategic use of elephants in warfare. The establishment of efficient rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru further strengthened Magadha, which was eventually unified under the Maurya dynasty by Chandragupta Maurya, creating a vast and powerful empire.
Question 25.
Describe the climate experienced in the North Indian Plain during the Cold Weather Season.
Answer:
The Cold Weather Season in the North Indian Plain sets in by mid-November, with December and January being the coldest months. The region experiences excessive cold due to its distance from the ocean’s moderating influence, snowfall in the nearby Himalayan ranges, cold winds from West Asia, and the apparent movement of the sun towards the southern hemisphere. Slight rainfall occurs during this season.
Question 26.
Describe the concept of federalism and its importance in the Indian context.
Answer:
Federalism is a system of administration in which power is divided between two levels of government based on the Constitution, allowing both central and state governments to share power. The Indian federal system is designed to accommodate the country’s social, regional, and geographical diversity while preserving unity and integrity. It ensures regional representation, counters separatist tendencies, and aids in economic progress and welfare by integrating various levels of government. Features of Indian federalism include a common Constitution for both the centre and states, division of powers, single citizenship, and an independent judiciary.
IV. Answer any 2 questions from 27 to 29 (2 × 6 = 12)
Question 27.
Explain the climatic variations in the Himalayan region and their impact on vegetation.
Answer:
Climatic Variations:
- The climate varies with elevation and topography.
- Lower slopes experience a mild climate, while higher elevations have considerably lower temperatures.
- Extremely high altitudes and the Ladakh region experience a polar-like extreme winter climate.
- South West Monsoon rains affect the southern slopes of the Shiwalik ranges and North Eastern India.
- Snowfall is common in higher regions, with heavy rainfall in the North Eastern hills due to trapped monsoon winds.
Impact on Vegetation:
Lower Slopes:
Semi-evergreen and deciduous forests dominate the valleys and lower mountain slopes.
Moist deciduous forests are found at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2000 meters.
Middle Slopes:
Coniferous trees like pine and deodar grow along the middle mountain slopes.
Shrubs such as junipers and rhododendrons are found at higher altitudes.
Higher Slopes:
Alpine meadows dominate the highest altitudes.
As temperature decreases with altitude, the vegetation changes from evergreen forests to tundra type.
Regional Differences:
Eastern Himalayas and North Eastern Hills receive above 200 cm of annual rainfall, supporting tropical evergreen vegetation. Western Himalayas have varied vegetation from tropical to alpine due to differing rainfall and temperature conditions.
Question 28.
Analyse the impact of the introduction of iron tools on the Vedic society
Answer:
The introduction of iron tools had a profound impact on Vedic society:
Agricultural Advancements: Iron tools such as plows and sickles made farming more efficient, leading to an increase in agricultural productivity.
Economic Changes: Enhanced agricultural output supported population growth and urbanization. It also led to surplus production, which could be traded, boosting the economy.
Social Structure: The availability of iron tools contributed to the expansion of settlements and the establishment of new communities. This period saw the strengthening of the Varna system, with distinct roles and duties assigned to each class.
Military Innovations: Iron weapons were more effective than their bronze counterparts, leading to stronger armies and the ability to conquer and defend larger territories.
Cultural Shifts: The increase in productivity and population supported the development of more complex societal structures, rituals, and religious practices, as documented in the later Vedic texts.
Question 29.
Discuss the climatic conditions experienced in the North Indian Plain throughout the year. How do these conditions affect agricultural practices in the region?
Answer:
The North Indian Plain experiences diverse climatic conditions throughout the year, which significantly influence agricultural practices. The climatic conditions can be categorized into four main seasons:
Cold Weather Season (Mid-November to February):
Characteristics: The cold weather season sets in by mid-November, with December and January being the coldest months. The plain experiences excessive cold due to its continental location, snowfall in the nearby Himalayas, cold winds from West Asia, and the apparent movement of the sun towards the southern hemisphere.
Impact on Agriculture:
During this season, the plain receives slight rainfall. Farmers prepare the fields for the Rabi crops, which include wheat, gram, mustard, and barley. The cold weather is suitable for the growth of these temperate-subtropical crops.
Hot Weather Season (March to June):
Characteristics:
The temperature starts rising by March, with April, May, and June being the hottest months. The western part of the plain can experience temperatures as high as 48°C. The region is affected by the ‘Loo,’ a hot and dry wind from the desert region of Rajasthan, which increases the temperature considerably, Impact on Agriculture: The intense heat and dry conditions can stress crops. However, farmers use this period to harvest Rabi crops and prepare for Kharif planting. Dust storms are common but can bring slight rain, providing temporary relief from the heat.
Southwest Monsoon Season (June to September):
Characteristics: The rapid increase in temperature in March leads to the development of a low-pressure area, attracting the southwest monsoon winds. The monsoon winds enter India in two branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. These winds bring significant rainfall to the plain.
Impact on Agriculture:
The southwest monsoon season is the main rainy season, crucial for Kharif crops such as rice, cotton, jute, and bajra. Adequate rainfall during this season is essential for the successful growth of these tropical crops. Farmers rely heavily on monsoon rains for irrigation.
Northeast Monsoon Season (October to November):
Characteristics: As the low-pressure area shifts southward, a high-pressure area develops over the plain, causing winds to blow from the northeast. This season is characterized by retreating monsoons and is generally dry with high temperatures and humidity, known as ‘October heat.’
Impact on Agriculture:
The northeast monsoon season marks the transition from Kharif to Rabi crops. Farmers harvest Kharif crops and prepare for Rabi planting. The dry conditions are favourable for harvesting rice and other Kharif crops. Overall, the climatic conditions in the North Indian Plain create a well-defined agricultural calendar. The cold season supports the growth of Rabi crops, while the hot weather season prepares the fields for Kharif planting.
The monsoon season provides the necessary rainfall for Kharif crops, and the retreating monsoon season allows for the harvest of Kharif crops and preparation for Rabi planting. This seasonal rhythm ensures continuous agricultural productivity, making the plain a vital agricultural hub in India.