Solutions (Bridge Course)-Class 8 - Social Science

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Theme-A

India: Agriculture and Soils

Section A: Quiz

1. Which of the following crops is a Rabi crop?

(a) Bajra (b) Wheat (c) Maize (d) Cotton
2. The soil type most suitable for growing cotton is ______________.
(a) black (b) red (c) sandy (d) laterite
3. The Green Revolution in India mainly focused on which type of crop?
(a) Pulses (b) Fruits (c) Food grains (d) Spices

Section B: Questions for Discussion

1. Define agriculture and mention two types of farming practised in India.

Answer: Definition of Agriculture & Two Types of Farming in India

●​ Agriculture: The practice of growing crops and raising animals for food, raw
materials, and other products.
●​ Two Types of Farming in India:
1.​ Subsistence Farming – Farmers grow crops for their own use, with little
surplus for sale.
2.​ Commercial Farming – Crops are grown on a large scale for selling in
markets and exports.

2. Why is crop rotation important for maintaining soil fertility?

Answer: Importance of Crop Rotation for Soil Fertility

1.​ Prevents Soil Nutrient Loss – Different crops use different nutrients, preventing
depletion.
2.​ Controls Pests & Diseases – Changing crops disrupts pest life cycles.
3.​ Improves Soil Structure – Some crops, like legumes, add nitrogen, making soil
fertile.
4.​ Reduces Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers – Natural replenishment of nutrients.
5.​ Increases Crop Yield – Healthier soil leads to better plant growth.

3. Discuss any two challenges faced by the Indian farmers.

Answer: Challenges Faced by Indian Farmers

1.​ Unpredictable Rainfall – Droughts or floods can destroy crops.

 2.​ Small Land Holdings – Many farmers have tiny farms, making large-scale
production difficult.
3.​ Lack of Modern Equipment – Many still use traditional tools instead of advanced
machines.
4.​ Low Prices for Crops – Farmers often do not get fair prices for their produce.
5.​ Debt & Financial Problems – Many farmers struggle with loans and lack financial
support.

4. Describe a few major types of soil found in India and their characteristics,
advantages, and disadvantages.

Answer: Major Types of Soil in India

1. Alluvial Soil

●​ Characteristics: Found in river plains, very fertile.

●​ Advantages: Good for wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
●​ Disadvantages: Prone to floods, needs regular fertilization.

2. Black Soil

●​ Characteristics: Dark, rich in clay, retains moisture.

●​ Advantages: Best for cotton and sugarcane.
●​ Disadvantages: Becomes hard when dry, difficult to plow.

3. Red Soil

●​ Characteristics: Reddish due to iron, found in dry areas.

●​ Advantages: Good for millets, groundnuts, and pulses.
●​ Disadvantages: Needs fertilizers for better yield.

4. Laterite Soil

●​ Characteristics: Found in high rainfall areas, reddish-brown.

●​ Advantages: Suitable for tea, coffee, and cashew.
●​ Disadvantages: Loses fertility quickly due to heavy rains.

5. Desert (Arid) Soil

●​ Characteristics: Sandy, found in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

●​ Advantages: Supports drought-resistant crops like bajra.
●​ Disadvantages: Poor water retention, needs irrigation.

Human Resources

Section A: Quiz
1. Which of the following is the most important resource for a country’s development?
(a) Land (b) Water (c) Human resources (d) Minerals
2. Which factor does NOT affect population distribution?
(a) Climate (b) Landforms (c) Internet speed (d) Availability of resources
3. What is the main reason for high population growth in developing countries?
(a) High death rate (b) Low birth rate
(c) Improved healthcare and sanitation (d) Lack of education

Section B: Questions for Discussion

1. Define human resources. Why are they important for a country?

Answer: Definition of Human Resources & Their Importance

●​ Human resources refer to the people who contribute to a country's economy

through their skills, knowledge, and labor.
●​ They are important because:
1.​ They drive economic growth by working in industries, farms, and businesses.
2.​ Skilled and educated people create innovations and technologies.
3.​ A healthy workforce increases productivity and efficiency.
4.​ People help in the proper use of natural resources for development.
5.​ A strong human resource base makes a country self-sufficient and
competitive globally.

2. Discuss two factors that influence the distribution of population.

Answer: Two Factors Influencing Population Distribution

1.​ Geographical Factors

○​ Fertile plains (e.g., Indo-Gangetic plains) have high population density.
○​ Mountains and deserts (e.g., Himalayas, Thar Desert) have low population
density.
2.​ Economic Opportunities
○​ Cities with industries and jobs (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi) attract more people.
○​ Rural areas with fewer jobs have lower population density.

3. How does education improve the quality of human resources?

Answer: How Education Improves the Quality of Human Resources

1.​ Provides Knowledge & Skills – Makes people capable of doing skilled work.
2.​ Improves Job Opportunities – Educated individuals get better-paying jobs.
3.​ Enhances Decision-Making – Educated people make informed choices in life.
4.​ Increases Economic Growth – Skilled professionals contribute to national
development.
 5.​ Reduces Poverty – Higher education leads to financial stability and a better standard
of living.

4. Explain the factors that affect the population distribution of a country. Give
examples.

Answer: Factors Affecting Population Distribution (With Examples)

1.​ Climate
○​ Moderate climates (e.g., Northern Plains) attract more people.
○​ Harsh climates (e.g., Thar Desert, Ladakh) have sparse populations.
2.​ Availability of Water
○​ Areas near rivers (e.g., Ganga Basin) have dense populations.
○​ Dry regions (e.g., Rajasthan) have fewer people.
3.​ Landforms & Soil Fertility
○​ Fertile lands (e.g., Punjab, Bihar) support farming and dense settlements.
○​ Mountainous and rocky regions (e.g., Himalayas, Western Ghats) have
fewer people.
4.​ Economic Development
○​ Industrial cities (e.g., Bangalore, Chennai) attract workers.
○​ Rural areas with fewer industries have lower population density.
5.​ Transport & Infrastructure
○​ Well-connected cities (e.g., Kolkata, Mumbai) have more people.
○​ Remote areas (e.g., Arunachal Pradesh) have fewer people due to poor
connectivity.

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Theme-B

Section A: Quiz

1. “Golden Temple” is located in which city of India?

(a) Amritsar (b) Ujjain (c) Varanasi (d) Mathura
2. The Gwalior fort is located in which Indian state?
(a) Odisha (b) West Bengal (c) Madhya Pradesh (d) Gujarat
3. Which River is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple located nearby?
(a) Ganga (b) Yamuna (c) Sarasvati (d) Godavari

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Answer: 1-d, 2-e, 3-a , 4-b , 5-c

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

1. In a democracy, citizens have the right to ________ and select their representatives.

2. A ________ is a type of government where a king or queen rules a country.

Answer: 1- vote, 2- monarchy

Section C: Questions for Discussion

1. What is the main difference between a monarchy and a democracy?

Answer:

Monarchy 🏰 Democracy 🗳️
1. Ruled by a King or Queen. 1. Ruled by elected leaders.

2. People do not choose the ruler. 2. People vote to choose their leaders.

3. Power is usually inherited. 3. Power is given by the people.

4. Citizens have limited say in government. 4. Citizens have the right to speak and vote.

5. Example: Saudi Arabia, UK (monarchy) 5. Example: India, USA (democracy)

2. Why is democracy considered a government “for the people”? Discuss the key
features of democracy and how it ensures fairness, equality, and citizen participation.

Answer:
Democracy is called a government “for the people” because:

●​ People choose their leaders by voting.

●​ The government works for the welfare of the people.
●​ Laws are made to protect everyone’s rights equally.

⭐ Key Features of Democracy

1.​ Free and Fair Elections​

People vote without fear. Every vote counts equally.
2.​ Majority Rule with Respect for Minorities​
The majority wins, but everyone’s opinion is respected.​
Rule of Law​
No one is above the law — not even the leaders.
3.​ Fundamental Rights​
People have rights like freedom of speech, religion, and equality.
4.​ Active Participation​
Citizens take part by voting, asking questions, and raising their voice.

⚖️ How Democracy Ensures Fairness, Equality, and Participation

●​ Fairness: Leaders are chosen through elections, not by force or birth.

●​ Equality: Every person, rich or poor, has one vote.
●​ Participation: Citizens can vote, protest peacefully, and join public debates.

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Theme-C

Answer: 1-c , 2-a , 3-d , 4- b

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

1. The Constitution of India is the __________ law of the country, serving as the foundation

for governing the nation.

2. The Constitution of India was adopted by the __________ Assembly on 26th November

1949 and came into force on 26 January __________.

Answer: 1- supreme 2- constituent , 1950

Section C: Questions for Discussion

1. Who was the Drafting Committee Chairman of the Indian Constitution? Write his

contribution in the making of the Constitution.

Answer:

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian
Constitution.

Contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Making of the Constitution

1.​ Led the Drafting Committee – He played the most important role in writing the
Indian Constitution.
2.​ Advocated for Fundamental Rights – He ensured that every citizen gets equality,
freedom, and justice.
3.​ Worked for Social Justice – He fought against untouchability and helped in
securing rights for Dalits and other marginalized groups.
4.​ Established the Parliamentary System – He introduced a government where leaders
are elected by the people.
5.​ Promoted Secularism – He ensured freedom of religion and equal treatment of all
religions.
6.​ Focused on Economic & Social Development – He emphasized education and
reservation policies for the upliftment of weaker sections.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution” because of his
tireless efforts in making it a strong and just document for all Indians.

2. Name two Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties and discuss why they are

important?

Answer: Fundamental Rights (Protect Citizens' Freedom)

1.​ Right to Equality – Every person is equal before the law, regardless of caste,
religion, or gender.
 2.​ Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression – Every citizen has the right to
express their opinions freely.

🔹 Why Are They Important?​

✔ Ensure fair treatment and protect against discrimination.​
✔ Allow people to express their views freely in a democracy.

Section A: Fill in the Blanks

1. A government with a central authority that controls all decisions is called a ________

government.

2. A ________ government divides power between central government and smaller regional

governments, like states or provinces.

Answer: 1- unitary, 2- federal,

Section B: Questions for Discussion

1. What is the main difference between a unitary government and a federal

government?

Answer:

Unitary Government Federal Government

Power is held by one central authority. Power is shared between central and state
governments.

Local governments (if they exist) follow the State governments have their own powers
central government’s decisions. and can make decisions on some issues.

Example: United Kingdom, France, China Example: India, USA, Canada

Central government can change or remove Central and state governments work
local governments. independently in their own areas.

Laws are the same for the entire country. Some laws may be different in different
states.

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Theme-D

Public Facilities

Section A: Quiz
1. Which of the following is NOT considered a public facility?
(a) Water supply (b) Electricity (c) Private cars (d) Public transport
2. Which article of the Indian Constitution includes the right to water?
(a) Article 14 (b) Article 21 (c) Article 32 (d) Article 44
3. What is the primary source of government funding for public facilities?
(a) Donations (b) Loans (c) Taxes (d) Foreign aid

1. What are public facilities? Why are they important for society?

●​ Public facilities are services provided by the government for everyone.

●​ Examples: water, electricity, roads, schools, hospitals, toilets.
●​ They help people live a better, healthier life.
●​ They are important for equality and development.
●​ Everyone, rich or poor, should have access to them.

2. How does the government ensure access to basic public facilities like water, electricity, and
healthcare?

●​ By building water pipelines, power stations, and hospitals.

●​ By launching schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, Saubhagya Scheme, and Ayushman
Bharat.
●​ By using public money (taxes) to provide these services.
●​ By appointing government staff to maintain and manage them.

3. Explain the role of private companies in providing public facilities. Should the government
regulate them?

●​ Sometimes private companies help provide electricity, water, or hospitals.

●​ They charge money for their services.
●​ They may not provide services to poor areas because of low profit.
●​ Yes, the government should regulate them to ensure fairness and affordable prices.

4. What are some challenges faced by people in accessing clean water, especially in urban areas
like Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and New Delhi?

●​ Water shortage due to overpopulation.

●​ Pollution of rivers and lakes.
●​ Unequal water supply — rich areas get more, poor areas get less.
●​ People in slums often depend on water tankers or hand pumps.
●​ Droughts and poor planning worsen the problem.

5. How does the government generate funds for public facilities, and why is taxation important
in this process?

●​ The government collects taxes from people and businesses.

●​ This money is used to build roads, schools, hospitals, etc.
●​ Without taxes, the government cannot provide public services.
 ●​ Taxation helps in the fair sharing of responsibilities.
●​ Rich people pay more taxes to support public welfare.

6. Discuss the importance of public facilities in a country like India. How does the government
ensure their availability, and what challenges exist in their distribution?

●​ India has a large population, so public facilities are very important.

●​ They help in education, health, and daily life.
●​ The government builds and runs services using tax money.
●​ Schemes like Swachh Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ayushman Bharat help
improve services.
●​ Challenges: unequal distribution, lack of funds, corruption, poor planning, and
overuse.

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Law and Social Justice

Section A: Quiz

1. Why are worker laws necessary?

(a) To ensure fair wages and safe working conditions
(b) To allow companies to decide their own worker policies
(c) To increase competition among workers
(d) To encourage child worker in industries
2. What was the main cause of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?
(a) A natural disaster (b) A chemical leak due to poor safety measures
(c) A workers’ protest (d) A government shutdown
3. Which Fundamental Right is linked to workplace safety and fair wages?
(a) Right to Freedom (b) Right to Equality
(c) Right to Life (Article 21) (d) Right to Education

1. Why is the enforcement of labour laws important for workers’ rights?

●​ It protects workers from unfair treatment by employers.

●​ Ensures safe working conditions and fair salaries.
●​ Prevents child labour and overworking.
●​ Helps workers live a life with dignity.
●​ Encourages better work and productivity.

2. How did the Bhopal Gas Tragedy highlight the need for stronger
environmental laws?

●​ A poisonous gas leak killed thousands of people in 1984.

●​ The company did not follow safety rules.
●​ Showed the danger of weak laws and poor government checks.
 ●​ Led to a demand for stronger safety and environmental laws.
●​ Taught the need for regular factory inspections.

3. Why are minimum wages necessary, and who is responsible for fixing
minimum wages in India?

●​ Minimum wages ensure workers are paid enough to live.

●​ Stops employers from giving very low salaries.
●​ Helps reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
●​ The Central and State Governments in India fix minimum wages.
●​ Wages can differ by job type and location.

4. What are some key worker laws in India that protect workers from
exploitation?

●​ Minimum Wages Act – ensures fair salary.

●​ Factories Act – ensures safety and health in workplaces.
●​ Child Labour Act – bans children from working in dangerous jobs.
●​ Workmen’s Compensation Act – gives money if a worker is injured or dies on duty.
●​ Maternity Benefit Act – protects working women during pregnancy.

5. What role does the government play in protecting workers from exploitation
by employers?

●​ Makes laws to protect workers’ rights.

●​ Inspects factories to check working conditions.
●​ Fixes minimum wages.
●​ Punishes companies that break labour laws.
●​ Supports workers through welfare schemes.

6. Why is law enforcement important in preventing exploitation in workplaces?

Discuss the role of the government with examples.

●​ Law enforcement means checking if companies follow labour laws.

●​ It helps stop unsafe working conditions and unfair wages.
●​ The government makes and enforces laws for safety, health, and environment.
●​ Example: After the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, stronger environmental laws were made.
●​ Example: Minimum Wages Act ensures fair pay for all workers.
●​ Example: Swachh Bharat Mission improved sanitation for workers in cities.
●​ Without law enforcement, companies may ignore rules to save money.

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