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Practice Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 How, When and Where MCQ Questions with Answers based on NCERT concepts. Solve original board exam-oriented MCQs with detailed solutions, revision notes, and exam tips.
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Chapter Information
Subject: Social Science (History)
Class: 8
Chapter: Chapter 1 – How, When and Where
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Based On: NCERT Concepts
Introduction
History is written after carefully studying different types of evidence. Historians compare official records with personal accounts, newspapers, letters, paintings, and photographs to understand past events. This chapter explains why historical sources should be examined carefully before drawing conclusions.
What You Will Learn
✔ Importance of Historical Evidence
✔ Colonial Records
✔ Government Archives
✔ Importance of Newspapers
✔ Different Historical Sources
✔ NCERT-Based Concepts
Why This Topic Is Important
This chapter helps students understand how historical information is collected and verified. Questions based on archives, newspapers, official records, and historical evidence are commonly asked in school examinations and Olympiad-level tests.
Q1. Why do historians study different historical sources instead of relying on only one source?
A) To make history difficult
B) To obtain accurate and complete information
C) To increase the number of books
D) To avoid reading official records
Answer: B) To obtain accurate and complete information
Concept Behind This Question
No single source can explain every historical event completely. Historians compare different sources to understand the past more accurately.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Every source provides limited information.
- Comparing sources improves accuracy.
- It reduces mistakes and bias.
- Therefore, the correct answer is To obtain accurate and complete information.
Exam Tip
Many Sources = Better Understanding
Q2. Which department preserved most official records during British rule?
A) Government offices
B) Sports clubs
C) Shopping centres
D) Cinema halls
Answer: A) Government offices
Concept Behind This Question
Government departments prepared and preserved administrative records for future reference.
Step-by-Step Solution
- British offices maintained official documents.
- These records were later stored in archives.
- Historians use them for research.
- Hence, the correct answer is Government offices.
Exam Tip
Government Offices → Official Records
Q3. Which source helps historians understand important events reported at that time?
A) Newspaper
B) Comic Book
C) Fairy Tale
D) Cartoon Magazine
Answer: A) Newspaper
Concept Behind This Question
Newspapers provide information about events that happened during a particular period.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Newspapers report current events.
- Old newspapers become valuable historical sources.
- Historians compare newspaper reports with other evidence.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Newspaper.
Exam Tip
Current Events of the Past = Newspapers
Q4. Why should historians examine official records carefully?
A) Because every official record is always complete
B) Because records may reflect only the government’s viewpoint
C) Because official records are fictional stories
D) Because records contain only pictures
Answer: B) Because records may reflect only the government’s viewpoint
Concept Behind This Question
The NCERT explains that official records often present the government’s perspective, so historians also study other sources.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Official records are useful.
- However, they may not include every viewpoint.
- Historians compare them with other evidence.
- Hence, the correct answer is Because records may reflect only the government’s viewpoint.
Exam Tip
Official Records ≠ Complete History
Q5. Which of the following is considered a valuable visual historical source?
A) Photograph
B) Television Advertisement
C) Video Game
D) Greeting Card
Answer: A) Photograph
Concept Behind This Question
Old photographs help historians understand people, buildings, clothing, and important events.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Photographs preserve visual evidence.
- They help verify historical information.
- Historians use them along with written records.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Photograph.
Exam Tip
Visual Evidence = Photographs
Important Formulas & Concepts
1. Historical Evidence
Information collected from reliable sources to understand past events.
2. Official Records
Government-prepared documents used for administration and historical study.
3. Newspapers
Important historical sources that record events of a particular period.
4. Photographs
Visual evidence that helps historians understand the past.
5. Government Viewpoint
Official records often reflect the perspective of the ruling government, so historians compare them with other sources.
Related Practice Questions
- Why do historians use more than one historical source?
- What are official records?
- How do newspapers help historians?
- Why are photographs considered historical evidence?
- Why can’t historians depend only on government records?
Mini Quiz Challenge
Fill in the blanks
- Historians compare __________ historical sources.
- Old __________ provide information about past events.
- Official records mainly present the __________ viewpoint.
Answers
- Different
- Newspapers
- Government
Exam Tips
✔ Remember that historians compare multiple sources.
✔ Learn the importance of newspapers and photographs.
✔ Understand the limitations of official records.
✔ Revise the role of archives and government documents.
✔ Focus on concept-based NCERT questions.
Quick Revision Notes
✔ Historians study different historical sources.
✔ Official records mainly show the government’s perspective.
✔ Newspapers are valuable historical sources.
✔ Photographs provide visual evidence of the past.
✔ Comparing different sources improves historical accuracy.
Common Mistakes Students Make
❌ Believing official records tell the complete story.
❌ Confusing newspapers with official records.
❌ Ignoring the importance of photographs.
❌ Depending on only one historical source.
❌ Memorizing facts without understanding historical evidence.
Key Takeaways
✔ Historians compare multiple sources before writing history.
✔ Official records are important but may not include every viewpoint.
✔ Newspapers help explain historical events.
✔ Photographs preserve valuable visual evidence.
✔ Careful analysis of historical sources leads to accurate understanding.
FAQs
1. Why do historians use different historical sources?
They compare different sources to obtain accurate and balanced information about past events.
2. Why are newspapers useful for historians?
They provide reports of important events that occurred during a particular time.
3. What is the limitation of official records?
They often reflect the government’s point of view and may not include every perspective.
4. Why are photographs important in history?
Photographs provide visual evidence of people, places, and historical events.
5. Can one source explain history completely?
No. Historians study and compare multiple sources to understand history accurately.
Conclusion
Historical evidence plays a vital role in understanding the past. By comparing official records, newspapers, photographs, and other sources, historians present a more complete picture of history. Learning these NCERT concepts will strengthen students’ understanding and help them perform well in examinations.
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