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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, exam tips, and FAQs.
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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
The NCERT chapter How, When and Where explains that history is based on evidence collected from different sources. Historians study official records, surveys, maps, letters, newspapers, photographs, and artifacts to understand how people lived in the past. This chapter also highlights that history should include the lives of ordinary people, not just rulers and wars.
What You Will Learn
✔ Meaning of Historical Sources
✔ Importance of Government Documents
✔ Role of Surveys and Census
✔ Historical Evidence
✔ Colonial Administration
✔ NCERT-Based Concepts
Why This Topic Is Important
This chapter helps students understand the methods used by historians to study the past. Questions related to historical sources, colonial administration, archives, and surveys are frequently asked in school exams and competitive examinations.
Q1. Why did British officials prepare detailed administrative reports?
A) To write storybooks
B) To help in governing and managing the country
C) To organize sports events
D) To publish novels
Answer: B) To help in governing and managing the country
Concept Behind This Question
British officials prepared reports to collect information that helped them administer India more effectively.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Officials collected information from different regions.
- Reports were used for administration.
- They helped the British make decisions.
- Therefore, the correct answer is To help in governing and managing the country.
Exam Tip
Administrative Reports = Better Governance
Q2. Which historical source provides information about important events as they happened?
A) Newspaper
B) Dictionary
C) Science Magazine
D) Comic Book
Answer: A) Newspaper
Concept Behind This Question
Newspapers record important political, social, and economic events of their time.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Newspapers publish current events.
- Old newspapers become historical evidence.
- Historians use them to understand past events.
- Hence, the correct answer is Newspaper.
Exam Tip
Past News = Historical Source
Q3. Which of the following is a written historical source?
A) Official Letter
B) Monument
C) Coin
D) Sculpture
Answer: A) Official Letter
Concept Behind This Question
Written historical sources include letters, reports, diaries, newspapers, and official documents.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Letters provide written information.
- Coins and monuments are material sources.
- Official letters are important written evidence.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Official Letter.
Exam Tip
Letters = Written Sources
Q4. What is the main benefit of studying maps in history?
A) They help understand political and geographical changes.
B) They provide entertainment.
C) They contain only mathematical formulas.
D) They explain scientific experiments.
Answer: A) They help understand political and geographical changes.
Concept Behind This Question
Maps show changes in boundaries, regions, rivers, roads, and settlements over time.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Maps show locations and boundaries.
- Historians compare maps from different periods.
- This helps explain historical changes.
- Hence, the correct answer is They help understand political and geographical changes.
Exam Tip
Maps Show Historical Changes
Q5. According to the NCERT, why should history include the lives of ordinary people?
A) Because only rulers are important.
B) Because ordinary people also shaped history.
C) Because history is only about famous leaders.
D) Because historical records contain only stories.
Answer: B) Because ordinary people also shaped history.
Concept Behind This Question
Modern history studies the contributions and experiences of farmers, workers, women, traders, artisans, and other ordinary people.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Society is built by all people.
- Ordinary people contribute to historical change.
- Their experiences help us understand the past better.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Because ordinary people also shaped history.
Exam Tip
History = Everyone’s Story
Important Formulas & Concepts
1. Administrative Reports
Official documents prepared to help governments manage administration.
2. Written Sources
Letters, reports, newspapers, diaries, and official records used to study history.
3. Maps
Historical sources that explain geographical and political changes.
4. Newspapers
Printed records that describe important events of a particular period.
5. People’s History
Modern history studies the lives of ordinary people along with rulers and governments.
Related Practice Questions
- Why did British officials prepare administrative reports?
- Why are newspapers important historical sources?
- Give two examples of written historical sources.
- How do maps help historians?
- Why should history include ordinary people?
Mini Quiz Challenge
Fill in the blanks
- Official reports helped the British in __________.
- __________ record important events of a particular period.
- Modern history studies both rulers and __________.
Answers
- Administration
- Newspapers
- Ordinary People
Exam Tips
✔ Learn the importance of written historical sources.
✔ Remember the purpose of administrative reports.
✔ Revise the uses of maps and newspapers.
✔ Understand why modern history includes ordinary people.
✔ Read NCERT examples carefully.
Quick Revision Notes
✔ Administrative reports helped the British govern India.
✔ Newspapers provide information about past events.
✔ Official letters are written historical sources.
✔ Maps show historical and geographical changes.
✔ History includes the experiences of ordinary people.
Common Mistakes Students Make
❌ Thinking history is only about kings and wars.
❌ Confusing written sources with material sources.
❌ Forgetting the purpose of administrative reports.
❌ Ignoring the importance of maps.
❌ Believing newspapers are not historical evidence.
Key Takeaways
✔ Administrative reports were important during British rule.
✔ Newspapers are valuable historical sources.
✔ Official letters are examples of written evidence.
✔ Maps help explain geographical and political changes.
✔ History includes the contributions of ordinary people as well as rulers.
FAQs
1. What are administrative reports?
Administrative reports are official documents prepared by government officials to help in administration.
2. Why are newspapers useful for historians?
They provide information about important events that happened during a particular time.
3. What are written historical sources?
Letters, reports, newspapers, diaries, and official records are written historical sources.
4. Why are maps important in history?
Maps help historians understand changes in boundaries, locations, and regions over time.
5. Why does modern history study ordinary people?
Because farmers, workers, traders, women, and artisans also played an important role in shaping history.
Conclusion
The chapter How, When and Where teaches students that history is written using reliable evidence collected from different sources. Understanding administrative reports, newspapers, maps, official records, and the role of ordinary people helps students develop a deeper understanding of history and perform better in examinations.
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