NCERT Solutions-Chapter 1-Social Science–Meaning Scope and Importance

Class 9 SST Chapter 1 Exercise Answers – MCQs, Short & Long Answers

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A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Social Science is best described as the study of .......

(a) only past events and rulers 

(b) human society, relationships, and institutions

(c) only natural resources and landforms 

(d) only markets and prices

2. The discipline that studies the Earth as the home of human beings is ........

(a) History            (b) Geography

(c) Economics      (d) Political Science

3. Which of the following best shows the overlap of disciplines in Social Science?

(a) A historical event has no effect on the economy

(b) A climate event can affect livelihoods and government planning

(c) Geography never affects politics

(d) Economics cannot be connected to society

4. A key purpose of studying Social Science is to ...........

(a) avoid questioning and accept all claims 

(b) develop informed, responsible citizenship

(c) learn only dates and defi nitions 

(d) study society without values

5. Which of the following statement(s) are true with respect to the core ideas of Social Science?

I. Social Science studies society through evidence, reasoning, and organised inquiry.

II. Social Science focuses only on individual behaviour and ignores institutions.

III. Geography, History, Political Science, and Economics often overlap in real life issues.

IV. Sustainability encourages decisions that consider long term impact and future generations.

Choose the correct option:

(a) I and II                (b) II and III

(c) I, III and IV        (d) I and IV

B. Fill in the blanks.

1. History helps us understand the __________ and how it shapes the present.

2. The Indian Constitution expresses ideals such as justice, liberty, equality, and __________.

3. __________ focuses on meeting present needs without harming future generations.

4. The organised structures such as schools, courts, and governments are called __________.

Answer:

1. past, 2. fraternity, 3. Sustainability, 4. institutions

C. Match the following items given in column A with those in column B.

Answer:  1 – C        2 – D        3 – A         4 – B

D. Very short answer type questions.

1. Name any one institution found in society.

Answer: School / Government / Court       (any one)

2. Which discipline studies maps and spatial patterns?

Answer: Geography

3. Define diversity.

Answer: Diversity means the presence and respectful recognition of differences among people such as language, religion, region and culture.

4. Name any two ideaes mentioned in the Preamble to the Constitution of India.

Answer: Justice and Equality.      

              (Other examples: Liberty, Fraternity)

5. Name any one institution found in society.

Answer: Government / Police / Bank / School       (any one)

E. Short answer type questions.

1. Explain how Social Science connects daily life with classroom learning.

Answer: 

1. Social Science helps students understand society, relationships and institutions around them.

2. It explains real-life issues such as migration, development, governance and environment.

3. It helps students become responsible and informed citizens.

2. How does History help in understanding present day issues and identities?

Answer: 

1. History explains how present society developed over time.

2. It helps us understand ideas such as justice, equality and rights.

3. It also helps people understand cultural identities and diversity.

3. Differentiate between diversity and inclusivity with one example each.

Answer: 

Diversity

1. Refers to the presence of differences among people.

2. Includes differences in language, religion and culture.

3. Example: India has many languages and religions.

Inclusivity

1. Ensures that all people feel respected and included.

2. Removes barriers that prevent participation.

3. Example: Equal access to education for all groups.

4. Explain how sustainability is linked to both development and environment.

Answer: 

1. Sustainability means using resources responsibly.

2. It balances development with environmental protection.

3. It ensures resources remain available for future generations.

5. Give two examples to show how real life problems require more than one Social Science discipline.

Answer: 

1. Climate change affects agriculture, economy and government policies.

2. Migration affects employment, housing and urban planning.

F. Long answer type questions:

1. Discuss the meaning of society and explain how relationships and institutions together shape social life.

Answer: 

1. Society refers to a group of people living together and interacting with each other.

2. People depend on one another for safety, livelihood and services.

3. Relationships connect individuals through family, community and work.

4. Institutions such as schools, governments, markets and courts organise social life.

5. These institutions regulate rules, rights and responsibilities.

6. Together, relationships and institutions shape how society functions.

2. Describe the relevance of Social Science in understanding social issues such as inequality, exclusion, and discrimination, using suitable examples.

Answer: 

1. Social Science helps understand problems like inequality and discrimination.

2. It studies how institutions and policies affect people's lives.

3. It explains causes and consequences of social problems.

4. It helps develop solutions through informed decision-making.

5. It promotes responsible citizenship and awareness.

6. It encourages fairness and respect for diversity.

3. From an Indian perspective, explain how Social Science helps us understand diversity, constitutional ideals, and democratic governance.

Answer: 

1. India has diverse languages, religions and cultures.

2. Social Science explains how this diversity shapes society.

3. It studies constitutional ideals like justice, liberty and equality.

4. It explains democratic governance and citizen participation.

5. It shows how government decisions affect development.

6. It helps understand national integration and social harmony.

4. Explain the scope of Social Science by describing Geography, History, Political Science, and 
    Economics, and show how they overlap in real life.

Answer: 

1. Social Science studies society, environment, economy and governance.

2. Geography studies Earth, environment and human settlements.

3. History studies past events and their impact on the present.

4. Political Science studies government, rights and institutions.

5. Economics studies production, distribution and consumption.

6. These disciplines often overlap in real-life problems.

G. Assertion Reason Questions:

Two statements are given as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Study the statements carefully and identify

the correct alternative:

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(c) A is true but R is false.

(d) A is false but R is true

1. Assertion (A): Diversity refers to the presence of different cultures, languages, and beliefs in a                                        society.

   Reason (R): Diversity creates unity by ensuring that everyone shares the same beliefs and practices.

Answer: (c) A is true but R is false

2. Assertion (A): Development is not just about increasing income but improving the quality of life.

    Reason (R): Economic growth is the one of the measure of development used globally by Social 

                        Scientists.

Answer: (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation

3. Assertion (A): The study of History is important because it helps us understand how the present  

                            society was shaped.

    Reason (R): History only deals with past events and has no relation to understanding current social                              structures.

Answer: (c) A is true but R is false

H. Case-based questions:

Read the given text and answer the following questions:

                                                              The State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025 report reveals alarming trends across multiple indicators, showing how environmental challenges are affecting public health, economic growth, and social stability. The report highlights a 25% increase in climate-induced displacement, with floods and droughts being the major contributors. These extreme events have affected more than 5.4 million people, with Assam being one of the hardest-hit states. Toxic pollutants in rivers have been found to exceed permissible limits, while groundwater is being excessively drained in several regions, further compromising local water availability. Despite the progress in certain states, inequality in access to public services remains widespread, and the need for evidence-based policies becomes more urgent.

1. How do the findings in this report illustrate the connection between environmental challenges and social inequality?

Answer: Environmental problems like floods and drought affect poor communities more. Poor people have limited access to resources and services. This increases inequality in society.

2. In what way do extreme weather events like floods affect society and development in India?

Answer: Floods damage homes, crops and infrastructure. People may lose livelihoods and migrate. Economic development slows due to losses.

3. How can Social Science principles, such as sustainability and governance, help address the environmental issues raised in the report?

Answer: Sustainability promotes responsible use of natural resources. Good governance helps create effective environmental policies. Evidence-based planning can reduce environmental risks.

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