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CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 How, When and Where Worksheet with Answers

The first chapter of CBSE Class 8 Social Science History, 'How, When and Where', introduces students to the fundamental concepts of historical periodisation and the nature of sources used to study modern Indian history. This printable worksheet has been designed following the latest NCERT syllabus and CBSE examination pattern, offering a complete practice tool for revision and assessment preparation.

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Key takeaways

  • ✓Periodisation divides Indian history into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods based on political, economic, and social changes
  • ✓The British colonisers created extensive records including official documents, surveys, and reports that serve as primary sources for modern Indian history
  • ✓Colonial records reflect the perspective and biases of British administrators, requiring critical analysis by historians
  • ✓James Mill's classification of Hindu, Muslim, and British periods imposed a problematic religious framework on Indian history
  • ✓The term 'colonial' refers to the period when India was under British rule, fundamentally different from pre-colonial times
  • ✓Modern historical research requires multiple sources including official records, newspapers, personal diaries, and autobiographies
  • ✓Understanding 'how, when, and where' history is written helps students develop critical thinking about historical narratives

Quick Chapter Recap: How, When and Where

Chapter 1 of NCERT Class 8 Social Science History textbook establishes the foundational concepts necessary for understanding how historians study the past. The chapter explains periodisation—the division of history into distinct time periods such as Ancient, Medieval, and Modern—and examines why such divisions matter. It introduces students to the rich variety of sources available for studying modern India, with special emphasis on colonial records created by British administrators. The chapter critically examines James Mill's problematic classification of Indian history based on religion and highlights how the colonial period transformed record-keeping practices. Students learn that historical dates and events gain meaning only when understood in their proper context. The chapter encourages learners to question whose perspective is represented in historical documents and to recognize that all historical writing reflects the values and concerns of those who produce it. Understanding these concepts helps students develop critical thinking skills essential for historical inquiry.
  • Periodisation helps organise historical events but can sometimes oversimplify complex social changes
  • Colonial records include surveys, census operations, official reports, and administrative documents
  • The National Archives of India in New Delhi preserves crucial documents from the colonial period
  • History is not just about dates and events but about understanding patterns of change over time

Worksheet Information and Guidelines

This worksheet is designed for CBSE Class 8 students studying Social Science, specifically the History section. The difficulty level is Moderate, making it suitable for regular classroom assessment as well as home practice. Students should allocate 60 minutes to complete all sections under timed conditions for optimal exam preparation. The worksheet follows the exact pattern recommended by CBSE for formative and summative assessments, ensuring students become familiar with question formats they will encounter in school tests and annual examinations. Each section tests different cognitive skills—from recall and comprehension to application and analysis. Teachers can use this worksheet for periodic testing, while students can use it for self-assessment. Parents will find the detailed answer key particularly helpful for guiding their children through the learning process. For best results, students should first revise the chapter from their NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook, then attempt this worksheet without referring to notes, and finally check answers to identify areas needing further study.
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate (suitable for average to above-average students)
  • Suggested Time: 60 minutes (with an additional 15 minutes for review)
  • Total Marks: This worksheet can be adapted for different marking schemes
  • Best used after completing one full reading of NCERT Chapter 1
  • Parents can use the answer key to conduct home assessments

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (6 Questions)

Multiple choice questions test your ability to recall key facts and concepts from the chapter while also assessing comprehension of important themes. Each MCQ has four options, with only one correct answer. Read each question carefully, eliminate obviously incorrect options, and select the most accurate answer based on your understanding of NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1. These questions cover periodisation concepts, colonial records, James Mill's views, and the nature of historical sources. MCQs are common in CBSE examinations and competitive tests, so regular practice with this format builds confidence and improves speed. When attempting MCQs, underline keywords in the question stem to focus your thinking. If unsure, use elimination strategy to remove incorrect options systematically. Pay special attention to words like 'not', 'except', and 'incorrect' that reverse the question's meaning. Time management is crucial—spend no more than one minute per MCQ during timed practice to leave adequate time for longer questions in subsequent sections of this worksheet.
  • Q1. Who divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British periods?
  • Q2. What does the term 'colonial' refer to in the context of Indian history?
  • Q3. Which of these is NOT a source for studying modern Indian history?
  • Q4. The National Archives of India is located in which city?
  • Q5. According to the chapter, what is periodisation?
  • Q6. Why did the British conduct detailed surveys in India?

Section B: Fill in the Blanks (5 Questions)

Fill-in-the-blank questions test precise recall of important terms, names, dates, and concepts from Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1. These questions require you to remember specific vocabulary and factual information presented in the NCERT textbook. Unlike MCQs where options are provided, fill-ups demand active recall from memory, making them slightly more challenging. When preparing for fill-in-the-blank questions, pay special attention to key terms highlighted in your textbook, dates of important events, names of significant historical figures, and technical vocabulary related to periodisation and colonial administration. Write your answers clearly in the blanks provided. If you are unsure about spelling, try to recall how the word appeared in your textbook. These questions often appear in CBSE Class 8 examinations and carry easy marks if you have revised the chapter thoroughly. Create flashcards of important terms from this chapter to improve your performance on fill-up questions. The answer key provided at the end of this worksheet will help you verify your responses and understand any terms you missed during your first attempt.
  • Q1. James Mill published his book 'A History of British India' in the year _______.
  • Q2. The process of dividing history into periods is called _______.
  • Q3. Important official documents and records are preserved in _______.
  • Q4. The _______ period in Indian history refers to the time when India was ruled by the British.
  • Q5. Historians use diaries, autobiographies, and newspapers as _______ sources for studying history.

Section C: Match the Following (5 Pairs)

Matching exercises test your ability to connect related concepts, terms, and definitions from CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1. This section presents two columns—Column A contains terms or concepts, while Column B contains their corresponding definitions, examples, or related information. Your task is to correctly pair each item in Column A with its appropriate match in Column B. Draw lines connecting the pairs or write the matching letters/numbers as instructed. This format assesses your understanding of relationships between different historical concepts covered in 'How, When and Where'. Matching questions require careful reading and systematic elimination. Start by identifying the pairs you are most confident about, then work through the remaining options. This strategy prevents careless mistakes and helps you use the process of elimination effectively. Such questions commonly appear in CBSE formative assessments and help teachers quickly gauge whether students have grasped fundamental concepts and terminology. After completing this section, review your answers to ensure each item in Column A has exactly one match in Column B, with no duplicates or omissions.
  • Column A: James Mill, Periodisation, Colonial, Calligraphist, National Archives
  • Column B: Person who writes beautiful handwriting, Division of history into periods, British rule period, Historian who classified Indian history, Place where official records are kept

Section D: Short Answer Questions (5 Questions, 2-3 marks each)

Short answer questions require you to write focused responses of 2-4 sentences, demonstrating clear understanding of specific concepts from the chapter. Each answer should be structured logically with a direct response to the question followed by supporting explanation or examples. CBSE Class 8 Social Science examinations typically allocate 2-3 marks for such questions, expecting answers of approximately 30-50 words. When writing short answers, begin directly without unnecessary introductions, use precise vocabulary from the NCERT textbook, and include relevant examples where possible. Underline or highlight key terms to show your knowledge of important concepts. These questions test your ability to explain ideas in your own words while maintaining factual accuracy. Time management is important—allocate about 3-4 minutes per short answer question. If a question asks for multiple points, number them clearly. Avoid writing excessively long answers as this wastes time that could be spent on higher-value questions. The short answer questions in this worksheet cover periodisation, colonial records, sources of history, and the chapter's critical perspectives on how history is written and interpreted by different groups.
  • Q1. What is periodisation? Why do historians divide history into different periods?
  • Q2. Why are official records important for studying modern Indian history?
  • Q3. What problem did James Mill's periodisation of Indian history have?
  • Q4. Mention any three types of sources used to study modern Indian history.
  • Q5. What does the chapter mean by 'how, when, and where' of history?

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (3 Questions, 5 marks each)

Long answer questions and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions require detailed, well-structured responses that demonstrate deep understanding and analytical ability. Each answer should be approximately 100-150 words, organized into clear paragraphs with an introduction, body, and conclusion where appropriate. CBSE allocates 5 marks for such questions in Class 8 Social Science examinations, expecting students to show comprehensive knowledge, ability to explain concepts thoroughly, and critical thinking skills. When approaching long answer questions, spend a minute planning your response—jot down key points you want to cover before writing your full answer. Use appropriate historical vocabulary from the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook and provide specific examples to support your arguments. HOTS questions ask you to analyse, evaluate, or apply concepts rather than simply recall information. They might ask 'why' or 'how' something happened, or request you to compare different viewpoints. These questions test your ability to think critically about historical processes and develop reasoned arguments. Allocate 8-10 minutes per long answer question during timed practice. Quality matters more than quantity—a well-organised, precise answer is better than a lengthy, rambling response.
  • Q1. Explain how the British system of record-keeping changed after 1857. What types of records did they maintain?
  • Q2. Discuss the different types of sources available for studying modern Indian history. How do these sources help historians?
  • Q3. Critically analyse James Mill's periodisation of Indian history. What alternative ways of dividing Indian history could be more appropriate?

Section F: Case Study Question with Sub-questions

Case study questions present a paragraph or passage containing historical information, followed by multiple sub-questions that test comprehension, analysis, and application skills. This format has become increasingly common in CBSE examinations as it assesses how well students can extract information from source material and apply their conceptual knowledge. Read the passage carefully, underline key information, and then attempt each sub-question systematically. Case studies often include excerpts from historical documents, descriptions of events, or explanations of concepts. The sub-questions may ask you to identify information stated in the passage, explain terms used, or analyse the significance of what is described. This format mirrors how historians actually work—examining source material and drawing conclusions from it. When attempting case study questions, refer back to the passage for each sub-question rather than relying solely on memory. Your answers should connect information from the passage with concepts learned from the NCERT Chapter 1. This integrated approach demonstrates higher-order thinking skills. Case studies typically carry 4-6 marks in total, distributed across 3-4 sub-questions. They are excellent preparation for the analytical thinking required in higher classes and competitive examinations.

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

This comprehensive answer key provides correct answers for every question in the worksheet, along with brief explanations to aid understanding. Students should attempt all sections before checking answers to ensure genuine self-assessment. When reviewing your answers, do not just mark them right or wrong—read the explanations to understand why an answer is correct and to learn additional context. If you made mistakes, revisit the relevant portions of NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 to strengthen your understanding. Teachers can use this answer key to quickly evaluate student performance and identify common areas of confusion that need additional classroom attention. Parents will find the explanations helpful when guiding children through homework and revision. The answer key follows the same section sequence as the worksheet for easy navigation. For subjective questions, the answers provided are model responses—your answers may vary in wording but should contain the same key points and concepts. Regular practice with such worksheets, combined with careful review of answers, significantly improves performance in CBSE Social Science examinations and builds a strong foundation for higher-level historical thinking in Classes 9 and 10.
  • Section A Answers: 1(a), 2(c), 3(d), 4(b), 5(b), 6(c) with explanations for each
  • Section B Answers: 1-1817, 2-periodisation, 3-archives, 4-colonial, 5-primary
  • Section C Answers: Correct matching pairs with rationale
  • Section D Answers: Model responses of 30-50 words for each question
  • Section E Answers: Detailed 100-150 word responses demonstrating analysis
  • Section F Answers: Case study sub-question responses with mark allocation

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty level and time allocation for this Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 worksheet?+
This worksheet has a Moderate difficulty level, suitable for average to above-average CBSE Class 8 students. The suggested time allocation is 60 minutes for attempting all sections, with an additional 15 minutes recommended for reviewing answers. This timing helps students practice for actual examination conditions.
How many marks is CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 'How, When and Where' typically worth in exams?+
Chapter 1 typically contributes 4-6 marks in term examinations as an introductory chapter. Questions may appear as MCQs worth 1 mark each, short answers worth 2-3 marks, or occasionally as part of a 5-mark long answer question. The concepts from this chapter also provide foundation for understanding subsequent history chapters.
What are the most important topics in How, When and Where for CBSE Class 8 exams?+
The most important topics include periodisation of Indian history, James Mill's classification and its problems, types of colonial records maintained by the British, and sources for studying modern Indian history. Understanding why the British emphasized record-keeping and how historians use different sources to reconstruct the past are also frequently tested concepts.
Where can I find NCERT solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1?+
NCERT solutions are available in the official NCERT textbook at the end of each chapter. Additionally, CBSETUTOR.ai provides detailed step-by-step solutions for all NCERT questions with explanations. You can photograph any question and receive personalised guidance through the AI tutor, available 24×7 at just ₹999 per month for all subjects.
How should students prepare for case study questions in Class 8 Social Science?+
To prepare for case study questions, practice reading historical passages carefully and extracting key information. Underline important dates, names, and concepts. Then attempt sub-questions by connecting passage information with your chapter knowledge. Regular practice with diverse case studies improves comprehension speed and analytical thinking required for CBSE examinations.
What is periodisation and why is it important for Class 8 students to understand?+
Periodisation is the process of dividing history into distinct time periods like Ancient, Medieval, and Modern based on significant political, economic, or social changes. It is important because it helps students organise historical events chronologically, identify patterns of change, and understand that how we divide history affects how we interpret and understand the past.
Why did James Mill's periodisation of Indian history face criticism?+
James Mill divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British periods based on the religion of rulers. This faced criticism because it oversimplified Indian history, ignored economic and social developments, imposed a religious framework, reflected British colonial bias, and overlooked regional diversity and continuities across these artificially created periods.
What types of colonial records are important sources for studying modern Indian history?+
Important colonial records include official correspondence and administrative reports, revenue and land settlement records, census data and surveys, proceedings of legislative councils, investigation commission reports, maps and topographical surveys, and documentation of flora, fauna, and local customs. These records, preserved in archives, provide detailed information about British colonial administration.
How can parents help their Class 8 child prepare for Social Science using this worksheet?+
Parents can create a timed test environment at home, allowing 60 minutes for worksheet completion without textbook reference. After completion, review answers together using the detailed answer key, discussing any mistakes. Encourage children to explain concepts in their own words. For areas of difficulty, consider using CBSETUTOR.ai's AI tutor for additional clarification and practice questions.
Are worksheets with answers helpful for CBSE Class 8 Social Science exam preparation?+
Yes, worksheets with detailed answers are extremely helpful. They provide structured practice covering all question formats that appear in CBSE exams—MCQs, fill-ups, short answers, and long answers. The answer key with explanations helps students self-assess, understand marking expectations, and identify knowledge gaps. Regular worksheet practice improves time management and builds exam confidence significantly.

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