Class 6 Social Science Chapter 3 Landforms and Life Practice Paper 1

Class: VI Subject: Social Science Session: 2025-26 Chapter: 03 - Landforms and Life Time: 1½ Hours Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains 20 questions divided into five sections A, B, C, D and E.

3. Section A contains 10 MCQs of 1 mark each.

4. Section B contains 4 questions of 2 marks each.

5. Section C contains 3 questions of 3 marks each.

6. Section D contains 1 question of 5 marks.

7. Section E contains 2 Case Study Based questions of 4 marks each.

SECTION A - Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. What are the three major landforms on Earth?
(a) Mountains, valleys, and deserts
(b) Mountains, plateaus, and plains
(c) Hills, plains, and rivers
(d) Plateaus, deserts, and oceans

Q2. Which of the following is characteristic of mountains?
(a) Flat surface with gentle slopes
(b) Broad base, steep slopes, and narrow summit
(c) Elevated flat-topped landform
(d) Low-lying fertile land

Q3. Mount Everest is located between which two countries?
(a) India and Nepal
(b) Tibet (China) and Nepal
(c) India and Tibet
(d) Nepal and Bhutan

Q4. Which plateau is known as the "Roof of the World"?
(a) Deccan Plateau
(b) Tibetan Plateau
(c) East African Plateau
(d) Chhota Nagpur Plateau

Q5. What is the average altitude of the Tibetan Plateau?
(a) 2,500 m
(b) 3,500 m
(c) 4,500 m
(d) 5,500 m

Q6. Which type of soil is found in lava plateaus?
(a) Sandy soil
(b) Red soil
(c) Rich black soil
(d) Laterite soil

Q7. What is terrace farming?
(a) Farming on flat plains
(b) Farming by cutting steps into mountain slopes
(c) Farming in desert areas
(d) Farming near rivers

Q8. Which river plain supports more than one-fourth of India's total population?
(a) Indus plain
(b) Brahmaputra plain
(c) Ganga plain
(d) Godavari plain

Q9. What is precipitation in solid form at high altitudes called?
(a) Rain
(b) Hail
(c) Snow
(d) Fog

Q10. Which of the following is NOT a desert mentioned in the chapter?
(a) Sahara Desert
(b) Thar Desert
(c) Gobi Desert
(d) Kalahari Desert

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. Differentiate between mountains and hills.

Q12. What is the significance of sediments deposited by rivers in plains?

Q13. Why are plateaus called "storehouses of minerals"? Give two examples.

Q14. What is the meeting point of two or more rivers called? Give one example from India.

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. Explain the formation of floodplains and their importance for agriculture.

Q16. Describe three challenges faced by people living in mountainous regions.

Q17. What is montane forest? Describe the vegetation found in mountain environments.

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Discuss the major economic activities in plains and explain why plains support such a large population. Include examples from the Ganga plain in your answer.

SECTION E - Case Study Based Questions (4 marks each)

Q19. Read the following passage and answer the questions: "Mountains are landforms that are much higher than the surrounding landscape. They can be recognised by a broad base, steep slopes and a narrow summit. Depending on their height, some mountains are covered with snow. At lower altitudes, the snow melts every summer and turns into water that feeds rivers. At high altitudes, the snow may never melt, leaving the mountain permanently snow-capped."
(a) What are the characteristic features of mountains? (1 mark)
(b) How do mountains contribute to river formation? (1 mark)
(c) What happens to snow at high altitudes? (1 mark)
(d) Name one permanently snow-capped mountain in India. (1 mark)

Q20. Read the following passage and answer the questions: "The Deccan Plateau of central and south India is one of the oldest plateaus in the world, formed through volcanic activity millions of years ago. Like mountains, plateaus are rich in mineral deposits. The Chhota Nagpur Plateau has huge reserves of iron, coal and manganese."
(a) How was the Deccan Plateau formed? (1 mark)
(b) Why are plateaus important for mining activities? (1 mark)
(c) Name three minerals found in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau. (1 mark)
(d) What type of soil is generally found on lava plateaus? (1 mark) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 01

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(b) Mountains, plateaus, and plains Explanation: The Earth's landforms can be broadly divided into three main categories - mountains, plateaus, and plains. Each has distinct physical characteristics and supports different types of life and human activities. Ans 2.
(b) Broad base, steep slopes, and narrow summit Explanation: Mountains are characterized by three main features: a broad base at the bottom, steep slopes that make climbing difficult, and a narrow summit or peak at the top. Ans 3.
(b) Tibet (China) and Nepal Explanation: Mount Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,849 meters, is located on the border between Tibet (which is part of China) and Nepal in the Himalayan range.

Ans 4.
(b) Tibetan Plateau Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau is nicknamed the "Roof of the World" because it has an average altitude of 4,500 meters, making it the highest and largest plateau in the world. Ans 5.
(c) 4,500 m Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau has an average altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, which is why it is called the "Roof of the World." It stretches nearly 2,500 km from east to west. Ans 6.
(c) Rich black soil Explanation: Lava plateaus, which are formed through volcanic activity, often have rich black soil. This makes them more fertile than other plateaus and suitable for agriculture. The Deccan Plateau is an example.

Ans 7.
(b) Farming by cutting steps into mountain slopes Explanation: Terrace farming is a method used in mountainous regions where steps are cut into the steep slopes to create flat areas for cultivation. This prevents soil erosion and allows farming on otherwise difficult terrain. Ans 8.
(c) Ganga plain Explanation: The Ganga plain (or Gangetic plain) supports about 40 crore people, which is more than one-fourth of India's total population. The fertile soil makes it ideal for agriculture and human settlement.

Ans 9.
(c) Snow Explanation: At higher altitudes, when it is cold enough, water precipitates in solid form as snow. Snow covers the landscape in a white blanket and can be permanent at very high altitudes. Ans 10.
(d) Kalahari Desert Explanation: The chapter mentions the Sahara Desert (hot desert in Africa), Thar Desert (hot desert in India), and Gobi Desert (cold desert in Asia). The Kalahari Desert is not mentioned in the chapter.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. Difference between mountains and hills: Mountains: • Landforms that are much higher than the surrounding landscape • Have steep slopes and narrow summit • May be covered with snow at higher altitudes Hills: • Highlands with lower height compared to mountains • Have less steep slopes and rounded tops • Generally not covered with snow Ans 12. Significance of sediments in plains: Rivers originating in mountain ranges collect particles of rock, sand and silt called sediments. When these sediments are deposited in the plains, they make the soil very fertile. This fertility makes plains ideal for growing crops of all kinds, supporting agriculture and large populations.

Ans 13. Plateaus as "storehouses of minerals": Plateaus are rich in mineral deposits, which is why they are called "storehouses of minerals." Mining is a major activity on plateaus where many of the world's largest mines are found. Examples:

1. The East African Plateau is famous for gold and diamond mining

2. The Chhota Nagpur Plateau in India has huge reserves of iron, coal and manganese Ans 14. Meeting point of rivers: The meeting point of two or more rivers is called a confluence . In India, many confluences are considered sacred by communities. Example: Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is a famous confluence where the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. This confluence is called "Triveni Sangam" and is considered highly sacred.

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. Formation and importance of floodplains: Formation: • Rivers originating in mountain ranges collect particles of rock, sand and silt called sediments • These sediments are carried all the way to the plains • The rivers deposit these sediments in the plains, forming floodplains • Over time, layers of sediments accumulate, creating extensive flat areas Importance for Agriculture: • The deposited sediments make the soil very fertile • Fertile soil is ideal for growing all kinds of crops • Agriculture becomes a major economic occupation • Food crops like rice, wheat, maize, barley and millets can be grown • Fibre crops like cotton, jute and hemp also thrive • Supports large populations due to abundant food production Ans 16. Three challenges faced by people in mountainous regions:

1. Natural Hazards: • Landslides - sudden collapse of earth or rock from mountainsides • Avalanches - sudden fall of snow, ice or rocks, especially when snow melts • Flash floods and cloudbursts causing sudden violent rainstorms • Heavy snowfall blocking roads and access

2. Agricultural Challenges: • Rugged terrain with steep slopes makes regular farming difficult • Cultivation only possible in valleys or through terrace farming • Limited flat land available for agriculture • Harsh weather conditions affect crop growth

3. Climate and Accessibility: • Cold weather making daily life difficult • Difficulty in transportation and communication • Limited access to facilities and services • Problems caused by uncontrolled tourism putting pressure on fragile mountain environment Ans 17. Montane forest and mountain vegetation: Montane Forest: Montane forest is a type of forest that grows in mountainous regions. Mountain slopes are often covered with this type of forest. Vegetation in Mountain Environments: Lower and Middle Altitudes:

• Conifer trees such as pines, firs, spruce and deodar are common • These trees grow tall and cone-shaped • They have thin, pointed leaves (needles) • Form dense forests on mountain slopes Higher Altitudes: • Trees give way to grasses as altitude increases • Mosses - small green plants without flowers or true roots, spreading in cushion-like cover • Lichen - plant-like organisms that cling to rocks, walls or trees • Vegetation becomes sparse near snow line

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. Economic activities in plains and population support: Major Economic Activities in Plains:

1. Agriculture: • Major economic occupation due to fertile soil from river sediments • Food crops: rice, wheat, maize, barley, millets • Fibre crops: cotton, jute, hemp • Both rainfed and irrigated farming practiced • Modern agriculture uses canal irrigation and groundwater pumping

2. River Fishing: • Important occupation along river plains • Provides food and livelihood to many communities • Commercial fishing also contributes to economy

3. River Navigation and Trade: • Gentle slopes make river navigation easy • Supports transportation of goods and people • Historically used for trade and travel • Still used in many areas (like parts of Ganga) for local transport

4. Industries and Manufacturing: • Agricultural products support food processing industries • Textile industries using cotton and jute • Various manufacturing activities Why Plains Support Large Populations:

1. Fertile Soil and Food Security: • River sediments create highly fertile soil • Enables abundant crop production • Ensures food security for large populations • Can support multiple cropping seasons

2. Flat Terrain: • Easy to build settlements, roads, and infrastructure • Suitable for agriculture without special techniques • Better connectivity and accessibility

3. Water Availability: • Rivers provide continuous water supply • Essential for drinking, agriculture, and industries • Supports both domestic and economic needs

4. Favorable Climate: • Generally moderate climate compared to mountains • Suitable for human habitation year-round • Supports diverse flora and fauna Example - Ganga Plain: • About 40 crore people live in Ganga plain (more than 1/4th of India's population) • Formed by sediments from Ganga and its tributaries (Yamuna, Ghagara, Son, etc.) • Highly fertile soil supports intensive agriculture • Both traditional rainfed and modern irrigated agriculture practiced • Grows rice, wheat, sugarcane, and various other crops • Rivers used for fishing, transportation, and cultural activities • Major cities and towns developed along the plain • However, faces challenges like groundwater depletion, high population pressure, and pollution

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19. Answers based on the passage about mountains:
(a) Characteristic features of mountains (1 mark): Mountains have three characteristic features: • Broad base at the bottom • Steep slopes • Narrow summit (peak) at the top
(b) How mountains contribute to river formation (1 mark): At lower altitudes on mountains, snow melts every summer and turns into water. This water feeds rivers that flow down from the mountains to the plains.
(c) What happens to snow at high altitudes (1 mark): At high altitudes, the snow may never melt, leaving the mountain permanently snow-capped throughout the year.

(d) One permanently snow-capped mountain in India (1 mark): Mount Kanchenjunga (or Mount Everest, though it's on the border) - Any Himalayan peak above snow line can be mentioned. Ans 20. Answers based on the passage about Deccan Plateau:
(a) How was the Deccan Plateau formed (1 mark): The Deccan Plateau was formed through volcanic activity millions of years ago. It is one of the oldest plateaus in the world.
(b) Why plateaus are important for mining activities (1 mark): Plateaus are rich in mineral deposits, which is why they are called "storehouses of minerals." Many of the world's largest mines are found on plateaus, making mining a major economic activity.

(c) Three minerals found in Chhota Nagpur Plateau (1 mark): The three minerals are:

1. Iron

2. Coal

3. Manganese
(d) Type of soil found on lava plateaus (1 mark): Rich black soil is found on lava plateaus. This soil is more fertile than the rocky soil found on other types of plateaus.