Class 6 Social Science Chapter 3 Landforms and Life Practice Paper 4

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. Which mountain is the highest peak of the Alps in Western Europe?
(a) Mount Everest
(b) Mont Blanc
(c) Mount Kilimanjaro
(d) Mount Aconcagua

Q2. What is a landslide?
(a) A sudden fall of snow from mountains
(b) The sudden collapse of earth or rock from a mountainside
(c) Heavy rainfall in mountains
(d) A type of farming technique

Q3. Which plateau is famous for spectacular waterfalls like Victoria Falls?
(a) Tibetan Plateau
(b) Deccan Plateau
(c) East African Plateau
(d) Chhota Nagpur Plateau

Q4. What type of agriculture depends only on rainfall for watering crops?
(a) Irrigated agriculture
(b) Terrace agriculture
(c) Rainfed agriculture
(d) Organic agriculture

Q5. Which river emerges from the Himalayas and is mentioned in Kālidāsa's poetry?
(a) Yamuna
(b) Ganga
(c) Brahmaputra
(d) Godavari

Q6. What is a flash flood?
(a) A seasonal flood in plains
(b) A sudden local flood, often caused by cloudburst
(c) Flooding of agricultural fields
(d) River water rising slowly

Q7. Which of the following is NOT a fibre crop grown in the Ganga plain?
(a) Cotton
(b) Jute
(c) Hemp
(d) Barley

Q8. In which state is Mount Anamudi located?
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Kerala
(c) Karnataka
(d) Andhra Pradesh

Q9. What is the primary reason plateaus are called 'storehouses of minerals'?
(a) They have fertile soil
(b) They are rich in mineral deposits
(c) They receive heavy rainfall
(d) They have many waterfalls

Q10. Which ancient poet wrote verses celebrating the Himalayas in Kumārasambhava?
(a) Tulsidas
(b) Kālidāsa
(c) Valmiki
(d) Vyasa

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. What are sediments? How do they make plains fertile?

Q12. Name three minerals found in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau. Why is mining important there?

Q13. What is the cultural significance of rivers in India? Give two examples.

Q14. Explain why Antarctica can be considered a desert according to some experts.

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. How has human adaptability enabled life in different landforms? Explain with examples from mountains, plateaus, and plains.

Q16. Describe the journey from Chhota Nagpur to Prayagraj and Almora. What landforms would you encounter?

Q17. Why is river navigation important in plains? How has this changed from historical times to the present?

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Write a comprehensive essay on plateaus covering the following points: • Physical characteristics and examples from around the world • How they are formed (young vs old plateaus) • Types of soil and their impact on agriculture • Mineral wealth and economic importance • Waterfalls and their significance • Challenges and opportunities for people living on plateaus

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

Q19. Read the following passage and answer the questions: "Arunima Sinha lost a leg in an accident when she was 22. With Bachendri Pal's encouragement and training, she managed to climb Mount Everest in 2013, and went on to climb the highest peak of every continent, including Mount Vinson in Antarctica! She was awarded Padma Shri in 2015."
(a) What challenge did Arunima Sinha face? (1 mark)
(b) Who encouraged and trained her? (1 mark)
(c) Name two mountains she climbed. (1 mark)
(d) What does her achievement teach us about human resilience? (1 mark)

Q20. Study the information about mountain ranges and answer the questions: "Most of the world's mountains are grouped in mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America. Some of these ranges stretch for thousands of kilometres. Mountains with tall and sharp peaks, like the Himalayas, are relatively 'young'. Shorter and more rounded mountains, like the Aravalli Range, are much older and have been rounded by erosion."
(a) Name three major mountain ranges of the world. (1 mark)
(b) What is the difference between young and old mountains? (1 mark)
(c) Give one example each of young and old mountains. (1 mark)
(d) What process makes old mountains rounded? (1 mark) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 04

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(b) Mont Blanc Explanation: Mont Blanc in Western Europe is the highest mountain of the Alps. The Alps are a major mountain range stretching across several European countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. Ans 2.
(b) The sudden collapse of earth or rock from a mountainside Explanation: A landslide is the sudden collapse of a mass of earth or rock from a mountainside. Landslides are common in mountainous regions, especially during heavy rains or earthquakes, and can cause significant damage to life and property.

Ans 3.
(c) East African Plateau Explanation: The East African Plateau is home to spectacular waterfalls like the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in southern Africa. It is also famous for gold and diamond mining. Ans 4.
(c) Rainfed agriculture Explanation: Rainfed agriculture is traditional agriculture that depends only on rainfall for watering crops. No artificial irrigation through canals or groundwater pumping is used. This was the predominant form of agriculture in the Ganga plains historically.

Ans 5.
(b) Ganga Explanation: The Ganga river emerges from the Himalayas and is mentioned in Kālidāsa's poetry Kumārasambhava. The verses describe "wind comes down, carrying spray from descending Gangā, shaking the deodar trees." Ans 6.
(b) A sudden local flood, often caused by cloudburst Explanation: A flash flood is a sudden local flood that occurs rapidly. It is often caused by a cloudburst (sudden violent rainstorm) in mountainous regions and can be extremely dangerous. Ans 7.
(d) Barley Explanation: Barley is a food crop (grain), not a fibre crop. The fibre crops grown in the Ganga plain include cotton, jute, and hemp, which are used to make textiles and other products.

Ans 8.
(b) Kerala Explanation: Mount Anamudi (also known as Anai Peak) is located in Kerala. It is the highest mountain in south India and is part of the Western Ghats mountain range. Ans 9.
(b) They are rich in mineral deposits Explanation: Plateaus are called 'storehouses of minerals' because they are rich in mineral deposits. Mining is a major activity on plateaus where many of the world's largest mines are found, extracting minerals like iron, coal, gold, diamonds, and manganese. Ans 10.
(b) Kālidāsa Explanation: Kālidāsa, who lived at least 1,500 years ago and is considered the greatest poet of ancient India, wrote beautiful verses celebrating the Himalayas in his poem Kumārasambhava. The poem begins with an invocation to the Himalayas.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. Sediments and soil fertility: Sediments: Sediments are particles of rock, sand, and silt that rivers collect as they flow from mountains. These are small particles eroded from rocks and carried by flowing water. How they make plains fertile: • Rivers originating in mountains collect these sediments • Sediments are transported all the way to the plains • When rivers reach plains, they deposit these sediments • Sediments are rich in minerals and nutrients • Over time, layers of sediments accumulate, creating fertile soil • This makes the soil ideal for growing all kinds of crops • Supports abundant agricultural production Ans 12. Minerals in Chhota Nagpur Plateau:

Three minerals found in Chhota Nagpur Plateau:

1. Iron

2. Coal

3. Manganese Importance of mining: • Huge reserves of minerals make mining a major economic activity • Provides employment to thousands of people • These minerals are essential for industries (steel production, energy generation) • Contributes significantly to India's economy and industrial development Ans 13. Cultural significance of rivers: Cultural Significance: • Rivers have carried immense cultural value in India for thousands of years • Many communities consider river sources and confluences to be sacred • Numerous festivals, ceremonies and rituals conducted at these locations • Rivers are worshipped as goddesses (like Ganga Mata) • Important for religious bathing and purification ceremonies • Integral part of Indian mythology and literature Two Examples:

1. Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj: The confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati is considered highly sacred. Major festivals like Kumbh Mela are held here, attracting millions of pilgrims.

2. Gangotri: The source of the Ganga in the Himalayas is considered sacred and is an important pilgrimage site. The Ganga river itself is worshipped as a goddess throughout India. Ans 14. Antarctica as a desert: Some experts describe the Antarctica continent as a desert because: • Deserts are defined as large dry expanses with very little precipitation • Antarctica receives very little precipitation (snowfall) • Most of Antarctica is extremely dry despite being covered in ice • The ice exists because of extremely cold temperatures, not heavy snowfall • Interior regions of Antarctica are among the driest places on Earth • This makes it a "cold desert" similar to the Gobi Desert • The key criterion is low precipitation, not temperature or ice cover

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. Human adaptability to different landforms: Human adaptability and resilience have enabled people to make their home in all types of landforms despite various challenges. Here are examples:

1. Mountains: Challenges: Steep slopes, rugged terrain, cold climate, natural hazards, limited agricultural land Human Adaptations: • Developed terrace farming - cutting steps into slopes for cultivation • Shifted to herding as major occupation where farming is difficult • Built sturdy houses adapted to cold and snow • Developed unique cultures and traditions suited to mountain life • Created transportation systems using mules, yaks in high altitudes • Turned challenges into opportunities through tourism • Example: Communities in Himalayas, Alps, Andes have thrived for millennia

2. Plateaus: Challenges: Often rocky soil, limited water, irregular topography Human Adaptations: • Focused on mining as major economic activity where mineral deposits exist • On lava plateaus with black soil, developed successful agriculture • Adapted farming techniques to local soil and water conditions • Utilized waterfalls for hydroelectric power generation • Example: Communities in Deccan Plateau, Chhota Nagpur have built prosperous societies

3. Plains: Challenges: Flooding, high population pressure, resource depletion Human Adaptations: • Developed extensive agriculture taking advantage of fertile soil • Built complex irrigation systems (canals, wells) • Used rivers for transportation and trade • Established large cities and civilization centers • Created flood management systems • Example: Ganga plains support 40 crore people successfully Conclusion: Human beings have shown remarkable ability to adapt to every environment on Earth. Whether in harsh mountain climates, mineral-rich but agriculturally challenging plateaus, or fertile but flood-prone plains, humans have found ways not just to survive but to thrive. This adaptability is a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and determination.

Ans 16. Journey through three landforms: If you travel by road from Chhota Nagpur in Jharkhand to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh and then to Almora in Uttarakhand, you will encounter three major landforms:

1. Starting Point - Chhota Nagpur (Jharkhand): Landform: PLATEAU • Chhota Nagpur is a plateau region • Elevated land with relatively flat top but irregular terrain • Rocky soil in many areas • Famous for mineral deposits (iron, coal, manganese) • Landscape: Rolling hills, forests, mining areas • You would see mines, mineral processing facilities • Some waterfalls like Hundru Falls on rivers

2. Mid Journey - Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh): Landform: PLAIN • As you travel northwest, plateau gives way to plains • Enter the Ganga plain - extensive flat landscape • Very fertile soil deposited by rivers • Landscape changes dramatically to flat agricultural land • You would see: Vast agricultural fields, Rivers (Ganga, Yamuna confluence at Prayagraj), Villages and towns densely populated, Canal irrigation systems • Easy, flat terrain after the rugged plateau

3. Final Destination - Almora (Uttarakhand): Landform: MOUNTAINS • From plains, you begin ascending into Himalayan foothills • Landscape transforms to mountainous terrain • Almora is situated in the Kumaon Himalayas • You would see: Steep slopes and winding roads, Mountain peaks (some snow-capped), Deep valleys with rivers, Pine and deodar forests (montane forests), Terrace farming on slopes, Cooler climate as altitude increases • Dramatic scenery with mountains all around Summary: This journey showcases India's diverse geography - from the mineral-rich Chhota Nagpur Plateau through the fertile Ganga plains to the majestic Himalayas. Each region has distinct landscape, climate, vegetation, and human activities, demonstrating the variety of landforms in India.

Ans 17. River navigation in plains: Importance of River Navigation in Plains: Why Rivers are Suitable for Navigation in Plains: • Plains have gentle slopes, so rivers flow slowly and steadily • Rivers in plains are generally wider and deeper • Less turbulent water compared to mountain rivers • Easier and safer for boats and ships to navigate Economic Importance: • Rivers support transportation of goods and people • Cheaper mode of transport compared to roads for heavy goods • Connects different regions along the river • Facilitates trade and commerce • Supports fishing industry and river-based tourism Historical Times:

• Rivers were the primary highways for travel and trade • People extensively used rivers to move from one place to another • Major cities and trading centers developed along rivers • Boats were common mode of transport for both people and goods • Rivers like Ganga were vital trade routes • Cultural and religious travel also depended on river routes • Entire communities (like boatmen) specialized in river transport Present Times: Changes: • Roads and railways have largely replaced river transport • Faster land transport preferred for most purposes • Many river routes no longer used extensively • Some rivers face pollution and reduced water flow Continued Use:

• Still used in some areas like parts of Ganga for local transport • Important for fishing communities • Used for tourism (boat rides, river cruises) • Some cargo still transported via rivers • Government initiatives to revive river transport (like National Waterways) • Example: People still prefer boats in certain stretches of Ganga for daily commute Future Potential: • Being reconsidered as eco-friendly transport option • Can reduce road congestion and pollution • Government developing inland waterways projects

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. Comprehensive essay on plateaus: INTRODUCTION: A plateau is a landform that rises up from the surrounding land and has a more or less flat surface on top. Some of its sides are often steep slopes. Plateaus are one of the three major landforms on Earth, along with mountains and plains. They play an important role in Earth's geography and human civilization. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: • Elevated landform rising above surrounding areas • Relatively flat or gently undulating top surface • Steep slopes on at least one or more sides • Can be called "table lands" due to flat-topped appearance • Height varies from few hundred metres to several thousand metres • Can cover vast areas, spanning hundreds or thousands of square kilometers EXAMPLES FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

1. Tibetan Plateau (Asia): • Largest and highest plateau in the world • Average altitude of 4,500 m • Nicknamed "Roof of the World" • Stretches nearly 2,500 km from east to west

2. Deccan Plateau (India): • Located in central and south India • One of the oldest plateaus in the world • Formed through volcanic activity • Rich black soil in many areas

3. East African Plateau (Africa): • Famous for gold and diamond mining • Home to spectacular waterfalls like Victoria Falls • Important for wildlife (safaris)

4. Chhota Nagpur Plateau (India): • Located in eastern India (mainly Jharkhand) • Rich in minerals: iron, coal, manganese • Important industrial region

5. Western Ghats (India): • Plateau region along western coast of India • Home to waterfalls like Jog Falls FORMATION - YOUNG VS OLD PLATEAUS: Like mountains, plateaus can be young or old in terms of Earth's history: Young Plateaus: • Formed relatively recently in geological time (still millions of years ago) • Result of tectonic uplift or volcanic activity • May still be rising in height • Example: Tibetan Plateau - still being uplifted by collision of Indian and Eurasian plates Old Plateaus: • Formed much earlier in Earth's history • Have been worn down by erosion over time • More stable and settled • Example: Deccan Plateau - one of oldest plateaus, formed by ancient volcanic activity Volcanic Plateaus:

• Special category formed by lava flows • Lava from volcanic eruptions spread over large areas • Cooled and solidified to form plateau • Deccan Plateau is a classic example • Such plateaus often have unique soil characteristics TYPES OF SOIL AND IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE: Rocky Soil (Most Plateaus): • Many plateaus have rocky, less fertile soil • Result of geological formation and erosion • Less favorable for agriculture • Limited crop cultivation possible • Makes these plateaus less suitable for farming compared to plains Black Soil (Lava Plateaus):

• Plateaus formed through volcanic activity have special advantage • Rich black soil (also called regur or black cotton soil) • Formed from weathering of volcanic rocks • Very fertile and good for agriculture • Retains moisture well • Ideal for growing cotton, sugarcane, and other crops • Example: Deccan Plateau's black soil supports extensive agriculture in Maharashtra, Karnataka Agricultural Impact: • Lava plateaus: Successful agriculture, prosperous farming communities • Rocky plateaus: Limited agriculture, people focus on other occupations like mining, herding MINERAL WEALTH AND ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE:

Why Called "Storehouses of Minerals": • Plateaus are remarkably rich in mineral deposits • Geological processes during formation concentrated minerals • Ancient rocks exposed on plateau surfaces contain valuable minerals • Many of world's largest mines located on plateaus Mining as Major Economic Activity: • Mining is primary occupation on many plateaus • Large-scale extraction of various minerals • Supports industries and economic development Examples of Minerals and Locations:

1. East African Plateau: • Gold and diamond mining • Major contributor to African economy

2. Chhota Nagpur Plateau (India): • Iron ore - for steel industry • Coal - for energy production • Manganese - for various industries • Supports India's industrial development

3. Deccan Plateau: • Various mineral deposits • Important for Indian economy Economic Significance: • Provides raw materials for industries • Creates employment opportunities • Contributes to national economy • Supports manufacturing and infrastructure development WATERFALLS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE: Why Plateaus Have Spectacular Waterfalls: • Rivers flowing on plateau surface suddenly drop at edges • Steep escarpments (cliffs) create dramatic falls • Height of plateau determines waterfall height Examples of Famous Waterfalls:

1. Victoria Falls (East African Plateau): • On Zambezi River in southern Africa • One of largest and most spectacular waterfalls • Major tourist attraction

2. Hundru Falls (Chhota Nagpur Plateau): • On Subarnarekha River, Jharkhand • Popular tourist destination • Cultural and recreational significance

3. Jog Falls (Western Ghats): • On Sharavati River, Karnataka • One of highest waterfalls in India • Beautiful natural wonder

4. Nohkalikai Falls (Cherrapunji Plateau): • Drops 340 metres, Meghalaya • Tallest plunge waterfall in India Significance of Waterfalls: • Tourism - attract visitors, generate income • Hydroelectric power - can be harnessed for electricity • Ecological importance - support unique ecosystems • Cultural and aesthetic value - natural beauty, inspiration • Recreation - trekking, photography destinations CHALLENGES FOR PEOPLE LIVING ON PLATEAUS:

1. Agricultural Limitations: • Rocky soil in many areas limits farming • Less fertile than plains • Irregular topography makes mechanized farming difficult

2. Water Scarcity: • Some plateaus face water shortage • Limited groundwater in rocky terrain • Dependence on seasonal rainfall

3. Accessibility: • Steep escarpments make access difficult • Transportation challenges • Remote areas may lack infrastructure

4. Environmental Degradation from Mining: • Mining activities can damage environment • Deforestation for mines • Pollution of water and air • Loss of biodiversity OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE LIVING ON PLATEAUS:

1. Mining and Employment: • Rich mineral resources provide jobs • Mining industry supports economy • Related industries develop (processing, transportation)

2. Agriculture on Lava Plateaus: • Black soil plateaus excellent for farming • Can support prosperous agricultural communities • Cash crops like cotton generate good income

3. Tourism: • Waterfalls attract tourists • Natural beauty and scenic landscapes • Cultural heritage sites on some plateaus • Generates employment and income

4. Hydroelectric Power: • Waterfalls and rivers can generate electricity • Height advantage useful for power generation • Supports development

5. Climate: • Some plateaus have pleasant moderate climate • Can be cooler than surrounding plains • Suitable for hill stations and retreats CONCLUSION: Plateaus are fascinating and important landforms that contribute significantly to human civilization. While they present certain challenges like limited agriculture on rocky soil, they offer tremendous opportunities through their mineral wealth, waterfalls, and in some cases (lava plateaus), excellent agricultural potential. The mineral resources of plateaus have been crucial for industrial development worldwide. From the "Roof of the World" (Tibetan Plateau) to the ancient volcanic Deccan Plateau, these elevated landforms showcase Earth's geological diversity and support millions of people who have adapted their lives to this unique environment.

Understanding plateaus helps us appreciate the complex relationship between landforms and human society.

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19. Answers based on passage about Arunima Sinha:
(a) Challenge faced by Arunima Sinha (1 mark): Arunima Sinha lost a leg in an accident when she was 22 years old. This was a severe disability that could have prevented her from leading an active life, especially climbing mountains.
(b) Who encouraged and trained her (1 mark): Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest, encouraged and trained Arunima Sinha for mountaineering despite her disability.
(c) Two mountains she climbed (1 mark):

1. Mount Everest (in 2013)

2. Mount Vinson (in Antarctica) (She actually climbed the highest peak of every continent)
(d) What her achievement teaches about resilience (1 mark): Arunima Sinha's achievement teaches us that: • Human resilience can overcome any physical limitation or disability • Determination and willpower are more important than physical ability • Challenges and setbacks can be transformed into motivation • With proper support and training, seemingly impossible goals can be achieved • Disabilities need not define or limit a person's potential • The human spirit is capable of extraordinary achievements • She became an inspiration showing that resilience - the capacity to meet challenges and overcome them - is within everyone's reach Ans 20. Answers based on passage about mountain ranges:

(a) Three major mountain ranges (1 mark):

1. The Himalayas (in Asia)

2. The Alps (in Europe)

3. The Andes (in South America)
(b) Difference between young and old mountains (1 mark): Young Mountains: Have tall and sharp peaks, formed relatively recently in Earth's history (though still millions of years ago) Old Mountains: Have shorter and more rounded peaks, formed much earlier and have been rounded and worn down over time
(c) Examples of young and old mountains (1 mark): Young Mountains: The Himalayas (tall, sharp peaks, still growing) Old Mountains: The Aravalli Range (shorter, rounded, very ancient)
(d) Process that makes old mountains rounded (1 mark):

Erosion is the process that makes old mountains rounded. Over millions of years, wind, water, ice, and other natural forces wear away and smooth the sharp peaks and slopes of mountains, gradually rounding them and reducing their height.