Seventh-grade Social Studies Mid-year Quiz
A quiz covering some of the lands and peoples of the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Ruins and artifacts of an ancient civilization have been discovered in what is now Pakistan. What is the name of this civilization?
- A.
The Sumerian Civilization
- B.
The Indus Valley Civilization
- C.
The Akkadian Civilization
- D.
The Persian Civilization
Correct Answer
B. The Indus Valley CivilizationExplanation
The correct answer is The Indus Valley Civilization. This ancient civilization was discovered in what is now Pakistan. The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world's oldest urban civilizations, thriving around 2500 BCE. It was known for its advanced city planning, well-organized drainage systems, and sophisticated trade networks. The discovery of ruins and artifacts in this region has provided valuable insights into the culture, technology, and social structure of this ancient civilization.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Around the world, Mohandas Gandhi is called "Mahatma" Gandhi. Mahatma means "great soul" in the ancient language of the Indian subcontinent. What is the name of this language?
- A.
Sumerian
- B.
Mandarin
- C.
Tamil
- D.
Sanskrit
Correct Answer
D. SanskritExplanation
The correct answer is Sanskrit. Sanskrit is an ancient language of the Indian subcontinent and is often referred to as the language of the gods. It is known for its rich vocabulary and is considered the language of classical Hindu texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads. The term "Mahatma" meaning "great soul" is derived from Sanskrit and is used to honor and describe individuals who are highly respected and regarded as spiritual leaders, such as Mohandas Gandhi.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The history of the Indian subcontinent is a history of successive invasions from the west. To reach the subcontinent, invaders have had to cross the Hindu Kush. One of the two most famous routes through these mountains is the Khyber Pass. What is the name of the other famous pass?
- A.
Bolan Pass
- B.
Hyderabad Pass
- C.
Madras Pass
- D.
Sinhalese Pass
Correct Answer
A. Bolan PassExplanation
The correct answer is Bolan Pass. The passage states that to reach the Indian subcontinent, invaders have had to cross the Hindu Kush mountains, with the Khyber Pass being one of the two most famous routes. Therefore, the other famous pass mentioned in the question is the Bolan Pass.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When British Rule ended on the Indian subcontinent in the late 1940's, the two independent nations of India and Pakistan emerged. Pakistan -- established as a home for the subcontinent's Muslims -- was divided into western and eastern parts, separated by 1,000 miles. In 1971, the eastern part fought for and achieved independence, becoming what country?
- A.
Myanmar
- B.
Bhutan
- C.
Bangladesh
- D.
Nepal
Correct Answer
C. BangladeshExplanation
In 1971, the eastern part of Pakistan fought for and achieved independence, becoming Bangladesh.Rate this question:
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- 5.
"Bollywood" is the nickname of what Indian city?
- A.
Mumbai
- B.
Delhi
- C.
Kolkata
- D.
Benares
Correct Answer
A. MumbaiExplanation
Mumbai is commonly referred to as "Bollywood" because it is the center of the Indian film industry. Bollywood is known for producing the largest number of films in the world and Mumbai is home to many film studios, production houses, and actors. The term "Bollywood" is a combination of Bombay (the former name of Mumbai) and Hollywood, representing the influence of the Indian film industry on a global scale.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Indian leader Jawaharlal Nehru wrote about a river that "has held India's heart captive and drawn uncounted millions to her banks since the dawn of history." What is the name of this river?
- A.
Euphrates
- B.
Ganga
- C.
Arun
- D.
Jhelum
Correct Answer
B. GangaExplanation
Jawaharlal Nehru, an Indian leader, wrote about a river that has captivated India's heart and attracted countless millions to its banks since ancient times. This description perfectly fits the Ganga river, as it is considered sacred in Hinduism and has immense cultural and religious significance in India. The Ganga river has been a source of inspiration, devotion, and livelihood for millions of people throughout history, making it the correct answer to the question.Rate this question:
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- 7.
For decades, a civil war between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils has plagued an island nation off the coast of India. What is the name of this island nation?
- A.
Sri Lanka
- B.
Bangladesh
- C.
Bhutan
- D.
Myanmar
Correct Answer
A. Sri LankaExplanation
For decades, Sri Lanka has been plagued by a civil war between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils. This conflict has caused immense suffering and instability in the island nation. Sri Lanka is located off the coast of India and has been striving to find a peaceful resolution to the ethnic tensions that have divided the country for so long.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Rajasthan, the largest state in India in land area and home to the Great Indian Desert, is located in what part of the country?
- A.
Northeast
- B.
Northwest
- C.
Southeast
- D.
Southwest
Correct Answer
B. NorthwestExplanation
Rajasthan, the largest state in India, is located in the northwest part of the country. It is home to the Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert. The state shares its borders with Pakistan to the northwest and several other states of India to the north, west, and southwest. The northwest location of Rajasthan is significant in terms of its geographical positioning within India.Rate this question:
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- 9.
For thousands of years on the Indian subcontinent, a person's prospects in life have been influenced enormously at birth by the caste system. A person is born into a caste, or jati, and some castes are higher than others. Members of the lowest jatis once were called untouchables. Mahatma Gandhi called them "the children of god." What is the name that many of the "children of god" have chosen for themselves more recently?
- A.
Dalit
- B.
Sinhala
- C.
Sikh
- D.
Jain
Correct Answer
A. DalitExplanation
The name that many of the "children of god" have chosen for themselves more recently is Dalit. The term Dalit means "oppressed" or "broken" and is used to refer to the lowest caste in the Indian caste system. Dalits have adopted this name as a way to assert their identity and challenge the discrimination and social exclusion they face. The term Dalit also highlights their struggle for social justice and equality.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is the name of the man generally regarded as the father of Pakistan?
- A.
Jawaharlal Nehru
- B.
Rajiv Gandhi
- C.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- D.
Aga Khan
Correct Answer
C. Muhammad Ali JinnahExplanation
Muhammad Ali Jinnah is considered the father of Pakistan because he was the leader of the All India Muslim League and played a crucial role in the creation of Pakistan. He advocated for the establishment of a separate nation for Muslims in British India, leading to the formation of Pakistan in 1947. Jinnah served as Pakistan's first Governor-General until his death in 1948. His leadership and efforts in the independence movement earned him the title of "Quaid-e-Azam" (Great Leader) in Pakistan.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Thousands of years ago, some humans who had been hunters and gatherers began to settle down in villages, domesticating animals and growing crops. One of the sites where archeologists have found evidence of ancient village life lies in modern Pakistan. What is the name of this place?
- A.
Mehrgarh
- B.
Kabul
- C.
Islamabad
- D.
Mosul
Correct Answer
A. MehrgarhExplanation
Mehrgarh is the correct answer because it is the site where archeologists have found evidence of ancient village life in modern Pakistan. This settlement is significant because it marks the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled agricultural society. The discovery of domesticated animals and cultivated crops at Mehrgarh provides insights into the early stages of human civilization and the development of agriculture.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What is the name of the assassinated Afghan leader nicknamed "The Lion of Panjshir"?
- A.
Ahmed Shah Masood
- B.
Hamid Gul
- C.
Hamid Karzai
- D.
Mohammad Omar
Correct Answer
A. Ahmed Shah MasoodExplanation
Ahmed Shah Masood is the correct answer because he was a prominent Afghan leader who was known as "The Lion of Panjshir." He was a military commander and political leader who fought against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and later against the Taliban regime. Masood was assassinated in 2001, just two days before the 9/11 attacks, by suicide bombers posing as journalists. His assassination was a significant blow to the Afghan resistance movement and the fight against the Taliban.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Some experts think Osama Bin Ladin is hiding in a mountainous border region between what two countries?
- A.
India and Pakistan
- B.
Pakistan and Iran
- C.
Pakistan and China
- D.
Pakistan and Afghanistan
Correct Answer
D. Pakistan and AfghanistanExplanation
Some experts believe that Osama Bin Laden is hiding in a mountainous border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This region is known for its difficult terrain and lack of governance, making it an ideal hiding spot for someone trying to avoid capture. Additionally, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have been known to have militant groups operating in these areas, which could provide support and protection for Bin Laden.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In what some call "the Soviet Union's Vietnam," the Soviets invaded, occupied, and finally withdrew from what country?
- A.
Afghanistan
- B.
Chechnya
- C.
Ukraine
- D.
Myanmar
Correct Answer
A. AfghanistanExplanation
The correct answer is Afghanistan. The question refers to a conflict often compared to the Vietnam War, which suggests a long and costly military intervention. The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, aiming to support a communist government. However, the occupation faced strong resistance from Afghan rebel groups, leading to a protracted and unsuccessful conflict for the Soviets. Eventually, they withdrew in 1989, marking a significant defeat for the Soviet Union and earning the conflict the nickname "the Soviet Union's Vietnam."Rate this question:
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- 15.
What is the name of the largest land-locked country in the world?
- A.
Kyrgyzstan
- B.
Kazakhstan
- C.
Uzbekistan
- D.
Tajikistan
Correct Answer
B. KazakhstanExplanation
Kazakhstan is the correct answer because it is the largest land-locked country in the world. Being land-locked means that it does not have a coastline or access to the sea. Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia and is bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It has a vast territory, covering an area of over 2.7 million square kilometers, making it the ninth largest country in the world.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What type of land is a steppe?
- A.
Mountain ridge
- B.
Deep ravine
- C.
Prairie
- D.
Escarpment
Correct Answer
C. PrairieExplanation
A steppe is a type of land that is characterized by vast, flat grassy plains with few trees. It is typically found in the temperate regions and has a semi-arid climate. The term "prairie" accurately describes this type of land, as it refers to large open areas covered in grasses. While the other options - mountain ridge, deep ravine, and escarpment - all describe different types of landforms that are not synonymous with a steppe.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The Central Asian nations Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have western coastlines along what some call the world's largest lake. What is the name of this body of water?
- A.
Baltic Sea
- B.
Caspian Sea
- C.
Black Sea
- D.
Arabian Sea
Correct Answer
B. Caspian SeaExplanation
The correct answer is Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is often referred to as the world's largest lake due to its size and characteristics. It is located between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and it has a coastline that is considered western. The Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Arabian Sea are all different bodies of water located in other regions.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The Sumerians, who arrived around 4,000 BC in a region that is now part of Iraq, developed one of the world's earliest systems of writing. What is the name of this system of writing?
- A.
Sanskrit
- B.
Cuneiform
- C.
Hieroglyphics
- D.
IVC Script
Correct Answer
B. CuneiformExplanation
The correct answer is Cuneiform. Cuneiform was the system of writing developed by the Sumerians around 4,000 BC in what is now Iraq. It involved the use of wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets and was one of the earliest writing systems in the world. Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language, Hieroglyphics is the writing system used by ancient Egyptians, and IVC Script refers to the script used by the Indus Valley Civilization.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Sumerian writers, and then Akkadian writers, told the story of a powerful king of Uruk in Mesopotamia who sought the secret of eternal life. What is the name of this famous protagonist?
- A.
Gilgamesh
- B.
Enkidu
- C.
Beowulf
- D.
Odysseus
Correct Answer
A. GilgameshExplanation
The correct answer is Gilgamesh. In Sumerian and Akkadian literature, Gilgamesh is depicted as a powerful king of Uruk who embarks on a quest to find the secret of eternal life. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known works of literature, tells the story of his adventures and his search for immortality. Gilgamesh is a well-known and famous protagonist in ancient Mesopotamian mythology and literature.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The Bay of Bengal lies off of India's east coast. What body of water lies off of India's west coast?
- A.
Arabian Sea
- B.
Persian Gulf
- C.
Caspian Sea
- D.
South China Sea
Correct Answer
A. Arabian SeaExplanation
The Arabian Sea lies off of India's west coast. It is a region of the northeastern Indian Ocean bounded on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, and on the east by India. It is the body of water that separates the Arabian Peninsula from the Indian subcontinent.Rate this question:
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