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Class 8 Social Science Chapter 7 Question Answer Factors of Production
NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 7 Factors of Production Questions and Answers Solutions
Factors of Production Class 8 Question Answer (In-Text)
The Big Questions? (Page 163)
Question 1.
What are the factors of production?
Answer:
The factors of production are the basic things we need to produce goods and services. These include:
- Land: This means not just land to build on, but also natural resources like water, forests, minerals, and sunlight.
- Labour: This is the human effort-both physical and mental-that goes into making something.
- Capital: These are tools, machines, buildings, and money that help in production.
- Entrepreneurship: This is about people who take the initiative to start a business, take risks, and bring all other factors together.
- Technology is also very important today. It helps improve the way we use these resources and makes production faster and better.
Question 2.
How are these factors interconnected?
Answer:
- All the factors of production work together like a team. You can’t make anything with just one factor.
- For example, a factory needs land to be built on, workers (labour) to run the machines, capital like equipment and money, and an entrepreneur to organize everything
- Technology helps them all work more efficiently. If even one factor is missing or not used properly, production can slow down or stop. So, they’re all connected and depend on each other.
Question 3.
What is the role of human capital in production, and what are its facilitators?
Answer:
Human capital means people with the right skills, knowledge, and health who can work well and add value to the production process. It’s not just about working hard, but also working smart. For example, a trained engineer or a skilled doctor adds more value than someone without training. Human capital is supported by:
- Education and training – to build knowledge and skills.
- Good health – so people can work better and longer without getting sick.
- Culture and values – like hard work, discipline, and creativity which make people more productive. So, a strong human capital helps a country grow faster and build a better future.
Let’s Explore
1. (a) In small groups, study the economic activities around your locality. What are the different types of goods and services being made or provided?
(b) Here’s a small report that Latha, Asha, Mohan, and Kiran made. You can make your own report for shops of your choice
| Types of Shops | Number in the locality | Goods produced or services provided | Types of inputs required |
| Grocery Shops | 13 | Food grains, milk bread | Packaged goods, perishables, storage space |
| Restaurants/Food stalls | 8 | Cooked meals, snacks, beverages | Raw ingredients, like vegetables and fruits, gas, utensils; cook/helper |
| Vegetable Vendors | 15 | Fresh vegetables and fruits | Fresh produce, baskets, weighing scale, cart or stall |
| Mobile repair shops | 4 | Mobile repair, mobile accessories | Tools, spare parts, knowledge and skills of mobile components and functions |
| Salon/Parlours | 3 | Haircut, grooming, beauty services | Scissors, creams, beauty products, water, electricity |
(c) Looking at your group’s report, think about the following:
(i) Where do people get the money that they need for their business?
(ii) Where did the hairdresser get trained?
(iii) Who taught the food vendors to cook?
(iv) What motivated the business owners to start their business?
Answer:
(a) In our locality, there are many economic activities. Some people run grocery shops, sell vegetables and fruits, operate salons and tailor shops. Others run tea stalls or small restaurants. There are also mobile repair shops and tuition centers. These businesses provide both goods (like food, clothes, mobiles) and services (like haircuts, repairs, teaching).
(b) Do it yourself
(c) (i) People usually get money for their business
from personal savings, family and friends, or by taking small loans from banks or local moneylenders. Some may also get help from government schemes.
(ii) The hairdresser may have learned their skills by working under an experienced person, attending a training course, or joining a salon as a helper to learn on the job.
(iii) Food vendors may have learned cooking from family members, through practice at home, or by working in hotels or food stalls earlier.
(iv) Business owners are often motivated by the need to earn a living, support their families, use their skills, or serve the needs of the community. Some may also want to be independent and work for themselves.
Question 2.
Looking at the table you created in Question 1(b), which of the inputs can be considered as ‘land’ (natural resources)? (Page 166)
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 3.
Let’s do a small experiment. Make a list of 10 working adults in your family and neighbourhood. Ask them to describe the culture at their workplace. Share notes with your classmates. What did you discover? What are some adjectives that occur more frequently? (Page 169)
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 4.
In the Tapestry chapters, you have seen examples of the art and architecture in India across several centuries. What do you think are the factors that enabled their creators to achieve such high levels of excellence? Discuss in groups and share in class.
(Page 169)
Answer:
The creators of great art and architecture in India were able to achieve such excellence because of many important factors. First, royal patronage played a big role—kings and rulers supported artists, builders, and craftsmen with money and respect. Second, skilled workers and artisans passed down their knowledge through generations. Third, there was inspiration from religion, culture, and nature, which influenced the designs and styles. Lastly, availability of good materials like stone, wood, and metal helped them build strong and beautiful structures. All of this together made Indian art and architecture rich and long-lasting.
Question 5.
Read the passage given below and answer the following questions: (Page 172)
Many of the traditional techniques of production have either disappeared or are on a decline. For example, the stitching of ships saw a severe decline after the arrival of Europeans in the Indian Ocean in the 16th century. This technique is now used for small fishing boats.
(i) Why do you think the use of indigenous techniques has declined? Discuss in the class.
(ii) Find out some techniques and products from your region that showcase human effort and skill. Explain briefly using drawings and text in the class.
Answer:
(i) Indigenous techniques have declined because modem machines and foreign products became faster, cheaper, and easier to use. When Europeans came to India, they brought new technologies that replaced older, traditional methods. Also, lack of support for local craftsmen and changing customer needs made it hard for traditional skills to survive. As a result, many old techniques were forgotten or only used in small ways.
(ii) Do it Yourself.
Question 6.
Identify a factory in your region. Find out how much capital may have been invested in the construction of the factory (you may provide an estimate). What kinds of equipment does the factory use to create its finished products? (Page 173)
Answer:
Do it Yourself.
Question 7.
Can you think of some technological advancements that have impacted the lives of people and communities around you? Talk to elders at home and in the neighbourhood about it. (Page 178)
Answer:
I asked my grandparents and neighbours about changes they’ve seen. They said mobile phones and the internet have made life easier. Earlier, they had to go to the market or bank, but now they can do many things from home. Farming has also improved with machines like tractors and water pumps. These changes have saved time and made work faster.
Question 8.
Think of an invention that you would like to make to solve a problem. Write its related information on a piece of paper, such as its name, what it does, and how it works, sketches or drawings of what it would look like, and so on. Discuss with your classmates.
(Page 178)
Answer:
Do it Yourself.
Think About It
Question 1.
How do infrastructure and healthcare systems like hospitals, primary healthcare centres, doctors, pharmacies, diagnostic labs, etc., contribute to developing human capital? (Page 168)
Answer:
Infrastructure and healthcare systems like hospitals, PHCs, doctors, pharmacies, and diagnostic labs play a crucial role in developing human capital. They ensure people stay healthy, which allows them to attend school, learn better, and work efficiently. Access to timely medical care, proper medicines, and early diagnosis helps prevent and manage diseases. A healthy population is more productive, skilled, and capable of contributing to the economy. Good health also reduces absenteeism in schools and workplaces. Thus, strong healthcare infrastructure supports education, enhances work performance, and helps individuals reach their full potential, making them valuable assets to society and the nation’s growth.
Question 2.
Shivay, a student at Saraswati Vidyalaya in Grade 8, had to drop out of school two years back as his father lost his job. How do you think the loss of schooling years will affect Shivay when he grows up? (Page 170)
Answer:
The loss of schooling years will likely affect Shivay’s future in several ways. Without proper education, he may miss out on gaining essential skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for good job opportunities. This can limit his career choices and earning potential, making it harder for him to break the cycle of poverty. He may also struggle to adapt to a changing world that values education and skills. In the long run, missing school can impact not just his economic well-being, but also his ability to make informed decisions, access healthcare, and participate fully in society as a responsible citizen.
Question 3.
What problems could businesses face when they do not find workers with the required skills? (Page 170)
Answer:
When businesses do not find workers with the required skills, they face several problems. Productivity may decrease because tasks take longer or are not done efficiently. The quality of goods or services may also suffer, leading to customer dissatisfaction. Businesses may have to spend more time and money on training, which increases costs.
It can delay production, reduce competitiveness, and affect profits. In some cases, companies may struggle to grow or adopt new technologies because workers lack the skills to use them. Overall, a shortage of skilled workers can harm the success and sustainability of any business.
Question 4.
Are some jobs more important than others? What would happen if nobody cleaned the streets, collected the trash, farmers stopped cultivating the crops, doctors were not available to treat patients, and so on? (Page 170)
Answer:
Every job is important because each one contributes to the smooth functioning of society. If no one cleaned the streets or collected the trash, our surroundings would become dirty and unhealthy. Without farmers, we wouldn’t have food to eat. If doctors were not available, people would suffer from illnesses without proper treatment. Each profession whether it’s teaching, farming, building, cleaning, or healing-plays a vital role. Society depends on the combined efforts of all workers. If even one group stops working, it can create serious problems for everyone. Therefore, no job is less important than another; all are valuable and necessary.
Question 5.
Read the below case and answer the following questions: (Page 175)
The man who dreamed big for India
J.R.D. Tata – entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy (I.R.D.) Tata was one of India’s greatest entrepreneurs and played a big role in building modern India. He was bom in 1904 and became the head of the Tata Group, one of the largest business groups in the country. He believed that businesses should not only make money but also help society. He started.
India’s first airline, Tata Airlines, in 1932, which later became Air India. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded into many areas like steel, cars, power, and chemicals. J.R.D. Tata was also known for caring about his workers and believed in providing them with good working conditions. He was a man of vision, hard work, and honesty. In 1992, he received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, for his great service to the nation.
(i) What could be the lessons for young entrepreneurs that you can gather from the above case?
Answer:
Young entrepreneurs can learn that success comes from hard work, honesty, and caring for others. J.R.D. Tata showed that businesses should help society, not just make money.
(ii) Does the existing knowledge of the entrepreneur help in finding solutions to the problem at hand? Or do they need to seek other sources?
Answer:
Yes, existing knowledge helps a lot, but sometimes entrepreneurs also need to leam new things or take advice from others to solve problems better.
(iii) Is profit the only motivation for an entrepreneur? Why or why not?
Answer:
No, profit is important, but not the only goal. J.R.D. Tata also wanted to help people and improve the country. A good entrepreneur thinks about society too.
(iv) What are the other personality traits required to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer:
A successful entrepreneur should be honest, hardworking, creative, caring, and have a strong vision. They should also be brave to take risks and solve problems.
Question 6.
Based on the below passage and answer the following question:
Responsibilities towards Factors of Production
When we produce goods, we use natural resources like land, whater, and minerals. However, these resources are limited and can be harmed if we are not careful. For example, in Tamil Nadu, many people earn money by working in leather factories.
This helps the local economy, but the waste from these factories can pollute rivers and soil. In the same way, when old smartphones are not recycled properly, harmful substances like lead and mercury can leak into the ground and water. This pollution can be dangerous for people, animals, and plants. That is why it is important for producers to use natural resources responsibly – so that we can meet our needs today without making it harder for future generations to meet theirs. They should try to reduce waste, avoid pollution, and protect the environment while making products.
How are local communities and biodiversity affected by such activities? Do you also know some places around you that have seen water and land degradation over time? Discuss in class. (Page 180)
Answer:
Yes, such activities can badly affect local communities and biodiversity. When factories pollute rivers or the land, it becomes harder for people to get clean water or grow food. Animals and plants may also die or move away because their natural homes are damaged.
In my area, there is a small stream that used to be clean, but now it has dirty water because nearby factories throw waste into it. The land near the stream also has less greenery now. This shows how pollution can slowly harm both people and nature.
Class 8 SST Chapter 7 Factors of Production Question Answer (Exercise)
Question 1.
How are the factors of production different from each other? What are the difficulties you faced in classifying the factors of production in the exercise given in-text?
Answer:
The factors of production are different from each other based on what they provide in the production process. Land gives natural resources like soil and water. Labour is the physical and mental effort by people. Capital includes tools, machines, and money used to make goods. Entrepreneurship is the skill of starting and running a business. A difficulty I faced while classifying them was that some things seemed to fit in more than one category. For example, people can be both labour and human capital, and money can be confused with capital. Understanding each role clearly helped me classify better.
Question 2.
How does human capital differ from physical capital?
Answer:
Human capital means the skills, knowledge, and health that people have, which help them do their jobs well. For example, a teacher who knows how to explain topics clearly is part of human capital. Physical capital means the tools, machines, buildings, and other things made by humans to help in production, like tractors, computers, or factories. So, the main difference is that human capital is about people and their abilities, while physical capital is about useful things made by people to do work. Both are needed to produce goods and services.
Question 3.
How do you think technology is changing how people develop their skills and knowledge?
Answer:
Technology is changing how people develop their skills and knowledge by making learning easier and more accessible. With the help of the internet, people can watch videos, take online courges, and read e-books from anywhere in the world. Platforms like SWAYAM offer free courses on many topics, helping students learn new things at their own pace. People can also use apps to practice skills like coding, language learning, or even cooking. Technology also helps connect learners with teachers through video calls and live classes. In this way, technology is helping more people learn and improve their skills anytime, anywhere.
Question 4.
A skill is something you learn and practice to get better. It helps you do things well, like playing a sport, creative writing, solving math problems, cooking, or even communicating well with people. If you could learn one skill today, what would it be and why?
Answer:
If I could learn one skill today, it would be creative writing because it helps express thoughts clearly and improves imagination. With good writing skills, I can tell interesting stories, write essays better, and share ideas effectively with others.
Question 5.
Do you think entrepreneurship is the ‘driving force’ of production? Why or why not?
Answer:
Yes, I think entrepreneurship is the driving force of production because an entrepreneur brings all the other factors together—land, labour, capital, and technology—to produce goods or services. Without an entrepreneur, the other resources may remain unused. Entrepreneurs take risks, make important decisions, and come up with new ideas to solve problems. They help create jobs and bring useful products to the market. Their vision and hard work push production forward and help the economy grow. So, entrepreneurship plays a key role in starting and running businesses, which makes it the true driving force of production.
Question 6.
Can technology replace other factors like labour? Is this good or bad? Support your answer with the help of an example.
Answer:
Technology can sometimes replace labour, especially for tasks that are repetitive or dangerous. For example, machines in factories can pack products faster than humAnswer: This can be good because it makes work faster, safer, and more efficient. It also helps businesses produce more at lower costs. However, it can also be bad if too many people lose their jobs and don’t have other skills. For example, if a factory replaces workers with robots, those workers may struggle to find new jobs unless they learn new skills.
So, technology is helpful, but we must also make sure people are trained for new kinds of work.
Question 7.
How do education and skill training affect human capital? Can they substitute for each other, or do they complement each other?
Answer:
Education and skill training improve human capital by helping people gain knowledge and learn how to do things better. Education gives us a strong base in reading, writing, math, and thinking skills, while skill training teaches us how to do specific tasks, like using machines or speaking a new language. They do not substitute each other—instead, they complement each other. For example, a doctor needs both medical education and hands-on training to treat patients well. When people have both good education and proper training, they become more skilled, productive, and ready for different types of jobs.
Question 8.
Imagine you want to start a business that produces steel water bottles. What kind of inputs are needed? How would you obtain them? Suppose one of the factors is missing; what happens to your business operations?
Answer:
To start a business making steel water bottles, I would need inputs like land (a small factory space), labour (workers and designers), capital (money for machines and materials), and entrepreneurship (my ideas and planning). I would get materials like steel from suppliers, hire skilled workers, and take a loan or use savings for money. If even one factor like labour or raw material is missing, production will stop or slow down, and the business may face delays, losses, or even shut down temporarily. All factors must work together for smooth operations.
Question 9.
Interview an entrepreneur or founder to understand their motivation to start a business and the opportunities and challenges they saw. You can work in pairs to create a questionnaire to collect the information and share what you have learned in a report.
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 10.
Think like an economist. Let’s explore what happens when things change. If you were Ratna, what would you do in the following situations? Discuss with your classmates.
I. Suppose the rent for your space suddenly doubles.
(a) Will you raise the price of the food served to cover the costs?
Answer:
Yes, I might slightly increase the price of some dishes, but not too much, so I don’t lose customers.
(b) Will you look for a cheaper location?
Answer:
Yes, I would start searching for a new place with lower rent that is still in a good area to keep my regular customers.
(c) How does this affect your business?
Answer:
Higher rent increases my expenses, so profits will go down. I’ll need to make smart decisions quickly to control costs and keep the business running well.
II. Imagine one of your helpers quits suddenly.
(a) Can the remaining workers manage the same amount of work?
Answer:
Maybe for a short time, but they might feel tired or overworked. The quality of service could also go down if there’s too much pressure on them.
(b) Will you need to offer a higher salary to attract a new worker?
Answer:
Yes, I might have to offer a better salary or extra benefits to quickly find and hire a skilled and reliable worker. This helps keep the work running smoothly and makes the team feel supported.
III. You receive a small loan to invest in better technology for your restaurant.
(a) Will this increase the production or improve quality?
Answer:
Yes, better technology like modern kitchen equipment or digital billing systems can make cooking faster and improve food quality and service speed.
(b) Will it help you reach more customers?
Answer:
Yes, using online food delivery apps, social media marketing, or a website can help more people know about the restaurant and order food easily, bringing in more customers.
IV. Suppose another restaurant opens in the neighbourhood.
(a) How will you attract and keep your customers?
Answer:
1 will focus on serving tasty food, maintaining cleanliness, and giving friendly service. I will also offer loyalty rewards or discounts to regular customers to keep them coming back.
(b) Will you improve your service, reduce prices, or offer something new?
Answer:
Yes, I will try to improve my service and maybe introduce some new dishes or combo offers. If needed, I can reduce prices slightly to stay competitive while still making a profit.
V. What government laws or rules should be changed to improve the ease of doing business?
Answer:
The government can simplify and speed up the process of getting licenses and permits to start a business. Taxes should be easier to understand and pay. Small businesses should get more support through low-interest loans and training programs. Rules should also be made to protect small business owners from unfair competition and delays in getting electricity, water, or internet connections. Making these changes will help more people start and run their businesses smoothly.