Question Bank — Health: The Ultimate Treasure

QUESTION BANK

Class VIII – Science

Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure

Section A — MCQs (10 questions, 1 mark each)

1. Which of the following best describes health according to WHO?
   (a) Absence of any disease
   (b) State of complete physical, mental and social well-being
   (c) Only physical fitness
   (d) Only mental happiness

2. A disease that spreads from one person to another through pathogens is called:
   (a) Non-communicable disease
   (b) Communicable disease
   (c) Deficiency disease
   (d) Chronic disease

3. Which of the following is a vector that transmits malaria and dengue?
   (a) Housefly
   (b) Mosquito
   (c) Cockroach
   (d) Ant

4. Assertion (A): Vaccines can be made from weakened or dead pathogens.
   Reason (R): Vaccines train the immune system to recognise and fight harmful germs without causing disease.
   (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   (c) A is true but R is false.
   (d) A is false but R is true.

5. Assertion (A): Antibiotics are ineffective against common cold and influenza.
   Reason (R): Common cold and influenza are caused by viruses, while antibiotics act only against bacteria.
   (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   (c) A is true but R is false.
   (d) A is false but R is true.

6. Which habit is most likely to increase the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity?
   (a) Eating balanced meals with fruits and vegetables
   (b) Regular physical activity and limited screen time
   (c) Daily consumption of processed, sugary and fatty foods
   (d) Practising yoga and pranayama

7. The natural ability of the body to fight diseases is known as:
   (a) Immunity
   (b) Pathogen
   (c) Symptom
   (d) Vector

8. Which of the following is a sign (not a symptom) of illness?
   (a) Feeling tired
   (b) Headache
   (c) Measured body temperature of 39 °C
   (d) Feeling dizzy

9. Excessive and unnecessary use of antibiotics leads to:
   (a) Increased immunity against viruses
   (b) Antibiotic resistance in bacteria
   (c) Complete eradication of all pathogens
   (d) Faster recovery from viral infections

10. Which practice helps prevent both communicable and non-communicable diseases?
    (a) Maintaining personal hygiene and a balanced diet
    (b) Avoiding all physical activity
    (c) Consuming only fast food
    (d) Increasing daily screen time

Section B — Very Short Answer (6 questions, 2 marks each)

1. Distinguish between a symptom and a sign of a disease with one example of each.
2. State any two ways by which pathogens can enter the human body.
3. List two differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases.
4. Why is it advised to cover the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing?
5. What is the role of vectors in the spread of diseases? Give one example.
6. Mention two lifestyle changes that can help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases.

Section C — Short Answer (5 questions, 3 marks each)

1. Explain how spending excessive time on digital screens can affect a person’s physical, mental and social health.
2. Describe three simple steps that can be taken at home to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted through contaminated food and water.
3. How does the immune system provide protection against diseases? Differentiate between natural immunity and acquired immunity.
4. Why are vaccines considered preventive and not curative? Explain with one example from the chapter.
5. Draw a neat labelled diagram showing any four common methods by which communicable diseases are transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person.

Section D — Long Answer (3 questions, 5 marks each)

1. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.” Justify this statement with suitable examples. Explain any three factors that contribute to maintaining good health.
2. Describe the causes, mode of transmission and any two preventive measures for malaria and dengue fever. Why are these diseases more common after the monsoon season? (Include a labelled diagram of insect-borne transmission.)
3. What are antibiotics? Explain how their indiscriminate use leads to antibiotic resistance. Suggest three precautions that should be followed while using antibiotics.

Section E — Case/Source-Based (2 questions, 4 marks each)

Case 1

A Grade 8 student shifted to a new city. With no friends and busy parents, he spent long hours on social media. He developed headaches, lost weight, could not sleep and felt lonely. A doctor advised reducing screen time and meeting a counsellor. The counsellor helped him make friends and improve his daily routine.

(i) Identify the main cause of the boy’s health problems.
(ii) Which three aspects of health (physical, mental, social) were affected?
(iii) Suggest two changes in lifestyle that helped improve his condition.
(iv) How does this case support the WHO definition of health?

Case 2

In a village in Odisha, a community campaign encouraged people to build and use toilets instead of practising open defecation. Within a year, cases of diarrhoea and water-borne infections among children decreased significantly.

(i) Which type of diseases were reduced by this campaign?
(ii) Name the mode of transmission that was interrupted by building toilets.
(iii) List two other simple hygiene practices that could have contributed to the same result.
(iv) How does keeping the environment clean help both communicable and non-communicable disease prevention?

Section F — HOTS and Application (4 questions, 3 marks each)

1. Predict-and-justify: What would happen if a person stops washing hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating? Explain the possible health consequences with reasoning.
2. Analyse an anomalous observation: In a class, two students live in the same locality and eat similar food, yet only one frequently falls ill with colds and stomach infections. What could be the possible reasons? Analyse using concepts from the chapter.
3. Apply to unfamiliar situation: A family is planning to visit a hilly area known for mosquito breeding during the rainy season. Suggest a complete set of precautions they should take before, during and after the trip, justifying each step.
4. Compare and justify: Two playgrounds exist in a neighbourhood—one clean and well-maintained, the other dirty with stagnant water and garbage. Which playground is more likely to cause frequent illness among children? Compare the health risks and explain why the outcomes differ.