NCERT Class 8 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-II: Chapter 1 — World Geography: Some Glimpses
This chapter, 'World Geography: Some Glimpses,' from NCERT's Class 8 Social Science textbook 'Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-II,' introduces students to the vastness and complexity of our planet. It begins by highlighting the interconnectedness of Earth's features, using the example of the Southern Indian Ocean influencing the Gangetic Plains monsoon. The chapter explains the language of physical maps, detailing how colors represent different geographical features like water bodies, plains, plateaus, mountains, deserts, and ice. It also delves into the challenges of mapping the Earth, explaining the concept of an oblate spheroid shape and map projection, where distortions are inevitable. The text emphasizes the need to view multiple map projections to gain a fair understanding of the world. This chapter aims to foster an appreciation for world geography and the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment, crucial for CBSE learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — World Geography: Some Glimpses |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 360 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the interconnectedness of Earth's geographical features.
- Interpret the language of physical maps using color codes.
- Recognize the challenges and distortions in mapping the Earth.
- Appreciate the need for multiple map projections for a comprehensive understanding.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cartographer | Person who draws or produces maps. |
| Oblate spheroid | A nearly spherical shape that bulges at the equator and is slightly flattened at the poles due to rotation. |
| Map projection | The process of showing the Earth on a flat surface. |
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Practice questions
- What does the color blue typically represent on a physical map? Answer: Blue represents water bodies like oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers.
- Why is it impossible to lay an orange peel flat without tearing it? Answer: Because the Earth (like an orange) is an oblate spheroid, and its curved surface cannot be perfectly flattened without distortion.
- What is a cartographer? Answer: A cartographer is a person who draws or produces maps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 1, 'World Geography: Some Glimpses'?
The chapter introduces the vastness of world geography, the language of physical maps, and the challenges of representing the Earth on a flat surface.
How does the chapter explain the Earth's shape?
The chapter explains that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, bulging at the equator and flattened at the poles.
What is map projection?
Map projection is the process of showing the Earth's curved surface on a flat surface, which inevitably leads to some distortion.
Why is it important to understand world geography?
Understanding world geography helps us comprehend the interconnectedness of Earth's features and human actions, and environmental issues.
What do different colors on a physical map represent?
Colors represent different geographical features: blue for water, green for plains, yellow/brown for plateaus, dark brown for mountains, light yellow for deserts, and white for ice/glaciers.
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NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-II — Chapter 1 — World Geography: Some Glimpses. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.