History Exam Questions for JSS1 First Term with Answers

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on History exam questions. We will cover History exam questions for JSS1 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass History examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Introduction to History as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past History Exam Questions for JSS1 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

History is the study of past events and the lives of people who lived before us. It helps students understand how societies, cultures, and nations developed over time. By learning History, we discover the achievements, struggles, and experiences that shaped our world today.

As a school subject, History teaches learners about great leaders, civilizations, and important events—both in Nigeria and around the world. It also helps students develop a sense of identity, patriotism, and respect for other cultures. Through History, we learn valuable lessons from the past that guide us to make better decisions for the future.

History Exam Questions for JSS1 First Term

History Exam Questions for JSS1 First Term are divided into two sections:

• Section A
• Section B

The first section, namely, Section A is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Section B is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are JSS1 History First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Objective Test

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. Nigeria became an independent nation in
A. 1960       B. 1963
C. 1965       D. 1967

2. The study of past events of a person, family, or country is called
A. Government
B. History
C. Geography
D. Sociology

3. The Nok culture is associated with which present-day Nigerian state?
A. Kaduna        B. Ondo
C. Imo              D. Sokoto

4. Which of the following is a secondary source of history?
A. Oral tradition
B. Folklore
C. Legend
D. Textbook

5. The life story of a person written by another person is called a
A. Biography
B. Memorandum
C. Novel
D. Diary

6. History was first known as “Historia” in ancient
A. Rome          B. Egypt
C. Greece        D. Babylon

7. __________ is regarded as the father of History.
A. Socrates        B. Herodotus
C. Aristotle        D. Plato

8. People who study and write about past events are called
A. Biographers
B. Historians
C. Archaeologists
D. Geographers

9. An object or written record from the past that helps a historian in research is called
A. Source of history
B. Evidence
C. Artifact
D. Document

10. The study of history originated from
A. Ile-Ife        B. Greece
C. Egypt        D. Rome

11. Ile-Ife is located in which state of Nigeria?
A. Ogun         B. Ekiti
C. Osun          D. Ondo

12. The Yoruba people regard __________ as their founding father.
A. Oduduwa
B. Oranmiyan
C. Eweka
D. Oba Ovonramwen

13. The title given to the king of Ile-Ife is
A. Alaafin        B. Deji
C. Ooni           D. Alake

14. A person who digs up ancient objects to study the past is called an
A. Archaeologist
B. Typist
C. Doctor
D. Engineer

15. A story passed from one generation to another which may be true or false is called a
A. Legend        B. Folklore
C. Fable            D. Tale

16. Eyewitness accounts are given by people who
A. Were present during an event
B. Heard the story from others
C. Read it in a book
D. Watched it on television

17. Which of these is an ancient Yoruba kingdom?
A. Owerri         B. Oyo
C. Benue          D. Zaria

18. The Nok civilization lasted for about
A. 200 years
B. 2,000 years
C. 20 years
D. 50 years

19. The Nok Terracotta was discovered in
A. 1928         B. 1938
C. 1958         D. 1968

20. One account of the origin of the Yoruba states that they came from
A. Mecca        B. Israel
C. Sudan        D. Egypt

21. History is known as the study of __________ events.
A. Past           B. Present
C. Future        D. Imaginary

22. One importance of history is that it
A. Helps us to understand the past
B. Makes us forget our roots
C. Helps us to gain weight
D. Makes us proud

23. Oral tradition refers to historical facts passed from one generation to another through
A. Spoken words
B. The internet
C. Pictures
D. Written documents

24. Nigeria was amalgamated in the year
A. 1914         B. 1960
C. 1980         D. 1963

25. Historical items dug up from the ground are called
A. Gold         B. Artifacts
C. Jewels       D. Stones

26. Artifacts are man-made objects that have
A. Cultural value
B. Political value
C. Medical value
D. Economic value

27. The Yoruba people believe that __________ is the center of creation.
A. Ile-Ife       B. Osogbo
C. Akure       D. Ilorin

28. The life story of a person written by himself is called
A. Biography
B. Autobiography
C. Journal
D. Bulletin

29. The study of history helps us to
A. Understand our past
B. Become rich
C. Forget old customs
D. Play better games

30. History serves as a __________ of knowledge.
A. Preserver      B. Destroyer
C. Blocker         D. Divider

31. Knowing much about one’s background gives a sense of
A. Identity          B. Pride
C. Ownership     D. Position

32. Artifacts are part of the __________ aspects of our history.
A. Cultural        B. Political
C. Religious      D. Legal

33. The Fulani are known for their __________ culture.
A. Nomadic      B. Farming
C. Fishing          D. Trading

34. The main occupation of the Ijaw people is
A. Fishing
B. Farming
C. Weaving
D. Goldsmithing

35. Which of the following is a historical site in Nigeria?
A. Nok          B. Benue
C. Bauchi      D. Kogi

36. The study of past events is generally called
A. History          B. Geography
C. Economics     D. Literature

37. All the following are primary sources of history except
A. Oral tradition
B. Myth
C. Legend
D. Textbook

38. One major importance of history is that it helps us to
A. Understand early civilizations
B. Make more errors
C. Become proud
D. Forget the past

39. Who among the following was an early Nigerian historian?
A. Prof. Kenneth Dike
B. Wole Soyinka
C. Nnamdi Azikiwe
D. Chinua Achebe

40. The word “History” was derived from a Greek word meaning
A. Inquiry        B. Memory
C. Search         D. Record

41. The act of arranging past events in order of time is called
A. Chronology
B. Geography
C. Cartography
D. Archaeology

42. The process of studying objects from the past to learn about human life is called
A. Archaeology
B. Biology
C. Technology
D. Geography

43. Which of the following is an example of oral source?
A. Songs and folktales
B. Textbooks
C. Newspapers
D. Diaries

44. The people who record past events in writing are called
A. Chroniclers      B. Reporters
C. Biologists         D. Historians

45. The aim of studying history in schools is to
A. Understand our culture and past
B. Learn to farm
C. Get rich quickly
D. Become musicians

46. Which ancient civilization was famous for the Terracotta sculptures?
A. Nok         B. Egypt
C. Mali         D. Ghana

47. _________ is a written record of daily events and activities.
A. Diary       B. Textbook
C. Poem      D. Map

48. One importance of history is that it helps us to
A. Avoid repeating past mistakes
B. Create more errors
C. Forget our ancestors
D. Destroy traditions

49. A person who studies human behavior and past societies through material remains is called
A. Anthropologist
B. Archaeologist
C. Historian
D. Sociologist

50. Folklore is a form of
A. Oral tradition
B. Written record
C. Artifact
D. Sculpture

51. One of the earliest centers of civilization in Nigeria was
A. Nok        B. Enugu
C. Benin      D. Kano

52. The year 1914 in Nigerian history is significant because it was the year of
A. Amalgamation
B. Independence
C. Civil war
D. Discovery of oil

53. Historical documents written by eyewitnesses are called
A. Primary sources
B. Secondary sources
C. Tertiary sources
D. None of the above

54. Which of these is an example of a historical monument?
A. Zuma Rock
B. Ogbunike Cave
C. Aso Rock
D. All of the above

55. The academic study of coins and medals is known as
A. Numismatics
B. Archaeology
C. Anthropology
D. Geography

56. Which of these statements is true about oral tradition?
A. It may be altered over time
B. It is always accurate
C. It is written in books
D. It cannot be remembered

57. The ancient Benin Kingdom is located in present-day
A. Edo State
B. Delta State
C. Rivers State
D. Ondo State

58. Historical evidence can be classified into
A. Primary and Secondary sources
B. Ancient and Modern sources
C. Oral and Written stories
D. Past and Present events

59. The study of history helps young people to develop a sense of
A. Patriotism      B. Laziness
C. Disunity         D. Hatred

60. History helps us to appreciate
A. The achievements of our ancestors
B. Only foreign cultures
C. Sports and games
D. Modern music

Read Also: History Exam Questions for JSS3 First Term with Answers

SECTION B: Essay / Theory

INSTRUCTION – Answer only five (5) questions in this section. Write your answers clearly and show working where necessary.

1. Define History.
2. Mention five importance of studying History.
3. State five sources of History.
4. Explain the difference between primary and secondary sources of History.
5. State five differences between History and Storytelling.
6. Mention four examples of Nigerian historical sites and where they are located.
7. Explain three reasons why students should study History in school.

Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Answers to History Exam Questions for JSS1 First Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of History exam questions for JSS1 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of History Exam Questions for JSS1 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Section B (Theory)

1. Define History.

History is the study of past events, people, and societies. It helps us understand how human beings lived, the changes that took place over time, and how those changes affect the present and future.

2. Mention five importance of studying History.

1. It helps us understand our past and how it shaped our present.
2. It teaches us lessons from past mistakes and successes.
3. It promotes national unity and patriotism.
4. It helps us appreciate our culture and heritage.
5. It encourages critical thinking and decision-making skills.

3. State five sources of History.

1. Oral tradition
2. Written records
3. Archaeological evidence
4. Museums and monuments
5. Historical documents and archives

4. Explain the difference between primary and secondary sources of History.

Primary sources are original materials or firsthand accounts of historical events, such as letters, diaries, artifacts, and eyewitness reports.

Secondary sources are interpretations or analyses of primary sources written by people who did not witness the events, such as textbooks, articles, and documentaries.

5. State five differences between History and Storytelling.

1. History is based on facts and evidence, while storytelling can be based on imagination.
2. History deals with real people and events, while storytelling may include fictional characters.
3. History aims to educate, while storytelling often aims to entertain.
4. History uses written and oral records as sources, while storytelling relies on creativity and expression.
5. History is studied in schools as an academic subject, while storytelling is a form of art and communication.

6. Mention four examples of Nigerian historical sites and where they are located.

1. Benin City Walls – Edo State
2. Ogbunike Caves – Anambra State
3. Kano City Walls – Kano State
4. Olumo Rock – Ogun State

7. Explain three reasons why students should study History in school.

1. To understand how their country developed and appreciate its leaders and heroes.
2. To learn valuable lessons from past experiences that can guide them in making better choices.
3. To build a sense of identity, pride, and love for their nation and culture.

How to Pass History Exam Questions for JSS1 First Term

Passing your History exam questions for JSS1 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Understand the Meaning of History

Start by knowing what History means and why it is important. When you understand the subject, you will find it easier to answer questions in your own words during exams.

2. Read Your Notes Regularly

Don’t wait until exam time before you start reading. Go through your class notes every week. Reading a little every day helps you remember better than reading everything at once.

3. Pay Attention in Class

Listen carefully to your teacher and take notes. Many times, your teacher will explain points that are not written in the textbook but can appear in exams.

4. Learn Important Dates and Events

Some History questions may ask for years when important events happened. Try to memorize key dates, but also understand what happened and why it was important.

5. Know the Sources of History

Be familiar with different sources such as oral tradition, written records, artifacts, and archaeological evidence. Questions about these sources often come in first term exams.

6. Practice Past Questions

Answering past questions helps you know the type of questions to expect and how to answer them correctly. It also helps you manage your time during the exam.

7. Write Clearly and Organize Your Answers

When writing essays, make sure your answers are neat and well-organized. Start with a clear definition or introduction, then explain your points one after another.

8. Revise a Day Before the Exam

Go through your notes, definitions, and key points a day before the exam. Avoid cramming too much on the morning of the exam so your brain stays calm and clear.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on JSS1 First Term Questions on History, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap. Don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Best wishes..