History Exam Questions for SS1 First Term with Answer

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 SS1 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 SS1 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

History is one of the most important subjects taught in secondary schools. It is the study of past human events and the activities of people over time. By learning history, students discover how societies, nations, and civilizations developed, how leaders ruled, and how different events shaped the world we live in today.

In the classroom, history helps students to understand their cultural heritage, appreciate the struggles and achievements of their ancestors, and learn valuable lessons that can guide present and future decisions. It also teaches important skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation of evidence from different sources.

In summary, history as a school subject connects the past with the present, helps students develop a sense of identity, and prepares them to become informed and responsible citizens.

History Exam Questions for SS1 First Term

History Exam Questions for SS1 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 SS1 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. The best definition of “history” is the study of:
A. the future events predicted by prophets
B. the story of past events and human activities
C. the biography of only kings and rulers
D. myths and legends only

2. Which of the following is a primary source of history?
A. A modern textbook summarizing events
B. An eyewitness account written at the time of the event
C. A later encyclopedia article
D. A teacher’s lecture notes

3. Archaeological findings are important to historians mainly because they:
A. always provide written records
B. replace the need for oral traditions
C. offer physical evidence of past human activity
D. give exact dates without further analysis

4. Oral tradition as a source of history refers to:
A. information recorded in state archives
B. stories, songs, and proverbs passed down by word of mouth.
C. photographs taken in the past
D. inscriptions on ancient monuments

5. Which of these is an example of a secondary source?
A. A letter written by a soldier during a war
B. A newspaper report published at the time of an event
C. A research article analyzing past events written decades later
D. A diary entry from an eyewitness

6. Chronology in history refers to:
A. the study of old coins
B. arranging events in the order they occurred
C. the study of ancient languages
D. the use of maps in history

7. The phrase “cause and effect” in historical studies means:
A. events happen without any reasons
B. identifying reasons why events happened and their consequences
C. memorizing dates only
D. listing kings and queens

8. One limitation of oral sources is that they can:
A. provide precise calendar dates
B. never include cultural information
C. change with each retelling and become distorted
D. be easily verified with scientific tests

9. Which of the following is NOT a method used by historians to date artifacts?
A. Radiocarbon dating
B. Dendrochronology (tree-ring dating).
C. Phrenology
D. Thermoluminescence

10. The Hausa states in pre-colonial Nigeria were primarily located in:
A. the coastal rainforest region
B. the northern savanna region
C. the Niger Delta region
D. the southeastern highlands

11. Which city was famous as an important center of learning and trade in West Africa?
A. Enugu          B. Lagos
C. Accra           D. Timbuktu

12. The Sokoto Jihad (early 19th century) led by Usman dan Fodio resulted in:
A. the rise of British colonial rule in the region immediately
B. the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate
C. the end of trade across the Sahara
D. the founding of Lagos as a capital

13. Which of the following was a major trans-Saharan trade item in the pre-colonial period?
A. Cocoa             B. Salt
C. Petroleum       D. Electricity

14. One effect of trans-Saharan trade on West African societies was:
A. the complete elimination of Islam
B. increased contact with North African merchants and spread of Islam
C. the disappearance of local crafts
D. the immediate industrialization of the region

15. The study of coins and medals to understand the past is called:
A. Cartography      B. Numismatics
C. Paleography      D. Ethnography

16. A historian who compares different versions of a single event is practicing:
A. corroboration
B. speculation only
C. myth making
D. romanticizing history

17. Which of the following best describes an inscription as a historical source?
A. A spoken story passed down orally
B. A carved or written text on stone or metal created at the time
C. A modern summary of an event
D. An imagined account from a novelist

18. The introduction of Islam into some West African states was helped by:
A. trans-Saharan trade networks and Muslim merchants
B. British missionaries only
C. Chinese explorers
D. the Atlantic slave trade exclusively

19. Which agricultural innovation helped some early West African states to grow surplus food?
A. Use of steam engines
B. Irrigation and improved farming techniques
C. Mobile phones
D. Industrial tractors in the 12th century

20. The primary purpose of a timeline in history is to:
A. show the location of events
B. present the chronological order of events clearly
C. explain causes of an event in detail
D. provide personal opinions about events

21. Which of the following is a written primary source?
A. A modern Wikipedia summary
B. A colonial-era official letter written at the time
C. A reconstructed oral history
D. A teacher’s modern lecture

22. The term “prehistory” refers to:
A. the period after the invention of writing
B. the period before written records existed
C. only the last 100 years
D. the future predicted by historians

23. The study of human past through fossils and tools is called:
A. Sociology            B. Archaeology
C. Meteorology       D. Astronomy

24. Which of these is an archaeological site?
A. A living city established last year
B. A location where ancient artifacts and structures are found
C. A modern shopping mall
D. A virtual online archive

25. Oral history is most useful for studying:
A. ancient civilizations with many surviving inscriptions only
B. the cultural practices and memories of communities
C. the chemical composition of artifacts
D. future projections of society

26. The main reason historians cross-check different sources is to:
A. confuse readers with more information
B. test the reliability and accuracy of the information
C. shorten the research time
D. avoid visiting archives

27. One advantage of written records over oral tradition is that written records:
A. never contain bias
B. can provide fixed wording and dates for events
C. cannot be lost
D. are always complete

28. Which of the following is a limitation of archaeological evidence?
A. It always tells the names of past rulers
B. Interpretation can be difficult and incomplete
C. It never decays over time
D. It always gives exact dates without analysis

29. The Bantu migrations are important in African history because they:
A. were limited to North Africa only
B. spread languages, farming techniques, and ironworking across much of sub-Saharan Africa
C. introduced printing technology
D. happened only in the 20th century

30. Which of the following best explains “historical bias”?
A. The strict use of only archaeological data
B. An influence that leads sources or historians to present a one-sided account
C. A method of accurate dating
D. A type of primary source

31. The major continents involved in the early transatlantic slave trade were:
A. Africa, Europe, and the Americas
B. Asia and Antarctica only
C. Australia and Greenland only
D. Europe and Antarctica only

32. Christianity spread in some parts of West Africa primarily through:
A. Roman colonization
B. European missionary activities and trade contacts
C. Chinese merchants
D. The trans-Saharan caravan trade only

33. A historian working in a museum is most likely to use which of the following daily?
A. Cooking recipes
B. Artifacts, catalogues, and exhibition records
C. Sports statistics
D. Modern fiction novels

34. The use of maps in history helps students to:
A. avoid learning dates
B. understand geographical context and movement of people
C. reduce study time to minutes
D. translate ancient texts

35. Which of the following statements about the Hausa city-states is correct?
A. They were isolated and had no trade links
B. They developed complex political systems and engaged in regional trade
C. They were located in southern Nigeria
D. They had no form of writing

36. The term “oral tradition” is least likely to provide information about:
A. personal names and family genealogies
B. rituals, beliefs, and cultural norms
C. precise chronological dates in some cases
D. events that never took place

37. What is the main role of a historian when studying the past?
A. To invent new events
B. To collect, evaluate, and interpret evidence about past events
C. To predict lottery numbers
D. To write fictional stories only

38. Which of the following is a NOT a typical activity of archaeologists?
A. Excavation of sites
B. Laboratory analysis of artifacts
C. Literary editing of modern novels
D. Recording stratigraphy layers

39. An example of documentary evidence is:
A. a pottery shard found at a dig site
B. a government proclamation printed at the time
C. a folk song passed orally
D. an earth layer

40. The introduction of iron technology in some African societies led to:
A. decline in agriculture everywhere
B. improved tools and expanded farming and craft production
C. the immediate abandonment of trade
D. universal literacy

41. Which of the following features is associated with early urban centres like Kano and Katsina?
A. Complete lack of markets
B. Strong trade networks, craft specializations and administrative structures
C. Only temporary camps with no permanent buildings
D. No contact with outsiders

42. Which method helps historians to establish the age of wooden artifacts?
A. Astrology
B. Dendrochronology (tree-ring dating).
C. Using modern wooden furniture as reference
D. Guesswork

43. The title “caliph” in the Sokoto Caliphate referred to:
A. a type of farming tool
B. a religious and political leader
C. a European merchant
D. a small village

44. Which of the following contributed to the growth of towns in pre-colonial West Africa?
A. Decrease in long-distance trade
B. Expansion of trade routes and craft production
C. Complete absence of agricultural surplus
D. Isolation from regional networks

45. A written charter, treaty, or law from the past is an example of:
A. archaeological stratigraphy
B. documentary source
C. oral folklore
D. a museum label

46. The study of place names and their origins is called:
A. Etymology of plants
B. Toponymy
C. Numismatics
D. Cartography

47. Which of these was a major result of the spread of Islam in West Africa?
A. Development of Islamic scholarship and literacy in Arabic in some centers
B. The immediate elimination of all local languages
C. Complete closure of trade routes
D. Universal industrialization

48. The best reason for preserving historical documents is to:
A. prevent access by future generations
B. provide evidence for understanding past human activities
C. keep them locked away without study
D. sell them for profit only

49. What does the study of “ethnohistory” combine?
A. Astrology and economics
B. Oral traditions, ethnographic data, and documentary records to understand cultures
C. Only geological data
D. Sports and entertainment history

50. Which of the following is a limitation of written colonial records?
A. They are always neutral and objective
B. They may reflect the biases and interests of the colonial authors
C. They contain only accurate dates and no opinions
D. They are never stored in archives

51. Which of these trades connected West Africa to the Mediterranean world?
A. Trans-Saharan trade routes
B. Trans-Pacific shipping lanes only
C. Railways built in the 20th century
D. Space travel

52. The study of ancient scripts and their interpretation is known as:
A. Paleontology     B. Paleography
C. Sociology          D. Pharmacology

53. Which process helps historians decide which of several conflicting accounts is most reliable?
A. Corroboration and cross-checking with other sources
B. Ignoring all sources
C. Choosing the longest account only
D. Selecting the most recent fictional story

54. An advantage of museum displays for history students is that they:
A. hide artifacts from the public.
B. allow direct observation of material culture and context
C. always provide full historical interpretation without need for research.
D. function as libraries only

55. Which event directly increased contact between West Africa and European traders from the 15th century?
A. The discovery of the sea route around Africa by European navigators
B. The invention of the printing press in China
C. The building of the Trans-Siberian Railway
D. The French Revolution only

56. The study of family histories and lineages is most closely associated with:
A. Genealogy
B. Cartography
C. Metallurgy
D. Oceanography

57. In evaluating the reliability of a source, historians most often consider:
A. its color and shape only
B. the author’s proximity to events, purpose, and possible bias
C. whether the source is short or long
D. the weather on the day it was created

58. Which of the following best describes an archive?
A. A place where historical records are preserved and made available for research.
B. A modern shopping center
C. The same as a museum exhibiting only artifacts
D. A private diary never shown to researchers

59. The spread of Islam to some Hausa states resulted in:
A. total rejection of all foreign ideas
B. growth in Islamic scholarship, Arabic schools, and clerical administration in towns
C. the immediate end of trade with North Africa
D. disappearance of local commerce

60. Which of the following practices helps historians to present balanced accounts?
A. Using a single biased source
B. Comparing multiple sources and acknowledging differing viewpoints
C. Relying only on myths and legends
D. Ignoring archaeological findings

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.

1. Explain the meaning and scope of history In your answer, discuss at least three reasons why the study of history is important to individuals and nations.

2. Define primary and secondary sources of history Describe five examples of each and explain one strength and one limitation for each type.

3. Describe the role of trans-Saharan trade in the development of West African states between the 9th and 16th centuries Use specific examples to support your answer.

4. Explain the origins and main outcomes of the Sokoto Jihad led by Usman dan Fodio in the early 19th century Discuss its impact on political and religious life in the region.

5. Describe the main methods used by archaeologists and historians to date and interpret artifacts Illustrate your answer with at least two specific dating techniques and an example of how interpretation can vary.

6. Discuss the contribution of Islamic scholarship to education, administration, and trade in medieval West African towns such as Timbuktu, Kano, or Katsina.

7. Examine the advantages and limitations of oral tradition as a source of historical information In your discussion, suggest two ways historians can strengthen the reliability of oral testimonies.

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 SS1 First Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of History exam questions for SS1 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 SS1 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. Explain the meaning and scope of history. In your answer, discuss at least three reasons why the study of history is important to individuals and nations.

History is the study of past human activities, events, and experiences. It helps us to understand how societies evolved, how civilizations developed, and how past actions shaped the present world. The scope of history covers political, social, economic, cultural, and religious aspects of human life.

The study of history is important to individuals because it helps them to understand their identity and heritage. It provides knowledge of where we come from and how our ancestors lived. Secondly, it helps individuals to learn from past mistakes and make better decisions for the future. Thirdly, history promotes patriotism by helping citizens appreciate the struggles and sacrifices made for their nation’s progress.

For nations, the study of history builds unity and national consciousness. It also provides lessons for policy makers to avoid repeating the errors of the past and to promote progress through informed decisions.

2. Define primary and secondary sources of history. Describe five examples of each and explain one strength and one limitation for each type.

Primary sources of history are original materials created at the time of an event. They serve as direct evidence of what happened. Examples include artifacts, diaries, letters, photographs, oral traditions, and official documents. Their main strength is that they provide firsthand information, but their limitation is that they may be biased or incomplete.

Secondary sources of history are interpretations or analyses of primary sources. They are produced after the event by people who did not witness it. Examples include textbooks, journals, documentaries, encyclopedias, and history books. Their strength is that they offer detailed analysis and interpretation, while their limitation is that they depend on the accuracy of the primary sources used.

3. Describe the role of trans-Saharan trade in the development of West African states between the 9th and 16th centuries. Use specific examples to support your answer.

The trans-Saharan trade played a major role in the growth and prosperity of West African states such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai between the 9th and 16th centuries. This trade linked West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean world, allowing for the exchange of goods like gold, salt, slaves, leather, and textiles.

Through the trade, Ghana became wealthy by controlling trade routes and collecting taxes from traders. Mali rose to prominence under Mansa Musa, whose wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca showcased the riches of West Africa. Songhai also expanded its empire through trade, establishing Timbuktu and Gao as major centers of commerce and learning.

The trade encouraged cultural exchange, spread of Islam, urban development, and growth of powerful kingdoms in West Africa.

4. Explain the origins and main outcomes of the Sokoto Jihad led by Usman dan Fodio in the early 19th century. Discuss its impact on political and religious life in the region.

The Sokoto Jihad began in 1804 under the leadership of Usman dan Fodio, a Fulani Islamic scholar and reformer. It originated from his desire to purify Islam in the Hausa states and end corruption, oppression, and pagan practices among the rulers. The movement gained support from the Fulani and Hausa commoners who desired justice and religious reform.

The main outcomes of the Jihad included the overthrow of many Hausa rulers and the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate. The Caliphate became one of the largest empires in Africa, governed according to Islamic laws.

Its impact was significant — it brought about political unification under Islamic leadership, encouraged education through Qur’anic schools, and spread Islam widely across northern Nigeria and beyond.

5. Describe the main methods used by archaeologists and historians to date and interpret artifacts. Illustrate your answer with at least two specific dating techniques and an example of how interpretation can vary.

Archaeologists and historians use several methods to determine the age and meaning of artifacts. The main dating techniques include radiocarbon dating and stratigraphy.

Radiocarbon dating measures the amount of carbon-14 in organic materials to determine their age, while stratigraphy studies the layers of soil where artifacts are found — the deeper the layer, the older the artifact.

Interpretation involves comparing artifacts with known historical evidence, written records, or oral traditions. For example, a pottery piece found in an ancient site may be interpreted as a household object, a ritual vessel, or a trade item depending on its design and context. Interpretation can vary because different historians may emphasize different types of evidence.

6. Discuss the contribution of Islamic scholarship to education, administration, and trade in medieval West African towns such as Timbuktu, Kano, or Katsina.

Islamic scholarship contributed greatly to the development of education, administration, and trade in medieval West Africa. In towns like Timbuktu, Kano, and Katsina, Islamic scholars established Qur’anic schools and universities that taught religion, law, astronomy, and medicine. Timbuktu’s Sankore University became famous for its vast collection of manuscripts and learning.

Administratively, Islamic scholars served as judges (qadis), scribes, and advisers in government, introducing Islamic legal and ethical principles into governance.

In trade, Islam provided a common language and code of conduct among Muslim traders across the Sahara, fostering trust and economic growth. As a result, cities like Kano became major commercial and intellectual centers.

7. Examine the advantages and limitations of oral tradition as a source of historical information. In your discussion, suggest two ways historians can strengthen the reliability of oral testimonies.

Oral tradition refers to the transmission of history, culture, and knowledge through spoken words, songs, and stories from one generation to another. Its advantages include preserving information about societies that had no written records and providing insights into customs, values, and beliefs of past peoples.

However, oral tradition has limitations such as distortion over time, exaggeration, and loss of details due to memory lapses or bias of narrators.

To strengthen the reliability of oral testimonies, historians can cross-check oral accounts with written records, archaeological evidence, or other oral versions from different informants. They can also record and document oral stories promptly to reduce loss or alteration over time.

How to Pass History Exam Questions for SS1 First Term

Passing your History exam questions for SS1 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Know the syllabus

• Get the official SS1 History scheme of work for the term.
• List the topics you must cover. Do not study beyond the set topics before you finish them.
• Match your notes and past questions to the syllabus topics.

2. Build a simple study plan

• Divide the topics across the days left before the exam.
• Study one or two topics each day. Revise them the next day.
• Allow at least one full day for past-question practice and one day for final revision.

3. Learn facts with understanding

• Memorise important dates, names, and places, but also know why events happened.
• Link causes to effects. Ask: Why did this happen? What changed after it?
• Use short notes, timelines, and mind maps to keep facts clear.

4. Use different sources

• Use your textbook, scheme of work, class notes and simple online resources.
• Read one reliable short article or past question set for each topic.
• Ask your teacher when a point is unclear. Do not leave doubts.

5. Practice past questions

• Do objective questions (multiple choice) under timed conditions.
• Write full answers for essay questions. Practice planning each essay in 5 minutes.
• Mark your answers. Learn from mistakes and avoid repeating them.

6. Exam technique — Objective questions (Section A)

• Read each question twice before choosing an option.
• Eliminate wrong options first. This raises your chance if you must guess.
• If unsure, mark the question and return to it later.
• Do not spend too long on a single item.

7. Exam technique — Essay/theory questions (Section B)

• Read all questions and choose the ones you know best.
• Plan each answer: write a short outline (introduction, 3 main points, conclusion).
• Keep answers clear and focused. Use facts and short examples.
• Start each paragraph with a clear point sentence.
• Leave 5 minutes at the end to proofread and correct small errors.

8. Time management (example for a 2-hour paper)

• 60 objective questions: 60–70 minutes (about 1–1.2 minutes each).
• 7 essay questions: 45–55 minutes (choose and answer required number).
• Use remaining 5–10 minutes to check answers and fix mistakes.

9. Common mistakes to avoid

• Rushing through questions without reading them properly.
• Writing long introductions that do not answer the question.
• Ignoring the command words: “describe”, “explain”, “discuss”.
• Leaving blanks when you could make an educated guess.

10. Quick revision tools

• Timelines for dates and events.
• One-page notes for each topic with key facts.
• Flashcards for important names and definitions.
• Group study — ask and answer past questions together.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS1 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)

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