Family and Community – Very Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Board — Systematic Order
1) Definitions • 2) Functions • 3) Types of Families • 4) Community • 5) Governance Links
Topic 1 — Definitions
1. What is a family?
A group of people related by blood, marriage or adoption who live together or maintain close ties.
2. Define household.
A household is all people who live together and share meals or living arrangements, whether related or not.
3. What is a community?
A group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests, occupations, or culture.
4. What does 'socialisation' mean?
Socialisation is the process by which children learn language, behavior, customs and values from their family and society.
5. Define governance in simple terms.
Governance means the process of making decisions and managing public affairs for the community or country.
Topic 2 — Functions of the Family
6. Name one economic function of the family.
Providing food, shelter and sharing resources among family members.
7. Give one social function of the family.
Teaching children manners, language and social norms (socialisation).
8. What is an emotional function of the family?
Providing love, care and emotional support to members in times of need.
9. How does a family help in reproduction?
By raising children and caring for them, ensuring continuation of the family and community.
10. Mention one educational role of parents.
Parents help with early learning like language, counting and reading habits.
Topic 3 — Types of Families
11. What is a nuclear family?
A family with parents and their children living together.
12. Define extended family.
A family including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, often living together or nearby.
13. What is a joint family?
A large family where several married brothers and their families live together and share resources.
14. Define single-parent family.
A family where one parent (mother or father) raises the children alone.
15. Why do nuclear families increase in cities?
Because of migration for jobs, smaller homes and changing lifestyles that favour smaller family units.
Topic 4 — Types of Communities
16. What is a rural community?
A village community where people often depend on agriculture and have close social ties.
17. Define urban community.
A community in towns and cities with diverse occupations and faster social change.
18. What is an occupational community?
A group of people united by a common occupation, such as fishermen or weavers.
19. Give an example of an interest-based community.
A readers' club, sports club, or an environmental group in the locality.
20. How do communities help during festivals?
They organise events, share food and celebrate together, building social bonds.
Topic 5 — Family, Community and Governance
21. What is a gram sabha?
A meeting of all adult members of a village to discuss local issues and decisions.
22. How do families influence local governance?
By attending meetings, voting and voicing needs to local leaders or representatives.
23. Give one example of collective action by communities.
Organising a cleanliness drive, repairing a road, or managing a common water source together.
24. How can communities help spread awareness about government schemes?
Through local meetings, posters, word-of-mouth and community leaders helping people apply for schemes.
25. What role do elders play in community decisions?
They offer experience, advise on tradition, and often mediate disputes or lead local groups.
Topic 6 — Rights, Duties and Social Issues
26. Name one duty of a citizen towards the family.
To respect elders and help with household responsibilities.
27. Mention one civic duty towards the community.
Participating in cleanliness drives or attending community meetings.
28. How does discrimination harm unity?
It creates mistrust, exclusion and conflict between groups, weakening social bonds.
29. What is social security provided by the family?
Care and support during illness, old age, or unemployment provided by family members.
30. How does education in families help society?
Educated family members teach children and encourage participation in community and governance.
Topic 7 — Participation and Examples
31. Give one example of a community-based organisation.
A women's self-help group that organises savings and small businesses locally.
32. What is a residents' welfare association?
A group of residents who work together to solve local problems in a neighbourhood.
33. How do youth help community work?
By volunteering in drives, awareness campaigns and helping organise events.
34. What is participatory governance?
A system where citizens are directly involved in decisions affecting their community.
35. How can technology help communities?
By sharing information quickly, organising events, and connecting with government services online.
Topic 8 — Local Problems and Solutions
36. What should a community do about a dirty public well?
Organise a cleaning drive, set rules for use and request local authority support if needed.
37. How can disputes in families be resolved peacefully?
Through calm discussion, seeking elders' advice or mediation by trusted neighbours.
38. Suggest one way to improve student attendance in local schools.
Organise awareness among parents about the importance of education and address barriers like distance or cost.
39. How can communities protect local cultural traditions?
By organising festivals, teaching crafts to children and supporting local artists.
40. What can families do to be more environmentally friendly?
Practice waste segregation, plant trees and save water at home.
Topic 9 — Quick Facts & Revision
41. Name one example of a local government body.
Panchayat (village council) or municipal corporation in cities.
42. What is civic sense?
Behaviour that shows respect for public property and concern for community cleanliness and order.
43. Give one way families pass on culture.
By telling stories, celebrating festivals and teaching traditional recipes and songs.
44. What is the role of a community leader?
To represent people's interests, coordinate actions and help resolve local issues.
45. How can families help children learn about governance?
By discussing local issues, encouraging participation in school councils and visiting local meetings together.
Topic 10 — Apply and Think
46. If your village needs a street light, what should families do first?
Discuss the need in a community meeting and request the panchayat or municipal body to install it.
47. How does migration affect family structure?
Migration for work often leads to smaller nuclear families as members move to cities, leaving elders behind or forming new households.
48. How can children contribute to community health?
By participating in cleanliness drives, promoting hygiene and reminding families about vaccination schedules.
49. Name one benefit when families and schools work together.
Improved student performance and better attendance due to combined support and monitoring.
50. Why is respect important in family and community life?
Respect builds trust, reduces conflicts and helps people live together peacefully and cooperatively.