I85PREP
⌘ K
ZIMSEC Grade 7 Social Science study materials
ZIMSEC Grade 7 Social Science study resources

ZIMSEC Grade 7 Social Science practice questions

One question at a time. Build your ZIMSEC Grade 7 Social Science understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which group of people built the stone city of Great Zimbabwe?

  1. Portuguese settlers
  2. Ndebele warriors
  3. Zulu invaders
  4. Shona ancestors Correct answer.

Explanation

Great Zimbabwe was built by ancestors of the Shona people between about the eleventh and fifteenth centuries. Its rulers grew rich from trading gold and ivory with traders on the East African coast.

Question 2History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

In which year did the Pioneer Column reach Mashonaland and set up Fort Salisbury?

  1. 1895
  2. 1900
  3. 1880
  4. 1890 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Pioneer Column, sponsored by the British South Africa Company, entered Mashonaland in 1890 and established Fort Salisbury. This marked the beginning of permanent European settlement in the area.

Question 3History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Who led the Ndebele people when they settled in Matabeleland in the late 1830s?

  1. Lobengula
  2. Shaka Zulu
  3. Mzilikazi Correct answer.
  4. Cecil Rhodes

Explanation

Mzilikazi led his followers away from the Zulu kingdom and eventually settled in the area that became Matabeleland. His son Lobengula later ruled the Ndebele state.

Question 4History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

What was the main purpose of the Land Apportionment Act of 1930?

  1. to give all farmland to Africans
  2. to create national parks for wildlife
  3. to divide land between races Correct answer.
  4. to set up gold mines

Explanation

The Land Apportionment Act split Southern Rhodesia into European and African areas, with the best farmland reserved for Europeans. Africans were left with smaller and poorer areas.

Question 5History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which organisation was given a Royal Charter in 1889 to govern the territory north of the Limpopo River?

  1. British South Africa Company Correct answer.
  2. London Missionary Society
  3. Central African Federation
  4. Zimbabwe African National Union

Explanation

The British South Africa Company, founded by Cecil Rhodes, received a Royal Charter in 1889 allowing it to occupy and administer the territory. It then sent the Pioneer Column in 1890.

Question 6History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

In which year did Zimbabwe become an independent nation?

  1. 1965
  2. 1980 Correct answer.
  3. 1987
  4. 1979

Explanation

Zimbabwe gained independence on 18 April 1980 after the Lancaster House Agreement and the elections of that year. The country was renamed Zimbabwe from Rhodesia.

Question 7History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Who was the leader of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU)?

  1. Joshua Nkomo Correct answer.
  2. Ian Smith
  3. Ndabaningi Sithole
  4. Robert Mugabe

Explanation

Joshua Nkomo led ZAPU, which was formed in 1961 and drew most of its support from Matabeleland. Its military wing was ZIPRA.

Question 8History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

What was the First Chimurenga?

  1. the 1965 declaration of independence by Smith
  2. the 1979 conference held at Lancaster House in London
  3. the 1893 war between the company and the Ndebele
  4. the 1896 uprising against company rule Correct answer.

Explanation

The First Chimurenga was the uprising of 1896 to 1897 against British South Africa Company rule in Matabeleland and Mashonaland. It was led partly by spiritual leaders such as Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi.

Question 9History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which European country traded with and sent missionaries into the Mutapa state in the sixteenth century?

  1. Germany
  2. the Netherlands
  3. Britain
  4. Portugal Correct answer.

Explanation

Portuguese traders and missionaries reached the Mutapa state in the sixteenth century and tried to control its gold trade. Their interference weakened the power of the Mwenemutapa.

Question 10History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

What was the Rudd Concession of 1888?

  1. a treaty that ended the First Matabele War
  2. a deal giving mineral rights to Rhodes Correct answer.
  3. a peace agreement signed after the 1896 uprising
  4. a law that set aside land for African farmers

Explanation

In the Rudd Concession, Lobengula agreed to give mineral rights over his territory to Cecil Rhodes's representatives, in return for money, arms and promises. Rhodes used it to justify the Royal Charter of 1889.

Question 11History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

What did the white settlers of Southern Rhodesia decide in the referendum of 1922?

  1. to join the Central African Federation
  2. to have responsible government Correct answer.
  3. to join the Union of South Africa
  4. to be ruled directly from London

Explanation

In the 1922 referendum the settlers chose responsible government instead of joining South Africa. This led to Southern Rhodesia becoming a self-governing colony in 1923.

Question 12History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which territories made up the Central African Federation, which existed from 1953 to 1963?

  1. Southern Rhodesia, Bechuanaland and Swaziland
  2. Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland Correct answer.
  3. Northern Rhodesia together with Nyasaland
  4. Southern Rhodesia together with the Union of South Africa

Explanation

The Central African Federation linked Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland under one government. African nationalists opposed it because they had very little political power in it.

Question 13History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

What did Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front government do on 11 November 1965?

  1. signed the Lancaster House Agreement
  2. joined the Central African Federation
  3. declared independence without Britain's consent Correct answer.
  4. held the first universal elections

Explanation

Smith's government made a Unilateral Declaration of Independence, breaking away from Britain rather than moving towards majority rule. Britain and the United Nations responded with sanctions.

Question 14History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which two movements formed the Patriotic Front in 1976?

  1. the African National Congress and ZAPU
  2. ZAPU and the Rhodesian Front
  3. ZANU and ZAPU Correct answer.
  4. ZANU and the African National Congress

Explanation

ZANU and ZAPU united in the Patriotic Front so that they could negotiate with Britain with one voice. They kept separate armies, ZANLA and ZIPRA, during the war.

Question 15History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which neighbouring country's independence in 1975 gave ZANLA greater freedom to operate along Zimbabwe's eastern border?

  1. Zambia
  2. Mozambique Correct answer.
  3. Botswana
  4. Angola

Explanation

After Mozambique became independent in 1975, ZANLA could operate more freely from bases along the eastern border of Rhodesia. Zambia and Botswana had allowed only limited movement.

Question 16History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

What was the purpose of the Lancaster House Conference of 1979?

  1. to create the Central African Federation
  2. to declare independence from Britain
  3. to divide Southern Rhodesia into African reserves
  4. to negotiate a ceasefire and independence elections Correct answer.

Explanation

The Lancaster House Conference brought Britain, the Patriotic Front and the internal parties together to agree a ceasefire and free elections. The 1980 elections that followed led to independence.

Question 17History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which 1966 battle is remembered as the first major armed clash of the Second Chimurenga?

  1. Chinhoyi Correct answer.
  2. Khami
  3. Isandlwana
  4. Zumbo

Explanation

On 28 April 1966 a group of ZANLA fighters attacked near Chinhoyi (then Sinoia), and seven guerrillas were killed. The date is remembered as the start of the armed liberation struggle.

Question 18History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Who commanded the ZANLA forces during the liberation war?

  1. Josiah Tongogara Correct answer.
  2. Jason Moyo
  3. Herbert Chitepo
  4. Lookout Masuku

Explanation

Josiah Tongogara was the commander of ZANLA, the military wing of ZANU. He died in a road accident in December 1979, just before independence.

Question 19History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Who became the first Prime Minister of independent Zimbabwe after the 1980 elections?

  1. Abel Muzorewa
  2. Canaan Banana
  3. Joshua Nkomo
  4. Robert Mugabe Correct answer.

Explanation

ZANU-PF won the majority of seats in the 1980 elections, and Robert Mugabe became Prime Minister. Canaan Banana was appointed as the ceremonial President.

Question 20History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Under colonial land laws, where were most African families forced to live?

  1. on European commercial farms
  2. in new townships in the cities
  3. in crowded reserves with poorer soils Correct answer.
  4. on fertile farms on the highveld

Explanation

Colonial laws kept the best land for Europeans and pushed Africans into reserves, later called Tribal Trust Lands. These areas became overcrowded and suffered from poor soils and erosion.

Question 21History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which state, ruled by the Changamire dynasty, became the strongest power in south-western Zimbabwe after the decline of Khami?

  1. Lozi
  2. Zulu
  3. Mutapa
  4. Rozvi Correct answer.

Explanation

The Rozvi state, led by the Changamire rulers, rose to power after the decline of the Torwa state at Khami. It became a strong military power and resisted Portuguese influence on the plateau.

Question 22History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which event of 1895 to 1896 left the settlers' forces weakened and helped to encourage the 1896 uprising?

  1. the Jameson Raid Correct answer.
  2. the First Matabele War
  3. the Rudd Concession
  4. the Anglo-Boer War

Explanation

Leander Jameson took most of the company's armed police into the Transvaal on the Jameson Raid, which failed. With the settlers' forces weakened, Africans in Matabeleland rose up in 1896.

Question 23History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which 1971 agreement between Britain and Rhodesia was tested by the Pearce Commission?

  1. the Victoria Falls Conference
  2. the Internal Settlement
  3. the Anglo-Rhodesian settlement proposals Correct answer.
  4. the Lancaster House Agreement

Explanation

The 1971 proposals would have allowed Rhodesia to become independent without majority rule. The Pearce Commission tested African opinion and found that the proposals were overwhelmingly rejected.

Question 24History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

What kind of government was created in 1979 as a result of the Internal Settlement of 1978?

  1. a government led by Bishop Muzorewa Correct answer.
  2. a ZANU-PF government under Robert Mugabe
  3. a coalition government led by Joshua Nkomo
  4. a British-run administration under a governor

Explanation

The 1978 Internal Settlement between Ian Smith and African leaders such as Muzorewa and Sithole led to elections in 1979. The result was Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, with Bishop Abel Muzorewa as Prime Minister.

Question 25History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which organisation did African nationalists form in 1957 as the first nationwide party of its kind in Southern Rhodesia?

  1. Zimbabwe African People's Union
  2. City Youth League
  3. African National Congress Correct answer.
  4. Rhodesian Front

Explanation

The Southern Rhodesia African National Congress was formed in 1957 and demanded majority rule and better conditions for Africans. It was banned in 1959, and later parties such as NDP, ZAPU and ZANU grew out of it.

Question 26History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which stone-walled settlement on the central plateau was the capital of a trading kingdom at its height between about 1250 and 1450?

  1. Mapungubwe
  2. Great Zimbabwe Correct answer.
  3. Khami
  4. Dhlodhlo

Explanation

Great Zimbabwe was the capital of a Shona state that grew rich from gold, ivory and cattle trade with the Swahili coast, and its population and great stone enclosures reached their peak in this period. The other centres named either came earlier in the Limpopo valley or were built after Great Zimbabwe was abandoned.

Question 27History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

According to Shona tradition, who founded the Mutapa state by moving north from the Great Zimbabwe area in the fifteenth century?

  1. Changamire Dombo
  2. Changa
  3. Matope
  4. Nyatsimba Mutota Correct answer.

Explanation

Tradition holds that Nyatsimba Mutota led his followers north into the Dande region of the Zambezi valley and became the first mwene mutapa. His son Matope then enlarged the state by bringing neighbouring chiefdoms under its control.

Question 28History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which leader moved his followers north across the Limpopo and set up a kingdom around present-day Bulawayo in about 1840?

  1. Shaka Zulu
  2. Mzilikazi Correct answer.
  3. Lobengula
  4. Soshangane

Explanation

Mzilikazi led the Khumalo Ndebele away from Shaka's Zulu kingdom, crossed the Limpopo in the late 1830s and settled on the plateau around Bulawayo. His son Lobengula later inherited the throne and ruled from the 1870s.

Question 29History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

The British South Africa Company received a royal charter in 1889. What did the charter give the company the power to do?

  1. Collect customs duties on behalf of the Portuguese along the Zambezi river
  2. Preach the gospel and build mission schools among African communities in the interior
  3. Make laws and administer government over the territory it occupied Correct answer.
  4. Run the whole railway from the Cape to Cairo as a private business without political authority

Explanation

The charter granted to Cecil Rhodes's company gave it powers of government, including making laws, keeping a police force and administering the territory, not merely trading rights. This is why the company governed Southern Rhodesia until settler self-government in 1923.

Question 30History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

In 1963 a group of nationalists broke away from ZAPU. Which party did they form?

  1. ZAPU Youth League
  2. ZANU Correct answer.
  3. FRELIMO
  4. UANC

Explanation

Disagreements over leadership and strategy led a breakaway group, including Ndabaningi Sithole and Robert Mugabe, to form the Zimbabwe African National Union in 1963. ZANU and ZAPU then remained separate movements until they combined in the Patriotic Front.

Question 31History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which mission station, set up south of present-day Bulawayo in 1859, was the first London Missionary Society outpost among the Ndebele?

  1. Empandeni
  2. Inyati Correct answer.
  3. Morgenster
  4. Hope Fountain

Explanation

Inyati was founded in 1859 with Mzilikazi's permission and was the first London Missionary Society station in the Ndebele kingdom. Other missions such as Hope Fountain, Empandeni and Morgenster were established later in the century.

Question 32History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

During the liberation war the Rhodesian security forces moved many rural families into 'protected villages'. What was the main aim of this policy?

  1. To provide African families with better houses, clinics and schools
  2. To cut guerrillas off from villagers who supplied them with food and information Correct answer.
  3. To encourage villagers to leave the countryside and take up factory work in the towns
  4. To group families together so that they could grow more crops for export

Explanation

Guerrilla fighters depended on rural families for food, shelter and news about troop movements, so the authorities hoped that regrouping villagers would break that support. The policy was resented because it disrupted farming and community life rather than improving welfare.

Question 33History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Why did the colonial administration introduce a hut tax on African households in the 1890s?

  1. To count and record the number of people living in each district for the census
  2. To push Africans into wage work so they could pay the tax in cash Correct answer.
  3. To raise money that would pay for hospitals and schools in the African reserves
  4. To discourage Africans from keeping large herds of cattle in the reserves

Explanation

The tax had to be paid in cash, and most African families could only obtain cash by working for wages on mines, farms or in towns. In this way the tax helped to supply the labour that the new colonial economy needed.

Question 34History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

Which two spirit mediums were captured and hanged by the colonial government after the 1896–97 uprisings?

  1. Mutota and Matope
  2. Lobengula and Mzilikazi
  3. Chaminuka and Mwari
  4. Nehanda and Kaguvi Correct answer.

Explanation

Nehanda Nyakasikana and Sekuru Kaguvi were tried and hanged in 1898 for encouraging resistance during the uprisings. Their fate made them lasting symbols of resistance to colonial rule in Zimbabwe.

Question 35History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

How was the Ndebele kingdom organised to keep control over a large area around Bulawayo?

  1. Power was shared equally between the king and elected councils in each village
  2. Authority rested with missionaries, who settled disputes between families
  3. The king ruled through age-set regiments and appointed chiefs who collected tribute Correct answer.
  4. Each province chose its own king and paid no tribute to the capital

Explanation

Ndebele society was organised around amabutho, regiments formed by age, which served the king in war and in labour, while appointed chiefs and headmen collected tribute and kept order in the districts. This centralised structure allowed a relatively small ruling group to control a wide territory and many subject communities.

Question 36History of Zimbabwe: pre-colonial societies, colonial rule and the liberation struggle

By the end of the seventeenth century the Mutapa state had lost most of its power. Which factor contributed most to this decline?

  1. The loss of the gold trade to Arab traders on the east coast
  2. Repeated succession disputes and Portuguese interference in royal politics Correct answer.
  3. A long drought that made the Zambezi valley unsuitable for farming
  4. An invasion by Mzilikazi's Ndebele armies from the south

Explanation

Portuguese traders and their armed followers backed rival claimants to the throne, and each disputed succession weakened central authority until outlying rulers, including the Changamire dynasty in the south-west, broke away. Internal division, stirred by foreign interference, did more to end Mutapa's power than any single outside attack.

Question 37Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Which mountain is the highest point in Zimbabwe?

  1. Mount Selinda
  2. Mount Wedza
  3. Mount Bvumba
  4. Mount Inyangani Correct answer.

Explanation

Mount Inyangani, in the Nyanga range of the Eastern Highlands, rises to about 2 592 m and is the highest peak in the country. All other high points in Zimbabwe are lower than this summit.

Question 38Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Which river forms part of Zimbabwe's northern border?

  1. Save
  2. Gwayi
  3. Limpopo
  4. Zambezi Correct answer.

Explanation

The Zambezi flows along the whole of Zimbabwe's northern side and separates the country from Zambia. The Limpopo and the Save drain other parts of the country and do not form the northern boundary.

Question 39Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Lake Kariba lies on which river?

  1. Save
  2. Limpopo
  3. Manyame
  4. Zambezi Correct answer.

Explanation

Lake Kariba was formed when the Kariba Dam was built across the Zambezi in the Kariba gorge. The lake now stores water along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Question 40Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Which river forms Zimbabwe's southern border with South Africa?

  1. Zambezi
  2. Runde
  3. Limpopo Correct answer.
  4. Save

Explanation

The Limpopo flows along the southern edge of Zimbabwe and marks the boundary with South Africa. The Zambezi serves the same purpose in the north.

Question 41Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Which woodland type covers much of Zimbabwe's central Highveld?

  1. Miombo woodland Correct answer.
  2. Mopane woodland
  3. Mangrove swamp
  4. Montane forest

Explanation

Miombo woodland, dominated by msasa and mubvamaropa trees, is the natural cover of the well-drained Highveld. Mopane prefers hotter, drier valleys and montane forest is confined to the wet eastern mountains.

Question 42Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

In which months does Zimbabwe usually receive most of its rainfall?

  1. May to August
  2. November to March Correct answer.
  3. April to June
  4. August to October

Explanation

The rainy season runs roughly from November to March, when moist air and the convergence zone move south over the country. The months from May to September are normally dry and sunny.

Question 43Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Victoria Falls lies on which river?

  1. Save
  2. Zambezi Correct answer.
  3. Mazowe
  4. Limpopo

Explanation

Victoria Falls is formed where the Zambezi drops over a basalt cliff on the country's northern border. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world by sheet width.

Question 44Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

What name is given to Zimbabwe's low-lying land below about 900 m, such as the Save–Limpopo valley?

  1. Highveld
  2. Lowveld Correct answer.
  3. Eastern Highlands
  4. Middleveld

Explanation

Land below roughly 900 m is called the Lowveld, and it is the hottest and driest part of the country. The Highveld and Middleveld lie at higher elevations.

Question 45Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

What is the Great Dyke?

  1. A deep trench cut by the Zambezi River
  2. A mineral-rich ridge of igneous rock Correct answer.
  3. A line of volcanic cones in the Eastern Highlands
  4. A belt of limestone along the Limpopo valley

Explanation

The Great Dyke is a long, narrow layered intrusion of igneous rock running roughly north to south through the centre of the country. It is important because it contains chromium, platinum and nickel ores.

Question 46Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Why do the Eastern Highlands receive more rain than the rest of Zimbabwe?

  1. Ocean air is forced to rise over them Correct answer.
  2. They lie closest to the equator
  3. They contain many lakes that add moisture to the air
  4. They are crossed by the convergence zone all year

Explanation

Moist winds from the Indian Ocean are pushed up over the eastern escarpment; the rising air cools, condenses and drops heavy orographic rain on the windward slopes. This makes the eastern mountains the wettest part of the country.

Question 47Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Which town lies in the Lowveld?

  1. Chiredzi Correct answer.
  2. Marondera
  3. Kwekwe
  4. Nyanga

Explanation

Chiredzi sits in the hot, dry south-eastern Lowveld of Masvingo province, at a low altitude. The other towns named are all on the higher plateau or in the mountains.

Question 48Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

At roughly what height above sea level does most of Zimbabwe's central Highveld plateau lie?

  1. 300–900 m
  2. Below 300 m
  3. 900–1 200 m
  4. 1 200–1 500 m Correct answer.

Explanation

Most of the central plateau lies between about 1 200 m and 1 500 m above sea level, which is why it is called the Highveld. This altitude moderates the country's tropical temperatures.

Question 49Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Lake Chivero, which supplies Harare with water, is on which river?

  1. Mzingwane
  2. Save
  3. Gwayi
  4. Manyame (Hunyani) Correct answer.

Explanation

Lake Chivero, once called Lake Mcllwaine, was created by damming the Manyame River, also known as the Hunyani, just south-west of Harare. It is the city's main water source.

Question 50Physical geography of Zimbabwe: relief, drainage, climate and vegetation

Why are Harare's temperatures generally lower than those of Chiredzi?

  1. Harare is closer to the sea
  2. Harare is further from the equator
  3. Harare is at a much higher altitude Correct answer.
  4. Harare receives less sunshine

Explanation

Temperature falls by roughly 6 °C for every 1 000 m gained in height, so the Highveld city of Harare is cooler than the Lowveld town of Chiredzi. Both places lie within the tropics, so altitude rather than latitude explains the difference.