WorksheetsLesson 15: West Africa: Early Society
Total questions: 11
Worksheet time: 6mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Which geographical feature forms the northern boundary of West Africa?
a)
The Atlantic Ocean
b)
The Sahara Desert
c)
The Niger River
2.
Why was the Sahara not suitable for large settlements?
a)
It was too cold year-round
b)
It had frequent earthquakes
c)
It was too dry with limited water sources.
3.
How did geography influence trade in West Africa?
a)
The varied vegetation zones created a need for trade between regions
b)
The Sahara was the main trade route
c)
Every region had the same resources, reducing the need for trade
4.
What was one key advantage of the Niger River for trade?
a)
It prevented invaders from entering West Africa
b)
It acted as a trading highway for transporting goods
c)
It produced wood for housing
5.
What was the primary reason early farming communities in West Africa were based on extended families?
a)
To follow religious traditions
b)
To make it easier to trade with outsiders
c)
To work together in farming and daily survival
6.
Why did extended-family communities eventually form villages?
a)
To build larger farms
b)
To unite for protection and large projects
c)
To create schools and marketplaces
7.
What evidence suggests that early West African villages defended themselves against attacks?
a)
Discoveries of ancient weapons
b)
Written records from the time period
c)
Ruins of high walls and gates in places like Dhar Tichitt
8.
How was leadership typically determined in EARLY West African villages?
a)
Leadership was based on wisdom and strength
b)
The leader was always the eldest male in the village
c)
A leader was chosen through democratic elections
9.
How did the rulers of West African trading cities become wealthy?
a)
By farming large areas of land
b)
b) By collecting taxes from traded goods
c)
c) By discovering large oil reserves
10.
What was the purpose of collecting tribute from conquered people?
a)
To show their acceptance of the king’s authority and to pay for protection
b)
To fund religious ceremonies only
c)
To reduce the population of the empire
11.
Why was trans-Saharan trade important to the West African kingdoms?
a)
It connected West Africa to wealth and goods from distant lands
b)
It allowed armies to quickly travel across the desert
c)
It helped kings control local farms
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