NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Social Science Chapter 13 The Value of Work

Page 183

Question 1. What are the different types of activities that people engage in?
Answer: People take part in two main kinds of activities. Economic activities involve making, selling, or trading goods and services to earn money or other rewards. These include running a shop, working as a software engineer, teaching in a school, operating machinery, working in government jobs, farming and selling crops, and making furniture to sell. Non-economic activities are tasks done out of love, care, or a sense of duty rather than to earn money. Examples are offering free classes to neighborhood children, gardening, doing household chores, teaching skills without payment, helping family members with cooking or caring for older relatives, and taking part in community projects like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Van Mahotsav.
In simple words: Economic activities are work that gives you money. Non-economic activities are work you do to help others or your family, not for money.

Exam Tip: Always give clear examples for both types - economic activities with payment and non-economic activities done for care or community. Name the activities specifically, not just describe them vaguely.

Question 2. What is their contribution to our everyday lives?
Answer: Economic activities form the foundation of how we meet our daily material needs. These activities let people make money to purchase food, clothing, and shelter for themselves and their families. When a shop owner, farmer, or software engineer works, their effort directly supports the economy by producing goods and services that others buy. Non-economic activities are just as important, though they work differently. They build and strengthen the bonds between family members and within communities. Tasks like cooking meals, caring for elderly relatives, teaching skills for free, and joining in community projects create emotional support and a feeling of belonging. These activities make life richer in ways that money cannot measure - they foster happiness, trust, and a sense of togetherness that helps society function smoothly.
In simple words: Economic work gives us money to buy what we need. Non-economic work brings families and communities closer together and makes life happier.

Exam Tip: Mention that economic activities support both the individual and the economy, while non-economic activities strengthen personal relationships and social bonds. Examiners value answers that show both types matter.

Page 185

Question. What activities did the people in Anu's and Kabir's story engage in? Mention them in the table given below.
Answer:

Exam Tip: When filling such tables, identify both the main job and any additional activities clearly - some people do both paid and unpaid work, and you must mention both for full marks.

Page 187

Question. In the table given on page 185, did you notice the third empty column? Label this column 'economic / non-economic activity'. Now classify them according to the nature of activity.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to whether money or payment is involved. If someone receives payment, it is economic. If they do it out of care, love, or duty without pay, it is non-economic. Some people do both types - list both clearly.

Page 187 - Think About It

Question. When Kabir's grandfather voluntarily teaches the neighborhood kids for free, is that an economic activity or a non-economic activity? How is it different from your teachers teaching you at school? Discuss with your classmates.
Answer: Kabir's grandfather teaching neighborhood kids for free is a non-economic activity. This is because he receives no payment or monetary reward for his teaching - he does it out of goodwill and a desire to help others. His motivation is to share knowledge with the children in his area. In contrast, teachers at school are engaged in an economic activity. School teachers receive a salary for their services, which turns teaching into an economic transaction where the teaching service is exchanged for money. The key difference is payment - when payment happens, work becomes economic; when there is no payment and work is done from love or duty, it stays non-economic.
In simple words: Your grandfather teaches for free because he cares, so it is non-economic. Your school teachers get paid a salary, so it is economic work.

Exam Tip: The presence or absence of payment is the defining line between economic and non-economic activities. Always mention payment or lack of it when answering such questions.

Question. What are some non-economic activities that are important to you and your family? Why are they valuable?
Answer: Non-economic activities that matter to families include: cooking meals for family members - this shows care and love, and keeps everyone nourished and healthy; helping children with their schoolwork - this builds family bonds and helps the child learn better; taking care of elderly or sick relatives - this shows respect and gratitude toward them; and volunteering at local community events, cleaning the neighborhood, or helping in community kitchens - these foster a sense of togetherness and community responsibility. These activities are valuable because they build emotional ties between people. They ensure that family members feel supported and cared for during both easy and difficult times. They also create an environment where people look after one another, leading to growth and happiness within both families and communities. By doing these activities, we become better human beings and make our surroundings a place where people want to belong.
In simple words: Non-economic activities like cooking, helping with homework, and caring for elders show love and build strong family bonds. They make families and communities happier and closer.

Exam Tip: Name specific non-economic activities and explain clearly why each one has value - emphasize emotional bonds, social welfare, and community strength rather than money.

Page 189 - Think About It

Question. On your way from home to school today, can you recall the various economic activities that people are engaged in? In what ways do you think those people are paid?
Answer: On my way from home to school, I observe various economic activities that people are engaged in. Here are some examples and the ways these people are typically paid:

Shopkeepers and Vendors - Activity: Selling goods such as groceries, stationery, snacks, etc. Payment: Shopkeepers and vendors receive direct payments from customers in exchange for goods. This could be in the form of cash, card payments, or digital payments.

Auto-Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers - Activity: Providing transportation services to people. Payment: These drivers are paid by passengers for the rides they provide. The payment is usually in cash or through digital payment platforms based on the distance travelled or the time taken.

Construction Workers - Activity: Building or repairing structures like buildings, roads, or houses. Payment: Construction workers are usually paid a daily wage or a fixed salary, depending on whether they work on a contract basis or are employed by a company.

School Teachers - Activity: Teaching students in schools. Payment: Teachers are paid a salary by the school or educational institution where they work. This payment is generally monthly and may include benefits like health insurance and pensions.

Street Performers or Musicians - Activity: Performing music or other acts in public spaces. Payment: Street performers often rely on tips or donations from people who enjoy their performances. This is usually in the form of cash given on the spot.

Farmers Selling Produce - Activity: Selling fresh fruits, vegetables, or other agricultural products at local markets. Payment: Farmers are paid by customers in cash or through digital means for the produce they sell. The price may vary based on the quantity and quality of the goods.
In simple words: People earn money in different ways on the street - shopkeepers get paid when they sell goods, drivers get paid for each ride, teachers get monthly salary, and street performers get tips from people watching them.

Exam Tip: When answering this type of question, list different types of workers and mention the specific form of payment each receives - cash, salary, commission, tips, etc. Show that you understand different payment methods for different types of work.

Page 191

Question. Put a checkmark against those activities / professions that you think create monetary value. Can you add two activities and examples of money related value creation to the empty rows at the end?
Answer:

Exam Tip: Remember that for an activity to create monetary value, money must be exchanged. If no payment occurs, even if the activity is valuable to society, it remains non-economic. Checkmarks go only on activities where money changes hands.

Page 193 - Think About It

Question. Many communities in India have similar practices that involve community participation. Can you identify a few from your area?
Answer: Many areas across India have community practices that bring people together. In my locality, I have seen: organizing clean-up days where neighbors gather to sweep streets and remove litter; sharing of vegetables and fruits from home gardens among neighbors; organizing celebrations and festivals where people decorate their homes and streets and share food; taking turns to watch over the neighborhood during the night for safety; and helping each other during building or home repairs. These are all examples of how communities in different parts of India come together for shared goals and mutual support.
In simple words: Communities near me work together during festivals, cleaning drives, and helping neighbors in times of need.

Exam Tip: Speak from your own experience or observation. If you cannot name specific activities, you can give general examples like community festivals, neighborhood clean-ups, or helping during emergencies - all of which are common across India.

Question. We celebrate many festivals in India. During these festivals, people gather to organise all the various activities. They decorate the place together and share the food that they cook. Are these non-economic activities? Why do you think they still hold value?
Answer: The activities people do during festivals - decorating homes, organizing events, and sharing food - are non-economic activities. They are non-economic because people do not do them to earn money or for any monetary reward. Instead, these activities come from tradition, love, and a feeling of belonging to the community. Although they do not earn money, they hold enormous value. Festival activities strengthen social bonds among family and friends. They bring people together and create shared memories. They help keep cultural traditions alive across generations. These activities also make people feel a sense of pride in their community and create joy and belonging for everyone involved. By participating in such activities, people learn the importance of working as a group and caring for one another. They make communities stronger, more united, and better places where people feel supported and connected.
In simple words: Festival activities do not make money, but they bring people close together, keep old traditions alive, and make communities happier and stronger.

Exam Tip: Clearly state that these are non-economic (no payment), then explain the social and cultural value - strengthening bonds, preserving traditions, building community pride. Show that value goes beyond money.

Question. Can you identify community programmes that have been undertaken by your school or in your locality? What did you observe during these programmes?
Answer: In many schools, programmes like "Cleanliness Drives" or "Tree Plantation Campaigns" are regularly undertaken. Students and teachers work together to clean the school premises or plant trees in nearby areas. These activities teach students the importance of environmental care and community service. By observing these programmes, one can see how they build a sense of responsibility and teamwork among participants. The programmes show that when people come together with a shared goal, they can create a positive impact on both the environment and the community's collective spirit. Students learn that they have a role to play in making their surroundings better and that working together strengthens the bonds between individuals in society.
In simple words: School programmes like tree planting and cleaning teach us to help the community and work as a team. They show that together we can make places better.

Exam Tip: If you mention a specific programme from your school or area, explain what you observed - how people worked together, what was achieved, and what values it taught. Personal observation carries more weight than general statements.

Questions, activities and projects

Question 1. How are economic activities different from non-economic activities?
Answer: Economic activities are those that involve making, distributing, and buying goods and services with the main goal of earning money or profit. They play a direct role in the economy by creating wealth. Instances are farming, working in a factory, running a business, or offering professional services like teaching or medicine. Non-economic activities are actions done from love, care, goodwill, or a sense of duty. They are not meant to earn money. These activities do not directly help the economy grow but are vital for personal joy and social well-being. Examples are cooking meals for the family, volunteering, or helping a neighbor with chores.
In simple words: Economic activities earn you money and help the economy. Non-economic activities are done for love and care, with no money involved.

Exam Tip: Focus on the key difference - whether money or payment is involved. Economic = payment; Non-economic = no payment. Always back this up with clear, different examples for each type.

Question 2. What kind of economic activities do people engage in? Illustrate with examples.
Answer: People take part in many different economic activities based on their skills, schooling, and opportunities. Here are some main kinds: Farming - A farmer grows crops and sells them in the market, making money from the sale. Business - A shopkeeper sells items like groceries or clothes, making a profit from the sales. Professional Services - A doctor gives medical help and gets paid a fee or salary for treating patients. Manufacturing - Workers in a factory make goods like cars or electronics, and receive wages for their labor. Teaching - Teachers give education and get a salary from the school or educational institution.
In simple words: People work as farmers, shopkeepers, doctors, factory workers, and teachers - each gets paid for what they do.

Exam Tip: Give varied examples that span different sectors - agriculture, business, services, manufacturing, education. Show you understand that economic activities are diverse and found across many fields.

Question 3. There is great value attached to people who are engaged in community service activities. Comment on this statement.
Answer: Community service activities, though often non-economic, carry huge value in society. People who take part in such work add to the social and moral fabric of their communities. They address social concerns, help those in trouble, and foster a feeling of unity and shared responsibility. For instance, volunteers who join cleaning campaigns or educational projects make the quality of life better for all. Their work encourages a sense of civic duty and collective welfare, building stronger and more unified societies.
In simple words: People who do community service make society better and stronger, even though they do not earn money from it. They help create happier and more caring communities.

Exam Tip: Stress the social and moral advantages of community work - improving quality of life, building social bonds, fostering responsibility. Explain why such work matters even without monetary payment, which shows deep comprehension.

Question 4. What are the various ways in which people are compensated for various economic activities? Give some examples.
Answer: People receive payment for economic activities in several different forms depending on the type of work: Salaries / Wages - Regular payments made to workers for their labor, such as a teacher's monthly salary or a factory worker's daily wage. Profits - Business owners make money from selling goods or services, such as a shopkeeper earning profit on the sale of groceries. Fees - Professionals like doctors or lawyers charge fees for their services, which customers pay directly to them. Commission - Salespeople or agents may earn a commission, which is a percentage of the sales they make, such as a real estate agent earning a commission on the sale of a house. Payment in Kind - Sometimes, workers are paid with goods or services instead of money, such as a farmer getting part of their payment in the form of produce like grains or vegetables.
In simple words: People get paid in different ways - some get salaries, some get profits from selling, some get fees, some get a percentage of sales, and some get goods instead of money.

Exam Tip: List all major forms of compensation with one clear example for each. Understanding that payment takes many forms - not just a monthly wage - shows thorough knowledge and scores higher marks.