Question

Using only information from the passage and map provided below answer the following question:

In 1947, British India was partitioned into two separate, independent countries. Explain the reason for this split and the details of how the land was divided.



A complete answer must include:

3–4 complete sentences using only information from the passage below.
The names of the two nations created.
The reason/fear behind the Muslim push for a split.
The names of the two Pakistan regions and what separated them.


South Asia After Independence

On August 15, 1947, the British government officially left South Asia. Like Gandhi, many Indian leaders hoped for a unified India where everyone lived together. However, many Muslims feared they would face discrimination (unfair treatment) in a country ruled mostly by Hindus.


To solve this, the land was partitioned, or divided. India was created for a Hindu majority, and a separate country called Pakistan was created for a Muslim majority. This created a very unusual situation because the Muslim population lived in two different areas: the northwest and the northeast. (see map)


Because of this, Pakistan was split into two territories, West Pakistan and East Pakistan, with 1,000 miles of Indian land in between them. Even though both sides shared the same religion, they were so far apart that it was extremely difficult for the government to rule or for the people to feel like they were part of the same nation.


Adapted from ©2019 Pearson Online & Blended Learning K–12 USA




©2019 Pearson Online & Blended Learning K–12 USA.




You may use the sentence starters below to help you, or you may write your own original 3-4 sentences.


When the British left South Asia in 1947, they divided the land into_________ and _________. Muslims pushed for this split because they feared___________________. As a result, Pakistan was divided into two regions called ______ and ________. These two regions were separated by __________________.



(4 points)

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)

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Answer 1

When the British left South Asia in 1947, they divided the land into India and Pakistan. Muslims pushed for this split because they feared they would face discrimination in a country ruled mostly by Hindus. As a result, Pakistan was divided into two regions called West Pakistan and East Pakistan. These two regions were separated by 1,000 miles of Indian land in between them.