CBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2023 (session 2022-23)

CBSE Class 10 Social Science: 2023 board paper, set 32/5/1

The question paper set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2023, as printed: 37 questions for 80 marks, in sections, with each OR choice shown as an alternative. Try each question first, then open our solution.

Every question here has our step-by-step solution, split into the steps that earn marks. Each one was checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in: https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/question-paper/2023/X/SOCIAL_SCIENCE.zip (a zip; this paper is the file 32_5_1 Social Science.pdf). Questions are transcribed from that PDF; figures are described in words, so check the official paper for them. Questions printed only for visually impaired candidates are left out (1).

Practise a paper like this, timedMy board paper sets a full paper in this exact format from real board questions, with a timer.Get your written answers markedThe Answer Coach marks a photo of your handwritten answer step by step, like the examiner.

How the paper is set

Section	Questions	What it has
A	1-20	Multiple choice questions; Q11 is assertion-reason
B	21-24	Very short answer, max 40 words each
C	25-29	Short answer, max 60 words each
D	30-33	Long answer, max 120 words each
E	34-36	Case-based, three sub-questions each
F	37	Map-based: 37(a) History 2 marks, 37(b) Geography 3 marks

Instructions in brief: All questions compulsory; no overall choice; internal choice (OR) in Q23, Q25, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q33; Q37 has a set of Visually Impaired alternatives (37.1-37.6) in lieu of Q37, answer any five.

Section A

Multiple choice questions; Q11 is assertion-reason

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQThe Making of a Global World
Which one of the following aspects was the base of the Bretton Woods system ?
1. (A)Military system
2. (B)Cultural system
3. (C)Economic system
4. (D)Historical system
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Bretton Woods conference (1944) set up the IMF and World Bank to run the post-war international economic order, so its base was an economic system.
  1 mark
Answer: (C) Economic system
Where the marks are
- Identifies economic system (1 mark)
Q2 · 1 mark · MCQPrint Culture and the Modern World
Which one of the following books was printed first by Gutenberg ?
1. (A)Chapbooks
2. (B)Amar Jivan
3. (C)Bible
4. (D)Almanac
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Gutenberg's first printed book from his press was the Bible, with about 180 copies produced in three years.
  1 mark
Answer: (C) Bible
Where the marks are
- Bible (1 mark)
Q3 · 1 mark · MCQNationalism in India
Who among the following led the peasant movement in Bardoli in 1928 ?
1. (A)Baba Ramchandra
2. (B)Jawaharlal Nehru
3. (C)Subhash Chandra Bose
4. (D)Vallabhbhai Patel
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The 1928 Bardoli Satyagraha against the enhanced land revenue was led by Vallabhbhai Patel, who earned the title 'Sardar' for it.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) Vallabhbhai Patel
Where the marks are
- Vallabhbhai Patel (1 mark)
Q4 · 1 mark · MCQThe Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Which one of the following is not true about the female allegory of France ?
1. (A)She was named Marianne.
2. (B)She took part in the French Revolution.
3. (C)She was a symbol of national unity.
4. (D)Her images were marked on coins and stamps.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Marianne was a female allegory, a symbol of the nation, and appeared on coins and stamps. She was an imagined figure, not a person who took part in the French Revolution, so B is not true.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) She took part in the French Revolution.
Where the marks are
- Identifies the false statement B (1 mark)
Q5 · 1 mark · MCQAgriculture
Choose the correctly matched pair.
1. (A)Primitive subsistence farming — practised on large patches of land
2. (B)Intensive subsistence farming — single crop production farming
3. (C)Commercial farming — use of higher doses of modern inputs
4. (D)Plantation farming — practised on small patches of land
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Commercial farming uses higher doses of modern inputs such as HYV seeds, fertilisers and pesticides to raise productivity. The other pairs are wrongly matched: primitive farming is on small patches, intensive farming is on small land with high labour, plantation farming is on large estates.
  1 mark
Answer: (C) Commercial farming — use of higher doses of modern inputs
Where the marks are
- Correct pair identified (1 mark)
Q6 · 1 mark · MCQForest and Wildlife Resources
When was the Wildlife Protection Act implemented ?
1. (A)1972
2. (B)1978
3. (C)1980
4. (D)1985
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972.
  1 mark
Answer: (A) 1972
Where the marks are
- 1972 (1 mark)
Q7 · 1 mark · MCQMinerals and Energy Resources
Mention the main reason for land degradation in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
1. (A)Over-grazing
2. (B)Mining
3. (C)Over irrigation
4. (D)Mineral processing
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha are mineral-rich, and mining leaves deep scars and degraded land there. Over-grazing causes degradation in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and over-irrigation in Punjab and Haryana.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) Mining
Where the marks are
- Mining (1 mark)
Q8 · 1 mark · MCQPower-sharing
Which one of the following languages was declared as the official language of Sri Lanka by an Act passed in 1956 ?
1. (A)Tamil
2. (B)Sinhala
3. (C)Hindi
4. (D)English
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The 1956 Act made Sinhala the only official language of Sri Lanka, ignoring Tamil.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) Sinhala
Where the marks are
- Sinhala (1 mark)
Q9 · 1 mark · MCQFederalism
Which one of the following options prove that India is a quasi-federal state ?
I. More powers with Centre
II. Residuary subjects with Centre
III. Equal subjects with Centre and States
IV. Currency and Railways with Centre
1. (A)I, III and IV
2. (B)I, II and IV
3. (C)II, III and IV
4. (D)I, II and III
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. India is quasi-federal because the Centre is stronger: it has more powers (I), it holds the residuary subjects (II), and it controls Currency and Railways (IV). Subjects are not equally divided (III), so III is wrong.
  1 mark
Answer: (B) I, II and IV
Where the marks are
- Selects I, II and IV (1 mark)
Q10 · 1 mark · MCQGender, Religion and Caste
Which one of the following statements is not true ?
1. (A)The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.
2. (B)The Constitution allows us to practice, profess and propagate any religion or not to follow any.
3. (C)The Constitution of India allows the state to intervene in the matters of religion in order to ensure equality within religious communities.
4. (D)As per the Constitution, religion can never be separated from politics.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Constitution bans religious discrimination, gives religious freedom and allows state intervention for equality. It does not say religion can never be separated from politics, so D is false.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) As per the Constitution, religion can never be separated from politics.
Where the marks are
- Identifies D as the untrue statement (1 mark)
Q11 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonCompetency-basedPolitical Parties
There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements and choose the correct option as your answer.
Assertion (A): India has a multiparty system.
Reason (R): It is because of the social and geographical diversities in India.
1. (A)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
2. (B)Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
3. (C)Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
4. (D)Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. India has a multiparty system, so A is true. The social and geographical diversity gives rise to many parties representing different interests, so R is true and explains A.
  1 mark
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Where the marks are
- Both true with correct explanation (1 mark)
Q12 · 1 mark · MCQOutcomes of Democracy
Which one of the following is not true about a democratic government ?
1. (A)Democratic government is a legitimate government.
2. (B)Democratic government is a responsive government.
3. (C)Democratic government is the people's own Government.
4. (D)It does not allow room to correct mistakes.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. A democracy is legitimate, responsive and the people's own government. It also allows room to correct mistakes through debate and elections, so D is not true.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) It does not allow room to correct mistakes.
Where the marks are
- Identifies D (1 mark)
Q13 · 1 mark · MCQCompetency-basedDevelopment
Read the given data in the table and find out the average monthly income of Country A. Choose the correct option.
Monthly Income of Citizens of Two Countries (in Rupees)
I II III IV V Average Income
Country A 10500 9800 9500 10000 10500 ?
Country B 6000 6000 6000 6000 50000
1. (A)9500
2. (B)10000
3. (C)10500
4. (D)10060
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Average = total ÷ number of citizens = (10500 + 9800 + 9500 + 10000 + 10500) ÷ 5 = 50300 ÷ 5 = ₹10060.
  1 mark
Answer: ₹10060, option (D)
Where the marks are
- Sum 50300 divided by 5 gives 10060 (1 mark)
Q14 · 1 mark · MCQPower-sharing
What percentage of the population of Belgium lives in the Flemish region ?
1. (A)40%
2. (B)80%
3. (C)59%
4. (D)70%
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. In Belgium 59% of people live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch.
  1 mark
Answer: (C) 59%
Where the marks are
- 59% (1 mark)
Q15 · 1 mark · MCQCompetency-basedMoney and Credit
Select which among the following cannot be purchased through money. Choose the correct option:
I. Full protection from infectious diseases
II. A pollution-free atmosphere
III. High quality education
IV. A luxury home
1. (A)I and III
2. (B)III and IV
3. (C)I and IV
4. (D)I and II
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Full protection from infectious diseases (I) and a pollution-free atmosphere (II) cannot be bought with money, whereas quality education and a luxury home can.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) I and II
Where the marks are
- Selects I and II (1 mark)
Q16 · 1 mark · MCQCompetency-basedSectors of the Indian Economy
Study the data given below in the table and answer the question by selecting the correct option. Which is the most important sector that provides maximum jobs to the people ?
Table – Workers in different sectors (in millions)
Sector Organized Unorganized Total
Primary 1 231 232
Secondary 41 74 115
Tertiary 40 88 128
Total 82 393 475
1. (A)Primary sector, especially organized sector
2. (B)Secondary sector, especially organized sector
3. (C)Tertiary sector, especially organized sector
4. (D)Primary sector, especially unorganized sector
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The primary sector employs 232 million, the most of any sector, and 231 million of them are in the unorganised sector.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) Primary sector, especially unorganized sector
Where the marks are
- Reads the table and chooses D (1 mark)
Q17 · 1 mark · MCQCompetency-basedSectors of the Indian Economy
'A' is a worker in a garment export industry of Jaipur. He gets facilities like health insurance, provident fund, medical leave, etc. In which one of the following sectors is 'A' working ?
1. (A)Primary sector
2. (B)Non-Governmental sector
3. (C)Organized sector
4. (D)Unorganized sector
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Health insurance, provident fund and medical leave are benefits of secure, regulated jobs, which characterise the organised sector.
  1 mark
Answer: (C) Organized sector
Where the marks are
- Organised sector (1 mark)
Q18 · 1 mark · MCQMoney and Credit
Which among the following organisations issues the currency notes in India ?
1. (A)The Central Government of India
2. (B)The NITI Aayog
3. (C)The Finance Ministry
4. (D)The Reserve Bank of India
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The Reserve Bank of India issues currency notes (except one-rupee notes and coins, which the Government issues).
  1 mark
Answer: (D) The Reserve Bank of India
Where the marks are
- RBI (1 mark)
Q19 · 1 mark · MCQGlobalisation and the Indian Economy
Cargill Foods, a very large MNC, is the largest producer of edible oil in India. Which one of these countries does it belong to ?
1. (A)India
2. (B)France
3. (C)Great Britain
4. (D)United States of America
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Cargill Foods is an American MNC, with its headquarters in the USA.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) United States of America
Where the marks are
- USA (1 mark)
Q20 · 1 mark · MCQGlobalisation and the Indian Economy
In which one of the following ways has 'information and communication technology' stimulated the 'globalisation' process the most ?
1. (A)Access foods across countries
2. (B)Access raw material across countries
3. (C)Access services across countries
4. (D)Access information instantly across countries
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Information and communication technology (telecom, internet) lets information be accessed and shared instantly across countries. This has stimulated globalisation the most.
  1 mark
Answer: (D) Access information instantly across countries
Where the marks are
- Instant access to information (1 mark)

	I	II	III	IV	V	Average Income
Country A	10500	9800	9500	10000	10500	?
Country B	6000	6000	6000	6000	50000

Sector	Organized	Unorganized	Total
Primary	1	231	232
Secondary	41	74	115
Tertiary	40	88	128
Total	82	393	475

Section B

Very short answer, max 40 words each

Q21 · 2 marks · Very short answerThe Making of a Global World
Why did Europeans flee to America in the 19th century ? Explain.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Poverty and hunger were widespread in Europe, and many people had no means of livelihood, so they hoped for a better life in America.
  1 mark
2. Cities were overcrowded and epidemics spread, while religious conflicts and persecution of religious dissenters pushed people to seek freedom and safety in America.
  1 mark
Answer: Europeans fled because of poverty and hunger, crowded and disease-ridden cities, and religious conflict and persecution.
Where the marks are
- Explains any one valid reason, e.g. poverty and hunger (1 mark)
- Explains a second valid reason, e.g. religious persecution or overcrowded, diseased cities (1 mark)
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Q22 · 2 marks · Very short answerGender, Religion and Caste
'Communalism is harmful for the nation.' Explain.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Communalism presents the beliefs of one religion as superior to others and treats religion as the main basis of social community. This breeds prejudice and stereotypes.
  1 mark
2. It leads people to think that followers of different religions cannot live as equal citizens in one nation. This causes hatred and violence and weakens national unity and secularism.
  1 mark
Answer: Communalism divides people on religious lines, promotes hatred and violence, and threatens national unity.
Where the marks are
- Explains one harmful aspect, e.g. religion as the basis of community and claims of superiority (1 mark)
- Explains another, e.g. the belief that people of different religions cannot be equal citizens, leading to conflict (1 mark)
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Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q23(a) · 2 marks · Very short answerMinerals and Energy Resources
'Energy saved is energy produced.' Support the statement.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Energy resources are limited, so we urgently need a sustainable path of development. Saving energy reduces the demand for new production and so is equal to producing it.
  1 mark
2. Energy conservation, judicious use, the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and greater use of renewable sources stop wastage and preserve resources for the future.
  1 mark
Answer: Saving energy cuts demand and wastage, making limited resources last longer, which is equivalent to producing energy.
Where the marks are
- Need for sustainable development or judicious use of limited energy (1 mark)
- Conservation, renewables, reduce-reuse-recycle, stopping wastage (1 mark)
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OR
Q23(b) · 2 marks · Very short answerMinerals and Energy Resources
Why is there a pressing need to use non-conventional energy resources ? Explain.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Growing energy consumption is depleting limited fossil fuels, and rising prices and potential shortages of oil and gas create uncertainty.
  1 mark
2. Burning fossil fuels causes serious environmental problems such as air pollution and global warming. Non-conventional sources like solar, wind and biogas are renewable and clean.
  1 mark
Answer: Fossil fuels are limited, costly and polluting, so renewable non-conventional sources are needed.
Where the marks are
- Depletion of fossil fuels or rising prices and shortages (1 mark)
- Environmental damage from fossil fuels, so a clean renewable alternative is needed (1 mark)
Open Q23(b) on its own page
Q24 · 2 marks · Very short answerDevelopment
Suggest any two ways to create more employment in the rural sector.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Improve irrigation facilities so that farmers can grow two or three crops a year, which gives more work to labourers.
  1 mark
2. Promote cottage industries and agro-processing units such as honey collection and fruit or vegetable processing in villages. Provide soft loans, roads, storage and marketing support.
  1 mark
Answer: Better irrigation and rural industries or processing units, supported by loans, roads and storage, create jobs in rural areas.
Where the marks are
- One valid way explained, e.g. irrigation (1 mark)
- A second valid way explained, e.g. cottage industries or infrastructure (1 mark)
Open Q24 on its own page

Section C

Short answer, max 60 words each

Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q25(a) · 3 marks · Short answerNationalism in India
Explain any three effects of Non-Co-operation Movement on the Indian economy.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Foreign goods were boycotted, foreign cloth was burnt in bonfires and people discarded imported clothes.
  1 mark
2. Liquor shops were picketed, and merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods.
  1 mark
3. Import of foreign cloth halved between 1921 and 1922, while production of Indian textile mills and handlooms rose because swadeshi goods were used.
  1 mark
Answer: Boycott of foreign goods, picketing of liquor shops, and a rise in Indian cloth production.
Where the marks are
- Boycott or burning of foreign goods (1 mark)
- Merchants refusing foreign trade or picketing of liquor shops (1 mark)
- Fall in imports and rise in Indian textile output (1 mark)
Open Q25(a) on its own page
OR
Q25(b) · 3 marks · Short answerNationalism in India
How was the Rowlatt Act opposed by the people of India ? Explain with three examples.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Rallies were organised in various cities against the Rowlatt Act, which allowed detention without trial.
  1 mark
2. Workers went on strike in railway workshops and shops were closed down (hartal).
  1 mark
3. Lines of communication such as railways and the telegraph were disrupted.
  1 mark
Answer: Opposed through rallies, strikes and shop closures, and disruption of railways and telegraph.
Where the marks are
- Rallies in cities (1 mark)
- Strikes and closure of shops (1 mark)
- Disruption of railways and telegraph (1 mark)
Open Q25(b) on its own page
Q26 · 3 marks · Short answerLifelines of National Economy
Explain the importance of pipelines as a means of transportation in India.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Pipelines transport water, crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas. Solids can also be moved as slurry.
  1 mark
2. They rule out trans-shipment delays and losses.
  1 mark
3. The initial cost of laying them is high but running costs are minimal. They link oil fields, refineries, fertilizer factories and thermal power plants.
  1 mark
Answer: Pipelines give cheap, fast, uninterrupted transport of liquids, gas and slurry.
Where the marks are
- Range of goods carried (1 mark)
- No trans-shipment delays (1 mark)
- Low running cost or linking industries (1 mark)
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Q27 · 3 marks · Short answerGlobalisation and the Indian Economy
Describe the impact of flexibility in the labour laws on the workers in India.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Flexibility in labour laws has badly affected workers. Companies, including MNCs, employ workers on a temporary basis to cut costs.
  1 mark
2. Workers are not paid throughout the year and have no job security.
  1 mark
3. In peak seasons they are made to work long hours and night shifts.
  1 mark
Answer: Workers face temporary jobs, insecurity, irregular pay and long working hours.
Where the marks are
- Temporary employment to cut costs (1 mark)
- No pay or security throughout the year (1 mark)
- Long hours and night shifts at peak times (1 mark)
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Q28 · 3 marks · Short answerOutcomes of Democracy
'Transparency is the most important feature of a democracy.' Support the statement.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Democracy provides the means to examine the process of decision making, so it is transparent.
  1 mark
2. It is based on deliberation and negotiation, and decisions follow certain norms and procedures.
  1 mark
3. Citizens can ask questions and demand accountability, so the government is legitimate and accountable to the people.
  1 mark
Answer: Open procedures, deliberation and accountability make democracy transparent.
Where the marks are
- Decision-making can be examined (1 mark)
- Norms, procedures and deliberation (1 mark)
- Accountability and legitimacy (1 mark)
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Q29 · 3 marks · Short answerSectors of the Indian Economy
Which are the two sectors based on the ownership of resources ? Explain each of them.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The two sectors are the public sector and the private sector.
  1 mark
2. Public sector: the government owns most assets and provides services, e.g. Indian Railways or the Post Office.
  1 mark
3. Private sector: ownership of assets and delivery of services is with individuals or companies, e.g. TISCO or Reliance Industries.
  1 mark
Answer: Public sector (government-owned, e.g. Railways) and private sector (privately owned, e.g. TISCO).
Where the marks are
- Names both sectors (1 mark)
- Explains the public sector with an example (1 mark)
- Explains the private sector with an example (1 mark)
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Section D

Long answer, max 120 words each

Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q30(a) · 5 marks · Long answerThe Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Explain the process of unification of Italy.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. In the mid-19th century Italy was divided into seven states, and only Sardinia-Piedmont was ruled by an Italian prince.
  1 mark
2. Giuseppe Mazzini worked for a unified Italian republic and formed the secret society Young Italy.
  1 mark
3. Chief Minister Cavour led the unification movement. He made a diplomatic alliance with France and defeated Austria.
  1 mark
4. Garibaldi led armed volunteers (Red Shirts), who marched into South Italy in 1860 and drove out the Spanish rulers of the Two Sicilies.
  1 mark
5. In 1861 Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of united Italy.
  1 mark
Answer: Italy was unified by Mazzini, Cavour and Garibaldi, and in 1861 Victor Emmanuel II became king.
Where the marks are
- Italy's divided state (1 mark)
- Mazzini and Young Italy (1 mark)
- Cavour's diplomacy (1 mark)
- Garibaldi's campaign (1 mark)
- 1861 proclamation of Victor Emmanuel II (1 mark)
Open Q30(a) on its own page
OR
Q30(b) · 5 marks · Long answerThe Rise of Nationalism in Europe
How did the French Revolution play an important role in creating the idea of the 'Nation' in Europe ? Explain.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. The ideas of la patrie and le citoyen stressed a united community with equal rights under a constitution.
  1 mark
2. A new tricolour flag replaced the royal standard. The Estates General was elected by active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.
  1 mark
3. New hymns were composed, oaths were taken and martyrs were commemorated in the name of the nation.
  1 mark
4. A centralised administrative system was set up and uniform laws were made for all citizens.
  1 mark
5. Internal customs duties were abolished and uniform weights and measures adopted. French, as spoken in Paris, became the common language and regional dialects were discouraged.
  1 mark
Answer: The Revolution created national identity through symbols, equal citizenship, uniform laws and a common language.
Where the marks are
- La patrie and le citoyen, equal rights (1 mark)
- Tricolour and National Assembly (1 mark)
- Hymns, oaths and martyrs (1 mark)
- Centralised administration and uniform laws (1 mark)
- Abolition of customs duties, uniform weights and measures, French language (1 mark)
Open Q30(b) on its own page
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q31(a) · 5 marks · Long answerManufacturing Industries
Explain the importance of manufacturing industries.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. A country's economic strength is measured by its manufacturing development, which is the backbone of the economy.
  1 mark
2. Manufacturing modernises agriculture by supplying machines, fertilisers and pesticides.
  1 mark
3. It reduces dependence on agriculture by creating secondary and tertiary jobs.
  1 mark
4. It helps remove unemployment and poverty, and setting up industries in tribal and backward areas reduces regional disparities.
  1 mark
5. Export of manufactured goods earns foreign exchange and brings overall prosperity.
  1 mark
Answer: Manufacturing is the backbone of the economy: it modernises agriculture, creates jobs, reduces disparities and earns foreign exchange.
Where the marks are
- Backbone of economy (1 mark)
- Modernises agriculture (1 mark)
- Reduces dependence on agriculture and creates jobs (1 mark)
- Removes poverty and regional disparity (1 mark)
- Foreign exchange and prosperity (1 mark)
Open Q31(a) on its own page
OR
Q31(b) · 5 marks · Long answerManufacturing Industries
Explain any five ways to reduce industrial pollution.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Reduce water use in processing by reusing and recycling it in two or more successive stages.
  1 mark
2. Harvest rainwater to meet industrial water needs.
  1 mark
3. Treat hot water and effluents before releasing them into rivers and ponds. Primary treatment is mechanical, secondary is biological and tertiary is chemical and physical.
  1 mark
4. Fit smoke stacks with electrostatic precipitators, scrubbers and filters, and use oil or gas instead of coal to reduce air pollution.
  1 mark
5. Regulate overdrawing of groundwater. Fit generators with silencers and redesign machinery for energy efficiency and lower noise.
  1 mark
Answer: Recycle water, harvest rain, treat effluents, fit air-pollution controls, and reduce noise and groundwater over-use.
Where the marks are
- Recycling water (1 mark)
- Rainwater harvesting (1 mark)
- Effluent treatment (1 mark)
- Air pollution control devices or cleaner fuel (1 mark)
- Noise reduction or groundwater regulation (1 mark)
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Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q32(a) · 5 marks · Long answerPolitical Parties
Explain any five challenges faced by political parties in India.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Lack of internal democracy: parties do not keep membership registers, hold organisational meetings or conduct regular internal elections.
  1 mark
2. Dynastic succession: top positions go to family members.
  1 mark
3. Money and muscle power are used to win elections.
  1 mark
4. Lack of a proper decision-making process, with power concentrated in a few leaders.
  1 mark
5. Voters lack meaningful choice because parties show little ideological difference.
  1 mark
Answer: Challenges: lack of internal democracy, dynasty, money and muscle power, concentrated decisions, and no meaningful choice.
Where the marks are
- Lack of internal democracy (1 mark)
- Dynastic succession (1 mark)
- Money and muscle power (1 mark)
- Concentrated decision-making (1 mark)
- No meaningful choice or ideological difference (1 mark)
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OR
Q32(b) · 5 marks · Long answerPolitical Parties
Explain any five major functions of the political parties.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Parties contest elections by putting up candidates.
  1 mark
2. They put forward different policies and programmes, and voters choose among them.
  1 mark
3. Parties play a decisive role in making laws for the country.
  1 mark
4. Parties form and run governments. Those who lose act as the opposition and criticise the government.
  1 mark
5. They shape public opinion and give people access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
  1 mark
Answer: Parties contest elections, offer policies, make laws, form government or opposition, and shape opinion.
Where the marks are
- Contest elections (1 mark)
- Policies and programmes (1 mark)
- Law making (1 mark)
- Form government or act as opposition (1 mark)
- Shape opinion and give access to welfare schemes (1 mark)
Open Q32(b) on its own page
Answer one of these 2 alternatives.
Q33(a) · 5 marks · Long answerMoney and Credit
How does credit play a positive and a negative role ? Explain with examples.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Introduction: Credit (loan) is an agreement in which the lender supplies money, goods or services to the borrower in return for a promise of repayment later. It can help the borrower or harm the borrower.
2. Positive role (any one point): Credit meets the ongoing expenses of production and keeps the work going. Many day-to-day transactions in the economy involve credit. If the borrower repays on time and earns a profit from the loan, he ends up better off than before.
  1 mark
3. Example of positive role: Salim, a shoe manufacturer, took a loan to complete an order for 3000 pairs of shoes. He delivered the order on time, made a profit, repaid the loan and was better off.
  1½ marks
4. Negative role (any one point): If the crop or business fails, the borrower cannot repay the loan. Credit then becomes painful and pushes the borrower into a debt-trap. Recovery becomes very difficult, and the borrower may have to sell part of his land to repay.
  1 mark
5. Example of negative role: Swapna, a small farmer, took a loan for cultivation, but her crop failed. She took another loan for pesticides, but the output was still too low to repay. She fell into a debt-trap and had to sell part of her land.
  1½ marks
Answer: Credit is positive when the loan raises production and income and is repaid with profit (Salim). It is negative when the crop or business fails and the borrower falls into a debt-trap (Swapna).
Where the marks are
- One valid point on the positive role of credit (1 mark)
- A suitable example of the positive role (1.5 marks)
- One valid point on the negative role of credit (1 mark)
- A suitable example of the negative role (1.5 marks)
Open Q33(a) on its own page
OR
Q33(b) · 5 marks · Long answerMoney and Credit
What is a collateral ? Why is it a main reason to prevent the poor getting a loan from banks ? Explain. (1+4=5)
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. Collateral: It is an asset that the borrower owns, such as land, buildings, vehicles, livestock or bank deposits. It is used as a guarantee to the lender until the loan is repaid. If the borrower fails to repay, the lender can sell the collateral to recover the money.
  1 mark
2. The poor usually have no assets to offer as collateral, so banks refuse to lend to them.
  1 mark
3. The poor often lack the documents that banks require, such as proof of land ownership, income or address.
  1 mark
4. There are few formal sources of credit, such as banks, in rural areas. The poor are therefore pushed to moneylenders, who charge high interest.
  1 mark
5. Lack of education and awareness makes the poor unfamiliar with banking procedures and unable to complete the formalities.
  1 mark
Answer: Collateral is an asset pledged as a guarantee for repayment of a loan. The poor cannot get bank loans because they have no collateral or documents, formal credit is scarce in rural areas, and they lack awareness.
Where the marks are
- Defines collateral with examples (1 mark)
- Four valid reasons why the poor cannot get loans, such as no collateral, no documents, no formal credit sources or lack of awareness (4 × 1 mark)
Open Q33(b) on its own page

Section E

Case-based, three sub-questions each

Q34 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedThe Age of Industrialisation
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
The first cotton mill in Bombay came up in 1854 and it went into production two years later. By 1862, four mills were at work with 94,000 spindles and 2,150 looms. Around the same time, jute mills came up in Bengal, the first being set up in 1855 and another one seven years later, in 1862. In north India, the Elgin Mill was started in Kanpur in the 1860s, and a year later the first cotton mill of Ahmedabad was set up. By 1874, the first spinning and weaving mill of Madras began production.
1. (34.1)
  When was the first cotton mill set up in India ?
  1 mark
2. (34.2)
  Name any two early industrialists of India.
  1 mark
3. (34.3)
  How did many Indian entrepreneurs survive despite tight economic controls imposed by the British Government ? Explain.
  2 marks
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. (34.1) The first cotton mill in India was set up in 1854 in Bombay.
  1 mark
2. (34.2) Two early Indian industrialists: Dwarkanath Tagore and Dinshaw Petit (G.D. Birla is also accepted).
  1 mark
3. (34.3) Many Indian entrepreneurs already had enough capital to trade with other countries. They also worked through trade networks, financing funds across cities.
  1 mark
4. They also procured supplies and arranged shipping consignments, so they survived despite British controls.
  1 mark
Answer: (34.1) 1854; (34.2) Dwarkanath Tagore, Dinshaw Petit; (34.3) They had capital and trade networks, financed funds across cities, and arranged supplies and shipping.
Where the marks are
- (34.1) 1854 (1 mark)
- (34.2) Any two industrialists (½ + ½ marks)
- (34.3) Any two valid points explained (1 + 1 marks)
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Q35 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedWater Resources
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
In ancient India, along with the sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water-harvesting system. People had an in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and developed wide ranging techniques to harvest groundwater, rainwater, river water and flood water in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. In hilly and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the 'kuls' and 'guls' of Western Himalayas for agriculture. Rooftop rainwater harvesting was very commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan.
1. (35.1)
  Mention any two methods of traditional water-harvesting used in India.
  1 mark
2. (35.2)
  How do people of Rajasthan utilise rainwater ?
  1 mark
3. (35.3)
  Explain any two benefits of rainwater harvesting.
  2 marks
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. (35.1) Two traditional methods: the 'kuls' and 'guls' (diversion channels) of the Western Himalayas, and the khadins and johads of Rajasthan. Inundation channels of Bengal are also accepted.
  1 mark
2. (35.2) In Rajasthan, people store rainwater in underground tanks (tankas) fed by rooftop harvesting (palarpani). It is a reliable source of drinking water, and the tanks keep rooms cool in summer.
  1 mark
3. (35.3) Benefit 1: Rainwater harvesting meets the water needs of people and regions. Stored rainwater provides drinking water, particularly in dry areas like Rajasthan.
  1 mark
4. Benefit 2: Diversion channels carry harvested water to fields for agriculture, and water stored in tanks is available through the year. This reduces dependence on groundwater.
  1 mark
Answer: (35.1) Kuls/guls and khadins/johads; (35.2) Rooftop harvesting stored in underground tankas; (35.3) It meets drinking and irrigation needs and reduces dependence on groundwater.
Where the marks are
- (35.1) Any two methods (½ + ½ marks)
- (35.2) Tankas or rooftop harvesting explained (1 mark)
- (35.3) Any two benefits explained (1 + 1 marks)
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Q36 · 4 marks · Case-basedCompetency-basedPower-sharing
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
Belgium is a small country in Europe, smaller in area than the state of Haryana. It has borders with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. It has a population of a little over one crore, about half the population of Haryana. The ethnic composition of this small country is very complex. Of the country's total population, 59 per cent lives in the Flemish region and speaks Dutch language. Another 40 per cent people live in the Wallonia region and speak French. Remaining one per cent of the Belgians speak German. In the capital city Brussels, 80 per cent of the people speak French while 20 per cent are Dutch-speaking.
1. (36.1)
  Explain the ethnic composition of Belgium.
  1 mark
2. (36.2)
  Explain the term 'ethnic'.
  1 mark
3. (36.3)
  How did the Belgian Government solve their ethnic problem ? Explain.
  2 marks
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. (36.1) Of Belgium's population, 59% live in the Flemish region and speak Dutch, 40% live in Wallonia and speak French, and 1% speak German. In Brussels, 80% speak French and 20% speak Dutch.
  1 mark
2. (36.2) 'Ethnic' refers to a social division based on shared culture. People of the same ethnic group believe in a common descent because of similarities of physical type, culture or both.
  1 mark
3. (36.3) Belgium amended its constitution so that Dutch- and French-speaking ministers are equal in number in the central government. Some special laws need a majority from each linguistic group.
  1 mark
4. It also set up a separate community government for each language community, with powers over cultural, educational and language matters. Brussels has a separate government in which both communities have equal representation.
  1 mark
Answer: (36.1) 59% Dutch-speaking Flemish, 40% French-speaking Walloons, 1% German-speaking; (36.2) A social division based on shared culture and a belief in common descent; (36.3) Equal ministers in the central government and separate community governments.
Where the marks are
- (36.1) Composition with percentages (1 mark)
- (36.2) Meaning of ethnic (1 mark)
- (36.3) Any two measures explained (1 + 1 marks)
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Section F

Map-based: 37(a) History 2 marks, 37(b) Geography 3 marks

Q37 · 5 marks · Map workNationalism in India
(a) Two places A and B have been marked on the given political outline map of India (on page 23). Identify them with the help of the following information and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them:
(i) The place where Gandhiji broke the salt law. (1 mark)
(ii) The place where the session of the Indian National Congress was held in September, 1920. (1 mark)
(b) On the same political outline map of India, locate and label any three of the following with suitable symbols (3×1=3):
(i) Tehri – Dam
(ii) Bokaro – Coal mines
(iii) Pune – Software Technology Park
(iv) Tuticorin – Sea port
1. (a)
  Identify places A and B as per information (i) and (ii) above.
  2 marks
2. (b)
  Locate and label any three of: Tehri Dam, Bokaro Coal mines, Pune Software Technology Park, Tuticorin Sea port.
  3 marks
Figure in the paper: Political outline map of India (page 23 of the paper) with two places marked as A and B for identification; students write names on the lines drawn near them. Map is for locating items in (b). See it in the official paper.
Try it first, then show our solutionSolution
1. (a)(i) The place where Gandhiji broke the salt law is Dandi (Gujarat). Write 'Dandi' on the line near the marked place.
  1 mark
2. (a)(ii) The September 1920 session of the Indian National Congress was held at Calcutta. Write 'Calcutta' on the line near the marked place.
  1 mark
3. (b) Tehri Dam is in Uttarakhand (on the Bhagirathi river). Mark it with a dam symbol and label it.
  1 mark
4. Bokaro coal mines are in Jharkhand. Mark them with a coal-mine symbol and label them.
  1 mark
5. Pune Software Technology Park is in Maharashtra, and Tuticorin sea port is in Tamil Nadu. Mark and label any one of these (or any three of the four in total).
  1 mark
Answer: (a) Dandi; Calcutta. (b) Tehri Dam, Uttarakhand; Bokaro, Jharkhand; Pune, Maharashtra; Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu (any three marked and labelled).
Where the marks are
- Identifies Dandi (1 mark)
- Identifies Calcutta (1 mark)
- Any three of the four items located and labelled correctly (3 × 1 mark)
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Source: official question paper, cbse.gov.in. Chapter tags and solutions are ours. Spotted a transcription error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.