1st Mid Term Exam Original Question Paper 2023-2024 | Madurai District 🌍 Social Science Question Papers (EM) 10th Standard Latest Syllabus Solutions, Official Question Papers, Answer Key,

10th Std Social Science Mid-Term Test 2023 - Questions & Solved Answers

FIRST MID-TERM TEST - 2023

10th Standard - Social Science

Time: 1.30 Hrs Marks: 50

Question Paper

I. Choose the correct answer. (7 x 1 = 7)

  1. Which country emerged as the strongest in Asia towards the close of the nineteenth century?
    a) China b) Japan c) Korea d) Mongolia
  2. Autobiography written by Hitler .......... .
    a) Gulamgiri b) Akilathiratu c) Mein Kampf d) Thiruvarutpa
  3. Where did the US drop its first atomic bomb?
    a) Kawasaki b) Tokyo c) Hiroshima d) Nagasaki
  4. Seshachalam hills, a Biosphere reserve is situated in .......... .
    a) Tamil Nadu b) Andhra Pradesh c) Madhya Pradesh d) Karnataka
  5. The longest dam in the world is .......... .
    a) Mettur dam b) Kosi dam c) Hirakud dam d) Bhakra - Nangal dam
  6. The council of Ministers is collectively responsible to
    a) The President b) Lok Sabha c) The Prime Minister d) Rajya Sabha
  7. India signed the Dunkel proposal in
    a) 1984 b) 1976 c) 1950 d) 1994

II. Answer any five questions. Question 14 is compulsory. (5 x 2 = 10)

  1. How did the Great Depression impact Indian agriculture?
  2. Give a short note on the Munich Pact.
  3. Name the areas which receive heavy rainfall in India.
  4. Name the types of soil found in India.
  5. How is the President of India elected?
  6. Write any two positive impacts of Globalisation.
  7. Name the countries of the Triple Entente.

III. Answer any 5 of the following in detail. Question 21 is compulsory. (5 x 5 = 25)

  1. Analyse the effects of the World War II.
  2. Write about the South West Monsoon.
  3. Distinguish between the following.
    a) Rabi and Kharif Seasons.
    b) Alluvial soils and Black soils.
    Give Reason: Agriculture is the backbone of India.
  4. What are the duties and functions of the Prime Minister of India?
  5. Briefly explain various terms associated with measuring National Income.
  6. Draw a timeline for the following.
    Write any five important events between 1930 and 1950.
  7. Mark the following places on the map of the World.
    1) England 2) France 3) Hiroshima 4) Moscow 5) San Francisco

IV. Answer the following questions. (1 x 8 = 8)

  1. Trace the circumstances that led to the rise of Hitler in Germany.
    (OR)
    Mark the following places on the map of India.
    1) Aravalli 2) Deccan Plateau 3) Direction of South West Monsoon 4) Panna Biosphere reserve 5) Mountain forest 6) Region of Alluvial soil 7) Tea growing area 8) Godavari delta.

Solved Answers

I. Choose the correct answer.

  1. b) Japan - Japan rapidly industrialized during the Meiji Restoration and became a major military and economic power in Asia by the late 19th century.
  2. c) Mein Kampf - Meaning "My Struggle," this is the autobiographical manifesto by Adolf Hitler.
  3. c) Hiroshima - The first atomic bomb, "Little Boy," was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
  4. b) Andhra Pradesh - The Seshachalam Hills are located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
  5. c) Hirakud dam - Located in Odisha across the Mahanadi River, it is the longest earthen dam in the world.
  6. b) Lok Sabha - The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (House of the People), as it is the directly elected house of Parliament.
  7. d) 1994 - India signed the Dunkel Draft as part of the Uruguay Round of negotiations, which led to the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. The final act was signed in Marrakesh, Morocco, in April 1994.

II. Short Answers

  1. Impact of the Great Depression on Indian Agriculture:
    • Price Crash: Prices of agricultural products fell sharply, by over 50%.
    • Increased Debt: Farmers' incomes plummeted, but the government's tax demands remained rigid. This forced farmers into deeper debt with moneylenders.
    • Export Decline: International demand for Indian raw materials like jute and cotton collapsed, severely affecting the peasants who grew these cash crops.
  2. Munich Pact (1938):

    The Munich Pact was an agreement concluded in Munich on September 30, 1938. It was signed by Nazi Germany, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. The pact allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia with a large German-speaking population. It is a prime example of the policy of "appeasement," which ultimately failed to prevent World War II.

  3. Areas with Heavy Rainfall in India:
    • The Western Ghats: The windward side receives very heavy rainfall from the South-West Monsoon.
    • North-East India: States like Meghalaya (Mawsynram and Cherrapunji), Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh receive extremely heavy rainfall. Mawsynram is the wettest place on Earth.
  4. Types of Soil in India:

    The major soil types found in India are:

    • Alluvial Soil
    • Black Soil (Regur Soil)
    • Red and Yellow Soil
    • Laterite Soil
    • Arid (Desert) Soil
    • Forest (Mountain) Soil
  5. Election of the President of India:

    The President of India is not elected directly by the people. He/she is elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of:

    • Elected members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
    • Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) of all states and the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry.
  6. Two Positive Impacts of Globalisation:
    • Increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Globalisation has led to a greater flow of capital and technology into India, boosting industrial growth and creating jobs.
    • Greater Consumer Choice and Quality: It has provided Indian consumers with a wider variety of high-quality goods and services at competitive prices from around the world.
  7. (Compulsory) Countries of the Triple Entente:

    The Triple Entente was an alliance formed before World War I. The member countries were:

    • Great Britain (United Kingdom)
    • France
    • Russia

III. Detailed Answers

  1. Effects of World War II:

    World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, and its effects were profound and far-reaching.

    • Political Effects:
      • Rise of Superpowers: The USA and the USSR emerged as the two dominant world superpowers, leading to the Cold War.
      • Formation of the United Nations (UN): The UN was established in 1945 to promote international peace, security, and cooperation, replacing the failed League of Nations.
      • End of Colonialism: European powers like Britain and France were weakened, accelerating the decolonization movements in Asia and Africa, leading to independence for countries like India.
      • Division of Germany: Germany was divided into four occupation zones, which later became West Germany (democratic) and East Germany (communist).
        • Economic Effects:
          • Massive Destruction: European and Asian economies and infrastructure were devastated.
          • The Marshall Plan: The USA launched this plan to provide economic aid to rebuild Western European economies and prevent the spread of communism.
          • Economic Dominance of the USA: The US economy became the world's largest and most powerful.
        • Social Effects:
          • Huge Loss of Life: An estimated 60 to 80 million people, including civilians, were killed. The Holocaust resulted in the genocide of six million Jews.
          • Mass Displacement: Millions of people were displaced from their homes, becoming refugees.
          • Advancement in Science & Technology: The war spurred developments in areas like nuclear energy, jet engines, rocketry, and computers.
      • The South-West Monsoon:

        The South-West Monsoon is the primary rainy season for most of India, accounting for about 75% of the country's annual rainfall. It typically lasts from June to September.

        • Mechanism: During the summer, the intense heating of the Indian subcontinent creates a strong low-pressure area. At the same time, the surrounding seas (Indian Ocean) remain cooler, creating a high-pressure zone. Winds blow from this high-pressure area over the sea towards the low-pressure area over the land, carrying immense moisture.
        • Onset: The monsoon winds are intercepted by the southern tip of the Indian peninsula and split into two branches.
        • Two Branches:
          1. The Arabian Sea Branch: This branch strikes the Western Ghats, causing very heavy rainfall on the windward side. It then moves northwards, bringing rain to Gujarat, Central India, and combining with the Bay of Bengal branch over the northern plains.
          2. The Bay of Bengal Branch: This branch moves towards North-East India, strikes the Khasi hills (causing the world's heaviest rainfall in Mawsynram), and gets deflected westward by the Himalayas. It then moves up the Gangetic plains, bringing rain to West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states.
        • Importance: The South-West Monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture, economy, and replenishing water sources like rivers and reservoirs.
      • Distinctions and Reason:

        a) Rabi and Kharif Seasons

        Basis Kharif Season Rabi Season
        Sowing Time Beginning of the monsoon (June-July) Beginning of winter (October-November)
        Harvesting Time End of the monsoon (September-October) Beginning of summer (March-April)
        Water Source Dependent on monsoon rains Dependent on irrigation or stored moisture
        Major Crops Rice, Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Cotton, Jute Wheat, Barley, Gram, Mustard, Peas

        b) Alluvial Soils and Black Soils

        Basis Alluvial Soils Black Soils
        Formation Formed by the deposition of silt by rivers. Formed from the weathering of volcanic (basaltic) rocks.
        Location Indo-Gangetic plains, coastal plains (deltas). Deccan Plateau region (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh).
        Properties Light and porous (sandy loam to clay). Rich in potash, poor in nitrogen. Clayey, deep, and impermeable. High moisture retention. Rich in lime, iron, magnesia.
        Major Crops Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane, Jute. Cotton (ideal for it), Sugarcane, Jowar.

        Give Reason: Agriculture is the backbone of India.

        Agriculture is considered the backbone of the Indian economy for the following reasons:

        • Employment: It is the largest source of livelihood, employing nearly 50% of the country's workforce.
        • Contribution to GDP: Although its share has declined, it still contributes significantly to the national income.
        • Food Security: It ensures food security for India's vast population of over 1.3 billion people.
        • Source of Raw Materials: It provides raw materials for major industries like cotton textiles, sugar, and food processing.
        • Role in Trade: Agricultural products like tea, spices, and rice are major items of India's exports.
      • Duties and Functions of the Prime Minister of India:

        The Prime Minister is the real executive head of the government. Key duties and functions include:

        • Head of the Government: The PM leads the executive branch of the government.
        • Leader of the Cabinet: The PM forms the Council of Ministers, allocates portfolios, and presides over Cabinet meetings. He can ask any minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss them.
        • Link between President and Cabinet: The PM acts as the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers.
        • Leader of the Nation: The PM represents the country at national and international forums and is the chief spokesperson of the government.
        • Leader of the Parliament: As the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha, the PM has a significant influence on parliamentary proceedings.
        • Chief Policy Maker: The PM plays a decisive role in framing the domestic and foreign policies of the country.
      • Terms Associated with Measuring National Income:

        National Income measures the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced in a country in a year. Key terms are:

        • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): This is the total market value of all final goods and services produced *within the geographical boundaries* of a country during a specific period (usually a year). It doesn't matter who produces it (citizens or foreigners).
        • Gross National Product (GNP): This is the total market value of all final goods and services produced by the *nationals of a country* during a year. It is calculated as: GNP = GDP + Net Factor Income from Abroad (NFIA). (NFIA is the income earned by Indian nationals abroad minus the income earned by foreigners in India).
        • Net National Product (NNP): This is the "purest" form of national income. It is derived by subtracting the value of depreciation (wear and tear of capital goods) from GNP. NNP = GNP - Depreciation.
        • Per Capita Income (PCI): This is the average income of a person in a country. It is calculated by dividing the National Income (usually NNP) by the total population of the country. PCI = National Income / Total Population.
      • Timeline of Events (1930-1950):
        1. 1930: The Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) - Mahatma Gandhi led a non-violent protest against the British salt tax, marking the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
        2. 1935: The Government of India Act - The British Parliament passed this act, which provided for a federal structure and provincial autonomy, forming the basis for many parts of the Indian Constitution.
        3. 1942: The Quit India Movement - The Indian National Congress, under Gandhi, launched a mass protest demanding an end to British Rule in India.
        4. 1947: Indian Independence - India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, but was also partitioned into India and Pakistan.
        5. 1950: Adoption of the Constitution - The Constitution of India was formally adopted on January 26, 1950, and India became a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
      • (Compulsory) World Map Marking:

        The locations are marked on the map below:

        World Map with marked locations
        • 1) England: The largest country within the United Kingdom, located on the island of Great Britain off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe.
        • 2) France: A large country in Western Europe, bordering Spain, Italy, Germany, and other nations.
        • 3) Hiroshima: A city in Japan, located on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea on Japan's main island, Honshu.
        • 4) Moscow: The capital city of Russia, located in the western part of the country.
        • 5) San Francisco: A major city in California, USA, located on the west coast of the United States.

IV. Long Answer

  1. Circumstances that led to the rise of Hitler in Germany:

    The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party was not a sudden event but the result of a combination of severe political, economic, and social crises in Germany after World War I.

    • Humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles (1919): This treaty, which ended WWI, was seen by Germans as a national humiliation.
      • War Guilt Clause: Germany was forced to accept full blame for the war.
      • Heavy Reparations: Germany had to pay crippling financial reparations to the Allied powers.
      • Military Restrictions: Its army was severely limited, and its air force and submarines were banned.
      • Territorial Losses: Germany lost significant territories, including its overseas colonies. Hitler promised to reject the treaty and restore German pride.
    • Economic Crisis and the Great Depression (1929):
      • Hyperinflation (1923): The German economy was already weak, and it experienced hyperinflation, wiping out the savings of the middle class.
      • Impact of Great Depression: The 1929 Wall Street Crash devastated the German economy, which was dependent on American loans. Unemployment soared to over 6 million, leading to widespread poverty and desperation. The Nazis promised to solve the economic crisis and provide jobs.
    • Weakness of the Weimar Republic:
      • Political Instability: The democratic government, known as the Weimar Republic, was weak and unstable. Proportional representation led to many small parties and fragile coalition governments that were unable to make decisive decisions.
      • Lack of Democratic Tradition: Many Germans, including the army, judges, and civil servants, were not committed to democracy and preferred an authoritarian government.
    • Hitler's Charisma and Nazi Propaganda:
      • Powerful Oratory: Hitler was a charismatic and powerful speaker who captivated audiences with his passionate speeches, blaming Jews, Communists, and the Treaty of Versailles for Germany's problems.
      • Effective Propaganda: Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda chief, used rallies, posters, radio, and films to create a cult of personality around Hitler and spread Nazi ideology effectively.
      • Use of Violence: The Nazi stormtroopers (SA) were used to intimidate political opponents and create an atmosphere of fear and chaos, which the Nazis promised to end.

    These factors created a perfect storm of discontent, allowing Hitler and the Nazi Party to gain popular support and rise to power in 1933.

    (OR)
    Marking Places on the Map of India:

    The following places are marked on the map of India provided below:

    India Map with marked locations
    1. Aravalli: A mountain range running from Gujarat to Delhi in northwest India.
    2. Deccan Plateau: A large plateau covering most of southern and central India.
    3. Direction of South West Monsoon: Arrows originating from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, moving onto the Indian mainland.
    4. Panna Biosphere Reserve: Located in Madhya Pradesh.
    5. Mountain Forest: The Himalayan region in the north and northeast.
    6. Region of Alluvial Soil: The vast Indo-Gangetic plains in northern India.
    7. Tea Growing Area: The state of Assam and the Darjeeling region in West Bengal.
    8. Godavari Delta: The delta formed by the Godavari River on the east coast in Andhra Pradesh.