FIRST MID - TERM TEST - 2022
Standard - X
SOCIAL SCIENCE (Solved)
I. Choose the correct answer (6 × 1 = 6)
1. Western disturbances cause rainfall in ________.
Answer: c) Punjab. Western disturbances are extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region that bring non-monsoonal rainfall to the northwestern parts of India during the winter season.
2. The North-South extent of India is ________.
Answer: c) 3214 km. India's territorial limit extends from Indira Col in the north to Kanyakumari in the south over a distance of 3,214 km.
3. How many times has the preamble to the Constitution of India been amended?
Answer: a) Once. The Preamble has been amended only once by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, which added three new words: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
4. Which part of the world disliked Dollar Imperialism?
Answer: b) Latin America. "Dollar Imperialism" or "Dollar Diplomacy" refers to the US policy of using its economic power to exert influence over other countries, a policy that was particularly resented in Latin America during the early 20th century.
5. National Income is a measure of ________.
Answer: d) Total value of goods and service. National Income represents the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a specific period, typically one year.
6. Which country emerged as the strongest in East Asia towards the close of the nineteenth century?
Answer: b) Japan. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan underwent rapid industrialization and militarization, emerging as a major regional power by defeating China in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–95).
II. Answer any seven questions. Short Answers (7 × 2 = 14)
7. What is Per Capita Income?
Answer: Per Capita Income (PCI) is the average income earned per person in a given area (country, region, etc.) in a specified year. It is calculated by dividing the country's National Income by its total population.
Formula: Per Capita Income = National Income / Total Population.
Formula: Per Capita Income = National Income / Total Population.
8. What are the classical languages in India?
Answer: The Government of India has recognized six languages as "Classical Languages". They are:
- Tamil (declared in 2004)
- Sanskrit (declared in 2005)
- Telugu (declared in 2008)
- Kannada (declared in 2008)
- Malayalam (declared in 2013)
- Odia (declared in 2014)
9. Define National Income.
Answer: National Income is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced by a country's citizens, both domestically and internationally, during a financial year. It measures the net output of the economy and is a key indicator of a country's economic health.
10. What is a constitution?
Answer: A constitution is a foundational legal document or a set of fundamental principles that establishes the framework for the governance of a country. It defines the structure and powers of the government (legislature, executive, judiciary) and outlines the fundamental rights and duties of its citizens.
11. Name the neighbouring countries of India.
Answer: India shares its land borders with seven countries and has two maritime neighbours.
- Land Neighbours: Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
- Maritime Neighbours: Sri Lanka and Maldives.
12. Name the seasons of agriculture in India.
Answer: The agricultural crop seasons in India are categorized into three distinct seasons:
- Kharif Season: Also known as the monsoon season. Sowing begins with the onset of monsoon in June-July and harvesting is done in September-October. (e.g., Rice, Maize, Cotton).
- Rabi Season: Also known as the winter season. Sowing begins in October-December and harvesting is done in April-June. (e.g., Wheat, Barley, Mustard).
- Zaid Season: A short season during the summer months between the Rabi and Kharif seasons (March to June). (e.g., Watermelon, Muskmelon, Cucumber).
13. Define 'Dollar Imperialism'.
Answer: 'Dollar Imperialism' (or Dollar Diplomacy) is a term used to describe the foreign policy of the United States, particularly under President William Howard Taft. It aimed to use American economic power—through loans, investments, and trade—to extend its political and financial influence over other nations, especially in Latin America and East Asia, rather than using direct military force.
14. What is 'burst of monsoon'?
Answer: The 'burst of monsoon' refers to the sudden and dramatic onset of the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds over the Indian subcontinent. This arrival is characterized by a rapid increase in rainfall intensity, often accompanied by violent thunder and lightning, marking a distinct change from the hot and dry pre-monsoon season.
15. What was the result of Mussolini's march on Rome?
Answer: The result of Mussolini's 'March on Rome' in October 1922 was that King Victor Emmanuel III, fearing a civil war and underestimating the Fascist threat, refused to authorize the use of the army against the marchers. Instead, he yielded to the pressure and appointed Benito Mussolini as the Prime Minister of Italy. This event marked the beginning of Fascist rule in Italy.
16. List the factors affecting the climate of India.
Answer: The main factors affecting the climate of India are:
- Latitude: The Tropic of Cancer divides the country into tropical and subtropical zones.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes, like in the Himalayas, result in colder temperatures.
- The Himalayan Mountains: They act as a climatic barrier, protecting India from cold central Asian winds and trapping monsoon winds.
- Distance from the Sea: Coastal areas have a moderate (equable) climate, while interior areas have an extreme (continental) climate.
- Monsoon Winds: The seasonal reversal of winds brings most of India's rainfall.
- Relief Features: The Western Ghats cause heavy orographic rainfall on their windward side.
- Jet Streams: These high-altitude winds influence the onset and withdrawal of the monsoon.
17. What was the role of Mustafa Kamal Pasha?
Answer: Mustafa Kemal Pasha, later known as Atatürk (Father of the Turks), played a pivotal role in the creation of modern Turkey.
- He led the Turkish National Movement in the Turkish War of Independence against the Allied powers after World War I.
- He abolished the centuries-old Ottoman Sultanate and Caliphate.
- As the first President of the Republic of Turkey, he initiated a series of sweeping social, political, and economic reforms to transform Turkey into a modern, secular, and industrial nation.
18. Write a short note on the Deccan Plateau.
Answer: The Deccan Plateau is a large, triangular plateau located in southern India, situated between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. It is one of the oldest landmasses in India, composed mainly of volcanic basalt rocks known as the Deccan Traps. The plateau is rich in minerals and is famous for its black soil (regur soil), which is ideal for cotton cultivation. It slopes gently from west to east, which is why major rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal.
19. Name the countries in the Triple Entente.
Answer: The Triple Entente was a pre-World War I alliance formed as a counterweight to the Triple Alliance. The member countries were:
- The French Republic (France)
- The British Empire (Britain)
- The Russian Empire (Russia)
III. Answer the following in Detail (4 × 5 = 20)
20. Trace the circumstances that led to the rise of Hitler in Germany.
Answer: The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany was a result of several converging circumstances following World War I.
- Humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles (1919): The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, including the "War Guilt Clause," massive financial reparations, loss of territories, and severe restrictions on its military. This created deep-seated resentment and a strong desire for revenge among the German people.
- Weakness of the Weimar Republic: The new democratic government was politically unstable and unpopular. It was blamed for accepting the humiliating treaty. Its system of proportional representation led to weak coalition governments that were unable to govern effectively.
- Economic Crises: Germany faced severe economic problems.
- Hyperinflation (1923): To pay reparations, the government printed excessive amounts of money, making the German currency worthless and wiping out the savings of the middle class.
- The Great Depression (1929): The US stock market crash led to the withdrawal of American loans, causing German industries to collapse, which resulted in mass unemployment and widespread poverty.
- Hitler's Charisma and Propaganda: Hitler was a powerful and mesmerizing public speaker. The Nazi Party, led by him, used sophisticated propaganda techniques to spread its message. They promised to restore German pride, create jobs, and defy the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler provided simple scapegoats for Germany's problems, blaming Jews, Communists, and the leaders of the Weimar Republic.
- Appeal of Nazism: In a time of chaos and despair, the Nazi ideology offered a vision of a strong, united, and racially pure Germany. Its promises of national unity, order, and economic recovery appealed to a broad section of the German population, including the unemployed, the middle class, and industrialists who feared a communist revolution.
21. Discuss the main causes of the First World War.
Answer: The main causes of the First World War (1914-1918) can be summarized by the acronym M.A.I.N.: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism.
- Militarism: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers engaged in an arms race, massively building up their armies and navies. Countries like Germany and Britain competed for naval supremacy. This glorification of military power and the belief in using force to solve problems created a war-like atmosphere.
- Alliances: A complex system of secret military alliances divided Europe into two hostile camps.
- The Triple Alliance (1882): Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
- The Triple Entente (1907): France, Britain, and Russia.
- Imperialism: The major European powers competed fiercely for colonies, resources, and markets in Africa and Asia. This scramble for empire led to rivalries and clashes between nations, such as the Moroccan Crises between Germany and France, which heightened tensions.
- Nationalism: Intense pride and loyalty to one's nation led to competition and antagonism between countries. Furthermore, the desire of ethnic minorities (like the Slavs in the Austro-Hungarian Empire) for their own independent nations created significant instability, particularly in the Balkan region, which was known as the "powder keg of Europe."
- Immediate Cause (The Spark): The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by a Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. This event triggered the alliance system, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, which in turn drew Russia, Germany, France, and Britain into the conflict, starting the First World War.
22. (a) Distinguish between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
(b) Distinguish between Weather and Climate.
(c) Give Reasons: Himalayas are called young fold mountains.
Answer:
a) Distinction between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats:
| Feature | Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Continuity | They are a continuous range, crossed only by a few passes. | They are a discontinuous and irregular range, eroded by rivers. |
| Elevation | Higher, with an average elevation of 900-1600 meters. | Lower, with an average elevation of about 600 meters. |
| Rainfall | Cause heavy orographic rainfall on their western slopes. | Receive comparatively lower rainfall. |
| Rivers | Source of major peninsular rivers like Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri. | Major rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna cut through them. |
b) Distinction between Weather and Climate:
| Feature | Weather | Climate |
|---|---|---|
| Time Frame | Describes the atmospheric conditions over a short period (day-to-day). | Describes the average weather conditions over a long period (typically 30+ years). |
| Variability | Changes frequently, can vary from hour-to-hour and day-to-day. | Is more stable and represents a long-term pattern. |
| Example | "It is rainy and windy today." | "India has a tropical monsoon climate." |
c) Reasons why the Himalayas are called 'young fold mountains':
The Himalayas are called young fold mountains for the following reasons:- Recent Geological Origin: They were formed relatively recently in Earth's geological history (during the Tertiary period) by the folding of the Earth's crust when the Indian tectonic plate collided with the Eurasian plate.
- Structural Features: They exhibit classic features of young mountains, such as high, pointed conical peaks, deep V-shaped valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, which indicate they have not yet been heavily eroded.
- Geologically Active: The Himalayas are still rising in height, indicating that the process of mountain-building is ongoing. This geological activity also makes the region prone to earthquakes.
23. Explain the Divisions of Northern Mountains and its importance to India.
Answer: The Northern Mountains of India are a vast and formidable range, primarily consisting of the Himalayas. They can be divided into three main parallel ranges, along with the Trans-Himalayas and Eastern Hills.
Divisions of the Northern Mountains:
- The Trans-Himalayas: Located to the north of the Great Himalayas, mostly in Tibet. Major ranges include the Karakoram, Ladakh, and Zaskar. India's highest peak, K2 (Godwin Austen), is in the Karakoram range.
- The Himalayas (from North to South):
- The Himadri (Great Himalayas): The northernmost and highest range, with an average height of 6,000 meters. It contains the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is perpetually snow-bound, giving rise to many glaciers.
- The Himachal (Lesser Himalayas): Located south of the Himadri. The altitude varies between 3,700 to 4,500 meters. It is known for its beautiful valleys (like Kashmir, Kangra) and popular hill stations (like Shimla, Mussoorie).
- The Siwaliks (Outer Himalayas): The outermost range with an average height of 900 to 1,100 meters. They are discontinuous and form the foothills of the Himalayas.
- The Purvanchal (Eastern Hills): These are the northeastern extensions of the Himalayas, running along the border with Myanmar. They include ranges like the Patkai, Naga, and Mizo hills.
Importance to India:
- Climatic Influence: They act as a massive barrier, protecting India from the freezing cold winds of Central Asia and forcing the moisture-laden monsoon winds to shed their rain over the subcontinent.
- Source of Perennial Rivers: The glaciers of the Himalayas are the source of major perennial rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, which provide water for drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectricity.
- Fertile Plains: These rivers carry and deposit vast amounts of alluvial soil, forming the highly fertile Northern Plains of India, which is the country's breadbasket.
- Natural Defence: For centuries, they have served as a natural barrier, protecting India from invasions from the north.
- Rich Biodiversity: The Himalayan region is a storehouse of rich flora and fauna and has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Economic Significance: They are a major source of timber, medicinal herbs, and minerals. They also promote tourism and pilgrimage (e.g., Amarnath, Kedarnath).
24. Write about the composition of GDP in India.
Answer: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) represents the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. The composition of India's GDP is divided into three main sectors:
-
Primary Sector (Agriculture and Allied Sector): This sector includes activities that directly use natural resources. It comprises:
- Agriculture (crop cultivation)
- Forestry and logging
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Mining and quarrying
-
Secondary Sector (Industrial Sector): This sector involves the transformation of raw materials into finished goods. It is also known as the manufacturing sector and includes:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Electricity, gas, and water supply
-
Tertiary Sector (Service Sector): This sector provides services rather than producing goods. It has become the largest and fastest-growing sector in the Indian economy. It includes a wide range of activities:
- Trade, hotels, and restaurants
- Transport, storage, and communication
- Financial services (banking, insurance)
- Real estate and business services
- Public administration, defence, and other services
25. Explain the salient features of the constitution of India.
Answer: The Constitution of India is a unique document with several prominent features:
- Lengthiest Written Constitution: It is the most detailed and longest written constitution in the world, originally containing 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules.
- Drawn from Various Sources: It has borrowed many features from the constitutions of other countries. For example, the parliamentary system from the UK, Fundamental Rights from the USA, Directive Principles from Ireland, and federal features from Canada.
- Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: The constitution is neither too rigid nor too flexible. Some provisions can be amended by a simple majority, while others require a special majority of the Parliament and ratification by half of the states.
- Federal System with Unitary Bias: It establishes a federal structure of government (division of powers between Centre and States) but with several unitary features like a strong Centre, single citizenship, and an integrated judiciary.
- Parliamentary Form of Government: India has a parliamentary system where the executive (Council of Ministers) is responsible to the legislature (Parliament). The President is the constitutional head, while the Prime Minister is the real executive head.
- Fundamental Rights: Part III of the Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens, which are justiciable (enforceable by courts). These include the Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, etc.
- Directive Principles of State Policy: Part IV contains guidelines for the state to follow in governance. They aim to establish a social and economic democracy (a welfare state) but are non-justiciable.
- Secular State: The Constitution establishes India as a secular state. It means the state does not have an official religion and treats all religions equally.
- Universal Adult Franchise: It grants the right to vote to all citizens above the age of 18 without any discrimination based on caste, creed, sex, religion, etc.
- Independent Judiciary: The Constitution provides for an independent and integrated judiciary with the Supreme Court at its apex to safeguard the Constitution and protect the fundamental rights of citizens.
26. State any five types of soil in India and explain the characteristics and distribution of soil.
Answer: India has a diverse range of soils. Five major types are:
-
Alluvial Soil:
- Characteristics: Formed by the deposition of silt by rivers. It is the most fertile soil, rich in potash and lime but poor in nitrogen and humus. It varies from sandy loam to clay in texture.
- Distribution: Widespread in the Northern Plains (Punjab, UP, Bihar, West Bengal), and the deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers on the east coast.
-
Black Soil (Regur Soil):
- Characteristics: Derived from weathered lava rocks of the Deccan Traps. It is clayey, deep, and impermeable. It is known for its high moisture retention capacity and becomes sticky when wet and develops deep cracks when dry. Rich in lime, iron, and magnesia.
- Distribution: Predominantly found on the Deccan Plateau, covering large parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Ideal for growing cotton.
-
Red and Yellow Soil:
- Characteristics: Develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall. Its red colour is due to the diffusion of iron in the crystalline rocks. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form. It is generally less fertile.
- Distribution: Found in large parts of the eastern and southern Deccan Plateau, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and parts of the southern states.
-
Laterite Soil:
- Characteristics: Formed in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall, leading to intense leaching. The soil is acidic, poor in organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphate. Rich in iron oxide and aluminium. Hardens like a brick when dry.
- Distribution: Found in patches in the Western Ghats, parts of Odisha, West Bengal, and the northeastern states. Suitable for tea, coffee, and cashew cultivation with proper manuring.
-
Arid Soil (Desert Soil):
- Characteristics: Ranges from sandy to gravelly in texture. It is saline in nature and has low humus and moisture content. The Kankar (calcium carbonate) layer in the subsoil restricts water infiltration.
- Distribution: Primarily found in the arid regions of Western Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, and Haryana. Can be made cultivable with proper irrigation.
IV. TIME LINE (5 × 1 = 5)
27. 1900 - 1930
Answer: Key events in Indian History from 1900-1930:
- 1905 - Partition of Bengal.
- 1914 - Outbreak of the First World War.
- 1919 - Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
- 1920 - Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- 1930 - Dandi March and the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
V. Mark the following places on the given map of India (5 × 1 = 5)
28. Mark the following: a) Thar Desert b) Ganga c) Blacksoil d) K₂ (or) Godwin-Austen e) South west Monsoon
Answer: (Note: This section describes the locations to be marked on a map.)
- Thar Desert: Located in Northwestern India, primarily covering the state of Rajasthan and extending into Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. It should be shaded in the western part of Rajasthan.
- Ganga: Mark the path of the River Ganga, originating from the Gangotri glacier in Uttarakhand, flowing southeast through the Northern Plains (UP, Bihar, West Bengal), and emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
- Blacksoil: Shade the region of the Deccan Plateau, covering most of Maharashtra, western Madhya Pradesh, parts of Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. This area is often called the Deccan Trap region.
- K₂ (Godwin-Austen): Mark this peak in the extreme north of India, in the Karakoram Range. It is located in the region of Jammu and Kashmir currently under Pakistani occupation (PoK).
- South west Monsoon: Draw arrows originating from the Arabian Sea, pointing towards the Indian mainland from the southwest direction. Show the arrows splitting into two branches: the Arabian Sea branch moving up the west coast and the Bay of Bengal branch moving towards West Bengal and the northeastern states.