COMMON FIRST MID TERM TEST - 2023
Standard X - Social Science (Solved Paper)
Part - I (14 x 1 = 14)
I. Choose the correct answer:
1. Who said "Imperialism is the highest stage of capitalism"?
Answer:
a) Lenin
b) Marx
c) Sunyat Sen
d) Mao Tsetung
2. To which country did the first Secretary General of the League of Nations belong?
Answer:
a) Britain
b) France
c) Dutch
d) USA
3. With whom of the following was the Lateran Treaty signed by Italy?
Answer:
a) Germany
b) Russia
c) Pope
d) Spain
4. Where did the US drop its first atomic bomb?
Answer:
a) Kawasaki
b) Tokyo
c) Hiroshima
d) Nagasaki
5. Choose the correct statement.
Assertion (A): President Roosevelt realised that the United States had to change its policy of isolation.
Reason (R): He started a programme of Lend-Lease in 1941.
Answer:
a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
b) A is right but R is not the correct reason
c) Both A and R are wrong
d) R is right but it has no relevance to A
6. ______ River is known as Sorrow of Bihar.
Answer:
a) Narmada
b) Godavari
c) Kosi
d) Damodar
7. The highest peak in South India is
Answer:
a) Ooty
b) Kodaikanal
c) Anaimudi
d) Jindhagada
8. Western disturbances cause rainfall in
Answer:
a) Tamilnadu
b) Kerala
c) Punjab
d) Madhya Pradesh
9. Black soils are also called as
Answer:
a) Arid soils
b) Saline soils
c) Regur soils
d) Mountain soils
10. Choose the inappropriate answer. Climate of India is affected by ______.
Answer:
a) latitudinal extent
b) altitude
c) distance from the sea
d) soil
Explanation: Soil type is a result of climate, not a primary factor affecting the climate of a vast country like India.
11. Under which Article, financial emergency can be proclaimed?
Answer:
a) Article 352
b) Article 356
c) Article 360
d) Article 368
12. What is the minimum age laid down for a candidate to seek election to the Lok Sabha?
Answer:
a) 18 years
b) 21 years
c) 25 years
d) 30 years
13. National Income is a measure of
Answer:
a) Total value of money
b) Total value of producer goods
c) Total value of consumption goods
d) Total value of goods and services
14. GATT's first round was held in
Answer:
a) Tokyo
b) Uruguay
c) Torquay
d) Geneva
Part - II (10 x 2 = 20)
II. Give a short answer. (Q.No.28 is compulsory)
15. Name the countries in the Triple Entente.
Answer:
The Triple Entente was an alliance formed before World War I. The member countries were:
- The United Kingdom (Britain)
- France
- The Russian Empire
16. What do you know of Trench Warfare?
Answer:
Trench warfare is a type of combat where opposing troops fight from trenches facing each other. It was the characteristic form of fighting on the Western Front during World War I. Life in the trenches was horrific, with soldiers facing machine-gun fire, artillery, poison gas, mud, disease, and rats. The area between the two opposing trenches was called "No Man's Land," which was extremely dangerous to cross.
17. Define "Dollar Imperialism".
Answer:
"Dollar Imperialism" refers to the policy of the United States to extend its influence over other countries, especially in Latin America and East Asia, through its economic power. Instead of direct military intervention, the US used loans, investments, and economic aid to control these nations and secure its own financial interests.
18. Describe the Pearl Harbour incident.
Answer:
The Pearl Harbor incident was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. It occurred on the morning of December 7, 1941. The attack damaged or destroyed nearly 20 American naval vessels, including 8 battleships, and over 300 airplanes. More than 2,400 Americans died in the attack. The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan, marking America's official entry into World War II.
19. Name the Bretton Woods twins.
Answer:
The "Bretton Woods twins" are two major international financial institutions established at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944. They are:
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- The World Bank (originally called the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - IBRD)
20. Name the neighbouring countries of India.
Answer:
India shares its land borders with seven countries:
- North-West: Pakistan, Afghanistan
- North: China, Nepal, Bhutan
- East: Myanmar, Bangladesh
Additionally, it has two maritime neighbours: Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
21. Write a short note on the Deccan Plateau.
Answer:
The Deccan Plateau is a large, triangular plateau located in southern India. It lies south of the Narmada River and is bordered by the Western Ghats on the west and the Eastern Ghats on the east. It is one of the oldest landmasses and is composed of volcanic basalt rocks, which have weathered to form black soil (Regur soil), ideal for cotton cultivation.
22. What is the 'burst of monsoon'?
Answer:
The 'burst of monsoon' refers to the sudden and dramatic onset of the monsoon rains. It 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. This phenomenon typically occurs in early June on the Malabar Coast.
23. Define Agriculture.
Answer:
Agriculture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock. It is the primary means of producing food, fiber, and other products necessary for human life. It includes a wide range of activities from preparing land and sowing seeds to harvesting and animal husbandry.
24. What is a constitution?
Answer:
A constitution is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed. It is the supreme law of the land, defining the structure of the government, its powers and duties, and guaranteeing the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens.
25. What is the qualification of judges of the Supreme Court?
Answer:
To be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, a person must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Have been a judge of a High Court (or High Courts in succession) for at least five years, OR
- Have been an advocate of a High Court (or High Courts in succession) for at least ten years, OR
- Be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President of India.
26. Define "National Income".
Answer:
National Income is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced by a country's residents during a specific period, typically one year. It is a measure of the net output of the economy and is calculated by adding consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports).
27. What is per capita income?
Answer:
Per capita income is the average income earned per person in a country or a specific region during a given year. It is calculated by dividing the country's total National Income by its total population. It is often used as an indicator of the standard of living of a country's residents.
28. What is Fair Trade? (Compulsory)
Answer:
Fair Trade is a social movement and a trading partnership that aims to help producers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions and promote sustainability. It ensures that workers and farmers receive fair wages, work in safe conditions, and use environmentally friendly practices. By paying fair prices, it empowers marginalized producers to improve their lives and communities.
Part - III (Answer any 10 questions, Q.42 is compulsory) (10 x 5 = 50)
29. Fill in the blanks:
Answer:
a) Japan forced a war on China in the year 1937.
b) Boers were also known as Afrikaners.
c) The constitution of India was adopted on 26th November 1949.
d) The Supreme Court is the Guardian of the constitution.
e) The Agricultural Sector (or Primary Sector) is the primary sector in India.
30. Highlight the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles relating to Germany.
Answer:
The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh terms on Germany after its defeat in World War I. Key provisions included:
- War Guilt Clause (Article 231): Germany was forced to accept full responsibility for causing the war.
- Reparations: Germany was required to pay enormous financial reparations for war damages, amounting to £6.6 billion.
- Military Restrictions: The German army was limited to 100,000 men, its navy was severely restricted, and it was forbidden from having an air force, submarines, or tanks. The Rhineland was demilitarized.
- Territorial Losses: Germany lost significant territory. Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France, Saar coalfields were given to France for 15 years, and other areas were given to Belgium, Denmark, and Poland. All of Germany's overseas colonies were taken away and given to the Allied powers as mandates.
- Prohibition of Union: A union (Anschluss) between Germany and Austria was forbidden.
37. Point out the fundamental rights.
Answer:
The Constitution of India guarantees six fundamental rights to its citizens, which are enshrined in Part III (Articles 12 to 35). They are:
- Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Guarantees equality before the law, prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, and ensures equality of opportunity in public employment.
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Includes freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession. It also provides protection in respect of conviction for offenses.
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits all forms of forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking.
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion freely.
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protects the rights of religious, cultural, and linguistic minorities by enabling them to conserve their heritage and establish and administer their own educational institutions.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Grants citizens the right to move the Supreme Court to enforce their fundamental rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called this the "heart and soul" of the Constitution.
39. What are the methods of calculating Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Explain it.
Answer:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. There are three main methods to calculate it:
-
Production (or Value Added) Method:
- This method calculates GDP by summing up the value added at each stage of production across all sectors of the economy (primary, secondary, and tertiary).
- Value added is the value of output minus the value of intermediate goods used in production. This avoids double-counting.
- Formula: GDP = Gross Value Added (GVA) + Taxes on Products - Subsidies on Products.
-
Income Method:
- This method calculates GDP by summing all the incomes earned by factors of production (land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship) within the country.
- It includes wages and salaries, rent, interest, and profits.
- Formula: GDP = Compensation of Employees + Gross Operating Surplus + Gross Mixed Income + Taxes on Production and Imports - Subsidies.
-
Expenditure Method:
- This method calculates GDP by summing up all the spending on final goods and services in an economy.
- It represents the total demand in the economy.
- Formula: GDP = C + I + G + (X - M)
- C: Consumption (spending by households)
- I: Investment (spending by businesses on capital goods)
- G: Government Spending (on goods and services)
- (X - M): Net Exports (Exports minus Imports)
In theory, all three methods should yield the same result.
41. Draw a timeline for the following: Write any five important events between 1900-1930.
Answer:
Timeline of Five Important Events (1900-1930):
- 1905: Partition of Bengal - Lord Curzon's decision to divide Bengal sparked massive protests and boosted the Indian nationalist movement.
- 1914: Start of World War I - A global conflict that redrew the political map of the world and had a significant impact on India's economy and politics.
- 1919: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre - British troops fired on a large crowd of unarmed Indians in Amritsar, a brutal event that intensified the struggle for independence.
- 1920: Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement - Mahatma Gandhi initiated a nationwide campaign of non-violent civil disobedience against British rule.
- 1930: Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) - Gandhi led a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea coast to produce salt, defying the British salt tax and launching the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Part - IV (2 x 8 = 16)
Answer the following questions.
43. a) Discuss the main causes of the First World War.
Answer:
The First World War (1914-1918) was a result of a complex interplay of long-term and short-term factors. The main causes can be summarized by the acronym M.A.I.N.:
- Militarism: This refers to the policy of building up a strong military to prepare for war. European powers engaged in a massive arms race in the early 20th century. Germany, in particular, expanded its navy to rival Britain's, leading to increased tensions. The belief that war was a valid tool of foreign policy was widespread.
- Alliances: A web of complex and secret alliances divided Europe into two hostile camps.
- The Triple Alliance (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
- The Triple Entente (Allied Powers): France, Russia, and Great Britain.
- Imperialism: The competition for colonies and economic resources around the world, particularly in Africa and Asia, created intense rivalries among European powers. Germany's desire for a "place in the sun" challenged the established colonial empires of Britain and France, leading to several diplomatic crises (e.g., Moroccan Crises).
- Nationalism: Nationalism manifested in two forms: the desire of dominant peoples for national greatness and the desire of subject peoples for independence. In France, there was a strong desire for revenge (revanchism) against Germany for the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. In the Balkans, intense nationalism among Slavic peoples, supported by Russia, threatened the stability of the multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire. This region was known as the "powder keg of Europe."
Immediate Cause: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The spark that ignited the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. The assassin, Gavrilo Princip, was a Serbian nationalist. Austria-Hungary, with Germany's backing, issued a harsh ultimatum to Serbia. When Serbia did not fully comply, Austria-Hungary declared war, triggering the system of alliances and plunging Europe into the Great War.
b) 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 not a sudden event but the result of a combination of severe political, economic, and social problems in the post-WWI era.
- Humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles (1919): The treaty imposed devastating terms on Germany, including the "War Guilt Clause," massive reparations, severe military restrictions, and territorial losses. This was seen as a national humiliation ("Diktat" or dictated peace) and created deep resentment among Germans. Hitler skillfully exploited this anger, promising to tear up the treaty and restore German pride.
- Political Instability of the Weimar Republic: The new democratic government, the Weimar Republic, was weak from the start. It was blamed for signing the Treaty of Versailles. The system of proportional representation led to many small parties and unstable coalition governments. This political chaos made many Germans lose faith in democracy and yearn for a strong, decisive leader.
- Economic Crisis:
- Hyperinflation (1923): To pay reparations, the government printed vast amounts of money, leading to hyperinflation. The German mark became worthless, wiping out the savings of the middle class and causing economic chaos.
- The Great Depression (1929): The Wall Street Crash had a catastrophic impact on Germany, which was heavily reliant on American loans. Businesses failed, unemployment soared to over 6 million by 1932, and poverty became widespread. This profound economic misery made people desperate and open to extremist solutions.
- Fear of Communism: The rise of communism in Russia and communist uprisings in Germany made wealthy industrialists, the middle class, and property owners fearful. They saw Hitler and the Nazis as a strong bulwark against a communist takeover and provided financial support.
- Hitler's Charisma and Propaganda: Hitler was a charismatic and powerful orator who could captivate large audiences. The Nazi Party, under Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels, used sophisticated propaganda techniques—mass rallies, posters, radio broadcasts, and films—to spread its message, create a cult of personality around Hitler, and scapegoat Jews, Communists, and the Weimar government for Germany's problems.
- Appeal of Nazi Ideology: The Nazi platform appealed to a broad spectrum of German society. It promised jobs for the unemployed, prosperity for the farmers, honor for the military, and a return to traditional values. The core ideas of racial purity, a powerful nation (Volksgemeinschaft), and expansionism (Lebensraum) gave a sense of purpose and hope to a disillusioned nation.
These factors combined created a perfect storm, allowing Hitler to be appointed Chancellor in January 1933, after which he systematically dismantled democracy and established a totalitarian dictatorship.