FIRST MID TERM TEST - 2024
Standard X - SOCIAL SCIENCE (Question Paper)
Part - I: Choose the correct answer (7 x 1 = 7)
1. Which country emerged as the strongest in East Asia towards the close of Nineteenth-century?
- China
- Korea
- Japan
- Mongolia
2. With whom of the following was the Lateran Treaty signed by Italy?
- Germany
- Russia
- Pope
- Spain
3. ________ plains are formed by the older alluvium.
- Bhabar
- Tarai
- Bhangar
- Khadar
4. Climate of India is labelled as __________.
- Tropical Humid
- Equatorial climate
- Tropical Monsoon Climate
- Temperate Climate
5. How many times has the preamble to the constitution of India amended?
- once
- twice
- thrice
- never
6. Primary sector consists of __________.
- Agriculture
- Automobiles
- Trade
- Banking
7. Who granted the English "Golden Farman" in 1632?
- Jahangir
- Sultan of Golconda
- Akbar
- Aurangzeb
Part - II: Answer any 5 questions (5 x 2 = 10)
8. Name the countries in Triple Entente.
9. What do you know of the "White Terror" in Indo-China?
10. Name the neighbouring countries of India.
11. What is "Burst of Monsoon"?
12. What is a Writ?
13. What is the qualification of Judges of the Supreme Court?
14. Define National Income.
15. Write the types of Globalization.
Part - III: Answer any 5 questions (5 x 5 = 25)
16. Discuss the main causes of the First World War.
17. Analyse the effects of the World War II.
18. Explain the divisions of northern mountains and its importance to India.
19. Distinguish between i) Weather and Climate, ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Give reason: Rain water harvesting is necessary.
20. Explain the salient features of the Constitution of India.
21. What are the duties and functions of Prime Minister of India?
22. Briefly explain various terms associated with measuring of national income.
23. Write the challenges of Globalization.
24. Mark any 5 events from World history between 1900 and 1930 in a timeline.
Part - IV: Map Work
25. Mark the following on the world outline map. (4x1=4)
- England
- Russia
- Italy
- Germany
26. Mark the following on the outline map of India. (8x½=4)
- Deccan plateau
- Mt. K2
- Western Ghats
- North East Monsoon Wind
- Sundarban
- Desert soil
- Cauvery Delta
- River Ganga
FIRST MID TERM TEST - 2024
Standard X - SOCIAL SCIENCE (Solved Paper)
Part - I: Choose the correct answer (7 x 1 = 7)
1. Which country emerged as the strongest in East Asia towards the close of Nineteenth-century?
- China
- Korea
- Japan
- Mongolia
Show Answer
c) Japan — After the Meiji Restoration beginning in 1868, Japan rapidly industrialized and modernized its military, emerging as a major imperial power in East Asia by the end of the 19th century.
2. With whom of the following was the Lateran Treaty signed by Italy?
- Germany
- Russia
- Pope
- Spain
Show Answer
c) Pope — The Lateran Treaty of 1929 was an agreement between Benito Mussolini's government of Italy and the Holy See (represented by the Pope). It recognized Vatican City as an independent sovereign state.
3. ________ plains are formed by the older alluvium.
- Bhabar
- Tarai
- Bhangar
- Khadar
Show Answer
c) Bhangar — Bhangar plains are composed of older alluvial soil and are found further away from river valleys. They are less fertile than Khadar, which is formed by newer alluvium deposited by floods.
4. Climate of India is labelled as __________.
- Tropical Humid
- Equatorial climate
- Tropical Monsoon Climate
- Temperate Climate
Show Answer
c) Tropical Monsoon Climate — India's climate is predominantly influenced by its location in the tropical zone and the seasonal reversal of monsoon winds.
5. How many times has the preamble to the constitution of India amended?
- once
- twice
- thrice
- never
Show Answer
a) once — The Preamble was amended only once by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, which added three new words: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
6. Primary sector consists of __________.
- Agriculture
- Automobiles
- Trade
- Banking
Show Answer
a) Agriculture — The primary sector involves activities that directly use natural resources. This includes agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining.
7. Who granted the English "Golden Farman" in 1632?
- Jahangir
- Sultan of Golconda
- Akbar
- Aurangzeb
Show Answer
b) Sultan of Golconda — The Sultan of Golconda issued a "Golden Farman" (royal decree) to the English East India Company in 1632, granting them the privilege to trade freely in the ports of the Golconda kingdom.
Part - II: Answer any 5 questions (5 x 2 = 10)
8. Name the countries in Triple Entente.
Show Answer
The Triple Entente was an alliance formed before World War I, consisting of:
- The United Kingdom (Britain)
- France
- The Russian Empire
9. What do you know of the "White Terror" in Indo-China?
Show Answer
The "White Terror" in Indo-China (Vietnam) refers to the brutal repression by the French colonialists in 1930-31. After suppressing the Yen Bai mutiny, the French executed, imprisoned, or exiled thousands of Vietnamese nationalists and communists, using extreme violence to crush the anti-colonial movement.
10. Name the neighbouring countries of India.
Show Answer
India shares its land borders with seven countries:
- North-West: Pakistan and Afghanistan
- North: China, Nepal, and Bhutan
- East: Bangladesh and Myanmar
Its main maritime neighbours are Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
11. What is "Burst of Monsoon"?
Show Answer
The "Burst of Monsoon" is the sudden and dramatic onset of the monsoon rains, usually arriving on the Malabar Coast in the first week of June. It marks a shift from the hot, dry season to the rainy season and is characterized by a rapid increase in rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning.
12. What is a Writ?
Show Answer
A Writ is a legal order issued by a court (the Supreme Court under Article 32 or a High Court under Article 226) to enforce fundamental rights. It directs a person or authority to either perform a certain act or to stop doing something. The five main types are Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.
13. What is the qualification of Judges of the Supreme Court?
Show Answer
A person must meet the following qualifications to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must have been a judge of a High Court for at least five years.
- OR, must have been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years.
- OR, must be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President of India.
14. Define National Income.
Show Answer
National Income is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced by a country's residents during a given period, typically one year. It is often represented by Net National Product at Factor Cost (NNPfc), which measures the sum of all factor incomes (wages, rent, interest, profit) generated within an economy.
15. Write the types of Globalization.
Show Answer
Globalization is a multifaceted process with three main types:
- Economic Globalization: The increasing integration of economies through trade, investment (FDI), and capital flows.
- Cultural Globalization: The spread of ideas, values, and cultural practices (like food, music, and media) across national borders, leading to a more interconnected global culture.
- Political Globalization: The growth of a global political system, with increasing influence of international organizations (like the UN, WTO) and global governance.
Part - III: Answer any 5 questions (5 x 5 = 25)
16. Discuss the main causes of the First World War.
Show Answer
The main causes of World War I are often summarized by the acronym M.A.I.N.:
- Militarism: European powers engaged in a massive arms race. Countries like Germany and Britain expanded their armies and navies, creating a climate of fear and suspicion. Military leaders gained significant influence in political decisions.
- Alliances: Europe was divided into two rigid and hostile military alliances. The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Britain, Russia). This system meant that a small conflict could easily escalate into a full-scale European war.
- Imperialism: The competition for colonies, resources, and markets in Africa and Asia created intense rivalries among European nations. Clashes over colonial territories, such as the Moroccan Crises, increased tensions.
- Nationalism: Aggressive nationalism, or jingoism, created a sense of superiority and antagonism between nations. Furthermore, the desire for self-determination among ethnic groups in multi-ethnic empires (like Serbs in Austria-Hungary) was a major source of instability, especially in the Balkans.
- Immediate Cause: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. This event triggered the alliance system, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, which in turn drew all the major powers into the conflict.
17. Analyse the effects of the World War II.
Show Answer
World War II had profound and lasting effects on the world:
- Devastation and Loss of Life: It was the deadliest conflict in human history, causing an estimated 70-85 million fatalities, including millions of civilians. Cities across Europe and Asia were destroyed.
- Division of the World: The world was divided into two blocs: the communist bloc led by the Soviet Union and the capitalist bloc led by the United States. This led to the Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension that lasted for decades.
- Emergence of Superpowers: The war ended the era of European dominance. The USA and the USSR emerged as the two global superpowers.
- Formation of the United Nations (UN): To prevent future global conflicts, the UN was established in 1945 to promote international peace, security, and cooperation.
- End of Colonialism: The war weakened European colonial powers like Britain and France. This weakness, combined with the rise of nationalist movements, led to the decolonization of Asia and Africa in the post-war years.
- Economic Changes: The war spurred technological advancements, particularly in atomic energy, computers, and rocketry. The USA initiated the Marshall Plan to help rebuild Western European economies and contain communism.
18. Explain the divisions of northern mountains and its importance to India.
Show Answer
The Northern Mountains of India are divided into three main parallel ranges:
- The Trans-Himalayas: Also known as the Tibetan Himalayas, this range lies north of the Great Himalayas. It includes ranges like Karakoram (home to Mt. K2), Ladakh, and Zaskar.
- The Himalayas: This is the main mountain system, divided into three parallel ranges:
- The Greater Himalayas (Himadri): The northernmost and highest range, with an average height of 6,000 meters. It contains the world's highest peaks like Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga.
- The Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): Located south of the Himadri, with an average height of 3,700-4,500 meters. It is home to famous hill stations like Shimla and Mussoorie.
- The Outer Himalayas (Siwaliks): The southernmost range, with an average height of 900-1,100 meters. It is a discontinuous range composed of unconsolidated sediments.
- The Eastern Himalayas (Purvanchal): A series of hills running in a north-south direction along India's eastern border, including the Patkai Bum, Naga Hills, and Mizo Hills.
Importance to India:
- Natural Barrier: They form a formidable natural barrier, protecting India from foreign invasions and the cold polar winds from Central Asia.
- Source of Perennial Rivers: They are the source of major perennial rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, which provide water for irrigation, drinking, and electricity generation.
- Influence on Climate: They intercept the Southwest Monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall in the northern plains.
- Rich Biodiversity: They are home to a vast variety of flora and fauna and are a major biodiversity hotspot.
- Tourism and Pilgrimage: They attract tourists from all over the world and are home to many important pilgrimage sites.
19. Distinguish between i) Weather and Climate, ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Give reason: Rain water harvesting is necessary.
Show Answer
i) Distinction between Weather and Climate:
- Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It refers to short-term conditions like temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind. It can change from day to day or even hour to hour.
- Climate is the average weather condition of a place over a long period, typically 30-35 years. It represents the long-term pattern and is more stable and predictable.
ii) Distinction between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats:
- Continuity: The Western Ghats are a continuous mountain range, whereas the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and broken into separate hills by rivers like Godavari and Krishna.
- Elevation: The Western Ghats are higher, with an average elevation of 900-1600 meters, compared to the Eastern Ghats' average elevation of around 600 meters.
- Rainfall: The Western Ghats receive heavy orographic rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon, making them much greener. The Eastern Ghats receive comparatively less rainfall.
Reason: Rainwater harvesting is necessary
Rainwater harvesting is necessary for several critical reasons:
- To overcome water scarcity by supplementing the main water supply.
- To raise the groundwater table, which is depleting rapidly due to over-extraction.
- To reduce surface runoff, which helps prevent soil erosion and urban flooding.
- To provide a high-quality, low-cost source of water, reducing dependency on expensive treated water.
20. Explain the salient features of the Constitution of India.
Show Answer
The salient features of the Indian Constitution are:
- Lengthiest Written Constitution: It is the most detailed and comprehensive constitution in the world.
- Drawn from Various Sources: It borrows features from the constitutions of many countries, including the UK, USA, Ireland, and Canada, adapting them to Indian needs.
- Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: It is neither too rigid nor too flexible. Some provisions can be amended by a simple majority, while others require a special majority.
- Federal System with Unitary Bias: It establishes a federal structure with a division of powers between the Centre and States, but with a strong central government.
- Parliamentary Form of Government: It adopts the British parliamentary system, where the executive is responsible to the legislature.
- Fundamental Rights and Duties: It guarantees fundamental rights to citizens (Part III) and also lists fundamental duties (Part IV-A).
- Directive Principles of State Policy: (Part IV) These are guidelines for the state to promote the welfare of the people.
- Secular State: The Constitution establishes a secular state, meaning it does not uphold any particular religion as the official religion.
- Universal Adult Franchise: It grants the right to vote to all citizens above the age of 18 without any discrimination.
21. What are the duties and functions of Prime Minister of India?
Show Answer
The Prime Minister is the real executive head of the government. The key duties and functions are:
- Head of the Council of Ministers: The PM selects, appoints, and allocates portfolios to the ministers. The PM can also ask a minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss them.
- Link between President and Cabinet: The PM is the principal channel of communication between the President and the Council of Ministers.
- Leader of the Nation and Parliament: The PM is the leader of the Lok Sabha and the chief spokesperson of the government. The PM announces major government policies on the floor of the House.
- Chief Policy Maker: The PM plays a crucial role in formulating domestic and foreign policies.
- Head of Various Organizations: The PM is the chairperson of important bodies like the NITI Aayog, National Development Council, and National Integration Council.
- Chief Crisis Manager: During a crisis, the PM leads the nation and takes critical decisions.
22. Briefly explain various terms associated with measuring of national income.
Show Answer
Key terms used in measuring national income include:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's geographical boundaries in a year.
- Gross National Product (GNP): The total market value of all final goods and services produced by the nationals of a country in a year. Formula: GNP = GDP + Net Factor Income from Abroad (NFIA).
- Net National Product (NNP): This is the value of GNP after subtracting depreciation (wear and tear of capital goods). Formula: NNP = GNP - Depreciation. NNP at Factor Cost is considered the purest form of national income.
- Per Capita Income (PCI): This is the average income of a person in a country. Formula: PCI = National Income / Total Population.
- Disposable Income (DI): The portion of personal income that is available for households to spend or save after paying direct taxes like income tax.
23. Write the challenges of Globalization.
Show Answer
Despite its benefits, globalization presents several challenges:
- Increased Inequality: The benefits of globalization are not evenly distributed. It can widen the gap between rich and poor nations, and also between the rich and poor within a nation.
- Loss of National Sovereignty: The influence of powerful multinational corporations (MNCs) and international organizations (like WTO, IMF) can undermine the decision-making power of national governments.
- Threat to Domestic Industries: Small and medium-sized domestic industries often struggle to compete with large, foreign MNCs, which can lead to job losses.
- Environmental Degradation: The focus on increased production and consumption can lead to over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution, and climate change.
- Cultural Homogenization: The dominance of Western culture (especially American) through media and consumer goods can threaten the diversity of local cultures and traditions.
- Volatility of Global Markets: An economic crisis in one country can quickly spread to others, as seen in the 2008 global financial crisis.
24. Mark any 5 events from World history between 1900 and 1930 in a timeline.
Show Answer
A timeline of 5 key events from World history (1900-1930):
- 1905: The Russian Revolution of 1905 and the Partition of Bengal in India.
- 1914: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, leading to the outbreak of World War I.
- 1917: The Russian Revolution (Bolshevik Revolution), leading to the establishment of the world's first communist state.
- 1919: The signing of the Treaty of Versailles, formally ending World War I.
- 1929: The Wall Street Crash, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression, a severe worldwide economic depression.
Part - IV: Map Work
25. Mark the following on the world outline map. (4x1=4)
- England
- Russia
- Italy
- Germany
View Location Descriptions
- England: An island country in Northwestern Europe, part of the United Kingdom.
- Russia: The world's largest country, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
- Italy: A peninsula in Southern Europe shaped like a boot, located in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Germany: A large country in Central Europe, bordering France, Poland, and Denmark.
26. Mark the following on the outline map of India. (8x½=4)
- Deccan plateau
- Mt. K2
- Western Ghats
- North East Monsoon Wind
- Sundarban
- Desert soil
- Cauvery Delta
- River Ganga
View Location Descriptions
- Deccan Plateau: The large triangular plateau covering most of southern India.
- Mt. K2: Located in the Karakoram Range in the extreme northern part of India (in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).
- Western Ghats: The mountain range running parallel to India's western coast.
- North East Monsoon Wind: Arrows showing wind direction from the northeast landmass towards the Bay of Bengal.
- Sundarban: The mangrove delta at the mouth of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers in West Bengal.
- Desert soil: The arid region of Rajasthan (Thar Desert).
- Cauvery Delta: The fertile delta region in Tamil Nadu where the River Cauvery meets the Bay of Bengal.
- River Ganga: The major river flowing from the Himalayas across the northern plains to the Bay of Bengal.