SAMPLE PAPER-03

Grade: 10 Subject: Social Science Marks: 80 Duration: 3 Hours

Test ID: Date:
General Instruction:

1.The question paper comprises Six Sections – A, B, C, D, E and F. There are 37 questions
in the Question paper. All questions are compulsory.

2.Section A – From questions 1 to 20 are MCQs of 1 mark each.

3.Section B – Question no. 21 to 24 are Very Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 2
marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 40 words.

4.Section C contains Q.25 to Q.29 are Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 3 marks
each. Answer to each question should not exceed 60 words.

5.Section D – Question no. 30 to 33 are long answer type questions, carrying 5 marks
each. Answer to each question should not exceed 120 words.

6.Section E – Questions no from 34 to 36 are case based questions with three sub
questions and are of 4 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 100
words.

7.Section F – Question no. 37 is map based, carrying 5 marks with two parts, 37a from
History (2 marks) and 37b from Geography (3 marks).
8. There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been
provided in few questions. Only one of the choices in such questions must be attempted.

9.A separate question has been provided for visually impaired candidates in lieu of
questions having visual inputs, maps etc. Such questions are to be attempted by Visually
impaired students only. In addition to this, separate instructions are given with each
section and question, wherever necessary.
 SECTION - A
Section A consists of 20 questions of 1 mark each.

1. Which one of the following option best signifies this picture?

(a) Criminals. (b) Lost citizens of Central Africa. (c) Photograph of

indentured labourers. (d) None of these.

2. Arrange the following options in the correct sequence

1. Press came to be made out of metal.
2. Offset press was developed.
3. Gutenberg perfected the system by olive press.
4. China first introduced hand- printing technology into Japan.
Option:
(a) 1, 4, 2, 3 (b) 2, 4, 3, 1
(c) 4, 2, 3, 1 (d) 4, 3, 2, 1

3. Which treaty, signed in 1815, aimed to restore monarchies in Europe after Napoleon’s
defeat and establish a balance of power?
(a) Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I and reshaped Europe.
 (b) Treaty of Vienna, which restored traditional monarchies and balanced European powers.
(c) Treaty of Paris, which concluded the Napoleonic Wars and redrew European borders.
(d) Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided newly discovered lands between Spain and
Portugal.

4. The Indian National Congress launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 under
the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Which of the following were objectives of the Non-
Cooperation Movement?
1. Boycott of British goods
2. Surrender of government titles
3. Promotion of Hindu-Muslim unity
4. Acceptance of British reforms
Options :
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 3 and 4

5. Which of the following is a common method used for rainwater harvesting to

conserve water in rural areas of India?
(a) Building large dams to control river flow and generate electricity.
(b) Constructing tanks and ponds to store rainwater for agricultural use.
(c) Deforestation to increase the amount of water available for irrigation.
(d) Draining wetlands to convert them into agricultural land for farming.

6. Agriculture plays a vital role in the Indian economy. Identify the correct
statements related to Indian agriculture.
1. India is the largest producer of rice and wheat in the world.
2. The Green Revolution significantly increased agricultural productivity in the 1960s.
3. Agriculture in India is entirely dependent on monsoon rains.
4. Horticulture contributes minimally to India’s agricultural sector.
Options:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only

7. Match the following and choose correct option.

Column-I Column-II
A. Terrace farming 1 Different crops grown parallely
.
B. Strip cropping 2 Hill slopes are used as cultivable land in the form
. of flat cut regions of slope
 C Contour ploughing 3 Along the slope of mountain
. .
D Crop rotation 4 Different crops grown in systematic succession
. .

Option :
(a) A - 2, B - 1, C - 3, D - 4
(b) A - 4, B - 1, C - 3, D - 2
(c) A - 4, B - 1, C - 3, D - 2
(d) A - 2, B - 4, C - 1, D - 3
8. Which of the following best describes the term Gender Equality?
(a) Treating individuals differently based on their gender to promote fairness.
(b) Ensuring equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for all genders.
(c) Giving preferential treatment to women in all aspects of society.
(d) Maintaining traditional gender roles to preserve cultural values.

9. Political parties play a crucial role in the functioning of a democracy. Which of the
following are functions of political parties in a democracy?
1. Contest elections
2. Formulate policies and programs
3. Ensure military control over government
4. Provide a platform for public debate
Options :
(a) 1, 2, and 4 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 4

10. How does democracy contribute to the social development of a country like India?
(a) By restricting access to social services and maintaining traditional structures.
(b) By promoting inclusive policies, ensuring equal opportunities, and addressing
social inequalities. (c) By prioritizing economic growth over social welfare and
education.
(d) By centralizing decision-making processes and reducing community involvement.

11.Belgium is known for its power-sharing model. Which of the following are key
features of the power-sharing arrangement in Belgium?
1. Equal representation of Dutch and French-speaking communities in the central
government.
2. Special laws require the support of the majority of each linguistic group.
3. Power is concentrated in the hands of the majority community.
4. Community government exists for cultural, educational, and language-related matters.
Options :
(a) 1, 2, and 4 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 4
12. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: In a federal system, both the central and state governments have their
own powers and responsibilities.
Statement II: In India, the central government can unilaterally abolish state
governments without any constitutional provisions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only I is correct. (b) Only II is correct.
(c) Both I and II are correct. (d) Neither I nor II is correct.
13. The Indian Constitution provides equality before the law and prohibits discrimination
on the basis of , caste, religion, or place of birth.
(a) Education (b) Gender
(c) Wealth (d) Profession

14. What is globalization, and how has it impacted the Indian economy?

(a) Globalization refers to the isolation of national economies, reducing trade and
investment opportunities.
(b) Globalization is the integration of national economies through trade,
investment, and technology exchange, boosting economic growth in India.
(c) Globalization involves the strict regulation of international trade, limiting
India’s economic expansion.
(d) Globalization focuses solely on cultural exchange without affecting economic activities in
India.

15. Development has different meanings for different people. Which of the following
best describes development for a rural farmer?
1. Access to modern agricultural tools
2. A high salary in an urban job
3. Better education for their children
4. Owning a large piece of farmland
Options :
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) Only 2

16. The primary sector in India involves activities such as agriculture, fishing, and
tha
t directly extract or use natural resources.
(a) Transport (b) Mining
(c) Retail (d) Tourism
17. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Money serves as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a
store of value. Statement II: Credit involves lending and borrowing money with
interest.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only I is correct. (b) Only II is correct.
(c) Both I and II are correct. (d) Neither I nor II is correct.

18. Match the columns P and column Q and select correct option :

Column P Column Q
A. MNCs buy at cheap rates from small producers 1. Automobiles
machinery hemo.
B. Quotas and taxes on imports are used to 2. Garments, foot wear,
regulate trade items. sports.
C Indian companies who have invested abroad. 3. Call centres.
.
D IT has helped in spreading of production of 4. Tata Motors, Infosys,
. services. Ranbaxy
E. Several MNCs have invested in setting up 5. Trade barriers
factories in India for production.
Option :
(a) A - 4, B - 3, C - 2, D - 5, E - 1
(b) A - 2, B - 1, C - 3, D - 5, E - 4
(c) A - 4, B - 1, C - 2, D - 3, E - 5
(d) A - 2, B - 5, C - 4, D - 3, E - 1
19. Interpret the following pie diagram and choose the correct option for the following question?

What is the significance of 22 percent land under forests?

(a) It provides timber and forest products.
(b) It is mostly used for industrial purposes.
(c) It is reserved for urban development.
(d) It helps in mineral extraction.

20. Read the data given below and answer the question:
Sta Annual Rainfall (in Irrigated Area (% of total
te mm) cultivated land)
C 1200 40%
D 600 75%

Why does state D have a higher percentage of irrigated area despite lower
rainfall? (a) It has abundant river systems.
(b) It has better water conservation methods.
(c) It has fewer water storage facilities.
(d) It depends solely on rain-fed agriculture.

SECTION - B
Very Short Answer Question (4 × 2 = 8)
21. “World War I transformed global political boundaries.” Justify the statement
with suitable arguments.
OR
“The Treaty of Versailles was a catalyst for World War II.” Discuss the reasons why the
Treaty of Versailles contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

22. “Water scarcity is a growing global concern.” Explain the reasons behind it.

23. “Gender equality is fundamental to a just society.” Justify the statement with suitable
arguments.

24. “Money facilitates trade by eliminating the inefficiencies of barter.” Justify the
statement with suitable arguments.

SECTION - C
Short Answer Based Question (5 × 3 = 15)

25. Over the past few decades, the number of banking institutions in India has increased,
enhancing financial inclusion. As a result, banking has become a fundamental part of
India’s financial system. Why has the banking sector become so important in India?
Support your answer by giving any three reasons.

26. “The invention of the printing press revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge.”
Explain the statement by giving suitable examples.

27. “Rohit has started organic farming on his land and wants to improve soil fertility
naturally. He is unfamiliar with organic farming techniques.” Assist him in identifying
effective organic farming practices to enhance soil fertility.
OR
“Anjali plans to cultivate multiple crops on her farm to increase productivity. However,
she is unsure about crop rotation and its benefits.” Guide her in understanding and
implementing crop rotation to improve farm productivity.
28. “Political parties play a crucial role in a democracy.” Explain the statement by
giving any three examples.

29. With the influx of foreign direct investment (FDI), India’s industrial sector has seen
substantial growth and modernization. Consequently, FDI has become a key driver of
India’s economic development. Why has foreign direct investment become so
significant in India? Support your answer by giving any three reasons.

SECTION - D
Long Answer Based Question (4 × 5 = 20)

30. ‘The Treaty of Vienna depicted the spirit of conservatism.’ Substantiate the
statement with key features of the treaty.
OR
‘The Industrial Revolution played a crucial role in the rise of nationalism in Europe.’
Explain the statement with relevant points.

31. Ravi’s village is located near a coal mine, and he is concerned about its
environmental impact. What are the environmental consequences of coal mining,
and how can these be mitigated?
OR
Meena observes that the use of renewable energy is increasing in her town. What are
the benefits of renewable energy sources, and why should they be promoted over non-
renewable resources?

32. ‘Democracy is expected to produce a responsive and accountable government.’

Explain how democracy ensures accountability.
OR
‘The outcomes of democracy must be measured in terms of both political and social
indicators.’ Analyse the broader outcomes of democracy.
33. Miss X wants to improve the economic condition of her village. She strongly believes
that human development is a key factor for sustained growth. How can investments in
education, healthcare, and social services contribute to the overall development of her
region, and how can this improvement lead to economic progress? Provide examples
and reasons to support your answer.
OR
Mr. P, from a well-developed city, moves to a rural area and finds that despite economic
growth, basic amenities like clean water and schools are lacking. How does this reflect
the concept of development? Suggest ways to improve development in such areas,
focusing on both economic and social factors.
SECTION - E
Case Based Questions (3 × 4 = 12)

34. Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follows:
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in January 1915. As you know, he had come from
South Africa where he had successfully fought the racist-regime with a novel method
of mass agitation, which he called satyagaha. It suggested that if the cause was true, if
the struggle was against injustice, then physical force was not necessary to fight the
oppressor. Without seeking vengeance or being aggressive, a satyagrahi could win the
battle through non-violence.
On l3 April a large crowd gathered in the enclosed ground of Jallianwalla Bagh. Some
came to protest against the government’s new repressive measures. Other had come to
attend the annual Baisakhi fair. Being from outside the city, many villagers were
unaware of the martial law that had been imposed. Dyer entered the area, blocked the
exit points, and opened fire on the crowd killing hundreds.
The movement started with middle-class participation in the cities. Thousands of
students left government-controlled schools and colleges, headmasters and teachers
resigned and lawyers gave up their legal practices. The council elections were
boycotted in most provinces except Madras.
Questions :
1. What do you mean by the idea of Satyagraha?
2. By which episode most of the people gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh?
3. Which movement was talking about in the paragraph? What does it mean to the people?
35. Read the given case and answer the questions that follow :
Challenges faced by the Jute industry include stiff competition in the international
market from synthetic substitutes and from other competitors like Bangladesh, Brazil,
Philippines, Egypt and Thailand. However, the internal demand has been on the
increase due to the Government policy of mandatory use of jute packaging. To stimulate
demand, the products need to be diversified. In 2005, National Jute Policy was
formulated with the objective of increasing productivity, improving quality, ensuring
good prices to the jute farmers and enhancing the yield per hectare. The main markets
are U.S.A., Canada, Russia, United Arab Republic, U.K. and Australia. The growing
global concern for environment friendly, biodegradable materials, has once again
opened the opportunity for jute products.
Questions :
1. Mention any two challenges faced by ‘jute industry’ in India.
2. What was the main objective of National Jute Policy formulated in 2005 ?

3. How has jute industry once again opened the new opportunities for its products ?

36. Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follows:
Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala
community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. As
a result, the democratically elected government adopted a series of MAJORITARIAN
measures to establish Sinhala supremacy. In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise
Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil.
The Sri Lankan Tamils launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as
an official language, for regional autonomy and equality of opportunity in securing
education and jobs. But their demand for more autonomy to provinces populated by the
Tamils was repeatedly denied. By 1980’s several political organisations were formed
demanding an independent Tamil Eelam (state) in northern and eastern parts of Sri
Lanka.
The Belgian leaders took a different path. They recognised the existence of regional
differences and cultural diversities. Between 1970 and 1993, they amended their
constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to
live together within the same country. The arrangement they worked out is different
from any other country and is very innovative.
 Questions:
1. Which act recognises the Sinhala as the only official language?
2. Who launched parties and struggles for the recognition of Tamil as an official language?
3. How many time Belgium amended their constitution?

SECTION-F

Map Skill Based Question (Q 37a and 37b) 2+3=5

37. (a) Two places (A) and (B) have been marked on the given outline map
of India. Identify them and write their correct names on the lines
drawn near them.
(A)The place where Indian National Congress session was held in
December 1920. (B) The place where Salt Law was broken by
Mahatma Gandhi.
(b) On the same outline map of India, locate and label any three of the following with
suitable Symbols:
(i) Paradwip-Major Seaport
(ii) Noida-Software Technology
Park (iii)Salem-Iron and Steel
industry (iv)Kalpakkam-
Nuclear Power Plant