CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper 15 Page 1

Sample Paper 15
Class - 10th Exam - 2024 - 25
Social Science
Time : 3 Hours Max. Marks : 80
General Instructions :
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) Overseas trade in western Indian ocean.

(b) Indian indentured labourers.
(c) Diggers at work in the Transvaal gold fields.
(d) Emigrants waiting to board the ship.
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2. At which place, Catholic priests printed the first Tamil book in 1579?
(a) Cuttack (b) Cochin
(c) Calcutta (d) Madras

3. The Zollverein, formed in 1834, was a customs union among German states. What was its primary
objective?
(a) To create a military alliance against external threats.
(b) To eliminate internal tariffs and promote economic unity among German states.
(c) To establish a federal constitution for a unified Germany.
(d) To divide German territories among competing regional powers.

4. The Salt March, or Dandi March, in 1930 was a pivotal moment in the Civil Disobedience
Movement. Which of the following were objectives of the Salt March?
1. Protest against the salt tax imposed by the British
2. Demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence)
3. Strengthening of the Swadeshi movement
4. Establishment of British dominance in Indian markets
Options :
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2, and 3
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 4

5. Which method is commonly used to prevent soil erosion on hilly terrains by constructing steps on
slopes to slow down water flow?
(a) Contour ploughing, which involves ploughing along the contour lines of the land.
(b) Terrace farming, which involves creating flat surfaces on slopes to prevent soil erosion.
(c) Strip cropping, where crops are grown in alternate strips to prevent water runoff.
(d) Mulching, where a layer of organic material is spread to protect the soil from erosion.

6. The Chipko Movement was a significant environmental movement in India. Analyze the following
statements about the Chipko Movement:
1. It was a non-violent movement aimed at protecting forests from commercial logging.
2. The movement involved villagers physically hugging trees to prevent them from being cut
down.
3. The Chipko Movement was initiated in the state of Rajasthan.
4. It led to the passing of stricter forest conservation laws in India.
Options :
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

7. Which of the following problems is commonly associated with the overuse of groundwater resources
in agricultural areas?
(a) Waterlogging, which damages crops by causing excessive water retention in the soil.
(b) Soil erosion, where topsoil is carried away by wind or water.
(c) Depletion of the water table, making it difficult to access groundwater for irrigation.
(d) Forest degradation, which occurs when trees are cut down for agricultural expansion.

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8. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Monsoon is the main source of irrigation in India.
Statement II: The Green Revolution increased agricultural production through the use of high-
yielding varieties of seeds and fertilizers.
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.

9. Which of the following is a negative outcome of democracy that can pose challenges to governance?
(a) Encouragement of diverse opinions and healthy debates.
(b) Slow decision-making due to extensive consultation and consensus-building.
(c) Empowerment of marginalized communities through inclusive policies.
(d) Increased transparency and accountability in government operations.

10. The principle of majoritarianism was adopted in Sri Lanka, leading to civil strife. Which of the
following were reasons for the Tamil protests in Sri Lanka?
1. Denial of equal political rights
2. Discrimination in jobs and education
3. The use of Sinhala as the official language
4. Equal treatment of all linguistic groups
Options :
(a) 1, 2, and 3 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 2 and 4

11. Local governments in India have been empowered by constitutional amendments. Which of the
following are functions of local governments under the 73rd Amendment Act?
1. Decision-making on local issues
2. Raising taxes for local development
3. Control over defense and national security
4. Implementation of rural development programs
Options :
(a) 1, 2, and 4 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 3 and 4

12. Secularism in India means that the state does not promote any one _______, and citizens are
free to practice, propagate, and profess their religious beliefs.
(a) Language (b) Religion
(c) Political party (d) Culture

13. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The main function of political parties is to mobilize support for government policies.
Statement II: Political parties in India are prohibited from collaborating with each other.
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.

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14. Match Column - A with Column - B and choose the correct option:
Column-A (River) Column-B (Dam)
A. Mahanadi 1. Sardar Sarovar
B. Narmada 2. Hirakud
C. Chambal 3. Salal
D. Chenab 4. Rana Pratap Sagar
Options:
(a) A - 4, B - 3, C - 2, D - 1 (b) A - 3, B - 4, C - 1, D - 2
(c) A - 2, B - 1, C - 4, D - 3 (d) A - 1, B - 2, C - 3, D - 4

15. How has globalization affected the employment opportunities in the service sector of India?
(a) It has reduced employment opportunities by automating service jobs.
(b) It has increased employment opportunities by expanding industries like IT, BPO, and tourism.
(c) It has had no impact on the service sector’s employment landscape.
(d) It has shifted employment from the service sector to the primary and secondary sectors.

16. Per capita income is often used to compare countries’ levels of development. Which of the following
statements about per capita income are correct?
1. It is the total income of the country divided by its population.
2. It does not reflect income inequalities within a country.
3. It is a reliable indicator of the quality of life.
4. Higher per capita income always leads to better development.
Options :
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 (d) Only 1

17. Underemployment or disguised unemployment is prevalent in the _______ sector, where more
people are employed than actually required.
(a) Tertiary (b) Primary
(c) Secondary (d) Manufacturing

18. Match the following columns :

Column-I Column-II
(Type of Soil) (States)
A. Laterite soil 1. Western Madhya Pradesh
B. Alluvial soil 2. Western Rajasthan
C. Black soil 3. Karnataka
D. Arid soil 4. Uttar Pradesh
Option :
(a) A - 4, B - 3, C - 1, D - 2 (b) A - 4, B - 1, C - 3, D - 2
(c) A - 3, B - 4, C - 1, D - 2 (d) A - 3, B - 1, C - 2, D - 1

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19. Interpret the following pie diagram and choose the correct option for the following question?

Why does India hold 30% of the world’s iron ore reserves?
(a) India has rich deposits of high-grade iron ore.
(b) It exports most of its iron ore.
(c) It uses iron ore for chemical production.
(d) It focuses on domestic iron ore consumption.

20. Read the data given below and answer the question:
Country Literacy Rate (%) Life Expectancy (in years)
Country X 70 68
Country Y 85 75
Why does Country Y have a higher life expectancy than Country X?
(a) It lacks natural resources. (b) It has a lower birth rate.
(c) It has a higher population density. (d) It has better healthcare facilities.

SECTION - B
Very Short Answer Question (4 × 2 = 8)

21. The Holocaust was a tragic outcome of World War II.” Explain the causes and consequences of
the Holocaust.

22. Non-renewable resources are limited and can be exhausted.” Justify this statement with suitable
examples.

23. Democracy promotes social justice and equality.” Justify the statement with suitable arguments.


O
Economic development is linked to democratic governance.” Explain the relationship between
democracy and economic growth.

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24. Inflation affects the value of money.” Explain how inflation impacts the purchasing power of
money.

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

25. Sonia aims to start a dairy farm and is unaware of the best practices for animal husbandry
to ensure high milk yield.” Assist her in identifying effective animal husbandry practices for a
successful dairy farm.

26. The emergence of periodicals facilitated the exchange of scientific and literary ideas.” Explain the
statement by giving suitable examples.

27. Suresh aims to protect endangered species in his local area. He is unsure about the measures
that can be taken to safeguard these species.” Help him identify effective measures to protect
endangered wildlife species.

28. Power sharing promotes equality among different groups in society.” Explain the statement by
giving any three examples.

29. Over the past few decades, India’s participation in global supply chains has increased, integrating
its industries with the world market. As a result, supply chain integration has become crucial
for India’s economic growth. Why is supply chain integration important for India? Support your
answer by giving any three reasons.


O
With the growth of global tourism, India has attracted visitors from around the world, boosting its
tourism industry. Consequently, global tourism has become a significant part of India’s economy.
Why has global tourism become so important in India? Support your answer by giving any three
reasons.

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

30. The Concert of Europe aimed to maintain the balance of power.’ Substantiate the statement with
key features of the Concert.


O
The ideas of Johann Gottfried Herder influenced European nationalism.’ Explain the statement
with relevant points.

31. Sunil learns that water resources are unevenly distributed in India. What factors contribute to the
uneven distribution of water resources, and how can this issue be addressed?

O
Kamla’s village practices traditional methods of irrigation that waste water. What modern
irrigation methods can be adopted to improve water-use efficiency?

32. The division of powers between the Centre and States is a key feature of federalism.’ Analyse the
importance of this division of power.

O
The success of federalism in India can be attributed to democratic politics.’ Substantiate this
statement with relevant examples.

33. Rural development is critical for a country like India, where a significant portion of the population
lives in villages. Explain how government programs aimed at improving infrastructure, agriculture,
and access to education can contribute to rural development and enhance the overall growth of
the nation.

O
In a town, the average income has increased, but environmental degradation has also worsened.
Explain why sustainable development is important in this scenario and suggest ways to balance
economic growth with environmental conservation.

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SECTION - E
Case Based Questions (3 × 4 = 12)

34. Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
Boys and girls are brought up to believe that the main responsibility of women is housework and
bringing up children. This is reflected in a Sexual Division of Labour in most families; women do all
work inside the home such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, tailoring, looking after children,
etc., and men do all the work outside the home. It is not that men cannot do housework; they simply
think that it is for women to attend to these things. When these jobs are paid for, men are ready to
take up these works, Most tailors or cooks in hotels are men. Similarly, it is not that women do not
work outside their home. In villages, women fetch water, collect fuel and work in fields. In urban
areas, poor women work as domestic helper in middle class homes, while middle class women work
in offices. In fact the majority of women do some sort of paid work in addition to domestic labour.
But their work is not valued and does not get recognition.
Questions :
1. “Our society is still male-dominated patriarchal society”. Give an example to support the
statement.
2. Mention any one feature of a patriarchal society.
3. How does the Indian Constitution ensure equal representation for women?

35. Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
The Government in India buys wheat and rice from farmers at a ‘fair price’. This it stores in its
godowns and sells at a lower price to consumers through ration shops. The government has to bear
some of the cost. In this way, the government supports both farmers and consumers. There are a
large number of activities which are the primary responsibility of the government. The government
must spend on these. Providing health and education facilities for all is one example. Running
proper schools and providing quality education, particularly elementary education, is the duty of
the government. India’s size of illiterate population is one of the largest in the world. Similarly, we
know that nearly half of India’s children are malnourished and a quarter of them are critically ill.
The infant mortality rate of Odisha (40) or Madhya Pradesh (48) is higher than some of the poorest
regions of the world. Government also needs to pay attention to aspects of human development such
as availability of safe drinking water, housing facilities for the poor and food and nutrition. It is
also the duty of the government to take care of the poorest and most ignored regions of the country
through increased spending in such areas.
Questions :
1. Why is there a need of public sector in an economy?
2. Give some examples of public sector.
3. Differentiate between the private and public sectors.

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36. Study the sources given below and answer the questions that follows:
Over a long time (more than hundred years), and especially because new methods of manufacturing
were introduced, factories came up and started expanding. Those people who had earlier worked on
farms, now began to work in factories in large numbers. People began to use many more goods that
were produced in factories at cheap rates. Secondary sector gradually became the most important in
total production and employment. Hence, over time, a shift had taken place. This means that the
importance of the sectors had changed.
The unorganised sector is characterised by small and scattered units which are largely outside the
control of the government. There are rules and regulations, but these are not followed. Jobs here
are low-paid and often not regular. There is no provision for overtime, paid leave, holidays, leave
due to sickness etc. Employment is not secure. People can be asked to leave without any reason.
When there is less work, such as during some seasons, some people may be asked to leave. A lot
also depends on the whims of the employer. This sector includes a large number of people who are
employed on their own doing small jobs such as selling on the street or doing repair work. Similarly,
farmers work on their own and hire labourers as and when they require.
More than half of the workers in the country are working in the primary sector, mainly in agriculture,
producing only a quarter of the GDP. In contrast to this, the secondary and tertiary sectors produce
three fourth of the products whereas they employ less than half of the people. Does this mean that
the workers in agriculture are not producing as much as they could? What it means is that there are
more people in ag-riculture than is necessary. So, even if you move a few people out, production will
not be affected. In other words, workers in agricultural sector are underemployed.
Question :
1. This means that the importance of the sectors had changed. Which sector has lost its prior
importance?
2. Why do most people engage in unorganized sector in spite of it’s bad working conditions?
3. “What it means is that there are more people in agriculture than is necessary. So, even if
you move a few people out, production will not be affected”. What type of employment or
unemployment situation is referred by this statement?

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 Mahatma Gandhi broke the salt law.
(B) The place where mass massacre took place in Amritsar on 13 April 1919.
(b) On the same outline map of India, locate and label any 3 of the following with suitable
symbols.
(i) Haldia - Major sea port
(ii) Nuclear Power Plant in UP
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(iii)Tehri - Dam
(iv) Thiruvananthapuram - International Airport

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