Zenith International School

Session: 2024-25
Sample Question Paper - Class X
Subject: Social Science (087)
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. The question paper has 5 Sections A, B, C, D, and E.
2. Section A has 20 MCQs carrying 1 mark each.
3. Section B has 4 questions carrying 2 marks each. Answer to these questions should be
in about 40-60 words.
4. Section C has 5 questions carrying 3 marks each. Answer to these questions should be
in about 60-80 words.
5. Section D has 4 questions carrying 5 marks each. Answer to these questions should be
in about 120-150 words.
6. Section E has 3 case-based integrated units of assessment (4 marks each) with sub-
parts of the values of 1, 1 and 2 marks each respectively.
7. Section F has 1 Map based question carrying 5 marks, with two parts, 2a from History (2
marks) and 2b from Geography (3 marks).
8. There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been
provided in a few questions. Only one of the choices in such questions has to be
attempted.
9. In addition to the question paper, a separate map for Section F is attached.
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (20 x 1 = 20 Marks)
1. Which of the following was a major cause of the First World War?
(a) Industrial Revolution
(b) Rise of Nationalism
(c) Discovery of America
(d) French Revolution
2. Who was the leader of the Bolshevik Party in Russia?
(a) Karl Marx
(b) Friedrich Engels
(c) Vladimir Lenin
(d) Joseph Stalin
3. The Great Depression was a period of:
(a) Economic prosperity
(b) Political stability
(c) Severe economic downturn
(d) Cultural revival
4. Which of the following is a rabi crop?
(a) Rice
(b) Wheat
(c) Maize
(d) Cotton
5. Which of the following is a non-metallic mineral?
(a) Iron ore
(b) Bauxite
(c) Mica
(d) Manganese
6. Which of the following industries is based on agricultural raw materials?
(a) Iron and Steel Industry
(b) Cement Industry
(c) Textile Industry
(d) Aluminium Smelting
7. Which of the following is a major seaport on the east coast of India?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Chennai
(c) Kochi
(d) Kandla
8. Power sharing is desirable because:
(a) It reduces the possibility of conflict between social groups.
(b) It ensures the stability of political order.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
9. Which of the following countries has a federal system of government?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Belgium
(c) China
(d) United Kingdom
10. What is the main objective of a political party?
(a) To contest elections
(b) To form the government
(c) To influence public opinion
(d) All of the above
11. Which of the following is a pressure group?
(a) A political party
(b) A trade union
(c) The government
(d) The judiciary
12. Democracy is considered better than other forms of government because:
 (a) It promotes equality among citizens.
(b) It enhances the dignity of the individual.
(c) It allows room to correct mistakes.
(d) All of the above
13. What is the primary sector of the economy?
(a) Activities that produce goods from natural resources.
(b) Activities that involve providing services.
(c) Activities that transform raw materials into finished goods.
(d) Activities that involve trade.
14. What is GDP?
(a) Gross Domestic Product
(b) Gross Development Progress
(c) Global Domestic Product
(d) Gross Domestic Planning
15. Which of the following is an example of a public sector enterprise?
(a) Reliance Industries
(b) Tata Steel
(c) Indian Railways
(d) Infosys
16. What is the main function of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
(a) Issuing currency
(b) Controlling credit
(c) Acting as a banker to the government
(d) All of the above
17. Globalization refers to:
(a) Integration of the domestic economy with the world economy.
(b) Increase in trade barriers.
(c) Decrease in foreign investment.
(d) Protection of domestic industries.
18. What is a consumer right?
(a) Right to safety
(b) Right to be informed
(c) Right to choose
(d) All of the above
19. Which of the following is a traditional source of energy?
(a) Solar energy
(b) Wind energy
(c) Coal
(d) Geothermal energy
20. Which of the following is a major challenge to democracy?
(a) Poverty
 (b) Corruption
(c) Inequality
(d) All of the above
Section B: Very Short Answer Questions (4 x 2 = 8 Marks)
21. What was the main aim of the Treaty of Vienna of 1815?
22. What is the importance of biodiversity?
23. Define federalism.
24. What is the difference between a political party and a pressure group?
OR
Mention any two challenges faced by political parties in India.
Section C: Short Answer Questions (5 x 3 = 15 Marks)
25. Explain the concept of 'Satyagraha' as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.
26. Describe the impact of the non-cooperation movement on the Indian economy.
27. Explain the importance of conservation of resources.
28. How is power shared in a federal system? Explain with examples.
29. Explain the difference between formal and informal sources of credit.
OR
Explain the role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas.
Section D: Long Answer Questions (4 x 5 = 20 Marks)
30. Describe the process of the unification of Germany.
OR
Explain the causes and consequences of the Russian Revolution of 1917.
31. Describe the different types of soil found in India and their characteristics.
32. Explain the functions of the different organs of the Indian government (Legislature,
Executive, and Judiciary).
33. Explain the impact of globalization on the Indian economy.
OR
Describe the various ways in which consumers are exploited in the market. What steps can be
taken to protect consumer rights?
Section E: Case-Based Questions (3 x 4 = 12 Marks)
34. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
The idea of a nation-state was not a sudden development. It evolved over a long period
of time. In Europe, the rise of nationalism in the 19th century led to the formation of
nation-states. People who shared a common language, culture, and history began to
feel a sense of collective identity and demanded the right to form their own
independent states. This led to various movements and revolutions across Europe,
resulting in the unification of countries like Germany and Italy, and the disintegration of
empires like the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
(a) What is a nation-state?
(b) What played a major role in the formation of nation-states in 19th century Europe?
(c) Name any two countries that were unified in the 19th century due to nationalism.
 OR
(c) Name any two empires that disintegrated in the 19th century due to nationalism.
35. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
Water is a vital resource for all life on Earth. However, freshwater resources are limited
and are facing increasing pressure due to population growth, industrialization, and
climate change. Sustainable management of water resources is crucial to ensure their
availability for future generations. This includes measures such as rainwater harvesting,
efficient irrigation methods, preventing pollution of water bodies, and promoting water
conservation.
(a) Why is freshwater facing increasing pressure?
(b) Mention any two measures for sustainable management of water resources.
(c) How can rainwater harvesting help in water conservation?
OR
(c) What are the consequences of water pollution?
36. Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
The development of a country is often measured by its per capita income. However, per
capita income alone is not a sufficient indicator of development. Other factors such as
health, education, and living standards also play a crucial role. The Human
Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that takes into account these factors to
provide a more comprehensive measure of development. Public facilities, such as
healthcare and education, are essential for improving the quality of life and promoting
human development.
(a) What is per capita income?
(b) Why is per capita income not a sufficient indicator of development?
(c) What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?
OR
(c) Give two examples of public facilities.
Section F: Map Skill Based Question (5 Marks)
37. (a) On the given political outline map of India, identify the following: (2 Marks)
(i) The place where the Indian National Congress session was held in December 1920.
(ii) The place where the Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place.
(b) On the same political outline map of India, locate and label the following: (3 Marks)
(i) A major area of Rice production.
(ii) A major Iron and Steel plant (any one).
(iii) A major seaport on the West Coast.