CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper 16 Page 1

Sample Paper 16
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. Study the picture and answer the question that follows:

Which of the following best signifies the above image?

(a) Jikji of Korea
(b) A Portrait of Johann Gutenberg, 1584
(c) Gutenberg Printing Press
(d) Pages of Gutenberg’s Bible
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2. Arrange the following events of world history in increasing order of their date of occurrence
1. Unification of Italy
2. Vienna Peace Settlement
3. Napoleon wars begin
4. Unification of Germany
(a) 3, 2, 1, 4 (b) 2, 3, 4, 1
(c) 2, 4, 3, 1 (d) 4, 3, 2, 1

3. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 had what significant impact on the Indian freedom struggle?
(a) It led to widespread anger and the beginning of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
(b) It convinced Indian leaders to cooperate with the British for gradual reforms.
(c) It caused Mahatma Gandhi to abandon non-violence in favor of armed rebellion.
(d) It resulted in the British government granting limited self-rule to India.

4. The 19th century saw the rise of a global agricultural economy. Which of the following contributed
to the creation of a global agricultural economy?
1. Expansion of European colonialism
2. Growth of international markets for agricultural products
3. Mechanization of farming in colonies
4. Development of global transport networks
Options :
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 1, 2, and 4
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, and 3

5. Which of the following biogeographical regions in India is known for its unique and rich biodiversity,
including several endemic species?
(a) The Deccan Plateau, which is primarily known for its arid climate and mineral resources.
(b) The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot with a high number of endemic plant and animal
species.
(c) The Thar Desert, which is a dry region with limited biodiversity compared to other areas
(d) The Indo-Gangetic Plains, which are known for their fertile soil but not high biodiversity.

6. India has implemented several large-scale water projects to manage its water resources. Analyze
the following statements about multi-purpose projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam:
1. These projects are designed solely for hydroelectric power generation.
2. They provide irrigation facilities to large agricultural areas, enhancing food production.
3. Multi-purpose projects help in flood control by regulating river flow.
4. Such dams have no impact on local ecosystems and communities.
Options :
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

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CBSE Class 10 Social Science Sample Paper 16 Page 3

7. Which of the following agricultural practices helps in conserving soil and water by growing different
types of crops on the same piece of land?
(a) Crop rotation, where different crops are grown in succession to improve soil health.
(b) Monoculture, which involves growing only one type of crop year after year.
(c) Shifting cultivation, where land is cleared for farming and then abandoned after a few years.
(d) Slash and burn agriculture, where vegetation is burned to clear land for cultivation.

8. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Coal is a non-metallic mineral.
Statement II: India has significant reserves of iron ore.
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. What is the significance of cooperative federalism in India’s power-sharing mechanism?

(a) It encourages states to work independently without interference from the central government.
(b) It promotes collaboration between the central and state governments to achieve common goals.
(c) It allows the central government to impose policies on states without their consent.
(d) It restricts states from enacting their own laws, ensuring uniformity across the country.

10. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments were passed to strengthen local government
institutions. Which of the following provisions were introduced by these amendments?
1. Reservation of seats for women in local bodies
2. Introduction of local governments in urban and rural areas
3. Central government control over local governments
4. Regular elections to local government institutions
Options :
(a) 1, 2, and 4 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 3

11. Gender inequality persists in India despite legal safeguards. Which of the following are challenges
faced by women in India?
1. Unequal access to education
2. Domestic violence
3. Equal representation in parliament
4. Unequal wages for the same work
Options :
(a) 1, 2, and 4 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 1, 3, and 4 (d) 2 and 4

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12. One of the major challenges facing political parties in India is the lack of _______ democracy
within parties, where decisions are often made by a few top leaders rather than through consultation
with members.
(a) Public (b) Local
(c) Internal (d) Electoral

13. Consider the following statements regarding power-sharing in Belgium and choose the correct
answer:
Statement I : Belgium’s power-sharing model accommodated different linguistic groups by ensuring
an equal number of Dutch and French-speaking ministers.
Statement II : Belgium’s unique arrangement led to a peaceful and stable political environment.
(a) Only Statement I is correct
(b) Only Statement II is correct
(c) Both Statements I and II are correct
(d) Both Statements I and II are incorrect

14. Match the following:

List-I (Crops) List-II (Geographical conditions)
A. Barley 1. Hot and dry climate with poor soil
B. Rice 2. Cool climate with poorer soil
C. Millets 3. Warm and moist climate with high altitude
D. Tea 4. Hot and moist climate with rich soil
Option :
(a) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 (b) A-3, B-4, C-1,D-2
(c) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 (d) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1

15. Which of the following best explains the concept of economic inequality within a developing
country?
(a) Uniform distribution of income and wealth among all citizens.
(b) Significant disparities in income and wealth distribution, leading to social and economic
divisions.
(c) Complete absence of poverty and equitable access to resources for everyone.
(d) Government policies that ensure equal opportunities for all economic classes.

16. The secondary sector is crucial for industrial growth in India. Which of the following industries
belong to the secondary sector?
1. Textile production
2. Mining and quarrying
3. Manufacturing
4. Banking and finance
Options :
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 1, 2, and 3 (d) 3 and 4


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17. Formal credit institutions, such as banks and cooperatives, are monitored by the _______ to
ensure that loans are given at reasonable rates of interest.
(a) Finance Ministry
(b) World Bank
(c) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
(d) Commercial Banks

18. Match the following from List I and List II:

List I List II

A. Rice 1. Temperature- 25° C, Rainfall- 100 cm-200 cm

B. Wheat 2. Temperature- 20-25° C, Rainfall- 50 cm-75 cm

C. Maize 3. Temperature- 21-25° C, Rainfall- 50 cm-75 cm

D. Pulses 4. Temperature- 20-25° C, Rainfall- 50 cm-75 cm

Option :
(a) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
(b) A-3, B-4, C-2,D-1
(c) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(d) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

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

Why does the steel industry contribute 30 percent of total industrial output?
(a) It supports infrastructure development.
(b) It is mostly used for the textile industry.
(c) It requires less energy than other industries.
(d) It is primarily used in agriculture.

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20. Read the data given below and answer the question:
Sector Contribution to GDP (in %) Employment (in %)

Primary Sector 25 50

Secondary Sector 30 25
Tertiary Sector 45 25

Why does the tertiary sector have the highest contribution to GDP but lower employment?
(a) It is a labor-intensive sector.
(b) It lacks growth potential.
(c) It requires more skilled labor and technology.
(d) It depends on primary sector output.

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

21. “Print media was instrumental in the spread of nationalist ideas.” Explain how print media
fostered nationalism.

22. “Protected areas are important for wildlife preservation.” Explain how they contribute.

23. “Joint decision-making between center and states is a feature of power sharing.” Explain the
significance of this feature.


O
“Federalism in India accommodates its vast diversity.” Justify the statement with appropriate
arguments.

24. “Information Technology is a driving force behind globalization.” Explain how IT has facilitated
globalization.

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

25. “Lalita is concerned about the depletion of fossil fuels and wants to explore alternative energy
options for her household.” Help her identify sustainable and alternative energy sources that can
replace fossil fuels for household use.

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26. Romanticism influenced the development of national consciousness in Europe.” Explain the
statement by giving suitable examples.

27. Vikas plans to enhance the healthcare infrastructure in his region. He is unsure about the critical
elements that make up a robust healthcare system.” Help him identify the key elements required
to develop a strong and effective healthcare infrastructure in his region.

28. Federalism accommodates regional differences in a nation.” Explain the statement by giving any
three examples.

29. Between 1990 and 2020, India has witnessed a rise in urbanization, leading to the growth of
cities and urban areas. Consequently, urban development has become a key aspect of India’s
development plans. Why has urban development become so important in India’s development
strategy? Support your answer by giving any three reasons.


O
India has made strides in improving gender equality over the past few decades, enhancing women’s
participation in various sectors. As a result, gender equality has become a vital component of
India’s development agenda. Why is gender equality important for India’s overall development?
Support your answer by giving any three reasons.

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

30. The Salt March symbolized the unity and strength of the Indian nationalist movement.’ Substantiate
the statement with key features.


O
The role of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose was instrumental in shaping
Indian nationalism.’ Explain the statement with relevant points.

31. Arjun notices that the use of chemical fertilizers is leading to soil degradation in his village. What
are the impacts of overusing chemical fertilizers, and how can organic farming be promoted?


O
Vandana’s community is interested in crop diversification. What are the benefits of crop
diversification, and how can it help improve farmers’ income?

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32. ‘Affirmative action policies have helped in addressing caste discrimination.’ Explain the role of
reservation policies in promoting social justice.

O
‘The intersection of caste, gender, and religion creates multiple layers of discrimination.’ Analyse
how these factors contribute to social inequalities.

33. Mr. B is interested in starting a small manufacturing unit in his village. How does the growth
of the secondary sector, especially in industries and manufacturing, contribute to the economic
development of a country, and how can it create more employment opportunities for people?

O
Young people are migrating from rural areas to cities for jobs in the service sector. What are the
benefits of this migration for the economy, and what challenges does it pose for rural communities?

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

34. Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
We can understand the necessity of political parties by imagining a situation without parties. Every
candidate in the elections will be independent. So, no one will be able to make any promises to the
people about any major policy changes. The government may be formed, but its utility will remain
ever uncertain.
Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency for what they do in the locality. But,
no one will be responsible for how the country will be run.
We can also think about it by looking at the non-party based elections to the panchayat in many
states. Although, the parties do not contest formally, it is generally noticed that the village gets split
into more than one faction, each of which puts up a ‘panel’ of its candidates.
Thus, it exactly what the party does. That is the reason, we find political parties in almost all
countries of the world whether these countries are big or small, old or new, developed or developing .
The rise of political parties is directly linked to the emergence of representative democracies. As we
have seen, large societies need representative democracy. As societies became large and complex,
they also needed some agency to gather different views on various issues and to present these to the
government. They needed some ways, to bring various representatives together so that a responsible
government could be formed. They needed a mechanism to support or restrain the government,
make policies, justify or oppose them. Political parties fulfill these needs that every representative
government has. We can say that parties are a necessary condition for a democracy.
Questions :
1. What is the necessity of political parties in the efficient and effective running of the democracy?
2. What do you understand by the term ‘responsible government’ ?
3. State any two features of representative democracy.
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35. Read the given extract and answer the following questions.
Money is a fascinating subject and full of curiosities. The history of money and how various forms
were used at different times is an interesting story. Modern forms of money are linked to the
banking system. The present situation in India, where newer forms of money are slowly spreading
with computerisation of the banking system, offers many opportunities to students to explore on
their own. We need not get into a formal discussion of the ‘functions of money’ but let it come up as
questions. The stock of money consists of currency held by the public and the demand deposits that
they hold with the banks. This is the money that people can use as they wish and the government
has to ensure that the system works smoothly. What would happen when the government declares
that some of the currency notes used by people would be made invalid and would be replaced by
new currency? In India, during November 2016, currency notes in the denomination of ` 500 and
` 1,000 were declared invalid. People were asked to surrender these notes to the bank by a specific
period and receive new ` 500, ` 2,000 or other currency notes. This is known as ‘demonetisation’.
Since then, people were also encouraged to use their bank deposits rather than cash for transactions.
Hence, digital transactions started by using bank-to-bank transfer through the internet or mobile
phones, cheques, ATM cards, credit cards and Point of Sale (POS) swipe machines at shops. This
is promoted to reduce the requirement of cash for transactions and also control corruption.
Questions :
1. What can be counted as a modern form of money?
2. Which factor according to the given case primarily facilitates the expansion of newer currency?
3. State the possible benefits from demonetisation.

36. Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follows :
Every loan agreement specifies an interest rate which the borrower must pay to the lender along with
the repayment of the principal. In addition, lenders may demand collateral (security) against loans.
Collateral is an asset that the borrower owns (such as land, building, vehicle, livestocks, deposits
with banks) and uses this as a guarantee to a lender until the loan is repaid.
The various types of loans can be conveniently grouped as formal sector loans and informal sector
loans. Among the former are loans from banks and cooperatives. The informal lenders include
moneylenders, traders, employers, relatives and friends, etc. The Reserve Bank of India supervises
the functioning of formal sources of loans. For instance, we have seen that the banks maintain a
minimum cash balance out of the deposits they receive. The RBI monitors the banks in actually
maintaining cash balance.
Banks keep only a small proportion of their deposits as cash with themselves. For example, banks
in India these days hold about 15 per cent of their deposits as cash. This is kept as provision to pay
the depositors who might come to withdraw money from the bank on any given day. Since, on any
particular day, only some of its many depositors come to withdraw cash, the bank is able to manage
with this cash.
Questions :
1. What do you mean by collateral in banking system?
2. Who supervises the functioning of formal sources of loans?
3. What per cent of deposits is used as cash by Bank?

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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 outline map of India. Identify them and write
their correct names on the line drawn near them.
A. The place associated with the Congress session of September 1920.
B. The place where a violent incident caused Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation
Movement.

(b) On the same outline map of India label any three of the following with suitable symbols.
C. Noida Software Technology Park
D. A dam located in Mahanadi river
E. An airport in Chennai
F. Tarapur nuclear power plant

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