Social Science is the subject where most CBSE Class 10 students can push their overall percentage up. The paper is predictable, the answers are in the textbook, and there are no calculations to trip you up.
Here are the most important questions from each section, based on past year patterns and the current marking scheme.
Exam Pattern Overview
- Section A: 20 MCQs (1 mark each) = 20 marks
- Section B: 4 short answer questions (3 marks each) = 12 marks
- Section C: 5 long answer questions (5 marks each) = 25 marks (internal choice in 2)
- Section D: 4 source/case-based questions (4 marks each) = 16 marks
- Section E: Map questions = 7 marks (3 marks History map + 4 marks Geography map)
Map work is guaranteed 7 marks. Do not skip it.
History: Important Questions
Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
- Explain the role of language and culture in developing nationalist sentiments in Europe. (5 marks - asked frequently)
- What was the role of women in the nationalist struggles of Europe? (3 marks)
- Describe the events leading to the unification of Germany. (5 marks - very important)
- MCQ favorite: The Treaty of Vienna in 1815 and its objectives
Chapter 2: Nationalism in India
This is the highest-weightage History chapter. Expect 8-10 marks.
- Explain the Salt March and its significance in the Civil Disobedience Movement. (5 marks - asked almost every year)
- Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement? (3 marks)
- Describe the role of different social groups in the Civil Disobedience Movement. (5 marks)
- How did the Rowlatt Act lead to the Jallianwala Bagh incident? (3 marks)
Chapter 3: The Making of a Global World
- Explain the impact of the Great Depression on the Indian economy. (3 marks)
- What was the Bretton Woods system? How did it affect the post-war international economy? (5 marks)
Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World
- How did the print revolution lead to the growth of readership in Europe? (3 marks)
- Describe the impact of print culture on the French Revolution. (5 marks)
Geography: Important Questions
Chapter 1: Resources and Development
- Classify resources on the basis of origin, exhaustibility, and ownership with examples. (5 marks)
- What is resource planning? Describe the steps involved. (3 marks)
Chapter 3: Water Resources
- Explain multi-purpose river valley projects with examples. List their advantages and disadvantages. (5 marks - very important)
- What are the different methods of rainwater harvesting practiced in India? (3 marks)
Chapter 4: Agriculture
- Describe the features of commercial farming in India. (3 marks)
- Compare and contrast subsistence farming and commercial farming. (5 marks)
- Name two important rice-producing states and wheat-producing states. (1 mark MCQ)
Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources
- Distinguish between metallic and non-metallic minerals with examples. (3 marks)
- Describe the distribution of iron ore in India. (5 marks)
Chapter 6: Manufacturing Industries
- Why is the manufacturing sector considered the backbone of economic development? (3 marks)
- Describe the distribution of cotton textile industry in India. (5 marks)
Political Science: Important Questions
Chapter 1: Power Sharing
- Explain any three forms of power sharing in modern democracies. (3 marks - asked frequently)
- What is the difference between horizontal and vertical division of power? (3 marks)
Chapter 2: Federalism
- What makes India a federal country? Explain with examples. (5 marks - very important)
- Distinguish between the coming together and holding together type of federation. (3 marks)
Chapter 4: Gender, Religion and Caste
- How do social divisions affect politics? Give examples. (5 marks)
- Explain communalism and its forms. (3 marks)
Chapter 5: Political Parties
- What are the challenges faced by political parties in India? Suggest reforms. (5 marks - frequently asked)
- What is a political party? State its functions. (3 marks)
Economics: Important Questions
Chapter 1: Development
- Why is per capita income not an adequate indicator of development? (3 marks)
- Compare the development of Kerala and Bihar using social indicators. (5 marks)
Chapter 2: Sectors of the Indian Economy
- Distinguish between the three sectors of economy with examples. (3 marks)
- Why has the tertiary sector become so important in India? (5 marks - very important)
- What is GDP? How is it calculated? (3 marks)
Chapter 3: Money and Credit
- What is the difference between formal and informal sources of credit? (3 marks - asked frequently)
- Explain the role of the Reserve Bank of India in controlling credit. (5 marks)
Chapter 5: Consumer Rights
- What are the rights of consumers under the Consumer Protection Act? (5 marks)
- How can a consumer file a complaint? Describe the three-tier system. (3 marks)
Map Work (7 marks - do not ignore)
History Map (3 marks): Practice locating: Jallianwala Bagh, Champaran, Dandi, Kheda, and places related to the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.
Geography Map (4 marks): Practice locating: Major dams, coal mines, iron ore mines, cotton textile centers, software technology parks, international airports, and major sea ports.
Tip: Practice with a blank India map at least 5 times. Muscle memory helps during the exam.
How to Write Answers That Score Full Marks
- Start with a definition or direct answer. Do not write an introduction.
- Use bullet points or numbered lists for 3-mark and 5-mark questions.
- Include specific examples, dates, and names wherever possible.
- For 5-mark questions, write 5-6 distinct points. One point per mark is a safe strategy.
- Underline key terms. Examiners scan for keywords.
Practice With Padhaao
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