All India Secondary School Examination 2008: Class X (Social Science)
Time allowed: 3 hours
General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into two sections: __Section A__ (History) and __Section B__ (Geography). Each section is further divided into two parts: __Part I__ (Short answer type questions) and __Part II__ (Long answer type questions).
2. Answer __all__ questions from __Part I__ and any __three__ questions from __Part II__ from either __Section A or B__.
3. The marks allotted to each question are indicated in the parenthesis.
SECTION A: HISTORY
PART I: Short Answer Type Questions (15 Marks)
1. State any two causes of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. (2 Marks)
2. Define 'Diarchy' and state the year of its introduction in India. (2 Marks)
3. State any two contributions of Mahatma Gandhi to the Indian freedom struggle. (2 Marks)
4. List the objectives of the Five-Year Plans in India. (3 Marks)
5. Mention the major challenge to India's security during the Cold War era. (2 Marks)
6. Explain the concept of 'sustainable development' and provide one example. (3 Marks)
PART II: Long Answer Type Questions (25 Marks)
7. Give an account of the social and religious reform movements in India during the 19th century. (8 Marks)
8. Describe the main features of the Indian National Congress and its role in the Indian freedom struggle. (8 Marks)
9. Analyze the impact of the Green Revolution on Indian agriculture and its consequences for the rural society. (8 Marks)
SECTION B: GEOGRAPHY
PART I: Short Answer Type Questions (15 Marks)
10. State any two factors affecting soil erosion. (2 Marks)
11. Define the term 'renewable energy sources' and give one example. (2 Marks)
12. List the major causes of pollution of water bodies. (3 Marks)
13. Explain the process of formation of a delta and state the name of one major delta in India. (3 Marks)
14. Mention any two features of subsistence farming. (2 Marks)
15. Write a note on the importance of tourism to India's economy. (3 Marks)
PART II: Long Answer Type Questions (25 Marks)
16. Give a detailed account of the different types of climate found in India and explain the factors that influence them. (8 Marks)
17. Describe the characteristics and significance of the Northern Plains of India. (8 Marks)
18. Analyze the challenges and prospects of solar energy in India. (8 Marks)