CBSE Guess > Papers > Question Papers > Class X > 2009 > Social Science > Social Science

Q. 14. Explain any three reasons as to why British industrialists preferred hand labour. 3×1=3

Ans. (i) When there is plenty of labour, wages are low. In Victorian Britain, industrialists had no problem of labour shortage or high wage-cost as large numbers of poor peasants and vagrants had moved to the cities. Machines were not introduced as this would rid them of hand labour.
(ii) Demand for labour was seasonal. In industries, where production fluctuated with the season, hand labour was preferred.
(iii) A range of products could be produced only with hand labour. Demand in the market was for goods with intricate designs and specific shapes. In Britain, for example, 500 varieties of hammers were produced and 45 kinds of axes. These required human skill, not mechanical technology. In Victorian Britain, the aristocrats and the bourgeoisie preferred hand-made objects. These objects had a better finish, as they were individually produced and carefully designed. Machine-made goods were for export to the colonies.

Q. 15. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below it: Why women should not read novels From a Tamil essay published in 1927:
‘Dear children, don’t read these novels, don’t even touch them. Your life will be ruined. You will suffer disease and ailments. Why did the good Lord make you—to wither away at a tender age? To suffer in disease? To be despised by your brothers, relatives and those around you? No. No. You must become mothers; you must lead happy lives; this is the divine purpose. You who were born to fulfil this sublime goal, should you ruin your life by going crazy after despicable novels?’
Essay by Thiru. Vi. Ka, Translated by A.R. Venkatachalapathy
(15.1) Why does the writer of this passage not want the children to read novels?
(15.2) Explain the advice given to the girls by the writer. 1+2=3

Ans. (15.1) Children were advised not to read novels, because it took them away from their real surroundings into an imaginary world where anything could happen. Novels had an immoral influence and were seen as easily corruptible. The writer thought that their lives would be ruined and they would suffer from ailments and diseases.
(15.2) Women were advised not to read novels. They were designed by the Lord to be mothers and lead happy lives. By going crazy after novels, this sublime goal would be ruined.

Or

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below it: Gandhi said in 1922:
‘Liberty of speech ... liberty of the press ... freedom of association. The Government of India is now seeking to crush the three powerful vehicles of expressing and cultivating public opinion. The fight for Swaraj, for Khilafat ... means a fight for this threatened freedom before all else...’
(15.1) Mention two vehicles of expression.
(15.2) Why did the then Government of India seek to crush the vehicles of expression? 1+2=3

Ans. (15.1) Two vehicles of expression were the freedom of newspapers (Press) and freedom of associations and groups.
(15.2) The Government wanted to prevent the formation of public opinion against the British. They feared that the hollow weaknesses of the colonial rulers would be exposed.
To weaken the national movement and prevent people from revolting against the Government of India.

Q. 16. Name the international airports at Delhi and Kolkata. Mention any four advantages of airways. 1+2=3

Ans. Delhi—Indira Gandhi International Airport
Kolkata—Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport.
Advantages of airways: See Q. 29, Chapter 7. [Page G-53

Q. 17. “Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.” Justify the statement by giving three examples. 3×1=3

Ans. Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting the dignity and freedom of the individual.
(i) The passion for respect and freedom are the bases of democracy. Democracy accepts dignity of women as a necessary ingredient of society. We have historically had male dominated societies. There is sensitivity to women’s issues because of long struggles by them. Democracy recognises the principle of equal treatment to women unlike non-democratic governments.
(ii) The same is true of caste inequalities. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and opportunity.
(iii) Also, democracy has to meet the expectations of citizens and people have the right to complain about the functioning of democracy.

Social Science 2009 Question Papers Class X
Delhi		Outside Delhi		Compartment Delhi		Outside Delhi		Foreign
	Set 1 (PDF)		Set 1 (PDF)		Set 1		Set 1		Set 1 (PDF)
					Set 2		Set 2
					Set 3		Set 3