History

1. Causes and Consequences of the French Revolution

 Causes:

1. Social inequality: Division into Estates, with the Third Estate burdened with taxes.

2. Economic hardship: Heavy debt due to wars and lavish spending by the monarchy.

3. Enlightenment ideas: New philosophies advocating liberty, equality, and fraternity.

4. Weak leadership: Louis XVI’s indecisiveness and ineffective governance.

 Consequences:

1. Abolition of monarchy and feudal privileges.

2. Rise of democratic principles and the Declaration of the Rights of Man.

3. Inspired revolutions globally.

2. Process of Unification of Germany

 Otto von Bismarck led the unification using diplomacy and wars.

 Three wars: Against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1870–71).

 Proclamation of the German Empire in 1871 at Versailles.

3. Role of Gandhiji in the Indian National Movement

 Introduced non-violent mass movements like:

1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22).

2. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930).

3. Quit India Movement (1942).

 Advocated Swadeshi, self-reliance, and upliftment of rural India.

4. Causes of the Non-Cooperation Movement

1. Discontent with the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

2. Failure of reforms under the Montagu-Chelmsford Act.

3. Gandhiji’s call to boycott British goods, institutions, and titles.

5. Impact of Print Culture on Indian Nationalism

1. Spread of reformist ideas (e.g., writings of Bal Gangadhar Tilak).

2. Creation of awareness about colonial exploitation.

3. Growth of newspapers like Kesari and Young India, fostering unity.

Geography
6. Types of Resources (Examples)

1. Natural: Renewable (sunlight) and non-renewable (coal).

2. Human-made: Machines, buildings.

3. Human: Skills, education.

7. Soil Erosion and Control Methods

 Causes: Deforestation, overgrazing, and improper farming.

 Control:

1. Afforestation.

2. Contour plowing and terrace farming.

3. Avoiding overgrazing.

8. Importance of Water Conservation

 Prevents scarcity, supports agriculture, and ensures sustainability.

 Techniques: Rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation.

9. Agro-Based Industries (Examples)

 Depend on agricultural raw materials.

 Examples: Sugar (sugarcane), textiles (cotton), paper (wood).

10. Location and Importance of Iron and Steel Industries

 Location: Near raw materials, water, and markets (e.g., Jamshedpur).

 Importance: Provides materials for infrastructure, tools, and machinery.

Civics

11. Power-Sharing (Examples)

 Horizontal: Executive, legislature, judiciary.

 Vertical: Central and state governments (e.g., India).

12. Features of Federalism in India

1. Two-tier government (Union and State).

2. Division of powers through three lists: Union, State, Concurrent.

3. Supremacy of the Constitution.

13. Challenges Faced by Political Parties

1. Lack of internal democracy.

2. Use of money and muscle power.

 3. Need for transparency in funding.

14. Outcomes of Democracy

1. Accountable and responsive governance.

2. Reduces inequalities and promotes equality.

15. Role of Political Parties in Shaping Public Opinion

 Mobilize voters through campaigns, protests, and manifestos.

Economics

16. Development and Its Measurement

 Development: Improvement in living standards.

 Indicators: Per capita income, literacy rate, life expectancy.

17. Differences Between Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sectors

1. Primary: Extraction of resources (e.g., farming).

2. Secondary: Manufacturing (e.g., textile production).

3. Tertiary: Services (e.g., education).

18. Role of Banks in the Indian Economy

1. Provide credit to individuals and industries.

2. Facilitate trade and development through loans.

19. Globalization and Its Impact on India

 Definition: Integration of economies worldwide.

 Impact:

1. Growth of foreign trade.

2. Rise of multinational corporations in India.

3. Boost to technology and employment.

20. Organized vs. Unorganized Sectors

1. Organized: Regular pay, job security (e.g., government jobs).

2. Unorganized: No fixed wages or benefits (e.g., daily laborer

History

1. Explain the causes and consequences of the French Revolution.

 Causes:
 1. Social inequality: The French society was divided into three estates. The Third Estate,
composed of commoners, bore heavy tax burdens while the clergy and nobility were
exempt.

2. Economic hardship: High debt due to wars and extravagant spending by the
monarchy.

3. Enlightenment ideas: Thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire emphasized liberty,

equality, and fraternity.

4. Weak leadership: King Louis XVI’s indecision and lack of reforms worsened public
discontent.

 Consequences:

1. End of monarchy and feudal privileges.

2. Rise of democratic principles with the Declaration of the Rights of Man.

3. Global inspiration for revolutions, e.g., in Latin America.

2. Describe the process of unification of Germany.

 Led by Otto von Bismarck using a policy of "blood and iron."

 Steps:

1. War with Denmark (1864) to annex Schleswig and Holstein.

2. Austro-Prussian War (1866) to exclude Austria from German affairs.

3. Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), which stirred nationalist sentiment.

 In 1871, King Wilhelm I was declared the Emperor of unified Germany in the Hall of Mirrors
at Versailles.

3. Discuss the role of Gandhiji in the Indian National Movement.

 Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): Boycott of British goods, institutions, and services.

 Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): Breaking salt laws with the Dandi March and refusal
to pay taxes.

 Quit India Movement (1942): Mass call for British withdrawal.

 Promoted non-violence and Swadeshi, encouraging economic self-reliance.

4. What were the causes of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

 Jallianwala Bagh massacre: British troops killed peaceful protestors in 1919.

 Rowlatt Act (1919): Allowed detention without trial, angering Indians.

  Failure of reforms under the Montagu-Chelmsford Act.

 Gandhiji’s call for peaceful resistance against colonial exploitation.

5. Describe the impact of print culture on Indian nationalism.

 Spread of nationalist ideas through newspapers like Kesari (Tilak) and Young India (Gandhi).

 Increased awareness about British exploitation.

 Provided a platform to voice opposition against colonial policies.

 Encouraged unity among diverse groups by propagating reformist ideas.

Geography

6. What are different types of resources? Explain with examples.

1. Natural resources:

o Renewable: Solar energy, wind.

o Non-renewable: Coal, petroleum.

2. Human-made resources: Dams, bridges, technology.

3. Human resources: Skills, education, and health of people.

7. Describe soil erosion and methods to control it.

 Causes: Deforestation, overgrazing, improper agricultural practices.

 Control methods:

1. Afforestation: Planting trees to bind soil.

2. Contour plowing: Prevents water flow and erosion.

3. Terrace farming: Reduces water runoff on slopes.

8. Explain the importance of water conservation.

 Ensures water availability for agriculture, industries, and domestic use.

 Prevents overuse and scarcity in drought-prone areas.

 Techniques:

1. Rainwater harvesting.

2. Efficient irrigation like drip systems.

9. What are agro-based industries? Give examples.

 Industries that rely on agricultural raw materials.

 Examples:

1. Textile industry (cotton).

2. Sugar industry (sugarcane).

3. Paper industry (wood pulp).

10. Describe the location and importance of iron and steel industries in India.

 Location: Found in Jharkhand (Jamshedpur), Odisha, and Chhattisgarh due to proximity to

iron ore, coal, and water.

 Importance: Backbone of infrastructure and industrial development.

Civics (Political Science)

11. What is power-sharing? Explain with examples.

 Distribution of power to prevent conflicts.

1. Horizontal power-sharing: Between legislature, executive, and judiciary.

2. Vertical power-sharing: Between central and state governments.

 Example: Belgium resolved ethnic tensions through power-sharing.

12. Describe the main features of federalism in India.

1. Two-tier system with the Union and State governments.

2. Division of powers: Union, State, and Concurrent lists.

3. Supremacy of the Constitution.

13. Discuss the challenges faced by political parties in India.

1. Lack of internal democracy.

2. Money and muscle power in elections.

3. Weak representation of marginalized groups.

14. Explain the outcomes of democracy.

1. Provides accountable and responsive governance.

 2. Promotes equality by protecting individual freedoms.

3. Reduces economic disparities (though not entirely).

15. How do political parties shape public opinion?

 Organize campaigns, protests, and debates.

 Publish manifestos highlighting their goals.

 Mobilize citizens during elections.

Economics

16. Define development. How is it measured?

 Development: Improving the quality of life.

 Measurement indicators:

1. Per capita income.

2. Literacy rate.

3. Life expectancy.

17. What are the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors?

1. Primary: Involves natural resources (e.g., farming, fishing).

2. Secondary: Manufacturing (e.g., textiles, construction).

3. Tertiary: Services (e.g., education, healthcare).

18. Discuss the role of banks in the Indian economy.

 Provide loans to farmers, industries, and entrepreneurs.

 Facilitate savings and investments.

 Support trade through credit facilities.

19. What is globalization? Explain its impact on the Indian economy.

 Globalization: Integration of economies worldwide.

 Impact:

1. Growth of foreign investments and multinational companies in India.

2. Enhanced technology and trade.

 3. Unequal benefits, with some sectors left behind.

20. Describe the significance of organized and unorganized sectors in India.

1. Organized sector: Fixed work hours, job security (e.g., IT jobs).

2. Unorganized sector: Low wages, lack of benefits (e.g., daily wage labor).

3. Study the table and answer the question given below. 1

In comparison to Kerala, which state has the highest infant mortality rate
CBSE Board Paper 2020 - Set [32/1/1]
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
4. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? 1
(A) Primary Sector Money Lender
(B) Secondary Sector Priest
(C) Tertiary Sector Bank
(D) Manufacturing Sector Gardener
CBSE Board Paper 2023 - Set [32/6/1]
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
Ans. (C) Tertiary Sector Bank
5. Why is the tertiary sector becoming more important in India? Explain. 5
CBSE Board Paper 2024 - Set [32/5/1]
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
Ans.
● Several services such as hospitals, educational institutions, post and telegraph
services, police
stations, courts, village administrative offices, municipal corporations, defence,
transport, banks,
insurance companies, etc. which are considered as basic services are ensured by the
government.
● The more the development of the primary and secondary sectors, the more would
be the demand
for such services.
● Rise in income has led to a rise in the living standards of people, which
automatically makes them
demand services such as restaurants, hotels, gyms, shopping centres, private schools,
colleges and
hospitals.
● New services based on information and communication technology have become
important and
essential in a global world with technological advancement.
23
6. Give any three suggestions to increase the employment in rural society and explain
them. 3
CBSE Board Paper 2024 - Set [32/2/1]
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
Ans.
 ● In rural areas by constructing dams and canals and providing irrigation facilities may
create more
employment. If a dam is constructed it may create more employment and provide
water for irrigation so
farmers can sow more crops in other sessions as well this may create more income to
farmers.
● Providing a cheap credit facility through local banks to farmers so they can buy
seeds, fertilisers, and
agricultural equipment. Production of crops may increase and also the demand of
other services
increased like cold storage facility, transport ect.
● Setting up small scale industries in semi urban areas creates local employment and
diverse opportunities.
● Example ; If rural banks provide cheap credit facilities to farmers, Through this
farmers can buy seeds,
fertilisers, and agricultural equipment. Farmers will employ more labourers on their
farm and can
produce more crops. Due to increase in production more industries will be set up
which require more
workers. All this lead to create more services like transportation to transport raw
material from farm to
industry and industry to consumer, cold storage facility, ITC services ect.
24
7. 'A' is a worker in a garment export industry of Jaipur. He gets facilities like health
insurance, 1
provident fund, medical leave, etc.
In which one of the following sectors is 'A' working?
(a) Primary sector
(b) Non-Governmental sector
(c) Organized sector
(d) Unorganized sector
CBSE Board Paper 2023 - Set [32/5/1]
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
Ans. (c) Organized sector
8. "Bank plays an important role in the economic development of the country." Support
the
statement with examples. 3
CBSE Board Paper 2020 - Set [32/1/1]
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
Ans. Homework Question
● Depositors depositing their saving with bank. [Interest Paid]
● Borrowers borrowing from bank. [Interest Changed]
● The difference is the earning of the bank.
25
9. Explain any three functions of the Reserve Bank of India. 3
CBSE Board Paper 2019 - Set [32/5/1]
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
 Ans.
i) Currency: The RBI issues currency notes on behalf of the government and is
responsible for
maintaining the supply of the Indian rupee.
ii) Credit and money supply: The RBI controls the amount of credit and money in the
economy by
raising and lowering interest rates.
iii) Banks: The RBI monitors banks to ensure they maintain minimum reserves and
lend to small
borrowers. It also provides loans to other banks and acts as a final resort for banks in
financial
difficulties.
26
10. Define :
● Double coincidence of wants
● Debt Trap
● Terms of credit
● SHG’s
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
Ans.
● Double coincidence of wants means when both parties, the seller and buyers have
to agree to sell and buy each others commodities. Goods are directly exchanged
without the use of money.

● When a borrower, particularly in rural area fails to repay the loan due to the failure
of the crop, he is unable to
repay the loan and is left worse off. New loans are taken to repay the old loans and this
creates the cycle. This
situation is commonly called debt-trap.
● Every loan agreement specifies certain conditions or terms like interest payments ,
collateral and documentation
requirement , and the mode of repayment , they together comprise what is called terms
of credit .
● Self help groups are small groups of 15 - 20 members who come together to pool
their savings and can use this
fund for themselves.
11.
12. Select the formal sources of credit from the given sources and choose the correct
option. 1
I. Bank
II. Moneylender
III. Cooperatives
IV. Businessman
Options:
(A) Only I and II
(B) Only II and III
(C) Only I and III
(D) Only I and IV
CBSE Board Paper 2024 - Set [32/5/1]
HALF YEARLY MARATHON | MOST EXPECTED QUESTIONS
Ans. (C) Only I and III