Unit Test (Solutions): Development | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour       

M.M.: 30
 Instructions: Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
 Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
 Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
 Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. What is the main reason people seek regular employment and fair wages? (1 Mark)

a) To enjoy leisure
b) To avoid education
c) To improve their income and quality of life
d) To increase unpaid work

Ans: c) To improve their income and quality of life

People seek regular employment primarily to enhance their financial stability and overall well-being. Options a, b, and d do not address the fundamental need for income and quality of life improvement.

Q2. Which of the following is a non-material goal of development? (1 Mark)

a) High income
b) Job promotion
c) Respect and equal treatment
d) Bonus payment

Ans: c) Respect and equal treatment

Respect and equal treatment are essential non-material goals that contribute to social harmony and individual dignity, unlike the other options which focus on material gains.

Q3. Which country, despite having lower per capita income, has better life expectancy than India? (1 Mark)

a) China
b) USA
c) Bangladesh
d) Russia

Ans: c) Bangladesh

Bangladesh has made significant improvements in healthcare and social services, leading to a higher life expectancy compared to India, despite its lower per capita income.

Q4. Name any one public facility provided by the government that helps improve quality of life. (1 Mark)

a) Public healthcare services
b) Private schools
c) Luxury housing
d) Corporate offices

Ans: a) Public healthcare services

Public healthcare services are essential for improving the quality of life by providing access to medical care for all citizens, unlike the other options which do not serve the public good.

Q5. Define per capita income. (1 Marks)
Ans: Per capita income is a measure of the average income earned per person in a specific area, typically a country or region. It is calculated by dividing the total income of the area by its population. 

• It provides a useful way to compare the economic performance of different countries.
• A higher per capita income indicates a higher average income, suggesting better living standards.
• Countries are often classified based on their per capita income, such as high-income and low-income nations.

Q6. Why is average income not a sufficient indicator of development? Explain with one example. (2 Marks)
Ans: Average income is not a sufficient indicator of development for several reasons: It can mask significant disparities within a population. For example, consider two countries, A and B, each with five citizens:

• Country A has incomes of 9500, 10500, 9800, 10000, and 10200 Rupees.
• Country B has incomes of 500, 500, 500, 500, and 48000 Rupees.
• Both countries have the same average income, but: In Country A, income is more evenly distributed. In Country B, one person is extremely rich while the others are very poor.
• Thus, despite similar average incomes, living conditions differ greatly. This example illustrates that average income does not reflect the economic well-being of all citizens.

Q7. List any two goals, besides income, that people seek for development. (2 Marks)
Ans: People pursue various goals beyond just income. Two significant goals include:

• Security: Individuals seek a sense of safety in their lives, which can encompass physical safety, job security, and financial stability.
• Respect: Many desire recognition and respect from others, which contributes to their dignity and social standing.

Q8. What is meant by sustainable development? Give one example of overuse of a resource. (2 Marks)
Ans: Sustainable development refers to a method of growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims to balance economic progress, social inclusion, and environmental protection. One example of the overuse of a resource is groundwater in India:

• Many districts have seen a decline in water levels by over 4 metres in the last 20 years.
• About one-third of the country is currently overusing its groundwater reserves.
• If this trend continues, 60% of the country could face similar issues in the next 25 years.
• Overuse is particularly evident in regions like Punjab and Western U.P., as well as urban areas.

Q9. Compare Kerala and Haryana using any three development indicators. (3 Marks)
Ans: Kerala and Haryana can be compared using three key development indicators:

• Infant Mortality Rate: - Haryana: 30 deaths per 1,000 live births - Kerala: 7 deaths per 1,000 live births - This indicates that Kerala has significantly better health outcomes for infants.
• Literacy Rate: - Haryana: 82% - Kerala: 94% - Kerala outperforms Haryana in literacy, reflecting better educational access and quality.
• Net Attendance Ratio: - Haryana: 61% - Kerala: 83% - A higher ratio in Kerala suggests more children are attending secondary school.

Q10. How does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure the level of development in a country? Mention any three components. (3 Marks)
Ans: The Human Development Index (HDI) measures a country's development through three key components:

• Life Expectancy: This indicates the average lifespan of individuals in a country, reflecting overall health and healthcare quality.
• Education: This is assessed through mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling, highlighting the educational attainment of the population.
• Gross National Income (GNI) per capita: This measures the average income of a country's citizens, adjusted for purchasing power, providing insight into economic well-being.

By combining these components, the HDI offers a more comprehensive view of development beyond just economic factors.

Q11. Explain any three limitations of using only income as a measure of development. (3 Marks)
Ans: Limitations of Using Only Income as a Measure of Development

• Ignores Quality of Life: Focusing solely on income overlooks essential factors such as health, education, and environmental quality, which significantly impact people's well-being.
• Income Distribution: Average income does not reflect how wealth is distributed within a society. A high average can mask severe inequality, where a small number of individuals hold most of the wealth.
• Non-Monetary Aspects: Development encompasses various non-economic goals, such as freedom, security, and respect. These aspects are vital for a holistic understanding of development but are not captured by income alone.

Q12. Why do different people have different goals for development? Explain with three examples to show how what may be development for one may not be development for another. (5 Marks)
Ans: Different people have varying goals for development due to their unique circumstances and perspectives. Here are three examples illustrating how development can mean different things to different individuals:

• Income vs. Security: A farmer may prioritise better income from crops, while a teacher might value job security and a stable work environment. For the farmer, development means financial growth, whereas for the teacher, it is about a secure job.
• Education vs. Employment: A young woman may seek access to higher education as her development goal, believing it will lead to better job opportunities. In contrast, a local business owner might focus on expanding their business as their primary development aim. Each person's goal reflects their current situation and aspirations.
• Environmental Concerns: An industrialist may advocate for building large dams to boost electricity production, viewing it as progress. However, local tribal communities may see this as a threat to their land and culture, preferring smaller, sustainable solutions. Thus, what is development for one group can be detrimental to another.

Q13. Suggest any four steps that should be taken to ensure sustainable development in India. Explain how they help preserve resources for the future. (5 Marks) 
Ans: Four steps to ensure sustainable development in India:

• Promote Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind reduces reliance on fossil fuels, helping to conserve non-renewable resources for future generations.
• Implement Water Conservation Techniques: Techniques such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation help preserve water resources, ensuring availability for future use and preventing groundwater depletion.
• Encourage Sustainable Agriculture: Practices like organic farming and crop rotation maintain soil health and biodiversity, ensuring that agricultural resources remain productive over time.
• Enhance Waste Management: Effective waste management reduces pollution and promotes recycling, conserving resources and reducing the strain on landfills and natural habitats.

These steps collectively help in preserving vital resources, ensuring that they remain available for future generations while promoting a healthier environment.