🟩 CBSE CLASS 11 – POLITICAL SCIENCE (COURSE B)
CHAPTER 4 – Challenges to Development
Sample Question Paper (Full Marks: 40)
Time: 90 Minutes
🧩 General Instructions:
- All questions are compulsory.
- Marks are indicated against each question.
- Answers should be brief and to the point.
- Give examples wherever necessary.
SECTION – A (Very Short Answer Type Questions)
(1 Mark each)
Q1. Define development in the context of a country.
Answer: Development is the process of improving the economic, social, and political well-being of a country’s people.
Q2. Name two major social groups that face exclusion in India.
Answer: Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)
Q3. What is disguised unemployment?
Answer: Disguised unemployment occurs when more people work in a sector than actually needed, common in agriculture.
Q4. Which scheme was launched to provide rural employment in India?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA)
Q5. Name one environmental problem caused by industrialization.
Answer: Air or water pollution
Q6. Define inequality.
Answer: Inequality is the unequal distribution of income, wealth, and opportunities among people.
Q7. Mention one major challenge posed by globalization.
Answer: Increased competition leading to loss of traditional livelihoods
Q8. Name a government initiative to improve agricultural productivity.
Answer: Green Revolution
SECTION – B (Short Answer Type Questions)
(2 Marks each)
Q9. List two causes of poverty in India.
Answer:
- Historical backwardness and colonial exploitation.
- Unequal resource distribution and population pressure.
Q10. What are the main types of unemployment in India?
Answer:
- Structural or chronic unemployment.
- Disguised unemployment.
- Seasonal unemployment.
Q11. Mention two causes of regional disparities in India.
Answer:
- Unequal resource endowments (land, minerals, water).
- Historical neglect of certain regions and poor infrastructure.
Q12. How does population pressure affect development?
Answer:
- Strains resources like food, water, housing, healthcare.
- Increases competition for jobs and education.
- Puts pressure on government to provide basic services.
Q13. Give two examples of social exclusion in India.
Answer:
- Gender inequality limiting women’s participation.
- Caste-based discrimination affecting SC/ST communities.
Q14. Why is sustainable development necessary?
Answer:
- To balance economic growth with environmental protection.
- Prevents degradation of natural resources.
- Ensures resources are available for future generations.
SECTION – C (Long Answer Type Questions)
(4 Marks each)
Q15. Explain the challenges faced by Indian agriculture.
Answer:
- Small and fragmented landholdings.
- Dependence on monsoons and inadequate irrigation.
- Low productivity and outdated technology.
- Debt burden causing farmer distress.
Measures: Green Revolution, Minimum Support Price (MSP), modern agricultural practices.
Q16. Discuss the main environmental challenges in India due to development.
Answer:
- Deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
- Air and water pollution from industries.
- Soil degradation and water scarcity.
- Urbanization and infrastructure affecting natural habitats.
- Need for sustainable practices like renewable energy, afforestation, and pollution control.
Q17. How does unemployment affect India’s development?
Answer:
- Reduces national income and economic growth.
- Leads to poverty and social tension.
- Decreases quality of life and increases dependence on government aid.
- Hinders human capital development.
Q18. Explain how globalization poses both opportunities and challenges for India.
Answer:
Opportunities:
- Foreign investment and technology transfer.
- Access to global markets and increased trade.
Challenges:
- Exposure to global economic fluctuations.
- Unequal benefits across regions and social groups.
- Competition causing decline in traditional livelihoods.
SECTION – D (Essay Type Questions)
(6 Marks each)
Q19. Evaluate the main social challenges in India’s development.
Answer:
- Poverty: Limits access to basic needs and opportunities.
- Inequality: Unequal wealth and resources affect social cohesion.
- Social Exclusion: SC/ST, women, and minorities face barriers to participation.
- Education and Health: Low literacy, malnutrition, and poor healthcare hinder growth.
- Government programs like MGNREGA, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and National Health Mission aim to address these challenges.
Conclusion: Social inclusion and equity are essential for sustainable development.
Q20. Suggest strategies to overcome India’s development challenges.
Answer:
- Poverty Alleviation: Employment schemes, rural development, microfinance.
- Reducing Inequality: Reservation policies, inclusive education, progressive taxation.
- Employment Generation: Skill development, entrepreneurship promotion.
- Sustainable Development: Renewable energy, afforestation, pollution control.
- Regional Development: SEZs, infrastructure development, incentives for backward areas.
- Social Inclusion: Women empowerment programs, SC/ST and minority welfare.
Conclusion: A balanced approach integrating economic growth, social justice, and environmental protection is key to India’s future development.
Full Marks Distribution Summary
| Section | Type of Question | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Very Short Answer | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| B | Short Answer | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| C | Long Answer | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| D | Essay | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| Total | — | 20 | — | 40 |
