CBSE Class X Social Science (087) • Sample Question Paper Set 7 • Academic Session 2026–2027

CBSE Class 10 Social Science (087) Sample Paper Set 7 | 2026-2027 | Adept Yourself
ADEPT YOURSELF
www.adeptyourself.com • Academic Excellence Series
CBSE CLASS X – SOCIAL SCIENCE (CODE NO. 087)
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER – SET 7 | ACADEMIC SESSION 2026–2027
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

  1. The question paper comprises Six Sections: A, B, C, D, E and F.
  2. There are 37 questions in total.
  3. All questions are compulsory.
  4. Section A contains Questions 1–20. Each question carries 1 mark.
  5. Section B contains Questions 21–24. Each question carries 2 marks.
  6. Section C contains Questions 25–29. Each question carries 3 marks.
  7. Section D contains Questions 30–33. Each question carries 5 marks.
  8. Section E contains Questions 34–36. Each case-based question carries 4 marks.
  9. Section F contains Question 37, carrying 5 marks, based on map skills.
  10. Internal choices are provided in selected questions.
SECTION A – MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
Q1. Which treaty recognised Greece as an independent nation? [1]
(a) Treaty of Vienna
(b) Treaty of Constantinople
(c) Treaty of Frankfurt
(d) Treaty of Versailles
Q2. Which newspaper was associated with Bal Gangadhar Tilak? [1]
(a) Kesari
(b) Young India
(c) Harijan
(d) Al-Hilal
Q3. Which of the following is mainly a kharif crop? [1]
(a) Wheat
(b) Gram
(c) Rice
(d) Mustard
Q4. Which of the following is an example of vertical power sharing? [1]
(a) Legislature and judiciary
(b) Central, state and local governments
(c) Political parties and pressure groups
(d) Different communities
Q5. Which one of the following is a conventional source of energy? [1]
(a) Solar energy
(b) Wind energy
(c) Firewood
(d) Tidal energy
Q6. Which institution accepts deposits from the public and provides loans? [1]
(a) Commercial bank
(b) Election Commission
(c) Gram Panchayat
(d) Stock exchange
Q7. Who invented the printing press in Europe? [1]
(a) Johann Gutenberg
(b) Marco Polo
(c) Martin Luther
(d) James Watt
Q8. Which mineral is used in electrical and electronic industries because of its excellent insulating properties? [1]
(a) Mica
(b) Iron ore
(c) Limestone
(d) Copper ore
Q9. Which language policy helped Belgium accommodate its linguistic diversity? [1]
(a) Imposition of Dutch everywhere
(b) Recognition of different language communities
(c) Complete removal of regional languages
(d) Exclusive use of French
Q10. Which sector includes activities such as fishing, forestry and mining? [1]
(a) Primary sector
(b) Secondary sector
(c) Tertiary sector
(d) Service sector only
Q11. What was the main objective of the Simon Commission? [1]
(a) To introduce complete independence
(b) To review the constitutional system in India
(c) To abolish the salt tax
(d) To promote Indian textiles
Q12. Which soil develops in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall? [1]
(a) Laterite soil
(b) Black soil
(c) Arid soil
(d) Alluvial soil
Q13. Which challenge refers to the difficulty of choosing between political parties that offer similar policies? [1]
(a) Lack of internal democracy
(b) Dynastic succession
(c) Lack of meaningful choice
(d) Communalism
Q14. Which of the following is an example of formal credit? [1]
(a) Loan from a moneylender
(b) Loan from a bank
(c) Loan from a trader
(d) Loan from a relative
Q15. What is liberalisation in the context of globalisation? [1]
(a) Increasing restrictions on imports
(b) Removing barriers imposed on foreign trade and investment
(c) Closing domestic markets
(d) Stopping technological development
Q16. Which body conducts elections in India? [1]
(a) Parliament
(b) Election Commission of India
(c) Supreme Court
(d) Union Cabinet
Q17. Which of the following was a major effect of the First World War on India? [1]
(a) Fall in taxes
(b) Increase in prices and taxes
(c) Complete industrial decline
(d) End of British rule
Q18. Which industry is known as the basic industry because it supplies raw material to many other industries? [1]
(a) Iron and steel industry
(b) Sugar industry
(c) Textile industry
(d) Jute industry
Q19. Assertion (A): Power sharing reduces the possibility of social conflict.
Reason (R): It gives different groups a stake in the functioning of government. [1]

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Q20. Assertion (A): Banks are important sources of formal credit.
Reason (R): Banks provide loans at rates and conditions regulated within the formal financial system. [1]

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
SECTION B – VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (8 Marks)
Q21. Why did the people of France revolt against the Bourbon monarchy? [2]
Q22. Differentiate between subsistence farming and commercial farming. [2]
Q23. Why is power sharing desirable in a democracy? [2]
OR
Why did Belgium adopt a power-sharing arrangement?
Q24. Why do poor households often depend on informal sources of credit? [2]
SECTION C – SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (15 Marks)
Q25. Explain three ways in which cultural processes helped develop nationalism in Europe. [3]
Q26. Explain any three technological improvements that helped the growth of industries in India. [3]
OR
Explain three problems faced by the cotton textile industry in India.
Q27. Explain three reasons why decentralisation has strengthened democracy in India. [3]
Q28. Distinguish between the organised and unorganised sectors on any three bases. [3]
Q29. Explain any three benefits of globalisation to consumers in India. [3]
SECTION D – LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (20 Marks)
Q30. Describe the circumstances that led to the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. [5]
OR
Explain the impact of the First World War on the political and economic situation in India.
Q31. Explain any five measures to control land degradation and conserve soil resources in India. [5]
OR
Describe the major types of irrigation used in India and explain their importance.
Q32. Explain how federalism has been strengthened in India after 1990. [5]
OR
Explain the major features of a democratic government.
Q33. Explain the relationship between development and sustainability. Why is sustainable development necessary? [5]
OR
Explain how consumers are affected by the presence of MNCs and globalisation in India.
SECTION E – CASE-BASED INTEGRATED UNITS (12 Marks)
Q34. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]

In nineteenth-century Europe, nationalism was closely connected with the idea of the nation-state. Artists, poets and writers helped create a sense of shared identity. Romanticism emphasised emotions, folk traditions and cultural heritage. Music, poetry and stories often celebrated the history and traditions of particular communities. The use of vernacular languages also became an important means of expressing national identity. In many regions, these cultural developments strengthened the desire for political unity and independence.

(a) What did Romanticism emphasise? [1]

(b) How did vernacular languages contribute to nationalism? [1]

(c) Explain two ways in which culture contributed to the growth of nationalism in Europe. [2]
OR
Explain the role of artists and writers in creating national consciousness. [2]
Q35. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]

Manufacturing industries are essential for the economic development of a country. They transform raw materials into finished products and create employment opportunities. Industries also contribute to exports and earn foreign exchange. However, industrialisation can create environmental problems such as air and water pollution, waste generation and degradation of natural resources. Cleaner technologies, proper waste treatment and efficient use of energy can reduce the environmental impact of industrial production.

(a) Why are manufacturing industries important for employment? [1]

(b) How do industries contribute to foreign exchange earnings? [1]

(c) Explain two environmental problems caused by industries. [2]
OR
Mention two measures that can reduce industrial pollution. [2]
Q36. Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]

In a federal system, power is divided between different levels of government. In India, the Constitution provides separate areas of jurisdiction for the Union and State governments. Local governments were given constitutional recognition through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. These reforms strengthened local self-government and encouraged people’s participation in decision-making. Reservation of seats for women and disadvantaged groups has also increased representation at the local level.

(a) Which Constitutional Amendments strengthened local self-government in India? [1]

(b) Why is local government important in a federal democracy? [1]

(c) Explain two benefits of decentralisation. [2]
OR
Explain how reservation has improved representation in local governments. [2]
SECTION F – MAP SKILL-BASED QUESTION (5 Marks)
Q37.(a) History Map Item – 2 Marks

Identify the following places on the outline political map of India:

A. The place associated with the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
B. The place associated with the movement of indigo cultivators led by Mahatma Gandhi. [2]

(b) Geography Map Item – 3 Marks

Locate and label ANY THREE of the following:
(i) Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
(ii) Talcher Thermal Power Plant – Odisha
(iii) Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh
(iv) Paradip Major Sea Port – Odisha [3]
CBSE CLASS X SOCIAL SCIENCE (087) – SOLUTIONS & MARKING SCHEME – SET 7
SECTION A – ANSWERS
Q1. (b) Treaty of Constantinople [1]
Q2. (a) Kesari [1]
Q3. (c) Rice [1]
Q4. (b) Central, state and local governments [1]
Q5. (c) Firewood [1]
Q6. (a) Commercial bank [1]
Q7. (a) Johann Gutenberg [1]
Q8. (a) Mica [1]
Q9. (b) Recognition of different language communities [1]
Q10. (a) Primary sector [1]
Q11. (b) To review the constitutional system in India [1]
Q12. (a) Laterite soil [1]
Q13. (c) Lack of meaningful choice [1]
Q14. (b) Loan from a bank [1]
Q15. (b) Removing barriers imposed on foreign trade and investment [1]
Q16. (b) Election Commission of India [1]
Q17. (b) Increase in prices and taxes [1]
Q18. (a) Iron and steel industry [1]
Q19. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1]
Q20. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. [1]
SECTION B – ANSWERS
Q21.
  • The Bourbon monarchy was associated with absolute rule and lacked adequate representation of the people.
  • The Third Estate faced heavy taxation and social inequality while privileged estates enjoyed several advantages.
[2]
Q22.
  • Subsistence farming: Production is mainly for the farmer’s family and local consumption.
  • Commercial farming: Crops are grown mainly for sale in the market and may involve modern inputs and larger-scale production.
[2]
Q23. Power sharing is desirable because it reduces the possibility of conflict between different social groups and ensures that different groups participate in decision-making.

OR
Belgium adopted power sharing to accommodate its linguistic communities and prevent conflict between the Dutch-speaking and French-speaking populations. [2]
Q24. Poor households may lack collateral or documentation required by formal institutions. Informal lenders are often easier to approach and provide loans quickly, although they may charge high interest rates. [2]
SECTION C – ANSWERS
Q25.
  • Folk songs and legends helped people discover and celebrate their common cultural heritage.
  • Romantic artists and writers promoted national feelings through poetry, music and literature.
  • Vernacular languages helped create a common cultural identity and strengthened nationalist sentiments.
[3]
Q26.
  • Improved machinery increased production and efficiency.
  • Better transport and communication facilitated the movement of raw materials and finished goods.
  • Modern sources of power such as electricity supported large-scale industrial production.
OR
  • Competition from synthetic substitutes affected the demand for cotton products.
  • Power supply and infrastructure problems may increase production costs.
  • International competition can create pressure on Indian textile producers.
[3]
Q27.
  • Local governments allow people to participate directly in decisions affecting their communities.
  • Local institutions can address local problems according to local needs.
  • Decentralisation reduces the burden on higher levels of government and improves administrative efficiency.
[3]
Q28.
  • Employment conditions: Organised workers generally receive greater job security, while unorganised workers often lack security.
  • Benefits: Organised workers may receive paid leave and social security benefits, unlike many unorganised workers.
  • Regulation: Organised establishments follow government rules and regulations more systematically.
[3]
Q29.
  • Consumers get access to a wider variety of goods and services.
  • Competition among producers can improve quality and reduce prices.
  • Consumers gain access to newer technologies and products.
[3]
SECTION D – ANSWERS
Q30. Circumstances leading to the Civil Disobedience Movement:
  • The Simon Commission was opposed because it had no Indian member.
  • The Lahore Congress of 1929 declared the goal of Purna Swaraj.
  • 26 January 1930 was observed as Independence Day.
  • Gandhi presented a set of demands to the British government, including abolition of the salt tax.
  • When the demands were not accepted, Gandhi launched the Salt March from Sabarmati to Dandi and began the Civil Disobedience Movement.
ORImpact of the First World War on India:
  • Defence expenditure increased and taxes were raised to finance the war.
  • Prices of essential goods increased sharply.
  • Forced recruitment created resentment in rural areas.
  • Crop failures and the influenza epidemic created severe hardship.
  • These conditions contributed to growing opposition to colonial rule.
[5]
Q31. Measures to control land degradation and conserve soil:
  • Afforestation and proper management of grazing can reduce soil erosion.
  • Planting shelter belts helps check wind erosion.
  • Contour ploughing reduces the speed of water flow on slopes.
  • Terrace farming helps prevent soil erosion in hilly regions.
  • Strip cropping and proper irrigation practices can reduce soil degradation.
ORMajor types and importance of irrigation:
  • Wells and tube wells: Provide reliable irrigation where groundwater is available.
  • Canals: Supply water to large agricultural areas, especially in river plains.
  • Tank irrigation: Stores rainwater and is important in areas with suitable natural depressions.
  • Irrigation reduces dependence on the monsoon.
  • It enables multiple cropping and increases agricultural productivity.
[5]
Q32. Strengthening of federalism after 1990:
  • The rise of regional political parties increased the importance of state-level political interests.
  • Coalition governments at the Centre encouraged consultation with state governments.
  • Constitutional provisions relating to Centre-State relations became more significant.
  • Local governments received constitutional status through the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
  • Greater political participation of regional groups strengthened the federal spirit.
ORMajor features of a democratic government:
  • People elect their representatives through regular elections.
  • Citizens have political rights and equal voting rights.
  • Government decisions are taken according to constitutional rules.
  • Fundamental rights protect citizens from arbitrary government action.
  • The government remains accountable to the people.
[5]
Q33. Development and sustainability:
  • Development improves income, living standards and access to facilities.
  • Excessive use of natural resources can damage the environment.
  • Resources such as minerals and fossil fuels are limited.
  • Environmental degradation can harm the well-being of future generations.
  • Sustainable development balances present needs with the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
ORImpact of MNCs and globalisation on Indian consumers:
  • Consumers have access to a greater variety of products.
  • Competition encourages producers to improve quality.
  • Prices may become more competitive.
  • New technologies and international brands become more accessible.
  • Consumers also need to make informed choices because aggressive marketing may influence demand.
[5]
SECTION E – ANSWERS
Q34.
  • (a) Romanticism emphasised emotions, intuition, folk traditions and cultural heritage. [1]
  • (b) Vernacular languages helped people develop a common cultural identity and express nationalist ideas. [1]
  • (c) Folk traditions created a shared cultural past, while literature, music and art spread ideas of national unity. [2]
OR: Artists and writers represented national history, traditions and cultural symbols through paintings, literature, poetry and music, thereby creating national consciousness. [2]
Q35.
  • (a) Manufacturing industries create direct and indirect employment in factories, transport, trade and related activities. [1]
  • (b) Industries export manufactured goods and thereby earn foreign exchange. [1]
  • (c) Industries may cause air pollution through harmful emissions and water pollution through untreated industrial waste. [2]
OR: Industries can reduce pollution by treating industrial waste before discharge and adopting cleaner, energy-efficient technologies. [2]
Q36.
  • (a) The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. [1]
  • (b) Local government brings decision-making closer to the people and helps address local needs. [1]
  • (c) Decentralisation increases people’s participation and makes administration more responsive to local problems. [2]
OR: Reservation has increased the representation of women and disadvantaged social groups in local elected bodies, giving them greater participation in decision-making. [2]
SECTION F – MAP WORK SOLUTIONS
Q37(a).
  • A – Amritsar, Punjab
  • B – Champaran, Bihar
[2]
Q37(b).
  • Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant – Maharashtra
  • Talcher Thermal Power Plant – Odisha
  • Visakhapatnam Major Sea Port – Andhra Pradesh
  • Paradip Major Sea Port – Odisha
Any three. [3]

Leave a Reply

Scroll to Top