ICSE – Page 12 – Merit Batch

ICSE 2013 History and Civics Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2013 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2013 Solved

Part – I (30 MARKS)
Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1.
(a) Name the two types of authority in a federal set up in India. [1]
Answer:
Union and State.

(b) What is meant by the term Universal Adult Franchise ? [1]
Answer:
It refers to the enjoyment of right to vote by all the adult citizens of 18 years of age or more of India without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, colour, sex or education.

(c) How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? [1]
Answer:
(c) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by the members from amongst themselves.

(d) When can the Vice-President cast a vote in the Rajya Sabha ? [1]
Answer:
Generally the Vice-President does not participate in the voting. He participates only in case of tie.

(e) State one reason why the President is elected indirectly. [1]
Answer:
The makers of the Indian Constitution have deliberately chosen this path because they wanted to establish a Parliamentary form of Government in the country with the Prime Minister as the Head of the Government.

(f) ** Who is the Executive head of a State ? [1]

(g) Mention the different categories of ministers in the Union Council of Ministers. [ 1 ]
Answer:

The Cabinet Ministers
Ministers of State
Deputy Ministers

(h) Explain the term ‘Collective Responsibility’. [1]
Answer:
The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) is jointly or collectively responsible to the Legislative. Once they have reached a decision in the Council of Ministers, all the ministers must defend it inside the Assembly and in the public.

(i) Name the courts that are empowered to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. [1]
Answer:
High Courts and the Supreme Court.

(j) Which is the highest criminal court in a district? [1]
Answer:
Court of the Session Judge.

Question 2.
(a) What was the General Service Enlistment Act? [2]
Answer:
The General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 provided that all recruits to the Bengal Army should be ready for service anywhere, whether within or outside India.

(b) What was the influence of Western education on the minds of the educated Indians in the 19th Century ? [2]
Answer:

Western learning encouraged vernacular languages and literary works in them; aroused political awakening and led to the growth of inter regional trade and commerce.
It gave birth to great reformers and leaders who guided the destiny of the nation. It enabled Indians to unfold and revive India’s cultural past. It gave opportunity to the Indians to study abroad (England) and leam about the working of democratic institutions there.

(c) Who exposed the economic exploitation of India through his book ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule in India ? [2]
Answer:
Dadabhai Naoroji.

(d) What was the importance of the Lucknow Pact of 1916? [2]
Answer:

Unity: It brought the Hindu and the Muslim unity which was the need of the hour. It also brought Aggressive and Moderate leaders at the same platform.
Strengthening of the National Movement: The unity between the Congress, the League and between the Moderates and the Aggressives demoralised the government of India. Now, the government was under pressure for constitutional reforms. This helped in strengthening the national movement.

(e) Name the leaders of the Khilafat Movement that was launched in India to champion the cause of the Caliph of Turkey. [2]
Answer:
Ali brothers-Muhammed Ali and Shaukat Ali.

(f) Why was the Simon Commission boycotted by the Indians? [2]
Answer:

It was boycotted everywhere because all its members were Englishmen.
The government showed no inclination towards accepting the demand for Swaraj.

(g) What were the two proposals related to the Princely States in the Mountbatten Plan ? [2]
Answer:

The Treaties made with the Britishers would come to an end.
They would be free to join India or Pakistan or to remain sovereign.

(h) What was the immediate cause of the First World War ? [2]
Answer:
The Sarajevo Incident : In June 1914, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Heir-Apparent to the throne of Austria went on an official visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. There, on June 28,1914, he and his wife were shot dead. The assassin, Gavrilo Princep, was a nineteen year old Bosnian. This dual murder had been planned in Serbia by a secret society of patriotic terrorists, called the “Black Hand”. The Austrians blamed the Serbians for this crime, as the assassin and the fellow conspirators had received their guns and bombs in the Serbian capital, with the help of Serbian officials. Presuming this to be true,

Austria made eleven demands and sent a stiff ultimatum to Serbia on 23rd July, to apprehend the criminals and hand them over to the Austrian government. Austria also sought a ban on anti-Austrian publications, anti-Austrian meetings and institutions in Serbia.

(i) What is meant by the term Cold War ? [2]
Answer:
It is situation where there is no armed struggle, but the rivals continue to maintain their peace time diplomatic relations along with their hostility.

(j) Name the two architects of NAM. [2]
Answer:

Pt Jawaharlal Nehru.
Marshall Jospeh Broze Tito.

Part – II (50 Marks)
Section-A
Attempt any two questions from this Section

Question 3.
Discuss the relationship between the two houses of a State Legislature with reference to the following:
(a) Money Bills. [3]
(b) Non-Money Bills. [3]
(c) Control over the Executive. [4]

Question 4.
At the head of the Council ofMinisters in a State is the Chief Minister, who is the real Executive Head of the State. In this context explain the following:
(a) The appointment of the Chief Minister. [3]
(b) His relationship with the Council of Ministers. [3]
(c) His relations with the Governor. [4]

Question 5.
The country’s Judicial System has a Supreme Court at its apex. In this context discuss the following:
(a) Manner of appointment ofjudges. [3]
Answer:
Every judge of the Supreme Court is appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice and such other Judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts as he may deem necessary for this purpose.

(b) Term of office and removal of judges. [3]
Answer:
A Judge of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice, remains in office until he attains the age of sixty-five years.
The procedure for impeachment or removal of Judges is as under:

The resolution to impeach the Judge may be moved in either House of the Parliament after a notice of 14 days has been given. A list of charges must be supported by one-fourth of the total members of the House.
Such a resolution must be passed by a 2/3rd of the total majority of the members of that House.
Then the charges levelled against the Judge are investigated by the other House. The Judge can appear in person or through a counsel to defend himself.
If the charges are approved by 2/3rd of the total majority, the impeachment is finalised and the Judge is removed from the day the impeachment resolution is passed.

(c) Its power of ‘Judicial Review. ’ [4]
Answer:
Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine laws passed by the independent and the executive orders of the Centre and State governments in order to find whether these are in accordance with the Constitution or not. This is called Judicial Review. If an order or a law is found to be contrary to the Constitution, the Supreme Court declares it null and void.

Section-B
Attempt any three questions from this Section

Question 6.
The early Congressmen were liberal in their views and programmes. This led to the rise of Assertive Nationalists who demanded more forceful action against the British. In this context discuss the following:
(a) Reasons why the early Congressmen were called Moderates. [3]
Answer:

The period from 1885 to 1905 was called the Moderate phase because the movement was confined to a handful of educated middle class who was inspired by western education and liberal thinkers.
All of the demands of the Congress were of moderate character.
The methods of struggle during that period were of moderate character. The leaders carried their agitation through petitions and resolutions.

(b) How did Moderates differ from the Assertive Nationalists in realizing their objectives? [3]
Answer:

Moderates (Early Nationalists)	Assertive Nationalists
(i) The Early Nationalists believed in petitions, constitutional-ism, prayers, passive resistance, resolutions and meetings. All these were peaceful methods.	(i) The Assertive Nationalists, on the other hand, supported and followed revolutionary methods by launching vigorous political agitations, making people self-reliant and bringing national awakening.
(ii) The Early Nationalists had full faith in the British Government and wanted to follow the policy of cooperation. Though in the later years, (during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal), they supported the ‘Swadeshi and Boycott’ movements. But they wanted to confine this movement only for special circumstances.	(ii) The Assertive Nationalists believed in non-cooperation and adopted the programme of boycott against foreign goods, propagation of Swadeshi, a system of national education, etc. The Aggressives believed that it was necessary to extend the scope of boycott.
(iii) The Early Nationalists agitated only for certain administrative and economic reforms. They wanted that the Indians should have some say in the government and administration of the country. It was only in 1906 that under pressure from the Aggressives they talked about ‘Swaraj’ as their goal. The ‘Swaraj’ as defined by them meant, a system of government as found in the self-governing British colonies.	(iii) The Assertive Nationalists on the other hand demanded ‘Purna Swaraj’-self-government as it existed in the United Kingdom.

Tilak was one of the most prominent leaders of the extremists who taught people to rely on their own strength. He instilled among the people love and pride for the country. He was an agitator and a fighter in the true sense of the term.
To spread national movement in rural areas, he revived the Shivaji festival in 1895 and organised ‘Lathi Clubs ’ and ‘Akharas
He along with Bipin Chandra and Lajpat Rai transformed the anti-partition movement into a movement for Swaraj.
He started the Home Rule Movement in 1916. With his own ideas and weapons he infused a new life in the national movement and brought about a change in its character.

Question 7.
The reasons for the formation of the Muslim League were many. In this context explain:
(a) Any three factors that led to the formation of the Muslim League in India. [3]
Answer:
(i) After the revolt of 1857 and the partition of Bengal, the Britishers saw the unity between the Hindus and Muslims. To check the growth of nationalism, they encouraged the formation of Muslim League.

(ii) The working of Indian National Congress also gave a setback to the British government. They wanted to create an organisation which could check the popularity of the Congress.

(iii) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a great social reformer and an educationist. He worked as a guiding force for the Muslims to form a separate organisation.

(b) Any three demands made by the Muslim Deputation in 1906 to the Viceroy Lord Minto. [3]
Answer:
(i) Separate Electorate: The delegation demanded separate electorate for the Muslims.

(ii) Weightage in Representation: The Muslim representation should be determined not on the basis of their total population but on political importance and services rendered to the British empire.

(iii) Adequate Representation: The delegation demanded a greater representation of the Muslims in all services civil and military.

(iv) Demand for Muslim University: The delegation further wanted to establish a Muslim University with the help of the government. The University would be the centre of religious, cultural and intellectual activities.

(c) What were the aims and objectives of the Muslim League? [4]
Answer:
(i) To promote amongst the Muslims of India, the feeling of loyalty to the British Government and to remove any misconception that may arise as to the intentions of the government with regard to any of its measures.

(ii) To protect and advance the political rights and interests of the Muslims of India and to represent their needs and aspirations to the government.

(iii) To prevent the rise among Muslims of India of any feelings of hostility towards other communities without adversely affecting the objects of the League.

Question 8.
The Congress Working Committee passed the famous ‘Quit India’resolution at Wardha in July 1942. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(a) What were the reasons for the passing of this resolution? [3]
Answer:
(i) Failure of the Cripps Mission: The failure of the Cripps Mission left no meeting ground between the Congress and the government. It was clear from the proposals that the government was not willing to grant independence in the near future. The Indians were also not happy at the proposals of Cripps Mission because proposals contained within them provisions which could divide India into hundreds of independent provinces.

(ii) War Situation : There was every possibility that India might be attacked by Japan and the Indians
were helpless because they had no power or means to resist the attack. So, the Indian leaders felt that the situation called for complete independence. Gandhiji also felt that an orderly and peaceful withdrawal of the British could save India from internal anarchy and external aggression.

(iii) Internal Anarchy : The communal situation was worsening day by day. The Muslim League was demanding a separate state i.e., Pakistan. This had spoiled the communal situation.

(b) What was the British Government s reaction to the ‘Quit India ’Movement ? [3]
Answer:
The government used police and army to suppress the movement. Hundreds of persons were killed and over 70,000 arrested in less than five months. Even armed aircrafts were used in Bhagalpur and Monghyr in Bihar. Mobs were dispersed by lathi charge, rifle, pistol and occasionally by machine guns. Even women and children were not spared. The main objective of the government was to terrorize the people.

(c) What was the impact and significance of this movement? [4]
Answer:
(i) Demonstrated the depth of the national feelings: The movement showed the depth of the national will and convinced the Britishers that the days of their domination in India were numbered. People from all parts of India fought together against the Britishers.

(ii) Set back to the Britishers: Now the British officials had realized that the British would not be able to retain their hold on India.

(iii) Parallel Government : A significant feature of the Quit India Movement was the emergence of parallel governments in Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, Midnapur in Bengal and Satara in Maharashtra.

(iv) Strengthening of the Congress Socialist Party: The Quit India Movement helped in strengthening the Congress Socialist Party because of its magnificent and heroic role in the movement. Its socialist ideas had an impact on the Indian National Congress.

Question 9.
Study the picture given and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Identify the leader in the picture. [2]
Answer:
Adolf Hitler.

(b) State any four factors that led to the rise of dictatorships in Germany and Italy. [4]
Answer:
(i) Economic Factors: The politico-economic conditions of both the countries were almost identical; e.g., there prevailed political instability in both the countries; and both the governments failed to solve the common problems of the people like unemployment, price-rise, inflation, industrial and economic slump; etc.

(ii) Peace Treaties: The Peace Treaties signed after the First World War were dissatisfactory and humiliating for both.

(iii) Communist Threat: The Facist and the Nazi parties were supported mainly by industrialists, big businessmen and the landlords. The economy was in a shambles and the workers were agitating for higher wages and better conditions of work. Both Italy and Germany seemed to be heading towards a communist revolution. The industrialists viewed the growing strength of the labour unions with alarm.

(iv) Reaction to the humiliating Treaty of Versailles : The Treaty of Versailles imposed very humiliating terms on Germany, like paying huge war penalties to the victors, ceding chunks of German territory to them including her overseas colonies and disbanding German armies. The Treaty of Versailles was signed by the officers of the German Democratic Republic in Paris in 1919 A.D. The People began to look upon the Weimar Republic (which accepted the terms and conditions of the humiliating Treaty of Versailles) as a symbol of national disgrace and an act of betrayal of the German people.

(c) Why did he invade Poland? State two similarities between Fascism and Nazism. [4]
Answer:
Danzing corridor was the main cause of tension between Germany and Poland. Danzing was part of Germany until the Versailles Treaty gave it to Poland.

Similarities :

Fascism and Nazism were totally against democracy. They laid stress on duties and obligations unlike democracy. They laid stress on rights and liberties of the people.
Rule of single party and a single leader, with full authority.

Question 10.
The United Nations Organization was established to maintain peace and ‘promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. ’ With reference to this, explain the following:
(a) The composition of the Security Council. [3]
Answer:
It is the executive body of the UNO with 15 members. It has five permanent members:
(a) China
(b) France
(c) Russia
(d) Great Britain
(e) United Stated of America
The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly by two-thirds majority for a two year term. A retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election. States which are not the members of the Security Council but are party to a dispute may participate in its deliberations with no voting right. Each member of the Security Council is its President in turn for a month.

(b) The functions of the Security Council related to maintaining World Peace. [3]
Answer:

To maintain international peace and security.
To investigate any dispute or situation which may lead to friction.
To recommend methods of settling such disputes.
To formulate plans for the regulation of armaments.
To determine the existence of a threat to peace or act of aggression and to recommend action against such a threat.
To call upon members to apply economic sanctions and other measures to stop aggression.

(c) The role of UNESCO in the development of Science and Technology. [4]
Answer:
1. To provide financial assistance and promote research in mathematics, geology, physics, oceanography, engineering and technology in developing countries.

2. To organize seminars, regional and world conferences of scientists, engineers and technologists.

3. To inform all countries about the progress in science through bulletins, exhibitions and journals.
“Courier” is the official monthly magazine of the UNESCO.

4. To encourage the study of social sciences with special reference to the study of the topics like factors causing violence and conflict, violation of human rights, the future of the human race, improving the status of women, helping the youth in solving their problems, methods of coflict-resolution and tolerance- promotion techniques. The 1998 UNESCO Prize for Tolerance Promotion was awarded jointly to India’s Narayan Desai and Pakistan’s Committee for Peoples rights.

It helps in correcting the imbalance in scientific and technological manpower that exists because 90% of the trained manpower is concentrated in the industralised countries.

ICSE 2020 History and Civics Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2020 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2020 Solved

General Instructions:

Answers to this Paper must he written on the paper provided separately.
You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.
This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.
Attempt all questions from Part I (Compulsory). A total of five questions are to be . attempted from Part 11, two out of three questions from Section A and three out of five questions from Section B.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

[Part – I (30 Marks)]
Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1.
(a) Name the two Houses of the Indian Parliament. [ 1 ]
Answer:

Lok Sabha
The Rajya Sabha

(b) What is meant by the term ‘Session’? [1]
Answer:
It is the time period during which the House meets to conduct its business. Parliament should hold at least two sessions in a year.

(c) How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? [ 1 ]
Answer:
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by the members from amongst themselves.

(d) What is the term of office of a Rajya Sabha member ? [1]
Answer:
6 years

(e) Who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed forces of India ? [1]
Answer:
President

(f) What is the normal term of office of the Vice President of India ? [1]
Answer:
5 years

(g) Who appoints that Prime Minister of India ? [ 1 ]
Answer:
Prime Minister is appointed by the President.

(h) State the body that decides the major policies of the Government. [1]
Answer:
Cabinet

(i) Name the Courts that are empowered to issue Writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. [ 1 ]
Answer:
Supreme Court

(j) Mention any one advantage of the Lok Adalat. [1]
Answer:
The Lok Adalats work in the spirit of compromise. This way both the parties feel that they have been treated fairly.

Question 2.
(a) Mention any two contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal in promoting Nationalism. [2]
Answer:

During the Anti-Partition agitation he toured several parts of the country and wherever he went he carried with him the message of Boycott and Swadeshi.
He exhorted the people to appreciate their own culture and derive strength and unity from it.

(b) State any two methods adopted by the Early Nationalists in the National Movement. [2]
Answer:

To attain these demands they passed resolutions and prepared petitions which they sent to the Government for consideration.
They tried to get the support of the British public by popularising the demands of the Congress.

(c) Why is October 16, 1905 regarded as an important day in the history of the Indian National Movement ? [2]
Answer:
It was the day when the partition of Bengal became effective. The Nationalists declared it to be ‘a Day of Mourning’. Swadeshi and Bycott movements were launched which had for reaching consequences on the freedom struggle of India.

(d) Name any two leaders of the Khilafat Movement. [2]
Answer:
Ali Brothers – Muhammed Ali and Shaukat Ali.

(e) State any two causes for the Non-Cooperation Movement. [2]
Answer:
1. The Rowlatt Act : The Rowlatt Act was passed to crush any movement. The Act gave enomous powers to the police to arrest any person without any reason, search any place without a warrant and imprison anyone without a trial. The Act came to be known as “Black Act”.

2. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The protest movement against the Rowlatt Act was very strong in Punjab. To check the movement, two Congress leaders, Dr. Satya Pal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew were arrested. To protest against the arrests, a public meeting was held on 13th April in Jallianwala Bagh where General Dyer opened fire at the public without giving any warning in which more than 1,000 people were killed. This incident shook the whole world.

(f) Mention any two objectives of the Forward Bloc. [2]
Answer:

To develop the economy on socialistic ideas.
Abolition of landlordism i.e. Zamindari System.
A new monetary and credit system.

(g) What was meant by the term ‘Imperialism ’, as a cause for World War I? [2]
Answer:
Imperialism is a policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonialisation, use of military force etc.
In the early nineteenth century, the policy of imperialism led to immense rivalry among the European powers over trade and military might. Europe got divided into two blocs i.e. Triple Entity and Triple Alliance.

(h) Give any two reasons for the rise of Fascism. [2]
Answer:

Dissatisfaction over humiliating peace treaty of Versailles.
Economic crisis after first World War.

(j) Name the two International Organisations that were formed, one as a consequence of World War I and the other after World War II. [2]
Answer:

League of Nations after World War I
United Nation after World War II

(j) Give the full form of UNICEF and WHO. [2]
Answer:

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
World Health Organisation.

[Part – II (50 Marks)]
Section-A
Attempt any two questions from this Section

Question 3.
With reference to the Union Legislature, answer the following questions:
(a) Explain any three Legislative powers of the Union Parliament. [3]
Answer:
(i) Union and Concurrent Subjects : The Parliament can make laws on 97 subjects contained in the Union List, and 47 Subjects contained in the Concurrent List. Qn a Subject in the Concurrent List, both the Parliament and a State Legislature may make a law, but the law of the Parliament supersedes the law of the State Legislature. This establishes the superiority of the Parliament over the State Legislatures.

(ii) Residuary Powers: The Parliament has Residuary Powers also. It can make laws on a subject, which is not mentioned in any one of the three Lists, i.e., the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List.

(iii) State List: The Parliament can make laws on 66 subjects in the State List in the following situations

During the Proclamation of Emergency,
When the Rajya Sabha declares by a Resolution passed by 2/3 majority that a State- List-Subject has assumed national importance,
When two or more State Legislatures desire that the Parliament should make a law on any subject of the State List.
When the state comes in conflict with the discharge of international commitments made by the central government.
During the breakdown of the constitutional machinery in a state.

(b) State any three exclusive powers of the Lok Sabha that is not enjoyed by the other House. [3]
Answer:

Money Bills can originate only in The Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha alone can vote a Ministry out of office by passing a no-confidence vote

He/She is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rules Committee and the Business Advisory Committee of the House.
He/She appoints Chairmen of all committees of the House and issues them directions regarding their work.
He/She decides whether a particular document is secret or not and whether to be placed before a committee or not.
The Speaker presides over the conference of Presiding Officers of legislative bodies in India.

Question 4.
The Executive Power of the Indian Union is vested in the President
In this context, answer the following:
(a) How is the President of India elected ? State the composition of the Electoral College that elects him. [3]
Answer:
Electoral College is the body that elects the President.
Nominated MPs and nominated MLAs have no hand in electing the President.

The joint body of elected MPs and MLAs
(i.e., elected members of both the Houses of the Parliament and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States) which elects the President, is known as the Electoral College. It is a temporary body which is dissolved immediately after the election of the President is over. Nominated MPs and nominated MLAs have no hand in electing the President. The name of a Presidential candidate must be proposed by 50 members and seconded by another 50 members of the Electoral College. The candidate must deposit a security of ₹ 15000/- as laid down in the ordinance promulgated in June, 1997.

(b) Explain any three Discretionary powers of the President. [3]
Answer:
The President is just a figure-head or a golden zero for only ceremonial purposes. He/She has a very important role to play in the actual working of the Parliamentary system in our country.

President’s role become very important when no single party getting a clear majority, a coalition of parties Sake their claim to form the government. The President has to use his individual judgement and invite such a leader to head the government as Prime Minister, who can provide a Sable government to the country.
The President’s role also becomes very important under the circumstances when a Prime minister after losing the vote of confidence asks for the dissolution of the House. In this situation he/ she is not bound to act on the advice of the Prime minister. He/She should explore the possibility of forming an alternative government at the Centre.
He may refuse to give his assent to a Bill and return it for reconsideration “as soon as possible.”

(c) Mention any four Executive Powers of the President. [4]
Answer:
The Constitution lays down that “the Executive Powers of the Union shall be vested in the President”. His/ Her executive powers extend to all the subjects on which the Parliament can make laws. It includes the following:
(i) Administrative Head: The administration of the country runs in his name. All orders are issued in his name. All officials are his subordinates. He/She is the head of the Union administration.

(ii) Appoints and dismisses the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers: The President appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister and on his advice, he/she appoints other ministers in the Council of Ministers and distribute their portfolios. The Prime Minister and the Ministers submit their resignation to the President, if required.

(iii) Appoints and dismisses high officials: The President appoints and removes dignitaries like the Attorney General of India, the Comptroller and the Auditor General of India, the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts, the State Governors, the Ambassadors and the High Commissioners. The President also appoints the Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission, Planning Commission, Finance Commission, and the Election Commission of India.

(iv) Controls State Governments: The President has the power to issue such directions to the State Governments as he may think necessary from time to time. During an emergency on account of failure of Constitutional machinery in a State, the control of the President upon that State is complete through the Governor, who is appointed by the President, and to whom he/she is responsible.

Question 5.
With reference to the Supreme Court as the Apex Court in our Indian Judiciary, explain the following:
(a) Any three cases that come under the Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court [3]
Answer:
Original Jurisdiction means the power to hear and determine a dispute in the first instance; i.e., those cases which cannot be moved in any court other than the Supreme Court.
(i) Centre-State or Inter-States Disputes : The Supreme Court has been given exclusive original jurisdiction in any dispute:

between Government of India and one or more States; or
between Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more States on the other; or
between two or more States.

(ii) Protection of Fundamental Rights: The original jurisdiction also extends to cases of violation of the Fundamental Rights of individuals and the court can issue several Writs for the enforcement of these rights. Any individual can approach the Supreme Court in case of violation of a fundamental right.

(iii) Transfer of Cases from Lower courts: Under Article 139 A inserted by the 44th amendment in 1978, the Supreme Court may transfer to itself cases from one or more High courts, if these involve questions of law or cases are of great importance. The Supreme court may transfer cases from one High Court to another in the Interest of Justice.

(iv) Interpretation of Constitution : All cases, where interpretation of the Constitution is required, can be
directly filed in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has the power of exclusive jurisdiction (Article 131 A) in regard to questions as to constitutional validity of central laws.

(b) Power of Judicial Review. [3]
Answer:
Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine laws passed by the independent and the executive orders of the Centre and State governments in order to find whether these are in accordance with the Constitution or not. This is called Judicial Review. If an order or a law is found to be contrary to the Constitution, the Supreme Court declares it null and void.

(c) Supreme Court as a Court of Record. [4]
Answer:
Court of Record is a court whose judgements are recorded for evidence and testimony. The judgements are in the nature of precedents, i.e., the High Courts and other Courts are bound to give a similar decision in a similar case. They are not to be questioned when they are produced before any subordinate court.

According to Article 129 of the Constitution the Supreme Court shall be a “Court of Record” and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself.

The Court of Record has two implications :

Its judgements and orders are preserved as record. These can be produced in any court as precedents.
If a person commits a contempt of court, the court has the authority to punish him. No authority can deprive the court of this right.

Section-B
Attempt any three questions from this Section

Question 6.
By 1857, conditions were ripe for a mass uprising in the form of the Great Revolt of 1857. In this context, explain the following:
(a) Any three Economic causes for the revolt of 1857. [3]
Answer:

An Act was passed in 1720 which prohibited the use of Indian silk and calicoes in England. This was done to reduce the popularity of Indian textile products in England.
Heavy duties on Indian products were imposed whereas British products were imported without any duties.
The Industrial Revolution gave a final blow to the .Indian handicraft industries which were mostly cottage industries.

(b) Any three Military causes. [3]
Answer:

The Indian soldiers were given low salaries.
The Indian soldiers could not rise to a rank higher than that of a Subedar.
The Indian soldiers were considered inferior and were ill-treated.
The General Service Enlistment Act 1856 provided that all recruits to the Bengal Army should be ready for service anywhere. This Act caused great alarm in the minds of the Hindu soldiers, as to travel across the sea was forbidden as per Hindu religious beliefs.

Lord Dalhousie’s policy of annexation and the Doctrine of Lapse made the Indian rulers angry and insecure. The prominent states which fell victim to the Doctrine were: Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur.
Lord Canning declared that Bahadur Shah’s successor would not be allowed to use the imperial title, i.e. the ‘King’.
Lord Dalhousie stopped the pension of Nana Saheb.
The kingdom of Oudh was annexed in 1856 on the ground of maladministration.

Question 7.
With reference to the Mass Phase of the National Movement under the leadership of Gandhi, answer the following:
(a) Briefly explain the Dandi March of1930. [3]
Answer:
(a) The Civil Disobedience Movement began with what is known as the Dandi March. On March 12, 1930 Gandhiji along with 79 satyagrahis, started from his ashram at Sabarmati on a march to Dandi. Dandi is a wayside village at a distance of 390 km from Sabarmati on the west coast of Gujarat.
Main aim and progress of the Dandi March:

To break the Salt Laws. It was a symbol of defiance of the laws made by the Government.
To convert the national movement into a mass movement.
The defiance of the Salt Laws was followed by the spread of Civil Disobedience Movement all over the country. There was boycott of foreign goods and later refusal to pay taxes.
Lakhs of people including women participated in the movement.
The movement forced the government to sign Gandhi-Irwin Pact.

(b) State any three reasons for the launching of the Quit India Movement. [3]
Answer:
Quit India Resolution:
(i) Failure of the Cripps Mission: The failure of the Cripps Mission left no meeting ground between the Congress and the government. It was clear from the proposals that the government was not willing to grant independence in the near future. The Indians were also not happy at the proposals of Cripps Mission because proposals contained within them provisions which could divide India into hundreds of independent provinces.

(ii) War Situation : There was every possibility that India might be attacked by Japan and the Indians were helpless because they had no power or means to resist the attack. So, the Indian leaders felt that the situation called for complete independence. Gandhiji also felt that an orderly and peaceful withdrawal of the British could save India from internal anarchy and external aggression.

(iii) Internal Anarchy: The communal situation was worsening day by day. The Muslim League was demanding a separate state i.e., Pakistan. This had spoiled the communal situation.

(c) Explain any four significant effects of the Quit India Movement. [4]
Answer:
(i) It demonstrated the depth of the national feelings: The movement showed the depth of the national will and convinced the Britishers that the days of their domination in India were numbered. People from all parts of India fought together against the Britishers.

(ii) Set back to the Britishers: Now the British officials had realized that the British would not be able to retain their hold on India.

(iii) Parallel Government: A significant feature of the Quit India Movement was the emergence of parallel governments in Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, Midnapur in Bengal and Satara in Maharashtra.

Question 8.
With reference to the Partition Plan, answer the following:
(a) (i) Name the last Viceroy of India.
(ii) State any two reasons for him to come to India. [3]
Answer:
(i) Lord Mountbatten.

To give common plan to the Congress and the League regarding the transfer of power from the British to Indian states/provinces.
To discuss partition plan with the leaders of the Congress and the League.

(b) Mention any three proposals under his plan. [3]
Answer:

Division of the Country: The country would be divided into two Dominions i.e, India and Pakistan.
The Constituent Assembly: The existing Constituent Assembly would continue to work, but the Constitution framed by it would not be applied to Pakistan. A separate Constituent Assembly would be constituted for those parts which decided in favour of partition.
The Princely States : The Princely States would be free to choose their own option, and treaties signed with them would soon come to an end.

(c) State any four reasons for the Congress to finally accept the Plan. [4]
Answer:
(i) Non-Cooperative attitude of the League: The League had joined the Congress to obstruct the . working of the Congress and not to cooperate with it.

(ii) Communal Riots : The large scale communal riots that engulfed the whole country convinced all that the only solution to the communal problem lay in the partition of India. These riots were the outcome of “Direct Action” Day by the League.

(iii) To get rid of undemocratic Procedures: The leaders felt that constitution of separate electorate and other undemocratic procedures would weaken the democracy. So to get rid of these, partition was a must.

(iv) Immediate end of the British rule : All the people and leaders were so fed up with the British rule that they wanted to get rid of their rule immediately and were ready to pay any price. Hence, partition was a price for immediate independence.

Question 9.

(a) Name the organization associated with the above Emblem.
Mention any two of its objectives. [3]
Answer:
United Nations

To maintain peace and security in the world with the cooperation of all the nations.
To safeguard human rights and provide justice to all.

(b) Mention any three functions of WHO, as its agency. [3]
Answer:
(i) Research Work : The WHO promotes and coordinates research in the field of health by financing research projects in many countries. Its research activities include nutritious food, environmental safety, mental health, control of specific diseases like cancer, heart-attack etc.

(ii) Standardisation of Medicines: It sets international standards with respect to biological and pharmaceutical products. It also provides essential drugs to developing countries.

(iii) To Eradicate Diseases : Many deadly diseases like small pox, measles, diptheria, polio, T.B. have been brought under control with the help of the WHO.
It tries to prevent the spread of diseases to other countries by checking the disease at the source.

(c) Name the Principal Judical Organ of this organization and explain its composition. [4]
Answer:
The International Court of Justice

It is composed of 15 judges elected for a 9-year term.
The judges are elected by both Security Council and General Assembly by a majority vote.
To maintain the continuity, one-third of the court i.e. five judges, are elected every three years.
The court elects its President and Vice President for three years. It also has power to appoint its Registrar.

Question 10.
With reference to the Second World War and the Non- Aligned Movement, answer the following:
(a) Explain briefly three reasons for the Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles. [3]
Answer:
Unjust and Humiliating Treaty of Versailles: The victors of the First World War (Britain, France and U.S.A.) forced Germany to sign the unjust and humiliating Treaty of Peace. It imposed heavy war- penalties on Germany, made her surrender large chunks of her territories like Saar, Rhineland, Ruhr area, etc. and some parts of her foreign colonies. The Treaty also prohibited Germany from re-arming herself; her army was disbanded beyond a limit of one lakh soldiers.

The Germans found it too humiliating. The huge reparations imposed on Germans, prevented Germanys’ economic recovery. Moreover, the attitude of France towards Germany was revengeful. Now when Germany lay prostrate before France, she took revenge from her by taking the Saar valley and the Ruhr zone in 1923 A.D.

(b) State any three consequences of the Second World War. [3]
Answer:
The War shattered the colonial empires of Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, etc. A desire for freedom gained ground in the people of the colonies in Asia and Africa. India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Malaya, which were under Britain, became free. The East-Indies overthrew the Dutch rule; Indo-China became free from French rule ; Indonesia also earned her freedom. Similarly, the British, the French, Portuguese and Holland’s colonies in African continent also shed the yoke of colonialism.

Jawaharlal Nehru
Gamal Abdul Nasser
Sukarno
Josip Broz Tito

ICSE 2019 History and Civics Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2019 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2019 Solved

[Part – I (30 MARKS)]
Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1.
(a) What is the normal term of office of the LokSabha ? [1]
Answer:
Five Years.

(b) State the meaning of the term Question Hour. [ 1 ]
Answer:
Every member of the House has the privilege to ask questions from the government on the matters of public interest. Such questions are addressed to the Chair and, if admitted, the Government is obliged to answer them. First hour of every working day of the House is reserved for questions unless otherwise decided by the Speaker.

(d) State any one condition when the Parliament can legislateon subjects in the State List. [1]
Answer:
During the Proclamation of Emergency.

(e) Write any one circumstance when the President can declare a National Emergency. [ 1 ]
Answer:
It can be declared if there is a war, external aggression or armed rebellion inside the country.

(f) What happens when a motion of ‘No-Confidence’ is passed against a Minister ? [ 1 ]
Answer:
(f) He can be removed or need to resign.

(g) On whose advice can the President appoint the Council of Ministers ? [1]
Answer:
The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

(h) What is meant by ‘Appellate Jurisdiction ’of the Supreme Court ? [1]
Answer:
The Supreme Court is the higest Court of appeal, and it stands at the apex in the Indian judicial system. It has a very vast appellate jurisdiction.

(i) On what grounds can a Supreme Court Judge be removed from office? [1]
Answer:
(i) A Judge may be removed from his office on ground of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity” by impeaching him/ her.

(j) State one point of distinction between a District Judge and a Sessions Judge. [1]
Answer:

District Judge	Session Judge
District Judge deals in civil cases.	Session Judge deals in criminal cases.

(b) Name the two books that Dadabhai Naoroji authored explaining the ‘Drain of India s Wealth ’. [2]
Answer:

Poverty and un-British rule in India.
Magazine-Dharma Marg Darshak.

Jyotiba Phule: Satya Shodhak Samaj.
Raja Rammohan Roy: Brahmo Samaj.

(d) Write any two contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai to the National Movement. [2]
Answer:

Through his writings he preached radical nationalism, inspired the Indian youth and kindled the fire of patriotism in them.
He transformed the freedom struggle into the agitation of the millions and common masses. He, through his speeches and writings, accelerated its pace and widened its base.

(e) State any two provisions of the Indian Independence Act of1947 that was to decide the fate of the Princely States. [2]
Answer:

The Princely states that were officially related to the British Empire were made free from all the treaties and relationships.
They could decide which dominion to join.

(f) Write any two reasons for the acceptance of the Mountbatten Plan by the Congress. [2]
Answer:

Non-Cooperative attitude of the League: The League had joined the Congress to obstruct the working of the Congress and not to cooperate with it.
Communal Riots : The large scale communal riots that engulfed the whole country convinced all that the only solution to the communal problem lay in the partition of India. These riots were the outcome of “Direct Action” Day by the League.

(g) State any two objections imposed by the Treaty of Versailles on the German military power. [2]
Answer:

The German Army was disbanded. She was allowed to keep only one lac soldiers.
She was not allowed to have any air force and the sub-marines.

(h) Name the Signatory Countries of the Triple Alliance. [2]
Answer:
Germany, Austria, Hungary and Italy.

(i) What is meant by the term ‘Veto ’power ? [2]
Answer:
A negative vote by a permanent member of a Security Council is called a veto power.

(j) Why was the League of Nations established ? [2]
Answer:
The main objective of the League of Nations was to preserve peace and settle disputes by arbitration.

Part – II (50 Marks)
Section-A
(Attempt any two questions from this Section)

Question 3.
The Parliament is the body of people’s representatives who have Supreme power in a democracy. With reference to the Union Legislature answer the following:
(a) How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected? [3]
Answer:
The members of the Rajya Sabha from each State are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly (i.e. the Lower House) of that State.

This is done by means of proportional representation through the Single Transferable Vote System.
The representatives of the Union Territories are chosen in such a manner as may be decided or prescribed by the Parliament.

(b) Why is it called a Permanent house? [3]
Answer:
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House, hence it cannot be dissolved. Each member is elected for a term of six years. 1/3rd of its total members retire at the end of every two years, and the equal number of new members are elected to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of 1/3rd members.

(c) State any two Financial and any two Legislative powers of the Indian Parliament. [4]
Answer:
Financial Powers:
The Lok Sabha controls the national finance. In this respect it has the following powers :
(a) The Budget : It has the’ power to pass the Annual Budget of the Union Government for the financial year.
(b) Supplementary Grants : If the amount sanctioned under the Demand for Grants in a financial year is found to be insufficient, the Government can make a fresh Demand for Supplementary Grants. It is also thoroughly debated and voted upon in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha can also sanction expenditure on contingencies.

Legislative Powers:
(a) Union and Concurrent Subjects : The Parliament can make laws on 97 subjects contained in the Union List, and 47 subjects contained in the Concurrent List.

(b) Residuary Powers The Parliament has Residuary Powers also. It can make laws on a subject, which is not mentioned in any one of the three Lists, i.e. the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List.

Question4.
The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, is the most Powerful Institution in the Indian Polity. In this context, answer the following:
(a) State briefly the position of the Prime Minister in the Parliamentary system of Government. State any two powers the Prime Minister has as a leader of the Nation. [3]
Answer:

The Prime Minister is the leader of the Lok Sabha, and in this capacity his position is unique.
The Prime Minister is the chief spokesman and the defender of the Government in the Parliament. When a Minister is under attack from the Opposition, he comes to his rescue.
The Prime Minister makes all important announcements of the government policies on the floor of the House.

(b) Distinguish between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet. [3]
Answer:

The Council of Ministers	The Cabinet
(i) It consists of all the four ranks of Ministers the Cabinet Ministers, the Ministers of State, the Deputy Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.	(i) The Cabinet generally consists of Senior Ministers holding Cabinet rank and important portfolios,
(ii) The Council of Ministers is a large body, it meets occasionally.	(ii) The Cabinet is a small and cohesive group which meets regularly.
(iii) The Prime Minister may not consult the Council of Ministers for taking important decisions.	(iii) The Members of the Cabinet are consulted by the Prime Minister on every important issue.

(c) Write any four functions of the ‘Cabinet ’. [4]
Answer:
(i) The Cabinet formulates government policies, both national and international. It takes decisions on major issues before the nation relating to defence, security, development, planning, financial matters, etc.

(ii) After the policy decision of the Cabinet is taken, it becomes the duty and an important function of the appropriate department under a Minister to faithfully carry out the decision. He must administer his department in accordance with the policy decision and in coordination with other departments.

(iii) The Cabinet coordinates the working of all the departments, so that the whole government runs smoothly and set goals are achieved. The Prime Minister plays an important role in bringing about the coordination.

(iv) Foreign relations, both diplomatic and trade, pacts or agreements with other nations are all decided by the Cabinet. The choice of diplomatic envoys and recognition of new states or regimes is also made by the Cabinet.

Question 5.
India has a single integrated judicial system that is Independent and Supreme. With reference to the Judiciary, answer the following:
(a) (i) Who appoints the Judges of the High Court? [3]
(ii) State any two qualifications required for a person to be appointed as a High Court judge.
Answer:
(i) The Judges of the High Court are appointed with the consultation of Chief Justice of the High Court along with the Chief Justice of Supreme Court and the Governor of the State.

(ii) A High Court Judge must possess the following qualifications :

He must be a citizen of India.
He must have held judicial office for not less than ten years in India or should be an advocate of the High Court for ten years.
He should be less than 62 years.

(b) Explain briefly the term ‘Court of Record’with reference to the High Court. [3]
Answer:
A High Court being a “Court of Record” means:

Its judgements are kept as a record, and are used as precedent.
If a person commits the contempt of High Court, it has file authority to punish him.

(c) List any four writs that the High Court can issue for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. [4]
Answer:
(i) The Writ of Habeas Corpus is the safeguard for the personal freedom of a citizen. Habeas Corpus provides a remedy to a person held unlawfully in person or in police custody.
This is an order to a person or officer who detains a person, without court’s order, directing him to produce the detainee in the court and to explain why he has been detained. If the cause is insufficient, the detained person is released immediately.

(ii) The Writ of Prohibition is issued to prevent an inferior court from exercising powers, with which it is not legally vested, and to direct it to remain within the limits of its jurisdiction. It is preventive in nature.

(iii) The Writ of Quo -Warranto is issued against a person who has held an office illegally by usurpation. This writ asks the person to explain as by what authority he has been holding that particular office. If the office is held unlawfully, it can declare the office vacant.

(iv) Mandamus means “We command”. The Writ of Mandamus is issued to command an inferior court or person to do its duty. But this writ can be issued purely for the protection of Fundamental Rights.

Section – B
(Attempt any three questions from this section)

Question 6.
The Second half of the 19th century witnessed the growth of a strong feeling of Nationalism. With reference to the statement, answer the following:
(a) Write any three repressive Colonial policies of the British. [3]
Answer:
(i) In 1877, the government lowered the maximum age limit for the l.C.S. examination from 21 to 19 years, thus making it impossible for the Indians to compete for it.

(ii) The colonial government introduced Vernacular Press Act and Indian Arms Act. Both these were passed to pursue the policy of racial discrimination.

(b) State any three ways in which the Press played an important role in developing nationalism amongst Indians. [3]
Answer:
As we know, the press is an important integrating force in society. During the 19th century, the Indian society was plagued with many social and religious evils. The spirit of nationalism was missing. The Press did play a very vital role in reforming the society:

It played an important role in the campaigns for social reforms and to influence activities of the state.
It played an important role in the growth of National Movement.
‘The Kesari’ and several other newspapers created a great stir in the political life of the country.

(c) Explain briefly any three differences in the methods adopted between the Early Nationalists and Radicals, in the National Movement. [4]
Answer:

Moderates (Early Nationalists)	Radical (Assertive Nationalists)
(i) The Early Nationalists believed in petitions, constitutionalism, prayers, passive resistance, resolutions and meetings. All these were peaceful methods.	(i) The Assertive Nationalists, on the other. hand, supported and followed revolutionary methods by launching vigorous political agitations, making people self-reliant and bringing national awakening.
(ii) The Early Nationalists had full faith in the British Government and wanted to follow the policy of cooperation. Though in the later years, (during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal), they supported the ‘Swadeshi and Boycott’ movements. But they wanted to confine this movement only for special circumstances.	(ii) The Assertive Nationalists believed in non-cooperation and adopted the programme of boycott against foreign goods, propagation of Swadeshi, a system of national education, etc. , The Aggressives believed that it was necessary to extend the scope of boycott.
(iii) The Early Nationalists agitated only for certain administrative and economic reforms. They wanted that the Indians should have some say in the govem- ment and administration of the country. It was only in 1906 that under pressure from the Aggres- sives they talked about ‘Swaraj’ as their goal. The ‘Swaraj’ as defined by them meant, a system of government as found in the self-governing British colonies.	(iii) The Assertive Nationalists, on the other hand, demanded ‘Puma Swaraj ’-self- government as it existed in the United Kingdom.

Question 7.
With reference to the picture given below, answer the following questions:
(a) (i) Identify the Memorial builtfor those who were killed in this incident. [3]

(ii) Where did this incident take place ?
(iii) Name the movement launched by Gandhi in 1920 as a consequence.
Answer:
(i) Jallianwala bagh.
(ii) Amritsar.
(iii) Non-cooperation movement.

(b) Explain briefly the reason for the suspension of this particular movement by Gandhi in 1922. [3]
Answer:
1. Violent Incident: The Movement was suspended by Gandhiji due to the ugly incident which took place in Chauri Chaura village of Uttar Pradesh in which 22 policemen were burnt alive by a mob. Gandhiji took a serious view’ of this incident. He felt that the nationalist workers had not yet properly understood the philosophy of non-violence. Non-violence was creed to Gandhiji who could hardly tolerate that his follow’ers should indulge in violence. So he took the step of suspending the movement.

2. In 1922, there was a revolution in Turkey. Turkey became a republic, so after the revolution the movement lost its importance.

(c) State any four impacts of the movement. [4]
Answer:
(i) Establishment of New Educational Institutions: The Non-Cooperation Movement gave a boost to the Indian Education System. A new programme of national education was started. Institutions such as the Jama Millia and the Kashi Vidyapeeth were established.

(ii) Mass Movement: The Movement gave rise to the sentiments of nationalism on a wider scale. When thousands and thousands of people walked together shoulder to shoulder and resisted the British for months, the National Movement naturally became quite wider in its scope. It was no longer limited to only few’ educated urban people.

(iii) Unity: This was the first major Movement in which the Hindus and the Muslims participated as one, and scenes of fJatemality (friendly relations) were witnessed all over the country.

(iv) Change in the Character of the Congress: The Movement had a great impact on the working of the Congress. The Congress decided to use the weapons of Satyagraha and Non-Cooperation on wider scale.

Question 8.
With reference to the National Movement from 1930 to 194 7, answer the following:
(a) State any three features of the Programme of the Civil Disobedience Movement launched in 1930. [3]
Answer:
(i) Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. Salt was something consumed by the rich and the poor alike, and it was one of the most essential items of food.

(ii) The Civil Disobedience Movement caused a tide of patriotic fervour in the country. People became fully aware of their responsibilities and the Movement succeeded in creating political awakening among the masses.

(iii) The Movement had a healthy impact upon the social conditions. The ‘Harijan Sevak Sangh’ was established which helped the untouchables to obtain the basic rights. The depressed classes were given entry into churches, temples.

(b) What was the significance of the Second Round Table Conference held in 1931 ? [3]
Answer:
The Second Round Table Conference was held in London in September, 1931. Gandhiji was chosen as the sole representative of the Congress. All sections of the Indian society were represented at the Conference.
Gandhiji demanded a responsible Government and Independence for India and immediate Dominion Status for India.

Cause of the Failure: The representatives of other groups like Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, etc. were more concerned about safeguarding their own rights and their narrow interests. The Conference could not arrive at any agreement regarding communal representation and ended inconclusively.

(c) State any four clauses of the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. [4]
Answer:
(i) Division of the Country: The country would be divided into two Dominions i.e., India and Pakistan.

(ii) The Constituent Assembly: The existing Constituent Assembly would continue to work, but the Constitution framed by it would not be applied to Pakistan. A separate Constituent Assembly would be constituted for those parts which decided in favour of partition.

(iii) The Princely States: The Princely States would be free to choose their own option, and treaties signed with them would soon come to an end.

(iv) A Boundary Commission: A Boundary Commission would be set up to decide about the boundary disputes.

Question 9.
With reference to the Rise of Dictatorships and the Second
World War, answer the following:
(a) State any three reasons for the Rise of Fascism in Italy. [3]
Answer:
1. First World War: The war had caused a great economic strain on Italy’s economy;

Thousands of soldiers, discharged from army, were unemployed after the war.
There was a steep price rise and inflation in the country.
There were frequent strikes as the workers were dissatisfied which led to reduction in production.

2. Political instability: In 1919, a Parliamentary Government, based on male adult franchise, was introduced in Italy for the first time. But the electorates failed to give a clear majority to any political party. There came series of short-lived coalition governments in Italy, with neither consistency nor continuity in the policies. These governments were unable to deal effectively with the frequent strikes and riots in the country.

3. Mistreatment after the War: Italy had joined the First World War on the side of Britain and France in 1915. She hoped to get large territories such as Trentino, Triesto, Istria, Fiume, Coastal regions of Dalmatia, Albania and some parts of Germany and Turkey after their victory. But the Paris Peace Treaties gave her nothing from the defeated German and Turkish empires. So among the Italians a feeling developed that they “had won the war, but lost the peace”. Italians felt badly cheated by their War-time Allies.

(b) Explain any three consequences of World War II. [3]
Answer:
(i) Though England and France were victors, their status and economic position was lowered. The large scale production, minimum loss during the war and possession of atom bomb made the USA as one of the Super Powers of the world, Another Super Power was the Soviet Union.

(ii) The USA : By using the atom bomb to crush Japan, she emerged as a super military and economic power.

(iii) The Soviet Union : The Russian empire was greatly expanded. It included half of Poland, Ethunia, Latavia, Lithuania, Finland and many parts of Germany. It also emerged as a dominant power in world politics and occupied position of a leader of the Communist Bloc. Two Power Blocs emerged after the Second World War. They were :

The American Bloc
The Soviet Bloc

(iv) The horrors of the two World Wars and failure of the League of Nations forced the Allied powers to create another body by the name of the United Nations Organisation. The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945 with its headquarters at the New York, the USA to save the coming generation from the scourge of another War.

(c) Name the two rival blocs that fought against each other during World War II and state its signatory countries. [4]
Answer:
American bloc and Soviet bloc Countries :

American Bloc: USA, British, France
Soviet Bloc: Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania

Question 10.
The necessity to maintain International peace led to the establishment of the United Nations Organisation. With reference to the statement, answer the following:
(a) Write any three functions of UNESCO that preserves our ‘Cultural Heritage ’. [3]
Answer:
(i) It helps a number of countries in the preservation of their cultural heritage and also protects monuments of artistic or historic symbolic interests. For example : The Asian Temple of Abu has been saved with tiie help of the UNESCO.

(ii) It promotes the free flow of information, freedom of expression, press-freedom and media independence. To increase the scope and quality of the press, film and radio service throughout the world is another objective of the UNESCO.

(iii) It encourages cultural interchange. It provides travel grants to writers and artists.

(b) State the Composition of the Security Council. [3]
Answer:
It is the executive body of the UNO with 15 members.
It has five permanent members:
(a) China
(b) France
(c) Russia
(d) Great Britain
(e) United States of America

The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly by two-thirds majority for a two year term. A retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election. States which are not the members of the Security Council but are party to a dispute may participate in its deliberations with no voting right. Each member of the Security Council is its President in turn for a month.

(c) Write any four functions of the General Assembly. [4]
Answer:
(i) Financial Functions: The General Assembly considers and approves the budget of the UNO and also determines the amount of funds to be contributed by the different members in accordance with their capacities.

(ii) Electoral Functions: It elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of Trusteeship, Economic and Social Council. It also elects the judges of International Court of Justice and to appoint on the recommendations of the Security Council, the Secretary General of the United Nations.

(iii) Supervisory Functions: The General Assembly regulates the working of other organs and agencies of the UNO. It can bring changes in the working of any of its agencies, if required.

(iv) Other Functions: The General Assembly makes recommendations to promote international co-operation, human rights and fundamental freedom for all. It also helps in promoting international cooperation and friendship. Under the Uniting for Peace Resolution, if the Security Council is unable to reach a decision the General Assembly can deal with the problem.

ICSE 2018 History and Civics Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2018 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2018 Solved

[Part – 1 (30 Marks)]
Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1.
(a) Name the bill that cannot originate in the Rajya Sabha. [1]
Answer:
Money Bill.

(b) What is meant by the term ‘quorum’? [1]
Answer:
A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present in the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha before a meeting is allowed to begin. One tenth of the total members of the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha must be present at the beginning of a sitting of the House, including the Presiding Officer.

(d) Who administers the oath of office to the Council of Ministers 7 [1]
Answer:
President.

(e) What is an Ordinance? [1]
Answer:
An Ordinance is a Presidential decree having authority of law.

(f) State any one reason why the President is elected indirectly. [1]
Answer:
The President is the Chief Executive in India. He is elected indirectly because:
He, being a constitutional head, ought to be elected indirectly as directly elected member cannot become a Constitutional head.

(g) State any one administrative function of the Cabinet. [1]
Answer:
The whole administration of the state is run by the Cabinet.

(h) Name any two writs issued by the Supreme Court. [1]
Answer:
The Supreme Court can issue following writs:
(a) Writ of Habeas Corpus
(b) Writ of Mandamus

(i) Name the highest criminal court in a district. [1]
Answer:
The highest criminal court is the court of the Session Judge.

(j) What is meant by LokAdalats ? [1]
Answer:
A Lok Adalat means “People’s Court”. It encourages the settlement of disputes through compromise between two parties.

Question 2.
(a) Mention any two economic factors responsible for the growth of nationalism in India. [2]
Answer:

Poor condition of village economy.
Poor condition of Handicrafts.

(b) Name the two Presidents under whom the first two sessions of the Indian National Congress were held. [2]
Answer:

1st session was presided by W.C. Banneijee.
2nd session was presided by Dadabhai Naoroji.

(c) Name the nationalist who said, ‘Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it’. State any one of his contributions to the National Movement. [2]
Answer:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak:

Tilak was one of the most prominent leaders of the extremists who taught people to rely on their own strength. He instilled among the people love and pride for the country. He was an agitator and a fighter in the true sense of the term.
He also with Bipin Chandra and Lajpat Rai transformed the anti-partition movement into a movement for Swaraj.

(d) State any two objectives of the Muslim League. [2]
Answer:

To protect the political and other rights of the Muslims.
To promote among the Muslims of India feeling of loyalty to the British government.

(e) State any two causes that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. [2]
Answer:

The passing of ‘Complete Independence’ or ‘Purna Swaraj’ resolution at Lahore session of the Congress.
Rejection of Gandhi’s ‘Eleven Point’ programme.

(f) Name the last Viceroy of India. State any one of the provisions of the Indian Independence Act of1947. [2]
Answer:
Lord Mountbatten.
The states were given the right to choose joining either the Dominions or to retain their independence.

(g) Give any two similarities between the ideologies of Nazism and Fascism. [2]
Answer:
The two main principles of Fascism and Nazism were :

Fascism and Nazism were and totally against democracy. They laid stress on duties and obligations unlike democracy. They laid stress on rights and liberties of the people.
Rule of single party and a single leader, with full authority.

(h) Name the countries that formed the Axis Bloc, during World War II. [2]
Answer:

Germany
Italy
Japan

(i) Give the full form of UNESCO. [2]
Answer:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

(j) State any two principles of ‘Panchsheel ’ in the Non-Aligned Movement. [2]
Answer:
The following were the two principles of Panchsheel:

Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity.
Non-aggression.

Non-Alignment is the international policy of a sovereign any of the power blocks and at the same time actively state according to which it does not align itself with participates in the world affairs to promote international peace, harmony and cooperation.

Part – II (50 Marks)
Section-A
Attempt any two questions from this Section

Question 3.
With reference to the Union Parliament, answer the following questions:
(a) How many members may be nominated to the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha ? Give one reason as to why they may be nominated to the Lok Sabha. [3]
Answer:

Lok Sabha: Not more than two members of the Anglo- Indian Community to be nominated by the President, if, in his opinion, that community is not adequately represented in the House.
Rajya Sabha: The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.

(b) Mention any three qualifications required for a member to be elected to the Lok Sabha. [3]
Answer:
In order to be chosen as a member of the Lok Sabha, a person must:

Be a citizen of India.
Be at least twenty five years of age.
Possess such other qualifications as may be fixed by a law of the Parliament. He must also be registered as a voter in any of the Parliamentary constituencies.

(c) What is meant by the term ‘Session ’? Name the three Sessions of the Union Parliament. [4]
Answer:
It is the time period during which the House meets to conduct its business. Parliament should hold at least two sessions in a year.
Three sessions:

Summer Session (Feb.-May)
Monsoon Session (July-Sept.)
Winter Session (Nov.-Dec.)

Question 4.
The President and the Vice-President are part of the Union Executive.
In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) State any three qualifications required for a candidate to be elected as the Vice-President of India. [3]
Answer:

He must be a citizen of India.
Must not be less than 35 years of age.
Must be qualified for election as member of the Rajya Sabha.

(b) State the three functions of the Vice-President, [3]
Answer:
He is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

He regulates the debates and proceedings of this House.
He decides about the admissibility of a question or a resolution in the Rajya Sabha.
He decides about the serial order and time limit of speech of a member.

(c) Explain briefly any two Legislative and any two Executive powers of the President. [4]
Answer:
Legislative powers:
(i) The President summons the sessions of both the Houses of Parliament and prorogues them. He inaugurates the Parliament by addressing it after the general elections, at the beginning of the first session every year. He can also direct a joint session of both the Houses to be held in a certain situation.

(ii) The President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha. He can do so on the advice of the Prime Minister, if this is done before the expiry of its full term. When the Lok Sabha completes its full term of five years, the President announces the dissolution of the Lok Sabha of his own. But he cannot dissolve the Rajya Sabha, because it is a permanent House.

Executive powers:
(i) The President appoints the Prime Minister and on his advice, he appoints other Ministers in the Cabinet.

(ii) The President appoints high dignitaries such as the Attorney General of India, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, the State Governors, Ambassadors and High Commissioners. He also appoints Chairmen and members of the Union Public Service Commission, Finance Commission, the Chief Election Commissioner and the two other members of the Election Commission.

Question 5.
Our Judicial system has a Supreme Court at its Apex, followed by the High Court and other Subordinate Courts. In the light of this statement, explain the following:
(a) Any three types of cases in which the Supreme Court exercises its Original Jurisdiction. [3]
Answer:
Original Jurisdiction means the authority and power of the Supreme Court to hear a case in the first instance directly. The original and exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court extends to the following cases :

Interpretation of the Constitution in case of a dispute between the Union Government and one or more States.
Interpretation of the Constitution in case of dispute between two or more States interests, relating to some justiciable right.
The Supreme Court has the exclusive jurisdiction to determine the Constitutional Validity of the Union laws. Such cases are debated by a majority of the full Constitutional Bench of seven Judges.

(b) Any three ways by which the Constitution ensures the Independence of the Judiciary. [3]
Answer:
The independence of Judiciary (Supreme Court) has been ensured in our country in the following ways :
1. The judges are appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice and such other judges he may deem necessary. This ensures their independence.

2. The Judges possess high qualifications in law; they have a long experience in this field; they are eminent jurists. This ensures their independence.

3. The removal of a judge, which is done through impeachment, has been made very difficult. Impeachment is done by the Parliament on the basis of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity”. This requires simple majority of the total strength of both the Houses of the Parliament, and a 2/3rd majority of those present and voting in both Houses to pass a resolution of impeachment.

(c) ‘Advisory ’ and ‘Revisory ’ Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. [4]
Answer:
Advisory: The President may seek Supreme Court’s opinion or advice on a question of law or fact, which is of public importance in the opinion of the President, whether it has actually arisen or is likely to arise. The Supreme Court may give its opinion, after such hearing as it may think fit. It is done by a Bench of five Judges, by a majority vote. The opinion of the Supreme Court is pronounced in the open court. But the opinion of the Supreme Court is not binding on the President, as it is not a judicial decision or pronouncement. It is only a consultative view. It must be noted that the Supreme Court is also not bound to give its advisory opinion when a reference is made to it by the President. The Supreme Court can decline to give its opinion. Usually, its opinion is rejected by all courts and tribunals.

Revisory: Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine laws passed by the independent and the executive orders of the Centre and State governments in order to find whether these are in accordance with the Constitution or not. This is called Judicial Review. If an order or a law is found to be contrary to the Constitution, the Supreme Court declares it null and void.

Section – B
Attempt any three questions from this Section

Question 6.
Numerous causes gave rise to the First War of Independence and its consequences led to several changes in the British Government in India. In this context, answer the following:
(a) Explain any three political causes of the Revolt of 1857. [3]
Answer:

Lord Dalhousie’s policy of annexation and the Doctrine of Lapse made the Indian rulers angry and insecure. The prominent states which fell victim to the Doctrine were : Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur.
Lord Canning declared that Bahadur Shah’s successor would not be allowed to use the imperial title, i.e. the ‘King’.
Lord Dalhousie stopped the pension of Nana Saheb.

(b) Briefly explain the immediate cause of the Great Revolt. [3]
Answer:
The immediate cause was the introduction of Enfield rifles. There was a rumour that the cartridges to be used for the rifles were greased with the fat of cows and pigs. This sparked off the Mutiny. On 10th May, 1857 all the three sepoy regiments at Meerut rose in revolt.

(c) State any four changes in the administration of the British Government as a consequence of the Revolt. [4]
Answer:
(i) End of Company’s Rule: The Revolt ended the East India Company’s rule in India and the Indian empire came under the direct control of the British Crown. Queen Victoria became the Empress of India.

(ii) Position of Secretary of State : The Act of 1858 abolished the Company’s Board of Control and the Court of Directors. All their powers were transferred to a Cabinet Minister, known as the Secretary of State. He was to be advised by a Council consisting of 15 members.

(iii) Position of Governor-General : The designation of the Governor-General was changed. He was designated as the Viceroy while representing the British government in England. It was his duty to run the Indian administration on behalf of the Crown. He was under the control of the Secretary of State for India.

(iv) Appointments to the Civil Service : It was decided that appointments to the Civil Service were to be made by open competition under rules made by the Secretary of State in Council.

Question 7.
The Quit India Resolution in 1942 was one of the final calls given by Gandhi for the British to leave India. Moving towards Independence, Lord Mountbatten’s Plan was significant In this context, answer the following:
(a) State two reasons for the launching of the Quit India Movement. [3]
Answer:
(i) Failure of the Cripps Mission: The failure of the Cripps Mission left no meeting ground between the Congress and the government. It was clear from the proposals that the government was not willing to grant independence in the near future. The Indians were also not happy at the proposals of Cripps Mission because proposals contained within them provisions which could divide India into hundreds of independent provinces.

(ii) War Situation: There was every possibility that India might be attacked by Japan and the Indians were helpless because they had no power or means to resist the attack. So, the Indian leaders felt that the situation called for complete independence. Gandhiji also felt that an orderly and peaceful withdrawal of the British could save India from internal anarchy and external aggression.

(b) Give any three effects of the Quit India Movement launched by Gandhi in 1942 that was significant to the last phase of the National Movement ofIndia. [3]
Answer:
(i) It demonstrated the depth of the national feelings: The movement showed the depth of the national will and convinced the Britishers that the days of their domination in India were numbered. People from all parts of India fought together against the Britishers.

(ii) Set back to the Britishers: Now the British officials had realized that the British would not be able to retain their hold on India.

(iii) Parallel Government: A significant feature of the Quit India Movement was the emergence of parallel governments in Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, Midnapur in Bengal and Satara in Maharashtra.

Division of the Country: The country would be divided into two Dominions i.e, India and Pakistan.
The Constituent Assembly: The existing Constituent Assembly would continue to work, but the Constitution framed by it would not be applied to Pakistan. A separate Constituent Assembly would be constituted for those parts which decided in favour of partition.
The Princely States: The Princely States would be free to choose their own option, and treaties signed with them would soon come to an end.
A Boundary Commission: A Boundary Commission would be set up to decide about the boundary disputes.

Question 8.
Study the picture given below and answer the following questions:

(a) Identify the leader given in the picture. [3]
Name the Political party and the Military Organisation that he formed.
Answer:
(a) Subhas Chandra Bose.
Forward Bloc and Indian National Army (INA).

(b) State any three objectives of the Political party that he founded. [3]
Answer:

To develop the economy on socialistic ideas.
Abolition of landlordism i.e., Zamindari System.
A new monetary and credit system.

The basic aim of the INA was to overthrow the British Raj in colonial India.
To establish Provisional Government of Free India.
To take help from Japan Japanese Army and hoist Indian flag on Indian soil by overthrowing the British Raj.
To expand and strengthen Indian Independence league.

Question 9.
With reference to the Two Major World Wars in the 20th century, answer the following questions :
(a) Explain briefly the causes of World War I with reference to Nationalism and Imperialism. [3]
Answer:
(i) Europe divided into Power Blocs : The major European nations were divided into Blocs. Germany, Austrian-Hungary and Italy formed Triple Alliance in 1882 AD and Britain, Russia and France formed Triple Entente in 1907. This also caused tension between their relations.

(ii) Militant Nationalism and Mutual Rivalries: Nationalism in the 19th century had become competitive and aggressive. Love for one’s nation meant hatred towards other nations. The whole atmosphere was charged with narrow militant atmosphere and inter-state rivalries.

(iii) Clash of Imperialist Interests and Colonial Rivalry: There were small wars between France and Italy over occupation of Tunis ; between Britain and Russia over Persia etc. These wars resulted in two blocs in Europe : Britain, France and Russia on one side and Germany, Austria and Turkey on the other.

(b) Explain briefly the territorial rearrangements as a result of World War I. [3]
Answer:
1.

Many small states like Poland, Finland, Latavia etc. were created.
The German territory to the West of Rhine Valley was to be occupied by the Allied Troops for 15 years.
Germany was to return Alsac and Lorane to France.
She was to hand over Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium.
She also had to give Scheleswig to Denmark.
The German city of Danzing was made a free port in the Polish territory.

Britain and France divided and shared the regions of Togo and the Cameroons (South East Africa).
German colonies in East Africa and South-West Africa were shared between England, Belgium, Portugal and South Africa.
Japan was given Shantung and Kiau-Chow in China.
New Zealand was given Samoa Island.

Failure of democracies in Europe and the rise of dictatorships in Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Portugal, etc.
Reaction against the unjust and humiliating Treaty of Versailles.
Aggressive National and Expansionist policy of Italy, Germany, Soviet Russia and Japan.
The armament race and the manufacture of deadly weapons of mass destruction.

Question 10.
With reference to the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies, answer the following :
(a) Mention any three functions of the International Court of Justice. [3]
Answer:
(i) (a) It is composed of 15 judges elected for a 9-year term.
(b) The judges are elected by both Security Council and General Assembly by a majority vote.
(c) To maintain the continuity, one-third of the court i.e. five judges, are elected every three years.
(d) The court elects its President and Vice-President for three years. It also has power to appoint its Registrar.

(ii) (a) To settle disputes between member states by the United Nations in accordance with the International Law.
(b) It can also advise the General Assembly or the Security Council on any legal question.
(c) Other organs or agencies of the UNO may also request the advisory opinion on legal questions.

(b) State the composition of the General Assembly. [3]
Answer:
The General Assembly consists of all the members of the United Nations. Every member state can send a maximum of five representatives to the General Assembly but at the time of voting a state is entitled to cast only one vote. It means that all member states have equal status.

(c) State any two functions of the UNICEF and any two functions of WHO. [4]
Answer:
Functions of UNICEF:
(i) Provision of Food: It helps in providing protective food like milk, meat, fish and fats to the children and pregnant women.

(ii) Health Services: UNICEF provides funds for the training of health and sanitation workers. It supplies medical equipment to rural health-centres. It makes effort to prevent diseases like T.B., malaria etc.

Functions of WHO:
(i) Research Work: The WHO promotes and coordinates research in the field of health by financing research projects in many countries. Its research activities include nutritious food, environmental safety, mental health, control of specific diseases like cancer, heart-attack etc.

(ii) Standardisation of Medicines: It sets international standards with respect to biological and pharmaceutical products. It also provides essential drugs to developing countries.

ICSE 2013 English Language Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 English Language Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2013 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2013 Solved

Question 1.
(Do not spend more than 35 minutes on this question.) [25]
Write a composition (350-400 words) on any one of the following:

(a) Write an original short story that begins with the words: “In the background I could hear an awful commotion, men s voices raised and women screaming. ”
(b) ‘Boarding schools are far better than day schools for the all-round education of a child Express your view either for or against this statement.
(c) You were on a school trip and were on your way back to the hotel late one night when your school bus, full of children, broke down in a lonely area. Describe what you saw and experienced as you looked around. How was the problem solved?
(d) Teaching someone else how to do something can be a rewarding experience. Think ofa skill that you have helped someone to develop. Perhaps you taught someone how to swim or to bake a cake, or helped someone learn how to study more effectively. Narrate the events that made up the process of teaching the skill, and say what made the experience important and memorable for you.
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests

to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Answer:
(a) Make use of the following hints and develop them into a story.
Hints

“In the background I could hear an awful commotion men’s voices raised and women screaming.”
a case of gas leakage in the kitchen
suddenly there was fire in the house
plastic wares and wooden items caught fire
confusion in the house
visibility poor
women started screaming
men cried for help
neighbours rushed for rescue operation
the fire brigade was summoned
no lose of human life
household goods destroyed
police visited the scene and started investigating the case

(b) Make use of the following hints :

Views in favour
- good to send children to boarding schools
- helps in independent thinking and decision-making
- personality development
- a child learns to do things indepen-dently
- a home away from home
Views against
- no good to send children to boarding school
- children feel homesick
- fall in a bad company and go astray
- cases of children giving up their studies and returning home
- not perfectly and completely useful

educational trip to a hill station
children gay and happy
stayed at a city hotel
one day children went for sight scene
on their way back the bus broke down
a lonely area, part of the forest
problems and difficulties all around
the teachers in charge came into action
asked for police help and a van to take the children back to the hotel
a horrible experience

(d) Make use of the following hints :
Hints :

I and my grandmother lived in a small village
grandmother was illiterate
started taking interest in reading and writing
I undertook the task of teaching her
started telling the story of Kashiyatre by Triveni
the grandmother showed interest in the story
grandmother’s resolve to learn to read Kannada
I laboured hard to help her achieving her goal
the grandmother proved to be a good student; she was able to read and write

(e) Make use of the following hints.
Hints :

children’s love for adventure and excursions
the picture suggests children on a picnic tour
a lake nearby a hill station
natural surroundings
elephants available for a ride
children decide to have a ride on the elephant in a lake
the experience proves adventurous and exciting

Question 2.
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.) Select ONE of the following: [10]

(a) You will soon have to make a decision about the subjects that you wish to study in classes XI and XII.
Write a letter to your Grandfather telling him about the subjects that you plan to take up. Be sure to explain the reason for your choice and how you think these subjects would help you in the future.
(b) The children in your neighbourhood are forced to play on the streetfor want of a proper play area. Write a letter to the Editor of a popular newspaper, pointing out the need for a playground in your neighbourhood.
Give reasons why you think a play area is necessary and point out how it would benefit everyone who lives in that area.
Answer:
(а) 1015, Sector 20
Chandigarh
7th April, 20…

My dear Grandfather

You will be glad to know that I have been successful in my class X examination. It is a matter of genuine pride that I have topped the list of successful candidates appearing from the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Now I have a plan to join Commerce group in class XI. I have taken this decision after serious consultation with my teachers and friends. After doing my XII examination I have a mind to join B.com Professional Course. Thereafter my plan is to do Post-graduation in Business Management.

I do hope that you will agree to my plan of action. You are well aware that our country is making rapid progress in all fields of activity especially in the field of business. Many multi-national companies have come to India and set up their offices in most part of the country. There are many job opportunities. It is in the light of this development programme in the country that I have decided to join the Commerce group.

I am quite confident that you will approve of my choice of selecting the.subjects of Commerce group. I would like to hear from you at the earliest. I know my grandfather is an experienced person. Your advice and guidance will be of great value to me.

Pay my deepest regard to dear grandmother.

Yours affectionately
Sushmita

(b) 20, Ashok Nagar
Vikas Margh, New Delhi
15 April, 20 ……

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject: Need for a playground Sir

I shall be very grateful to you if you kindly publish my views on the need of providing a playground in our area in the columns of your prestigious newspaper.

The residence of Ashok Nagar area have no public parks and a playground. The children are forced to play on the street. The result is that it causes inconvenience to the residence of this area. Often there are quarrels and disputes of petty issues. The parents of children strongly support their children playing in the street while others object to their playing in the street.

Their argument is that children break the windowpane of their houses and sometime cause injuries to the passers-by. It has become a serious problem for this area. The only solution lies in providing a playground in our neighbourhood. It would be a boon to the residence of this area.

I am quite confident that the views published in your esteemed newspaper will give wide publicity to our demand and the authorities will consider the proposal seriously.

Thanking you
Yours truly
Sandeep

Question 3.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

There were other boys in Manjari village, but Bisnu was the only one who went to school. His mother would not have fussed if he had stayed at home and worked in the fields. That was what the other boys did; all except lazy Chittru, who preferred fishing in the stream or helping himself to the fruit off other people’s trees.

But Bisnu went to school. He went because he wanted to. No one could force him to go; and no one could stop him from going. He had set his heart on receiving a good schooling. He wanted to read and write as well as anyone in the big world and so he walked to school every day.

A colony of langoors lived in the forest. They fed on oak leaves, acoms, and other green things, and usually remained in the trees, coming down to the ground only to play or sun themselves. They were beautiful, supple-limbed animals, with black faces and silver-grey coats and long, sensitive to tails. They leapt from tree to tree with great agility. The young ones wrestled on the grass like boys.

A dignified community, the langoors did not have the cheeki-ness or dishonest habits of the red monkeys of the plains; they did not approach dogs or humans. But they had grown used to Bisnu’s comings and goings and did not fear him. Some of the older ones would watch him quietly, a little puzzled. They did not go near the town; because the boys threw stones at them. And anyway, the forest gave them all the food they required. Coming from another direction was a second path, and at the junction of the two paths Sarru was waiting for him. Sairu came from a small village about three milesi from Bisnu’s and closer to the town.

They hailed each other, and walked along. They often met at this spot, keeping each other company for the remaining two miles.

‘There was a panther in our village last night,’ said Sarru. This information interested but did not excite Bisnu. Panthers were common enough in the hills and did not usually present a problem except during the winter months, when their natural prey was scarce.

‘Did you lose any animals?’ asked Bisnu.
‘No. It tried to get into the cowshed but the dogs set up the alarm. We drove it off.’
‘It must be the same one which came around last winter. We lost a calf and two dogs in our village. ’
‘Wasn’t that the one the shikaris wounded? I hope it hasn’t become a cattle-lifter.’
‘It could be the same. It has a bullet in its leg. These hunters are the people who cause all the trouble. They think it’s easy to shoot a panther. It would be better if they missed altogether, but they usually wound it.’
‘And then the panther’s too slow to catch the barking-deer and starts on our own animals’.
‘We’re lucky it didn’t become a man-eater. Do you remember the man-eater six years ago? I was very small then. My father told me all about it. Ten people were killed in our valley alone.’
‘What happened to it?’
‘I don’t know. Some say it poisoned itself when it ate the headman of the village.’
Bisnu laughed. No one liked that old villain. They linked arms and scrambled up the stony path to school.

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. [3]
One word answers or short phrases will be accepted.

agility (line 20)
hailed (line 36)
villain (line 67)

Answer:

moving quickly and easily
greeted
a wicked person

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.

(i) How was Chittru different from other boys? [2]
(ii) What was Bisnu s ambition? [2]
(iii) What information did Sarru give Bisnu? [2]
(iv) How did the information affect Bisnu? [2]
(v) Why did the panther become a cattle-lifter? [2]
(vi) What joke does Sarru make? [2]
Answer:
(i) Chittru was different from other boys. He was lazy. He preferred fishing in the stream or plucking fruit from other people’s trees.

(ii) Bisnu was ambitious. He wanted to become something in life. Therefore he went to his school regularly. He was unlike the children of his village.

(iii) Sarru came from a small village. Sarru and Bisnu often met at particular spot while going to school. Sarru informed Bisnu that a panther was seen in his village last night.

(iv) The information about the panther interested Bisnu but did not excite him. It was so because panthers were very common enough in the hills. So they did not present a problem.

(v) Panthers do not find a prey in winter season. Therefore they become cattle lifters.

(vi) Sarru told Bisnu that his father once narrated the incident of ten people being killed in the valley by these panthers. Some people say that a panther ate the headman of the village. Bisnu laughed at this joke.

(c) (i) In not more than 60 words describe what the narrator tells us about the behaviour of the langoors. [8]
(ii) Give a title to your summary in 3 (c). Give a reason to’justify your choice. [2]
Answer:
(i) There was a colony of langoors in the forest. They lived on trees and fed on oak leaves, a corns and other green things. Sometimes they would come down to the ground only to play in the sun. They looked beautiful with their black faces, silver grey coats and long sensitive tails. They were very quick in moving from tree to tree. They often wrestled on the grass like young boys. They did not harm human beings.

(ii) The Colony of Langoors. This title is apt, suitable and suggestive.

Example:
(0) A woman ____________ (wait) at an airport one night, with several long hours before her flight.
Answer: was waiting.

She (1) _________ (hunt) for a book in the airport shops, (2) _________ (buy) a bag of cookies and found a place to sit. She (3) _________ (engross) in her book but happened to see that the man sitting beside her, bold as could be, grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between, which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene. So she (4) _________ (munch) the cookies and watched the clock, as the gutsy thief diminished her stock. She (5) _________ (get) more irritated as the minutes ticked by, thinking, “If I wasn’t so nice, (6) _________ (black) his eye. “With each cookie she took, he took one too. When only one was left, she wondered what he would do. With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh, he (7) _________ (take) the last cookie and broke it in half He offered her half, as he ate the other. She had never known she could be so angry and turned to gather her belongings. As she reached for her baggage, she gasped with surprise, there was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes. If mine are here, she moaned
in despair, the others were his, and he (8) _________ (try) to share.
Answer:
1. hunted
2. bought
3. was engrossed
4. munched
5. got
6. had blackened
7. took
8. tried

(b) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word: [4]

She takes a lot of trouble _________ her work.
Our English friends have taken _________ Indian food quite quickly.
He got an A+ _________ the Mathematics test.
He jumped _________ the river to save his friend from drowning.
Always be prepared _________ a surprise test.
She hid _________ the cupboard and gave everyone a fright.
She is fond _________ pets.
The brothers quarrelled _________ themselves for their father s property.

Answer:

for
to
in
into
for
in
of
with

(i) We had better get ready now. We may not have time to reach the airport.
Answer:
We had better get ready now because we may not have time to reach the airport.

(ii) Mr. Liew has been sick. He has been so since he came back from Japan.
Answer:
Mr. Liew has been sick after he came back from Japan.

(iii) The debating teams were very happy. Both were declared joint-champions.
Answer:
The debating teams were very happy as they were declared joint-champions.

(iv) He escaped from the prison. He looked for a place where he could hide.
Answer:
After he escaped from the prison, he looked for a place where he could hide.

(d) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence. [8]

(i) These windows need cleaning again.
(Begin : These windows will ………………)
Answer:
(i) These windows will be cleaned again.

(ii) My mother said I could go with you only if I returned home by five o’clock.
(Use: as long as)
Answer:
My mother said, “As long as I did not return home by five o’clock, you could go with me.”

(iii) It doesn’t matter which chemical you put into the mixture first, the results will be the same.
(Use: difference)
Answer:
There will be no difference whichever the chemical you put into the mixture first.

(iv) Who does this pen belong to?
(Begin : Do you know …………….)
Answer:
Do you know to whom this pen belongs to ?

(v) Heavy rain has caused the cancellation of the outdoor garden party.
(Begin : Due ……………..)
Answer:
Due to heavy rain the garden party was cancelled.

(vi) I’ve never seen so many people in this building before.
(Begin : This is ……………….)
Answer:
This is the first occasion I have seen so many people in this building.

(vii) If we light the fire, the rescuers will see us.
(Begin : We will…………….)
Answer:
We will be spotted by the rescuers, if we light the fire.

(viii) Only a few books were remaining on the shelf when we left.
(Begin : Most……………..)
Answer:
Most of the books had disappeared on the shelf when we left.

ICSE 2012 English Language Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 English Language Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2012 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2012 Solved

Question 1.
(Do not spend more than 35 minutes on this question.) [25]
Write a composition (350 – 400 words) on any one of the
following:
(a) Write an original short story that begins with the words: It wasn’t going to be easy she knew….. but somehow she had to confront him. She took a deep breath, and walked into the room.
(b) “Money causes more harm than good. ” Express your view either for or against this statement.
(c) People play a very important role in our lives. Describe in vivid detail, any one person and show how he/she has been a very special influence in your life.
(d) Modes of Communication are continually changing. What are some of these changes? Say which one change you like best and why?
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Answers:

(a) It wasn’t going to be easy she knew but somehow she had to confront him. She took a deep breath, and walked into the room. Her boss was in a very angry mood. No sooner did she take her seat than he showered a volley of questions on her. “Where had you been these two days? Why didn’t you inform the office where you were ? Why didn’t you send even a message ?” She remained silent, trying to think of the words in which she should explain her predicament. When her boss calmed down a little, she took courage to open her mouth. She told her boss very politely that she had gone, with her mother to Chandigarh and she intended to return the next morning, but her mother had a stroke early that morning. She was taken to the P. G. I. The doctors said that it was a massive heart attack and she was to be kept in I. C. U.

She was so upset that she could not decide what to do. She informed her father who was away to Mumbai. The doctors said that her mother was to be operated and that very day she must deposit rupee one lakh. She was utterly non-plused. From where was she to bring the money ? Her father, who was to arrange the money was not likely to arrive in one day. In the meantime the nurses were asking her to bring one medicine or another. She was running literally from the medicine counter to the I. C. U. After twenty hours the doctors declared that her mother was out of danger. Yesterday, her father, too, had arrived. Her mother was still in P. G. I. Giving this information in one breath she looked at the face of her boss. She heaved a sigh of relief when she observed that her boss seemed to be convinced. She finally added that she had been so busy and upset that she could not attend the office.

(b) Some persons erroneously think that money is the root cause of all evils and it causes more harm than good, but I do not agree with it. I strongly believe that it is money which makes the mare go. In the absence of money all our plans come to a standstill. Not to speak of meeting the basic needs of life like food, clothing and shelter, can we think of getting our children admitted in good schools in the absence of money ? Is it possible to bring up the family, to educate the children, to give them the facilities of life, to entertain them without money ? Certainly not. Moreover who amongst us is without aspirations ? Can we think of the fulfilment of our aspirations if we have no money. Man has four objectives in life, namely to taste the pleasures of senses i.e. to enjoy the comforts of life, to earn money and fame, to do acts of charity and finally to get liberation. The fulfilment of all these depends on money, so money is all important.

Money, in fact is the be all and end all of life. It is the means of material progress. Even mental and spiritual advancement can’t be thought of in the absence of money. All the good things of life can be achieved only through money. It is wrong to think that money in any way causes harm to anyone. It does not cause harm, it is only the misuse of money which causes harm. It is said that excess of money drags one into all sorts of evils which bring ruin to oneself and one’s family. But we must remember that money should be used in a sensible way. If money is judiciously spent and shared with others it can bring prosperity in life. It can make our life comfortable and happy.

(c) Man is a social animal. He cannot live without society. Instinctively, he is attracted towards others and wherever he finds someone who leaves an undeliable impression on his mind, he likes to imitate him. In fact the desire to imitate is instinctive. Little girls, observing their mothers, like to bathe, dress and comb their baby dolls and little boys like to imitate their elders in their dress, their manner of walking and their style of talking. When they grow up, they make the person who impresses them their role model and try to be like him or her.

I am highly impressed by my uncle, Dr. Pawan Sharma. He is a doctor by profession but I appreciate him as a man. Of all the persons in the family, he is the only person who has left an undeliable impression on me.

My uncle is a man of strong will power and firm determination. In his boyhood he saw a poor sick man, the head of a family, suffering from tuberculosis and dying by inches because he could not afford to get treatment in a hospital. After his death, poverty drove the whole family to ruin. My uncle resolved that he would become a doctor and give free treatment to those sick persons who can’t afford to take costly treatment in big hospitals. Once he had determined no obstacle could stand in his way. Shortage of funds was one problem but my uncle worked hard and won a scholarship.

He passed the examinations with distinction and became a doctor. Once he became a doctor he did not forget his aim in life. He opened his clinic and started his practice. Offers came to him to work in big hospitals but he declined. He fiimly believes that the service of the suffering humanity is the service of God.
I have observed him very closely and never have I seen him swerving from his duty. He is sincere to his patients, to his friends and all around him.
I too have a desire to be like him, sincere, strong and firm.

(d) Communication is the process of meaningful interaction among human beings. More specifically, it is the process by which meanings are perceived and understanding is reached among human beings. Modes of communication refer to vehicles or channels through which communication is delivered. Numerous communication modes are used when we want to convey something, for example face to face conversation, telephones, email, fax, etc. Ever since human beings started communicating, the modes of communication have ever been changing.

The most common mode is face to face communication. It may be between two persons or between two groups. It may also assume the form of a speech or address by one person to the audience.

A substitute for face to face communication is teleconferencing. It is used when two persons are hundreds of miles away from each other. Through teleconferencing, they can hear and see and talk to each other.

Another mode of communication is telephone. It is the most frequently used means of oral communication. Most of the urgent matters are dealt on phone these days. Through audio conferencing group communication is also possible.

Another mode of communication is Paging system. Under this system the sender dials the Pager Number and conveys the message through human voice. The Paging Service provider forwards the message that gets printed on the pager of the Pager holder. Thus the message is received without actual dialogue.

The most important mode of communication is mobile phone. Mobile phones provide an edge over fixed telephony. The person holding mobile can be contacted at anytime, anywhere. Because of the advantages of this mode of communication, mobile phones are becoming more and more popular.
Apart from these modes of oral communication, there are also modes of written communication like FAX and E-mail.
Undoubtedly the best mode of communication is mobile phone. The possessor of mobile phone can talk and transact even while driving a car or a motorbike. Moreover it is very handy and convenient. It also provides Internet access anytime. No wonder it has found a place in every heart and every pocket.

(e) India is the land of festivals. Not a month goes by when one or the other festival does not fall. They speak of traditions and culture of the country. One such festival is ‘Lohri.’ It is celebrated in north India especially in Punjab. It falls on the thirteenth of January every year when it is extremely cold. Children are very happy. They move in groups from one house to another singing songs of ‘Lohri’ and asking for money and gifts. They are given groundnuts, ‘rewaris’ and especially, popcorns. Shops are decorated and furnaces are set to roast popcorns. The picture too shows a young girl roasting corns. She has packed them and they are ready for sale.

At night people get together and make bon-fire. They worship the god of fire and offer him groundnuts, ‘rewaris’ and pop-corns. Some families celebrate it on a very large scale. They hold feasts and invite their friends and relatives. They also give very costly gifts to their newly married daughters. They wish their friends and relatives ‘Happy Lohri’. Like all big festivals it is the festival of enjoyment and fellow feeling. It brings together people of all communities.

Question 2.
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
Select ONE of the following: [10]
(а) Many areas near your school have been affected by floods. You are President of your school social service club. Write a letter to the Mayor of your town/city telling him/her what you plan to do for the relief of the victims, suggest ways in which you can combine with other organisations to bring about better distribution of relief items.
(b) You were taken by your school to visit a place of historical interest. Write a letter to your classmate who was unable to go on the trip telling him/her about the trip, why it was important and what you gained from the experience.
Answer:
(a) 27, Lajpat Nagar
Amritsar
The Mayor
Municipal Corporation Amritsar

Sub : The problems of the Flood Victims Sir

As is known to every resident of Amritsar, the recent floods have caused indescribable harm to the people especially those living in rural areas. It is encouraging that many welfare organisations are coming forward to help the victims of floods. Many areas near our school have also been affected. As a result of it our school has been closed. As president of the school social service club. I feel that the relief items that people contribute are not evenly distributed to all the victims. If the relief work is done with proper planning and some volunteers from the school are also taken, we can expedite the relief work. The people who are affected by the floods are leading a very miserable life and they need individual attention. Myself and some of my friends are ready to work day and night for it.

Yours faithfully
Suman

(b) 36, Model Town Ludhiana
My dear Sunil
You will be glad to know that we have come back from the tour to Agra. It was indeed a very enjoyable and educative trip. I wish you had been with us.

As planned we started from Delhi at 9 a.m. and reached hotel Sartaj at 11.30 a.m. where we had scheduled to take our breakfast. In the beautiful spacious lawn, where tables were especially laid for us, we had our breakfast and started the journey again.

In half an hour we reached Agra and went straight to see the Taj. I had read a lot about its matchless beauty but all descriptions paled into insignificance when I actually saw it. Its beauty and splendour is indescribable. It stands on the right bank of river Jamuna. It is built of snow- white transparent marble. It is an immortal momment of love — a dream in marble.

The guide we had taken, was very helpful. He showed us the tombs where the king and the queen lie buried side by side. The walls of the ceiling of the tomb are inlaid with precious stones.
Dear Sunil, had you been with us, we would have enjoyed much more. I feel, I have learnt many facts of history from this trip. More when we meet.

Yours sincerely
Raman

Question 3.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the ques-tions that follow:

It was a dull autumn day and Jill Pole was crying behind the gym.

She was crying because they had been bullying her. This is not going to be a school story, so I shall say as little as possi-ble about Jill’s school, which is not a pleasant subject. It was Co-educational, a school for both boys and girls, what used to be called a “mixed” school; some said it was not nearly so mixed as the minds of the people who ran it. These people had the idea that boys and girls should be allowed to do what they liked. And unfortunately what ten or fifteen of the biggest boys and girls liked best was bullying the others.

All sorts of things, horrid things, went on which at an ordinary school would have been found out and stopped in half a term, but at this school they weren’t. Or even if they were, the people who did them were not expelled or punished. The Head said they were interesting psychological cases and sent for them and talked to them for hours. And if you knew the right sort of things to say to the Head, the main result was that you became rather a favourite than otherwise.

That was why Jill Pole was crying on that dull autumn day on the damp little path which runs between the back of the gym and the shrubbery. And she hadn’t nearly finished her cry when a boy came round the comer of the gym whistling, with his hands in his pockets. He nearly ran into her.
“Can’t you look where you’re going?” said Jill Pole.

“All right,” said the boy, “you needn’t start—” and then he noticed her face, “I say, Jill,” he said, “what’s up?”
Jill only made faces; the sort you make when you’re trying to say something but find that if you speak you’ll start crying again. “It’s Them, I suppose — as usual,” said the boy grimly, digging his hands further into his pockets. Jill nodded. There was no need for her to say anything, even if she could have said it. They both knew.

“Now, look here,” said the boy, “its no use..”
He meant well, but he did talk rather like someone beginning a lecture. Jill suddenly flew into a temper (which is quite a likely thing to happen if you have been interrupted in a cry). “Oh, go away and mind you own business,” she said. “Nobody asked you to come barging in. did they? And you’re a nice person to start telling us what we all ought to do, aren’t you? I suppose you mean we ought to spend all our time sucking up to Them, and currying favour, and dancing attendance on Them like you do.”

“Oh, Lord!” said the boy, sitting down on the grassy bank at the edge of the shrubbery and very quickly getting up again because the grass was soaking wet. His name unfortunately was Eustace Scmbb, but he wasn’t a bad sort.
“Jill!” he said. “Is that fair?”

“I d-don’t know and I don’t care,” sobbed Jill.
Eustace saw that she wasn’t quite herself yet and very sensibly offered her a peppermint. He had one too. Presently Jill began to see things in a clearer light.
“I’m sorry, Eustace,” she said presently.

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. One word answers or short phrases will be accepted. .
(i) bullying (line 3)
(ii) expelled (line 17)
(iii) barging in (line 47) [3]

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(i) Why was Jill crying ? [2]
(ii) Why do you think she was crying behind the gym? [2]
(iii) Who is the ‘Them ’referred to in line 24? [2]
(iv) Why did Jill fly into a temper ? [2]
(v) Which sentences tell us that both Jill and Eustace Scrubb had suffered similarly? [2]
(vi) When did Jill begin to see things differently? [2]

(c) (i) What kind of school did the children go to? Write
your answer in not more than 60 words. [8]
(ii) Give a title to your summary in 3 (c). Give a reason to justify your choice. [2]
Answers :
(a) (i) intimidating weaker persons
(ii) to force someone to leave the school
(iii) burst into someone rudely, awkwardly

(b) (i) Jill was crying because senior students had been bullying her.
(ii) She was crying behind the gym because it was a lonely place where she was not observed and mocked at by others.
(iii) The word ‘Them’ refers to senior students who move in groups and bully others.
(iv) Jill flew into temper because she was interrupted in a cry.
(v) The following sentences tell us that both Eustace Scrubb and Jill, had suffered similarly, z. “Its them I suppose as usual.” ii. “Now look here” said the boy, “Its no use ……”
(vi) Jill began to see things differently when Eustace Scrubb offered her peppermint.

(c) (i) The children attended a co-educational school or a mixed school. Here the administrators felt that the boys and girls should be allowed to do what they liked. Groups of the biggest boys and girls liked to bully others. All sorts of horrid things went on here. The students who indulged in such things were neither punished nor expelled. Even the head of the school approved of their actions.

(ii) “Maltreatment of younger students by the Bigger ones” (3.c) Since the passage is about an incident of bullying of junior students by senior students the title is appropriate.

Question 4.
(a) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
Example :
(0) My guide _______ (tell) me if I wanted to meet these people I would have to walk two miles.
Answer: told.
We finally (1) ____ (reach) a village where I (2) ____ (meet) a lady whose age I (3) ___ (can) not immediately make out. My translator (4) ____ (find) it difficult to interpret the lady’s words because her dialect was quite different. She (5) ____ (is) a dark-skinned and dark-haired lady. She must have been around seventy years old but there was no grey in her hair. She obviously could not afford to dye her hair. So what was her secret? Nobody (6) ____ (know). It must have been a ‘secret ’ common to allfor not one person in that whole village (7) ____ (has) a trace of grey hair! I (8) ___ (think) about it for a long time. [4]

(b) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word:
(i) He was touched ___ pity when he heard the tale.
(ii) There is always a demand ___ good tailors.
(iii) The mother prevented her child ____ going out in the rain.
(iv) The baby crawled ___ the table and hid there.
(v) Once upon a time the great King ruled ___ all these villages and towns.
(vi) She is the smarter ____ the two.
(vii) Sheila insists ____ wearing that dress, although her mother thinks it is too short for her.
(viii) The teacher complained _____ him when she met his mother in the market. [4]

(c) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so.
(i) He lived in the city for many years. He could notfind his way about.
(ii) She complained that her brother did not know anything. Her brother claimed he knew everything.
(iii) The coffee isn’t strong. It won’t keep us awake.
(iv) I finished my homework. I switched on the TV. [4]

(d) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence.
(i) My mother left a month ago.
(Begin : It has ………)
(ii) Anil was wrong to lose his temper.
(Begin : Anil ought ……)
(iii) As soon as the Chief Guest had seated himself the play began.
(Begin : No sooner )
(iv) Rajiv said to Aijun, “Is this the book you were reading yesterday?”
(Begin : Rajiv asked Arjun if…….)
(v) Only a foolish person would be taken in by this trick.
(Begin : None ……)
(vi) Everybody has heard of Gandhiji.
(Begin : Who …..)
(vii) He will issue the cheque only when he hears from the head office.
(Begin : On …….)
(viii) Father will send you a message if his flight is cancelled.
(Begin : Should……..) [8]
Answers :
(a) (1) reached
(2) met
(3) could
(4) found
(5) was
(6) knew
(7) had
(8) thought

(b) (i) with
(ii) for
(iii) from
(iv) under
(v) over
(vi) of
(vii) on
(viii) against

(c) (i) Despite having lived in the city for many years he could not find his way out.
(ii) Contrary to his claim that he knew everything she complained that her brother did not know anything.
(iii) The coffee, not being strong, won’t keep us awake.
(iv) Having finished my work, I switched on the T.V.

(d) (i) It has been one month since my mother left.
(ii) Anil ought not have lost his temper.
(iii) No sooner did the chief guest take his seat than the play began.
(iv) Rajiv asked Aijun if that was the book he had been reading the previous day.
(v) None but a fool would be taken in by this trick.
(vi) Who has not heard of Gandhiji ?
(vii) On hearing from the head office the cheque will be issued by him.
(viii) Should his flight be cancelled, father will send you a message.

ICSE 2016 History and Civics Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2016 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2016 Solved

[Part – I (30 Marks)]
Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1.
(a) What is meant by ‘Residuary Powers ’ of the Parliament? [1]
Answer:
Matters which are not included in the division of powers are known as residuary powers.

(b) What is the normal term of office of the Lok Sabha ? [ 1]
Answer:
Five years.

(c) State any one subject wherein the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha enjoy co-equal powers in legislation of laws. [1]
Answer:
In the election of the President and the Vice-President.

(d) Who presides over the meeting of the Rajya Sabha in the absence of the Vice-President of India ? [ 1 ]
Answer:
Deputy Chairman.

(e) By whom and on whose advice are the Council of Ministers appointed ? [1]
Answer:
The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

(f) Name the official procedure by which the President can be removed. [1]
Answer:
The President can be removed from his office for violation of the Constitution by Impeachment.

(g) Mention any one important occasion when the President addresses a Joint Session of Parliament. [ 1 ]
Answer:
Both the Houses of Parliament are jointly addressed by the President on the first session after the General Elections. The President in this session expounds government’s internal and external policies.

(h) Name the highest Civil Court in a District. [ 1 ]
Answer:
The District Judge’s court is the highest civil court of a district.

(i) What is meant by the term ‘Judicial Review’of the High court ? [1]
Answer:
The High Court exercises the power of Judicial Review to judge the validity of a State law or the Central law.

(j) What is meant by ‘Lok Adalat ’? [ 1 ]
Answer:
A Lok Adalat means “People’s Court”. It encourages the settlement of disputes through compromise between two parties.

Question 2.
(a) What impact did the uprising of 1857 have on the Mughal Rule ? [2]
Answer:
The Mughal empire which had lost its prestige was completely wiped out. Last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was tried for treason and exiled to Burma.

(b) Name the Presidents who presided over the first two Sessions of the Indian National Congress. [2]
Answer:
(b) 1st session was presided by W.C. Bannerjee.
2nd session was presided by Dadabhai Naoroji.

(c) State two reasons given by Lord Curzon to justify the Partition of Bengal. [2]
Answer:
(i) The government regarded the size of province of Bengal to be too large to be administered by a single Provincial Government. So, it wanted to relieve the government of Bengal of a part of the administrative burden and ensure more efficient administration in the outlying districts.

(ii) The government desired to promote the development of backward Assam (ruled by a Chief Commissioner) by enlarging its jurisdiction so as to provide it with an outlet to the sea.

(d) Name the famous Pad that demonstrated the unity between the Congress and the Muslim League. When was it signed ? [2]
Answer:
Lucknow Pact, 1916.

(e) Why was the Congress session held at Lahore in 1929 significant to the National Movement? [2]
Answer:

The resolution for complete Independence was passed.
It was also decided that 26th January would be observed as the Independence Day all over the country every year.

(f) Mention any two contributions of the INA to the National Movement. [2]
Answer:
(i) INA and Subhas Chandra Bose : Subhas Chandra Bose officially took charge of the Indian National Army in 1943. The soldiers of the INA fought valiantly along with the Japanese forces and reached upto Imphal and Manipur.
On October 21, 1943 Subhas Chandra announced the formation of the Provisional Government of free India and declared war against the allies. Andaman and Nicobar Islands were handed over to the INA by Japan. ‘Delhi Chalo’ and ‘ Jai Hind’ became the battle cry of the INA.

(ii) INA’s victories in South-East Asia: It was the IN A which hoisted Tri-colour flag for the first time on the liberated Indian soil on March 19, 1944. The INA along with Japanese forces continued to hold Burma for almost a year.

(g) Why was Mountbatten’s Plan finally accepted by the Congress ? [2]
Answer:
1. Non-Cooperative attitude of the League: The League had joined the Congress to obstruct the working of the Congress and not to cooperate with it.

2. Communal Riots : The large scale communal riots that engulfed the whole country convinced all that the only solution to the communal problem lay in the partition of India. These riots were the outcome of “Direct Action Day” by the League.

3. To get rid of undemocratic Procedures: The leaders felt that constitution of separate electorate and other undemocratic procedures would weaken the democracy. So to get rid of these, partition was a must.

4. Immediate end of the British rule: All the people and leaders were so fed up with the British rule that they wanted to get rid of their rule immediately and were ready to pay any price. Hence, partition was a price for immediate independence.

(h) What made Japan surrender to the Allies in August 1945? [2]
Answer:
Japan conquered Thailand, Malaya, Burma and Philippines and was still fighting against America in the Pacific. Inspite of many warnings Japan refused to surrender. To show its supremacy, America dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima on 6th August 1945, and another on 9th August on Nagasaki within a few seconds, 80,000 lives were lost and 70,000 were seriously wounded. Japanese lost all hopes of winning the war and officially surrendered on 15th August. All territories acquired or seized by Japan since 1895 were taken away.

(i) ate the fullforms of the following agencies of the United Nations: [2]
UNICEF and UNESCO.
Answer:
UNICEF: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
UNESCO: United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

(j) Give any two examples of Human Rights violations. [2]
Answer:

The policy of apartheid in South Africa under which the black were ill-treated.
Ideology of Talibans in Afghanistan.

Part – II (50 MARKS)|
Section-A
(Attempt any two questions from this Section)

Question 3.
With reference to the Union Legislature, answer the following questions:
(a) How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? State two Disciplinary Functions of the Speaker. [3]
Answer:
After General Elections, when a new Lok Sabha is constituted, the Speaker is elected by the members of the Sabha in their first meeting. The Speaker is mostly elected unanimously. The leader of the majority party, after consulting the leaders of opposition, proposes the name of the candidate for the office of Speaker. The leader of opposition seconds the name so proposed. The election to the office of the Speaker takes place only when the majority party and other parties disagree over the issue. Sh. G.V. Mavlankar was the first Speaker of the first Lok Sabha.

Disciplinary Functions:

The speaker maintains order in the house. He may name a member for suspension for a specified period, if he disregards the authority of the Chair. In case of grave disorder, he may adjourn the House.
If a word or words used in the debate are indecent or unparliamentary, he may remove such words from the proceedings of the House.
The Speaker decides whether there is a Prima facie case regarding breach of privilege or contempt of the House.
Under the Anti-Defection Act of 1985, the Speaker is vested with the power relating to the disqualification of a member of the Lok Sabha who is debarred from holding any public office till elected again.

(A) Explain two conditions under which a member of Parliament can be disqualified under the Anti-Defection Law. [3]
Answer:
Anti Defection Law:

If he voluntarily relinquishes his membership of such political party or votes or abstains from voting in the House contrary to the directions of the party.
An independent member of Parliament or a State Legislature will be disqualified if he joins any political party after his elections.

(c) Give reasons to justify why the Lok Sabha is considered to be more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. [4]
Answer:
The Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. This is because :
1. Introduction of Bill : No money bill can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. When the money bill is sent to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot reject it. It can give its suggestions within 14 days. If it does not send the bill within 14 days, the Bill is deemed to have been passed.

2. Joint Sitting : If there is deadlock between the two Houses, the President calls a joint sitting of the two Houses. As the members of the Lok Sabha are almost double than that of the Rajya Sabha, in the joint sitting the will of the Lok Sabha prevails.

Question 4.
The President of India is the Constitutional Head of the Indian Republic. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) How is the President elected ? [3]
Answer:
(a) The President is elected indirectly through an electoral college. Ordinary citizens play no part in this election.

Electoral College
The joint body of elected M.Ps and M.L.As (i.e., elected members of both the Houses of the Parliament and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States) which elects the President, is known as the Electoral College. It is a temporary body which is dissolved immediately after the election of the President is over. Nominated M.Ps and nominated M.L.As have no hand in electing the President. The name of a Presidential candidate must be proposed by 50 members and seconded by another 50 members of the Electoral College.

(b) Mention three types of Emergencies that the President is empowered to proclaim. [3]
Answer:
(b) The President possesses three types of Emergency Powers e.g.,
(a) National Emergency caused by war, external aggression or armed rebellion inside the country. (Article – 352);
(b) Constitutional Emergency caused by the break down of the constitutional machinery in a State (Article – 356); and
(c) Financial Emergency caused by a threat to financial stability of India (Article – 360).

(c) Explain briefly any four ‘Executive Powers’ of the President. [4]
Answer:
The Constitution lays down that “the Executive powers of the Union shall be vested in the President”. His executive powers extend to all the subjects on which the Parliament can make laws. It includes the following :
(i) Administrative Head : The administration of the country runs in his name. All orders are issued in his name. All officials are his subordinates. He is the head of the Union administration.

(ii) Appoints and dismisses the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers: He appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister and on his advice, he appoints other ministers in the Council of Ministers and distribute their portfolios. The Prime Minister and the Ministers submit their resignation to him, if required.

(iii) Appoints and dismisses High Officials: The President appoints and removes dignitaries like the Attorney General of India, the Comptroller and the Auditor General of India, the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts, the State Governors, the Ambassadors and the High Commissioners. He also appoints the Chairman.and members of the Union Public Service Commission, Planning Commission, Finance Commission, and the Election Commission of India.

(iv) Controls State Governments : The President has the power to issue such directions to the State Governments as he may think necessary from time to time. During an emergency on account of failure of Constitutional machinery in a State, the control of the President upon that State is complete through the Governor, who is appointed by the President, and to whom he is responsible.

(v) Power to Administer Union Territories: Every Union Territory in India is under the President and it is administered by him. He exercises this power through an administrator, appointed by him.

Question 5.
The Supreme Court has an extensive jurisdiction. In the
light of this statement, answer the following questions:
(a) What are the qualifications of the Judges of the Supreme Court ? [3]
Answer:
A Judge of the Supreme Court must be a citizen of India, and have the following other qualifications :

Must have been a Judge of one or more High Courts for five consecutive years, or
Be an advocate of one or more High Courts for ten consecutive years, or
Be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.

(b) (i) Explain the composition of the Supreme Court.
(ii) How are the Judges of the Supreme Court appointed? [3]
Answer:
(i) At the commencement of the Constitution, there were eight Judges, including the Chief Justice, in the Supreme Court. The Parliament can increase or decrease the number of judges as and when required. In accordance with the Act of 2008, the Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India and not more than thirty other judges. A Constitutional Bench of seven Judges is required to determine the Constitutional validity of laws of the Centre or the States. For every other cause, appeal or matter, the bench consists of not less than three Judges.

(ii) Every judge of the Supreme Court is appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice and such other Judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts as he may deem necessary for this purpose’.

(c) Explain the cases in which the Supreme Court enjoys
Original Jurisdiction. [4]
Answer:
Original jurisdiction means the authority and power of the Supreme Court to hear a case in the first instance directly. The original and exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court extends to the following cases :
1. Interpretation of the Constitution in case of a dispute between the Union Government and one or more States.

2. Interpretation of the Constitution in case of dispute between two or more States interests, relating to some justiciable right.

3. The Supreme Court has the exclusive j urisdiction to determine the Constitutional Validity of the Union laws. Such cases are debated by a majority of the full Constitutional Bench of seven Judges.

4. The Supreme Court has a special jurisdiction and responsibility for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
It can issue writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo-warranto and Certiorari for
this and other purposes. As such a citizen can resort directly for such relief to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of his Fundamental Rights, without first resorting to a High Court.

5. The Supreme Court has also the exclusive and original jurisdiction to inquire into and decide all doubts and disputes in connection with the election of the President and Vice-President of India.

Section – B
(Attempt any three questions from this Section)

Question 6.
Explain the Causes of the Great Revolt of 1857, with
reference to the following:
(a) Any three Political Causes. [3]
Answer:

Lord Dalhousie’s policy of annexation and the Doctrine of Lapse made the Indian rulers angry and insecure. The prominent states which fell victim to the Doctrine were Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur.
Lord Canning declared that Bahadur Shah’s successor would not be allowed to use the imperial title, i.e., the ‘King’.
Lord Dalhousie stopped the pension of Nana Saheb.
The kingdom of Oudh was annexed in 1856 on the ground that it was not being managed well.

(b) Any three Military Causes. [3]
Answer:

The Indian soldiers were given low salaries.
The Indian soldiers could not rise to a rank higher than that of a Subedar.
The Indian soldiers were considered inferior and were ill-treated.
The General Service Enlistment Act 1856 provided that all recruits to the Bengal Army should be ready for service anywhere. This Act caused great alarm in the minds of the Hindu soldiers, as to travel across the sea was forbidden as per Hindu religious beliefs.
The affair of greased cartridges forced the soldiers to revolt against the Britishers.

An Act was passed in 1720 which prohibited the use of Indian silk and calicoes in England. This was done to reduce the popularity of Indian textile products in England.
Heavy duties on Indian products were imposed whereas British products were imported without any duties.
The Industrial Revolution gave a final blow to the Indian industries which were mostly cottage industries.
The trade and commerce of the country were monopolized by the East India Company.

Question 7.
Through various National Movements, Gandhiji mobilised public support to win freedom for India. In this context, state the following:
(a) Any three causes for Gandhi to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement. [3]
Answer:
(i) Failure of Montague-Chelmsford Reforms: The Congress considered “the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms to be inadequate, unsatisfactory and disappointing”. Even whatever reforms were introduced, they failed to have any impact on the administration.

(ii) The Rowlatt Act: The Rowlatt Act was passed to crush any movement. The Act gave enormous powers to the police to arrest any person without any reason, search any place without a warrant and imprison anyone without a trial. The Act came to be known as “Black Act”.

(iii) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre : The protest movement against the Rowlatt Act was very strong in Punjab. To check the movement, two Congress leaders, Dr. Satya Pal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew were arrested. To protest against the arrests, a public meeting was held on 13 th April in Jallianwala Bagh where General Dyer opened fire at the public without giving any warning in which more than 1,000 people were killed. This incident shook the whole world.

(iv) The Khilafat Movement: The Khilafat Movement was organized by the famous Ali brothers, Mohammed Ali and Shaukat Ali, and others in protest against the injustice done to Turkey after the war. The Congress leaders joined in the Khilafat agitation and helped in organizing it throughout the country.

(b) The name given to the uprising of1942. Two reasons for launching this mass uprising. [3]
Answer:
(b) Quit India Movement:
(i) Failure of the Cripps Mission : The failure of the Cripps Mission left no meeting ground between the Congress and the government. It was clear from the proposals that the government was not willing to grant independence in the near future. The Indians were also not happy at the proposals of Cripps Mission because proposals contained within them provisions which could divide India into hundreds of independent provinces.

(ii) War Situation : There was every possibility that India might be attacked by Japan and the Indians were helpless because they had no power or means to resist the attack. So, the Indian leaders felt that the situation called for complete independence. Gandhiji also felt that an orderly and peaceful withdrawal of the British could save India from internal anarchy and external aggression.

(iii) Internal Anarchy : The communal situation was worsening day by day. The Muslim League was demanding a separate state i.e., Pakistan. This had spoiled the communal situation.

(c) The impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement in India’s freedom struggle. [4]
Answer:
(i) Establishment of New Educational Institutions:
The Non-Cooperation Movement gave a boost to the Indian Education System. A new programme of national education was started. Institutions such as the Jama Millia and the Kashi Vidyapeeth were established.

(iii) Unity : This was the first major Movement in which the Hindus and the Muslims participated as one, and scenes of fratemality (friendly relations) were witnessed all over the country.

(iv) Change in the Character of the Congress: The Movement had a great impact on the working of the Congress. The Congress decided to use the weapons of Satyagraha and Non-Cooperation on wider scale.

Question 8.
The Partition of Bengal and the Formation of the Muslim League were two important events that had its impact on the National Struggle for Independence. In this context, explain the following:
(a) Impact of Swadeshi and Boycott movements as part of the Anti-Partition Movement. [3]
Answer:
(i) Impetus to Indian Industries: This movement provided a great impetus to both the cottage and large-scale Indian industries, due to an increased demand of Swadeshi goods.

(ii) Decline in Import of Foreign Goods : The Boycott was directed against British goods, particularly cloth, shoes, perfumes, soaps, toys, china ware etc. The import of some of these items fell by 75% or more. In 1906 A.D., the demand of imported cotton-twist and yam had fallen by about one crore rupees.

(b) Any three factors leading to the formation of the Muslim League. [3]
Answer:
1. After the revolt of 1857 and the partition of Bengal, the Britishers saw the unity between the Hindus and Muslims. To check the growth of nationalism, they encouraged the formation of Muslim League.

2. The working of Indian National Congress also gave a setback to the British government. They wanted to create an organisation which could check the popularity of the Congress.

3. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a great social reformer and an educationist. He worked as a guiding force for the Muslims to form a separate organisation.

(c) Objectives of the Muslim League. [4]
Answer:
(i) To promote amongst the Muslims of India, the feeling of loyalty to the British Government and to remove any misconception that may arise as to the intentions of the government with regard to any of its measures.

(ii) To protect and advance the political rights and ihterests of the Muslims of India and to represent their needs and aspirations to the government.

(iii) To prevent the rise among Muslims of India of any feelings of hostility towards other communities without adversely affecting the objects of the League.

Question 9.
(a) Identify the leader in the picture. Give two examples to state that the leader followed an expansionist policy. [3]
Answer:
Mussolini
Mussolini used to proclaim, “Italy must expand or perish.” He wanted to acquire colonies for the countiy to satisfy nationalist urge and for the economic interests. He annexed Ethiopia (Abyssinia) in 1936 and also Albenia.

(b) State three factors that led to the rise of Fascism. [3]
Answer:
1. First World War: The war had caused a great economic strain on Italy’s economy:

Thousands of soldiers, discharged from army, were unemployed after the war.
There was a steep price rise and inflation in the country.
There were frequent strikes as the workers were dissatisfied which led to reduction in production.

2. Political instability : In 1919, a Parliamentary Government, based on male adult franchise, was introduced in Italy for the first time. But the electorates failed to give a clear majority to any political party. There came series of short-lived coalition governments in Italy, with neither consistency nor continuity in the policies. These governments were unable to deal effectively with the frequent strikes and riots in the country.

Both Mussolini and Hitler aimed at restoring the status and dignity of their nations amongst the community of nations by making them strong powers.
Both wanted to solve the after-war problems of their countries and relieve the people of the economic crisis and develop their economies.
Both aimed at providing strong, stable and efficient government. They promised this to their people.
Both wanted to undo the injustice done to their respective countries by the Treaty of Versailles and other Peace Treaties after the end of war.

Question 10.
With reference to the United Nations and its related Agencies, answer the following questions:
(a) Explain any three functions of the WHO. [3]
Answer:
1. Research Work: The WHO promotes and coordinates research in the field of health by financing research projects in many countries. Its research activities include nutritious food, environmental safety, mental health, control of specific diseases like cancer, heart-attack etc.

2. Standardisation of Medicines: It sets international standards with respect to biological and pharmaceutical products. It also provides essential drugs to developing countries.

3. To Eradicate Diseases: Many deadly diseases like smallpox, measles, diptheria, polio, T.B. have been brought under control with the help of the WHO. It tries to prevent the spread of diseases to other countries by checking the disease at the source.

(b) State the composition of the International Court of Justice. [3]
Answer:

It is composed of 15 judges elected for a 9-year term.
The judges are elected by both Security Council and General Assembly by a majority vote.
To maintain the continuity, one-third of the court i.e, five judges, are elected every three years.
The court elects its President and Vice-President for three years! It also has power to appoint its Registrar.

(c) State any four functions ofthe General Assembly. [4]
Answer:
1. Financial Functions: The General Assembly considers and approves the budget of the UNO and also determines the amount of funds to be contributed by the different members in accordance with their capacities.

2. Electoral Functions: It elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of Trusteeship, Economic and Social Council. It also elects the judges of International Court of Justice and to appoint on the recommendations of the Security Council, the Secretary General of the United Nations.

3. Supervisory Functions: The General Assembly regulates the working of other organs and agencies of the UNO. It can bring changes in the working of any of its agencies, if required.

4. Other Functions: The General Assembly makes recommendations to promote international co-operation, human rights and fundamental freedom for all. It also helps in promoting international cooperation and friendship. Under the Uniting for Peace Resolution, if the Security Council is unable to reach a decision the General Assembly can deal with the problem.

ICSE 2022 English Literature Question Paper Solved Semester 2 for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 English Literature Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2022 Semester 2 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2022 Solved Semester 2

Maximum Marks: 40
Time allowed: One and a half hours

Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.

General Instructions

You will not be allowed to write during the first 10 minutes.
This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.
Attempt all questions from Section A.
You must attempt one question from each of the Sections B, C and D.
The intended marks far questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].

Section -A
(Attempt all questions.)

Question 1.
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the questions. Write the correct answer only.) [10]

(i) What did Abou Ben Adhem see in his bedroom when he awoke one night ?
(a) A fairy writing in a book of gold
(b) An angel sitting on his bed
(c) A fairy sitting on his bed
(d) An angel writing in a book of gold
Answer:
(d) An angel writing in a book of gold.

(ii) Which of the following lines from the poem, ‘Nine Gold Medals ’tells us that the poem describes an international sporting event ?
(a) The athletes had come from so many countries
(b) And nine young athletes stood there determined
(c) The eight other athletes stood in their tracks
(d) To run for the gold, for the silver and bronze
Answer:
(a) The athletes had come from so many countries.

(iii) In the poem that Margot wrote, (in Ray Bradbury’s story, ‘All Summer in a Day ’), she compares the sun to a ……..
(a) penny
(b) clock
(c) flower
(d) lemon
Answer:
(c) flower

(iv) “Aw, you didn’t write that! ” Who said these words and to whom ?
(a) Margot to one of the boys
(b) Margot to William
(c) The teacher to Margot
(d) One of the boys to Margot
Answer:
(d) One of the boys to Margot.

(v) Jesse Owens says that Hitler had kept him (Luz Long) ‘under wraps ’. What does the phrase ‘under wraps ’ mean?
(a) Wrapped in a blanket
(b) Gift wrapped
(c) A carefully concealed secret
(d) Beneath a wrapper
Answer:
(c) A carefully concealed secret.

(vi) Which Olympic event was Jesse Owens confident of winning ?
(a) The one hundred metres race
(b) The four hundred metres race
(c) The high jump
(d) The running broad jump
Answer:
(d) The running broad jump.

(vii) The Duke refers to Shylock as a ‘stony adversary’ in the opening lines of Act 4 of ‘The Merchant of Venice’. What does the phrase ‘stony adversary ’ mean ?
(a) An enemy made of rock
( b) A hard-hearted enemy
(c) A difficult enemy
(d) A dangerous enemy
Answer:
(b) A hard-hearted enemy.

(viii) “My deeds upon my head! I crave the law, the penalty and forfeit of my bond. ” Who says these words and to whom ?
(a) Portia to Antonio by Shylock to Portia
(c) Bassanio to Portia
(d) Antonio to Shylock
Answer:
(A) Shylock to Portia

(ix) Why does a quarrel break out between Nerissa and Gratiano in a final Act of ‘The Merchant of Venice ’ ?
(a) Gratiano admits that he had given away the ring which Nerissa had given to him.
(b) Nerissa admits that she had accompanied Portia to Venice disguised as a lawyer’s clerk.
(c) Gratiano is annoyed with Nerissa for giving away his ring to a stranger in Venice.
(d) Nerissa is angry with Gratianofor leaving for Venice on the very day they were married.
Answer:
(a) Gratiano admits that he had given away the ring which Nerissa had given to him.

(x) How does Lorenzo recognize Portia even before he sees her when the two young women return from Venice ?
(a) by the clothes she wears
(b) by the sound of her voice
(c) by the perfume she uses
(d) by her touch
Answer:
(b) by the sound of her voice

Section – B
(Attempt any one question from this Section)
Drama
The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare – Acts 4 and 5)

Question 2.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Antonio: Commend me to your honourable wife
Tell her the process of Antonio’s end.
Say how I loved you. speak me fair in death ;
And, when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love.
Repent not you that you shall lose your friend,
And he repents not that he pays your debt ;
For, if the Jew do cut but deep enough,
I’llpay it instantly with all my heart.

(i) Who was Bassanio s ‘honourable wife ’ ? Why were the two men unaware that she was present in the room with them ? [2]
Answer:
Bassanio’s ‘honourable wife’ was Portia. The two men were unaware that Portia was present in the room because she was dressed as a lawyer.

(ii) What did Antonio urge Bassanio to tell his wife ? [2]
Answer:
Antonio urged Bassanio to tell Portia the manner in which he met his end. He should also tell her that Antonio loved him very much.

(iii) What ‘debt ’ was Antonio referring to in the above extract ? [3]
Answer:
The debt referred to in the above extract is the loan of three thousand ducats taken by Antonio from Shylock to fulfil the urgent need of Bassanio. Bassanio wanted to go to Belmont as a royal suitor but he did not have money. So Antonio borrowed money to help him.

(iv) What does Bassanio say in a response to these words of Antonio s ? What do their words tell us of the nature of the relationship between the two men ? [3]
Answer:
In response to the words of Antonio, Bassanio says that he is married to a woman whom he loves very, much. But he is ready to sacrifice his life, his wife and all the world to save the life of Antonio from the clutches of Shylock.

Question 3.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Lorenzo: How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank! Here will I sit, and let the sounds of music Creep in our ears :
(i) To whom are these words addressed ? What message has just been delivered to Lorenzo ? [2]
Answer:
These words are addressed to Jessica. Message has been delivered to Lorenzo through Stephano that their mistress Portia is at hand and she will reach there before morning.

(ii) Where is this scene set ? Why are Lorenzo and his companion at this place ? [2]
Answer:
The scene is set in Belmont in the house of Portia. Lo-renzo and Jessica are sitting in an Avenue of Portia’s house. Lorenzo and her companion are here because they have been asked by Portia to be caretaker of her house in her absence.

(iii) How does Lorenzo describe the powerful effect of music on wild animals to his companion ? [3]
Answer:
Music has a powerful effect even on wild animals. If they hear the sound of trumpet or any musical sound they stand still. Their wild eyes become quiet and modest.

(iv) Portia and Nerissa arrive on the scene shortly after this. What reason does Portia give for their absence from home? What does she instruct Nerissa to do immediately after their arrival? [3]
Answer:
Portia says that they had been praying for their husband’s healths. She is happy that their prayer’s have been heart and their husbands are likely to return soon.
Portia instructs Nerissa to give order to the servants that they should give no indication that Portia and Nerissa had been absent from their house.

Section – C
(Attempt any one questions from this Section)

Prose – Short Stories
(Treasure Trove-A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories)

Question 4.
Read the extract from Ray Bradbury’s short story, ‘All Summer in a Day’ give below and answer the questions that follow:

The girl standing in the open, held out her hand
“Oh look, look, ” she said, trembling.
They came slowly to look at her opened palm.
In the center of it, cupped and huge, was a single rain-drop. She began to cry, looking at it. They glanced quiet¬ly at the sun.
“Oh, Oh’’

(i) How old were ‘they ’ ? What had they been doing until the girl called their attention to the raindrop ? [2]
Answer:
They were all nine years old. They had been running wildly until the girl called their attention.

(ii) Why does the girl begin to cry when she looks at the raindrop ? [2]
Answer:
The girl begins to cry, because she feels that the clouds have come and the sun is going to disappear. Their brief summer is over.

(iii) Describe the dramatic change in the weather immediately after the raindrop fell. [3]
Answer:
There was a big change. The sun faded behind the stir of mist. A cold wind began to blow.

(iv) What feeling do ‘they ’experience at the end of the story ? What had they done earlier that made them feel this way ? [3]
Answer:
At the end of the story children feel very sad. Their smiles disappear. They had seen the sun for the first time in their life. They had breathed the fresh air and listened to the silence. They had enjoyed for a brief period.

Question 5.
Read the extract from ‘My Greatest Olympic prize’by Jesse Owens given below and answer the questions that follow:

Suddenly all the tension seemed to ebb out of my body as the truth of what he said hit me. Confidently, I drew a line a full foot in back of the board and proceeded, to jump from there. I qualified with almost a foot to spare.

(i) What was the ‘truth ’ that Luz Long hadjust pointed out to Owens ? [2]
Answer:
Luz Long had just pointed out to Owens that it did not matter at all if he was not first in the qualifying trials. These trials did not matter much. What was important was the next day’s performance.

(ii) Earlier in the narrative Owens admits to feeling angry. What had caused him to feel this way ? [2]
Answer:
Having seen the tall boy i.e., Luz Long for the first time Owens felt that Hitler had intentionally kept him under wraps. He felt that Hitler had hoped to win the jump with Luz Long. This had made him feel angry.

(iii) How did the two athletes spend their time together that night ? [3]
Answer:
That night Owens walked over to Luz Long’s room to thank him for his valuable suggestion. The two athletes talked over for two hours about track and field and the world situation. This meeting brought them closer and they became good friends.

(iv) What action of Luz Long’s at the finals proved that he was a true sportsman ? What made his behaviour remarkable ? [3]
Answer:
Luz Long’s congratulating Jesse Owens proved that he was a true sportsman. He did this even when Hitler was glaring at them. This shows that for Luz Long, taking part in sports and doing one’s best was more important than victory or defeat.

Question 6.
Read the following extract from the poem ‘Abou Ben Adhem ’ by Leigh Hunt and answer the questions that follow:
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase !)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

(i) What does the poet mean by the words, ‘may his tribe increase!’? [2]
Answer:
The words ‘may his tribe increase!’ mean that the number of noble persons like Abou Ben Adhem may increase.

(ii) Mention any two words which the poet uses in this poem that are no longer in common use. [2]
Answer:
The following two words used by the poet are no longer in common use.
(a) cheerly
(b) Nay

(iii) Three different name lists are mentioned in the poem. The Angel speaks of two and Abou Ben Adhem mentions the third. What are they? [3]
Answer:
The following are the name lists mentioned in the poem.

List containing the names of those who love the lord.
List of those who love their fellow men.
List of those whom love of god had blessed.

(iv) What important lesson did Abou Ben Adhem learn after his second encounter with the Angel ? What message does the poet convey to us through this ?
Answer:
After his second encounter with the Angel Abou learnt that God is pleased when we love our fellow beings. The poet conveys the message that we should cultivate fellow feelings and do everything to serve our fellow human beings.

Question 7.
Read the extract from David Roth’s poem ‘Nine Gold Medals ’ given below and answer the questions that follow:
That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals
They came to the finish line holding hands still
And the banner above and nine smiling faces
Said more than these words ever will
Said more than these words ever will.

(i) How exactly did the race end ? [2]
Answer:
The race ended on a note of joy. Each participant was awarded a gold medal. All were thus rewarded for a rare act of empathy.

(ii) Who were ‘they ’ ? How do we know that they had put in a great deal of effort to qualify for the games ? [2]
Answer:
They were differently abled athletes who had come to participate in various sports events. They knew that the competition had to be tough. So they had put in a lot of their time in preparation and training.

(iii) Why were they holding hands and smiling when they reached the finish line ? [3]
Answer:
They were holding hands and smiling when they walked to the finishing line. This shows that they did not compete against one another out of empathy for the fallen athlete.

(iv) What did the banner over them say ? Why does the poet consider these words an appropriate description of this particular event ? [3]
Answer:
The banner over them said ‘The Special Olympics’. The poet considers these words an appropriate description because the special Olympics became really special when each participant was declared to be a winner and awarded a gold medal.

ICSE 2015 English Language Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 English Language Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2015 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2015 Solved

Question 1.
(Do not spend more than 35 minutes on this question.) Write a composition (350 – 400 words) on any one of the following: [25]

(a) Write a original story that begins with the words: “He was the funniest boy I had ever met. He would make everyone laugh ……….”
(b) You had booked a ticket on an early morning train. However, you woke up late and missed it. You then decided to run to catch a bus to the next station where you hoped to catch up with the train. Narrate the entire event, how you felt, the effort you made and how you finally caught the train. What did you learn from this stressful experience ?
(c) All Girls or all Boys schools provide a better learning (c) environment than co-educational schools. Express your views either for or against the statement.
(d) Describe in detail the view from your bedroom window. Does your room overlook a park ? A busy street ? What are the sights, sounds and smells that you would typically see, hear and experience at different times of the day ? When do you most enjoy the view ? Early in the morning, in the evening or late at night ?
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a short story or description or an account of what the picture suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, your composition must have a clear connection with the picture.

Answer:
(a) Develop the following hints into compositions.

He was the funniest boy I had ever met
would make everyone laugh
had a store of new jokes
would sometimes play pranks on his classfellows and even his teachers
stopped coming to school all of a sudden
went to see him
shocked to find that he was suffering from cancer and would not live too long
was surprised at his liveliness
learnt that he knew of his illness and short life

(b)

was to board a train for New Delhi at 5 in the morning
got up late, hurried to catch it
missed the train by five minutes
Father gave the idea of catching a bus to catch the train at its next halt
ran in panic to the bus stand
boarded a bus, was panting
saw the train overtaking the bus
thought all efforts had gone in vain
reached the station without hope
The train was there, because of some technical problem
succeeded in boarding it
learnt to be more careful in such matters

(c)

Co-educational schools not better
boys and girls feel distracted
feel shy of each other
sometimes go astray
indulge in disgraceful acts
teachers feel hesitant in discussing some topics

(d)

bedroom overlooks a busy street
the scene outside remains changing
calm in the morning
becomes noisy as the day prolongs
various vehicles
people seen hurrying on the pavement
birds chirping in the trees along the road
enjoy the scene most early in the morning

(e)

the tiger seen resting on a sturdy branch of a tree
must have been a day of extreme heat
or must have been very tired after a hopeless chase of a victim
looks very beautiful
unluckily in grave danger of extinction
danger illegal poaching for various human needs and greed
immediate steps to save this beautiful creature

Question 2.
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.) Select ONE of the following: [10]

(a) Break time (recess) at your school is only for a duration of fifteen minutes. Write a letter to your Principal requesting an extension in the break-time from fifteen minutes to half an hour. Give reasons for your request and explain in what way an extended break would make a difference to you as a student.
(b) You are to be awarded a Special Prize at the Annual Prize Day ceremony of your school. Write a letter to a lady relative giving her the news. Be sure to include details of the prize that you are to receive and tell her why you have been chosen for this honour.
Answer:
(a) To
The Principal
Divine International School
Allahabad
Date : April 9, 20 …

Sir

Subject: Request for extension in break-time

I humbly submit that the students of this great school feel that there is an urgent need of extension in the break-time from a mere fifteen minutes to at least half an hour. It will surely facilitate the students to have enough time for taking lunch or snacks easily. It will also help them interact with their peers on their problems and interests.

It is felt by one and all that this fleeting period of break passes off so soon that sometimes they have not finished with their lunch/snacks when the bell rings announcing the resumption of the schedule. Moreover, there is a great rush in the canteen. The students fail to get seats and refreshments in this short duration. Some students whose classes are held on the 2nd or 3rd floors hardly reach the canteen or hall when they have to rush back to their classes. It will be a big relief to the students if this short break time is extended by another fifteen minutes to at least half an hour.

It is hoped that you will consider this genuine problem of the students sympathetically and do what is most needed.

With regards
Yours obediently
Rita
Class X A

(b) 16, Raj Niwas
Swam Park
Saharanpur
November 15,20 …

Dear Aunt

You will be pleased to know that I have been chosen for a Special Prize at the Annual Prize Day of our school to be held on the coming Sunday. It is a rare honour to be chosen for this prize as there were so many contestants for this. You will appreciate the idea that the school principal had decided to give a special prize to the student who had contributed the most to bringing name and fame to the school by doing something very different and distinct.

Out of a hundred students who had done their best in their own way, I was chosen for this prize as my contribution to the school was considered matchless. I was the only person who had the distinction to represent the school at the international level in the symposium held in New York, America. The judges had assessed my performance unparalleled. The school authorities had no option but to consider my name above all.

You will be happy to note that I will be given a cash prize of five thousand rupees and a trophy.

With regards
Yours affectionately
Rakesh

Question 3.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Lying in bed, Swami realized with a shudder that it was Monday morning. It looked as though only a moment ago it had been the last period on Friday; already Monday was here. He hoped that an earthquake would reduce the school building to dust, but that good building – Albert Mission School – had withstood similar prayers for over a hundred years now. At nine o’clock Swaminathan wailed, “I have a headache.” His mother said, “Why don’t you go to school in a bullock cart ?” “So that I may be completely dead at the other end? Have you any idea what it means to be jolted in a cart ?”

“Have you any important lessons today ?”
“Important! Bah ! That geography teacher has been teaching the same lesson for over a year now. And we have arithmetic, which means for a whole period we are going to be beaten by the teacher …………….. Important lessons !”

And Mother generously suggested that Swami might stay at home.

At 9:30, when he ought to have been lining up the school prayer hall, Swami was lying on the bench in Mother’s room. Father asked him, “Have you no school today ?”

“Headache,” Swami replied.
“Nonsense ! Dress up and go.”
“Headache.”
“Loaf about less on Sundays and you will be without a headache on Monday.”
Swami knew how stubborn his father could be and changed his tactics. “I can’t go so late to class.” .
“I agree, but you’ll have to ; it is your own fault. You should have asked me before deciding to stay away.”
“What will the teacher think if I go so late ?”
“Tell him you had a headache and so are late.”
“He will beat me if I say so.”
“Will he ? Let us see. What is his name ?”
“Mr. Samuel.”
“Does he beat the boys ?”

“He is very violent, especially with boys who come late. Some days ago a boy was made to stay on his knees for a whole period in a comer of the class because he came late, and that after getting six cuts from the cane and having his ears twisted. I wouldn’t like to go late to Mr. Samuel’s class.”

“If he is so violent, why not tell your headmaster about it ?” “They say that even the headmaster is afraid of him. He is such a violent man.”

And then Swami gave a lurid account of Samuel’s violence ; how when he started caning he would not stop till he saw blood on the boy’s hand, which he made the boy press to his forehead like a Vermillion marking. Swami hoped that his father would be made to see that he couldn’t go to his class late. But Father’s behaviour took an unexpected turn. He became excited. “What do these people mean by beating our children ? They must be driven out of service. I will see …………”

The result was he proposed to send Swami late to his class as a kind of challenge. He was also going to send a letter with Swami to the headmaster. No amount of protest from Swami was of any avail: Swami had to go to school.

By the time he was ready Father had composed a long letter to the headmaster, put in an envelope and sealed it.

“What have you written, Father?” Swaminathan asked apprehensively.
“Nothing for you. Give it to your headmaster and go to your class.”
Swami’s father did not know the truth, that actually Mr. Samuel was a very kind and gentle man.

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. [3]
One word answers or short phrases will be accepted.

jolted (line 12)
stubborn (line 31)
avail (line 65)

Answer:

shaken
obstinate
use

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:
(i) What did Swami wish for on a Monday morning ? Why was his wish unlikely to be answered ? [2]
(ii) Which sentence tells us that Swami s father was completely unsympathetic to his son s headache ? [2]
(iii) In what way was Swami s Mother s response different from his father’s ? [2]
(iv) Why did Swami give a colourful account of Mr. Samuel to his father? [2]
(v) In what way did Father’s behaviour take an unexpected turn ? [2]
(vi) What was Swami finally ordered to do by his father? [2]
Answer:
(i) Swami wished for an earthquake to strike and reduce his school building to dust. This wish was not likely to be fulfilled because forces of nature have no regard for human wishes.

(ii) The following sentence shows that father was unsympathetic to Swami’s headache.
“Nonsense ! Dress up and go.”

(iii) The response of Swami’s mother was toally different from that of Swami’s father. She had shown concern for Swami’s headache and offered him to go to school in a bullock cart.

(iv) Swami gave a colourful account of Mr. Samuel to convince his father that he was a very cruel and unreasonable teacher who would punish him if he went to his class late.

(v) Father’s behaviour changed unexpectedly. Instead of letting Swami stay home from school, he made up his mind to send Swami late to the school. He took it as a challenge. He also decided to send a letter against Mr. Samuel for the headmaster.

(vi) Swami was ordered to go to school and hand over to the headmaster the letter written by his father.

(c) (i) In not more than 60 words describe how Swami tries to prove that Mr. Samuel is a violent man. [8]
(ii) Give a title to your summary in 3(c). Give a reason to justify your choice. [2]
Answer:
(i) In order to prove that Mr. Samuel is a violent man, Swami gives a lurid account of his violence. He relates an imaginary story. He tells that one day he beat a student so cruelly that his hand started bleeding. Mr. Samuel saw this and instead of taking pity on the boy he made the boy press his hand to his forehead so that it left a vermillion marking on the forehead.

(ii) Mr. Samuel’s Strictness
Since the summary describes Mr. Samuel’s strictness with regard to his students, the title ‘Mr. Samuel’s Strictness’ is appropriate for this.

Example:
(0) One morning I (0) …………. (see) the python curled up on the dressing table.
Answer: saw.

It was (1) …………….. (gaze) at its own reflection in the mirror. 1(2) …………….. (go) for grandfather but by the time we (3) …………….. (return) to the room, the python (4) …………….. (move) on. He was seen in the garden and once the cook saw him (5) …………….. (crawl) up the ladder to the roof. Then we (6) …………….. (find) him on the dressing table again (7) …………….. (admire) himself in the mirror. “He’s trying to look better for Aunt Mabel ” I said. I (8) ……………… (regret) this remark immediately because grandmother overheard and held up my pocket money for the rest of the week! [4]
Answer:
(1) gazing
(2) went
(3) returned
(4) had moved
(5) crawling
(6) found
(7) admiring
(8) regretted

(b) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word: [4]

He found the key just …………….. the front door.
I could not accompany my cousin …………….. the trip because I had fever
The noise prevented us …………….. sleeping.
The young man put the flute …………….. his lips and began to play.
Ashok leaned …………….. the wall tiredly.
The paper dart went gliding …………….. the air.
The cyclist rode quickly …………….. the path.
The young child carried the heavy bucket …………….. the stairs.

Answer:

near
on
from
on
against
in
on
up

(i) He has learnt to cycle. He has yet to learn to swim.
Answer:
He has learnt to cycle, though he has yet to learn to swim.

(ii) The child helped her mother to make breakfast. She washed the tomatoes.
Answer:
The child helped her mother to make breakfast while she washed the tomatoes.

(iii) They bought a new car. They can travel long distances.
Answer:
They bought a new car to travel long distances.

(iv) Sunita opened her purse. She found the money missing.
Answer:
When Sunita opened her purse, she found the money missing.

(d) Re-write the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence. [8]

(i) A run gave Ramesh some excellent advice.
(Begin : Ramesh was ………………..)
Answer:
(i) Ramesh was given some excellent advice by Arun.

(ii) As soon as Sania sat down to study, the lights went off.
(Begin : No sooner ……………….)
Answer:
No sooner did Sania sit down to study than the lights went off.

(iii) Has Alia written to you ?
(Begin : Have you …………………)
Answer:
Have you been written to by Alia ?

(iv) As soon as the function got over The crowd dispersed.
(Begin : Hardly had …………………)
Answer:
Hardly had the function got over when the crowd dispersed.

(v) The monsoon is the best season in our country.
(Rewrite using ‘good’)
Answer:
No other season is as good in our country as the monsoon.

(vi) Harish was so tired that he could not keep his eyes open.
(Begin : Harish was too …………………..)
Answer:
Harish was too tired to keep his eyes open.

(vii) Father said to Sunil, “I can help you with your homework. ”
(Begin : Father told Sunil ………………..)
Answer:
Father told Sunil that he could help him with his homework.

(viii) Naresh goes to a school which has over a thousand students.
(Begin : There ………………..)
Answer:
There is a school where Naresh goes, which has over a thousand students.

ICSE 2019 English Literature Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 English Literature Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2019 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2019 Solved

**Answer is not provided due to change in the present syllabus.

Section – A (Drama)
Answer one or more questions from only one of the following plays:

The Merchant of Venice
Or
The Mousetrap
The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare

Question 1.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Bassanio : To you, Antonio,
I owe the most, in money and in love;
And from your love I have a warranty
To unburden all my plots and purposes
How to get clear of all the debts I owe.
Antonio : I pray you, good Bassanio, let me know it;
(i) Describe Antonio’s mood at the beginning of this scene. [3]
State any two reasons that Antonio s friends, who were present, gave to explain his mood.
(ii) What promise did Antonio make to Bassanio immediately after this conversation ? [3]
(iii) What did Bassanio say to Antonio about ‘a lady richly left’in Belmont ? [3]
(iv) Why was Antonio unable to lend Bassanio the money that he needed ? [3]
How did he propose to help his friend ?
(v) What does the above extract reveal of the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio ? [4]
Mention one way in which this relationship was put to the test later in the play.
Answers :
(i) Antonio is in a melancholy mood at the beginning of this scene. He does not know where he got it and how it began. Salarino, one of Antonio’s friends, thinks that Antonio is sad because he is worried about his ships sailing on the sea. Salario, another of Antonio’s friends, attributes his sadness to his being in love.

(ii) Antonio assures Bassanio of his wholehearted help in his mission. He says that his money, his body, his utmost resources will all be placed at his disposal so that Bassanio is able to pursue his aim.

(iii) Bassanio tells Antonio that a very beautiful and rich lady, Portia, lives in Belmont. Her reputation as a rich, beautiful lady has spread far and wide. A number of eligible bachelors are reaching Belmont to try their luck in quest of her.

(iv) Antonio was unable to lend the money that Bassanio needed because all his money was invested in trading ventures at sea. So he suggested Bassanio to go and enquire from where he could get money in Venice. He would stand surety for the money that he could borrow on his behalf.

(v) We learn that Antonio and Bassanio are close friends. They share their intimate feelings and anxieties with each other. Both are ready to sacrifice their most precious thing for the other. Their friendship is tested later in the play when Bassanio helps Antonio in the Trial Scene through his wife Portia and later Antonio stands surety for Bassanio’s character when the marriage ring is found missing on Bassanio’s hand.

Question 2.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Bassanio : A gentle scroll. – Fair lady, by your leave; [Kissing her]
I come by note, to give and to receive.
Like one of two contending in a prize,

That thinks he hath done well in people’s eyes ‘
Hearing applause and universal shout
Giddy in spirit, still gazing, in a doubt
Whether those peals of praise be his or no;

(i) Where did Bassanio find the ‘gentle scroll ’ ? [3]
What ‘prize’ had Bassanio just won ?
(ii) Explain why Bassanio said he felt ‘Giddy in spirit, still gazing, in a doubt ’. [3]
(iii) Shortly after this exchange, Portia gave Bassanio a ring as a token of her affection. What did the gift symbolise?
[3]
(iv) What assurance did Bassanio give her when he accepted the ring ? [3]
(v) What did Portia urge Bassanio to do when she learnt that his friend Antonio was in trouble ? [4]
What aspect of her character is revealed through her words ?
Answers :
(i) Bassanio found the ‘gentle scroll’ in the leaden casket from which he found the portrait of fair Portia. His winning of the hand of Portia was the ‘prize’ for Bassanio as so many suitors were trying to win her hand.

(ii) Bassanio felt ‘giddy in spirit, still gazing in doubt’ as he thought that he was one of two competitors for a prize who thought he had done well in the eyes of spectators, looking around in some doubt as to whether those shouts of applause were for him or not. He was still in doubt whether he had really won the fair lady Portia.

(iii) Portia gave Bassanio a ring as a token of her affection. The gift symbolised their mutual trust and love for each other. If ever he parted with the ring or lost it or gave it away, this would mean that his love for her was dead and she would accuse him of the breach of trust.

(iv) Bassanio assured Portia that he would never part with the ring she had given him. Giving her an assurance of his love, he told her that he would keep the ring secure on his finger. It would go only after his life was no more. That is, he would keep it as long as he lived.

(v) Portia urged Bassanio to leave for Venice at once and take as much gold and money he needed to return the borrowed money to Antonio. In no case should such a good friend come to trouble. This shows Portia’s compassionate heart and generous nature to help someone in distress.

Question 3.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Duke : You hear the learn’d Bellario, what he writes:
And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
[Enter Portia, dressed like a Doctor of Laws]
Give me your hand. Come you from old Bellario ?
Portia: I did, my lord.
Duke : You are welcome: take your place.
Are you acquainted with the difference
That holds this present question in the court ?

(i) Where is this scene set ? Why was Portia there? [3]
(ii) What reason had Bellario given for his absence? Whom had he sent in his stead ? [3]
(iii) Bellario’s letter stated that he had taken some measures to prepare the ‘young and learned doctor ’ to deal with the case. What were they? [3]
(iv) What was the ‘difference ’ between Shylock the Jew and Antonio the merchant that the Duke was unable to resolve? [3]
(v) How does Portia succeed in saving Antonio ? [4]
What does this reveal of her character ?
Answers:
(i) This scene is set in a court of justice. Portia was there, dressed as a learned doctor of laws, in the guise of Balthazar, to appear on behalf of Antonio and defend him against the lapse of the bond that he had signed with Shylock.

(ii) Bellario stated in his letter to the Duke that he could not be present at the court due to his illness. He sent a learned a doctor of law, Balthazar, in his stead. He was confident of the ability of Balthazar to prove his capability in such a crucial case between Shylock and Antonio.

(iii) Bellario’s letter stated that he had thoroughly discussed the case with the learned doctor of laws, Balthazar, who was fully acquainted with the case in question. Balthazar was a young man with mature judgement and rich experience to handle the case.

(iv) The ‘difference’, that is dispute between Shylock the Jew and Antonio that the Duke was unable to resolve was the clause in the bond according to which Shylock could have his pound of flesh from Antonio’s heart if the latter failed to fulfill the terms of the bond.

(v) Portia succeeded in saving Antonio by interpreting the bond in the letter, and not the spirit, of the law, as Shylock himself insisted on it. She warned Shylock that the bond did not allow him to shed even a single drop of blood while taking the pound of flesh. Thus defeating Shylock with his own weapon, she could save Antonio from the clutches of Shylock. Portia’s shrewd interpretation of law really saved Antonio.
The Mousetrap: Agatha Christie

Question 4.**
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Giles: I beg your pardon. Did you say something ?
Trotter: Yes, Mr. Ralston, 1 said ‘Is there an extension ? ’
(He crosses to Centre.)
Giles: Yes, up in our bedroom.
Trotter : Go and try it up there for me, will you ?

(Giles exits to the stairs, carrying the glove and bus ticket and looking dazed. Trotter continues to trace the wire to the window. He pulls back the curtain. and opens the window, trying to follow the wire. He crosses to the arch up Right, goes out and returns with a torch. He moves to the window, jumps out and bends down, looking, then disappears out of sight. It is practically dark. Mrs. Boyle enters from the library up Left, shivers and notices the open window.)
Mrs. Boyle: (Moving to the window) Who has left this window open ?

(i) Why did Giles fail to hear what Trotter had said earlier?
Why did Giles look ‘dazed’? [3]
(ii) What was Trotter attempting to do ? Why? [3]
(iii) Why did Mrs. Boyle close the window ?
What did the voice on the radio say about the ‘mechanics of fear’? [3]
(iv) How did the murderer mask the sounds of the killing ?
Who entered the room immediately after the murder ? What did this person see ? [3]
(v) Who was the victim ? Why was the victim murdered ?
What was the ‘signature tune ’that the murderer whistled? What is the significance of this tune in the context of the play ? [4]

Question 5.**
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Trotter: (Leaning on the refectory table) Those simple actions took you rather a long time, didn’t they, Mr. Ralston?
Giles : I don’t think so. (He moves away to the stairs)
Trotter : I should say you definitely – took your time over them.
Giles : I was thinking about something.
Trotter : Very well. Now then, Mr. Wren, I’ll have your account of where you were.
(i) What ‘simple actions’of Giles was Trotter referring to ?
Where had Giles been ? Who had sent him there? [3]
(ii) How did Christopher Wren account for his whereabouts at the time of the murder ? [3]
(iii) Where was Paravicini at that time ? What was he doing? [3]
(iv) Whom did Giles accuse of having committed the murder?
On what did he base this accusation ? [3]
(v) Mollie shared her suspicions regarding the identity of the murderer with Trotter, later in this scene.
Whom did she suspect of being the murderer?
What reasons did she give for her suspicion ? [4]

Question 6.**
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Trotter: Yes. You’ve been extraordinarily foolish, you know.
You’ve run a very good chance of being killed by holding out on me. As a result, you’ve been in serious danger more than once.
Mollie: I don’t know what you mean.
Trotter: (Moving slowly above the sofa table to the right of the sofa; still quite natural and friendly) Come now, Mrs. Ralston. We policemen aren’t quite so dumb as you think. All along I’ve realized that you had first hand knowledge of the Longridge Farm affair. You know Mrs. Boyle was the magistrate concerned. In fact, you knew all about it. Why didn ’tyou speak up and say so ?
Mollie: (Very much affected) I don’t understand. I wanted to forget-forget. (She sits at the Left end of the sofa.)

(i) What was the ‘Longridge Farm’ affair ? [3]
(ii) Trotter revealed to Mollie some facts that he had uncovered about her past. What were they? [3]
(iii) What did Mollie want to forget ?
How was she linked with the ‘Longridge Farm affair ’ ? [3]
(iv) How did Trotter manage to pass himself off as a policeman?
How had he reached Monkswell Manor ? [3]
What did Trotter reveal to Mollie about his true identify?
How was Mollie saved at the end of the play ? [4]

Section-B (Poetry)
Answer one or more questions from this Section.
A Collection of Poems

Question 7.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

‘‘Now tell us what it was all about”.
Young Peterkin, he cries.
And little Wilhelmine looks up
With wonder — waiting eyes,
“Now tell us all about the war,
And what they fought each other for”.
-After Blenheim, Robert Southey

(i) Who are Peterkin and Wilhelmine ?
How does the poet describe the scene at the beginning of the poein ? [ 3]
(ii) What did Young Peterkin find and where ? Describe it. [3]
(iii) Who is referred to as “each other” ? What did they fight for ? [3]
(iv) To whom are the words in the extract addressed?
How was this person’s family affected by the war ? [3]
(v) What, according to the poet, are the consequences that are often associated with great and famous victories? What message does the poet want to convey to the readers? [4]
Answers :
(i) Peterkin, a little boy, and Wilhelmine, a young girl, were the grandchildren of old Kaspar. The poet makes the setting of the poem clear at the beginning of the poem by stating that the two children were playing near Kaspar sitting before his cottage. The scene described is quite commonplace but spectacular.

(ii) Young Peterkin, who was playing near the cottage, was rolling something which was large and round. He did not know what it was.

(iii) ‘ ’Each other” referred to the English and the French who fought a battle at Blenheim. They fought to win supremacy over each other. But the real cause of the battle could not be explained.

(iv) The words in the extract are addressed to the grandfather Kaspar. Kaspar’s family was hard hit by war in which his father’s house was burnt down and he was forced to run away, with his wife and child. He had no place to take shelter.

(v) According to the poet, war is destructive and horrible. It brings miseries, sufferings and disorder in life. The poet brings out the horrors of war in a simple but ironic way. The young children fail to understand in the poem ‘After Blenheim’ how the war which created so much havoc could be a great and famous war.

Question 8.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

There’s nobody on the house-tops now —
Just a palsied few at the windows set;
For the best of the sight is, all allow,
At the Shambles’Gate — or, better yet,
By the very scaffold s foot, I trow.
-The Patriot, Robert Browning

(i) Who is the speaker ? Where is he being taken? Why ? [3]
(ii) Describe the scene when he had walked down the same
(iii) Where does the speaker think all the people had gathered
that day ?
Why does he think so? [3]
(iv) Describe the speaker’s physical condition. [3]
(v) What is the central message of the poem?
Does the poem end on a note of hope or despair?
Give one reason for your answer. I4)
Answers:
(i) The speaker here is the patriot. He is being taken to the scaffold to be hanged for his misdeeds. He is passing through some street in a town.

(ii) A year ago, the patriot was worshipped like a hero. He was accorded a warm welcome on his return after a glorious victory. His path was strewn with flowers. The church towers were decorated with victory-flags. Huge crowds were there to welcome him.

(iii) The speaker thinks that all the people have left the town and gone to the Shambles’ Gate or quite near the scaffold in order to have a better view of the patriot’s (his) execution. Only a few paralysed persons are sitting at the windows.

(iv) The speaker’s physical condition is pathetic. He is being led to the gallows. A long rope has been used to tie his hands on the back. The rope is so tight that it cuts both his hands. His forehead is bleeding. It is due to the stones hurled at him by some callous and cruel fellows. All this shows that he is being treated very harshly.

(v) The central message of the poem is the ficklemindedness of the ordinary people who go enthusiastic at welcoming a hero but soon get disappointed with him and begin to hurl abuses and stones on him.
The poem ends on a note of hope. Though the hero in this poem feels betrayed and abandoned, he achieves a moral victory. He feels that he has not been rewarded for his services on the earth, he hopes he would be rewarded by God in heaven. So he feels safe in the bosom of God. His faith in God being a true judge marks his unbounded sense of optimism.

Question 9.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

All round the field spectators were gathered
Cheering on all the young women and men
Then the final event of the day was approaching
The last race about to begin.
—Nine Gold Medals, David Roth

(i) Where had the ‘young women and men ’ come from ?
What had brought them together ?
How had they prepared themselves for the event ? [3]
(ii) What was the last event of the day ?
How many athletes were participating in this event ? What signal were they waiting for ? [3]
(iii) What happened to the youngest athlete half way through the race ?
How did he respond ? [3]
(iv) What ‘strange’ turn did the story take at this point ? [3]
(v) Why does the poet say that the banner – ‘Special Olympics’ could not have been nearer the mark ?
What human quality does the poem celebrate? [4]
Answers :
(i) The ‘young women and men’ had come from different countries to participate in various sports events. They were fired with the longing to win a medal—gold, silver or bronze. As the international event is very prestigious, every participant had put in a lot of preparation and practice. No one wanted to spare any pains for winning a medal— gold, silver or bronze.

(ii) The last event of the day was the hundred-metre race. Nine young athletes were participating in this event. They were well-poised, waiting for the pistol shot as a starting signal.

(iii) The youngest athlete who was weaker could not run. His legs gave in and he fell on the track. He was distressed and gave out a cry in frustration because his hard work had come to nothing.

(iv) The remaining eight constestants stopped and looked back at their fallen companion. They were expected not to stop but to continue the race. But a ‘strange’ thing happened. They all turned round and come back to the fallen athlete. They lifted him to his feet.

(v) The banner ‘Special Olympics’ meant Olympics for the differently-abled persons turned to be significant. ‘The Special Olympics’ became really special when each participant was declared to be the winner and awarded a gold medal.
The poem celebrates the human quality of true from his point of view, and be ready to mitigate his pain sportsmanship and empathy for the fallen athlete. We and sorrow, should be able to understand the feelings of another person from his point of view, and be ready to mitigate his pain and sorrow.

Sectiqn-C (Prose)
Answer one or more questions from only ONE of the following books that you have studied:

A Collection of Short Stories
or
Animal Farm
or
The Call of the Wild
A Collection of Short Stories

Question 10.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

It had no eyes, ears, nose or mouth. It was just a round smooth head
-with a school cap on top of it! And that’s where the story should
end. But for Mr. Oliver it did not end here.
The torch fell from his trembling hand. He turned and scrambled
down the path, running blindly through the trees and calling for help. He was still running towards the school buildings when he saw a lantern swinging in the middle of the path.

(i) Who was Mr. Oliver ? Where did he encounter ‘It’? [3]
(ii) Where did Mr. Oliver work ?
Why did Life magazine describe this place as the ‘Eton of the East’? [3]
(iii) Why had Mr. Oliver approached ‘It’in the first place ? What had he mistaken it for ? [3]
(iv) What is lantern ? Who was holding the lantern?
Why did Mr. Oliver feel relieved at the sight of the lantern? [3]
(v) Briefly describe the meeting between the lantern-bearer and Mr. Oliver.
State one reason why ‘A Face in the Dark’ could be considered a horror story. [4]
Answers :
(i) Mr. Oliver, a bachelor, was an Anglo Indian teacher in a school outside Simla. He encountered ‘it’ (a figure of a boy) who was sitting alone on a rock as he (Oliver) walked through the pine forest.

(ii) Mr. Oliver was teaching in the school which was run on English Public School lines. ‘Life’ magazine described this place as ‘the Eton of the East’ because the boys from wealthy Indian families studied in the school. They wore blazers, caps and ties.

(iii) Mr. Oliver approached it (the boy) in order to recognise the boy. He had mistaken it (the boy) for one of his school students who, Mr. Oliver felt, should not have been there so late in the dark.

(iv) A lantern is a lamp in a transparent case, often a metal case with glass sides, that has a handle, so that you can carry it outside. Mr. Oliver was holding the lantern. He felt relieved at the sight of the lantern swinging in the middle of the path because his own lantern had fallen from his trembling hand on seeing the figure of a boy who was without eyes, ears, nose or mouth.

(v) Mr. Oliver feels nervous. He stumbles up to the watchman gasping for breath. He is frightened when he finds that the watchman has also no eyes, no ears, no features at all – not even an eyebrow. All this makes the story mysterious, strange and supernatural. Mr. Oliver had earlier come across a figure of a boy who had no eyes, no ears, no nose and no mouth. And then a similar watchman. This is all frightening and horrible. This makes the story a real horror story.

Question 11.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
An angry athlete is an athlete who will make mistakes, as any coach
will tell you. I was no exception. On the first of my three qualifying
jumps, I leaped from several inches beyond the take-offboard for a foul.

(i) When and where is this story set ?
What reason does the narrator Jesse Owens give for the heightened nationalistic feelings at this time ? [3]
(ii) In which event had Owens been confident of winning a gold medal ? Why ? [3]
(iii) What had made Owens angry enough to make mistakes? [3]
(iv) Name Owens ’rival who approached him at this point.
What advice did this athlete give Owens ? [3]
(v) How did the two athletes perform in the finals?
What does Jesse Owens consider his ‘Greatest Olympic Prize’? Why? [4]
Answers :
(i) This story is set in the time of the Berlin Olympic Games of 1936. Because Hitler childishly insisted that his performers were members of a ‘master race’, heightened nationalistic feelings at this time were at an all time high.

(ii) Jessie Owens trained, sweated and disciplined himself for six years. He had already made a world record in the long jump in the last year. So he expected to win the gold medal easily this time.

(iii) At the time of broad-jump trials Jessie Owens was started to see a tall boy hitting the pit at almost 26 feet on his practice leaps Jessie felt angry when he was told that Hitler had kept him under wraps obviously to win the
jump with him. Jessie was disturbed to think if Luz Long won, it would add some new support to the Nazis’ Aryan superiority theory. Jessie was so disturbed that he made mistakes in his trial jumps.

(iv) Luz Long, a Gennan, was Jessie Owens’ rival. On noticing Jessie Owens feeling disgusted, Luz Long counselled Jessie to focus on the jump by giving him a valuable tip. He said to Jessie, “Why don’t you draw a line a few inches in back of the board and aim at making your take off there?”

(v) The two athletes gave their best possible performance in the finals. They improved upon their previous records. As it turned out, Luz broke his own past record. But in doing so, he pushed Owens on to a peak performance. When Owens won the medal, Long congratulated him by shaking his hand with him, without bothering about s having to face the wrath of Hitler. To Jessie Owens, the greatest Olympic prize was not gold medal but his new and noble friendship with Luz Long. He was happy to learn that the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.

Question 12.
Answer the following questions with reference to Ray Douglas Bradbury s short story, ‘All Summer in a Day ’:
(i) Name the planet on which this story is set.
Describe everyday life on this planet. [4]
(ii) Why was there so much excitement in the school room that morning ?
What set Margot apart from the other children? [4]
(iii) Describe how the planet was transformed when the sun came out and shone briefly over it.
Why was Margot not able to witness this phenomenon ? What emotion do you suppose the other children experienced when Margot emerged at the end of the story? [8]
Answers:
(i) The setting of the story is the planet Venus where it keeps on raining for years together. Sunshine occurs only once in seven years. The scene of the story is set in a school where the teachers and children await the appearance of the sun with great curiosity. One sunny day is equal to an earthly summer on this planet.

The children inhabiting this planet are nine years old and living with their families. Seven years of continuous rain have deprived them of the brightness on their faces. They are pale and colourless. They are passive both physically and mentally. The lack of the light of the sun has dried their compassion and consideration for others. They do not gain their humanity until they spend sometime in the light of the sun.

(ii) The children were eagerly waiting for a momentous occasion. It had been raining for seven years and now the scientists on Venus had predicted that the sun would appear for a brief period of time.

Margot was like a stranger in her class. She had come to this planet (Venus) only five years ago from Earth. She still remembered the sun and the sky and how they looked when she was only four years old in the city of Ohio. The other children in the school had been on Venus all their lives and they had been only two years old when last the sun came out on Venus. Since they were small at that time, they had now forgotten the colour and heat of the sun and how it looked. When Margot told them that the sun was like a penny or like fire in the stove, nobody was ready to believe her. They thought that she was lying.

(iii) The rain slackened slowly and came to a stop. It was followed by a disturbed violence which seemed like a tornado, a hurricane or volcanic erruption. The children put their hands to their ears. Then, all of a sudden, the sun came out. It was flaming bronze in colour and it looked very large. The sky was blazing blue and the whole jungle seemed to bum with sunlight. It was incredible.

The children felt as if they had been released from a spell. They rushed out, yelling into the springtime (which comes only once in 7 years). The teachers warned them not to go too far. The children had only two hours to remain outside. But the children seemed to go out of control. They were running and turning their faces up to the sky. They were feeling the sun on their cheeks like a warm iron. They were letting the sun bum their arms after taking off their jackets.

Margot was not able to witness this phenomenon as she had been locked into a closet by her classmates who did not like Margot to talk about the sun. The phenomenon of the sunshine lasted for a very short time. The sun started fading off gradually behind a stir of mist. A cold wind began to blow and all the children started walking back. Their smiles had vanished. They could hear a boom of thunder and see the flash of lightning coming nearer and nearer. The sky darkened into midnight in a flash.

Then a girl remembered Margot who was locked in the closet. Then all the children walked towards the closet, unlocked the door and let Margot come out. Their attitude towards Margot changed after they had spent some time in the light of the sun.

(Note : Question Nos. 13 to 18 not in syllabus)

ICSE 2017 History and Civics Question Paper Solved for Class 10

November 25, 2022

Solving ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2017 is the best way to boost your preparation for the board exams.

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2017 Solved

Part-1 (30 Marks)
Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1.
(a) State any one federal feature of the Indian Constitution. [1]
Answer:
In a federal government, there is a dual set of governments – Union Government and the State Government. The Union government runs the administration of the entire country and the state governments run the administration of the respective states.

(b) How are the Rajya Sabha members elected? [ 1 ]
Answer:
The members of the Rajya Sabha from each State are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly (i.e. the Lower House) of the State. This is done by means of proportional representation called the Single Transferable Voting System.

(c) Who presides over the Joint Session of the two Houses of Parliament? [1]
Answer:
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sessions of the Parliament.

(d) Under what condition can a non-member of Parliament be made a Minister? [ 1 ]
Answer:
He must be elected or nominated to the Parliament within six months.

(e) When can the Speaker of the Lok Sabha cast his vote? [1]
Answer:
Generally, the speaker does not participate in the discussions of the House and does not take part in the voting but in case of a tie, he/she exercises his casting vote.

(f) When can the President use his Discretionary power to appoint the Prime Minister? [ 1 ]
Answer:
In the’case of no single party getting a clear majority, a coalition of parties makes its claim to form the government. The President has to use his discretionary judgement and invite such a leader to head a government as Prime Minister who can provide a stable government to the country. His judgement and decision are of crucial importance.

(g) What is meant by ‘Collective Responsibility ’ of the Cabinet? [1]
Answer:
The Council of Ministers is jointly or collectively responsible to the Parliament. Once they have reached a decision after full discussion in the meeting under Prime Minister’s Chairmanship, all the Ministers must defend it inside the Parliament and in the public.

(h) How long can the Rajya Sabha retain the money bill sent by the Lok Sabha? [ 1 ]
Answer:
14 Days

(i) State one other qualification required to become a Judge of the High Court, apart from Indian citizenship. [1]
Answer:
Must have held a judicial office for not less than ten years in India or should have been an advocate of High Court for ten years.

(j) Mention one reason to state that the Lok Adalat has its own advantage. [1]
Answer:
A Lok Adalat delivers speedy and inexpensive justice.

Question 2.
(a) Mention any two Repressive Colonial policies of Lord Lytton. [2]
Answer:

In 1877, he lowered the maximum age limit for the I.C.S. examination from 21 to 19 years, thus making it impossible for the Indians to compete for it.
He introduced Vernacular Press Act and Indian Arms Act. Both these were passed to pursue the policy of racial discrimination.

(b) Name the two main Associations that were the precursors of the Indian National Congress. [2]
Answer:

The Indian National Association.
The East India Association.

(c) Give the names of two leaders who led the Home Rule Movement in India. [2]
Answer:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.

(d) What was the Khilafat Movement? [2]
Answer:
The movement was launched after the First World War by two Ali brothers, Muhammed Ali and Shaukat Ali to protest against the injustice done to the Muslims of Turkey and to protest against the threat to the position and the dignity of the Turkish Sultan.

(e) State any two provisions of the Rowlatt Act passed by the Government in 1919. [2]
Answer:

The Act gave enormous powers to the government to redress political activities, and allowed detention of political prisoners without a trail for two years.
The police could search a place and arrest any person they disapproved without warrant.

(f) Mention any two objectives of the Indian National Army. [2]
Answer:

The aim of the army was to overthrow the British Raj in colonial India, with Japanese assistance.
To establish an Interim Government.

(g) Why did Mahatma Gandhi start his historic march to Dandi? [2]
Answer:
(i) Lahore Session and the Demand for Complete Independence: The failure of the British Government to give Dominion Status to India and several other developments in 1929 hardened the Congress attitude. So, at its Lahore Session, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru in December, 1929, the Congress passed resolution of ‘‘Puma Swaraj’, and also took steps to launch a programme of Civil Disobedience.

(ii) Gandhi’s Eleven Demands : On 30th January, 1930 Mahatma Gandhi in a statement, put forward Eleven Demands to correct two injustices done to the Indians, but Gandhiji’s demands were declared to be unrealistic by the Viceroy.

(h) State the significance of the Policy of Appeasement as a cause for the Second World War. [2]
Answer:
England and France followed a policy of appeasement towards Germany. They did not care to enforce the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, so Hitler started to flout it. When Hitler attacked and annexed Austria, Britain and France did not try to stop him. The heads of four nations – Germany, Italy, Britain and France met at Munich on September 28,1938 and decided to hand over Sudetanland to Germany. The Czechs were persuaded by them to accept the Munich Pact in the name of world peace. But actually,
they were appeasing Hitler at the cost of Czechoslovakia.

(i) Give the reason as to why Japan invaded China. [2]
Answer:
In Asia, Japan harboured expansionist desires. It attacked China in 1931 and annexed Manchuria. China appealed to the League of Nations to declare sanctions against Japan, Britain and France leading members of the League ignored the appeal. In 1933, Japan left the League of Nations and started occupying the British and American properties in China. Britain and France followed the policy of appeasement under which they ignored aggressive policy of Japan, thinking that Japanese could be used to weaken China. The Japanese were determined to. dominate the Far East. America warned Japan of the dire consequences but Japan ignored. She joined “Rome-Berlin-Tokyo” Axis. She also attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbour.

(j) Mention any two functions of UNESCO in the field of Education. [2]
Answer:
1. It has set up educational planning centres which prepare specialists in the theories and methods of education. For example, International Institute of Educational Planning in Paris.

2. Four main areas of focus to provide basic education for all, to expand access to basic education, improve the quality of basic education and education for the 21st century.

Part – II (50 Marks)
Section-A
(Attempt any two questions from this Section)

Question 3.
The Powers and Functions of the Indian Parliament are wide ranging. In this context answer the following:
(a) Explain three ways by which the Legislature exercises control over the Executive. [3]
Answer:
(a) Control over Executive: The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. They remain in office as long as they continue to enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha,, by simple majority. The Parliament exercises its control over the executive as given below:
1. Various Motions: The Question Hour, Call Attention Motion, Half an Hour Discussion are the devices through which the House seeks information from the Government.

2. Adjournment Motion: With the passing of the Adjournment Motion, the routine business of the House is postponed. The House then discusses Government’s acts of omission or commission on a matter of urgent national importance.

3. Censure Motion and the No-Confidence Motion: Censure Motion, expressing disapproval of the policies of the Government may be moved against the Council of Ministers or an individual Minister in the – Lok Sabha. Adoption of the Censure Motion against the Government would result in the resignation of the Council of Ministers. But if it is against an individual Minister as the case may be, then only the individual , Minister has to resign. A No-Confidence Motion against the Council of Ministers may be moved in the Lok Sabha by a leader of the Opposition supported by at least 50 members. It is taken up for discussion within ten days. If it is passed, the Government has to resign.

(b) Mention any three special powers ofthe Rajya Sabha that is usually not enjoyed by the other House. [3]
Answer:
The Rajya Sabha performs the following functions, as per its Powers in relation to the Lok Sabha :

According to Article 249 if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution on any topic of national interest to empower the parliament to make law, on any topic enlisted in the state list, with a majority of votes, then the parliament gains authority to make that law.
It can create any new All India service by passing a resolution in favour by a majority of a 2/3 rd majority.
It has the power to pass the declaration of emergency. In the case of a proclamation of emergency, if the Lok Sabha is lying dissolved or it has been dissolved with the proclamation of emergency, the Rajya Sabha holds the command to continue beyond the stipulated period of 2 months.

The Rajya Sabha can impeach the President on the charge of violating the Constitution.
It can pass a special address to remove a judge of the Supreme Court or High Courts.
Along with the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha can pass resolutions for the removal of some high officers like the Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General, Chief Election Commissioner etc. When such a resolution is passed, the President can remove these officers from office.

Electoral Powers:

The elected members of the Rajya Sabha can take part in the election of the President.
The members of the Rajya Sabha can take part in the election of the Vice-President.
They can elect the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from amongst its members.

Question 4.
The Union Executive which consists of the President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers is a powerful body in a Parliamentary Democracy. In this context answer the following questions:
(a) State the position of the Prime Minister and state any two of his powers in relation to the President. [3]
Answer:
(i) The Prime Minister is the channel of communication between the Cabinet and the President. He conveys Cabinet’s decisions to the President, and keeps him informed of all matters of the government, national or foreign.

(ii) The Prime Minister advises the President to summon and prorogue the sessions of the Parliament, and to dissolve the Lok Sabha.

(iii) The Prime Minister advises the President in appointing or removing the High officials.

(b) Mention the three categories of Ministers in order of their rank and status. [3]
Answer:
There is no provision for categories of Ministers in the Indian Constitution but as per old practice there are four categories of Ministers:

Cabinet Ministers: They are the most important members of the Council of Ministers. They are usually senior leaders, have a right to attend Cabinet meetings and participate in the decision making. They hold important portfolios like Home, External Affairs, Railways, Defence, Finance, etc.
Ministers of State: They do not have independent charge of Ministry, they do not attend Cabinet meetings until invited to do so. But as per recent practice some of them are entrusted with independent charge.
Deputy Ministers: They have to help senior Ministers. They do not attend Cabinet meetings, unless specially invited.
Parliamentary Secretaries: They assist the Ministers in the Parliament.

(c) Mention any four Legislative powers of the Cabinet. [4]
Answer:
1. The sessions of the Parliament are summoned by the President on the advice of the Cabinet. The initiative in this matter is taken by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The Cabinet decides dates for holding sessions and for proroguing the Parliament.

2. The special address that the President delivers to the Parliament is prepared by the Cabinet and the President simply reads it.

3. The Cabinet gets the bills drafted. The members of the Council of Ministers introduce, explain and defend the bills in the Parliament and get them passed.

4. The President issues ordinances at the instance of the Cabinet.

Question 5.
With reference to the powers and functions of the High Court, explain briefly the meaning and scope of the following:
(a) Its Appellate Jurisdiction. [3]
Answer:
(a) Appellate Jurisdiction means that the High Court has power to accept appeals against the decision of District Court in civil as well as criminal matters. The High Court hears the appeal in the following cases :

Against the judgement of Assistant Sessions Judge, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate when the punishment exceeds four years.
Against the judgement of Assistant Sessions Judge, where the sentence of imprisonment to a convict exceeds seven years.
A sentence of death must be confirmed by the High Court.
When an acquittal is granted by Sessions Judge in a State case, the State can take the appeal to the High Court.

(b) The High Court as a Court of Record. [3]
Answer:
(b) The High Court is a Court of Record. This implies that:
(i) Its judgements are kept as a record, and are used as precedent. It is binding on all subordinate courts in the State. But in other High Courts, the judgement of a High Court can be used only in support of an argument in a case before it.

(ii) If a person commits contempt of a High Court, it has the authority to punish him. The Supreme Court or the Parliament cannot deprive the High Court of this power.

(c) Judicial Review. [4]
Answer:
Judicial Review is the special power vested in the Judiciary by which it examines the constitutionality of the laws, passed by the legislature and the acts of the government. If in view of the court, any executive order or any law passed by the legislature violates any provision of the constitution, it declares it unconstitutional.

Section – B
(Attempt any three questions from this Section)

Question 6.
With reference to the rise of‘National Consciousness’in India, explain the following:
(a) The influence of Western Education.
Answer:
(Britishers introduced English education as some Indians with English education were needed to work at the lower levels of administration. But it became one of the most important factors in the promotion of national consciousness.
(a) It brought the advanced knowledge of the world to the people of India. Because of this, Indian leaders themselves made efforts for the spread of English education.

(b) Knowledge of English proved to be a boon as the young men educated through English medium were introduced to the liberal ideas of the west, such as freedom, democracy and nationalism. They were highly impressed by the teachings of Garibaldi, Mazzini, Rousseau etc.

(c) As India was a very vast country with different languages, English was a common language and proved to be a link language through which people living in different regions began to communicate. So, English was responsible for the unification of such a vast country.

(d) The educated Indians played a leading role in spreading nationalistic ideas. They also started many religious and social reform movements which helped in uniting the Indians. It was through these movements that they came to know about their political rights.

(b) Any three contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. [3]
Answer:
(i) He condemned evil customs like sati, purda, child-marriage, forced widowhood, polygamy, female infanticide and discrimination against women.

(ii) He began a struggle against the caste distinctions, prevailing in the society including the evil of untouchability.

(iii) Raja Ram Mohan Roy laid the foundation of an English school and spread of education of modem subjects, so that western knowledge could come within the reach of Indian students.

Introduction of railways in India revolutionised the socio-economic life of the people. Beside, communication became quicker and journeys more comfortable and cheaper.
The telegraph and postal system provided by the British proved helpful to organize an all India movement which otherwise would have been impossible.
The Railway network spread throughout India helped to fight famines and thus surplus produce of one area could be transported to famine stricken area rapidly. This raised the economic status of the people and give them courage to fight for their rights.

Question 7.
The conflict between the two sections of the Congress came to surface in its Session in 1906 at Calcutta. In this context explain the following:
(a) The Split in the Congress in 1907. [3]
Answer:
(i) The Extremist leaders of the National Congress wanted to propose the name of Lala Lajpat Rai for the presidentship of the Congress against the official candidate Dr. Rash Behari Bose. This gave rise to separation between the two wings which led to the split in the Congress in 1907.

(ii) To placate the Assertive Nationalists the Calcutta session of the Congress in 1906 A.D. adopted “Swaraj” as its goal and passed resolutions supporting Swadeshi and Boycott and National educaion. But the moderate section in the Congress did not like this development. The Radicals wanted to extend the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement to rest of India but the Moderates wanted to confine it to Bengal.

(b) With reference to the picture given below, answer the following: [3]
(i) What were the three personalities popularly known as?
(ii) Which section of the Congress did they represent?
(iii) Mention two of their popular beliefs.
Answer:
(i) Lai, Bal, Pal
(ii) They represented Aggressive/Assertive nationalists.
(iii) (a) Freedom is the birth right of every Indian.
(b) Supported the swadeshi goods and against the use of imported goods.

(c) State any four methods that they advocated for the achievement of their aims. [4]
Answer:
The Aggressive Nationalists used Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education, Non-cooperation and self-sacrifice as some of the methods to gain independence.
(i) Swadeshi: Swadeshi means producing necessary items in one’s own country or ‘of one’s own country. ’ The Swadeshi idea was popularised by occasional bonfires of foreign cloth, salt and sugar.

(ii) Boycott: The promotion of Swadeshi was accompanied by the advocacy of Boycott. Swadeshi and Boycott were two sides of the same coin. Tilak said, “ When you accept Swadeshi, you must boycott foreign goods.”
Swadeshi and Boycott were not confined to goods only. Swadeshi gradually came to include everything Indian.

(iii) National Education: In order to achieve the objectives of the national movement, many new educational institutions were set up. According to Tilak, the highlights of National Education were to be in the following areas Secular education Religious or moral education Political education and Vocational or Industrial education.

(iv) Passive Resistance, i.e. non-cooperating with the British Government by boycotting government service, courts, schools and colleges.

Question 8.
The period between 1920 to 1947 was marked with major events and reforms that finally led us to our Independence. In this context, answer the following questions:
(а) State three provisions of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact as a result of the Civil Disobedience Movement. [3]
Answer:

Withdrawal of all ordinances issued by the British Government imposing curbs on the activities of the Indian National Congress.
Release of prisoners arrested for participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
To allow the Indians who lived near sea shore to manufacture and sell salt.

(b) How did the Congress and the Muslim League respond to the Cabinet Mission Plan? [3]
Answer:
The proposals of Cabinet Mission were accepted by the Congress with some reservations. It suggested that grouping of provinces should be optional but not compulsory. The Congress rejected the scheme of Interim Government because of its limited powers and status. It also had objection of parity with the Muslim League.

Federal Government: It recommended a federal type of government for the whole of India.
Constituent Assembly: A Constituent Assembly consisting of 389 members – 292 members from provinces, 4 from the territories governed by Chief Commissioner and 93 from Indian Princely States would draft the Constitution of India.
Division of Provinces: There would be three groups of provinces.
Formation of Interim Government: An Interim Government at the Centre consisting of representatives of all communities would be installed on the basis of party between the representatives of the Hindus and the Muslims.

Question 9.
The 1914 and 1939 Wars that engulfed almost the entire world, were known as World Wars due to its unprecedented impact and damage. In this context, answer the following:
(a) Explain the immediate cause of the First World War. [3]
Answer:
The Sarajevo Incident: In June 1914, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Heir-Apparent to the throne of Austria went on an official visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. There, on June 28,1914, he and his wife were shot dead. The assassin, Gavrilo Princep, was a nineteen year old Bosnian. This dual murder had been planned in Serbia by a secret society of patriotic terrorists, called the “Black Hand.” The Austrians blamed the Serbians for this crime, as the assassin and (the fellow conspirators had received their guns and bombs in the Serbian capital, with the help of Serbian officials. Presuming this to be true, Austria made eleven demands and sent a stiff ultimatum to Serbia on 23rd July, to apprehend the criminals and hand them over to the Austrian government. Austria also sought a ban on anti-Austrian publications, anti-Austrian’ meetings and institutions in Serbia.

(b) Explain the consequences of the Second World War with reference to the Cold War. [3]
Answer:
Arms Race and Militarisation: The Cold War set in motion a mad race for armaments. Both the blocs spent huge sums on arms and amassed deadly weapons. The Americans lost the nuclear weapon monopoly when Russia exploded its first Atom Bomb in 1949. Once Soviet Russia developed its nuclear weapon, she became a rival of the United States and the two came to be recognised as Super Powers.

Formation of Military Alliances: The Cold War led to the formation of various alliances like.

Nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
Seato (South-East Asia Treaty Organisation)
Cento (Central Treaty Organisation)
The Warsaw Pact, etc.

Setback to the United Nations: The Cold War gave a major setback to the working of the United Nations. The rivalry between the two Blocs barred admission of certain nations to the UNO. It was in 1955 that Albania, Austria and Bulgaria were able to join the United Nations. The USA did not allow for a very long time the entry of China also to the UNO. This prevented the world body from attaining a truly universal character.

Germany was held guilty of aggression. She was to pay the cost of the war called war-indemnity or reparation to the victor nations to the tune of 33 billion dollars as compensation of the war.
Germany was to evacuate the places she had captured dining the war.
The German area of Rhine Valley was to be demilitarized.
The German territory to the west of Rhine Valley was to be occupied by the Allied troops for 15 years.
Germany was to return Alsac and Lorane to France; she was to hand over Europeon and Malmedy to Belgium; she was to give Scheleswig to Denmark. Danzig was to be a free port in the Polish territory.

Question 10.
The horrors of the two World Wars, led to the formation of the United Nations Organisation, while the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement followed later. In this context, answer the following:
(a) Mention any three aims and objectives of the United Nations Organisation. [3]
Answer:
The United Nations Organisation was established on October 24, 1945 with its headquarters at New York (USA) with the aim to save the coming generation from the scourge of another War.
Main objectives of the UNO are :

Peace
Human dignity
Justice
Human brotherhood
Cooperation

(b) Explain any three functions of the Security Council. [3]
Answer:

To maintain international peace and security.
To investigate any dispute or situation which may lead to friction.
To recommend methods of settling such disputes.
To formulate plans for the regulation of armaments.

(c) Explain any four factors that led to the formation of the Non Aligned Movement. [4]
Answer:
(i) Global tension caused by Cold War : Most of the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa realised that the division of the world into two power
blocs was not in their larger interest and this might endanger world peace. These nations felt that by maintaining distance from both the super powers they would put off the danger of another war.

(ii) Struggle against imperialism: The newly independent nations opted for non-alignment because most of these countries remained under big powers for a long period of time. They wanted to enjoy their newly acquired freedom and the power that had come with it.

(iii) Right of independent judgment: The newly independent nations were able to keep their own identity by not aligning with any of the power blocs. They wanted to solve their problems themselves without any outside interference or influence.

(iv) Use of moderation in relations to all big powers : The newly independent nations wanted to promote goodwill and co-operation among the nations of Asia and Africa and to explore and advance their mutual interests by establishing friendly relations with all the nations.

(v) Economic development: Most of the newly independent countries were facing problem of poverty and underdevelopment. To come out of this they needed financial and technical assistance from both the power blocs.

Category: ICSE

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2013 Solved

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2020 Solved

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2019 Solved

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2018 Solved

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2013 Solved

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2012 Solved

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2016 Solved

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2022 Solved Semester 2

ICSE Class 10 English Language Question Paper 2015 Solved

ICSE Class 10 English Literature Question Paper 2019 Solved

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Question Paper 2017 Solved