2023-2024

Term-End-1
Readiness Assessment
Systems & Societies
Class - 10
General Instructions:
1. This test paper contains 7 pages.
2. Count and verify the number of pages as soon as you receive the test paper.
Inform the invigilator immediately in case of any issue with the test paper.
3. Maximum time allotted for the assessment is 2 hours 30 minutes (150
minutes).
4. An additional reading time of 15 minutes has been allotted for careful
reading of the questions. Don’t write the answer to any question during the
reading time.
5. Use only blue/black ball point pen to fill in entries or to write your answers.
6. Do all your rough work in your answer sheet.
7. Don’t leave the examination room without the permission of the
invigilator.

Paper Instructions:
8. The test paper contains 20 test items (questions) in two sections.
9. Please read the test items carefully before answering. You will need to read
some text before responding to some of the test items.
10.An item can be a selected response task (SRT) or a constructed response
task (CRT).
Section A: Q 1-9 are CRTs that are to be answered in not more than 500
words.
Section B: Q 10-20 are SRTs.
11.For an SRT, there can be one and only one correct answer.
12.For an SRT, write the correct option with serial number of the task/item in
the answer sheet. For example, in case you want to mark B as correct
answer for test item 33 then write Q 33 (B) in your answer sheet.
13.For a CRT, write your response along with test item number.
14.Exercise internal choices if any, judiciously. In case more than one
question is attempted, only the first response will be evaluated.
 SECTION A

1. According to Plate tectonics theory, Earth's lithosphere comprises several tectonic

plates which have been slowly moving since about 3.4 billion years ago. Explain how
the collision of the Indian tectonic plate with the Eurasian plate influenced the
geographical landscape of South Asia, particularly the formation of the Himalayas.

Trace the changes on the Earth from figure A to Figure B.

Figure A Figure B
(Super Continent) (Indian Subcontinent)

2. India is one of the most climatically diverse countries in the world. However, there are
variations in climatic conditions in the country itself. The climate consists of a wide
range of weather conditions across a vast geographic scale and varied topography. The
climate of India has distinct seasonal patterns. The changes in temperature are extreme
in the interior regions. The coastal regions do not experience extreme temperatures.
Himalaya plays a great role in deciding the climate of India.

What kind of climate change might result if the Himalayas had never formed? How it
would have affected the climate of India?

3. South Asia is a big region with eight unique countries, each different in size and
landscape. It has tall mountains like the Himalayas, long coastlines, and big rivers. This
area stretches from the Himalayas in the north to the seas like the Bay of Bengal and
the Indian Ocean in the south. Countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives are islands in
the Indian Ocean. The western side includes the Indus River and areas like Afghanistan,
while the east has the wide Brahmaputra plains and the Sundarbans delta, which is the
world's largest. South Asia's weather varies a lot, with most places having rainy
monsoon weather except the tall mountains. This region has a rich mix of languages,
foods, clothes, and religions.
Think and write about the differences between a country in South Asia that's
landlocked and one by the sea, especially in terms of their climate, language, food,
religion, and governance.

4. 'Cultural convergence' means that when different cultures interact often, they start to
change and adopt elements from each other. As these cultures share their beliefs,
 traditions, and practices, they start to look more similar. South Asia has been a hub for
many traders and invaders over the years.
Give evidence of four things that are now part of South Asian culture but originally
came from somewhere else.

5. The India Medical Tourism Market is set to grow from US$ 5.63 Billion in 2021 to
US$ 35.12 Billion by 2027, thanks to an increase in the international medical tourists.
India has a rich medical heritage that goes back to the Vedic times, with ancient medical
systems like Ayurveda originating around 8000 BCE. Since becoming independent,
India has quickly advanced in modern medicine. This, combined with its ancient health
systems and wellness practices, makes India a top destination for Medical Tourism.

How does medical tourism benefit South Asia's economies, state five evidence. Discuss
three ways to promote the region as a prime choice for medical tourists.

6. The countries in South Asia predominantly have developing economies. The World
Bank, in its biannual regional report, highlights that the anticipated growth in South
Asia, which was already inconsistent and delicate, will experience a deceleration. This
downturn is attributed to the repercussions of the conflict in Ukraine as well as ongoing
economic hurdles faced by the region.
Examine five different ways in which the Russo-Ukrainian war impacted the economy
of South Asia.

7. “If it is heaven on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here” this is a famous quote of Firdous
on the beauty of Kashmir. The natural wonders of Kashmir have earned it the loving
title of “Heaven on Earth.” The snow-capped mountains and peaceful lakes inspire
poets and artists, drawing admiration from all who see this mesmerising landscape. But
very often we hear the news about the violence in Kashmir region. It is an inseparable
part of India and one of the sensitive regions of the world.
Trace the evolution of the Kashmir issue.

8. Sharing water is a global concern, and South Asia faces this issue too. In this region,
countries share waters from three primary river systems: the Indus, Ganges, and
Brahmaputra. These rivers are vital for the economy of this area, especially when
looking at the large population dependent on them. But due to fast-paced industrial
growth, increased farming, and domestic consumption, these water sources are
depleting quickly. This depletion is leading to political, economic, and regional
tensions. A study by the South Asia Journal points out that among the six countries
sharing these rivers, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal have disputes over water sharing
with India. The study further emphasises that water could be a primary cause of
conflicts in South Asia in the future.
What five steps can be taken to prevent these disputes from escalating into larger
confrontations?

9. South Asia has many different cultures, groups, and religions, which sometimes lead to
disagreements or fights. Over time, there have been many conflicts between different
groups in the region.
List any five ethnic conflicts that have happened in South Asia and explain their causes?
 SECTION B

10. Which of the following is known as the "Rooftop of the world"?

A. The Great Himalayas
B. Thar Desert
C. The Tibetan Plateau
D. The Hindu Kush Mountains

11. Gurvinder is very fond of travelling. In the coming holidays she is planning to visit the
Maldives. How would she adjust her manual winding watch to match the country's time?
A. No Change
B. 30 minutes behind the Indian time
C. 30 minutes ahead of Indian time
D. 20 minutes behind the Indian time

12. What kind of climate would the Bhutanese people experience if Bhutan were located in
the Indian Ocean, closer to the Equator?
A. Savannah
B. Subtropical
C. Tropical Dry
D. Tropical Wet

13. In which area Mangroves are mostly found?

A. Himalayas
B. Deserts
C. Plain areas near river
D. Coastal areas

14. Which of the following South Asian Countries had never been a British colony?
A. India
B. Nepal
C. Sri Lanka
D. Maldives

15. Some basic forms of Governance are given as under:

a. Colonialist
b. Absolute Monarchy
c. Parliamentary Democracy
d. Dictatorship
e. Theocracy
f. Communist
g. Direct Democracy

Through the passage of time, the governance of Bhutan has changed from ………… to …………?
A. a to c
B. e to g
 C. b to c
D. b to g

16. A world-renowned figure in Nepal’s folklore is the legendary Abominable Snowman,

who is said to live in the Himalayas. Abominable Snowman is also known as…………
A. Nata
B. Yeti
C. Jatra
D. Baila

Art in South Asia is distinct in its style. A visible convergence is seen in lacquer work across South
Asia. The materials and methods used for this craft are versatile.

Country Features of Lacquer work

i) India a) It employs three distinct stages in making:

woodturning, lacquer coating and engraving.

ii) Sri Lanka b) The substance tapped from a lacquer plant

locally known as seyshing.

iii) Bhutan c) The lac is prepared from insect resin

collected from grooves of trees.

iv) Pakistan d) The lac workers do not use any brushes and
the art is often known as finger-nail work.

Match the uniqueness of the lacquer work with the respective country.

A. i-b, ii-c, iii-a, iv-d

B. i-c, ii-d, iii-b, iv-a
C. i-d, ii-c, iii-b, iv-a
D. i-c, ii-b, iii-a, iv-d

17. Which County is well known for growing stone fruits?

A. Maldives
B. Pakistan
C. Bhutan
D. Bangladesh

18. Assertion (A): The economic divide between rich and poor small-scale farmers has
grown wide.
Reason (R): Green Revolution necessitated the use of HYV seeds, fertilisers, pesticides
and herbicides, as well as diesel and electric pumps to power irrigation, land reforms and
land distribution changes.
 A. Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
B. Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of
Assertion.
C. Assertion is true but Reason is false.
D. Assertion is false but Reason is true.

19. What are the most popular destinations of Nepali migrants?

A. Malaysia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, USA

B. Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, USA
C. USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Malaysia
D. Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait