As the CBSE Class 10 board examinations draw near, students are gearing up for one of the most pivotal subjects—Social Science. Scheduled for February 25, 2025, with a two-day preparation gap, the Social Science exam demands thorough revision of key concepts across History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. This subject is not only crucial for academic success but also vital for understanding real-world social dynamics. The long-answer questions, worth 5 marks each, require detailed, well-structured responses that showcase critical thinking and a deep understanding of the topics. Students must be well-prepared to tackle these questions effectively, along with the rest of the paper, to secure top marks.
The Social Science exam will be conducted for 80 marks, with a duration of 3 hours. The paper consists of 37 questions divided into six sections, covering a wide range of question types. While there is no overall choice in the paper, selective internal choices will be provided in a few questions, giving students some flexibility in answering. To enhance their preparation, students are encouraged to practise with past question papers and review the marking scheme, ensuring they are well-acquainted with the exam pattern and time management. To assist students with the preparation for the exams, Sonali Malik, Social Science Teacher for Class 10 at Ridge Valley School, Gurgaon, has shared a list of expected questions in the exam. Given the structured nature of the paper, students should focus on familiarising themselves with the different sections, which include multiple-choice, short-answer, long-answer, and case-based questions. With adequate practise and a strategic approach, they can confidently tackle the Social Science exam and achieve commendable results.
For students attending online schools that follow the CBSE curriculum, these preparation strategies are equally relevant. While the learning environment may differ, the content and examination requirements remain the same. Online school students can benefit from these tips, ensuring they focus on comprehensive study sessions, utilize digital resources, and engage in interactive discussions to enhance their understanding.
CBSE Class 10 SST exam 2025: Long answer questions to practise
Here are a few questions that you can practise for long answer questions. Simulating an exam-like environment while solving the questions and attempting them in a specific timeframe will help you reap maximum benefits.
Question 1: Who hosted the Vienna Congress in 1815? Analyse the main changes brought by the Treaty of Vienna.
Question 2: Discuss the factors responsible for the concentration of the jute mills along the banks of River Hugli.
Question 3: Differentiate between organise and un-organised sector of economic activities.
Question 4: “Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government.” Support the statement with arguments.
Question 5: How is Democracy a better form of government in comparison to a dictatorship? Explain.
Effective tips to solve CBSE Social Science long answer questions
To excel in the long-answer section of the CBSE Class 10 Social Science exam, where questions are worth 5 marks each, students need to approach their preparation with a strategic mindset. Here are some highly informative and unique tips that will help students achieve top marks in this section:
Understand the Question Prompt ThoroughlyThe first step to crafting a strong response is to carefully read and understand the question. Identify key terms and concepts that must be addressed. Break down the question into smaller parts and ensure that your answer covers all the aspects. This clarity in approach will guide your writing and prevent you from missing essential points.
Structure Your Answer WellA well-organized response will stand out. Begin with a concise introduction that directly addresses the question. Follow this with a detailed body where you elaborate on the key points, provide facts, and connect ideas. Conclude with a summary that ties together the main points, ensuring your response feels complete and coherent.
Use Bullet Points for Key FactsWhen answering questions that require factual information or examples, consider using bullet points to make the content clear and easy to read. This helps in presenting information concisely without overwhelming the examiner, making it easier for them to award full marks for accuracy and completeness.
Focus on Analysis and InterpretationWhile factual accuracy is crucial, examiners look for critical thinking and analytical depth. Demonstrate your ability to connect concepts and provide interpretations. For example, when discussing historical events, don’t just list dates and facts—explain their significance, causes, and consequences to show deeper understanding.
Link Theory to Real-life ExamplesWhether answering questions from Political Science, Economics, or History, adding relevant real-life examples can enrich your response. This not only demonstrates practical understanding but also shows that you can relate theoretical knowledge to contemporary issues or past events, making your answer more engaging and insightful.
Time Management and Word LimitLong-answer questions are time-consuming, so practise writing within the allotted time. Adhering to the word limit ensures that your answers are focused and concise. A 5-mark answer should typically be around 100-120 words. Managing time effectively allows you to attempt all questions and revise your answers.
Use Diagrams and Tables When RelevantFor subjects like Geography or Economics, drawing relevant diagrams, charts, or tables can significantly enhance your answer. These visual aids not only clarify complex ideas but also make your answer visually appealing. However, ensure that these diagrams are labeled correctly and referenced in your explanation.
Practise Past Year Papers and Sample PapersTo get familiar with the question format and increase writing speed, practice as many past-year papers as possible. Focus specifically on the long-answer questions and understand the marking scheme for each answer. By analyzing how marks are distributed, you’ll know which points are most critical and how to best organize your response.
Review and Revise Key Concepts RegularlyContinuous revision is essential to retain important concepts. Make summaries or mind maps for each chapter to simplify key points. Regularly revisiting these summaries will help reinforce your knowledge and ensure you don’t miss out on vital information during the exam.
Seek Feedback and ClarificationsAfter completing practice answers, seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas of improvement. Understanding the common mistakes you make and the areas where you need to elaborate more will enhance your writing skills and help you avoid errors in the final exam.