Formative Assessment – Resources and Development Class 10 Geography | Notes, NCERT Q&A, Soil Types

 Geography: Lesson 1 - Resources and Development

1. What do you understand by a ‘Resource’? Give examples.

• A resource is anything available in the environment that can be used to satisfy human needs, provided it is culturally acceptable, economically feasible, and technologically accessible.
• Resources include natural materials like land, water, soil, forests, minerals, and human-made materials.
• Examples: Water, forests, minerals, fuels, human beings (labor), and animals.

2. “Resources are a function of human activities.” Explain with examples.

• Resources do not have intrinsic value unless humans recognize and use them.
• Human activities transform natural materials into resources by applying technology and knowledge.
• Example: Coal exists naturally but is usable as a resource only when humans mine and use it for energy.
• Forests are resources when managed and used by communities for timber, medicine, etc.
• Water becomes a resource when channeled for irrigation or drinking.

3. Classify resources based on origin, exhaustibility, ownership, and status of development with examples.

Classification Basis	Types and Description	Examples
Origin	1. Biotic (from living organisms)	Forests, animals, fisheries
	2. Abiotic (non-living things)	Soil, water, minerals, air
Exhaustibility	1. Renewable (can be replenished naturally)	Forests, sunlight, wind, water
	2. Non-renewable (finite and get exhausted)	Minerals, coal, fossil fuels
Ownership	1. Individual (owned privately)	Private land, farms
	2. Community (shared by a group)	Grazing grounds, village ponds
	3. National (owned by the state)	Roads, rivers, forests within borders
	4. International (regulated internationally)	Oceans beyond exclusive economic zones
Status of Development	1. Potential (found but not used)	Solar energy potential in a region
	2. Developed (surveyed and used)	Irrigated land, mines
	3. Stock (known to exist but no technology to use)	Hydrogen as fuel
	4. Reserves (subset of stock, use possible with current tech)	Forest reserves, groundwater in dams

4. Which soil is known as cotton soil? State its main features.

• Black soil is called cotton soil.
• Features:
• Deep, black in color.
• Rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina.
• Retains moisture for a long time.
• Cracks when dry.
• Suitable for cotton cultivation, hence called cotton soil.

5. Explain two institutional efforts made at the global level for resource conservation.

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Conducts global environmental assessments, promotes sustainable development, and encourages member countries to conserve resources.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A global treaty for conserving biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

6. Discuss conservation methods for natural resources and explain why conservation is necessary.

• Conservation methods:
• Afforestation and reforestation to preserve forests.
• Soil conservation by contour ploughing, terracing, and crop rotation.
• Water conservation through rainwater harvesting and building check dams.
• Promoting renewable energy to conserve fossil fuels.
• Sustainable agricultural practices to reduce land degradation.
• Why necessary:
• To prevent depletion and maintain ecological balance.
• To ensure availability for future generations.
• To protect biodiversity and natural habitats.
• To sustain economic growth without environmental harm.

Geography: Lesson 2 - Water Resources

1. List causes of water pollution and suggest methods to control it.

• Causes: Industrial waste, sewage disposal, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, oil spills, and domestic waste.
• Control methods: Treat industrial and sewage waste before discharge, reduce chemical use, promote organic farming, create awareness, and enforce pollution control laws.

2. Describe traditional methods of rainwater harvesting in India.

• Johads in Rajasthan: Small earthen check dams to store rainwater.
• Tanks in South India: Large reservoirs to collect water.
• Kunds and Beris: Underground water storage structures.
• These methods help recharge groundwater and provide water during dry spells.

3. Explain the importance of water resources for economic development.

• Water is essential for agriculture (irrigation), which supports food security.
• Provides drinking water and sanitation.
• Supports industries and power generation.
• Facilitates transportation and fishing.
• Hence, water resource availability directly influences economic activities and livelihoods.

4. What is sustainable development? Why is it needed in the context of water resources?

• Sustainable development means meeting present water needs without compromising future availability.
• It prevents over-extraction and pollution, conserving water for future generations.
• Ensures equitable distribution and long-term economic and environmental stability.

5. Name and explain major multipurpose river valley projects in India.

• Bhakra Nangal Project: Provides irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control on the Sutlej River.
• Narmada Valley Project: Large dam and canal system for irrigation, power generation, and drinking water.
• Tungabhadra Project: Covers irrigation, power, and flood control functions on the Tungabhadra river.
• These projects serve multiple purposes: water supply, energy, and controlling floods.

History: Lesson 1 – The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

1. Define the main aims of the French Revolutionaries.

• To establish liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• To end the monarchy and feudal privileges.
• To create a democratic government based on the will of the people.
• To eliminate social inequalities and create a society of citizens with equal rights.

2. What steps did the French revolutionaries take to create a sense of collective identity?

• Introduced national symbols like the Tricolour flag, the national anthem (La Marseillaise), and the national festival (Bastille Day).
• Used allegories such as Marianne to personify the nation.
• Promoted a sense of citizenship and patriotism through education and public ceremonies.
• Suppressed regional languages and customs to promote French as the national language.

3. Briefly trace the process of German unification.

• Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian Prime Minister, led unification through "Blood and Iron" policy.
• Fought three key wars: Danish War (1864), Austro-Prussian War (1866), Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).
• Defeated Austria and France to bring German states together under Prussian dominance.
• Proclaimed the German Empire in 1871 at the Palace of Versailles with the King of Prussia as the Kaiser.

4. Why did nationalist tensions emerge in the Balkans? Give at least two causes.

• The Balkans were home to many ethnic groups with differing national identities seeking independence.
• Ottoman Empire's weakening control led to power struggles between ethnic groups.
• External powers (Russia, Austria-Hungary) sought influence, increasing conflicts.
• Rise of nationalist movements demanding self-rule and territorial claims.

5. Who were Marianne and Germania? How did these allegories help foster a sense of identity?

• Marianne was a symbol of the French Republic representing liberty and reason.
• Germania was a personification of the German nation symbolizing unity and strength.
• These allegories helped create emotional and visual representation of national identity.
• They were used in art, literature, and public life to cultivate patriotism.

6. How did events like the Act of Union and rise of ‘British nation’ shape European politics?

• The Act of Union (1801) merged Great Britain and Ireland into the United Kingdom, centralizing political power.
• Promoted the idea of British nationalism integrating diverse peoples under one political entity.
• Strengthened Britain’s role as a major European power.
• Created political tensions with Irish nationalists and affected colonial policies.

History: Lesson 2 – Nationalism in India

1. How was the social and political situation of India affected by the First World War?

• Indian soldiers contributed heavily to the war, raising expectations for political rewards.
• Post-war, the British imposed repressive measures like the Rowlatt Act, causing widespread unrest.
• Economic distress due to inflation and taxes fueled dissatisfaction.
• Growth of nationalist movements demanding self-rule.

2. Describe Gandhiji’s role in uniting different sections of society.

• Promoted inclusive nationalism involving peasants, workers, women, and different religious communities.
• Used non-violent civil disobedience to engage masses.
• Emphasized Hindu-Muslim unity and removal of untouchability.
• Mobilized people through campaigns like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.

3. Explain the significance of the Salt March.

• Challenged the British monopoly and tax on salt, a basic necessity.
• Demonstrated the power of non-violent protest and civil disobedience.
• United Indians across regions and classes in mass participation.
• Drew international attention to India's freedom struggle.

4. What was the Khilafat Movement and how did it contribute to India’s freedom struggle?

• A movement by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after WWI.
• Jointly supported by Gandhi, it created Hindu-Muslim unity for the freedom cause.
• Mobilized large sections of Muslims politically.
• Strengthened the INC’s mass base and resistance against British rule.

Economics: Lesson 1 – Development

1. “Average income is an important criterion for development.” Justify.

• Average income indicates the economic well-being of a country's people.
• Higher average income generally reflects better living standards.
• Helps gauge purchasing power and access to goods and services.
• However, it should be complemented with other indicators like education, health, and equality.

2. Money in your pocket may not buy all goods and services you need to live well. Discuss.

• Income alone does not guarantee access to all facilities like health, education, sanitation.
• Public facilities and infrastructure play a vital role in quality of life.
• Social factors and availability of services affect well-being beyond income.

3. How does national development depend on the availability of public facilities?

• Public facilities such as roads, schools, hospitals, sanitation, and water promote social and economic activities.
• They enable people to lead healthier and more productive lives.
• Without access to basic services, income growth benefits remain limited and unequal.

4. What is sustainable development and why is it important for India?

• Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
• Important in India due to limited natural resources and large population.
• Ensures growth is inclusive, environmentally sound, and long-lasting.

5. Explain the term ‘Human Development Index’ and why is it important for comparing countries.

• HDI measures average achievement in key dimensions: life expectancy, education, and income.
• Provides a broader understanding of development than income alone.
• Helps compare social and economic progress across countries.

6. How can technical and economic development lead to overuse of resources?

• Increased production and consumption demand more raw materials and energy.
• Leads to depletion of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals.
• Causes environmental degradation and pollution.
• Highlights need for sustainable practices.

Civics (Political Science): Lesson 1 – Power Sharing

1. What is power sharing? Why is it important in a democracy?

• Power sharing means distributing political power among different organs, levels, or groups.
• Prevents conflict, ensures stability, and protects minorities.
• Helps accommodate diverse interests in plural societies.
• Strengthens democracy by involving people in decision-making.

2. Discuss the case of Belgium and Sri Lanka to explain arrangements of power sharing.

• Belgium: Power shared between Flemings and Walloons through linguistic and regional autonomy, federalism, and group representation.
• Sri Lanka: Failed majoritarianism led to ethnic conflict; lack of power sharing alienated minorities.
• Shows how accommodation through power sharing can reduce tensions.

3. Explain the concept of majoritarianism and its effects on Sri Lanka.

• Majoritarianism means majority community’s dominance in political power.
• In Sri Lanka, Sinhalese majority imposed policies disadvantaging Tamil minorities.
• Led to ethnic tensions, violence, and civil war.
• Demonstrated dangers of ignoring minority rights.

4. State the benefits of power sharing.

• Reduces social conflict and tension.
• Promotes political stability.
• Protects minority rights.
• Encourages democracy and cooperation.
• Ensures balanced development.

Civics: Lesson 2 – Federalism

1. Differentiate between unitary and federal systems of government.

Aspect	Unitary System	Federal System
Power Distribution	Central government has all power	Power shared between central & states
Authority	Uniform policies throughout country	States have own laws & autonomy
Examples	United Kingdom	India, USA
Flexibility	Easier to make and implement laws	Need consensus for major changes

2. What are the key features of Indian federalism?

• Division of powers between central and state governments through three lists (Union, State, Concurrent).
• Supremacy of the Constitution.
• Independent judiciary to resolve disputes.
• Strong central government with the ability to intervene in states.
• Measures for decentralization, including Panchayati Raj.

3. Explain ‘coming together’ and ‘holding together’ federations. Give examples.

• Coming together federation: Independent states unite to form a federation (e.g., USA, Switzerland).
• Holding together federation: A large country is divided into units for better administration (e.g., India, Spain).

4. Discuss the division of powers between the Union and States in India.

• Union List: Subjects like defense, foreign affairs, currency.
• State List: Subjects like police, public health, agriculture.
• Concurrent List: Subjects like education, marriage, bankruptcy (both can legislate).
• In case of conflict, Union List prevails.

5. Explain the role of the legislative lists in Indian federalism.

• Determine the scope and limits of legislative power for Union and States.
• Help maintain balance between central authority and regional autonomy.
• Provide framework for coexistence and cooperation.

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