Prepare for your CBSE Class 10 Economics exam with our comprehensive guide on the ‘Development’ chapter. This article compiles important previous years’ questions (PYQs) to help you understand key concepts and excel in your exams. Go through these important PYQs questions to enhance your preparation and boost your confidence for the upcoming tests.
Key Words:
Development, Different People with Different Goals, Income and Other Goals, National Development; How to Compare Different Countries or States?
Very Short Answer Type Questions (VSA)
Very Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 2 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 40 words.
1. “Different persons can have different developmental goals.” Support the statement with an example. (2023-24)
Answer: A girl from a rich urban family may aspire for freedom and equality with her brother, while a landless rural labourer may prioritize better wages and more days of work.
2. Fill in the blank: (2020)
Human Development Index (HDI) level in India can be improved through ______.
Answer: Human Development Index (HDI) level in India can be improved through better education, healthcare facilities, and income equality.
3. Define the term per capita income. [2020]
Answer: Per capita income is the average income earned by each person in a given area (country, state, etc.) over a specific period. It is calculated by dividing the total income of the area by its total population.
4. Define the term literacy rate. [2020]
Answer: Literacy rate is the percentage of people aged 7 years or above in a population who can read and write with understanding in at least one language.
5. Study the table and answer the question given below: Some comparative data on Haryana, Kerala and Bihar State Infant Mortality. [2020]
In comparison to Kerala which state has the highest infant mortality rate?
| State | Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live births, 2016) | Literacy Rate (%) 2011 | Net Attendance Ratio (per 100 persons, secondary stage, 2013-14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haryana | 33 | 82 | 61 |
| Kerala | 10 | 94 | 83 |
| Bihar | 38 | 62 | 43 |
Answer: Bihar
Explanation: Bihar has the highest infant mortality rate of 38 per 1,000 live births, which is significantly higher than Kerala’s rate of 10 per 1,000 live births.
6. “Suppose the average income of a country is not being increased over time but the records of the National Income show a rise.” What does this situation signify? (2020 C)
Answer: This situation signifies that the population of the country is increasing. Even though the National Income is rising, the per capita income (average income) remains unchanged because it is divided by a larger population.
7. What may be a developmental goal of a rich farmer? [CBSE 2019]
Answer: Goal of a rich farmer:
- (i) Assurance of high income
- (ii) Higher support prices for crops
- (iii) Can settle children abroad
- (iv) Expects more hard work at cheaper payment
8. What may be a developmental goal of a girl who belongs to a rich urban family? [2019]
Answer: Developmental goal of the girl:
- (i) She gets equal freedom like her brother.
- (ii) She can decide what she wants to do in life.
- (iii) She can pursue her studies abroad.
9. What may be a developmental goal of farmers who depend only on rain for growing crops? [2019]
Answer: Well developed irrigation system/ compensation in the absence of rain/ crop insurance/ highest support prices to their crops/ Non farming activities –Dairy etc should be encouraged / Agricultural loans (KCC).
10. What may be a goal of landless rural labourers regarding their income? (Delhi 2019)
Answer: Landless rural laborers may aim for more days of work and higher wages to secure their livelihood.
11. What may be a goal of prosperous farmers in Punjab? (Delhi 2019)
Answer: Prosperous farmers in Punjab may seek higher support prices for their crops and access to better irrigation facilities.
12. What may be a developmental goal of urban unemployed youth? (2019)
Answer: Urban unemployed youth may aspire for secure and well-paying jobs to improve their living standards.
13. Why is average income considered an important criterion for development? (2017)
Answer: Average income provides a simple and measurable way to compare the economic well-being of people across different regions or countries.
14. What is the development goal of rural people of India as per your viewpoint? (2015)
Answer: Rural people may prioritize access to better education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in their local areas.
15. Why does Kerala have a low infant mortality rate? (2017, 2016, 2015)
Answer: Kerala has a low infant mortality rate because:
- It has adequate healthcare facilities.
- The state provides extensive education and awareness programs for women.
- It ensures better nutrition and vaccination for children.
16. In what respect is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development of countries different from the one used by the World Bank? (2015)
Answer:
- UNDP Criterion: Focuses on Human Development Index (HDI), which includes health (life expectancy), education (mean years of schooling), and per capita income.
- World Bank Criterion: Relies on per capita income alone to classify countries.
- Difference: UNDP’s approach is more comprehensive as it considers both economic and non-economic factors.
17. What is the full form of HDI? (2015)
Answer:
HDI: Human Development Index
18. Explain the term Net Attendance Ratio. (2015, 2014)
Answer: It is the total number of children of the age group 14–15 years attending school as a percentage of
total number of children in the same age group
19. What term is used for the report published by UNDP that compares countries based on the education levels of the people, their health status, and per capita income? (2014)
Answer: The report is called the Human Development Report (HDR).
20. What is the most common indicator for measuring economic development of a country? (2014)
Answer: The most common indicator is per capita income or average income.
21. If there are 4 families in a country with per capita income of $15,000, and the incomes of three families are $10,000, $20,000, and $12,000, what is the income of the 4th family? (2014)
Answer: The income of the 4th family is $18,000.
Calculation:
22. What is the advantage of knowing per capita income? Mention any one. (2014)
Answer: It helps in comparing the economic standard of living among countries or regions.
23. How is the average income of a country calculated? (2014)
Answer:
24. State any two goals of development other than income. (2014)
Answer:
- Access to quality healthcare.
- Equality and security in society.
Short Answer Type Questions (SA) (Within 60 Words)
Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 3 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 60 words.
1. How is the issue of sustainability important for development? (2023-24)
Answer: Sustainability ensures resources are preserved for future generations while meeting present needs. Issue of sustainability is important for development:
(i) Judicious use of resources by present generations leaving enough for future generations.
(ii) Ensuring quality of life & health.
(iii) Conserving the environment which is necessary for development.
(iv) By using renewable resources such as wind energy & solar energy.
(v) Saving Non-renewable resources.
(vi) New sources of energy to be added to the stock.
2. “People have conflicting developmental goals”. Support the statement with suitable examples. [2023-24, 2016-17]
Answer: People’s developmental goals often conflict due to differing priorities. For example:
- Industrialists may support large dams for electricity, while tribals oppose them as it submerges their lands.
- Women may seek gender equality and household participation, which might challenge traditional male roles.
These conflicts highlight the need for balanced solutions to achieve fair and inclusive development.
3. ‘The question of sustainability of development raises many fundamentally new issues.’ Explain. (2023)
Answer: Unsustainable practices (e.g., overuse of groundwater or fossil fuels) deplete resources. Sustainable development requires balancing economic growth with conservation efforts, ensuring long-term benefits for future generations.
4. “Money cannot buy all the goods and services that a person may need to live well.” Explain. (2021 C, 2020, 2016)
Answer: Money cannot buy all that a person desires:
- Money can not Ensure a pollution-free environment.
- Besides income, people also seek things like equal treatment & freedom.
- Money can’t buy respect, security, or relationships.
- People resent discrimination.
- Protect against diseases unless collective action is taken.
For example, no amount of personal wealth can replace a society-wide effort for clean air.
5. Suggest any three ways to maintain Body Mass Index (BMI). (2020)
Answer:
- Eat a balanced diet with proper nutrition.
- Engage in regular physical exercise.
- Avoid processed foods and maintain hydration.
6. What is the meaning of development? Explain the two aspects of development. (2017, 2015)
Answer: Development refers to the improvement in the quality of life and economic well-being of people. The two aspects are:
- Economic Growth: Higher income, employment, and better living standards.
- Non-Economic Growth: Access to education, health, freedom, and equality.
7. On the basis of which three indicators of HDI 2004 does Sri Lanka rank better than India? (2017, 2016
Answer:
- Life Expectancy: Higher in Sri Lanka.
- Literacy Rate: Better education indicators.
- Per Capita Income: More equitable distribution.
8. Explain the three components of Human Development Index. (2016, 2014)
Answer:
- Life Expectancy: Health and longevity.
- Education Index: Mean and expected years of schooling.
- Income Index: Standard of living measured by per capita income.
9. Which three efforts should be made by any country to improve its HDI? (2016)
Answer:
- Enhance healthcare facilities.
- Improve the quality and accessibility of education.
- Ensure equitable income distribution and job opportunities.
10. “For development, people look at a mix of goals.” Support with examples. (2016)
Answer: People consider multiple goals for development:
- A farmer may seek better prices for crops and irrigation facilities.
- A girl may desire freedom and equality in opportunities.
- Workers may aim for higher wages and improved working conditions.
11. Explain the factors on which the quality of life depends. (2016, 2015)
Answer: Quality of life depends on:
- Material factors: Income, housing, and food.
- Non-material factors: Equality, security, freedom, access to healthcare, and education.
12. What is sustainable development? Why is the issue of sustainability important? (2016, 2015)
Answer: Sustainable development means using resources to meet present needs without compromising future generations.
It is essential as resource depletion (e.g., forests, water) can lead to environmental crises, harming growth and livelihoods.
13. Suggest any three measures for sustainable development. (2015)
Answer:
- Use renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
- Promote organic farming to avoid soil degradation.
- Implement strict policies to control deforestation and pollution.
14. Which three development goals will you prescribe for rural labourers? (2015)
Answer:
- More days of work with fair wages.
- Access to healthcare and education.
- Elimination of social discrimination and better living standards.
15. What is meant by economic development? What are the two bases of measuring it? (2015)
Answer: Economic development refers to the sustained increase in a country’s income and living standards.
The two bases are:
- Per Capita Income: Average income of citizens.
- HDI Indicators: Health, education, and income.
16. State three factors other than income that are important in life. (2015, 2014)
Answer:
- Security and freedom.
- Equal treatment and respect.
- Access to quality healthcare and education.
17. Why do we use averages? Are there limitations to their use? (2014)
Answer:
Averages simplify comparisons (e.g., per capita income) but hide disparities. For instance, a high average income may coexist with inequality where a majority earns very little.
18. Explain the role of education and health in the overall development of a country. (2014
Answer: Education improves skills, employment, and awareness. Health ensures a productive workforce. Together, they enhance economic growth and the quality of life.
19. “Sustainability of development is a new area of knowledge.” Do you agree? Justify. (2014)
Answer: Yes, sustainability integrates economics, environment, and society. It emphasizes renewable resources, conservation, and balancing development with ecological health, a relatively new yet essential focus.
Long answer Type Questions (LA) (Within 120 words)
Long answer type questions, carrying 5 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 120 words.
1. What is development? Why do different people have different development goals? Explain with four examples. (2021 C, 2020 C, 2015)
Ans: Development refers to the process of achieving a better quality of life by fulfilling aspirations such as improved living standards, economic growth, and social equality. It involves both material aspects like income and infrastructure and non-material aspects like freedom, respect, and security.
Different people have different development goals due to varied life situations, needs, and priorities. For example:
- A landless labourer might seek better wages and more work opportunities.
- A wealthy farmer might aim for higher support prices for crops and opportunities for global trade.
- An urban unemployed youth may prioritize job opportunities in their field of interest.
- An environmentalist might focus on sustainable practices and preservation of natural resources.
Thus, development goals differ based on individual or community perspectives and circumstances.
2. “Different people have different goals of development”. Explain the statement. (2020)
Ans: This statement highlights that people’s developmental aspirations are shaped by their unique circumstances and priorities. Factors like income levels, geographic location, social status, and personal ambitions influence these goals.
- A girl from a conservative family may seek gender equality and freedom to pursue higher education or a career.
- A businessperson might focus on reducing taxes and improving infrastructure to grow their enterprise.
- A tribal community might aim to protect their land from displacement due to industrial projects.
- A disabled individual might prioritize access to healthcare and inclusive facilities.
Hence, development is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it is dynamic and varies from one individual or group to another based on their specific aspirations.
3. What is average income? What is its importance? Mention its limitations related to development. (2017)
Ans: Average income, or per capita income, is calculated by dividing a country’s total income by its population. It reflects the average earning of individuals and is a key indicator for comparing the economic status of countries.
Importance:
- Helps classify countries as high-income, middle-income, or low-income.
- Provides a snapshot of economic development.
- Serves as a criterion for policy-making and global aid distribution.
Limitations:
- Hides disparities: It doesn’t reflect income inequality within a population.
- Ignores non-economic aspects: Fails to measure quality of life, health, education, and environmental sustainability.
- Misleading comparisons: Averages can make unequal societies appear prosperous.
Thus, average income is a useful yet limited tool in assessing overall development.
4. What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? Describe its limitations. (2017, 2016)
Ans: The World Bank classifies countries based on per capita income. Countries with high per capita income are categorized as high-income or developed countries, while those with lower per capita income are classified as low-income or developing countries.
Limitations:
- Ignores income distribution: Per capita income does not reflect the gap between the rich and the poor.
- Overlooks non-material factors: It excludes quality of life aspects like education, health, and environmental sustainability.
- Fails to consider purchasing power: Does not account for differences in the cost of living between countries.
- Reduces complexity: Simplifies development to economic terms, ignoring social and cultural dimensions.
For a holistic measure of development, indicators like Human Development Index (HDI) are considered more comprehensive.
5. What is national development? What are the aspects covered under national development? (2016)
Ans: National development refers to the collective progress and improvement of a nation in various dimensions such as economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. It encompasses both material and non-material aspects aimed at improving citizens’ quality of life.
Aspects covered:
- Economic development: Growth in income, employment opportunities, and industrialization.
- Social equality: Reduction in poverty, gender equality, and access to basic services.
- Infrastructure development: Improvement in transportation, healthcare, and education facilities.
- Environmental sustainability: Preservation of natural resources and adoption of green technologies.
- Political stability: Strengthening democratic governance and citizen participation.
National development focuses on inclusive growth that benefits all sections of society.
6. Explain with example that there are other important development goals also besides income. (2014)
Ans: While income is an important indicator of development, other goals significantly impact quality of life. These goals include equality, security, freedom, and access to basic amenities.
Examples:
- Security: A person with a high-paying job may prefer a safer working environment even with slightly lower wages.
- Freedom and equality: A girl from a patriarchal family might prioritize equal opportunities and education over material wealth.
- Access to basic amenities: A farmer may value access to irrigation facilities and healthcare more than higher income.
- Environmental goals: A tribal community might seek to preserve their land and resources over monetary benefits from industrial projects.
Such non-material goals emphasize that development is multidimensional and cannot be solely defined by income.
7. In what respect is the criterion used by the UNDP different from that of the World Bank? What are the limitations of the criterion used by the World Bank? (2021 C, 2017)
Ans: The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) measures development using the Human Development Index (HDI), which considers:
- Per capita income (economic aspect).
- Health: Life expectancy at birth.
- Education: Mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling.
The World Bank, on the other hand, uses per capita income as the sole criterion to classify countries as high-income, middle-income, or low-income.
Limitations of the World Bank’s criterion:
- Ignores non-material aspects: Fails to account for health, education, and quality of life.
- Hides inequality: Per capita income does not reflect income disparities within a country.
- Narrow focus: Development is reduced to an economic measure, excluding social and environmental dimensions.
The UNDP’s approach provides a more comprehensive view of human well-being.
8. How is it that the average person in Punjab has more income than the average person in Kerala but it lags behind in many other crucial areas? (2017, 2016)
Ans: Punjab has a higher per capita income due to agricultural productivity and industrial development. However, Kerala surpasses Punjab in human development indicators, such as:
- Literacy rate: Kerala has nearly universal literacy, while Punjab lags behind.
- Infant mortality rate: Kerala’s rate is significantly lower due to better healthcare facilities.
- Gender equality: Kerala has higher female participation in education and workforce.
- Life expectancy: Kerala has better healthcare systems, leading to higher life expectancy.
This disparity illustrates that income alone does not ensure overall development, as non-material factors like health, education, and social equity play a vital role.
9. How can we ensure the sustainability of development in our country? Suggest any one way. (2014)
Ans: To ensure sustainability of development, we must adopt sustainable resource management practices.
One way:
- Promote renewable energy: Transitioning from fossil fuels to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can reduce environmental degradation and reliance on finite resources.
Additionally, raising awareness, enforcing stricter environmental regulations, and fostering community participation can help maintain a balance between current development needs and future resource availability.
10. Why is the issue of sustainability important for development? Explain. (2020)
Ans: Sustainability ensures that development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is vital because:
- Limited Resources: Natural resources like water, forests, and fossil fuels are finite and must be preserved for future generations.
- Environmental Balance: Overexploitation leads to problems like deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change.
- Economic Stability: Unsustainable practices can harm agriculture, industries, and livelihoods over time.
- Social Equity: Ensuring fair access to resources prevents conflicts and promotes inclusive growth.
For instance, overuse of groundwater in India has led to water scarcity in many regions. Sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting can help balance resource usage and maintain development.
11. “Sustainability of development is a crucial aspect in present times.” Support the statement with examples. (2020 C)
Ans: Sustainable development is essential to balance economic growth with environmental preservation. Examples include:
- Renewable Energy: Switching to solar and wind energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases carbon emissions.
- Afforestation: Planting trees helps combat deforestation and enhances biodiversity.
- Water Conservation: Practices like rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation ensure efficient use of water resources.
- Waste Management: Recycling and proper waste disposal reduce pollution and conserve raw materials.
For instance, countries like Norway have embraced renewable energy, significantly reducing their environmental footprint while ensuring economic growth. Sustainability safeguards resources for future generations and maintains ecological balance.
12. “Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national or state boundaries.” Support the statement with example. (2019, 2016)
Ans: Environmental issues like air and water pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss transcend borders. Examples include:
- Air Pollution: Industrial emissions from one country can contribute to acid rain or global warming affecting neighbouring nations.
- Deforestation in the Amazon: Loss of forest cover impacts global oxygen levels and climate patterns.
- Plastic Pollution in Oceans: Plastic waste from one region accumulates in international waters, harming marine ecosystems worldwide.
For instance, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine (1986) released radiation that spread across Europe, affecting several countries beyond Ukraine. This highlights the interconnectedness of environmental challenges and the need for global cooperation to address them.
13. Explain the importance of sustainable development by giving the example of groundwater. (2016, 2014)
Ans: Sustainable development ensures that natural resources like groundwater are used wisely to meet present needs without compromising future availability. Groundwater, a renewable resource, is replenished by rainfall, but its overuse leads to critical issues.
Importance:
- Agriculture: Overdependence on groundwater for irrigation in regions like Punjab has led to a significant drop in water levels.
- Drinking Water: Excessive groundwater extraction reduces availability for domestic consumption.
- Environmental Balance: Depleted groundwater affects ecosystems and soil fertility.
Solution: Sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and regulated extraction can help conserve groundwater and ensure its availability for future generations.
14. What does sustainability of development mean? How can sustainable development be achieved? (2015)
Ans: Sustainability of development refers to meeting the needs of the present generation without depleting resources for future generations, ensuring environmental, social, and economic balance.
How to achieve it:
- Promoting renewable energy: Shift from fossil fuels to solar and wind energy to reduce environmental impact.
- Efficient resource use: Encourage practices like rainwater harvesting and waste recycling.
- Afforestation: Planting trees to maintain ecological balance and combat deforestation.
- Eco-friendly policies: Implement government regulations to curb overexploitation of resources and pollution.
For example, Japan’s focus on recycling and energy efficiency has contributed significantly to sustainable development.
15. Why is sustainable development essential? How does it help to prevent environmental degradation? (2015, 2014)
Ans: Essentiality of sustainable development:
- Resource Preservation: Ensures resources like water, forests, and fossil fuels are available for future generations.
- Economic Stability: Supports long-term economic growth without depleting natural assets.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
Prevention of Environmental Degradation:
- Promotes Renewable Energy: Reduces pollution and dependency on finite resources.
- Protects Ecosystems: Afforestation and conservation prevent soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
- Minimizes Waste: Recycling and proper waste management reduce land and water pollution.
For instance, sustainable agricultural practices like organic farming help reduce soil degradation and maintain fertility.
16. ‘The earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person’. How is this statement relevant to the discussion of development? (2014)
Ans: This statement emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and responsible resource utilization. It is relevant to the discussion of development because:
- Resource Availability: The earth provides abundant natural resources like water, forests, and minerals, sufficient to meet the basic needs of all people if used judiciously.
- Impact of Greed: Overexploitation driven by greed leads to depletion of resources, environmental degradation, and unequal distribution, leaving some people without access to essentials.
- Environmental Balance: Unsustainable practices, such as deforestation and excessive mining, disrupt ecosystems, causing climate change and loss of biodiversity.
- Global Inequality: Greed leads to hoarding of resources by a few, widening the gap between rich and poor and undermining equitable development.
Example: Overuse of fossil fuels for industrial growth leads to air pollution and global warming, affecting all nations. Sustainable practices like renewable energy adoption ensure resources remain available for everyone.
This highlights the need for responsible consumption to achieve equitable and long-lasting development.
