ICSE Class 10 Home Science Board Exam Question Paper 2016 with Solutions

ICSE Class 10 Home Science Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions 2016

SECTION A

Question 1.

(a) Define a triad colour scheme. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Any three hues equidistant from one another on the colour wheel are called a triad colour scheme.
Example:
- Primary colours: Red, Blue, Yellow.
- Secondary colours: Green, Purple, Orange.
- Intermediate colours: Blue-Green, Yellow-Orange.

Teacher's Note:
a) A triad colour scheme creates vibrant and balanced colour harmonies by utilizing colours evenly spaced around the colour wheel.
b) Students should remember to give proper examples of primary and secondary colours to secure full marks.

(b) State any two ways of taking care of carpets. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Use a brush for cleaning the carpet.
2. Always do brushing on one side and stroke the pile so that the dirt can be easily removed.

Teacher's Note:
a) Regular brushing and vacuuming prevent dust accumulation and increase the lifespan of carpets.
b) Mentioning the direction of the stroke (along the pile) is crucial for accurate carpet maintenance.

(c) What do you mean by a work triangle? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Designers use the work triangle for the efficient use of the kitchen. The three major units - Fridge, sink, and cooking stove should ideally be in a triangular arrangement to facilitate handling by the homemaker. The work triangle among these three centres should not be less than 15 feet and more than 22 feet.

Teacher's Note:
a) The work triangle connects the three primary kitchen work centres: storage, preparation, and cooking.
b) Ensure the distance limits (15 to 22 feet total perimeter) are quoted accurately.

(d) Name any two sources of light in a house. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The two sources of light are:
1. Sunlight.
2. Artificial lights - Fluorescent tubes, LED bulbs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Lighting in a home is broadly classified into natural (sunlight) and artificial sources.
b) Keep the examples simple and direct as stated in the answer.

(e) Name any two types of family budget. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Surplus Budget: This is where a family's income is more than its expenditure, allowing them to save an extra amount of money.
2. Balanced Budget: This is where a family's income and expenditure are almost the same, leaving hardly any money to save.

Teacher's Note:
a) A family budget helps in financial planning and managing household expenses effectively.
b) Mentioning the third type (deficit budget) is not required when the question asks for any two.

Question 2.

(a) State any two characteristics of a cheque. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Characteristics of a cheque:
1. A written instrument: It should be written or typed. Bankers do not accept cheques written in pencil.
2. Signature of the drawer: It must be signed by the drawer and his/her signature should match the specimen signature.

Teacher's Note:
a) A cheque is an unconditional order in writing addressed to a banker.
b) Note that the official OCR term "written investment" is a printing typo in the source paper for "written instrument", but students should write instrument or follow standard banking terms.

(b) Why is sorting of clothes an important step in the laundering process? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Sorting of clothes is necessary in the laundering process due to the following reasons:
1. To protect the cloth from damage like tearing.
2. To decrease the chance that a garment is going to bleed colour onto another.
3. To ensure better and more efficient washing and drying.

Teacher's Note:
a) Sorting separates clothes based on colour, fabric type, and degree of soiling.
b) This prevents white clothes from getting stained and delicate fabrics from getting ruined.

(c) List any two characteristics of the children's peer group during late childhood. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Attitudes are developed and values are recognized as peer group friends do.
2. This group provides an opportunity to understand the values of discipline, i.e., rules, regulations, and restrictions imposed on a child.

Teacher's Note:
a) Peer groups play a vital role in socialization during late childhood.
b) Children tend to conform closely to peer group norms and codes of conduct during this stage.

(d) Define the term "Menarche". [2 Marks]

Answer:
Menarche is the first menstrual cycle or onset of menstruation in girls. This indicates that the girl has reached puberty and is now capable of conceiving and bearing children.

Teacher's Note:
a) Menarche marks a key biological milestone in female adolescent development.
b) It is governed by hormonal changes originating from the pituitary gland and ovaries.

(e) List any two uses each of calcium and iron in the adolescent diet. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Uses of Calcium:
1. It is used in the diet of an adolescent for the growth of the skeleton and teeth.
2. It is also essential for other physiological functions like muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
Uses of Iron:
1. It is essential for body tissues and blood formation (hemoglobin).
2. The onset of the menstrual cycle in adolescent girls increases the requirement of iron in the body.

Teacher's Note:
a) Adolescents undergo a rapid growth spurt, making calcium and iron critical micronutrients.
b) Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which is common among adolescent girls.

Question 3.

(a) Define the term 'meal planning'. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Meal planning is defined as the implementation of the principles of nutrition in one's daily diet in an appetizing way.

Teacher's Note:
a) Good meal planning balances nutritional requirements with family preferences and budget.
b) It ensures variety, satiety, and efficient utilization of resources.

(b) Name any two adolescent eating disorders. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Two adolescent eating disorders are:
1. Bulimia nervosa.
2. Anorexia nervosa.

Teacher's Note:
a) Eating disorders are psychological conditions that affect physical health and nutritional status.
b) Anorexia involves severe food restriction, while bulimia involves cycles of bingeing and purging.

(c) State any two factors affecting the safety of food at home. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Two factors which affect the safety of food at home are:
1. Cleanliness of the kitchen: The kitchen should be properly cleaned and kept free from germs and pests.
2. Hygienic handling of food: Food should be handled properly, i.e., covered adequately to avoid contamination by germs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Food safety prevents foodborne illnesses and preserves nutritional quality.
b) Proper washing of hands, utensils, and raw materials is essential for home food safety.

(d) Sugar is hygroscopic in nature. Explain. [2 Marks]

Answer:
When sugar is exposed to air, it absorbs moisture present in the atmosphere. This property demonstrates that sugar is hygroscopic in nature.

Teacher's Note:
a) Hygroscopic substances readily attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment.
b) This property explains why sugar lumps or crystals clump together in humid weather.

(e) Give two precautions to be followed while drying of woollen garments. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Dry the woollen garment flat on a paper that already has its outline traced to ensure the clothes are not misshaped.
2. Dry woollen garments in the shade rather than direct sunlight.
3. Press gently in a towel to remove excess water before drying.

Teacher's Note:
a) Woollen fibres stretch easily when wet, making proper flat drying essential.
b) Direct sunlight can cause yellowing and damage woollen fibres.

Question 4.

(a) Suggest any two precautions to be taken during the blueing process. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Fabrics should not be dipped for a long time in the blue water, otherwise patches will appear.
2. Blued fabrics should be stirred well to ensure even distribution of blue.

Teacher's Note:
a) Blueing is applied to white cotton clothes to counteract yellowness and impart brightness.
b) Uneven mixing or prolonged dipping leads to dark blue spots on the fabric.

(b) Define the term "food adulteration". [2 Marks]

Answer:
Food adulteration is the act of intentionally debasing the quality of food by mixing substances which are injurious to health or by removing some valuable ingredients.

Teacher's Note:
a) Adulteration lowers the nutritive value and safety of food items.
b) It is a punishable offense under food safety laws like FSSAI.

(c) List any two standardization marks. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The two standardization marks are FPO and Agmark.

Teacher's Note:
a) Standardization marks assure consumers of the quality and purity of products.
b) FPO applies to processed fruit products, while Agmark applies to agricultural products.

(d) Why should eggs not be washed before storing? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Before storing, eggs should not be washed because eggshells contain natural pores usually filled with organic protective material (the cuticle or bloom). When we wash eggs, this protective coating gets washed off, opening the pores and allowing microorganisms to easily attack and spoil the egg.

Teacher's Note:
a) The natural cuticle acts as a barrier against bacterial entry.
b) Eggs should be washed just before use rather than before storage.

(e) Differentiate between perishable and non-perishable food? [2 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Perishable foods have high moisture content and spoil quickly due to microbial action.
b) Non-perishable foods have low moisture content and stable shelf lives.

SECTION B

Question 5.
"Colour and light are an important part of our daily life." In this context discuss the following :

(a) Three dimensions of colour. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The three dimensions of colour are value, hue, and intensity.
1. Value: A colour's lightness and darkness is known as value. On the colour wheel, basic colours can be lightened to pale tints and darkened to nearly black shades. Basically, there are total nine value steps.
2. Hue: It is simply the colour quality that gives it a technical name for identification (e.g., red, blue, green).
3. Intensity: It refers to the brightness and dullness of a colour (strength or saturation).

Teacher's Note:
a) Understanding the three dimensions helps in effective interior decoration and color coordination.
b) Students must define all three terms clearly with examples for full marks.

(b) Factors to be considered while choosing curtains for the home. [5 Marks]

Answer:
While choosing curtains for the home, the following factors should always be kept in mind:
1. Room size: Small rooms can be made to appear larger if curtains blend with the wall colour.
2. Patterns: Plain curtains should be used in rooms that already have many patterns in furniture or pictures.
3. Windows and lighting: If there are too many windows in a room, curtain patterns should be less striking. Bold prints provide a masculine look, while small patterns give a feminine look.
4. Purpose and room function: Heavy drapes suit formal living rooms, whereas light washable fabrics suit kitchens and children's rooms.
5. Ease of maintenance: Fabrics that are durable and easy to wash should be preferred.

Teacher's Note:
a) Curtains contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal and privacy of a room.
b) Light control and ventilation requirements should also guide fabric selection.

(c) Choice of lighting in various rooms of the house. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Choice of light in various rooms of the house: Proper daylight in the morning and artificial lighting enhance the beauty and design of a house, creating a healthy environment.
Choice of light in various rooms:
- In bedroom: One tube light may be placed at the top of the dressing table mirror. Study tables may have a separate desk lamp. Bathrooms need ceiling lighting as well as a mirror light.
- In living room: In living and family rooms, use general lighting for movement and watching TV, along with accent lighting to highlight artwork, plants, and other items.
- In kitchen: It should be well lighted, with task lighting over working places, and tube lights fixed under cabinets and over the cooking area.

Teacher's Note:
a) Proper lighting prevents eye strain and enhances architectural features.
b) Task, ambient, and accent lighting must be balanced according to room usage.

Question 6.
"Management of money is an important aspect of home science." In this context explain the following:

(a) The procedure of opening a saving account. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Procedure of opening a savings account: To open a savings account, you have to visit a bank, obtain an account opening form from the bank official, and fill it out. This form includes a specimen signature card, which is very important because your signature on cheques and withdrawal forms will be verified against this before releasing funds.
Requirements for opening a bank savings account include:
- Filling out the prescribed form.
- Specimen signature card.
- Address verification proof.
- Two copies of passport-size photographs.
- Deposit slip with initial cash deposit (minimum amount as prescribed).
- PAN card.
A passbook and cheque book are issued to the account holder after verification and account opening.

Teacher's Note:
a) A savings account encourages thrift and provides safe custody of surplus funds.
b) KYC (Know Your Customer) norms make identity and address proofs mandatory.

(b) A fixed deposit account and its advantages. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Fixed Deposit Account: Deposits made for a specified period whose amount cannot be withdrawn before expiry. These deposits are repayable only after the expiry of a fixed period (such as one year, five years, etc.). Fixed deposits are also known as long-term deposits. Higher rates of interest are offered for longer durations.
Advantages / Importance:
1. Safe investment offering guaranteed returns.
2. Higher rate of interest compared to regular savings accounts.
3. Encourages systematic long-term savings.
4. Can be used as security to obtain loans from the bank in times of financial need.
5. Flexible tenure options ranging from a few months to several years.

Teacher's Note:
a) Fixed deposits are ideal for surplus funds not required immediately.
b) Premature withdrawal is usually penalized with a lower interest rate.

(c) Importance of budgeting. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Importance of Budgeting: Budgeting is the art and science of planning income and expenditure.
1. Budgeting helps one to live within one's income.
2. It allows a person to regulate funds effectively rather than spending blindly.
3. It ensures that family spending does not exceed income.
4. It helps in saving money for future needs and emergencies.
5. It frees the family from future financial worries.
6. Budgeting helps prioritize expenditures to attain important life goals.

Teacher's Note:
a) A budget acts as a financial roadmap for households.
b) It promotes wise spending and discourages impulse buying.

Question 7.
"Adolescence is a period of transition." In this context answer the following:

(a) Role of the endocrine glands. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Role of endocrine glands: The endocrine system is made up of ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Hormones act as chemical messengers regulating growth, metabolism, sexual development, and other body functions. Thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, hypothalamus, and reproductive organs are major endocrine glands.
Reproductive organs secrete sex hormones responsible for sexual growth and secondary sexual characteristics. The pancreas plays an important role by producing insulin to regulate blood sugar, along with digestive functions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Endocrine balance is vital for normal physical and psychological development during adolescence.
b) Hypersecretion or hyposecretion of hormones can lead to developmental disorders.

(b) State any five factors that lead to conflict between adolescent and their parents. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Search for independence: Adolescents experience physical and psychological changes and desire to make their own decisions, which often conflicts with parental control.
2. Pubertal changes: Reaching puberty brings emotional intensity and a strong urge for self-assertion, resisting parental guidance.
3. Peer group influence: Adolescents tend to value peer opinions over parental advice, creating friction at home.
4. Mood swings and emotional volatility: Being moody and sensitive can lead to frequent misunderstandings with family members.
5. Family interference and communication gaps: Overprotection or strict rules imposed by parents are often perceived as interference by adolescents.

Teacher's Note:
a) Parent-adolescent conflict is a normal part of the transition from childhood to adulthood.
b) Patient listening and open communication help bridge the generation gap.

(c) State measures to prevent body odour. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Measures to prevent body odour:
1. Wear clean cotton undergarments to absorb sweat and prevent excessive sweating.
2. Clean the area around private parts regularly with antibacterial soap.
3. Bathe twice daily, especially during hot weather.
4. Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.
5. Use deodorants or perfumes to mask and neutralize bad odours temporarily, keeping in mind that artificial scents do not replace proper hygiene.
Regular bathing remains the most effective measure to prevent body odour.

Teacher's Note:
a) Body odour is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat secretions.
b) Maintaining personal hygiene and wearing breathable fabrics are primary preventive steps.

Question 8.

(a) Discuss the need for adequate nutrition and a balanced diet for the elderly. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Adequate nutrition and a balanced diet are crucial in old age to prevent and control degenerative diseases and the effects of aging. Obesity, diabetes, constipation, and cardiovascular diseases are common in old age.
Key considerations for elderly diets:
- Provide liberal amounts of milk, fresh fruits, and green vegetables to supply vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre.
- Ensure adequate calcium consumption to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
- Emphasize adequate water intake for proper kidney function and digestion.
- Provide soft, well-cooked foods that require minimal mastication, especially for those with dental issues.
- Minimize intake of sweets, fried foods, and high-fat items due to lower digestive capacity and reduced physical activity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Caloric requirements decrease with age, but nutrient density must remain high.
b) Proper nutrition promotes longevity and a better quality of life in old age.

(b) Describe any five factors affecting meal planning. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Factors affecting meal planning:
1. Age: Nutritional needs vary across life stages. For example, infants need milk, growing children need protein-rich diets, and older people need fewer calories.
2. Sex: Men generally require more calories than women due to higher basal metabolic rates and muscle mass.
3. Likes and Dislikes: Personal food preferences must be considered to ensure acceptance while encouraging healthy eating habits in children.
4. Physical activity / Occupation: Sedentary workers require fewer calories compared to heavy manual labourers.
5. Economic status and availability of food: Budgetary constraints and local food availability dictate what foods can be included in daily meals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Meal planning balances nutritional science with practical household constraints.
b) Physiological status, such as pregnancy or lactation, also strongly influences meal planning.

(c) Explain the five food groups and their nutritional contribution. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Food groups are collections of foods sharing similar nutritional properties. The five major food groups and their contributions are:

Teacher's Note:
a) Including items from all five food groups ensures a balanced diet.
b) Students should learn the specific nutrient contribution of each food group thoroughly.

Question 9.
"Laundering is a combination of cleaning and finishing." In this context explain the following:

(a) Household method of laundering a white cotton shirt. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Following are the steps in laundering a white cotton shirt:
1. Preparation: Examine the shirt for tears, missing buttons, and stubborn stains.
2. Steeping / Soaking: Soak the white shirt in soapy water for a short time or overnight if very dirty. Do not soak coloured garments with whites.
3. Washing: Cotton is strong and withstands friction. Wash by scrubbing and rubbing methods using soap or detergent.
4. Rinsing: Rinse two or three times in clean running water to remove all soap residues.
5. Starching and Blueing: Apply blue to impart whiteness and starch to give crispness. Both can be combined to save time.
6. Drying: Dry white cotton shirts in direct sunlight on hangers.
7. Ironing: Iron properly at an appropriate temperature while slightly damp.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cotton fabrics tolerate high temperatures and vigorous mechanical action.
b) Sunlight helps bleach white cotton clothes naturally.

(b) Advantages of using detergent over soaps. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Advantages of detergents over soaps:
1. Detergents do not form insoluble scum in hard water.
2. They are more efficient and effective even in hard water.
3. They dissolve easily in cold water.
4. They have lower surface tension, providing superior cleaning action.
5. They are generally economical and easy to rinse out from fabrics.

Teacher's Note:
a) Synthetic detergents are derived from petroleum or fats and work across various water conditions.
b) Unlike soaps, they do not react with calcium and magnesium salts in hard water.

(c) Storage of clothes. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Storage of clothes:
- Cotton clothes: (i) Do not store moist clothes as they invite fungus. (ii) Place deodorants among stored clothing to prevent musty smells.
- Silk clothes: (i) Store completely dry clothes only. (ii) Avoid using mothballs directly as they can damage the lustre of zari.
- Woollen clothes: (i) Store totally dry woollens. (ii) Use neem leaves or naphthalene balls to prevent damage by moths.

Teacher's Note:
a) Proper storage protects garments from moisture, mildew, and insect damage.
b) Cleaning clothes before storing is essential to prevent attracting pests.

Question 10.
Write short notes on the following:

(a) The role of consumer education. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Role of consumer education: Consumer education develops critical awareness and life skills. It aims to make consumers aware of what, when, where, how, and how much to buy. It assists buyers in making wise selections to meet family requirements.
Key roles:
- Helps individuals develop the ability to choose and decide intelligently.
- Motivates consumers to demand safe, reliable, and quality products at fair prices.
- Creates awareness regarding consumer rights and responsibilities.
- Guides consumers on grievance redressal mechanisms when faced with exploitation or problems.

Teacher's Note:
a) Consumer education empowers buyers against market malpractices.
b) An informed consumer is protected from fraud and misleading advertisements.

(b) State any five problems faced by consumers. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Problems faced by consumers:
1. Variation in prices: Prices of products vary from shop to shop, confusing consumers about fair pricing due to unfair profit margins or hoarding.
2. Poor quality and duplicate products: Difficulty in distinguishing genuine products from counterfeit goods.
3. Adulteration: Addition or removal of substances in food items, lowering quality and posing health hazards.
4. Misleading advertisements: False claims that persuade consumers into purchasing inferior or unnecessary goods.
5. Non-availability and hoarding: Artificial scarcity created by traders, forcing consumers to pay higher prices for essential commodities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Consumer protection laws exist to mitigate these common market challenges.
b) Checking ISI, Agmark, or FSSAI certifications helps combat poor quality and adulteration.

(c) Kesari dal (Lathyrus sativus) and its ill effects. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Kesari Dal (Lathyrus sativus): This is a pulse crop often mixed with other pulses as an adulterant. It is commonly found or consumed in regions like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, and Bihar.
Ill effects: Consuming high or excessive amounts of Kesari dal over a prolonged period can cause lathyrism, a form of paralysis. It mainly affects boys and men aged 5 to 45 years. The disease starts with stiffness of knee joints and legs, accompanied by pain around the knees and ankles within 10 to 30 days. Affected individuals can become crippled as their knees bend and stiffen permanently.

Teacher's Note:
a) Kesari dal contains a neurotoxin (ODAP) responsible for causing lathyrism.
b) The sale and mixing of Kesari dal have been restricted or banned in several states to protect public health.