ICSE Class 10 Home Science Board Exam Question Paper 2019 with Solutions

ICSE Class 10 Home Science Board Exam Question Paper with Solutions

SECTION A

Question 1.

(a) What is the difference between related and contrasting colour schemes? [2 Marks]

Answer:
- Related colour schemes: These are composed of one or several neighbouring hues which generally provide an effect of unity and harmony. These schemes are based on hues that are close to each other on the colour wheel.
- Contrasting colour schemes: In this the arrangement is made by using complementary or widely separated colours on the colour wheel.

Teacher's Note:
a) Related colour schemes create a restful and harmonious mood, whereas contrasting colour schemes create vibrancy and visual excitement.
b) Students often confuse neighbouring hues with opposite hues; ensure you specify that related uses adjacent colours while contrasting uses distant or complementary colours.

(b) State the utility of local lighting. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Local lighting is designed to provide a relatively high level of illumination over a small task area, with the surrounding area of lower intensity. Extra fixtures are placed in task areas depending on the character of the task being performed.

Teacher's Note:
a) Local lighting reduces eye strain during detailed work such as reading, sewing, or cooking.
b) Mention the specific purpose of task lighting clearly to secure full marks.

(c) Mention two sources of light commonly used in the house. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Natural light (Sunlight admitted through windows).
2. Artificial light (such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and LEDs).

Teacher's Note:
a) Natural light is important for health and ventilation, while artificial light supplements illumination when sunlight is unavailable.
b) Keep the examples brief and accurate as requested.

(d) Which kind of materials should be used for kitchen counters? [2 Marks]

Answer:
- The materials used for kitchen counters should be heat resistant.
- They should be resistant to acids, stains, and scratches.
- They should be smooth and easy to clean.

Teacher's Note:
a) Durable materials like granite, marble, or treated synthetic laminates are ideal for kitchen counters.
b) List at least two key properties to get full credit.

(e) What is meant by 'crossing of a cheque'? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Crossing of a cheque is the process of drawing two parallel transverse lines across the face of a cheque, with or without certain words. Its main purpose is to protect the drawer against loss by theft or forgery by ensuring that payment is made only through a bank account to the authorized person.

Teacher's Note:
a) Crossed cheques cannot be encashed across the bank counter; they must be deposited into a bank account.
b) Emphasize safety and prevention of fraudulent withdrawal as the primary utility of crossing.

Question 2.

(a) State any two differences between growth and development. [2 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Growth refers to physical changes, whereas development encompasses overall physical, emotional, social, and cognitive changes.
b) Presenting the answer in a tabular format is best for comparison questions.

(b) Define 'cognitive development'. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Cognitive development refers to the development of the brain and mental processes in a child. It develops the ability to think, reason, learn, remember, and find solutions to problems.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cognitive development forms the foundation of intellectual growth.
b) Keywords like thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving must be included.

(c) Name the male and female sex hormones secreted during adolescence. [2 Marks]

Answer:
- Male sex hormone: Testosterone.
- Female sex hormones: Oestrogen and Progesterone.

Teacher's Note:
a) These hormones are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.
b) Spell hormone names correctly to avoid loss of marks.

(d) What do we mean by 'binge eating disorder'? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder characterized by consuming unusually large amounts of food in a short period of time, accompanied by a feeling of a lack of control over eating and subsequent feelings of distress or guilt.

Teacher's Note:
a) It is different from occasional overeating as it is frequent and psychologically distressing.
b) Note that while obesity can result from it, binge eating is a specific psychological and behavioral condition.

(e) State any two characteristics of a balanced diet. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It provides all essential nutrients in correct proportions required for proper growth, development, and maintenance of the body.
2. It supplies adequate roughage and water for normal body functioning and prevents deficiency diseases.

Teacher's Note:
a) A balanced diet caters to the specific age, gender, and activity level of an individual.
b) Ensure both nutritional adequacy and disease prevention are mentioned.

Question 3.

(a) Explain the term 'shelf life' of food products. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Shelf life is the length of time during which a food product remains safe, retains its desired sensory, chemical, and physical characteristics, and stays fit for consumption or sale under specified storage conditions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Proper packaging and storage conditions directly impact the shelf life of food items.
b) Mention both safety and quality retention for a complete definition.

(b) Name the sweat glands present in the human body. [2 Marks]

Answer:
The two main types of sweat glands present in the human body are Eccrine glands and Apocrine glands.

Teacher's Note:
a) Eccrine glands are distributed all over the body for temperature regulation, while apocrine glands are found mainly in areas like the armpits and groin.
b) Direct naming fetches full marks in such factual questions.

(c) State the difference between perishable and non-perishable food. [2 Marks]

Answer:
- Perishable food: Foods that spoil quickly within 2 to 3 days at normal temperatures due to high moisture content, such as milk, meat, and fish.
- Non-perishable food: Foods that have a very long shelf life and can be stored for months or years without spoiling, such as cereals, pulses, sugar, and salt.

Teacher's Note:
a) Perishable foods require refrigeration or preservation, unlike non-perishable items.
b) Give examples for both categories to make the answer comprehensive.

(d) Why should cotton clothes be starched? [2 Marks]

Answer:
Cotton clothes are starched to add crispness, body, and stiffness to the fabric, which enhances its appearance. Starching also creates a smooth surface that resists dirt, dust, and wrinkling, making the garment easier to clean and iron.

Teacher's Note:
a) Starch forms a protective coating on the fabric fibers, preventing dirt from penetrating deeply.
b) Highlight both aesthetic appeal and practical maintenance benefits.

(e) Define Optical brighteners. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Optical brighteners are fluorescent chemical compounds or colorless dyes added to laundry detergents or applied during finishing. They absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible blue-white light, making white fabrics appear whiter and brighter.

Teacher's Note:
a) They do not bleach or remove stains; they merely alter how light is reflected from the fabric.
b) Mention their specific action on white garments for clarity.

Question 4.

(a) Define the term 'Food adulteration'. [2 Marks]

Answer:
Food adulteration is the intentional addition, substitution, abstraction, or contamination of food products with inferior, cheap, harmful, or substandard substances for economic gain, which lowers the quality and safety of the food.

Teacher's Note:
a) Food adulteration poses serious health hazards to consumers.
b) Mention that it is generally done intentionally for profit.

(b) State two advantages of consumer education. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It empowers consumers to make wise, informed choices and demand safe, quality products at fair prices.
2. It makes consumers aware of their rights, responsibilities, and legal remedies against exploitation or unfair trade practices.

Teacher's Note:
a) Consumer education acts as a shield against market fraud.
b) List two clear, distinct advantages as requested.

(c) State any two primary functions of a bank. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Accepting deposits from the public in savings, current, and fixed deposit accounts.
2. Advancing loans and credit to individuals, businesses, and institutions for various purposes.

Teacher's Note:
a) Accepting deposits and lending money are the core foundational activities of commercial banks.
b) Keep the points crisp and directly address primary functions.

(d) What do you mean by a current account? [2 Marks]

Answer:
A current account is a type of bank account primarily meant for business firms, traders, and institutions that have a high volume of daily transactions. It allows unlimited deposits and withdrawals without any interest paid by the bank, and usually requires maintaining a minimum balance.

Teacher's Note:
a) Current accounts do not earn interest and often carry service charges.
b) Emphasize that it is designed for business utility rather than savings.

(e) Name any two standardization marks. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. ISI (Bureau of Indian Standards)
2. Agmark (for agricultural products)

Teacher's Note:
a) Standardization marks assure the consumer of product quality, purity, and safety.
b) Other valid examples include FPO, Hallmark, and Eco-mark.

SECTION B

Attempt any four questions from this Section

Question 5.
Interior decoration expresses the personality of a home maker.
In the above context discuss the following .

(a) Five types of kitchens. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Kitchens are broadly classified based on style and layout into traditional and modern foreign layouts:
1. Indian Style Kitchen (Sitting Kitchen): Traditionally found in rural areas where cooking, serving, and cleaning are carried out in a sitting posture on the floor, with low platforms and storage units.
2. Strip Kitchen (Single-Wall Kitchen): Ideal for small spaces where all appliances, counters, and storage are arranged in a single straight line along one wall.
3. Two-Wall Kitchen (Galley Kitchen): Features counters and cabinets along two parallel walls facing each other, providing an efficient working corridor.
4. L-Shaped Kitchen: Arranged along two adjacent walls forming an L shape, leaving open space for movement and keeping corners free for dining or storage.
5. U-Shaped Kitchen: Enclosed on three sides by continuous counters and cabinets, offering maximum workspace and storage efficiency for large kitchens.

Teacher's Note:
a) Kitchen layout planning is vital for minimizing fatigue and ensuring smooth workflow (the work triangle principle).
b) Clearly explain each of the five layout types to secure full marks.

(b) Light and colour used in decorating a living room. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Role of Light in a Living Room:
1. A living room requires a combination of general lighting for overall illumination, task lighting for specific activities like reading, and accent lighting to highlight artworks or architectural features.
2. Natural light from windows brightens the room and creates a cheerful atmosphere, while artificial lighting softens colors during evenings.
Role of Colour in a Living Room:
3. Colours create mood and visually alter the perception of space. Warm colours (like red, yellow, orange) make large rooms feel cozy, while cool colours (like blue, green) make small rooms appear larger and more open.
4. Colour schemes should harmonize with the upholstery, curtains, and furniture.
5. Colours appear differently under natural daylight compared to artificial lighting; hence, lighting and colour must be planned in coordination.

Teacher's Note:
a) Discuss both lighting types and colour selection principles to cover all aspects of the question.
b) Use structured headings or bullet points for clarity in long answers.

(c) Factors affecting the selection of carpets for a room. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The factors affecting the selection of carpets for a room are:
1. Size of the room: Large rooms can take dark or patterned carpets, while small rooms require light-coloured carpets to create an illusion of space.
2. Purpose and traffic: High-traffic areas (like hallways or living rooms) need durable, stain-resistant, and heavy-duty carpets, whereas low-traffic areas can have delicate textures.
3. Colour and design coordination: The carpet colour and pattern must harmonize with the existing wall paint, curtains, and upholstery.
4. Maintenance and cleaning: Carpets should be easy to vacuum, clean, and maintain based on the household's lifestyle.
5. Budget: Cost is a crucial factor; the carpet should offer the best durability and aesthetic value within the allocated budget.

Teacher's Note:
a) Durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic harmony are key selection criteria.
b) List at least five distinct factors with brief explanations.

Question 6.
'Budgeting helps in efficient management of money.' In this context explain :

(a) Steps in making a budget. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The steps involved in preparing a family budget are:
1. Identifying family goals and needs: List all essential commodities, services, and desires required by family members during the budget period.
2. Estimating total expected income: Calculate the total anticipated income from all sources (salary, investments, rent, etc.) for the budget period.
3. Estimating costs: Determine the approximate cost of desired items and essential expenses (food, housing, clothing, education, etc.).
4. Balancing income and expenditure: Adjust estimated expenses to match the total income, ensuring that expenditure does not exceed earnings.
5. Provision for savings: Allocate a portion of income towards savings and emergency funds to ensure future financial security and check the budget for feasibility.

Teacher's Note:
a) Budgeting helps families live within their means and achieve financial goals.
b) Sequence the steps logically from income estimation to savings allocation.

(b) Importance of a saving account. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The importance of a savings account includes:
1. Safe avenue for funds: Keeps surplus money secure from theft or loss, with deposits insured up to specified limits by agencies like DICGC.
2. Earning interest: Unlike current accounts, savings accounts earn regular interest on the deposited balance, helping to increase personal income.
3. Liquidity and easy access: Funds can be easily deposited or withdrawn through cheques, withdrawal slips, or ATM cards whenever required.
4. Financial discipline: Encourages the habit of regular saving among individuals, especially children through specialized junior accounts.
5. Value-added services: Banks often provide additional benefits such as debit cards, internet banking, accident insurance, and easy loan facilities to savings account holders.

Teacher's Note:
a) Savings accounts are the most popular financial tool for household money management.
b) Highlight safety, interest earning, and liquidity as key points.

(c) Operating a savings bank account. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Operating a savings bank account involves depositing and withdrawing money using specific banking instruments provided by the bank upon opening the account:
1. Paying-in-slip Book: Contains printed slips with counterfoils used for depositing cash or cheques into the account. Details like account number, date, and amount are filled in by the depositor.
2. Cheque Book: Contains serially numbered blank cheque forms used to withdraw money or make payments to third parties.
3. Pass Book: A physical or digital record of all account transactions (deposits, withdrawals, interest credited, and balance) updated by the bank.
4. ATM Card and PIN: A plastic smart card allowing customers to make cash withdrawals, check balances, and conduct transactions electronically at ATMs.
5. Digital/Net Banking: Modern operation involves online portals and mobile apps for fund transfers (NEFT, RTGS, UPI) and account monitoring.

Teacher's Note:
a) Correct use of banking documents ensures safe and smooth financial transactions.
b) Explain the purpose of each item (passbook, cheque book, paying-in-slip) clearly.

Question 7.
'Changes occurring during adolescent years are dramatic.' In this context discuss :

(a) The pubertal changes seen during adolescence. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Puberty brings rapid physical and physiological changes driven by hormonal surges. The major changes include:
In Boys:
1. Rapid increase in height and weight (growth spurt).
2. Broadening of shoulders and development of muscles.
3. Deepening of voice (breaking of voice).
4. Growth of facial, underarm, and pubic hair.
5. Skin becomes oily, often leading to acne.
In Girls:
6. Enlargement of breasts and broadening of hips.
7. Onset of menstruation (menarche).
8. Growth of underarm and pubic hair.
9. Increased activity of sebaceous glands leading to oily skin.

Teacher's Note:
a) These secondary sexual characteristics mark the transition from childhood to adulthood.
b) Categorize changes separately for boys and girls for better presentation.

(b) Impact of early maturation in girls. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The impact of early maturation in girls includes:
1. Emotional mismatch: Early-maturing girls may experience a mismatch between their physical appearance (looking older) and their emotional or cognitive maturity.
2. Psychological vulnerability: They are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, poor body image, and low self-esteem due to sudden physical changes.
3. Social pressure: They may attract unwanted attention from older peers, leading to stress in social and school environments.
4. Behavioral risks: Studies indicate that early maturers may engage in early dating, substance use, or risky behaviors due to association with older peer groups.
5. Need for guidance: Proper counseling and empathetic support from parents and teachers are essential to help them navigate this transitional phase positively.

Teacher's Note:
a) Early maturation brings both physiological and psychological challenges that require sensitive handling.
b) Emphasize both emotional risks and the need for parental support.

(c) Emotional concerns of the adolescent. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Adolescence is marked by intense emotional swings and concerns, which include:
1. Mood swings and emotional instability: Rapid hormonal fluctuations cause sudden shifts from extreme happiness to sadness or anger.
2. Search for identity: Adolescents struggle with self-concept, autonomy, and figuring out who they are independently of their parents.
3. Peer pressure and social acceptance: The desire to fit in with peer groups is strong; rejection or neglect can lead to frustration and loneliness.
4. Body image concerns: Preoccupation with physical appearance can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, or eating disorders.
5. Vulnerability to risky behaviors: Curiosity, stress, and emotional turmoil can lead to experimentation with smoking, alcohol, or drugs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Understanding adolescent psychology helps parents and teachers guide them with empathy rather than harsh discipline.
b) List key emotional concerns clearly with brief explanations.

Question 8.
'Meal planning helps to achieve nutritional adequacy.' In this context explain :

(a) Classification of fruits and vegetables into their subgroups and their nutritional contribution. [5 Marks]

Answer:
In the ICMR basic food groups, fruits and vegetables form essential subgroups providing vital protective nutrients:
1. Fruits: Rich in vitamins (especially Vitamin C in citrus fruits), minerals, fruit sugars, and dietary fiber (pectin). Examples include oranges, mangoes, guavas, and apples.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables: Highly rich in calcium, iron, beta-carotene, folic acid, and fiber. They promote healthy blood formation and digestion. Examples include spinach, amaranth, and fenugreek leaves.
3. Root and Tuber Vegetables: Rich in carbohydrates and calories. Examples include potatoes, carrots, and radishes.
4. Other Vegetables: Provide essential minerals, water, and dietary fiber. Examples include brinjals, ladies' finger, beans, and cauliflower.

Teacher's Note:
a) Fruits and vegetables are classified as protective foods due to their high vitamin and mineral content.
b) Including both descriptive text and the classification table ensures complete coverage of marks.

(b) Importance of a balanced diet. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The importance of a balanced diet includes:
1. Promotes optimal physical and mental growth and development in children and adolescents.
2. Maintains a healthy body weight, preventing nutritional deficiency diseases as well as lifestyle disorders like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
3. Boosts the immune system, enhancing the body's resistance against infections and diseases.
4. Increases stamina, energy levels, physical endurance, and muscle performance.
5. Promotes longevity and overall quality of life by supplying essential macro and micro-nutrients in correct proportions.

Teacher's Note:
a) A balanced diet is the cornerstone of preventive healthcare.
b) State multiple benefits covering growth, disease prevention, and energy.

(c) Advantages and disadvantages of using convenient foods. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Advantages of Convenience Foods:
1. Saves time and energy in food preparation, cooking, and cleanup.
2. Convenient for working homemakers and inexperienced cooks.
3. Eliminates wastage and leftovers, offering consistent quality and portion control.
Disadvantages of Convenience Foods:
4. Often more expensive per serving compared to meals cooked from scratch at home.
5. May contain higher levels of sodium, sugar, preservatives, and saturated fats, posing health risks with excessive consumption.
6. Tends to lack freshness and can have lower nutritional value (such as depleted vitamins) compared to fresh foods.

Teacher's Note:
a) Convenience foods are semi-processed or ready-to-eat items designed to ease kitchen work.
b) Give a balanced answer covering both merits and demerits.

Question 9.
'Proper information about the purchase, storage and preservation of food is essential.'
In the above context discuss :

(a) Storage of milk to maintain its quality. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Milk is a highly perishable food item that requires careful handling and storage to prevent spoilage:
1. Selection: Purchase fresh, pasteurized, toned, or full-cream milk from reliable sources and check its expiry date.
2. Immediate Boiling: Boil raw milk promptly after purchase to destroy harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
3. Refrigeration: Store boiled and cooled milk inside a refrigerator or a cool, ventilated place. If refrigeration is unavailable, re-boil milk every 5 to 6 hours.
4. Separation from Strong Smells: Keep milk covered and away from pungent-smelling foods (like onions, garlic, or fish) as milk easily absorbs foreign odours.
5. Avoiding Contamination: Never mix old leftover milk with fresh milk, and always use clean, sterilized utensils for storing milk.

Teacher's Note:
a) Milk spoils rapidly due to bacterial action promoted by its high moisture and nutrient content.
b) List practical hygiene and temperature control steps.

(b) Use of salt in food preservation. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Salt has been used for ages as an effective food preservative and seasoning agent. It preserves food through the following mechanisms:
1. Dehydration (Osmosis): Salt draws out moisture from food cells and from the cells of spoilage-causing microorganisms through osmosis. Since bacteria and fungi require water to survive and multiply, the lack of moisture halts their growth.
2. High osmotic pressure: In high concentrations, salt creates a hypertonic environment that causes microbial cells to rupture (plasmolysis) or become inactive.
3. Enzyme inhibition: High salt concentrations inhibit enzymatic activity that causes food spoilage.
4. Flavor and texture enhancement: Besides preservation, salt enhances the taste, texture, and color of processed foods.
5. Examples: Salt is commonly used to preserve raw mangoes, amla, fish, meat, and pickles.

Teacher's Note:
a) The principle behind salt preservation is lowering water activity (dehydration).
b) Explain both the scientific action (osmosis/dehydration) and practical applications.

(c) Need for consumer education to make wise purchases. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The need for consumer education in making wise purchases arises from the following factors:
1. Complexity of the modern market: The market is flooded with countless brands, adulterated goods, and aggressive advertisements that can easily confuse buyers.
2. Developing critical awareness: It teaches consumers to evaluate product quality, check labels (MRP, expiry dates, ISI marks), and demand value for money.
3. Preventing exploitation: Educated consumers are less likely to fall prey to unfair trade practices, misleading claims, black marketing, or underweight measures.
4. Awareness of rights and redressal: It empowers buyers to know their legal rights under consumer protection laws and seek compensation for defective goods.
5. Resource management: Helps families make rational purchasing decisions, optimizing their income and resources effectively.

Teacher's Note:
a) Consumer education transforms passive buyers into vigilant and empowered purchasers.
b) Highlight market complexity and protection against fraud as core arguments.

Question 10.
Explain the following:

(a) Steps and precautions involved in the household method of laundering coloured cotton. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Steps in Laundering Coloured Cotton:
1. Sorting: Separate white clothes from coloured clothes to prevent colour bleeding.
2. Mending: Repair loose buttons, tears, or rips before washing.
3. Steeping/Soaking: Unlike white cottons which can be soaked overnight, coloured cottons should be soaked for a short duration (10 to 15 minutes) in cold water to prevent colour fading.
4. Washing: Wash gently using mild soap or detergent. Use the friction method (gentle rubbing by hand or on a soft board) rather than harsh scrubbing.
5. Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly in clean water two or three times to remove all soap residue.
6. Blueing and Starching: Use mild liquid blue if required to maintain brightness. Use light starch if desired to give crispness.
7. Drying: Dry coloured clothes inside out in shade to prevent fading caused by direct sunlight.
8. Ironing: Iron while slightly damp using an appropriate temperature setting for cotton.

Teacher's Note:
a) The golden rule for coloured cotton is drying in the shade and avoiding prolonged soaking to prevent bleeding.
b) Detail both the sequential steps and precautions.

(b) Importance of labels on a packed product. [5 Marks]

Answer:
The importance of product labels includes:
1. Information on ingredients and composition: Helps consumers know what the product contains, which is vital for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.
2. Pricing and economic value: Displays the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and net weight, preventing overcharging.
3. Quality and safety assurance: Shows standardization marks (ISI, Agmark), manufacturing date, expiry date, and batch number, ensuring product safety.
4. Usage and storage instructions: Provides directions on how to use, store, and cook the product properly.
5. Manufacturer identity: Mentions the name and address of the manufacturer, ensuring accountability in case of complaints.

Teacher's Note:
a) Reading labels is a fundamental habit of an educated consumer.
b) List at least five key pieces of information found on a standard product label.

(c) Fixed Deposit Account and its features. [5 Marks]

Answer:
Fixed Deposit (FD) Account:
A Fixed Deposit account is a secure investment instrument offered by banks where a lump sum of money is deposited for a predetermined fixed period at a higher rate of interest than savings accounts.
Features of Fixed Deposits:
1. Higher rate of interest: FDs offer higher interest rates compared to regular savings accounts, making them attractive for wealth building.
2. Lump-sum deposit: Money is deposited only once per account for a specific tenure ranging from 7 days to 10 years.
3. Non-liquidity before maturity: Funds cannot normally be withdrawn before the maturity date without paying a penalty fee.
4. Safety and security: Considered a very safe investment avenue backed by bank security and deposit insurance.
5. Loan facility: Account holders can take loans against their fixed deposit receipts in times of financial emergency.

Teacher's Note:
a) FDs combine safety with steady returns, making them popular among conservative investors.
b) Define the account clearly and list its distinct features.