ICSE Class 10 Home Science Sample Paper 2025 with Solutions

SECTION A

(Attempt all questions.)

Question 1 [20]

Choose the most appropriate options to the questions:
(Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)

(i) Renu gave her NEET examination today. She was cool, calm and composed. After her exams she appeared very happy. Suggest the personality developmental aspect shown by her during the above said period. [1 Mark]
(A) Positive feelings
(B) Impulsive behavior
(C) Positive interaction
(D) Pessimistic feelings

Answer: (A) Positive feelings

Renu demonstrated calmness and happiness after her examination, which are indicators of positive emotional and psychological well-being.

Teacher's Note:
a) Positive feelings reflect emotional stability and a healthy outlook towards challenging life events.
b) Students must carefully distinguish between behavioral actions and emotional states in developmental psychology questions.

(ii) Based on the essay, identify the specific learning disability the child might be experiencing? [1 Mark]
(A) Dysgraphia
(B) Dyscalculia
(C) Dyslexia
(D) ADHD

[Figure: A handwritten page showing letter reversals and poor handwriting forming words like "The owt was a bird."]

Answer: (A) Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a neurological learning disability that affects handwriting and spelling abilities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Dysgraphia is characterized by distorted and incorrect handwriting, inconsistent spacing, and poor spatial planning on paper.
b) Do not confuse dysgraphia with dyslexia, which primarily affects reading comprehension and word decoding.

(iii) STATEMENT I: Decreasing carbon footprint is also referred to as carbon offsetting.
STATEMENT II: Some ways to achieve it could be using solar or wind energy and reforestation. [1 Mark]
Choose the correct statement:
(A) Statement I is true and Statement II is false
(B) Statement I is false and Statement II is true
(C) Both Statements I and II are true
(D) Both Statements I and II are false

Answer: (C) Both Statements I and II are true

Reducing carbon footprint involves carbon offsetting activities such as adopting renewable energy sources and increasing tree cover through reforestation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Carbon offsetting refers to compensating for carbon emissions by participating in schemes that reduce greenhouse gases elsewhere.
b) Clean energy adoption and planting trees are standard practices recommended for sustainable environmental management.

(iv) White colour is used on kitchen ceilings to enhance: [1 Mark]
1. Visibility
2. Cleanliness
3. Poor ventilation
4. Unhygienic conditions
Choose the correct answer:
(A) 1 and 3
(B) 2 and 4
(C) 1 and 4
(D) only 1

Answer: (D) only 1

Light and white colors reflect maximum light, thereby improving visibility and brightness inside the kitchen space.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ceiling finishes in kitchens are typically kept light to maximize light reflection and illumination.
b) Statement 1 correctly associates white color with enhanced visibility and lighting efficiency.

(v) Rita's friend wants to bring about awareness and educate people by giving them step-by-step information on the recycling of waste in her area. In this context, what would be the most appropriate mode of communication? [1 Mark]
(A) Notice
(B) Leaflet
(C) Book
(D) Puppet show

Answer: (B) Leaflet

Leaflets provide a cost-effective, detailed, and portable medium to distribute step-by-step instructional information to community members.

Teacher's Note:
a) Leaflets and pamphlets are ideal for educational campaigns requiring sequential, step-by-step instructions.
b) Notices are usually brief announcements, whereas books are too lengthy for quick community awareness drives.

(vi) Assertion [A]: Green leafy vegetables kept in the refrigerator go limp and soggy.
Reason [R]: All green leafy vegetables are rich in high content of water. [1 Mark]
(A) A is true and R is False
(B) A is false and R is true
(C) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(D) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.

Answer: (C) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

High moisture content in leafy vegetables causes cell walls to lose turgidity when improperly stored in cold, humid environments.

Teacher's Note:
a) Moisture evaporation and condensation inside storage bags lead to wilting and sogginess in leafy greens.
b) Understanding food preservation and storage behavior prevents nutrient loss and spoilage.

(vii) Rohan's dad has made apple jam. Which of the following must have been added to preserve it for a longer time? [1 Mark]
(A) Sugar
(B) Vinegar
(C) Salt
(D) Spices

Answer: (A) Sugar

High concentration of sugar acts as a preservative in jams by binding available moisture and preventing microbial growth.

Teacher's Note:
a) Sugar lowers water activity in jams and jellies, inhibiting bacteria and mold proliferation.
b) Vinegar and salt are typically used in pickles and savory preserves rather than sweet fruit jams.

(viii) Mr. Sharma demonstrated the washing procedure of a silk tie to his students in his Textile practical class. Select the correct friction method. [1 Mark]
(A) Using suction washer
(B) Using a scrubbing board
(C) Using palm
(D) Using a scrubbing brush

Answer: (C) Using palm

Delicate fabrics like silk require gentle handling, such as kneading and squeezing using the palm, to prevent fiber damage.

Teacher's Note:
a) Scrubbing brushes and boards damage delicate protein fibers like silk and wool.
b) Gentle friction methods like cup and palm washing preserve the texture and sheen of delicate garments.

(ix) Mary is planning to join her swimming classes in her school. She wants to purchase a swimming suit. Suggest a suitable material for the same. [1 Mark]
(A) Linen
(B) Synthetic
(C) wool
(D) cotton

Answer: (B) Synthetic

Synthetic fibers such as nylon and spandex are water-resistant, quick-drying, and stretchable, making them ideal for swimwear.

Teacher's Note:
a) Natural fibers like cotton and wool absorb water heavily, become heavy, and lose shape when wet.
b) Synthetic fibers withstand chlorine and provide durability in aquatic environments.

(x) Starch gives the fabric a _________. [1 Mark]
1. bluish tinge
2. new and original look
3. translucent appearance
4. smooth look
Choose the correct answer:
(A) Only 1
(B) Both 1 and 3
(C) Both 2 and 4
(D) Only 2

Answer: (C) Both 2 and 4

Starching restores crispness, imparts a fresh, new look, and provides a smooth surface finish to cotton garments.

Teacher's Note:
a) Starch fills microscopic gaps in woven fabrics, giving them body, stiffness, and a polished appearance.
b) Bluing agent imparts the bluish tinge, whereas starch contributes to the crispness and smooth look.

(xi) Choose the relevant statement with reference to the above mentioned picture. [1 Mark]
(A) They boost immunity.
(B) They increase cholesterol and fatty levels.
(C) They increase the capacity to work.
(D) They develop the ability to fight diseases.

[Figure: A collection of fast foods and junk foods including doughnuts, french fries, burgers, chocolates, and candies.]

Answer: (B) They increase cholesterol and fatty levels.

Junk foods and items high in saturated fats and sugars contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and unhealthy fat accumulation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Processed and fried snack items contain high amounts of trans fats and empty calories.
b) Regular consumption of such foods leads to lifestyle disorders such as obesity and cardiovascular issues.

(xii) State whether the given statement is 'true' or 'false'.
Morbidity refers to the healthy state of an individual while mortality refers to the state of being mortal. [1 Mark]
(A) True
(B) False

Answer: (B) False

Morbidity refers to the rate of disease or illness in a population, not a healthy state.

Teacher's Note:
a) Morbidity denotes illness, sickness, or disease prevalence, whereas mortality refers to death rates.
b) Students must memorize precise epidemiological terms to avoid confusion in public health questions.

(xiii) Identify the type of floor covering given in the image: [1 Mark]
(A) Wall to wall to carpet
(B) Area rug
(C) Door mat
(D) Scatter rug

[Figure: A rectangular decorative patterned rug placed on a wooden floor in a living room.]

Answer: (B) Area rug

An area rug covers only a specific portion of the floor space to define an activity zone within a room.

Teacher's Note:
a) Area rugs enhance interior aesthetics and provide warmth without covering the entire flooring surface.
b) Wall-to-wall carpets cover the entire room flooring permanently.

(xiv) Pick the odd pair out: [1 Mark]
(A) PC-PNDT Act - Ban the use of sex selection techniques before and after conception.
(B) Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana - Equitable share of girl child in family savings.
(C) BBBP - Sexual harassment at the workplace.
(D) POCSO - Protection of Children from Sexual Offences.

Answer: (C) BBBP - Sexual harassment at the workplace.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is aimed at preventing female foeticide and ensuring survival, protection, and education of the girl child, not workplace harassment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Workplace harassment is addressed under specific labor laws such as the POSH Act, not BBBP.
b) All other listed government schemes and acts are correctly matched with their respective objectives.

(xv) ASSERTION (A): Evaporating moisture from food stuff prevents growth of microorganisms.
REASON (R): Most microorganisms cannot grow without water. [1 Mark]
(A) A is true but R is false.
(B) A is false but R is true.
(C) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(D) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.

Answer: (C) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Microorganisms require moisture for metabolic activity and reproduction; dehydration deprives them of this essential requirement.

Teacher's Note:
a) Dehydration (drying) is one of the oldest methods of food preservation based on water activity reduction.
b) Removing water halts enzymatic and microbial spoilage effectively.

(xvi) To provide security for his family in his retirement years Leela's father invested money in various schemes. Suggest the appropriate scheme he should adopt.
i. Public Provident fund
ii. Ujjwala Yojna
iii. Kisan Vikas Patra
iv. Wellness scheme [1 Mark]
(A) only iv
(B) both i and iv
(C) both i and ii
(D) both i and iii

Answer: (D) both i and iii

Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) are secure long-term government-backed investment and savings schemes suitable for retirement security.

Teacher's Note:
a) PPF offers tax-free long-term savings, and KVP doubles invested money over a specified period securely.
b) Ujjwala Yojna provides LPG connections to rural households, and wellness schemes relate to health insurance.

(xvii) The disadvantage of this type of kitchen: [1 Mark]
(A) A proper work triangle does not exist
(B) Needs fairly large space
(C) Acts as a throughway passage
(D) All work centres are against one wall

[Figure: An island kitchen featuring a central cooking and prep island surrounded by cabinetry and wall units.]

Answer: (C) Acts as a throughway passage

Island kitchens often open up into living or dining areas, causing traffic to pass through the working zone.

Teacher's Note:
a) Island kitchens require substantial floor space to accommodate the central island and surrounding clearances.
b) They provide excellent storage and workspace but can suffer from cross-traffic interference if poorly placed.

(xviii) Choose the correct pair: [1 Mark]
A. Fast food      1. Pickles
B. Convenience food      2. Milk
C. Perishable food      3. Apples
D. Semi-perishable food      4. Ham Burger and French fries
(A) A - 1, B - 3, C - 4, D - 2.
(B) A - 2, B - 1, C - 3, D - 4.
(C) A - 4, B - 3, C - 2, D - 1.
(D) A - 4, B - 1, C - 2, D - 3.

Answer: (C) A - 4, B - 3, C - 2, D - 1.

Matching food categories: Fast food (Ham Burger and French fries), Perishable food (Milk), Semi-perishable food (Pickles), and convenience food mapping accordingly.

Teacher's Note:
a) Perishable foods spoil quickly (like milk and apples), whereas semi-perishable items last longer (like potatoes and pickles).
b) Careful classification of food items helps in proper meal planning and storage management.

(xix) Since years, in remote areas, villagers are facing health issues with traditional cooking fuels. Keeping in view of those difficulties, Government introduced various schemes for them to overcome their health problems. Choose the appropriate scheme to solve the above mentioned issue. [1 Mark]
(A) PMJDY
(B) PMUY
(C) PMJAY
(D) DWCRA

Answer: (B) PMUY

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural households to eliminate health hazards caused by traditional biomass fuels.

Teacher's Note:
a) Traditional solid fuels cause severe indoor air pollution and respiratory illnesses among women and children.
b) PMUY aims to safeguard women's health by providing clean liquefied petroleum gas connections.

(xx) A nine year old child needs _________ for an overall growth and development. [1 Mark]
(A) Poor hygienic habits.
(B) Protection from family members.
(C) Lack of immunization.
(D) Unhealthy food habits.

Answer: (B) Protection from family members.

A secure family environment providing emotional and physical protection is essential for a child's holistic growth.

Teacher's Note:
a) Children in middle childhood require guidance, safety, and nurturing support from family members.
b) Poor hygiene, lack of immunization, and unhealthy diets hinder proper physical and mental development.

Question 2

Answer all the questions:

(i) What do you mean by Cognitive development? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Cognitive development refers to the growth of a child's ability to think, reason, understand, and solve problems.
2. It encompasses mental processes such as memory, perception, language acquisition, and decision-making from infancy through adolescence.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cognitive development forms the foundation of intellectual growth and learning capacity.
b) Emphasize keywords like reasoning, problem-solving, and mental processing in board answers.

(ii) Shivi ordered idli and sambhar instead of rice and dal through an online app. Give two reasons for Shivi choosing the above combination of food. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Mutual supplementation: Combining cereal (rice/idli) and pulse (dal/sambhar) provides a complete amino acid profile, improving overall protein quality.
2. Fermentation: The fermentation process in idli preparation enhances digestibility, increases B-vitamin content, and improves palatability.

Teacher's Note:
a) Food synergy and mutual supplementation of plant proteins are crucial concepts in meal planning.
b) Mentioning both nutritional quality and digestion improvement ensures full marks.

(iii) Shyam is designing his new home by himself. Predict two reasons for his planning of having better ventilation in the kitchen. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Removal of cooking odors and hot air: Proper ventilation expels stale air, heat, and strong food odors generated during cooking.
2. Reduction of humidity and prevention of contamination: It controls moisture levels, prevents mold growth, and ensures a hygienic, clean cooking environment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Kitchen ventilation improves indoor air quality and safeguards the health of homemakers.
b) Students should focus on heat dissipation and odor elimination as primary kitchen planning principles.

(iv) Sumit gets bullied by his classmates in the school bus. He was warned by them not to tell anyone about it. What are the two traits through which the parents will identify the harassment he has gone through? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Behavioral changes: Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, fear of going to school, or reluctance to board the school bus.
2. Emotional or physical symptoms: Unexplained sadness, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, or frequent complaints of headaches and stomachaches.

Teacher's Note:
a) Bullied children often display uncharacteristic fear, mood swings, and avoidance behaviors.
b) Parents must remain vigilant to subtle behavioral shifts indicating emotional distress in children.

(v) State two reasons for avoiding the steeping of woollens. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Wool is a weak fiber when wet and prolonged soaking weakens its tensile strength.
2. Excessive soaking causes woollen garments to stretch, lose their shape, and undergo felting shrinkage.

Teacher's Note:
a) Protein fibers require careful, brief washing without prolonged soaking.
b) Emphasize loss of shape and structural weakness when wool absorbs excessive water.

(vi) What are the two aims of street play? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. To convey social, health, and educational messages directly to the masses in public spaces.
2. To create community awareness and inspire behavioral change regarding pressing social issues through drama, music, and interaction.

Teacher's Note:
a) Street plays (Nukkad Natak) are powerful mass communication tools for grassroots mobilization.
b) Key objectives include awareness generation and social reform advocacy.

(vii) Name the two interrelated components of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

Teacher's Note:
a) Ayushman Bharat integrates primary healthcare (HWCs) with secondary and tertiary health insurance (PM-JAY).
b) Memorize exact names of government health initiatives for scoring accuracy.

(viii) Sam washed the eggs thoroughly before storing them two days ago. However, today, while making an omelette, he discovered that the eggs are no longer usable. In your opinion, what could be one reason for this deterioration? Additionally, how would you recommend he store them next time? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Reason for deterioration: Washing eggs removes their natural protective cuticle (bloom), opening shell pores and allowing bacteria and moisture to enter, causing spoilage.
2. Recommended storage: Store unwashed eggs in a cool place with their pointed end facing downwards to keep the yolk centered and prevent air cell movement.

Teacher's Note:
a) Egg shells are porous and rely on the natural cuticle to prevent microbial ingress.
b) Students should remember never to wash eggs before storing them in refrigeration.

(ix) Geeta's cousin is getting married in Canada, and she is planning to purchase a ready-made outfit for him. What is one advantage and one disadvantage associated with choosing a ready-made garment for this special occasion? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Advantage: Readily available in standard sizes, saves time, and eliminates the hassle of multiple fitting trials.
2. Disadvantage: Standard sizing may require alterations, and identical designs may be worn by others, lacking uniqueness.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ready-made garments offer convenience and immediate availability.
b) Fit issues and lack of custom tailoring are common drawbacks for special occasions.

(x) Your school is organizing a poster competition on Climate Change, and you have been entrusted to suggest guidelines for designing the poster. Write down any two guidelines. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Keep the message concise, clear, and impactful with a bold, catchy title.
2. Use contrasting, eye-catching color combinations and clear illustrations to effectively communicate the environmental theme.

Teacher's Note:
a) Effective posters rely on visual clarity and minimal text to convey messages quickly.
b) Highlight visual hierarchy and relevance to the theme in design guidelines.

SECTION B

(Answer any four questions from this Section.)

Question 3

(i) Explain any five reasons in planning an effective family budget. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Acts as an intelligent guide: It provides a clear roadmap for family expenditures, preventing haphazard spending.
2. Enables overall view of income: It helps family members understand total earnings and allocate funds realistically.
3. Ensures spending does not exceed income: It prevents debt accumulation by keeping expenses within financial limits.
4. Assists in unforeseen situations: Budgeting allows families to set aside emergency savings for medical or sudden needs.
5. Helps to live within one's income: It promotes financial discipline and discourages extravagant or impulsive lifestyle habits.

Teacher's Note:
a) Family budgeting promotes economic security and resource management.
b) List any five distinct points clearly with explanatory sub-headings for full marks.

(ii) Observe the diagram given below of the type of kitchen and answer the questions that follow:

[Figure: An island kitchen layout showing a central island counter with cooking hob and sink surrounded by wall cabinets.]

(a) Identify the type of kitchen. [1 Mark]
(b) List any two characteristics of this type of kitchen. [2 Marks]
(c) Suggest any two eco-friendly cooking devices used in today's world. [2 Marks]

Answer:
(a) Island Kitchen.
(b) Characteristics:
1. It features a standalone central work station (island) used for food prep, cooking, or serving.
2. It requires a large room space and is typically an extension of L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen layouts.
(c) Eco-friendly cooking devices:
1. Solar cooker.
2. Induction cooker.

Teacher's Note:
a) Island kitchens provide excellent accessibility and extra counter space in spacious homes.
b) Solar and induction cookers reduce carbon footprints and conserve energy.

(iii) Discuss any five factors affecting the choice of carpets. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Size of room and carpet: Carpets should correspond to room dimensions, leaving appropriate margins around borders.
2. Colour: Must harmonize with interior furnishings, wall colors, and lighting conditions of the room.
3. Plain or Patterned: Plain carpets suit patterned upholstery, while patterned carpets help hide minor stains in high-traffic areas.
4. Durability: Depends on fiber quality, weave density, and pile height to withstand regular wear and tear.
5. Cost and Budget: Carpets must be purchased within allocated financial limits, balancing quality with affordability.

Teacher's Note:
a) Floor coverings enhance thermal insulation and acoustic comfort in interior design.
b) Mentioning durability, aesthetics, and budget criteria covers essential evaluation parameters.

Question 4

(i) Discuss five ways in which social development forms an integral part of a child's development. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Relationship building: It teaches children to relate to others effectively, fostering empathy and cooperation.
2. Communication and self-esteem: It builds language skills, boosts self-confidence, and helps resolve conflicts amicably.
3. Socialization beyond home: It helps the child expand social horizons, make friends, and adapt to school and community environments.
4. Adherence to rules: Children learn teamwork, sharing, taking turns, and respecting social norms through play.
5. Emotional security: Positive peer interactions provide emotional support and a sense of belonging within peer groups.

Teacher's Note:
a) Social development enables children to function harmoniously in society.
b) Focus on peer interaction, communication skills, and emotional security in answers.

(ii) State five factors affecting the physical development of the child. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Heredity: Genetic factors largely determine height, body structure, and physical growth potential.
2. Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential for proper skeletal and muscular growth.
3. Health and Immunization: Timely vaccinations and freedom from chronic illnesses prevent growth stunting.
4. Physical Activity and Play: Regular exercise and active play strengthen bones and muscles.
5. Rest and Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for releasing growth hormones and physical recovery.

Teacher's Note:
a) Physical development involves quantitative changes in height, weight, and organ systems.
b) Heredity and nutrition are primary determinants of childhood growth.

(iii) "The role of schools is of valuable importance in supporting the learning of disabled children." Justify the statement by giving five points. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Early identification: Schools help identify children with learning disabilities early through specialized screening and observation.
2. Inclusive environment: They foster empathy, acceptance, and awareness among teachers and peers.
3. Academic concessions: Providing extended time, alternative assignments, and reader or writer assistance during examinations.
4. Teacher sensitization: Training educators to adopt flexible teaching methods tailored to diverse learning needs.
5. Remedial support: Organizing special educational support classes to bridge learning gaps and build self-esteem.

Teacher's Note:
a) Inclusive education ensures equal learning opportunities for children with special needs.
b) Highlight institutional support, empathy, and academic accommodations in the answer.

Question 5

(i) Explain any five factors to be kept in mind while storing semi-perishable food. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Moisture control: Grains and cereals must be thoroughly dried in the sun before storage to prevent mold and insect infestation.
2. Temperature and ventilation: Root vegetables like onions and potatoes require cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated storage areas.
3. Airtight containers: Nuts, pulses, and dry ingredients should be stored in airtight containers to prevent rancidity and pest entry.
4. Pre-treatment: Items like suji and dalia benefit from dry roasting to destroy insect eggs prior to long-term storage.
5. Inspection and rotation: Regularly check stored semi-perishable goods for dampness, pests, or spoilage using the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle.

Teacher's Note:
a) Semi-perishable foods have a longer shelf life but require protection from moisture and pests.
b) Emphasize dryness, ventilation, and airtight packaging in food storage management.

(ii) Discuss any five factors which affect meal planning. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Nutritional needs: Meals must cater to the age, sex, physiological state, and activity level of family members.
2. Family budget: Meal planning must align with available financial resources while ensuring optimal nutrition.
3. Food availability and season: Seasonal foods are fresher, more economical, and nutritionally rich.
4. Dietary habits and likes/dislikes: Considering food preferences ensures high acceptability and prevents plate waste.
5. Variety in meals: Incorporating a mix of colors, textures, flavors, and food groups enhances appetite and satisfaction.

Teacher's Note:
a) Meal planning balances nutritional adequacy with economic and aesthetic considerations.
b) Mentioning nutritional requirements, budget, and family preferences is essential.

(iii) Tom watched his uncle preparing mango pickle. He noticed that he had put a lot of salt and spices into the vessel while cooking it. State any five ways in which these ingredients play a role in the preparation of the pickle. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Moisture reduction: Salt absorbs moisture from raw mango pieces through osmosis, reducing water activity needed by microbes.
2. Microbial inhibition: High salt concentration creates an unfavorable environment that prevents the growth of bacteria and pathogens.
3. Preservation: Salt acts as a natural preservative, extending the shelf life of the pickle.
4. Flavor enhancement: Spices add characteristic aroma, pungency, and taste to the pickle.
5. Antioxidant properties: Many traditional spices possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that further prevent spoilage.

Teacher's Note:
a) Pickling relies on chemical preservation principles using high concentrations of salt, oil, and spices.
b) Emphasize osmosis, moisture reduction, and antimicrobial action in the answer.

Question 6

(i) Enumerate the steps of laundering a white cotton shirt. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Preparation: Mending tears, checking pockets, removing badges, and treating specific stains prior to washing.
2. Steeping and Soaking: Soaking white cotton garments in warm soapy water to loosen dirt particles.
3. Washing: Applying friction using rubbing or scrubbing methods on soiled areas like collars and cuffs.
4. Rinsing: Rinsing thoroughly in clean water multiple times to remove all soap residue.
5. Starch and Bluing / Drying and Ironing: Applying blue for brightness, starch for crispness, drying in sunlight, and ironing at appropriate cotton temperatures.

Teacher's Note:
a) Laundering follows a sequential process to ensure hygiene and fabric longevity.
b) Steps must be written in correct logical order for full credit.

(ii) "Detergents are now commonly used for laundry purposes." Keeping this in mind, state any five advantages of using detergents over soaps in laundering of clothes. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Efficiency in hard water: Detergents form lather readily even in hard water without forming insoluble scum.
2. Superior cleaning power: They possess lower surface tension, enabling deeper penetration into fabric fibers.
3. Versatility: Effective across various water temperatures (hot, cold, or hard water environments).
4. No salt deposits: They do not leave greasy soap curds or mineral deposits on washed garments.
5. Economy and convenience: Readily soluble and highly concentrated, requiring less effort during washing.

Teacher's Note:
a) Synthetic detergents have largely replaced traditional laundry soaps due to superior chemical performance.
b) Emphasize hard water effectiveness and lower surface tension.

(iii) Amit noticed some uneven blue patches on his white uniform. What mistake did he make in the laundry process? Suggest any four precautions he should take to ensure it looks clean in the future. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Mistake identified: Amit did not stir the bluing solution properly or left the fabric submerged in the blue solution for too long without agitation.
2. Precautions:
- Ensure the bluing agent is thoroughly dissolved and evenly mixed in water before immersing the garment.
- Never leave colored or white fabrics soaking in blue water for extended periods.
- Stir the garment continuously while bluing to prevent localized concentration.
- Apply bluing only as a final rinse after thorough soap removal.

Teacher's Note:
a) Uneven bluing results from improper mixing or uneven distribution of the blue pigment.
b) Students must identify both the operational error and corrective safety precautions.

Question 7

Write short notes on the following: (Any five points) [5 Marks]

(i) Child abuse. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: Child abuse involves physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment, or neglect of a child by parents or caregivers.
2. Physical abuse: Involves intentional hitting, kicking, burning, or causing physical injury.
3. Sexual abuse: Involves involving a child in inappropriate sexual acts or exploitation.
4. Emotional abuse: Involves persistent rejection, humiliation, shaming, or terrorizing a child.
5. Consequences: Causes severe long-term psychological trauma, behavioral disorders, and developmental impairment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Child protection laws aim to safeguard minors from all forms of exploitation and maltreatment.
b) Clear categorization of abuse types (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect) is essential.

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

Answer:
1. Provides all essential nutrients: Supplies adequate proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
2. Body weight management: Helps maintain healthy body weight, heart rate, and blood pressure levels.
3. Boosts immunity: Strengthens the body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases.
4. Enhances energy and stamina: Improves physical work capacity and mental concentration.
5. Supports growth and repair: Essential for cellular growth, tissue repair, and overall metabolic health.

Teacher's Note:
a) A balanced diet sustains optimal health across all life stages.
b) Highlight nutrient adequacy and disease resistance in the answer.

(iii) Role of peer group in middle childhood. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Socialization and belonging: Peer groups provide acceptance, a sense of identity, and opportunities for social interaction outside the family.
2. Development of social skills: Children learn sharing, negotiation, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
3. Emotional independence: Helps children develop self-reliance, self-worth, and emotional autonomy from parents.
4. Positive influences: Encourages healthy competition, cooperative play, and academic motivation.
5. Negative peer pressure risks: Can lead to bullying, anxiety, or antisocial behaviors if peer interactions are unmonitored.

Teacher's Note:
a) Peer relationships become increasingly influential during middle childhood and adolescence.
b) Discuss both positive developmental benefits and potential risks of negative peer pressure.

Question 8

(i) State any five eligibility criteria of PMUY. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. The applicant must be an adult woman aged 18 years or above and an Indian citizen.
2. The household must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
3. No other LPG connection should already exist in the applicant's household.
4. Household income must fall below the threshold established by government guidelines.
5. The applicant's name must appear in official socio-economic census or targeted beneficiary databases.

Teacher's Note:
a) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana targets underprivileged women to promote clean household energy.
b) Mentioning gender criteria, BPL status, and absence of existing LPG connections is crucial.

(ii) Discuss any two ecological issues of India. [5 Marks]

Answer:
1. Carbon footprint and Climate Change: Rising greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, industrialization, and deforestation lead to global warming, erratic weather patterns, and temperature shifts.
2. Environmental Degradation and Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution resulting from unchecked urbanization, waste accumulation, and resource depletion severely harm ecosystems and public health.

Teacher's Note:
a) Ecological issues threaten sustainable development and biodiversity.
b) Frame answers covering causes, manifestations, and environmental impacts of climate change and pollution.

(iii) "Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-5 is focused on pursuing the main goal of real and sustained gender equality in all aspects of women and girls' lives." In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) Write any two points on female infanticide or foeticide. [2 Marks]
(b) Suggest two practices to curtail gender discrimination. [2 Marks]
(c) State one consequence of the imbalance in sex ratio. [1 Mark]

Answer:
(a) Female infanticide/foeticide:
1. It involves illegal sex determination followed by the abortion of female foetuses.
2. It reflects deep-rooted patriarchal biases and severely distorts the child sex ratio.
(b) Practices to curtail gender discrimination:
1. Provide equal educational opportunities and career encouragement to both boys and girls without bias.
2. Assign household chores and responsibilities equally to children regardless of gender.
(c) Consequence of sex ratio imbalance: Leads to societal instability, increased gender-based violence, and skewed marriage demographics.

Teacher's Note:
a) SDG-5 targets gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.
b) Ensure all sub-parts (a, b, c) are answered concisely to secure full marks.