Scoring well in the Class X Social Science paper seems to give students sleepless nights --- but cheer up! There is nothing to panic about as the new course introduced by the CBSE is much simpler and easier to learn. Moreover always remember that systematic preparation and objective analysis of the syllabi of sample papers will help you to achieve high grades.
The Social Science paper of Class X will only be of 80 marks, just like last year, as 20 marks have been allotted to internal assessment. The division of marks is as follows:

	Ritu Madan

•Modern India (History): 20 marks
• Resources and their Civilisation: 28 marks
• Economic and Social Development: 24 marks
• Disaster Management: 8 marks
The question paper will consist of 24 questions, the last question being map-based. All three questions worth six marks each (one question from each unit) and two of four marks each will be choice-based. The unit on Disaster Management appears to be very vast but can be handled if important paragraphs are located and the answers to questions are highlighted in advance.
In Economic and Social Development, the chapters on Major Challenges before the Indian Economy and Challenges of Communalism and Casteism are extremely important as they carry 10 and six marks respectively. Sections on Poverty and Unemployment and Price Rise need thorough preparation.
Your emphasis must be on thoroughly understanding your lessons instead of merely learning them by heart. Focusing on the causes, impacts and remedies of economic and social problems will be fruitful. For instance, for a question based on the statement 'Poverty and occupation are directly linked to each other', substantiate your answer with relevant arguments. You may not find a direct answer in your textbook but if you have a thorough understanding of the chapter, you will realise that the answer lies in linking the issue with the various causes of unemployment.
Your preparation strategy in the remaining few weeks:
• The CBSE has allotted 15 minutes extra time, which should be utilised to read the questions properly and understand them. Any confusion in your understanding of the question will lead to an incorrect answer.
• Answers should be to the point, without any frills. The right presentation will also matter.
• When answering your paper follow the sequence of the questions.
• Answer only in points as it is vital from the marking point of view.
• Highlight the main idea or give a subtitle.
• Practise by writing down your answers. Attempt the sample papers issued by the CBSE and the previous year's question papers.
• Do not leave any question unanswered. Ponder over a question even if you do not know it.
All the best!