Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Energy is a basic requirement for economic development for the following reasons:

1. All sectors depend on energy: Agriculture, industry, transport, commercial and domestic sectors all need energy inputs to function and remain operational.

1. Essential for daily activities: Energy is needed to cook food, provide light and heat, propel vehicles and drive machinery in industries.

1. Rising demand: Since Independence, economic development plans have required increasing amounts of energy, leading to steadily rising consumption across the country.

1. Fossil fuel dependence and its risks: Growing consumption has made India increasingly dependent on coal, oil and gas. Rising prices and potential shortages threaten the security of energy supply, which has serious repercussions on national economic growth.

1. Need for sustainable energy: Since resources are limited, promoting energy conservation and use of renewable sources is essential to sustain economic development.

Source: Resources and Development, Chapter 5 — Energy Resources; Conservation of Energy Resources

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• Examiners expect 5 distinct points for a 5-mark answer — one point per mark is the safest approach.
• Always mention all sectors (agriculture, industry, transport, commercial, domestic) as the textbook lists them explicitly.
• Link energy shortages to economic consequences — this shows application of the concept.
• The phrase "energy saved is energy produced" can be used as a concluding line to impress examiners.
• Avoid copying long textbook paragraphs; paraphrase into crisp points.