Exercise Solutions Available
Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter
Achieving Equality — Exercise Solutions
Use this page alongside the official Samacheer Kalvi textbook. Solve every exercise question on your own first, then check the solutions below.
I. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQs)
Q1. Which one of the following is NOT a reason for prejudice?
- (a) Socialization
- (b) Economic Benefits
- (c) Authoritarian personality
- (d) Geography
Prejudice arises from socialisation, economic benefits, authoritarian personality, ethno-centrism, and group closure. Geography is not a cause of prejudice.
Q2. Discrimination done on the basis of gender is referred to as ___.
- (a) gender discrimination
- (b) caste discrimination
- (c) religious discrimination
- (d) inequality
When people are treated unfairly because of their gender (male or female), it is called gender discrimination.
Q3. Gender-based stereotypes are often portrayed in ___.
- (a) films
- (b) advertisements
- (c) TV serials
- (d) All of these
Gender stereotypes like "boys are strong, girls are weak" are commonly portrayed in films, advertisements, and TV serials, reinforcing biased views.
Q4. Name the book(s) written by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- (a) India 2020
- (b) Wings of Fire
- (c) Ignited Minds
- (d) All of these
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam wrote several books including India 2020, Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, The Luminous Sparks, and Mission India.
Q5. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was conferred Bharat Ratna in the year ___.
- (a) 1997
- (b) 1996
- (c) 1995
- (d) 1994
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the "Missile Man of India," received the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1997.
Q6. Viswanathan Anand became India's first grandmaster in the year ___.
- (a) 1985
- (b) 1986
- (c) 1987
- (d) 1988
Viswanathan Anand became India's first chess grandmaster in 1988. He also won the World Junior Chess Championship in 1987.
Q7. In which sport does Ilavazhagi excel?
- (a) Chess
- (b) Wrestling
- (c) Carrom
- (d) Tennis
Ilavazhagi is a world carrom champion who achieved success despite coming from a disadvantaged background, proving that talent can overcome inequality.
Q8. Which article of the Constitution says discrimination against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them is not permitted?
- (a) 14(1)
- (b) 15(1)
- (c) 16(1)
- (d) 17(1)
Article 15(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits the State from discriminating against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Q9. B.R. Ambedkar was conferred Bharat Ratna in the year ___.
- (a) 1990
- (b) 1989
- (c) 1988
- (d) 1987
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his contribution to the nation as the architect of the Indian Constitution and champion of social equality.
Q10. As per the 2011 Census, the highest literate district in Tamil Nadu is ___.
- (a) Namakkal
- (b) Salem
- (c) Kanyakumari
- (d) Sivagangai
According to the 2011 Census, Kanyakumari district had the highest literacy rate in Tamil Nadu.
Additional MCQs
Q11. Apartheid was practised in ___.
- (a) Germany
- (b) Australia
- (c) South Africa
- (d) India
Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It was ended through the efforts of Nelson Mandela.
Q12. Viswanathan Anand was born in ___.
- (a) Chennai
- (b) Bengaluru
- (c) Thiruvananthapuram
- (d) Vishakapatnam
Viswanathan Anand was born on 11 December 1969 in Chennai (then Madras), Tamil Nadu.
Q13. Chairman of the Drafting Committee of India's Constituent Assembly was ___.
- (a) Nehru
- (b) Dr. Ambedkar
- (c) Mountbatten
- (d) Dr. Abdul Kalam
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, which drafted the Constitution of India.
Q14. Apartheid was ended by ___.
- (a) Martin Luther
- (b) Nelson Mandela
- (c) Mother Teresa
- (d) Tagore
Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid in South Africa and became its first Black President in 1994 after the system was dismantled.
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. People who have false beliefs and ideas about others are said to have prejudice.
2. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born in Rameswaram.
3. Viswanathan Anand was the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sports honour.
4. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was independent India's first Law Minister.
5. As per the 2011 Census, the lowest sex ratio was in Dharmapuri district.
6. A constitution is a set of rules and regulations guiding the administration of a country.
7. The fundamental unit of a society is the family.
8. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution provides equality before law.
9. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form.
III. Match the Following
| # | Column A | Column B | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prejudice | (a) Abolition of untouchability | 1 → e (judge other people negatively) |
| 2 | Stereotype | (b) Treating someone less fairly than others | 2 → d (false view or idea about something) |
| 3 | Discrimination | (c) Equality before law | 3 → b (treating someone less fairly than others) |
| 4 | Article 14 | (d) False view or idea about something | 4 → c (equality before law) |
| 5 | Article 17 | (e) Judge other people negatively | 5 → a (abolition of untouchability) |
IV. Very Short Answer Questions
Q1. What is prejudice?
Q2. What is a stereotype?
Q3. What is discrimination?
Q4. What are the articles that discuss equality in the Indian Constitution?
- Article 14 — Provides equality before law and equal protection within the territory of India.
- Article 15(1) — The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them.
- Article 17 — Untouchability is totally abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden.
Q5. What is a constitution?
Q6. Name the types of prejudice.
Q7. Name the books written by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
V. Short Answer Questions
Q1. Explain the relationship between prejudice, stereotype, and discrimination.
| Concept | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prejudice | Judging others negatively without knowing them | Thinking a person is dishonest because of their caste |
| Stereotype | A false, fixed view about a group | "Girls cannot do maths" |
| Discrimination | Unfair treatment based on prejudice | Refusing to hire someone because of their religion |
Prejudice is the starting point. When prejudice strengthens, it becomes a stereotype. When people act on stereotypes, it results in discrimination.
Q2. What does Article 15(1) say about discrimination?
Q3. What does Article 14 state about equality?
VI. Detailed / Long Answer Questions
Q1. What are the causes of prejudice?
| # | Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Socialisation | Children learn prejudiced attitudes from family, peers, and society |
| 2 | Conforming behaviours | People adopt the views of their group to fit in, even if those views are biased |
| 3 | Economic benefits | Dominant groups may maintain prejudice to retain economic advantages |
| 4 | Authoritarian personality | People who prefer strict hierarchy tend to hold prejudiced views |
| 5 | Ethno-centrism | Believing one's own ethnic group is superior to all others |
| 6 | Group closure | Groups restrict membership to maintain privilege and exclude others |
| 7 | Conflicts | Competition over resources like jobs and land breeds prejudice between groups |
Prejudice is not innate — it is learned. Understanding the causes helps us recognise and overcome prejudice in our own thinking.
Q2. Describe two types of discrimination.
(a) Caste Discrimination
The caste system is the most dominant reason for inequality and discrimination in India. It divides society into rigid groups where:
- People of so-called "upper castes" enjoy more privileges.
- People of so-called "lower castes" (Dalits) face social exclusion, limited opportunities, and unfair treatment.
- Leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar fought actively against caste discrimination.
- The Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability under Article 17 to combat caste-based discrimination.
(b) Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination involves inequalities between men and women in health, education, economics, and politics:
- Girls may be denied college education after schooling.
- Women may be forced into early marriage instead of choosing a career.
- Women may be restricted from wearing modern clothes while boys face no such restriction.
- Women receive lower wages for the same work.
- Gender discrimination is prohibited under Article 15(1) of the Constitution.
Q3. Explain the solutions for removing inequality and discrimination in Indian society.
| # | Solution | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wider access to quality services | Ensure healthcare and education are available to all, regardless of background |
| 2 | Awareness of gender bias | Recognise and challenge stereotypes about gender roles |
| 3 | Women's visibility in public life | Make women more visible in public institutions and leadership to eliminate gender disparity |
| 4 | Learning about other religions | Be open to understanding other faiths to reduce religious prejudice |
| 5 | Community dining | Promote shared meals in classrooms so students sit together without caste, religion, or gender bias |
| 6 | Socialising with diverse people | Interact with people from different backgrounds outside the home |
| 7 | Effective implementation of laws | Strictly enforce constitutional provisions (Articles 14, 15, 17) and anti-discrimination laws |
Real equality requires both legal protection and social change. Laws can punish discrimination, but attitudes must change through education and awareness.
VII. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
Q. Various forms of discrimination in India — Discuss.
1. Caste-based discrimination: Treating people as "untouchables" or denying them entry to temples, schools, and public places based on their caste. The Constitution abolishes this under Article 17.
2. Gender discrimination: Denying girls education, forcing early marriage, paying women less for equal work, and restricting women's choices about career and clothing.
3. Religious discrimination: Treating people of minority religions unfairly, denying them housing or jobs, or creating conflict over religious practices.
4. Racial discrimination: Treating dark-skinned people differently from fair-skinned people, or discriminating against people from the Northeast in mainland India.
Article 15(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits the State from discriminating against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Overcoming discrimination requires both legal enforcement and social awareness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing prejudice with discrimination. Prejudice is an attitude (judging negatively); discrimination is an action (treating unfairly). Prejudice leads to discrimination.
2. Mixing up Article numbers. Article 14 = equality before law; Article 15(1) = no discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth; Article 17 = abolition of untouchability. Memorise these carefully.
3. Saying "geography is a cause of prejudice." Geography is NOT one of the seven causes. The causes are: socialisation, conforming behaviours, economic benefits, authoritarian personality, ethno-centrism, group closure, and conflicts.
4. Confusing stereotype with prejudice. A stereotype is a fixed, oversimplified idea (e.g., "girls are weak"). Prejudice is a negative judgement about a person or group. When prejudice strengthens, it becomes a stereotype.
5. Writing only "caste discrimination" as the answer for "types of discrimination." The textbook discusses at least three types: caste discrimination, gender discrimination, and religious discrimination. Include at least two with explanations.
6. Confusing A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's birthplace. He was born in Rameswaram, not Chennai or any other city.
7. Forgetting to mention Article 17 when discussing caste discrimination. Article 17 (abolition of untouchability) is directly relevant to caste discrimination and must be mentioned.
Exam Checklist
Before your exam, make sure you can:
- [ ] Define prejudice, stereotype, and discrimination with clear distinctions between them
- [ ] List all seven causes of prejudice (socialisation, conforming behaviours, economic benefits, authoritarian personality, ethno-centrism, group closure, conflicts)
- [ ] Explain caste discrimination and gender discrimination with examples
- [ ] Explain religious discrimination with examples
- [ ] Quote Articles 14, 15(1), and 17 and explain what each one guarantees
- [ ] Describe the solutions for removing inequality and discrimination (7 points)
- [ ] Identify A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's contributions (born in Rameswaram, Bharat Ratna 1997, books)
- [ ] Identify Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contributions (first Law Minister, Chairman of Drafting Committee, Bharat Ratna 1990)
- [ ] Recall that Viswanathan Anand became India's first chess grandmaster in 1988
- [ ] Recall that Ilavazhagi excels in carrom
- [ ] State that Kanyakumari is the most literate district in Tamil Nadu (2011 Census)
- [ ] Explain the connection between prejudice → stereotype → discrimination