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Karnataka II PUC Home Science (KSEAB) study materials
Karnataka II PUC Home Science (KSEAB) study resources

Karnataka II PUC Home Science (KSEAB) practice questions

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Question 1Home Science

In the study of human development, the period that begins at conception and ends at birth is called which stage?

  1. Prenatal stage Correct answer.
  2. Early childhood stage
  3. Infancy stage
  4. Adolescence stage

Explanation

The prenatal stage covers the entire period from conception to birth and is subdivided into the germinal, embryonic and foetal periods. Infancy begins only after birth, so it cannot describe development inside the womb.

Question 2Home Science

A family buys a monthly food basket that supplies adequate energy but is very low in green leafy vegetables and milk. Which deficiency is this family most likely to develop?

  1. Excess vitamin C
  2. Iodine toxicity
  3. Iron and calcium deficiency Correct answer.
  4. Protein-energy excess

Explanation

Green leafy vegetables and milk are major dietary sources of iron and calcium respectively, so a diet lacking both tends to produce anaemia and poor bone mineralisation. Energy adequacy alone cannot prevent these micronutrient gaps.

Question 3Home Science

Which cooking method best preserves the water-soluble vitamins of vegetables?

  1. Steaming until just tender Correct answer.
  2. Frying at high temperature for a long time
  3. Boiling in a large volume of water and discarding it
  4. Soaking cut vegetables in water overnight

Explanation

Water-soluble vitamins such as B-complex and vitamin C leach into cooking water and are destroyed by prolonged heat. Steaming uses little water and short heat exposure, so losses are minimised.

Question 4Home Science

A cotton saree is labelled as having good absorbency and easy washability. These properties are mainly due to which feature of the cotton fibre?

  1. Presence of natural crimp and scales
  2. Presence of cellulose with many hydroxyl groups Correct answer.
  3. High elastic recovery of the fibre
  4. High thermoplasticity of the fibre

Explanation

Cotton is almost pure cellulose, and the numerous hydroxyl groups attract and hold water, giving high absorbency. The same cellulose structure tolerates repeated washing with soap and water.

Question 5Home Science

In the double-burner or 'cutting and stitching' construction of a garment, what is the main purpose of the seam allowance?

  1. To provide extra fabric for joining and finishing the seam Correct answer.
  2. To replace the need for a hem
  3. To reduce the total fabric consumption
  4. To decorate the outer surface of the garment

Explanation

Seam allowance is the extra width of fabric beyond the stitching line that allows the seam to be joined and finished without fraying. Without it the garment cannot be stitched and pressed properly.

Question 6Home Science

A mother brings a two-year-old with bowed legs, delayed closure of the fontanelle and muscle weakness. Which nutrient deficiency should be suspected first?

  1. Vitamin A deficiency
  2. Vitamin K deficiency
  3. Thiamine deficiency
  4. Vitamin D deficiency Correct answer.

Explanation

Bowed legs, delayed fontanelle closure and muscular weakness are classic signs of rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency, which impairs calcium and phosphate deposition in bone. Sunlight exposure and fortified foods are the usual preventive measures.

Question 7Home Science

Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of the nutritional status of a community over a long period?

  1. Anthropometric measurements of children under five Correct answer.
  2. Number of meals eaten per day
  3. Retail price of vegetables in the market
  4. Number of doctors in the district

Explanation

Measurements such as weight-for-age, height-for-age and mid-upper-arm circumference reflect cumulative nutrition and growth and are widely used to assess community malnutrition. They are objective and comparable across groups.

Question 8Home Science

Which of the following is a correct first-aid step for a minor burn caused by hot water?

  1. Apply toothpaste over the blister
  2. Apply ice directly on the burnt skin
  3. Cool the area under running water for about ten to twenty minutes Correct answer.
  4. Rub the area with ghee or oil

Explanation

Cooling with running water limits the depth of tissue damage and relieves pain. Ice, toothpaste and oils are harmful because they can cause further injury or infection and delay proper healing.

Question 9Home Science

In a family, the father and mother both work outside the home and share cooking, cleaning and childcare. This pattern is best described as which type of family?

  1. Matriarchal family
  2. Egalitarian family Correct answer.
  3. Extended family
  4. Patriarchal family

Explanation

An egalitarian family is one in which authority and household roles are shared equally between partners rather than resting with one person. The extended family term refers to the number of generations living together, not to role sharing.

Question 10Home Science

Which of the following best explains why a balanced diet should include both cereals and pulses together?

  1. Cereals lack lysine while pulses lack methionine, so together they improve protein quality Correct answer.
  2. Cereals contain no carbohydrate and pulses supply all of it
  3. Pulses contain fat that cereals cannot supply
  4. Cereals are rich in vitamin C while pulses are rich in vitamin D

Explanation

Cereal proteins are low in lysine and pulse proteins are low in methionine; combining them complements the amino acid pattern and raises the biological value of the meal. This is the principle of mutual supplementation used in typical Indian meals.

Question 11Home Science

A consumer buys a packaged snack and finds only the manufacturing date on the label. Which mandatory information is missing that would help her judge freshness and safety?

  1. Name of the shopkeeper
  2. Brand ambassador name
  3. Number of servings in a restaurant
  4. Best-before or use-by date Correct answer.

Explanation

Food labels must declare the best-before or use-by date so that consumers can judge shelf life and safety. The manufacturing date alone does not indicate how long the product remains safe to eat.

Question 12Home Science

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps in the laundering of a cotton shirt by hand?

  1. Sorting, soaking, washing, rinsing, drying and ironing Correct answer.
  2. Ironing, washing, sorting, drying and rinsing
  3. Rinsing, ironing, soaking, drying and washing
  4. Drying, sorting, ironing, washing and rinsing

Explanation

Laundry follows a logical order: garments are sorted by colour and fabric, soaked to loosen soil, washed with soap, rinsed to remove soap, then dried and ironed. Any other order leaves soap residues or damages the fabric.

Question 13Home Science

Which of the following is the most important reason for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life?

  1. Breast milk supplies balanced nutrients and protective antibodies Correct answer.
  2. Breast milk prevents all childhood diseases permanently
  3. Breast milk is cheaper than any other food
  4. Breast milk contains more carbohydrate than any other food

Explanation

Breast milk provides the infant with an ideal balance of nutrients and also transfers antibodies such as immunoglobulin A, which protect against infection. It is therefore recommended exclusively for the first six months.

Question 14Home Science

A family wishes to store pulses for several months in a humid region. Which practice is most effective against insect infestation?

  1. Keeping the container open to allow air circulation
  2. Storing them in damp gunny bags near the kitchen wall
  3. Drying the pulses well and storing them in airtight containers with a few neem leaves Correct answer.
  4. Sprinkling water on the pulses before storage

Explanation

Insects and moulds need moisture, so thorough drying and airtight storage are the key preventive measures; neem leaves add a traditional repellent effect. Moisture and open air, by contrast, encourage spoilage.

Question 15Home Science

Which of the following statements about the growth spurt during adolescence is correct?

  1. Growth spurts occur only after twenty years of age
  2. Boys generally begin their growth spurt earlier than girls
  3. Girls generally begin their growth spurt earlier than boys Correct answer.
  4. Growth spurts occur equally at the same age in both sexes

Explanation

Girls usually enter the adolescent growth spurt about two years earlier than boys, around eleven to twelve years, whereas boys spurt around thirteen to fourteen. Boys eventually grow taller because their spurt lasts longer and starts from a larger base.

Question 16Home Science

Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource in the home?

  1. Biogas from kitchen waste
  2. Liquefied petroleum gas used for cooking Correct answer.
  3. Rainwater collected for gardening
  4. Solar energy used for drying clothes

Explanation

Liquefied petroleum gas is derived from fossil fuels and is exhausted once used, so it is non-renewable. Solar energy, rainwater and biogas from waste are replenished naturally and are renewable.

Question 17Home Science

A couple wants to delay their first child. Which method of family planning is a barrier method that also offers some protection against sexually transmitted infection?

  1. Tubectomy
  2. Condom Correct answer.
  3. Intrauterine device
  4. Oral contraceptive pill

Explanation

The condom is a barrier method that physically prevents sperm from meeting the ovum and also reduces the transmission of many sexually transmitted infections. Hormonal and surgical methods do not provide this dual protection.

Question 18Home Science

Which of the following correctly describes the term 'weaning' in infant feeding?

  1. Giving the infant adult family food from birth
  2. Feeding only water for the first year
  3. Sudden stopping of all milk feeds
  4. Gradual introduction of semisolid and solid foods alongside milk Correct answer.

Explanation

Weaning, or complementary feeding, begins around six months and involves gradually adding semisolid and solid foods while breastfeeding continues. It is a gradual process, not an abrupt withdrawal of milk.

Question 19Home Science

A woman in her first trimester is advised to increase her intake of folic acid. Which outcome is this advice intended to prevent?

  1. Postpartum haemorrhage
  2. Excessive weight gain in the mother
  3. Neural tube defects in the foetus Correct answer.
  4. Gestational diabetes in the mother

Explanation

Adequate folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the developing foetus. The critical period is the first trimester, when the neural tube closes.

Question 20Home Science

Which of the following is the best example of a 'convenience food' that saves preparation time but must be checked for added salt?

  1. Whole wheat flour
  2. Ready-to-eat instant soup mix Correct answer.
  3. Unpolished rice
  4. Fresh tomatoes from the market

Explanation

Instant soup mixes are processed convenience foods that need only hot water, but they are typically high in added salt and preservatives. Whole grains and fresh vegetables are basic foods that require preparation.

Question 21Home Science

Which of the following best explains why wool gives warmth in winter?

  1. It reflects sunlight back to the body
  2. It conducts heat rapidly away from the body
  3. It absorbs sweat and cools the skin
  4. Its crimped structure traps air, which is a poor conductor of heat Correct answer.

Explanation

Wool fibres are crimped and form many tiny air pockets in the fabric; still air is a poor conductor of heat, so body heat is retained. This trapped air, rather than conduction or reflection, explains wool's warmth.

Question 22Home Science

Which of the following is the correct way to treat a child who has swallowed a poisonous household liquid and is conscious?

  1. Take the child to a hospital immediately with the container Correct answer.
  2. Give the child strong tea to neutralise the poison
  3. Give the child a large glass of milk and wait
  4. Force the child to vomit at once

Explanation

The safe response is to seek medical help at once and carry the container so that doctors know the substance involved. Inducing vomiting can cause further injury, especially with corrosive or petroleum products.

Question 23Home Science

In a consumer court case, a shopkeeper sold a sealed packet of biscuits that was past its use-by date. Which consumer right was primarily violated?

  1. Right to consumer education
  2. Right to choose
  3. Right to be heard
  4. Right to safety Correct answer.

Explanation

Selling food past its use-by date endangers health, so the right to safety is the right primarily violated. The other rights relate to choice, information and representation rather than to protection from hazardous goods.

Question 24Home Science

Which of the following is the most appropriate method of disposing of kitchen vegetable peels in an urban home?

  1. Burning them in the open courtyard
  2. Throwing them into a nearby storm drain
  3. Mixing them with plastic waste for collection
  4. Composting them in a covered bin to make manure Correct answer.

Explanation

Vegetable peels are biodegradable and can be composted aerobically into useful manure, reducing the load on landfills. Burning causes air pollution, and drains and mixed waste create sanitation problems.

Question 25Home Science

A family with a limited budget wants to improve protein intake. Which choice gives the most protein per rupee spent?

  1. Imported breakfast cereal
  2. Whole pulses and legumes cooked at home Correct answer.
  3. Processed cheese slices
  4. Packaged fruit juice

Explanation

Pulses and legumes are inexpensive, locally available and rich in protein, so they give more protein per rupee than most processed foods. Processing and packaging add cost without adding protein value.

Question 26Home Science

Which food group is the richest source of calcium for a growing child in a typical South Indian vegetarian diet?

  1. Polished white rice
  2. Milk and curd Correct answer.
  3. Refined sunflower oil
  4. White sugar

Explanation

Milk and curd are the most dependable calcium sources in a vegetarian diet, supplying calcium along with good-quality protein and riboflavin. Cereals, oils and sugars contribute energy but carry very little calcium.

Question 27Home Science

A cotton bedsheet has been washed and needs to be dried and finished. Which sequence gives the best appearance and hygiene?

  1. Iron while soaking wet, then dry in shade
  2. Dry in direct sun, then fold without ironing
  3. Dry in a closed damp room, then starch heavily
  4. Dry in shade, then iron while slightly damp Correct answer.

Explanation

Shade drying protects colour and fibre strength, and ironing cotton while slightly damp removes creases efficiently with less heat damage. Direct sun for long periods fades dyes and weakens the fabric.

Question 28Home Science

Which principle explains why a pressure cooker cooks dal faster than an open pan?

  1. It removes the need for any cooking liquid
  2. It lowers the specific heat of water
  3. It reduces the fuel value of the pulses
  4. It raises the boiling point of water by increasing pressure Correct answer.

Explanation

Inside a sealed cooker, steam raises the pressure and therefore the boiling point of water above 100 degrees Celsius. The hotter liquid and steam cook the dal faster and save fuel.

Question 29Home Science

A pregnant woman in a low-income household is advised to eat green leafy vegetables daily. Which nutrient does this chiefly supply to prevent anaemia?

  1. Iron and folate Correct answer.
  2. Vitamin C only
  3. Vitamin D
  4. Iodine

Explanation

Green leafy vegetables are inexpensive sources of iron and folate, both needed for haemoglobin formation in mother and fetus. Vitamin C aids iron absorption, so pairing greens with citrus or amla improves results.

Question 30Home Science

Which statement correctly describes the role of dietary fibre in the diet?

  1. It adds bulk, prevents constipation and helps control blood cholesterol Correct answer.
  2. It supplies most of the body's energy needs
  3. It is fully digested and absorbed in the small intestine
  4. It is stored in the liver as glycogen

Explanation

Fibre is largely indigestible, so it adds bulk to the stool, speeds intestinal transit and binds bile acids, helping lower blood cholesterol. It provides little energy because humans lack enzymes to digest it.

Question 31Home Science

A child of six years weighs much less than expected and has thin hair and a swollen belly. Which condition is most likely?

  1. Kwashiorkor Correct answer.
  2. Marasmus
  3. Obesity
  4. Scurvy

Explanation

Kwashiorkor results from protein deficiency with relatively adequate energy, giving oedema (swollen belly), thin sparse hair and apathy. Marasmus instead shows severe wasting without oedema.

Question 32Home Science

Which measure is most useful for assessing whether a school child is underweight for age?

  1. Counting the number of meals eaten daily
  2. Checking the colour of the child's hair
  3. Weighing the child and comparing with growth reference charts for age Correct answer.
  4. Measuring height alone

Explanation

Weight-for-age plotted on standard growth charts shows whether a child's weight is below the expected range for that age. Single measurements without a reference cannot reveal underweight.

Question 33Home Science

Which practice best preserves the vitamin C content of vegetables during cooking?

  1. Cutting finely and soaking in water for an hour
  2. Boiling in plenty of water and discarding the water
  3. Steaming whole or large pieces with little water Correct answer.
  4. Adding baking soda to speed cooking

Explanation

Vitamin C is water-soluble and heat-labile, so cutting large pieces, using minimal water and steaming shortens exposure and reduces leaching. Discarding cooking water throws away dissolved vitamin C.

Question 34Home Science

A family wants to reduce expenditure on food without harming nutrition. Which change is most sensible?

  1. Replace pulses with packaged ready-to-eat snacks
  2. Stop buying milk to save money
  3. Buy only imported fruits for vitamins
  4. Buy seasonal local vegetables and whole pulses in bulk Correct answer.

Explanation

Seasonal local produce is cheaper and fresher, and buying whole pulses in bulk lowers unit cost while keeping protein intake high. This protects nutrition while cutting cost.

Question 35Home Science

Which statement about the storage of cooked food is correct?

  1. Leftover food needs no reheating before eating
  2. Cooked food can be kept at room temperature indefinitely if covered
  3. Cooked food should be cooled quickly and refrigerated within about two hours Correct answer.
  4. Cooked food should be stored hot in a closed container for a whole day

Explanation

Bacteria multiply rapidly in the temperature danger zone, so cooked food should be cooled quickly and refrigerated within roughly two hours. Reheating leftovers thoroughly before eating adds further safety.

Question 36Home Science

In meal planning, which factor is a physiological consideration rather than a social or economic one?

  1. Religious food customs
  2. Age and activity level of family members Correct answer.
  3. Guest preferences at a party
  4. Market price of vegetables

Explanation

Age, sex, activity level and physiological state such as pregnancy or lactation determine nutrient needs and are physiological factors. Customs, prices and guest wishes are social or economic factors.

Question 37Home Science

Which of the following is the correct order of the stages of the human life cycle used in Home Science study of development?

  1. Adolescence, infancy, childhood, adulthood, old age
  2. Infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age Correct answer.
  3. Childhood, infancy, adolescence, old age, adulthood
  4. Infancy, adolescence, childhood, old age, adulthood

Explanation

Development proceeds from infancy through childhood and adolescence to adulthood and finally old age. Each stage has characteristic physical, emotional and social needs.

Question 38Home Science

A toddler repeatedly says 'no' and insists on doing tasks alone. Which stage of psychosocial development does this illustrate?

  1. Autonomy versus shame and doubt Correct answer.
  2. Trust versus mistrust
  3. Industry versus inferiority
  4. Identity versus role confusion

Explanation

In early childhood the child asserts independence, and success builds autonomy while excessive restriction breeds shame and doubt. Insisting on self-feeding and self-dressing is typical of this stage.

Question 39Home Science

Which play activity is most suitable for developing fine motor skills in a four-year-old?

  1. Watching cartoons on a tablet
  2. Threading beads and sorting buttons Correct answer.
  3. Running races in a playground
  4. Listening to a story read aloud

Explanation

Threading beads and sorting buttons require pincer grasp and eye-hand coordination, which build fine motor control. Gross motor skills are developed by running, while passive activities build little motor control.

Question 40Home Science

Which statement about the role of the family in child development is most accurate?

  1. Media is the main source of emotional security for toddlers
  2. Schools replace the family entirely after age five
  3. The family is the primary agent of socialisation in early years Correct answer.
  4. Peer groups influence infants more than the family

Explanation

The family provides the first and most sustained environment for language, values and emotional security, making it the primary socialising agent in early childhood. Peers, school and media become influential later but do not replace the family.

Question 41Home Science

Which fibre property makes cotton comfortable in hot weather?

  1. It is thermoplastic and melts on ironing
  2. It absorbs moisture readily and allows it to evaporate Correct answer.
  3. It has a smooth, lustrous surface
  4. It is a poor conductor of heat and traps air

Explanation

Cotton is hygroscopic; it absorbs perspiration and lets it evaporate, giving a cooling effect and comfort in summer. Its absorbency, not thermoplasticity or lustre, explains this behaviour.

Question 42Home Science

A stain of tea has dried on a white cotton tablecloth. Which treatment is most appropriate before washing?

  1. Iron the stain directly
  2. Rub with hot wax
  3. Soak in fabric softener
  4. Apply a paste of detergent or lemon and rinse, then wash Correct answer.

Explanation

Tannin stains respond to mild bleaching action from lemon or a detergent paste, followed by normal washing. Heat sets stains, so ironing or hot wax should be avoided.

Question 43Home Science

Which of the following is a correct example of a natural dye source used in home textile work?

  1. Turmeric rhizome Correct answer.
  2. Sodium hydroxide
  3. Sodium chloride
  4. Calcium carbonate

Explanation

Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural colouring compound used to dye cotton at home. The other substances are chemicals used in processing or as mordants, not colour sources.

Question 44Home Science

A consumer buys a pressure cooker that bursts within a week of purchase. Which right allows her to seek replacement or compensation?

  1. Right to be heard
  2. Right to seek redressal Correct answer.
  3. Right to a healthy environment
  4. Right to consumer education

Explanation

The right to seek redressal lets a consumer claim replacement, refund or compensation for defective goods or deficient services. Education and being heard are supporting rights but do not themselves provide the remedy.

Question 45Home Science

Which of the following is the best example of a standard mark that assures quality of processed food in India?

  1. Hallmark
  2. Agmark Correct answer.
  3. ISI mark
  4. FSSAI licence number

Explanation

Agmark certifies agricultural and processed food products against grade standards, while the FSSAI number is a mandatory licence for food safety rather than a voluntary quality grade. ISI applies to industrial goods and hallmark to gold jewellery.

Question 46Home Science

A family wants to reduce solid waste from the kitchen. Which practice follows the principle of reuse rather than recycle?

  1. Buying disposable plates for daily use
  2. Washing and refilling a glass bottle to store water Correct answer.
  3. Throwing bottles into a recycling bin
  4. Burning vegetable peels in the yard

Explanation

Reuse means using an item again in its original form, as with washing and refilling a glass bottle. Recycling breaks the material down to make new products, and burning or disposable use adds to waste.

Question 47Home Science

Which of the following best describes the aim of a balanced diet in terms of energy?

  1. Energy intake should be as low as possible regardless of activity
  2. Energy intake should always exceed expenditure to build reserves
  3. Energy intake should equal energy expenditure for the individual Correct answer.
  4. Energy should come only from fats

Explanation

A balanced diet matches energy intake to the individual's expenditure so body weight and functions remain healthy. Excess intake leads to obesity and deficiency leads to weight loss and weakness.

Question 48Home Science

Which factor most directly affects the basal metabolic rate of an individual?

  1. Time of day the meal is served
  2. Body size and composition Correct answer.
  3. Colour of the food served
  4. Type of serving spoon used

Explanation

Basal metabolic rate depends mainly on body size, lean muscle mass, age and sex, since larger bodies with more muscle use more energy at rest. Serving details have no effect on BMR.

Question 49Home Science

A mother wants to introduce supplementary foods to a six-month-old. Which first food is most appropriate?

  1. Cow's milk as the main drink
  2. Spicy pickles
  3. Whole nuts to chew
  4. Thick mashed rice with a little dal water Correct answer.

Explanation

At six months, soft energy-dense foods such as mashed rice with dal water are suitable because the infant can swallow semi-solids and needs extra energy and protein. Whole nuts are a choking hazard, and cow's milk is not advised as the main drink before one year.

Question 50Home Science

Which statement about the care of the elderly in a family is most appropriate from a Home Science perspective?

  1. They should be given only liquid diets always
  2. They should avoid all physical activity
  3. Their diet should be nutrient-dense, soft and low in excess salt and fat Correct answer.
  4. Their meals should be high in refined sugar for energy

Explanation

Older adults need fewer calories but similar or higher micronutrients, so nutrient-dense, easily chewed foods low in excess salt and fat suit them. Gentle activity and adequate fluid also help maintain health.