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Maharashtra SSC Social Service Grade study materials
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Maharashtra SSC Social Service Grade practice questions

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Question 1Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Which Article of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form?

  1. Article 15
  2. Article 21
  3. Article 14
  4. Article 17 Correct answer.

Explanation

Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 gives it penal teeth. Article 14 guarantees equality before law and Article 15 prohibits discrimination, but neither uses the word untouchability. Article 21 protects life and personal liberty.

Question 2Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, who is empowered to specify the castes and tribes covered as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?

  1. The President by public notification Correct answer.
  2. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes
  3. The Parliament by law
  4. The State Government by notification

Explanation

Article 341 empowers the President to specify by public notification the castes, races or tribes deemed Scheduled Castes in each State or Union Territory. Parliament may by law amend that list, but the initial specification is the President's notification. State Governments and commissions have no power to add entries.

Question 3Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A welfare officer learns that a village has barred Dalit residents from drawing water from the public well. Which legislation most directly provides for punishing such denial of access to a public place?

  1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
  2. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 Correct answer.
  3. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
  4. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948

Explanation

The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 makes it an offence to prevent any person from using a public well, road, tank or other public place on the ground of untouchability. It operationalises Article 17 by prescribing punishment for such social disabilities. The other statutes deal with bonded labour, disability rights and wages, not untouchability.

Question 4Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Which body does Article 338 of the Constitution establish in relation to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?

  1. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
  2. A tribunal for atrocity cases
  3. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Correct answer.
  4. A parliamentary standing committee

Explanation

Article 338 originally provided for a Special Officer and was later restructured so that separate constitutional commissions exist for Scheduled Castes and for Scheduled Tribes. These commissions investigate and monitor safeguards and advise on socio-economic development. Tribunals, committees and ministries are statutory or executive bodies, not the Article 338 commission.

Question 5Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which official is required to ensure that a First Information Report is registered when information of an atrocity is given?

  1. The Public Prosecutor
  2. The District Collector
  3. The Superintendent of Police or a police officer of equivalent rank Correct answer.
  4. The Block Development Officer

Explanation

The Act makes it mandatory for a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police to investigate an atrocity, and the Superintendent of Police is responsible for ensuring that the FIR is registered and the investigation proceeds properly. Administrative and prosecution officers do not register FIRs. This design prevents local suppression of atrocity complaints.

Question 6Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A social worker finds a family held in work for a small advance that has been carried forward for years with no written record. Which law is most relevant for their release and rehabilitation?

  1. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
  2. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 Correct answer.
  3. The Payment of Wages Act, 1936
  4. The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970

Explanation

The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 extinguishes bonded debts, frees bonded labourers and provides for their rehabilitation. A perpetually carried-forward advance that traps a family in service is the classic bonded labour pattern. The other laws regulate child employment, wage payment and contract labour, but do not abolish debt bondage.

Question 7Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Which Constitutional Amendment inserted Part IXA on Municipalities, thereby giving urban local bodies constitutional status relevant to welfare delivery?

  1. The 42nd Amendment
  2. The 74th Amendment Correct answer.
  3. The 73rd Amendment
  4. The 86th Amendment

Explanation

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 inserted Part IXA and the Twelfth Schedule, giving municipalities constitutional status and functions including urban poverty alleviation. The 73rd Amendment dealt with Panchayats, the 42nd Amendment dealt with other subjects, and the 86th Amendment dealt with education.

Question 8Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

The right to education as a fundamental right, inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment, applies to children of which age group?

  1. Children of six to eighteen years
  2. Children of six to fourteen years Correct answer.
  3. All children below fourteen years
  4. Children of three to six years

Explanation

Article 21A, inserted by the 86th Amendment, guarantees free and compulsory education to children of six to fourteen years, and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 implements it. Early childhood care below six is addressed by Article 45 as a directive principle. The right is therefore age-bounded.

Question 9Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A welfare officer must decide whether a particular caste certificate can be rejected by the State scrutiny committee. Which principle best governs such verification?

  1. The caste claimed must be verified against the notified list for the State and the relevant social and educational status Correct answer.
  2. The certificate is conclusive once issued by the Tehsildar
  3. Verification is unnecessary if the applicant produces an affidavit
  4. Only the Central Government can verify a caste certificate

Explanation

A caste certificate is valid only if the caste appears in the Presidential notification for that State and the claimant genuinely belongs to it, which scrutiny committees examine. A certificate is not conclusive merely because it was issued, and an affidavit is not proof. State authorities conduct verification, not only the Central Government.

Question 10Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, which practice is directly prohibited?

  1. Employing workers for cleaning septic tanks without protective gear and safety devices Correct answer.
  2. Constructing toilets in rural households
  3. Engaging sanitation workers on regular government payroll
  4. Using machines to clean sewers

Explanation

The 2013 Act prohibits hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, meaning cleaning without the prescribed protective gear and safety devices, and bans employment of manual scavengers. It also provides for rehabilitation of those so employed. Regular sanitation employment, toilet construction and mechanised cleaning are not prohibited by the Act.

Question 11Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Which Article of the Constitution provides that the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, and in particular of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?

  1. Article 51A
  2. Article 38
  3. Article 46 Correct answer.
  4. Article 47

Explanation

Article 46, a directive principle, directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, especially Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and to protect them from social injustice and exploitation. Article 38 concerns social order, Article 47 public health and Article 51A fundamental duties.

Question 12Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 increased paid maternity leave for women employees covered by the Act to how many weeks?

  1. Twelve weeks
  2. Twenty-six weeks Correct answer.
  3. Eighteen weeks
  4. Thirty-six weeks

Explanation

The 2017 amendment raised maternity benefit from twelve to twenty-six weeks for women with fewer than two surviving children, with twelve weeks for those with two or more. The Act applies to establishments covered by it. The other figures do not match the statutory entitlement.

Question 13Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A woman approaches a welfare office alleging that her employer has paid her less than a male colleague for identical work. Which constitutional provision is most directly invoked?

  1. Article 23
  2. Article 39(d) Correct answer.
  3. Article 32
  4. Article 19(1)(g)

Explanation

Article 39(d) is a directive principle requiring equal pay for equal work for men and women, and courts have read it with Articles 14 and 15 to support equal pay claims. Article 19(1)(g) protects the freedom to practise a profession, Article 23 prohibits forced labour and Article 32 provides writ remedies. The equal pay claim rests on Article 39(d).

Question 14Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, what is the minimum percentage of vacancies in government establishments that must be reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities?

  1. Five per cent
  2. Two per cent
  3. Three per cent
  4. Four per cent Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 34 of the 2016 Act requires government establishments to reserve at least four per cent of vacancies for persons with benchmark disabilities, with specified horizontal distribution among disability categories. This replaced the earlier three per cent scheme under the 1995 Act. The other percentages do not reflect the current mandate.

Question 15Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Which Act provides for the constitution of District Legal Services Authorities to give free legal aid to persons unable to afford legal representation?

  1. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
  2. The Advocates Act, 1961
  3. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
  4. The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 established the National, State, District and Taluka Legal Services Authorities to provide free and competent legal services to weaker sections. Article 39A of the Constitution underpins this duty. The other Acts regulate advocates, consumer disputes and human rights commissions.

Question 16Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A panchayat denies a Scheduled Caste candidate the use of a community hall for a marriage on grounds of caste. Which offence under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is most relevant?

  1. Forcing the family to leave their village
  2. Refusing to award a government contract
  3. Using abusive language in a private dispute
  4. Denying access to a public place or common property on the ground of caste Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 3 of the Act penalises denying any member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe access to any public place or common property, such as a community hall, on grounds of caste. Forcing a family out of a village may attract other provisions, but the facts here concern denial of a common facility. Private abuse and contract refusal are separate matters.

Question 17Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Which of the following is the principal objective of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007?

  1. To provide pensions to all persons above sixty years
  2. To make maintenance of parents and senior citizens a legal obligation on children and relatives Correct answer.
  3. To reserve jobs for senior citizens in government service
  4. To transfer all property of senior citizens to the State

Explanation

The 2007 Act casts a legal obligation on children and certain relatives to maintain parents and senior citizens unable to maintain themselves, and sets up maintenance tribunals to order monthly allowances. It also provides for old age homes and protection of life and property. It does not create universal pensions, job reservation or State ownership of property.

Question 18Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A District Social Welfare Officer is asked which body must be approached first by a victim of an atrocity for relief and compensation. Which approach is most consistent with the statutory scheme?

  1. The State Human Rights Commission
  2. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
  3. The District Magistrate or Collector, who is responsible for relief and rehabilitation measures Correct answer.
  4. The High Court directly, bypassing district authorities

Explanation

Under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Rules, the District Magistrate or Collector is responsible for ensuring relief, compensation and rehabilitation to atrocity victims. Courts and commissions can be approached later for redress. The statutory scheme places the first duty on the district administration.

Question 19Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Which Article of the Constitution prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour?

  1. Article 20
  2. Article 23 Correct answer.
  3. Article 22
  4. Article 24

Explanation

Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings, begar and other similar forms of forced labour, and permits the State to impose compulsory service for public purposes. It is enforced through statutes such as the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. Articles 20 and 22 concern criminal safeguards and Article 24 prohibits child labour in hazardous work.

Question 20Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, employment of an adolescent in hazardous occupations and processes is regulated in which age band?

  1. Below six years
  2. Fourteen to eighteen years Correct answer.
  3. Six to fourteen years
  4. Below fourteen years

Explanation

The 2016 amendment defines an adolescent as a person aged fourteen to eighteen and prohibits their employment in hazardous occupations and processes while regulating other work conditions. Children below fourteen are generally barred from all employment except in family enterprises and specified exceptions. The other age bands do not match the statutory definition of adolescent.

Question 21Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A welfare inspector finds that a registered establishment employing twenty workers has no crèche facility for children of women workers. Which law creates this obligation?

  1. The Factories Act, 1948 Correct answer.
  2. The Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948
  3. The Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
  4. The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972

Explanation

Section 48 of the Factories Act, 1948 requires a suitable crèche in every factory where more than thirty women workers are ordinarily employed. The other statutes deal with provident fund, gratuity and sickness and medical benefits respectively. The crèche duty is a factory welfare provision.

Question 22Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

The National Food Security Act, 2013 provides subsidised foodgrains to priority households and to which other category of households?

  1. Households owning more than five hectares of land
  2. All households above the poverty line
  3. Households with a single earning member
  4. Antyodaya Anna Yojana households Correct answer.

Explanation

The 2013 Act covers priority households and the poorest households identified as Antyodaya Anna Yojana households, who receive the largest entitlement. Coverage is based on State-wise allocation rather than universal provision. Landholding and family composition are not the statutory categories.

Question 23Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which court is competent to try an offence under the Act as a special court?

  1. The Lok Adalat
  2. Any Court of Session designated as a Special Court by the State Government Correct answer.
  3. The Family Court
  4. The Magistrate's court of the first class only

Explanation

The Act and Rules provide for designation of a Court of Session as a Special Court for speedy trial of atrocity offences. The State Government designates such courts by notification. Magistrates, family courts and Lok Adalats do not serve as special courts under this Act.

Question 24Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Which body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 can inquire into complaints of violation of human rights by public servants?

  1. The Election Commission of India
  2. The Central Vigilance Commission
  3. The Law Commission of India
  4. The National Human Rights Commission Correct answer.

Explanation

The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 created the National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commissions with powers to inquire into complaints of human rights violations by public servants. The other bodies deal with vigilance, legal reform and elections respectively. The Commission may also recommend compensation and prosecution.

Question 25Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A welfare officer is asked to explain why the Constitution uses the term 'weaker sections' in the directive principles. Which interpretation is most defensible?

  1. It is a broad category that includes Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other socially and educationally backward classes Correct answer.
  2. It refers only to persons below the poverty line as defined by the Planning Commission
  3. It refers exclusively to women and children
  4. It refers only to persons with disabilities

Explanation

The phrase 'weaker sections' in Article 46 is broad and, while it specially names Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, it also covers other socially and educationally backward classes. It is not confined to a statistical poverty line or to one group such as women, children or persons with disabilities. Courts read it consistently with Articles 15(4) and 16(4).

Question 26Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

Under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, which authority is vested with the power to free a bonded labourer and order his rehabilitation at the district level?

  1. The State Human Rights Commission, which conducts the release inquiry
  2. The District Magistrate, who acts as the implementing authority for the Act within the district Correct answer.
  3. The village panchayat, which issues the release certificate
  4. The Labour Court, which alone can declare a labourer to be bonded

Explanation

The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 makes the District Magistrate the key implementing authority, responsible for identifying, releasing and rehabilitating bonded labourers within the district. Vigilance committees at sub-divisional and district levels assist this work. Courts and panchayats have no statutory power to declare a person bonded under this Act.

Question 27Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A welfare officer is preparing a report on safeguards for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Which statute specifically prohibits discrimination against such persons in employment and provides for their medical treatment and confidentiality?

  1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
  2. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
  3. The Employees' Compensation Act, 1923
  4. The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 Correct answer.

Explanation

The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 prohibits discrimination against persons living with HIV in employment, education, healthcare and housing, and protects confidentiality of HIV status. It also creates grievance redressal mechanisms through ombudsmen. The other statutes deal with mental illness, disability or work injury, not HIV-specific discrimination.

Question 28Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A registered society running a shelter home for children is told it must comply with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Which requirement applies to such a children's home?

  1. It must register only with the local municipal corporation, since child welfare is a municipal function
  2. It must obtain a no-objection certificate from the police station of the area instead of any licence
  3. It must obtain a licence from the State Government and register under the Act, failing which it cannot operate legally Correct answer.
  4. It need not register at all if it is funded entirely by private donations

Explanation

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 requires every children's home and child care institution to be registered with the State Government and to hold a valid licence, renewable periodically. Operating without registration or licence is an offence under the Act. Municipal bodies and police do not substitute for this statutory registration.

Question 29Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A welfare officer must explain the constitutional basis for reservations in promotions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Which Article, as interpreted in later case law, permits the State to provide such reservation with consequential seniority?

  1. Article 16(4) Correct answer.
  2. Article 335
  3. Article 15(4)
  4. Article 46

Explanation

Article 16(4) allows the State to make provision for reservation of appointments in favour of any backward class not adequately represented in State services, and it is the provision under which promotion reservation is defended. Article 16(4A), inserted by constitutional amendment, expressly covers reservation in promotion with consequential seniority. Article 15(4) concerns admission to educational institutions, and Article 335 is a limiting consideration on efficiency.

Question 30Social Welfare Legislation and Constitutional Safeguards

A State proposes a scheme giving preference in public employment to residents of a particular district. A social welfare officer is asked to assess its constitutional validity. Which reasoning is most consistent with the Supreme Court's approach to such residence-based preference?

  1. Residence-based preference is valid if the district is administratively backward, since Article 16(4) covers any backward class
  2. Residence-based preference in public employment is generally impermissible, though residence may be a condition for certain local or regional posts where local knowledge is genuinely required Correct answer.
  3. Residence-based preference is valid only if the State legislature passes a unanimous resolution approving it
  4. Residence-based preference is valid because Article 16 protects the right to equality only for citizens domiciled in the State

Explanation

The Supreme Court has held that residence within a State or district cannot ordinarily be a basis for classifying candidates for public employment, because Article 16 protects equality of opportunity for all citizens. A narrow exception is recognised for posts requiring local knowledge or for regional and local cadres, where residence may be a genuine qualification. A legislative resolution or a claim of district backwardness does not by itself cure the constitutional defect.

Question 31Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

In social casework, which principle requires the worker to treat the client's confidences as a professional trust not to be shared with others without consent?

  1. Confidentiality Correct answer.
  2. Self-determination
  3. Individualisation
  4. Acceptance

Explanation

Confidentiality is the casework principle that information shared by the client stays within the professional relationship and is disclosed only with informed consent or where law and safety require it. It protects the client's dignity and encourages honest disclosure. The other principles address non-judgemental reception, the client's right to choose, and recognition of each client as unique.

Question 32Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

A social worker helps a client who says he is being pressured by relatives to sign over his pension. The worker explains the client's rights and supports him in deciding for himself. Which value of social work is being practised most directly?

  1. Paternalism
  2. Bureaucratic efficiency
  3. Self-determination Correct answer.
  4. Charity

Explanation

Self-determination is the professional value of respecting a client's right to make his or her own choices and to be supported in exercising that right. The worker informs and enables rather than deciding for the client. Deciding on the client's behalf would undermine this value.

Question 33Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

Which method of social work is primarily concerned with planned, purposive change in a defined geographical community using its own resources and participation?

  1. Community organisation Correct answer.
  2. Social casework
  3. Group work
  4. Social action

Explanation

Community organisation is the method concerned with planned change in a geographical or functional community through participation, resource mobilisation and democratic problem-solving. Casework and group work focus on individuals and small groups respectively. Social action is a related but narrower strategy of organised pressure for structural change.

Question 34Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

During the initial phase of the casework process, what is the worker's main professional task?

  1. Recording the final closure summary
  2. Evaluating long-term outcomes
  3. Terminating the contact
  4. Studying the problem and building a working relationship Correct answer.

Explanation

The beginning phase of casework is devoted to study, diagnosis and relationship-building so that the problem is understood and trust is established. Termination and evaluation belong to later phases. Without a sound study and relationship, later intervention lacks direction.

Question 35Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

A group worker notices that members are beginning to share feelings and form bonds. Which stage of group development does this describe?

  1. Storming
  2. Norming Correct answer.
  3. Forming
  4. Adjourning

Explanation

Norming is the stage in which cohesion, trust and shared norms develop and members begin to work together productively. Forming is the initial orientation stage and storming involves conflict over roles and power. Adjourning is the ending stage when the group disbands.

Question 36Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

Which document records the worker's assessment, planned intervention and progress for a client receiving social services?

  1. Case record Correct answer.
  2. Payroll sheet
  3. Attendance register
  4. Stock register

Explanation

A case record is the professional document containing the client's background, assessment, plan, interventions and review, and it supports continuity and accountability. Attendance, payroll and stock registers are administrative records unrelated to casework assessment. Good recording is an integral part of professional practice.

Question 37Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

Which activity best exemplifies primary prevention in community health social work?

  1. Immunisation and health education drives in a village Correct answer.
  2. Follow-up of a discharged patient
  3. Rehabilitation of a person after a stroke
  4. Referral of a diagnosed patient for surgery

Explanation

Primary prevention acts before a problem occurs, through measures such as immunisation, health education and safe-water promotion. Rehabilitation, referral of a diagnosed patient and follow-up after discharge are secondary or tertiary activities dealing with existing illness. Primary prevention aims to reduce incidence in the first place.

Question 38Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

A social worker addresses a client using respectful language, explains the purpose of the interview and seeks consent before proceeding. Which professional requirement does this illustrate?

  1. Coercive authority
  2. Financial assessment
  3. Diagnostic testing
  4. Informed consent and professional conduct Correct answer.

Explanation

Explaining purpose and seeking consent before an interview reflects informed consent and respectful professional conduct. It recognises the client's right to know what is happening and to agree to participate. Coercion, testing and financial assessment are unrelated to this behaviour.

Question 39Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

In casework, the term 'social diagnosis' refers to which activity?

  1. Prescribing psychiatric medication
  2. Systematically understanding the client's problem situation and its causes Correct answer.
  3. Naming a medical disease from symptoms
  4. Fixing the client's fee for service

Explanation

Social diagnosis is the worker's systematic understanding of the client's problem, its causes and the client's strengths, forming the basis of an intervention plan. It is not a medical diagnosis, a prescription or a fee decision. It follows study and guides treatment.

Question 40Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

A client repeatedly misses appointments and the worker explores whether the agency's timings conflict with the client's shift work. Which casework principle does this reflect?

  1. Moral condemnation
  2. Indifference to the client
  3. Diagnosis of the situation rather than blaming the client Correct answer.
  4. Rigid rule enforcement

Explanation

Casework requires understanding behaviour in the context of the client's situation, so the worker looks for environmental causes such as shift timings rather than blaming the person. This reflects the principle of diagnosing the total situation. Moral condemnation, rigid enforcement and indifference would breach professional values.

Question 41Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

Which statement best describes the concept of 'social functioning' in social work assessment?

  1. The agency's annual budget performance
  2. The number of staff in the agency
  3. The client's capacity to perform social roles and meet expectations in his or her environment Correct answer.
  4. The client's blood pressure and pulse rate

Explanation

Social functioning refers to how well a person performs expected social roles and interacts with the environment, which is the central focus of social work assessment. Physiological measures belong to medical assessment, and budget or staffing data are organisational matters. Social workers assess the person-in-environment fit.

Question 42Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

A self-help group for persons with alcohol dependence meets weekly and is facilitated by a social worker who encourages members to lead discussions. Which group work model is being used?

  1. Reciprocal model Correct answer.
  2. Social goals model
  3. Task-centred model
  4. Remedial model

Explanation

The reciprocal model emphasises mutual aid and shared responsibility, with the worker acting as facilitator rather than as a therapist who treats members. Members support one another and lead discussion. The remedial model is worker-directed treatment, and the social goals model aims at social action.

Question 43Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

In community organisation, what does 'resource mapping' involve?

  1. Identifying and listing the assets, services and people available in a community Correct answer.
  2. Ranking clients by income
  3. Preparing the agency's balance sheet
  4. Drawing a map of the district's roads only

Explanation

Resource mapping identifies the assets, services, institutions and skilled people available in a community so that they can be mobilised for planned change. It is broader than drawing roads and is not an accounting or client-ranking exercise. It supports participatory planning.

Question 44Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

A worker is asked to intervene in a family where an adolescent is in conflict with parents. Which method of social work is most appropriate as the primary approach?

  1. Community organisation
  2. Social casework with the family Correct answer.
  3. Public health surveillance
  4. Social legislation

Explanation

Family conflict is addressed primarily through social casework, which works with the family unit to understand relationships and support change. Community organisation deals with wider collectives, legislation is a policy instrument, and surveillance is a public health function. The casework method suits interpersonal family problems.

Question 45Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

Which statement correctly distinguishes social action from community organisation?

  1. Social action is one-to-one counselling, while community organisation is group therapy
  2. Social action avoids all collective methods, while community organisation relies on them
  3. Social action is purely administrative, while community organisation is clinical
  4. Social action uses organised pressure and advocacy for structural change, while community organisation emphasises participatory planning and self-help Correct answer.

Explanation

Social action is a strategy of organised pressure, advocacy and mobilisation to change unjust structures and policies, whereas community organisation stresses participation, planning and self-help in a community. Both are collective, but they differ in emphasis on confrontation versus consensus-building. The other statements misdescribe the methods.

Question 46Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

During the working phase of casework, the worker and client review progress and revise the plan. What is this activity called?

  1. Intervention and review Correct answer.
  2. Study
  3. Diagnosis
  4. Intake

Explanation

The working phase consists of intervention, ongoing review and revision of the plan in the light of progress. Study and diagnosis belong to the earlier phase, and intake is the initial reception of the client. Continuous review keeps intervention responsive to the client's changing situation.

Question 47Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

A social worker in a school learns that a student is being physically harmed at home. What is the professionally appropriate first response?

  1. Ignore the matter as it is a family affair
  2. Report through the child protection mechanism while supporting the student Correct answer.
  3. Confront the parents publicly
  4. Maintain total secrecy as the student requested

Explanation

Where there is a risk of serious harm, the duty to protect overrides absolute confidentiality, so the worker follows the child protection reporting mechanism while continuing to support the student. Total secrecy, public confrontation and indifference would all endanger the child. Confidentiality is limited by the duty to protect.

Question 48Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

Which of the following best describes the principle of 'participation' in community development?

  1. Experts design the programme without consulting residents
  2. Only donors participate in decision-making
  3. The government alone decides all priorities
  4. People affected by a programme take an active part in planning and implementing it Correct answer.

Explanation

Participation means that the people affected are active partners in identifying needs, planning and implementing programmes, which builds ownership and sustainability. Expert-only design, unilateral government decisions and donor-only control are top-down and exclude the community. Genuine participation shifts control to the community.

Question 49Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

A worker uses a genogram during assessment. What information does a genogram primarily display?

  1. Family structure and relationships across generations Correct answer.
  2. The client's monthly expenditure
  3. The client's medical prescriptions
  4. The agency's organisational chart

Explanation

A genogram is a diagram of family structure, relationships and patterns across at least three generations, helping the worker see intergenerational themes. Expenditure, agency structure and prescriptions are recorded elsewhere. It is an assessment tool for family systems.

Question 50Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice

In the context of social work ethics, what does 'informed consent' require?

  1. Consent is assumed once the client enters the office
  2. The worker signs on behalf of the client
  3. The family decides without informing the client
  4. The client agrees after being told the purpose, methods and possible consequences Correct answer.

Explanation

Informed consent requires that the client receives adequate information about purpose, methods, risks and alternatives and then voluntarily agrees. Worker signature on the client's behalf, family decisions without the client, and assumed consent all violate the client's autonomy. Consent must be knowledgeable and voluntary.