short answer questions from nelson mandela

Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 Important Questions

Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom important questions with answers are available below. These questions are prepared as per the latest NCERT textbook and CBSE guidelines. Students can read and can also download Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom important questions in PDF format from the link given below.

Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Important Questions

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Where did the oath-taking ceremony take place?

Answer: The oath-taking ceremony took place in Union Buildings of Pretoria.

Question 2. What promise does Mandela make in the beginning of opening of his oath-taking speech?

Answer: Mandela thanks all the international leaders and guests as he calls it an occasion of joy and victory for Justice. He promises that the country shall not again experience the oppression of one by another.

Question 3. What ideals did Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?

Answer: Mandela set out ideals for the future of South Africa because he had deep feelings for his country and countrymen. He pledged to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation and discrimination.

Question 4. What freedom meant to Mandela in childhood? [CBSE 2015]

Answer: During childhood the meaning of freedom for Mandela was quite limited he considered it to be free to run in the fields, to swim in the clear stream, free to roast mealies and ride the board backs of slow moving bulls.

Question 5. Why did inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria?

Answer: It was the first democratic, non-racial government taking oath in South Africa. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world and thousands of the people of South Africa of all the races to make the day memorable. So, it took place in, the amphiteatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria.

Question 6. What are the ideals which Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his swearing- in ceremony?

Answer: Mandela emphasised to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations in his swearing-in ceremony.

Question 7. What did Mandela think for oppressor and oppressed? [CBSE 2011]

Answer: Mandela always thought that both oppressor and oppressed are deprived of their humanity. Oppressor is a prisoner of hatred while oppressed has no confidence in humanity so both of them need to be liberated.

Question 8. What do you understand by Apartheid’?

Answer: ‘Apartheid’ is a political system that divides people according to their race. In this system black-coloured people in South Africa were not free even to discharge their personal and social obligations of being parents, sons and husbands, etc.

Question 9. Describe the effect of the policy of apartheid on the people of South Africa.

Answer: The policy of apartheid could not be considered fortunate for the people of South Africa. It created distance and a deep wound in the country and the people. Many great men like Oliver Tambo, Walttr Sisulu, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, etc were produced due to the brutality and oppression. They were men of great character

Question 10. How is courage related to the brave man according to the author of the lesson?

Answer: The author believes that courage is not the absence of fear, but it is the triumph over it. The brave man is not the one who does not feel fear of any kind but he is the one who has the courage to conquer it.

Question 11. Could everyone fulfil the obligations personal or social in South Africa?

Answer: No, everyone was not free to fulfil their obligations because of colour of the skin. If a person tried to fulfil their obligations, they were punished and isolated for being a rebellion.

Question 12. What did Mandela realise about his brothers and sisters? [CBSE 2012]

Answer: Mandela realised that his brothers and sisters were not free in their own country due to their colour. The freedom of everyone in his society was curtailed. He joined the African National Congress and fought for the freedom.

Question 13. Why was Nelson Mandela changed into a bold man?

Answer: Nelson Mandela was changed into a bold man due to his . desire of the freedom for his country and his countrymen. He wanted to live a life with dignity as he could not enjoy the limited freedom.

Question 14. What did Mandela think about the oppressor and the oppressed?

Answer: Mandela thought about the oppressor and the oppressed that both are robbed equally. A mail who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. In the same way, if his freedom is taken away, they both are without freedom. So both of them must be liberated.

Question 15. How did ‘hunger for freedom’ change Mandela’s life?

Answer: In the beginning of his life, Mandela was not aware about freedom. Later, Mandela found that his freedom had been taken away from him. As a student, he wanted freedom only for himself but slowly his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. This changed him completely.

Question 16. What are the ‘twin obligations’ referred to by Nelson Mandela?

Answer: According to Nelson Mandela, every man has two obligations in life. The first obligation is to his family, to his parents, wife and children. Secondly, he has an obligation to his country, people, and community.

Question 17. Could a man. according to Mandela, fulfil these twin obligations in a country like South Africa?

Answer: No, these twin obligations could not be fulfilled by a man, in a country like South Africa, according to Mandela. It was because a man of dark colour who attempted just to live as a human being was punished and isolated in the country.

Question 18. What is the meaning of courage to Mandela?

Answer: According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Mandela learned the true meaning of courage from his comrades in the struggle.

Question 19. What was unique in the inauguration ceremony?

Answer: The inauguration ceremony took place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades, this had been the seat of white supremacy. Now it was the oath taking ceremony day for South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. It was really a unique occasion.

Question 20. Describe the inauguration ceremony in simple words?

Answer: It was the day of 10th May, 1994. The first democratic, non- racial government was to be installed. Dignitaries from different countries participated in the ceremony. South African men, women and children of all races were present there.

Question 21. Describe Mandela’s life journey from a prisoner to the first black President of south Africa.

Answer: Nelson Mandela did a life-long struggle against the racial discrimination in South Africa. He had to pass many years of his life as a prisoner in the jail. At last the first democratic elections were held in South Africa. His party won 252 seats out of400 and he became the first black President of South Africa.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What does Nelson Mandela refer to as “an extraordinary human disaster”?

Answer: Nelson Mandela refers to the apartheid policy of the white race against the black people as “an extraordinary human disaster”. White people snatched freedom from the coloured people of South Africa to whom the country belonged. The black people were subjected to oppression for long. They were not even allowed to discharge their obligations to their own families, community and their country. White people had no compassion for them and oppressed their own people and put them in prison. If they had some freedom, it was curtailed. The black people lived the life of a slave.

Question 2. Describe the views of Mandela for the black people who fought and sacrificed their likes for the country’s political independence?

Answer: Mandela always said that the political freedom was the result of sacrifices of thousands of the black people who fought for that. He said that it could not be repaid. He thought himself as the sum of all of those African patriots. He regretted that he could not thank them. He cursed the policy of apartheid that wounded the people of his country, which would take centuries to heal.

He also said that the oppression and brutality of the white people produced great freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe and many more. They were the men of courage, wisdom and large heartedness. They really suffered a lot for the political freedom of the country.

Question 3. What does Mandela mean to say that the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity?

Answer: Mandela is right in saying that the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity. Both of them are actually the victim of hatred. Everyone is obliged to discharge their duties whether personal or social but without freedom a man cannot do so. The person who snatches this freedom of a man is really an oppressor and a prisoner of hatred. He has lack of humanity. But this is the same with a person who is oppressed by other.

Question 4. Describe the obligations which the author is talking about and also describe his feelings for them?

Answer: In the chapter the author has talked about two obligation for every man. The first obligation is towards his family, parents, his wife and children. The second is towards his community and his country. Being a social person one has to fulfil these obligations.

But being a black coloured person in South Africa, a man was not free to perform his obligations and got punished if he tried to do that. Being a child the author never thought of such obligations but after he did so, he fought for the people and the country to be free and enjoy their freedom of performing their duties personal and social.

Question 5. Describe the value of freedom for the human beings and how it is important for the growth of civilisation and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. [CBSE2014]

Answer: Everybody whether human or other creatures wants to live free as freedom is natural to all living beings. The value of freedom is better known to that human being who has not tasted it till he gets it. A person who is chained with the limits and not allowed to perform his duties freely, values freedom more than anyone else. For instance the value of freedom is known better to Mandela who remained behind the bars most of his life. Think about a bird or animal which is caged as they have the habit of living with full freedom but in the cage they are not free and their conditions are very pitiable. Similarly, life becomes a hell if we are deprived of freedom. There is no growth of civilisation as it grows only when one has freedom. Similarly, humanism grows in the atmosphere of freedom.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers Class 10 English First Flight

In this article we are providing Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers PDF Class 10 English First Flight CBSE, Extra Questions for Class 10 English was designed by subject expert teachers.

Extract Based Questions [3 Marks each]

Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1. 10th May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days 1 had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheater formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. [CBSE2015] (a) Who were coming and for what before the inauguration? (b) What happened on the inauguration? (c) Find out the word that means the same ‘commencement’ from the passage. (d) Find the word from the passage which means ‘an open space surround by sloping land’.

Answer: (a) Dignitaries and world leaders were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. (b) On the inauguration the first ever democracy, a non-racial government was installed as a victory of good or evil. (c) The word is ‘inauguration’. (d) The word is ‘ampitheater’.

Question 2. On that lovely autumn day I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first Deputy President. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the well-being of the republic and its people. (a) Who accompanied Nelson Mandela on the inauguration? (b) Who took the oath before Mandela? For what? (c) Find out the word from the passage that has the same meaning as ‘maintain’. (d) ……. means a small platform that a person stands on when giving a speech etc. Answer: (a) Zenani, the daughter of Nelson Mandela accompanied him on the inauguration. (b) Mr Deklerk and Mr Thabo Mbeki took oath before Nelson Mandela as the second and first deputy president respectively. (c) The word is ‘uphold’. (d) The word is ‘podium’.

Question 3. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is after all a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity. We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. (a) What does ‘we’ refer in the first line of the passage? (b) What did the people of South Africa achieve at last? (c) The word ‘bondage’ means …… in the passage. (d) Give a synonym of ’emancipation’.

Answer: (a) ‘We’ refers to the people of South Africa in the first line of the jpassage. (b) The people of South Africa achieved their political emancipation at last. (c) The word bondage means slavery in the passage. (d) ‘Freedom/liberation’ is a synonym of emancipation.

Question 4. A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a demonstration of military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected. Only moments before, the highest generals of South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty. I was not unmindful of the fact that not so many years before they would not have saluted but arrested me. Finally a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke Trail of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South African flag. (a) What did the highest generals do in the event? (b) What did the smoke trail of Impala symbolise? (c) Pick out the word from the passage that means the same as adorned. (d) is a line or pattern in the shape of ‘V’ signifying victory. Answer: (a) The highest generals of defence and police saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty to him. (b) The smoke trail of Impala symbolised the new national flag of South Africa. (c) The word is ‘bedecked’. (d) Chevron.

Question 5. On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the 20th century, a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned people’s of South Africa patched up their differences and created a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the 20th centuryrand my own eighth decade as a man, that system had been overturned for ever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin. That day had come about through the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people, people whose suffering and courage can never be counted or repaid. (a) What happened after Anglo-Boer war? (b) On what basis the structure of new government created? (c) Pick the word in the passage which has the same meaning as ‘submerged’. (d) What is the meaning of the phrase ‘to patch up the differences’?

Answer: (a) After Anglo-Boer war, the white people of South Africa erected a system of racial discrimination against the black people of their own land. (b) New government was created as the recognition of the rights and freedoms of all peoples regardless of the colour of their skin. (c) The word is ‘overwhelmed’. (d) The meaning is ‘to settle some dispute’.

Question 6. The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another, unintended, effect, ‘ and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time-men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity that their like may never be known again. Perhaps it reguires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds. (a) What did the policy of apartheid create? (b) According to Mandela, what is the greatest wealth? (c) Find out the word in the passage which means ‘large-heartedness.’ (d) Pick out the word from the passage which means to treat somebody/something cruelly and unfairly.

Answer: (a) The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in the country and its people. (b) According to Mandela the people of his nation are the greatest wealth, not the gems or minerals. (c) The word is ‘generosity’. (d) The word is ‘to oppress’.

Question 7. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, – perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.” (a) How does Mandela define the brave? (b) Which was the grimmest time for Mandela? (c) Find a word similar in meaning to ‘victory’. (d) Explain Man’s goodness is flame that can be hidden but never extinguished. Answer: (a) Mandela defines the brave as the one who has the courage to conquer fear. (b) When Mandela and his comrades were pushed to their limit behind the bars, it was the grimmest time for him. (c) The word is ‘triumph’. (d) It means goodness flows through the human heart constantly: under compulsion, the shadow of selfishness may stop it for a while but it can never be altogether removed.

Question 8. In life, every man has twin obligations- obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated. [CBSE 2014 ] (a) What are the obligations that every man has in life? (b) Why was it impossible for a coloured man to discharge his obligations? (c) Find the word in the passage which has same meaning as ‘duty’. (d) A word synonymous with intentions’ is ……… in the passage. Answer: (a) Every man has two obligations one is to his family and second to his community and country. (b) In South Africa if a coloured man tried to fulfil his obligations, he was punished and isolated. (c) The word is.‘obligation’. (d) Inclinations.

Question 9. “I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free — free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or God. It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a. young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family—the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.” (a) In what ways was Mandela free? (b) What kind of freedom did Mandela yearn for as a man? (c) Give the meaning of the word ‘illusion’? (d) What do you mean by ‘transitory’.

Answer: (a) Mandela was free to run in the fields, free to swim in the stream, free to roast mealies and ride the backs of slow moving bulls. (b) Mandela yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving his potential of earning his life, of marrying and having a family. (c) Something which appears to be real but isn’t actually so. (d) Transitory means ‘momentary or impermanent’

Question 10. “But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters were not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African National Congress and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of my people. It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my life, that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home, that forced a life-loving man to live like a monk. I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but I found that I could not even enjoy the poof and limited freedoms I was allowed when I knew my people were not free. Freedom is indivisible; the chains on anyone of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.” (a) Why did Mandela join the African National Congress? (b) Why did Mandela say that freedom was indivisible? (c) Find out the word in the passage with the same meaning ‘worthy’. (d) Which word of English can replace the word ‘animated’ given is the passage without altering its sense. Answer: (a) Mandela joined the african national congress because he wanted to fight for the freedom of his people. (b) Mandela knew that freedom is indivisible because the chains on anyone of his people were chains on all of them. (c) the word is ‘virtuous’. (d) the word is compelled/forced.

Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks each]

Question 1. What promise does Mandela make in the beginning of opening of his oath-taking speech? Answer: Mandela thanks all the international leaders and guests as he calls it an occasion of joy and victory for Justice. He promises that the country shall not again experience the oppression of one by another.

Question 2. What freedom meant to Mandela in childhood? [CBSE 2015] Answer: During childhood the meaning of freedom for Mandela was quite limited he considered it to be free to run in the fields, to swim in the clear stream, free to roast mealies and ride the board backs of slow moving bulls.

Question 3. Why did inauguration ceremony take place in the amphiteatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria? Answer: It was the first democratic, non-racial government taking oath in South Africa. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world and thousands of the people of South Africa of all the races to make the day memorable. So, it took place in, the amphiteatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria.

Question 4. What are the ideals which Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his swearing- in ceremony? Answer: Mandela emphasised to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations in his swearing-in ceremony.

Question 5. What did Mandela think for oppressor and oppressed? [CBSE 2011] Answer: Mandela always thought that both oppressor and oppressed are deprived of their humanity. Oppressor is a prisoner of hatred while oppressed has no confidence in humanity so both of them need to be liberated.

Question 6. What do you understand by Apartheid’? Answer: ‘Apartheid’ is a political system that divides people according to their race. In this system black-coloured people in South Africa were not free even to discharge their personal and social obligations of being parents, sons and husbands, etc.

Question 7. Describe the effect of the policy of apartheid on the people of South Africa. Answer: The policy of apartheid could not be considered fortunate for the people of South Africa. It created distance and a deep wound in the country and the people. Many great men like Oliver Tambo, Walttr Sisulu, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, etc were produced due to the brutality and oppression. They were men of great character

Question 8. How is courage related to the brave man according to the author of the lesson? Answer: The author believes that courage is not the absence of fear, but it is the triumph over it. The brave man is not the one who does not feel fear of any kind but he is the one who has the courage to conquer it.

Question 9. Could everyone fulfil the obligations personal or social in South Africa? Answer: No, everyone was not free to fulfil their obligations because of colour of the skin. If a persoti tried to fulfil their obligations, they were punished and isolated for being a rebellion.

Question 10. What did Mandela realise about his brothers and sisters? [CBSE 2012] Answer: Mandela realised that his brothers and sisters were not free in their own country due to their colour. The freedom of everyone in his society was curtailed. He joined the African National Congress and fought for the freedom.

Question 11. Why was Nelson Mandela changed into a bold man? Answer: Nelson Mandela was changed into a bold man due to his . desire of the freedom for his country and his countrymen. He wanted to live a life with dignity as he could not enjoy the limited freedom.

Long Answer (Value Based) Type Questions [8 Marks each]

Question 1. What does Nelson Mandela refer to as “an extraordinary human disaster”? Answer: Nelson Mandela refers to the apartheid policy of the white race against the black people as “an extraordinary human disaster”. White people snatched freedom from the coloured people of South Africa to whom the country belonged. The black people were subjected to oppression for long. They were not even allowed to discharge their obligations to their own families, community and their country. White people had no compassion for them and oppressed their own people and put them in prison. If they had some freedom, it was curtailed. The black people lived the life of a slave.

Question 2. Describe the views of Mandela for the black people who fought and sacrificed their likes for the country’s political independence? Answer: Mandela always said that the political freedom was the result of sacrifices of thousands of the black people who fought for that. He said that it could not be repaid. He thought himself as the sum of all of those African patriots. He regretted that he could not thank them. He cursed the policy of apartheid that wounded the people of his country, which would take centuries to heal. He also said that the oppression and brutality of the white people produced great freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe and many more. They were the men of courage, wisdom and large heartedness. They really suffered a lot for the political freedom of the country.

Question 3. What does Mandela mean to say that the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity? Answer: Mandela is right in saying that the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity. Both of them are actually the victim of hatred. Everyone is obliged to discharge their duties whether personal or social but without freedom a man cannot do so. The person who snatches this freedom of a man is really an oppressor and a prisoner of hatred. He has lack of humanity. But this is the same with a person who is oppressed by other.

Question 4. Describe the obligations which the author is talking about and also describe his feelings for them? Answer: In the chapter the author has talked about two obligation for every man. The first obligation is towards his family, parents, his wife and children. The second is towards his community and his country. Being a social person one has to fulfil these obligations. But being a black coloured person in South Africa, a man was not free to perform his obligations and got punished if he tried to do that. Being a child the author never thought of such obligations but after he did so, he fought for the people and the country to be free and enjoy their freedom of performing their duties personal and social.

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CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Chapter Wise Question Bank
CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter Wise Question Bank
CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Extra Questions
CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Extra Questions
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CBSE Revision Notes for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet

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Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions Class 10 English

Post last modified: 17 June 2022
Post category: Class 10 English Extra Questions

Nelson Mandela Class 10 English Extra Questions: The lesson pays tribute to those black heroes and patriots for their relentless struggle against the apartheid or the racist regime of South Africa. Here we find a description of the inaugural ceremony held in the Union Buildings attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries. Nelson Mandela gives a message of peace and unity of mankind through his inaugural address as the first black President of democratically elected government in South Africa. He foresees a new regime which will be based on the equality of men and women. He hopes that in the new regime there will be no exploitation of man by man. Racialism and segregation in the new order. ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ is a wonderful piece of literature that touches the heart of the reader and at the same time it inspires for a world based on equality of human beings.

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Previous Years’ CBSE Board Questions

Short answer type questions.

Q. Who, according to Nelson Mandela, is a courageous man? [Board SQP 2020-21]

Ans. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2020]

not someone who doesn’t experience fear
someone who doesn’t give in to it
one who wins over fear

Detailed Answer: According to Nelson Mandela, a Courageous man is one who doesn’t experience fear. Instead, he triumphs over it and doesn’t give in to fear.

Q. Mandela feels that courage is triumph over fear. How would you define courage in this context? [CBSE QB 2021]

Ans. According to Mandela, courage did not mean the absence of fear but victory over it. I would define courage as the ability of getting rid of your insecurities and fight for our rights.

Q. Create a questionnaire of two most important questions that you would have liked to ask Nelson Mandela during an interview. Give your reasons for choosing those questions. [CBSE-QB, 2021]

Ans. I would like to ask the following two questions to Nelson Mandela during an interview: (i) How did your education help you in contributing to the removal of Apartheid? (ii) At which age, did you decide to study law? Because it is said that Education is key to Freedom.

Q. Your teacher organised a mini-debate competition in class on the topic: Courage, Wisdom and Generosity are the ONLY attributes of a remarkable leader. Write the debate script with two points to supplement your stand, either as a proposition speaker or as an opposition one. [CBSE-QB, 2021]

Ans. As a proposition speaker: It is rightly said that Courage, Wisdom and Generosity are the only attributes of a remarkable leader. A leader should be ready to face any problem. It may be internal or external. To solve the matter, he should analyse before passing the judgment where he has to use his wisdom. He should not be partial in his decision, here he needs courage when necessary. He should be generous in helping others without hesitation.

Q. You recently read a blog by your teen friend, on ‘Freedom-My Perception’. You feel that your perception of freedom has seen a transformation after having read ‘The Long walk to Freedom’. Complete the dialogue in 50 words, with your friend, explaining your new understanding of freedom. You may begin like this: Friend: I think the freedom to watch T.V. for extended hours or choose the kind of programmes I’d like to view is important. You: (a) ________________________________________________________ . Friend: Hmmm. I still feel that the restrictions are not required. I want my freedom. I’m human too, am I not? You: (b) ________________________________________________________ . [CBSE-QB, 2021]

Ans. (a) I believe that freedom isn’t selfish individually. It is the generosity of self with the world. (b) My friend, true freedom isn’t realized by the lack of physical boundaries but is born through the revelations of the society people around us, our understanding of others and the outward expression of our heart and soul.

Q. What did Nelson Mandela remember on the day of the inaugural ceremony? (2020)

Ans. On the day of the inaugural ceremony, Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history. He remembered the birth of their Apartheid, its effect on his people and their long fight for freedom, the racial discrimination dark-skinned people suffered on their own land. He also remembered Answer of Previous Years’ CBSE Board Question the freedom fighters who suffered and sacrificed their lives for freedom. Then he remembered how the system had been over-turned forever and ever and replaced by one that recognised the right and freedom of all people, regardless of the colour of their skin.

Q. Nelson Mandela speaks of ‘Twin Obligations’. Elucidate. [Board SQP 2020]

Ans. According to Nelson Mandela, every man has two obligations—one is towards his family and the other is towards his people and his country. But in the reign of apartheid, if one tried to fulfil his duty towards his people, he was ripped off with his family and home.

Long answer type questions

Q. Freedom is inconsequential if it is behind bars of prejudice and narrow mindedness. How would you explain this statement? Support your answer with suitable examples from the real world. [CBSE-QB, 2021]

Ans. Nelson Mandela believed that freedom is indivisible. His hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the people. He couldn’t live his life with dignity and self-respect if his own people were bound in chains. The chains on any one of his people were the chains on all of them. Mandela realised that the oppressor must be liberated as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred prejudice and narrow mindedness. He is not truly free if he is taking away someone else freedom. Surely, he is not free when his freedom is taken away from him. A person’s freedom is of no use if he doesn’t expand the horizons of his thoughts and think like a narrow-minded person. A person’s freedom is insignificant if he takes the freedom of another man, thus, the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Q. After having read the lesson on the oppression that communities faced in South Africa, you were deeply hurt. You could also relate to the struggles and hardships of millions of Indians who fought against the oppressive British rule. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings about oppression faced by people in their homeland. You may begin like this: 24 August 20XX, Monday 9:00 pm My heart is filled with sadness as I think of the oppressed who had to tolerate the inhuman attitude of the oppressors in their own land…………………………. [CBSE-QB, 2021]

28 February, 20XX, Saturday 10:00 pm My heart is filled with sadness as I think of the oppressed who had to tolerate the inhuman attitude of the oppressors in their own land. The oppression that the communities faced in South Africa under the apartheid regime reminds me the struggles and hardships of millions of Indians who fought against the oppressive British rule. The white regime in South Africa was based on racial discrimination. It symbolised explioitation and extraordinary human disaster. The blacks were deprived of their rights equality and human dignity. In the same way, the Indians were exploited by the British. They worked in the lands like animals who were only supposed to obey. Their lands, resources and approaches were captured by the British. The struggle of Indian under British rule resembles with the struggles of the people of South Africa under the apartheid regime. The struggle created a deep and lasting wound on them. But they never gave up their cause, ultimately, their sacrifices led to their victory- common victory of humanity for peace, for justice and for human dignity.

Q. Prejudice based on race and colour or any other reason causes profound hurt. Write about any one character from the chapters in First Flight who was subjected to such prejudice? Discuss the consequence of this prejudice for the character. [CBSE-QB, 2021]

Ans. Prejudging a person on the basis of race, colour or his & appearance or any other reason is wrong if so we treat the person the same as we think of them in our mind without knowing the right intensions of that person.

The character subjected to this prejudice in ‘First Flight’ was Wanda Petronski from the chapter. ‘The Hundred Dresses’. She belonged to a very poor family. She was a polish girl. She came to school in a same faded blue dress daily. It was clean but not properly ironed. Her classmates made fun of her as they found her name funny. They would ask her how many dresses she had in her closet. The girls would suppress their laugh when Wanda replied that she had a hundred dresses and sixty pairs of shoes. Although her claim was not justified. But it is not at all right to judge people on the basis of their social status. Later on, Wanda proud herself by submitting a hundred drawings of dresses. People who judge other with their social economic background need to understand chat such attitude is not the parameter to judge a person’s capabilities.

When people are undervalued by others, their self-esteem suffers and they stop trying to improve themselves. Prejudice can often lead to bullying and other forms of discrimination.

Q. Why was Nelson Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history? How did he succeed in ending the apartheid regime in South Africa? [Delhi Board Set- II 2020]

Ans. Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history because in the first decade of the twentieth century a, few years after the bitter Anglo-Bear War which was even before his own birth, the white- skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. But now in the last decade of the twentieth century, and his own eighth decade as a man, that system had been overturned forever and replaced by the one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of the colour of their skin. This marked the victory of democracy. Nelson Mandela set the ideals of liberating people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation and suffering. He had also set the ideal for a society where there would be no discrimination based on the gender or racial origin of the person.

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Extra Questions for Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 English First Flight

Chapter 2 nelson mandela: long walk to freedom important questions class 10 first flight english.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What was the national anthem for the blacks?

The National anthem for the blacks were ‘Die stem’.

Question 2. Who was sworn in as second deputy President?

Mr. de Klerk was sworn in as second deputy President in South Africa.

Question 3. What is the full name of Mr. Mandela?

The full name of Mr. Mandela is Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Question 4. What could the highest generals have done to the author earlier?

The highest generals could have arrested the author earlier.

Question 5. How old was the author at the time of the ‘Inauguration’?

The author was in his eighties at the time of the inauguration.

Question 6. Why did he join African National Congress?

He joined African National Congress to achieve freedom for all his people.

Question 7. What was Mandela not unmindful of?

Mandela was not unmindful of ‘Apartheid’.

Question 8. How was the new system different?

The new system was different because that system recognised the rights and freedom of all people.

Question 9. Who was sworn in as the first Deputy President of South Africa?

Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as the first Deputy President of South Africa.

Question 10. Where did the ceremony take place?

The ceremony took place in the Union Buildings of Pretoria.

Question 11. What was the occasion?

It was the occasion of installation of South Africa’s first democratic government.

Question 12. Who was Zenani?

Zenani was the daughter of Nelson Mandela.

Question 13. When was that system eradicated?

The system was overturned in the last decade of the twentieth century.

Question 14. What did Mandela realise?

Mandela realised that there was no freedom in South Africa for anyone who looked like him.

Question 15. What did he think about freedom?

He thought that freedom is indivisible.

Question 16. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Courage means to Mandela the triumph over fear.

Question 16. What must the people learn

The people must learn to hate. If they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.

Question 17. What promises did Mandela make to his people in the oath-taking speech?

In the oath-taking speech, Mandela promised that the country shall not again experience the oppression of one by another.

Question 18. Who took oath first in the ceremony?

In the ceremony, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President.

Question 19. Who wrote the autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom”.

Nelson Mandela wrote his autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom”.

Question 20. What roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings?

South African jets, helicopters, and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over Union Buildings.

Question 21. What did the smoke trail of Impala jets symbolise?

The smoke trail of Impala jets symbolised South African flag.

Question 22. Why had world leaders come there?

The world leader had come there to pay their respect to the newly formed Government.

Question 23. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Mandela thanks the international leaders for their support for the people of South Africa.

Question 24. What was specific about that system?

The system was formed on the basis of one of the harshest,’ most inhumane societies the world has ever known.

Question 25. Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Nelson Mandela thinks that to love is natural, because it comes naturally in our hearts.

Question 26. Where did the oath-taking ceremony take place?

The oath-taking ceremony took place in Union Buildings of Pretoria.

Question 27. What did Mandela want as a student?

Mandela wanted freedom for himself as a student.

Question 28. What according to Mandela, is ‘true-freedom’?

According to Mandela, true freedom means freedom not to be obstructed in leading a lawful life.

Question 29. Why was the Mandela pained?

Mandela was pained as the people who laid their lives for this day could not be present to see.

Question 30. What are two enemies of a person?

Prejudice and narrow-mindedness are the two enemies of a person.

Question 31. Who accompanied Mandela?

Mandela’s daughter Zenani accompanied him.

Question 32. What were the colours emitted by a chevron of Impala jets?

The colours emitted by a chevron of Impala jets were black, red, green, blue and gold.

Question 33. How many years did Nelson Mandela spend in prison.

Nelson Mandela Spent twenty seven years in prison.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Why did inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria?

It was the first democratic, non-racial government taking oath in South Africa. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world and thousands of the people of South Africa of all the races to make the day memorable. So, it took place in, the amphitheatre formed by the Union Building in Pretoria.

Question 2. What do you understand by Apartheid’?

‘Apartheid’ is a political system that divides people according to their race. In this system black-coloured people in South Africa were not free even to discharge their personal and social obligations of being parents, sons and husbands, etc.

Question 3. Why could men not fulfil their twin obligations?

In South Africa, if a coloured person tried to fulfil his obligations to his people, he is isolated and prevented from fulfilling his obligation to his family. So, men could not fulfil their twin obligations.

Question 4. Where did the ‘ceremonies’ take place? Why were the ceremonies so important?

The ‘ceremonies’ took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre in Pretoria in south Africa. The ceremonies were so important because these were meant for the celebration of victory of the south African natives over the ruling whites and for the installation of south Africa’s first ever democracy.

Question 5. How had the military general’s attitude changed, and why?

he military generals had witnessed the extraordinary courage and wisdom shown by Nelson Mandela in freeing South Africa from the bondage of the whites. The military generals, who would have arrested Mandela earlier, have now pledge their loyalty to him. This shows their change in attitude.

Question 6. How was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history?

In the first decade of the twentieth century and before Mandela’s birth, the whites in South Africa had erected a system of racial domination known as ‘apartheid’. In the last decade of the twentieth century, when Mandela was in his eighties, he saw that system crumbling. So, he was overwhelmed with a sense of history.

Question 7. What problems hinder each man to fulfil these obligations in South Africa?

Whenever a native South African tries to fulfil his duty to his people, he is ripped from his family and forced to live an isolated life. He is isolated even if he tries to live as a human being. So, it is very difficult in South Africa to fulfil these obligations.

Question 8. How did the policy of apartheid create a deep and lasting wound in South African blacks?

No doubt, the policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and the blacks. It would take many years to recover from that profound hurt. The racial discrimination unleashed a reign of terror, oppression and brutality on the blacks of South Africa.

Question 9. Why was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history and what bad thing happened in the first decade of the 10th century?

Mandela is overwhelmed with a sense of history and remembers when the hated apartheid policy was introduced in South Africa. After the Boer war, the white people of South Africa patched up their differences. They set up a system of racial domination against the black people of their own race.

Question 10. What did the display of jets and military salute symbolise?

There was a spectacular show of South African jets and troop carriers over the Union Buildings. The highest generals of the military and police saluted President Mandela. It was a clear demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a free and fairly elected government.

Question 11. What ideals did Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?

Mandela set out ideals for the future of South Africa because he had deep feelings for his country and countrymen. He pledged to liberate all the people from poverty, deprivation and discrimination.

Question 12. What was born out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster? Why should humanity be proud of it?

The apartheid regime was an extraordinary human disaster for the blacks of South Africa. The end of the apartheid laid down the foundation of a non-racial democratic regime in South Africa. This government based on human equality and dignity would be an ideal one of which all humanity will be proud.

Question 13. Where did the ceremonies take place? What had it been for decades?

The ceremonies of the inauguration of the new government took place at the lovely sandstone amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The same place had remained the seat of white supremacy for decades.

Question 14. What did Nelson Mandela pledge when he was sworn in as President?

Nelson Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution of his country and devote him to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. There would be freedom and justice for all.

Question 15. When did Mandela’s hunger for self-turn into a hunger for freedom for all his people?

Mandela gradually realized that freedom was curtailed for those people who looked like he did, but not for the whites. Consequently, he joined the African National Congress, and that was when his “hunger for freedom” became a “greater hunger.”

Question 16. How does Mandela define courage and from where did he learn the meaning of courage?

Nelson Mandela learnt the meaning of courage from great patriots and comrades in the struggle. They risked their lives and stood up to attacks and tortures of the apartheid regime. He learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who doesn’t feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Question 17. Why was it impossible for a man of Mandela’s birth and colour to fulfil the twin obligations?

In South Africa, no black could fulfil the twin obligations. If a black who tried to live as a human being was punished and isolated. A person who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was separated from his family and was forced to live in secrecy and rebellion.

Question 18. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

In the first decade of the 20th century, the whites erected a system of racial discrimination against the blacks. They set up the most inhumane system of apartheid where the blacks were denied the fundamental right of freedom. In the last decade of the twentieth century, the system was overturned. The policy of apartheid was uprooted from the land and a new non-racial democratic government was installed to ensure equal rights and freedom to all the people of South Africa.

Question 19. When and how did Mandela’s hunger for his own freedom becomes the greater hunger for the freedom of his people?

Mandela realised that not only was he not free, but his people were not free. When he joined the African National Congress, then his hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.

Question 20. Freedom is “indivisible”, said Mandela. How were the chains on anyone were the chains on all of his people?

Mandela thought that he is not more virtuous than the others. He thought that “freedom is indivisible”. The chains on any one of his people were chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people were the chains on him.

Question 21. What unintended effect was produced by decades of oppression?

The decades of oppression made him a strong person. He set out the goal to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering and other discrimination. He decided to have freedom and justice for all.

Question 22. Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa?

10 th May 1994 is important for South Africa because first democratic non-racial government elections were held on this day in the country. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of the country.

Question 23. What did Nelson Mandela remember on the day of the Inaugural Ceremony?

He remembered the history — the birth Apartheid, its effect on his people and long fight for freedom. He remembered the freedom fighters that suffered and sacrificed for freedom. He also remembered what freedom meant to him at different stages of life and his hunger for freedom.

Question 24. How was that site a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations?

The end of the apartheid regime was a common victory for peace, justice and human dignity. Leaders and dignitaries of all nations irrespective of their colour, race and religion had gathered there to celebrate that victory. So, the site presented a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.

Question 25. Who was given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on their own soil?

Answer: Those who were outlaws not so long ago were given the rare privilege. They had the privilege of hosting and welcoming nations of the world on their soul. The blacks were no more outlaws now but enjoyed equality and human dignity.

Question 26. Why did the same generals salute Mandela who would have arrested him not so many years ago?

In the apartheid regime, Nelson Mandela was a rebel and was in prison for many years. After the end of the apartheid, he was the head of the non-racial democratically elected government of South Africa. The same generals who would have put him in prison not so long ago were obliged to salute the president of the new Republic of South Africa.

Question 27. Why was the apartheid regime in South Africa was one of the harshest and most inhuman systems in the world?

The apartheid regime was based on the racial discrimination and exploitation of blacks in South Africa. The basic or fundamental rights were only for the whites and the blacks were deprived of these freedoms. Oppression, torture and exploitation of the blacks were common features of the apartheid regime.

Question 28. How did the policy of apartheid and deep oppression produce patriots of extraordinary, courage, wisdom and generosity?

The policy of apartheid unleashed a reign of terror and oppression on the black people but they could not break their resolution and determination. The deep oppression produced patriot of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity. It produced thousands of Tambos, Sisulus, Sadoos, Fischer’s and Sobukwes of their time.

Question 29. Whose names were particularly taken by Mandela in the inauguration ceremony?

In the inauguration ceremony, Mandela announced the names of Oliver Tamboo, Walter Sisulus, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fisher and Robert Sobukwes. These men were of extraordinary courage and wisdom.

Question 30. How can people be taught to love? Which comes naturally to the human heart — love or hate?

No one is born hating another person because of his colour or race. People are taught to hate. And if they learn to hate, they can be taught to love. Love comes more naturally to the human heart than hatred.

Question 31. Was Mandela born with a hunger to be free? What did freedom mean to him in childhood?

Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. In childhood, freedom has a very limited concept. He felt that he was free to run in the fields, free to swim in the stream near his village and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as he obeyed his father and the customs of his life, he was a free man.

Question 32. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?

They obey their masters. They acted under the orders of the whites so far. Today they had shown their loyalty to the democracy. Earlier they arrested Mandela. Today they showed their loyalty to him by saluting him. There was a change in system. The newly elected non-racial democratic government had changed their (military generals) attitude. Now they were not the servants of the whites. They were now in the service of their own people.

Question 33. What, according to Mandela, is ‘true freedom’?

When Mandela was a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and to swim in the streams. As a young man, he wanted basic and honourable freedoms, eg. to earn his living, too many and to have a family. According to Mandela, true freedom means freedom not to be obstructed in leading a lawful life.

Question 34. What were the two anthems sung on the day of oath-taking ceremony?

On the day of oath-taking ceremony, the two anthems were sung. ‘Nkosi Sikelel-i-Afrika’ was for the whites and ‘Die stem’ was for the blacks. ‘Die stem’ was the old anthem of the country.

Question 35. Why did Nelson Mandela feel that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity and hence, both of them must be liberated?

Nelson Mandela rightly believes that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. He is locked behind the bars of prejudice and hate. A person can never be free if his freedom is taken away. Hence, the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Question 36. What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?

Nelson Mandela was sad for not being able to thank those African patriots who had fought for independence and sacrificed their lives for it. This pained him that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had brought.

Question 37. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?

The ideal Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech was to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations.

Question 38. What did the generals and police officers do on that day?

The generals and police officers were also there. They were in their uniform. They had ribbons and medals on their chests. They saluted Mandela with great respect. Mandela was the first black President of South Africa. Although, many years ago, they might have arrested him.

Question 39. Why was the 10th of May, 1994 a red-letter day in the history of South Africa

10th of May 1994 was a red-letter day in the history of South Africa. It was the day when the hated regime of apartheid came to an end. A new democratically elected non-racial government under Nelson Mandela was to be sworn in. Many international leaders and dignitaries came to pay their respect to the new government.

Question 40. Who were the persons sworn in on the 10th of May? What did Mandela pledge to obey?

Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first Deputy President. Then, in the end, Mr. Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the President of the Republic of South Africa. He pledged to obey and uphold the constitution and devote himself to the well being of the Republic and its people.

Question 41. After achieving political emancipation what does Mandela want to do in South Africa?

South Africa and the blacks have achieved their political emancipation. Mandela pledges to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, want, suffering, gender and other discriminations. South Africa will never ever experience the oppression of one by another. He wishes the reign of freedom will never die in South Africa.

Question 42. What is the meaning of courage to Mandela?

According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Mandela learned the true meaning of courage from his comrades in the struggle.

Question 43. What did the playing of two national anthems symbolise?

On the historic day of the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of South Africa, two national anthems were played. The whites song `Nkosi Sikelel-i-Africa’ and the black sang ‘Die Stem’. Neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised. They would soon know the words by heart.

Question 44. Why does Nelson Mandela call himself simply the sum of those African patriots who had gone before him?

Nelson Mandela gratefully acknowledges the sacrifices of thousands of his people who fought against the apartheid regime. Their suffering and courage can never be cemented or repaid. Mandela humbly believes that he was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him.

Question 45. How did South African jets, helicopters and troops demonstrate?

It was a very special day for all. South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation. They flew over the Union Buildings. It was a show of military’s loyalty to the country and its democracy.

Question 46. What is the greatest wealth of a country according to Nelson Mandela?

South Africa is rich in minerals and gems. But minerals and gems are not the greatest wealth of a nation. Mandela thinks that the greatest and real wealth of a nation is its people. They are finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

Question 47. What did Mandela think about the oppressor and the oppressed?

Mandela thought about the oppressor and the oppressed that both are robbed equally. A mail who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. In the same way, if his freedom is taken away, they both are without freedom. So both of them must be liberated.

Question 48. What are the twin obligations every man has in life?

Mandela thinks that every man has twin obligations in life. The first is his obligation to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. The second duty is his duty to his people, his community and his country. Each man has to fulfil these two obligations according to his position and abilities.

Question 49. What were the transitory freedoms that Nelson Mandela yearned for as a young man? Why did he feel that his boyhood freedom was an illusion?

Nelson Mandela felt that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. His freedom had already been taken from him. Then he began to hunger for it. At first, he wished the transitory freedoms of staying out. Later on, he yearned for basic needs of earning, marrying and having a family.

Question 50. What did Mandela say about the future of the country in his speech?

In his speech, Nelson Mandela said, “I see a bright future of the country. Now no one will experience the oppression by another. It will make much progress. All people shall be free to do what they like.”

Question 51. What animated Mandela’s life and transformed a frightened young lawyer into a bold criminal?

It was the desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated his life. It transformed a frightened young man into a bold one. It drove a law-abiding attorney to be a criminal. It turned a family loving husband to live like a monk.

Question 52. How did ‘hunger for freedom’ change Mandela’s life?

In the beginning of his life, Mandela was not aware about freedom. Later, Mandela found that his freedom had been taken away from him. As a student, he wanted freedom only for himself but slowly his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. This changed him completely.

Question 53. What are the ‘twin obligations’ referred to by Nelson Mandela?

According to Nelson Mandela, every man has two obligations in life. The first obligation is to his family, to his parents, wife and children. Secondly, he has an obligation to his country, people, and community.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Summarise the chapter ‘Nelson Mandela -Long walk to Freedom.

The chapter was taken from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography ‘Long Walk to Freedom. Nelson Mandela spoke about a historic occasion, ‘the inauguration’ after becoming the first Black President of South Africa. The inauguration ceremony took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria today. It was attended by politician and dignitaries from more than 140 countries around the world. After a long period of White domination, South Africa had become a democratic republic. Mandela called it a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity. He also called it a glorious human achievement. He pledged to liberate all his people from the continuing bondage of poverty, derivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He fought for the freedom of his people. The British rulers of South Africa followed the policy of apartheid, which discriminated the Black from the White people. Mandela called it an extra ordinary human disaster. He believed, the deeper the oppression, the higher the character. From his comrades he learned that courage meant not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. According to him every man had twin obligations- obligations to his family and obligation to his people, his country. He found no difference between the oppressor and the oppressed. He called both of them prisoners. One was imprisoned behind the bars; the other was imprisoned behind bars of hatred. He was an enthusiastic young boy who wanted to enjoy freedom. He wished the sun of freedom to shine on his country and countrymen forever.

Question 2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Freedom had different meanings for Mandela at different stages. As a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and to swim in the stream. As a student he wanted freedom to stay out at nights, to read what he liked, later he realised that this freedom was an illusion. He found that all the black brothers and sisters were in chains. There was no freedom for a respectful life. Their freedom was curtailed at every stage. He wanted the basic and honourable freedom of achieving his potential of earning his keep, of marrying and having a family. He believed that freedom is indivisible. Everyone has to be free.

Question 3. What does Nelson Mandela refer to as “an extraordinary human disaster”?

Nelson Mandela refers to the apartheid policy of the white race against the black people as “an extraordinary human disaster”. White people snatched freedom from the coloured people of South Africa to whom the country belonged. The black people were subjected to oppression for long. They were not even allowed to discharge their obligations to their own families, community and their country. White people had no compassion for them and oppressed their own people and put them in prison. If they had some freedom, it was curtailed. The black people lived the life of a slave.

Question 4. Describe the views of Mandela for the black people who fought and sacrificed their likes for the country’s political independence?

Mandela always said that the political freedom was the result of sacrifices of thousands of the black people who fought for that. He said that it could not be repaid. He thought himself as the sum of all of those African patriots. He regretted that he could not thank them. He cursed the policy of apartheid that wounded the people of his country, which would take centuries to heal. He also said that the oppression and brutality of the white people produced great freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe and many more. They were the men of courage, wisdom and large heartedness. They really suffered a lot for the political freedom of the country.

Everybody whether human or other creatures wants to live free as freedom is natural to all living beings. The value of freedom is better known to that human being who has not tasted it till he gets it. A person who is chained with the limits and not allowed to perform his duties freely, values freedom more than anyone else. For instance the value of freedom is known better to Mandela who remained behind the bars most of his life. Think about a bird or animal which is caged as they have the habit of living with full freedom but in the cage they are not free and their conditions are very pitiable. Similarly, life becomes a hell if we are deprived of freedom. There is no growth of civilisation as it grows only when one has freedom. Similarly, humanism grows in the atmosphere of freedom.

Question 6. What differences came in Mandela’s opinion about the meaning of freedom, when he was a little boy and w hen he became young?

There were many differences in Mandela’s opinion about the meaning of freedom, when he was a little boy and when he became young. While he was a little boy, the meaning of freedom was to run in the fields and to swim in the streams.When he became young, he realised that his freedom was an illusion. Now he had realised that not only his freedom, but also others freedom had been seized. So he felt a hunger for freedom now. He wanted that all the people of his country should live with self-respect. They must do what they liked.

Question 7. “I was not born with a hunger to be free.” What was the result of his hunger for freedom?

When Nelson Mandela was a young boy, he didn’t know anything about freedom. His hunger for freedom began when he saw his people being punished under the policy of apartheid. It was clear to him that his boyhood freedom was just an illusion. Then he had come to know that he and his countrymen had no freedom. They could not say anything freely. Now Mandela’s hunger for freedom had increased. Although, as a student, he wanted freedom only for himself but after growing up, he started to think maturely about the freedom. He saw that in South Africa everybody’s freedom was curtailed. Thus the result of his hunger for freedom was the freedom of the country.

Question 8. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

Mandela’s hunger for freedom forced him to join African National Congress to eradicate the system of apartheid. Before him thousands of the patriots had sacrificed their lives. Mandela does not take the entire credit. He calls himself simply the sum of all those African patriots who had laid the path towards the achievement of success. He continued the movement started by them. He was only a part of that movement.

Question 9. What Mandela think about the patriots? Can they be repaid?

Nelson Mandela thinks that the freedom and democratic government have all come only due to the great sacrifices of thousands of patriots. They were those men who did not care about their lives and died for their people and country. They can’t be repaid. He thinks himself the sum of all those who had sacrificed their lives. Now he regrets that he was not able to thank them. According to Mandela, the policy of apartheid greatly wounded the people. It was hard to recover. It would take much time. These great patriots were Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe, etc.

Question 10. Discuss the scene of the inauguration ceremony? Who took oath in the ceremony? Why is the inauguration called a historic occasion for South Africa?

It was the bright and clear day of 10th May, 1994. The inauguration ceremony took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria. The most famous world leaders and representatives gathered there. The generals and police officers were also there. They had medals and ribbons on their chests. South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings. First of all Mr. de Klerk, then Thabo Mbeki and then Nelson Mandela took the oath.

Question 11. Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech used these two words ‘an extraordinary human disaster’ and so ‘glorious human achievement’. What did he mean by that?

The extraordinary disaster was the rule of Apartheid in South Africa. This disaster of racial discrimination brought oppression, deprivation, cruelty and suffering for the black people of South Africa. Blacks were not allowed to visit the places reserved for the whites. They led a life of humiliation. At last on 10 May 1994, after more than three centuries of white rule, Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress Party won the elections. Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa.

Question 12. What ideas does Mandela have about courage, love and hate?

According to Mandela, he learnt the meaning of courage from his comrades. They struggled very hard for the freedom of the country. They did not care for their lives. They sacrificed everything for their people and country. They did not break before the brutality of the oppressors. They showed their full strength. So Mandela learned courage from them. To him, courage means not the absence of fear but the victory over it. The brave man is one who conquers fear. No man is born hating another man due to colour or religion. Love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate. According to Mandela, both the oppressor and the oppressed are the prisoners of hatred. No one can become happy after taking away other’s freedom.

Question 13. What are two obligations that Mandela described in this lesson? What was the reason that he was not able to fulfil those obligations?

In the lesson, Mandela described two obligations that everyone had to perform. One obligation is for the family, children and wife and second obligation is for the country and community. But due to apartheid policy in South Africa, Mandela was not able to fulfil his obligation. Although men could fulfil these obligations according to their capacities and abilities. But in South Africa it was impossible for the blacks. When Mandela tried to fulfil them for his family, he was cut off from his family. He was forced to live the life of separation. When he tried to serve his country, he was put into prison. Thus, Mandela was not able to fulfil his obligations.

Question 14. India is a country of unity in diversity—there are different languages, traditions, dresses, castes and cultures. Do you find any sort of discrimination in India?

India is a very big country. It has different languages, traditions, dresses, castes and cultures. Even then India has unity in diversity. Its Constitution gives equality to every citizen. There is no place for colour prejudice in it. In India everyone has a right to get education to appear in competitions and to live at any place. There is no discrimination among Indians on the basis of caste, creed and colour. Indians can live in any state and they can marry in any caste. There is no colour discrimination in India.

Question 15. What were the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela in achieving freedom for his people?

In his endeavour to get freedom for his countrymen from the rule of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela had to undergo many hardships and suffered a lot. This great patriot had to sacrifice the comfort of his home and loving family. He was declared an outlaw for demanding equality for all his fellow black Africans. He was punished, isolated and put into jail. He and his comrades were oppressed and tortured beyond tolerance. He suffered hunger, oppression and injustice but kept the flame of independence burning in his heart. His undaunted courage, persistent struggle and unparallel sacrifice bore fruit and South Africa got freedom from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May 1994.

Question 16. What does courage mean to Mandela? How did he learn the meaning of courage? What do you get about courage, love and hate from this chapter?

In this chapter, Nelson Mandela says that he learnt the meaning of courage from the comrades. They were freedom fighters. They did not care about their lives. He had seen those people who had sacrificed their life for the country. He learnt that courage was not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. In other words, the brave man is one who conquers fear. In Mandela’s opinion, no man is born to hate another man on the basis of skin, colour or religion. Love comes more naturally to the human heart than from its opposite. Both the oppressor and the oppressed are the prisoners of hatred. They take away each other’s freedom.

Question 17. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Yes, it is true that the depths of oppression create heights of character. Nelson Mandela illustrated this argument by giving examples of some people of extraordinary courage and wisdom. This period of struggle to end apartheid produced people like Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, Bram Fischers and so on in the soil, of South Africa. Nelson Mandela himself was a product of the same conditions. The hunger for freedom changed his life. The history of India is full of such characters. Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai and so on were the people of extraordinary courage produced by the depth of oppression in India.

Question 18. The inauguration ceremony symbolised a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity against the most hated apartheid regime based on racial discrimination. Comment.

The inauguration ceremony of the installation of a democratically elected government in South Africa was of great historical importance. After the Boer war, the white ‘peoples’, patched up their differences. They imposed the domination of the whites through the apartheid based on racial discrimination. The inauguration ceremony attracted worldwide recognition. International leaders and dignitaries from more than 140 countries assembled at the amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The whole world hailed it as a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity. The grand struggle of the black patriots against the most hated regime of apartheid succeeded. There was a spectacular display of jets and the salute by the bedecked generals with ribbons to President Mandela. It showed the military’s loyalty to democracy. The playing of the two national anthems symbolised a new regime based on equality irrespective of race and colour.

Question 19. What were Mandela’s opinions about the first and last decades of the twentieth century? Why does he say on the day of the inauguration that he was overwhelmed with a sense of history? .

On the day of the inauguration, the speaker’s mind went back to history. He remembered the first decade, when the whites ruled over South Africa and they made a discrimination against the blacks. They built a system of racial discrimination against the blacks. Their behaviour was full of cruelty. They meted out inhuman treatment to the blacks. But now in the last decade of this century, this cruel system was overturned. Now a new system replaced it. It was the first democratic government of South Africa. Now there will be no discrimination on the basis of colour. That is why, on the day of the inauguration, he was overwhelmed with a sense of history.

Question 20. What ideas did we get about freedom, the oppressor and the oppressed from this lesson? How did Nelson Mandela get hunger for freedom?

According to Mandela, both the oppressor and the oppressed need freedom. Not only the oppressed is without freedom, but also the oppressor. He is the prisoner of hatred, only his level of thinking encourages him to snatch others freedom. It is all due to his narrow mindedness. It is an obvious idea that the oppressed has no freedom. Nelson Mandela had hunger for freedom, when he knew that his freedom had been snatched. His idea for freedom was an illusion. He saw that his brothers and sisters were without freedom. His hunger for freedom encouraged him to join the African National Congress.

Question 21. Nelson Mandela was the hero of South Africa’s freedom movement. Comment.

Nelson Mandela was a true hero of South Africa’s freedom movement. His conscience encouraged him to demand a respectful and unique life for all. His soul cleared him about the twin obligations for everyone. He was always determined to fulfil them. He performed his obligations for his family as well as for his community. Although he was prevented from doing so, yet he did not stop and got discouraged.

Question 22. Why does Mandela say that freedom is indivisible? How are the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity?

Nelson Mandela believes that freedom is indivisible. His hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. He couldn’t live his life with dignity and self-respect if his own people were bound in chains. The chains on any one of his people were the chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people were the chains on him. Mandela realised that the oppressor must be liberated as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred, prejudice and narrow mindedness. He is not truly free if he is taking away someone else’s freedom. Surely, he is not free when his freedom is taken away from him. Thus the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Question 23. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

A large number of international leaders attended the installation ceremony of first democratic non- racial government in South Africa. It was the end of apartheid in South Africa. It was a common victory for justice, for peace and for human dignity. The international community supported the cause of South Africa. It signified the triumph of humanity against oppression, fear and discrimination. Both the oppressor and the oppressed were liberated.

Question 24. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. With time and experience he discovered that the boyhood freedom was only an illusion. He found that as a young mem his freedom had already been taken away from him. His people and community were denied the fundamental right of living a dignified life. This made him hungry for freedom. Ha joined the African National Congress. This desire for the freedom transformed him from a frightened young man into bold one, a law-abiding person to a criminal, a family-loving person to a man without a home. This desire forced a life-loving man to live the life of a monk.

Question 25. Draw a character-sketch of Nelson Mandela highlighting his struggle against the apartheid regime for the human rights of his people.

Nelson Mandela was the tallest of all the black heroes who waged a relentless fight against the racial-regime in South Africa. He suffered untold sufferings and tortures in prison but led the country to install the first democratically elected government in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. Later on, he realised that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. He also realised his concept of freedom in his youth was also ‘transitory’ and was limited to his personal freedom.

Only when he joined the African National Congress, his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. Only then, a frightened young lawyer was transformed into a bold `criminal’. A family-loving husband was forced to lead the life of a monk in secrecy. Nelson Mandela is grateful in acknowledging the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of black heroes for the freedom of their people. Modestly, he realises that freedom is indivisible. He realised that he could not lead a free and honourable life if his people were in chains.

Nelson Mandela had a wider vision of humanity. For him, freedom was comprehensive and couldn’t be divided. It shows his greatness that both the oppressor and the oppressed should be liberated. Both of them alike are robbed of their humanity.

Question 26. Which twin obligations does Nelson Mandela mention in the lesson? Why were he and the rest of blacks able to fulfil those obligations?

Nelson Mandela that every man has twin obligations in life. The first obligation of a man is to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. He has another obligation also. He has an obligation to his people, his community and his country. Every man is to do his duty according to his situation and strength.

But in South Africa, it was impossible for a man like Mandela or other blacks to fulfil those obligations. If a man tried to live as a human being, he was punished and isolated. If any person in South Africa tried to do his duty to his people, he was forcefully separated from his family and his home. He was forced to lead a life of secrecy and rebellion. Nelson Mandela placed his people above his family. In attempting to serve his people, he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.

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Nelson Mandela:Long Walk to Freedom

Extra Questions for Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 first Flight

'El A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a demonstration of the military's loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty. I was not unmindful of the fact that not so many years before they would not have saluted but arrested me. Finally a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke trail of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South African flag.

(a) What for were the jets, helicopters etc. there?

(b) Why were the highest generals there?

(d) Find a word from the passage which means 'decorated'.

(a) These were there to celebrate the installation of a new Govt. in South Africa.

(b) They were there to salute the author as the new President to be sworn in.

(d) It is 'bedecked'.

The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another, unintended effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time—men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity that their like may never be known again. Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

(a) What is meant by the 'profound hurt'?

(b) What produced great men of character as given here?

(d) Find a word from the passage which means large-heartedness'.

(a) It means the 'wound' caused by the policy of apartheid.

(b) The 'effect' of decades of oppression produced them.

(d) It is 'generosity'.

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than it’s opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.

(a) Why is it easy to learn to love?

(b) When did Mandela and his friends have the most unpleasant time?

(d) Trace a word from the passage that means 'severe'.

(a) It is easy to learn to love because love comes most naturally to the human heart.

(b) Mandela and his friends had the most unpleasant time in prison when they were pushed to their limits.

(d) It is 'grimmest'.

I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free—free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother's hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or God.

It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family-the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.

(a) With what freedoms was the author born?

(b) When was he not troubled by laws of men or God?

(d) Find a word from the passage which means 'temporary'.

(a) These were: riding the bulls, roasting the mealies etc.

(b) He was not troubled by laws of man or God when he obeyed his father’s and his tribe’s customs’.

(d) It is transitory’.

What future of the country of South Africa does Nelson Mandela see in his oath-taking speech?

What ideals does Nelson Mandela set for the future of South Africa?

What is the dream of Nelson Mandela for the future of South Africa?

What does the author say of 'freedom'?

How does the author define 'freedom'?

NCERT Solutions for Chapter 4 The Age of Industrialisation Class 10 History

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A Letter to God
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NCERT Solutions For Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, A Tiger in the Zoo

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BYJU’S presents to you accurate NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 2 that comprise one prose lesson – “ Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom ”, and one poem – “ A Tiger in the Zoo ”. The NCERT Solutions of Class 10 are solved by our panel of expert teachers to provide well-structured solutions for Class 10 students.

The solutions are written in easy-to-understand English, which will help students grasp concepts well and be all set to attempt the English exam with full confidence. Access the NCERT Solutions of this chapter in PDF from the link below to intensify your preparations.

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Access Answers to NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Activity (Page 17)

In Column A are some expressions you will find in the text. Make a guess and match each expression with an appropriate meaning from Column B.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 18-19)

Question 1:

Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?

The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria, which were attended by dignitaries and world leaders of several nations. In India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are two public buildings that are made of red sandstone.

Question 2:

Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, i.e., below the equator. In the Southern Hemisphere, the timing of the seasons is different from that of Europe and Asia, which are in the Northern Hemisphere. In Southern Africa, autumn is from March to April, and winter is from June to September. That is how May 10 becomes a ‘lovely autumn day’ in South Africa.

Question 3:

At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?

In Mandela’s speech ‘an extraordinary human disaster’, he wanted to express his strong feelings against the practice of Apartheid in South Africa. Under Apartheid, there was racial segregation of people based on colour, and the blacks suffered the most as they were discriminated against by the rest. They could not enjoy the right to freedom. Mandela was jailed for 18 years on the infamous ‘Robben Island’ where he was mistreated by the authorities. He considered it a “great glorious human achievement” that he became the first Black President of South Africa, where the blacks were deprived of basic needs and suffered different kinds of discrimination, and were treated badly.

Question 4:

What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Mandela felt extremely privileged to welcome the dignitaries and international leaders at the swearing-in ceremony because it was not too long ago when the South Africans were considered outlaws. He therefore, thanked all of them for having come from far and wide to witness the historical oath-taking ceremony of the first Black President of South Africa. This was a wonderful gesture of international recognition to a newly born free democratic nation. This event could be considered as a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.

Question 5:

What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?

Mandela set the ideals of liberating the people of South Africa from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. He wanted the people of the country to enjoy the right to freedom from all forms of bondage and prejudice.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 21)

What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed and why?

The highest military generals of South African defence forces and police saluted and pledged their loyalty to Mandela. This was of great significance because, during the Apartheid era, they would have arrested him and put him behind bars. Their attitude towards Blacks changed due to the struggles and sacrifices that were put in by many heroes of South Africa. This struggle for freedom was not just a struggle with Apartheid, it also brought a massive change in the mindsets of many people. Mandela believed that love is something that could be taught and human beings are naturally inclined towards love more, rather than hate.

Why were two national anthems sung?

On the auspicious occasion of the inauguration ceremony, two national anthems were sung – the Whites sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and the Blacks sang ‘Die Stem’ that was the old anthem of the Republic. Singing of both the anthems symbolized the equality of rights between Whites and Blacks.

How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country –

(i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

In the first decade of the twentieth century, the white-skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land. This created the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever seen or known.
In the final decade of the twentieth century, the previous system of government had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.

What does courage mean to Mandela?

According to Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. A brave man is not one who does not feel afraid, but one who conquers that fear.

Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Mandela thought that love comes more naturally to the human heart rather than hate.

Oral Comprehension Check (Page 24)

What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Mandela mentions two obligations that every man has in life – (i) obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and (ii) he has an obligation to his people, his community and his country.

What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Like any other kid, Mandela felt freedom meant being happy, making merry and enjoying the blissful life in his childhood years. However, when a young fellow becomes an adult, the antics of childhood look transitory because all the childish activities are worthless from an adult’s perspective. When a person becomes an adult, he learns to earn a livelihood and earn his own bread and butter. In such a scenario, he understands the basic and honourable freedom in his family and the society that he lives in.

Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

Mandela does not feel that the oppressor is free because, in his opinion, an oppressor is like a victim of hatred who is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. He feels that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity and peace of mind.

Thinking about the Text (Page 24)

Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

Being a part of the inauguration ceremony, the international leaders showed solidarity with the end of Apartheid as a gesture from the international community. This signified the victory of good over evil and the triumph of a tolerant society without prejudice and discrimination of caste, colour or creed.

What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

By saying that he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots”, Mandela offers his tribute to all the people who had sacrificed their lives in favour of the struggle for freedom. He says that he shall always remain grateful and thankful to those who had gone before him because those freedom fighters had paved the path of cooperation and unity for him. Therefore, Mandela felt that when he came to power, he would bring equality among his people with their support and cooperation.

Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Yes, I agree with the statement that “depths of oppression” do create ‘heights of character”. Nelson Mandela illustrates this by citing examples of great heroes of South Africa such as Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthulis, Yusuf Dadoos, Bram Fischers, and Robert Sobukwes, among others who inspired others by sacrificing their lives in the long struggle for freedom.

In India’s pre-Independence era, there was a galaxy of great leaders who didn’t bend their knees to the oppression of British rule, such as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lala Lajpat Rai, Chandra Shekhar Ajad, Bhagat Singh and many more. Nelson Mandela seems to be absolutely right, if we compare them with the quality of political leaders that came later. It seems that great leaders are created in the crucible of oppression and suffering.

How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

With age and rich experience, Mandela understood the essence of freedom in everyone’s life. As a young boy, he always thought that he was born free and could do anything that he wanted. He strongly believed that as long as he obeyed his father and abided by the customs of his tribe, he was free in every possible way. However, as he grew older, he started feeling that freedom was required to raise a family and to earn a livelihood, and this started dominating his thoughts and views. In due course of time, he realised that he was selfish and was leading an illusionary life during his boyhood. He slowly understood that it was not his freedom alone that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all Black people was retrenched. Mandela understood that his people were being deprived and discriminated and this led him to develop a hunger for the freedom of his people.

How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

During his youth, Mandela realised that it was not just his freedom alone that was being curtailed, but the freedom of all Black people. The hunger for his own freedom became the hunger for freedom for all his fellow brothers and sisters. In the process, this changed the fearful man into a bold rebel. Mandela sacrificed the comforts of a settled family life to fight for the freedom of his countrymen. He joined the African National Congress, and this transformed him from a frightened young man into a fearless person who fought against racial prejudice and colour discrimination.

Thinking about Language (Page 24-26)

I. There are nouns in the text (formation, government) which are formed from the corresponding verbs (form, govern) by suffixing -(at)ion or ment. There may be a change in the spelling of some verb – noun pairs: such as rebel, rebellion; constitute, constitution.

Make a list of such pairs of nouns and verbs in the text.

Read the paragraph below. Fill in the blanks with the noun forms of the verbs in brackets.

Martin Luther King’s _______________ (contribute) to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the ______________ (assist) of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean _______________ (subjugate) and ________________ (humiliate) by the police and the legal system. Beatings, _________________ (imprison) and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent ___________________ (resist) to racial injustice.

Martin Luther King’s contribution to our history as an outstanding leader began when he came to the assistance of Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. In those days American Blacks were confined to positions of second class citizenship by restrictive laws and customs. To break these laws would mean subjugation and humiliation by the police and the legal system. Beatings, imprisonment and sometimes death awaited those who defied the System. Martin Luther King’s tactics of protest involved non-violent resistance to racial injustice.

II. Using the Definite Article with Names

Here are some more examples of ‘the’ used with proper names. Try to say what these sentences mean. (You may consult a dictionary if you wish. Look at the entry for ‘the’.)

1. Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchans and the Shah Rukh Khans to his parties.

2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times.

3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well.

1. This implies that Mr. Singh regularly invites prominent personalities of caliber such as Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Mr. Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.

2. This implies that in the current generation, Madhuri Dixit is compared to the great actress, Madhubala.

3. This means history is not only the story of great fighers such as Alexander, Napoleon or Hitler, but also of other ordinary people.

III. Idiomatic Expressions

Match the italicised phrases in Column A with the phrase nearest in meaning in Column B. (Hint: First look for the sentence in the text in which the phrase in Column A occurs.)

Speaking (Page 26)

In groups, discuss the issues suggested in the box below. Then prepare a speech of about two minutes on the following topic. (First make notes for your speech in writing.)

True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation and all forms of discrimination.

Activity to be done by yourself.

Writing (Page 26-28)

Question I: Looking at Contrasts

Nelson Mandela’s writing is marked by balance: many sentences have two parts in balance.

Use the following phrases to complete the sentences given below.

1. It requires such depths of oppression _________________________________________

2. Courage was not the absence of fear __________________________________________

3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid __________________________________

4. If people can learn to hate _________________________________________________

5. I was not born with a hunger to be free. ______________________________________

1. It requires such depths of oppression (v) to create such heights of character.

2. Courage was not the absence of fear (iii) but the triumph over it.

3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid (iv) but he who conquers that fear.

4. If people can learn to hate (i) they can be taught to love.

5. I was not born with a hunger to be free. (ii) I was born free.

Question II:

This text repeatedly contrasts the past with the present or the future. We can use coordinated clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or effect. Given below are sentences carrying one part of the contrast. Find in the text the second part of the contrast, and complete each item. Identify the words which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item.

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now …

2. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police … saluted me and pledged their loyalty. … not so many years before they would not have saluted _______________

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem …, they would soon ______________

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, _______________________

5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but _______________

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people … that transformed _______________ into a bold one, that drove _______________ to become a criminal, that turned ________________into a man without a home.

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

2. Only moments before , the highest generals of the South African defence force and police … saluted me and pledged their loyalty. … not so many years before they would not have saluted but arrested me.

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem …, they would soon know the words by heart .

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds .

5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force , but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy , to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people … that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one , that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal , that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home .

Question III: Expressing Your Opinion

Do you think there is colour prejudice in our own country? Discuss this with your friend and write a paragraph of about 100 to 150 words about this. You have the option of making your paragraph a humorous one. (Read the short verse given below.)

When you were born you were pink

When you grew up you became white

When you are in the sun you are red

When you are sick you are yellow

When you are angry you are purple

When you are shocked you are grey

And you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’.

Access Answers to NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 2 Poem – A Tiger in the Zoo

Thinking about the Poem (Page 30-31)

Read the poem again, and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks.

(i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns.

(ii) Find the words that describe the two places, and arrange them in two columns.

Now try to share ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast the two situations.

Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these:

(i) On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.

(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes

At the brilliant stars.

What do you think is the effect of this repetition?

This repetition is used by the poet to create a poetic effect to increase the intensity of the tiger’s rage and his silent helplessness from the concrete cell of the cage. ‘Velvet quiet’ refers to the velvet pads of the tiger which are quiet and unable to run or leap. The tiger could do nothing but just walk around the limited space of his cage. The use of ‘quiet rage’ signifies the anger and ferocious nature of the tiger that is building up inside him as he wants to run out freely into the forest and attack a deer. The tiger’s rage is quiet as he is locked inside the cage and is helpless. The repetition of ‘quiet’ has given a lyrical beauty to the poem. Similarly, the use of the term ‘brilliant’ for both the tiger’s eyes and the stars points to the majestic nature of both. The tiger stares at the brilliant stars with his brilliant eyes as he dreams about how he could have led a beautiful, free and pleasing life in the forest. Thus, the repetition creates a wonderful rhythmic effect and gives a kind of magnificence to the lines.

Read the following two poems — one about a tiger and the other about a panther. Then discuss:

Are zoos necessary for the protection or conservation of some species of animals? Are they useful for educating the public? Are there alternatives to zoos?

The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,

The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,

The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.

Then he thinks.

It would be nice not to be behind bars all

Because they spoil my view

I wish I were wild, not on show.

But if I were wild, hunters might shoot me,

But if I were wild, food might poison me,

But if I were wild, water might drown me.

Then he stops thinking

PETER NIBLETT

The Panther

His vision, from the constantly passing bars,

has grown so weary that it cannot hold

anything else. It seems to him there are

a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.

As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,

the movement of his powerful soft strides

is like a ritual dance around a centre

in which a mighty will stands paralysed.

Only at times, the curtain of the pupils

lifts, quietly. An image enters in,

rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,

plunges into the heart and is gone.

RAINER MARIA RILKE

A zoo is a place where several species of animals are kept. Some of these animals are endangered or on the verge of extinction. Likewise, even endangered tigers and lions are not safe in the forest due to poaching for illegal trading. Therefore, zoos are necessary for the conservation and protection of such species. That way, zoos are a safe haven for animals, and the public should be educated about the importance of wild animals and their key role in maintaining the ecological balance in the environment. Some other alternatives to zoos could be wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves, national parks, etc. These options will not only protect or conserve these species but also provide these animals with a habitat in the midst of nature.

Take a point of view for or against zoos, or even consider both points of view and write a couple of paragraphs or speak about this topic for a couple of minutes in class.

You can download these NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English in PDF format, through the links provided below. Given below are some brief descriptions of the story and poem included under NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 2.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Prose)

This story is an extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom”, where he mentions the historic occasion of his inauguration as South Africa’s first Black President, and his thoughts on freedom. Mandela always believed that he had an obligation towards his family and his people. In this piece, he shared a lot of thoughts about how people of colour were mistreated, and he wished equality for everyone, irrespective of caste, colour or creed. He always thought of placing his people and country above all obligations and did not want to stick to the customs of his tribe. He felt every person has the right to achieve political emancipation, and he pledged to liberate all his people from deprivation, the bondage of poverty, gender and other forms of discrimination.

Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

A tiger in the zoo (poem).

In this poem, the poet Leslie Norris draws a contrasting distinction between a tiger trapped in a zoo and a tiger living in its natural habitat. He clearly mentions how a tiger moves freely in the jungle, compared to the caged tiger moving back and forth within the limited space in a zoo. Class 10 students can understand the tiger’s description as provided by the poet, visualise the tiger’s plight while in a zoo, and understand how it yearns for a free life in a jungle.

Chapter 2 Poem – A Tiger in the Zoo

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CBSE Class 10 Nelson Mandela: Long Work to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers

9th May 2020

CBSE Class 10 English Nelson Mandela: Long Work to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers are available here. Nelson Mandela extra questions and answers are prepared by our expert teachers. All the extra questions are divided into two sections. They are short type questions answers and long type question answers. These questions will help you to get good marks in the exams.

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A Letter to God Extra Short Questions and Answers

Short Answer Questions (30-40 words: 2 Marks each)

Questions 1: What unintended effect was produced by decades of oppression?

Answer: The decades of oppression made Nelson Mandela a strong person. He set out the goal to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering and other discrimination. He decided to have freedom and justice for all.

Questions 2: What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?

Answer: Nelson Mandela was sad for not able to thank those African patriots who had fought for independence and sacrificed their lives for it. This pained him that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had brought.

Questions 3: When did Mandela’s hunger for self, turn into a hunger for freedom for all his people?

Answer: As Nelson Mandela turned into an adult, he gradually realised that freedom was curtailed for those people who looked like he did, but not for the whites. Consequently, he joined the African National Congress, and that was when his “hunger for freedom” became a “greater hunger”.

Questions 4: Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa?

Answer: 10th May 1994 is important for South Africa because the first democratic nonracial government elections were held on this day in the country. And Nelson Mandela was elected and he became the first black president of the country.

Questions 5: What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?

Answer: The ideals that Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech was to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations.

Questions 6: What did Nelson Mandela pledge when he was sworn in as President?

Answer: Nelson Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution of his country and devote himself to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. There would be freedom and justice for all.

Questions 7: What did Nelson Mandela remember on the day of inaugural ceremony?

Answer: Nelson Mandela remembered the history — the birth of Apartheid, its effect on his people and the long fight for freedom. He remembered the freedom fighters who suffered and sacrificed for freedom. He also remembered what freedom meant to him at different stages of life and his hunger for freedom.

Below we have provided Long Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 10 English Nelson Mandela: Long Work to Freedom. Along with this students can also access NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English and other subjects for free.

Long Answer Questions (100-150 words: 8 Marks each)

Questions 1: Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech used these two words ‘an extraordinary human disaster’ and ‘glorious human achievement’. What did he mean by that?

Answer: The extraordinary disaster was the rule of Apartheid in South Africa. This disaster of racial discrimination brought with its oppression, deprivation, cruelty and suffering for the black people of South Africa. Blacks were not allowed to visit the places reserved for the whites. They led a life of humiliation.

At last, on 10 May 1994, after more than three centuries of white rule, Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress Party won the elections. Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa. The coming into power of non-racial government was a glorious human achievement.

Questions 2: What were the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela in achieving freedom for his people?

Answer: In his endeavour to get freedom for his countrymen from the rule of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela had to undergo many hardships and suffered a lot. This great patriot had to sacrifice the comfort of his home and loving family. He was declared an outlaw for demanding equality for all his fellow black Africans. He was punished, isolated and put into jail. He and his comrades were oppressed and tortured beyond tolerance. He suffered hunger, oppression and injustice, but kept the flame of independence burning in his heart. His undaunted courage, persistent struggle and unparalleled sacrifice, bore fruit and South Africa got freedom from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May 1994.

Questions 3: Give the character sketch of Nelson Mandela.

Answer: Nelson Mandela was a great patriot. He loved his country and countrymen. For him, the greatest wealth of South Africa was his people. He had a sacrificing nature. He sacrificed his life of comfort, family and home, and plunged into the struggle for freedom. He believed in equality for all. He opposed the rule of Apartheid for which he was declared an outlaw. He was oppressed and tortured in jail for several years, but he never broke. It showed traits of tolerance, courage and perseverance.

Questions 4: What different concepts of freedom did Mandela have at different stages of his life? Or How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

Answer: Mandela had different concepts of freedom at different stages of life. As a boy, he had an illusion of freedom. He thought he was born free. As long as he obeyed his elders, he had the freedom to run in the fields, swim in the stream and ride on the back of bulls. As a student, he cared for transitory freedom — freedom to stay out at night, read the books of his choice and go wherever he liked.

When he became a young man, he yearned for basic and honourable freedom of achieving his potential, earning his keep, marrying, having a family and living a lawful life. Slowly his concept of freedom widened especially when he joined the African National Congress. He realised that true freedom is not an individual freedom but freedom for all.

Questions 5: What does Mandela say about the policy of Apartheid? Or Write down Mandela’s views about the policy of Apartheid.

Answer: Mandela says that the policy of Apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in his country and his people. It was such a deep wound that all of them would take many years, if not generations to recover from. The people of South Africa had to suffer decades of oppression and brutality. This had another unintended effect. It produced men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity among the blacks. The deeper the oppression, the stronger becomes the character that suffers it. Mandela says his country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but its greatest wealth is its people who are finer and truer than the purest diamonds. The policy of Apartheid practised by the whites brought to light these purest diamonds among the blacks of South Africa.

Extract Based Questions

Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow: (4 Marks each)

Question 1: It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty.

a) What type of government was chosen in South Africa? b) How was it chosen? c) What do the military generals do? d) How has their attitude changed and why?

a) A democratic government was chosen in South Africa.

b) It was chosen through free and fair elections.

c) The military generals saluted and pledged their loyalty in front of Mr Mandela.

d) A few years ago, military generals had arrested Mr Mandela. Their attitude had changed because the country had got freedom from racial domination.

Question 2: It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my life, that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home, that forced a life-loving man to live like a monk.

a) What animated the narrator’s life? b) Who is the law-abiding attorney here? c) How did ‘he’ become a criminal? d) When and what transformation took place in Mandela?

a) The desire for the freedom of his people’s life changed his life.

b) Nelson Mandela is the law-abiding attorney here.

c) ‘He’ became a criminal according to the then prevalent laws because he was fighting for his people’s freedom.

d) It was his desire for freedom for all that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one and a law-abiding attorney into a criminal.

Question 3: The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

a) Which ceremonies are being referred to here? b) What does ‘rainbow gathering’ mean? c) Who led the first non-racial government? d) Where did the ceremonies take place?

a) Installation of the non-racial government is being referred to here. b) ‘Rainbow gathering’ means a gathering of people from different nations. c) Nelson Mandela led the first non-racial government. d) The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Question 4: On that lovely autumn day, I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second deputy president. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and its people.

a) Who is the speaker of these lines? b) What oath did the speaker take? c) In which capacity did the speaker take the oath? d) Where did the oath-taking ceremony take place?

a) Nelson Mandela is the speaker of these lines.

b) The speaker took the oath to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote himself to the well-being of the South Africans.

c) The speaker took the oath as the President of South Africa.

d) The oath-taking ceremony took place in the sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Question 5: Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.

a) What was the wish for the country? b) What does the expression — ‘the sun shall never set here’ — imply? c) Which experience of oppression is referred here? d) What is this beautiful land the speaker refers to?

a) The wish for the country was that it must remain free forever and no oppressor must rule over them.

b) The expression — ‘the sun shall never set here’ — implies that the sun of liberty shall never set and their country should enjoy freedom.

c) The experience of the blacks being oppressed by the white people is referred here.

d) The beautiful land being referred to is South Africa.

Question 6: A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings.

a) What does the expression — ‘a spectacular array’ mean? b) Why did the spectators lift their eyes in awe? c) What was the occasion of display? d) Why did the inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings?

a) The expression — ‘a spectacular array’ means a colourful, attractive and impressive display of aircrafts.

b) The spectators lifted their eyes in awe because the display was difficult but perfect.

c) The occasion of display was the inaugural ceremony of oath-taking by the newly elected non-racial South African democratic government.

d) The inauguration ceremony took place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings because for decades, this had been the seat of white supremacy. Black people were never allowed in that area.

Self- Assessment Test

Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Questions 1: I felt that day, as I have on so many other days, that I was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before me. That long and noble line ended and now began again with me.

a) Who is speaking the above lines? b) What was the speaker feeling that day? c) Explain, ‘sum of all’. d) What happened to the long and noble line?

Questions 2: The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies, the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the twentieth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of the colour of their skin.

a) Who are ‘they’ in the above lines? b) What is the ‘system’ mentioned here? c) What formed the structure ‘they’ created? d) What has happened in the last decade?

Short type Questions

1: What does Mandela thank the international leaders for? 2: What does courage mean to Mandela? 3: Whom does Mandela call comrades? Why? 4: What is the importance of 10 May 1994? 5: Why were two national anthems sung?

Long type Questions

1: Why did Nelson Mandela join African National Congress? Explain in detail. 2: Briefly explain Nelson Mandela’s contribution for the emancipation of South African people. 3: What were the major effects of the policy of Apartheid?

Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions | Board Material

Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions edumantra.net

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Nelson Mandela Extra Questions

By – nelson rolihlahla mandela .

About the Author- Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a great hero who gave freedom to the blacks in South Africa. He was born on 18 July 1918 in the village of Mvezo in Umtata, then a part of South Africa’s Cape province. He fought against the ‘apartheid’ regime of South Africa which believed in racialism. He spent more than thirty years in South Africa’s prisons. He became the first Black President of South Africa when his parts came to power in democratic elections in 1994. This passage forms a part of the autobiography of Nelson Mandela titled Long Walk to Freedom. It is a saga of the glorious struggle that the Blacks of South Africa waged against the apartheid regime to gain freedom.

Plot/ Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson/ Literary Analysis of Nelson Mandela/ Main Idea

The lesson pays tribute to those black heroes and patriots who waged a relentless struggle against the apartheid or the racist regime of South Africa. Here we find a description of the inauguration ceremony held in the Union Buildings attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries.

Nelson Mandela gives a message of peace and unity of mankind. He foresees a new regime which will be based on the equality of men and women. He hopes that in the new regime there will be no exploitation of man by man. There will be no room for racialism and segregation in the new order.

This content has been designed by the experts keeping in mind the exam score. Go through Nelson Mandela Extra Questions and add highest value to your studies.

Summary in English- Nelson Mandela

First Non-Racial Government: It was the 10th of May, 1994. The day was bright and clear. The inauguration ceremony of the first non-racial government was held at the lovely amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. It was the largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil. Politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries attended the ceremony. First of all Mr. de Klerk was sworn-in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn-in as the first Deputy President. Then came Mandela’s turn. He was sworn-in as the first black President of South Africa.
Mandela’s speech: Mandela spoke how for decades South Africa was the seat of white supremacy. Now the presence of all people confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. The blacks who were considered as outlaws not so long ago were hosting the nations of the world on their soil. Their victory over ‘apartheid’ was a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity. Political freedom had been won. Now they would work hard to liberate all their people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation and diseases. Never would South Africa again face the oppression of one by another.
impressive Display of jets: Then there was a spectacular display of jets. South African jets and helicopters roared in perfect formation over them in the sky. It was also a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy and to the new government. Then two national anthems were played.
The sense of History: Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history. A few years after the Anglo-Boer war, apartheid was introduced in South Africa. The society based on racial-discrimination was the harshest and most inhuman society in the world. Now a new system based on the equality of all men regardless of their colour and race has replaced the old and cruel system.
The policy of Apartheid: Apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in the people. The decades of exploitation and oppression of the black produced heroes like Tambo’s, Sislus and others. These black heroes were men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity. The greatest wealth of South Africa was not in its minerals and diamonds but in men of such great character.
The struggle of Comrades: Nelson Mandela learnt the meaning of courage from such brave comrades. Courage is the victory over fear. These comrades were ready to risk and sacrifice their lives for an idea—the idea of freedom and equality. Even in the darkest prisons their hopes and faith were not broken. They never allowed the flame of struggle to be extinguished.
Twin Responsibilities: Nelson Mandela thought that every man has twin obligations. He has a duty towards his wife and children and an obligation to his people and country. In South Africa, it was impossible for blacks like him to fulfil both those obligations. If any black tried to live like a free human being, he was punished and isolated. He was forced to live an isolated life — away from his family. He was forced to live a life of rebellion and secrecy.
Joining the African National Congress: Mandela realised that not only was he deprived of freedom but his brothers and sisters were also deprived of freedom. That was why he joined the African National Congress. It was his desire for the freedom of his people and their self-respect that totally transformed him from a weak young man to a bold one. A law-abiding lawyer was forced to become an outlaw. He realised that freedom is indivisible. He knew the oppressed must be liberated. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity. Both of them must be liberated.

Main Points of the Story

The inauguration ceremony of the first non-racial government was held in the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries attended the ceremony.
Nelson Mandela was then sworn-in as the President of the Republic of South Africa.
For decades South Africa had been the seat for white supremacy.
The blacks were considered as outlaws.
Their victory over ‘apartheid’ was a common victory for justice, peace and freedom.
Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
The society based on racial discrimination was the harshest and most inhuman society in the world.
The decades of oppression and exploitation of the blacks produced heroes like Tambo’s, Sisulu and others in South Africa.
Mandela learned the meaning of courage from such brave comrades who were ready to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their people.
Every man has twin responsibilities —responsibilities towards his family and for his people and country.
If any black tried to live like a free human being, he was punished and isolated from his family and community.
Mandela realised that not only he but his brothers and sisters were deprived of freedom.
His desire for the freedom and dignity of his people made him a rebel.
He realised that freedom is indivisible.

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Extract Based / comprehension test Questions and Answers of Nelson Mandela

1. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty.

(a) What type of government was chosen in South Africa?

(b) How was it chosen?

(d) How has their attitude changed and why?

Ans . (a) A democratic government was chosen in South Africa.

(b) It was chosen through free and fair elections.

(d) A few years ago, military generals had arrested Mr Mandela. Their attitude had changed because the country had got freedom from the racial dominations.

2. It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my life that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal.

(a) What animated the narrator’s/author’s life?

(b) Who is the law-abiding attorney here?

(d) When and what transformation took place in Mandela?

Ans . (a) The desire for the freedom of his people’s life changed his life.

(b) Nelson Mandela

(d) It was his desire for freedom for all that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one and a law-abiding attorney into a criminal.

3. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

(a) Which ceremonies are referred to here?

(b) What does `rainbow gathering mean?

(d) Where did the ceremonies take place?

Ans . (a) Installation of the non-racial government.

(b) Gathering of people from different nations.

(d) The ceremonies took place in the lonely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

4. On that lovely autumn day , I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as Second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as First Deputy President. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the well-being of its people.

(a) Who is the speaker of these lines?

(b) What oath did the speaker take?

(d) Where did the oath taking ceremony take place?

Ans . (a) Nelson Mandela.

(b) To obey and uphold the constitution and to devote himself to the well-being of the South Africans.

(d) The oath-taking ceremony took place in the sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

5. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.

The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.

(a) What was the wish for the country?

(b) What does the expression — ‘the sun shall never set here’ — imply?

(d) What is this beautiful land the speaker refers to?

Ans . (a) To remain free for ever and no oppressor to rule on them.

(b) That the sun of liberty shall never set and their country should enjoy freedom.

(d) South Africa

6. A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings.

(a) What does the expression — ‘a spectacular array’ mean?

(b) Why did the spectators lift their eyes in awe?

(d) Why did the inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings?

Ans . (a) A colourful, attractive and impressive display of series (of aircraft).

(b) The display was difficult but perfect.

(d) For decades, this had been the seat of white supremacy. Black people were never allowed in that area.

PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION

Passage-1: (Page 17)

Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days, I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil.

Word-Meaning: Dawned — (here) presented itself, began, Pleasantly— in a pleasant way, Besieged — (here) surrounded closely by, Dignitaries— persons of high ranks, high officials their respect— express their honour/respect, Inauguration — (here) opening ceremony ,

(a) What was the special importance of 10 May?

(b) Why had the narrator been busy for the past few days?

(d) How was the size of the gathering there?

(a) The 10th of May was important because on that day the first democratically elected government of South Africa was to be established.

(b) For the past few days the narrator was busy, in making; the arrangements of receiving world leaders and dignitaries who were coming there.

(d) It was the largest ever gathering of international leaders on South African soil.

Passage-2: (Page 17)

The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre frowned by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of wilier supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the Installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

Word-Meaning: Ceremonies— rituals, ceremonial activities Amphitheatre— around unroofed building, Decades— a period of ten years, troika— capital of South Africa, Seat— place, White— white people, Supremacy— superiority, Rainbow gathering— gathering of people of different colours, Installation— putting in a new position of authority Non-racial government— government that did not believe in any racial discrimination

(a) Where did the ceremonies take place?

(b) What had the place been so far?

(d) How was this government different from the previous one?

(a) The ceremonies took place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

(b) For decades the place had been the seat of white supremacy.

(d) The previous government was run only by the white people following the apartheid policy of racial segregation. The new government was a democratically elected non-racial government.

Passage-3: (Page 18)

Today, all of us do, by our presence here…confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.

Word-Meaning: Confer— give, Glory— dignity, greatness, Liberty- freedom,

(a) What were the people present in the amphitheatre doing?

(b) What was an extraordinary human disaster?

(d) Who are the speaker and the writer of these lines?

(a) All of those who were present there were conferring glory and hope to newborn liberty.

(b) The apartheid regime based on racial discrimination and segregation was an extraordinary human disaster.

(d) Nelson Mandela is the speaker as well as the writer of these lines.

Passage-4: (Page 18)

We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.

Word-Meaning: Outlaws-bandits, Privilege— special rights, Host— an innkeeper, Distinguished — (here) honoured, wain Possession— ownership, Dignity— grace, glory,

Questions:

(a) Who were outlaws not so long ago?

(b) What privilege have they been given?

(d) What is a common victory for all?

(a) The blacks in South Africa were considered as outlaws not so long ago.

(b) Now, the same blacks have been given the privilege of hosting the nations of the world on their soil.

(d) Getting rid of a racial government and the establishment of a democratically elected non-racial government is a common victory for all the people of the world.

Passage-5: (Page 18)

We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement. Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!

Word-Meaning: Achieved— got, Emancipation— freedom, fetal Pledge— vow, Liberate– free, Bondage– binding, Deprivation— not getting a thing, Gender— sex, Oppression— cruelty, exploitation Glorious— grand,

(a) What have the blacks of South Africa achieve at last?

(b) What do they pledge themselves?

(d) What is a remarkable achievement for the people of South Africa?

(a) At last, the blacks of South Africa achieved their political freedom.

(b) They have pledged themselves to liberate the people from poverty, sufferings and other discriminations.

(d) The installation of a democratic non-racial government in South Africa is a glorious human achievement.

Passage-6: (Page 19)

On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the twentieth century, a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned peoples of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known.

Word-Meaning: Overwhelmed — (here) filled with emotions, Bitter— sour, White skinned— people of white race, Patched-up— repaired, Erect— built, System— way, Racial domination— domination of one race over the other, Structure— formation, Basis— base, Harshest— most unpleasant, Inhumane— anti-human,

(a) Why was Mandela overwhelmed?

(b) What did the white-skinned peoples of South Africa patch up?

(d) Could Mandela and his people succeed in breaking that structure?

(a) Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed as he achieved success in installing a democratic non-racial government in South Africa.

(b) The white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the blacks of their own land.

(d) Yes, the blacks were able to demolish the apartheid regime and succeeded in installing a democratic non-racial government headed by Nelson Mandela.

Passage-7: (Page 20)

That day had come about through the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people, people whose suffering and courage can never be counted or repaid. I felt that day, as I have on so many other days, that I was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before me. That long and the noble line ended and now began again with me. I was pained that I was not able to thank them and that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had wrought.

Word-Meaning: Unimaginable— beyond imagination, Sacrifices— voluntarily laying down of life, Counted— to count numbers, Repaid— to pay the debt, Patriots— loyal to the nation, Noble— a very good person, Wrought— resulted,

(a) How did that glorious day come about?

(b) Can their sufferings be repaid?

(d) Could they see the fruit of their sacrifices?

(a) The glorious day of the installation of a non-racial government in South Africa come about through the struggles and sacrifices of thousands of people. – – –

(b) No, their struggles, sacrifices and sufferings can never be counted or repaid.

(c) Mandela acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices of thousands of black patriots against the apartheid. He himself only carried forward the batons.

(d) No, many of those great patriots who struggled and sacrificed died before seeing the fruit of their sacrifices.

Passage-8: (Pages 20 & 21)

Word-Meaning: Apartheid— the policy of segregation based on race and colour, Generations— people of the same period, Recovering — (here) healing, Profound— deep, Hurt— wound, Brutality— cruelty, Unintended— not contemplated, Generosity— kindness,

(a) What did the policy of apartheid create?

(b) What was the effect of decades of oppression and brutality?

(d) What do these lines show about Mandela’s character?

(a) The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in the blacks of South Africa.

(b) The decades of oppression and brutality produced many brave and fearless patriots like Tambos, Sisulus, Dadoos, Fishers and Sobukwes of their time.

(d) These lines show that Mandela was grateful to those patriots and heroes who fought against the apartheid in the past.

Passage-9: (Page 21)

Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

Word-Meaning: Minerals— elements dug from the earth,

(a) What does it require to produce men of such high characters?

(b) What is South Africa rich in?

(d) What trait of Mandela’s character is reflected here?

(a) Only great depths of oppression and torture can create patriots of such high characters.

(b) South Africa is rich in minerals and gems.

(d) Mandela values patriotism and love for its people higher even than the diamonds.

Passage-10: (Page 21)

It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea. I have seen men stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumphs over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Word-Meaning: Comrades— friends/associates, Risk— put to danger, Stand up— face, Torture— bodily pain, Resilience— ability to recover, Defies— disobeys, Triumphs— victory, Conquer— to win,

(a) Who does ‘these comrades’ refer to here?

(b) What defines the imagination?

(d) Who is a real brave man?

(a) ‘These comrades’ refers to the men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dodoo and so on.

(b) It defies the imagination of how those patriots could withstand so much oppression and brutality without being broken.

(d) A real brave man is he who conquers his fear.

Passage-11: (Page 21)

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.

Word-Meaning: Background — (here) life-history, Grimmest — (here) darkest, cruellest Pushed to our limits— forced to face limitless tortures, Glimmer— a faint light, Reassure— to give assurance, Flame— a blaze of fire, Extinguished— blown out,

(a) Is hating another person because of his colour, background or religion instinctive nature of humans?

(b) What can people learn if they can learn to hate?

(d) How does the guard show a sign of humanity to Mandela when he was in prison?

(a) No, no one is born hating another person because of his colour, background or religion.

(b) If people can learn to hate, they can also learn to love one another.

(d) When Mandela was in prison, one of the guards encouraged him to keep on his struggle and one day he would achieve success.

Passage-12: (Pages 21 & 22)

In life, every man has twin obligations — obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated.

Word-Meaning: Twin— two Obligations— duty, Community— society (local), Inclinations— liking, Attempted— tried,

(a) What are the twin obligations of every man?

(b) Is it possible in South Africa for a man of Nelson Mandela’s colour and birth to fulfil both the obligations?

(d) Why were the blacks treated so badly in South Africa?

(a) Every man has to fulfil two obligations. He has to do his duty to his family and children and he has a duty to his people and country.

(b) No, it is not possible for a man of Nelson Mandela’s birth and colour to live as a human being.

(d) The blacks were treated so badly in South Africa because it was ruled by the apartheid regime based on racial discrimination.

Passage-13: (Page 22)

I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free — free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealiest under the stars and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or God.

Word-Meaning: Roast— roast on fire, Mealiest— maze corn, Abide by— obeyed, Customs— rituals,

(a) Was Mandela indeed ‘free in every way’ in his childhood?

(b) How was he free in his childhood?

(d) Did his concept of freedom remain the same when he grew up?

(a) No, Nelson Mandela was not free in every way even in his childhood. He had to abide by the custom of his tribe.

(b) He was free to run in the fields, free to swim and free to ride on the backs of slow-moving bulls.

(c) No, as a child he was not troubled by the laws of man or God as long as he obeyed his father and followed the customs of his tribe.

(d) No, Nelson Mandela’s concept of personal freedom was broadened into the freedom of his people and race.

Passage-14: (Page 22)

It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family — the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.

Word-Meaning: Illusion— false idea or belief, Transitory — (here) temporary, Potential— capacity, Obstructed— restricted,

(a) How was his childhood freedom only an illusion?

(b) When did Mandela begin to hunger for freedom?

(d) What did he yearn for as a young man in Johannesburg?

(a) In his childhood he could move in the fields near his huts, free to swim in the clear stream, etc. but all their activities were restricted ones by his parents as per the existing law and order.

(b) Only when he realised that his freedom had already been taken from him, he began to hunger for freedom.

(d) As a young man in Johannesburg, he yearned for freedom of achieving his freedom, earning, marrying and having a family.

Passage-15: (Pages 22 & 23)

But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters were also not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African National Congress, and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of my people. It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my life, that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home, that forced a life-loving man to live like a monk.

Word-Meaning: Curtailed— limited, cut shot Animated — (here) inspired, Transformed— changed, Frightened— full of fear, Bold— brave, fearless , Drove— took, Attorney— a lawyer, Criminal— one who commits crimes, Monk— one who lives like a saint,

(a) What were the Blacks discriminated against?

(b) When did Mandela’s hunger for freedom become the greater hunger for the freedom of his people?

(d) Did Mandela want to live like a monk?

Answers:

(a) The Blacks were discriminated against in political and economic freedom.

(b) When he joined the African National Congress then Mandela’s hunger for freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.

(c) The strong desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self -respect transformed a frightened young lawyer to become a bold criminal.

(d) No, Mandela wanted to be a family loving husband.

Passage-16: (Page 23)

I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but I found that I could not even enjoy the poor and limited freedoms I was allowed when I knew my people were not free. Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.

Word-Meaning: Virtuous – a sacred person, Indivisible— which can’t be divided, Chains- bondage,

(a) Does Mandela think of himself more virtuous than others?

(b) Why couldn’t he enjoy even the limited freedoms he was allowed?

(d) What did the chains on all of his people mean to Mandela?

(a) No, Mandela didn’t think himself more virtuous or self-sacrificing than any of his people.

(b) He couldn’t enjoy the limited freedoms he was allowed because he felt that his people were not free.

(d) The chains on all of his people meant chains on himself for Nelson Mandela.

Passage-17: (Page 23)

I knew that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Word-Meaning: Oppressor- one who oppresses, Liberated— freed from, Bars — (here) prison bars, Prejudice— ill-feeling Robbed— stolen,

(a) Should the oppressor be liberated?

(b) Who is a prisoner of hatred?

(d) How are the oppressed and the oppressor robbed alike?

(a) Yes, even the oppressor should be liberated like the oppressed.

(b) A person who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred.

(d) The oppressed and the oppressor both are robbed of their humanity alike.

Main Characters of the Story- Nelson Mandela

Character Sketch

Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela was the tallest of all the black heroes who waged a relentless fight against the racial-regime in South Africa. He suffered untold sufferings and tortures in prison but led the country to install the first democratically elected government in South Africa.

He is grateful in acknowledging the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of black heroes for the freedom of their people.

He had a wider vision of humanity. For him, freedom was comprehensive and couldn’t be divided .

Short Answer Type Important Questions

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words :

1. What unintended effect was produced by decades of oppression?

Ans . The decades of oppression made him a strong person. He set out the goal to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering and other discrimination. He decided to have freedom and justice for all.

2 . What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?

Ans . Nelson Mandela was sad for not able to thank those African patriots who had fought for independence and sacrificed their lives for it. This pained him that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had brought.

3 . When did Mandela’s hunger for self-turn into a hunger for freedom for all his people?

Ans . Mandela gradually realized that freedom was curtailed for those people who looked like he did, but not for the whites. Consequently, he joined the African National Congress, and that was when his “hunger for freedom” became a “greater hunger.”

4 . Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa?

Ans . 10th May 1994 is important for South Africa because first democratic non-racial government elections were held on this day in the country. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of the country.

5. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?

Ans . The ideal Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech was to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations.

6. What did Nelson Mandela pledge when he was sworn in as President?

Ans . Nelson Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution of his country and devote him to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. There would be freedom and justice for all.

7. What did Nelson Mandela remember on the day of the Inaugural Ceremony?

Ans . He remembered the history — the birth Apartheid, its effect on his people and long fight for freedom. He remembered the freedom fighters that suffered and sacrificed for freedom. He also remembered what freedom meant to him at different stages of life and his hunger for freedom.

Why was the 10th of May, 1994 a red letter day in the history of South Africa?

Ans. 10th of May, 1994 was a red-letter day in the history of South Africa. It was the day when the hated regime of apartheid came to an end. A new democratically elected non-racial government under Nelson Mandela was to be sworn in. Many international leaders and dignities came to pay their respect to the new government.

Where did the ceremonies take place? What had it been for decades?

Ans. The ceremonies of the inauguration of the new government took place at the lovely sandstone amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The same place had remained the seat of white supremacy for decades.

How was that site a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations?

Ans. The end of the apartheid regime was a common victory for peace, justice and human dignity. Leaders and dignitaries of all nations irrespective of their colour, race and religion had gathered there to celebrate that victory. So, the site presented a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.

Who were the persons sworn in on the 10th of May? What did Mandela pledge to obey?

Ans. Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as second Deputy President. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first Deputy President. Then, in the end, Mr Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the President of the Republic of South Africa. He pledged to obey and uphold the constitution and devote himself to the well being of the Republic and its people.

What was born out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster? Why should humanity be proud of it?

Ans. The apartheid regime was an extraordinary human disaster for the blacks of South Africa. The end of the apartheid laid down the foundation of a non-racial democratic regime in South Africa. This government based on human equality and dignity would be an ideal one of which all humanity would be proud.

13. Who was given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on their own soil?

Ans. Those who were outlaws not so long ago were given the rare privilege. They had the privilege of hosting and welcoming nations of the world on their soul. The blacks were no more outlaws now but enjoyed equality and human dignity.

After achieving political emancipation what does Mandela want to do in South Africa?

Ans. South Africa and the blacks have achieved their political emancipation. Mandela pledges to liberate all his people from the bondage of poverty, want, suffering, gender and other discriminations. South Africa will never ever experience the oppression of one by another. He wishes the reign of freedom will never die in South Africa.

What did the display of jets and military salute symbolise?

Ans. There was a spectacular show of South African jets and troop carriers over the Union Buildings. The highest generals of the military and police saluted President Mandela. It was a clear demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a free and fairly elected government.

Why did the same generals salute Mandela who would have arrested him not so many years ago?

Ans. In the apartheid regime, Nelson Mandela was a rebel and was in prison for many years. After the end of the apartheid, he was the head of the non-racial democratically elected government of South Africa. The same generals who would have put him in prison not so long ago were obliged to salute the president of the new Republic of South Africa.

What did the playing of two national anthems symbolise?

Ans. On the historic day of the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of South Africa, two national anthems were played. The whites song `Nkosi Sikelel-i-Africa’ and the black sang ‘Die Stem’. Neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised. They would soon know the words by heart.

Why was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history and what bad thing happened in the first decade of the 10th century?

Ans. Mandela is overwhelmed with a sense of history and remembers when the hated apartheid policy was introduced in South Africa. After the Boer war, the white people of South Africa patched up their differences. They set up a system of racial domination against the black people of their own race.

19. Why was the apartheid regime in South Africa was one of the harshest and most inhuman systems in the world?

Ans. The apartheid regime was based on the racial discrimination and exploitation of blacks in South Africa. The basic or fundamental rights were only for the whites and the blacks were deprived of these freedoms. Oppression, torture and exploitation of the blacks were common features of the apartheid regime.

Why does Nelson Mandela call himself simply the sum of those African patriots who had gone before him?

Ans. Nelson Mandela gratefully acknowledges the sacrifices of thousands of his people who fought against the apartheid regime. Their suffering and courage can never be cemented or repaid. Mandela humbly believes that he was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him.

How did the policy of apartheid create a deep and lasting wound in South African blacks?

Ans. No doubt, the policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and the blacks. It would take many years to recover from that profound hurt. The racial discrimination unleashed a reign of terror, oppression and brutality on the blacks of South Africa.

22. How did the policy of apartheid and deep oppression produce patriots of extraordinary, courage, wisdom and generosity?

Ans. The policy of apartheid unleashed a reign of terror and oppression on the black people but they could not break their resolution and determination. The deep oppression produced patriot of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity. It produced thousands of Tambos, Sisulus, Sadoos, Fischer’s and Sobukwes of their time.

Q23. What is the greatest wealth of a country according to Nelson Mandela?

Ans. South Africa is rich in the minerals and gems. But minerals and gems are not the greatest wealth of a nation. Mandela thinks that the greatest and real wealth of a nation is its people. They are finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

24 . How does Mandela define courage and from where did he learn the meaning of courage?

Ans. Nelson Mandela learnt the meaning of courage from great patriots and comrades in the struggle. They risked their lives and stood up to attacks and tortures of the apartheid regime. He learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who doesn’t feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

How can people be taught to love? Which comes naturally to human heart — love or hate?

Ans. No one is born hating another person because of his colour or race. People are taught to hate. And if they learn to hate, they can be taught to love. Love comes more naturally to the human heart than hatred.

26. What are the twin obligations every man has in life?

Ans. Mandela thinks that every man has twin obligations in life. The first is his obligation to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. The second duty is his duty to his people, his community and his country. Each man has to fulfil these two obligations according to his position and abilities.

27. Why was it impossible for a man of Mandela’s birth and colour to fulfil the twin obligations?

Ans. In South Africa, no black could fulfil the twin obligations. If a black who tried to live as a human being was punished and isolated. A person who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was separated from his family and was forced to live in secrecy and rebellion.

28. Was Mandela born with a hunger to be free? What did freedom mean to him in childhood?

Ans. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. In childhood, freedom has a very limited concept. He felt that he was free to run in the fields, free to swim in the stream near his village and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as he obeyed his father and the customs of his life, he was a free man.

What were the transitory freedoms that Nelson Mandela yearned for as a young man? Why did he feel that his boyhood freedom was an illusion?

Ans. Nelson Mandela felt that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. His freedom had already been taken from him. Then he began to hunger for it. At first, he wished the transitory freedoms of staying out. Later on, he yearned for basic needs of earning, marrying and having a family.

When and how did Mandela’s hunger for his own freedom become the greater hunger for the freedom of his people?

Ans. Mandela realised that not only was he not free, but his people were not free. When he joined the African National Congress, then his hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.

What, according to Mandela, is ‘true freedom’?

Ans. When Mandela was a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and to swim in the streams. As a young man, he wanted basic and honourable freedoms, e.g. to earn his living, too many and to have a family. According to Mandela, true freedom means freedom not to be obstructed in leading a lawful life.

32. What animated Mandela’s life and transformed a frightened young lawyer into a bold criminal?

Ans. It was the desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated his life. It transformed a frightened young man into a bold one. It drove a law-abiding attorney to be a criminal. It turned a family loving husband to live like a monk.

33. Freedom is “indivisible”, said Mandela. How were the chains on anyone were the chains on all of his people?

Ans. Mandela thought that he is not more virtuous than the others. He thought that “freedom is indivisible”. The chains on any one of his people were chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people were the chains on him.

Why did Nelson Mandela feel that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity and hence, both of them must be liberated?

Ans. Nelson Mandela rightly believes that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. He is locked behind the bars of prejudice and hate. A person can never be free if his freedom is taken away. Hence, the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each

Answer the following questions in 100-120 words:

1. Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech used these two words ‘an extraordinary human disaster’ and so ‘glorious a human achievement’. What did he mean by that?

Ans . The extraordinary disaster was the rule of Apartheid in South Africa. This disaster of racial discrimination brought oppression, deprivation, cruelty and suffering for the black people of South Africa. Blacks were not allowed to visit the places reserved for the whites. They led a life of humiliation.

At last on 10 May 1994, after more than three centuries of white rule, Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress Party won the elections. Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa. The coming into power of non-racial government was a glorious human achievement.

2 . What were the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela in achieving freedom for his people?

Ans . In his endeavour to get freedom for his countrymen from the rule of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela had to undergo many hardships and suffered a lot. This great patriot had to sacrifice the comfort of his home and loving family. He was declared an outlaw for demanding equality for all his fellow black Africans. He was punished, isolated and put into jail. He and his comrades were oppressed and tortured beyond tolerance. He suffered hunger, oppression and injustice but kept the flame of independence burning in his heart. His undaunted courage, persistent struggle and unparallel sacrifice bore fruit and South Africa got freedom from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May 1994.

3 . Give the character-sketch of Nelson Mandela.

Ans . Nelson Mandela is a great patriot. He loves his country and countrymen. For him, the greatest wealth of South Africa is her people.

He has a sacrificing nature. He sacrificed his life of comfort, family and home and plunged into the struggle for freedom. He believes in equality for all. He opposed the rule of Apartheid for which he was declared an outlaw. He was oppressed and tortured in jail for several years but he never broke. It shows his traits of tolerance, courage and perseverance.

4. What different concepts of freedom did Mandela have at different stages of his life?

How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

Ans . Mandela had different concepts of freedom at different stages of life. As a boy, he had an illusion about freedom. He thought he was born free. As long he obeyed his elders he had the freedom to run in the fields swim in the stream and ride on the back of bulls.

As a student he cared for transitory freedom — freedom to stay out at night, read the books of his choice and go where he liked.

When he became a young man he yearned for basic and honourable freedoms of achieving his potential, earning his keep, marrying, having a family and living a lawful life.

Slowly his concept of freedom widened especially when he joined the African National Congress. He realized that true freedom is not individual freedom but freedom for all.

The inauguration ceremony symbolised a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity against the most hated apartheid regime based on racial discrimination. Comment.

Ans. The inauguration ceremony of the installation of a democratically elected government in South Africa was of great historical importance. After the Boer war, the white ‘peoples’, patched up their differences. They imposed the domination of the whites through the apartheid based on racial discrimination. The inauguration ceremony attracted worldwide recognition. International leaders and dignitaries from more than 140 countries assembled at the amphitheatre in the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The whole world hailed it as a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity. The grand struggle of the black patriots against the most hated regime of apartheid succeeded. There was a spectacular display of jets and the salute by the bedecked generals with ribbons to President Mandela. It showed the military’s loyalty to democracy. The playing of the two national anthems symbolised a new regime based on equality irrespective of race and colour.

Why was Nelson Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history? Give the birth and finally the burial of the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Ans. On the day of the inauguration of the Republic, Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history. It was quite natural for a man who taught against the hated regime for decades. After the Boer war, the white groups patched up their differences. They imposed the domination of the whites over the majority population of South Africa. The birth of the apartheid was the birth of one of the harshest and inhumane regimes in the world. It was based on racial discrimination and oppression. Deep oppression and atrocities produced thousands of black patriots who were ready to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their fellow men. The determined struggle of these black heroes ended in their victory. A democratically elected government headed by President Nelson Mandela was installed on the 10th of May, 1994.

7. The apartheid regime, the whites created in South Africa, was one of the harshest and most inhumane societies the world has ever known. Elucidate.

Ans. The apartheid regime symbolised oppression, exploitation and an extraordinary human disaster. The white regime was based on racial discrimination. The blacks in South Africa were deprived of their rights, equality and human dignity. After the Boer war, the white groups in South Africa patched up their differences. They imposed a system of racial discrimination against the black people of their own land. It was one of the harshest and most inhumane regimes the world has ever known. The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa and its people. Thousands of black patriots sacrificed their lives fighting for the rights and freedom of their people. Thousands of Tambos, Sisulus, Dads, Fishers and Sobukwes suffered deep oppression and tortures but never gave up their cause. Ultimately, their struggles and sacrifices led the blacks to victory under Nelson Mandela. Their victory was a common victory of humanity, for peace, for justice and for human dignity.

Which twin obligations does Nelson Mandela mention in the lesson? Why were he and the rest of blacks able to fulfil those obligations?

Ans. Nelson Mandela that every man has twin obligations in life. The first obligation of a man is to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children. He has another obligation also. He has an obligation to his people, his community and his country. Every man is to do his duty according to his situation and strength. But in South Africa, it was impossible for a man like Mandela or other blacks to fulfil those obligations. If a man tried to live as a human being, he was punished and isolated. If any person in South Africa tried to do his duty to his people, he was forcefully separated from his family and his home. He was forced to lead a life of secrecy and rebellion. Nelson Mandela placed his people above his family. In attempting to serve his people, he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.

How was Mandela’s concept of freedom was different in boyhood and youth than what it was in his mature age? How were ‘transitory freedoms’ changed into his hunger for the freedom of his people?

Ans. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. In his boyhood, he felt free until he obeyed his father and tribe. The concept of freedom was limited only to run in fields, swim in the local stream and ride on the slow-moving bulls. When he was a youth, he realised that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. His freedom had already taken away from him. He yearned to enjoy ‘transitory freedoms’ like staying out at night, reading and going anywhere as he pleased. When he joined the African National Congress, only then his own freedom became the greater hunger for his people. He desired that his people should live their lives with dignity and self-respect. This hunger for freedom forced him to be a rebel and live in secrecy away from his family.

Why does Mandela say that freedom is indivisible? How are the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity?

Ans. Nelson Mandela believes that freedom is indivisible. His hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. He couldn’t live his life with dignity and self-respect if his own people were bound in chains. The chains on any one of his people were the chains on all of them. The chains on all of his people were the chains on him. Mandela realised that the oppressor must be liberated as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred, prejudice and narrow mindedness. He is not truly free if he is taking away someone else’s freedom. Surely, he is not free when his freedom is taken away from him. Thus the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

Describe the contribution of Nelson Mandela in the struggle for independence of the blacks of his country against the hated apartheid regime.

Draw a character-sketch of Nelson Mandela highlighting his struggle against the apartheid regime for the human rights of his people.

Ans. Nelson Mandela was the tallest of all the black heroes who waged a relentless fight against the racial-regime in South Africa. He suffered untold sufferings and tortures in prison but led the country to install the first democratically elected government in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was not born with a hunger to be free. Later on, he realised that his boyhood freedom was an illusion. He also realised his concept of freedom in his youth was also ‘transitory’ and was limited to his personal freedom. Only when he joined the African National Congress, his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people. Only then, a frightened young lawyer was transformed into a bold `criminal’. A family-loving husband was forced to lead the life of a monk in secrecy. Nelson Mandela is grateful in acknowledging the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of black heroes for the freedom of their people. Modestly, he realises that freedom is indivisible. He realised that he could not lead a free and honourable life if his people were in chains.

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CBSE Guidance

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom: Class 10 Q&A

If you're studying Class 10 English (Language & Literature) First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom for your class 10 exam, you'll want to be prepared with important questions and answers. From Mandela's early life to his political activism and imprisonment, these questions will help you ace your test with ease.

nelson mandela class 10 questions and answers

"If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 Important Questions and Answers

Q. No. 1) Mandela refers to liberty as “newborn” because it

a. was dependent on others for growth and guidance.

b. had recently been attained with lots of struggle.

c. made people experience infant-like excitement.

d. arrived unexpectedly for everyone.

Ans. Option (b)

Q. No. 2) “We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.”

(Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

i. The guests at the spectacular ceremony are called distinguished because they

a. they have been invited as guests to attend it.

b. they are eminent world leaders witnessing it.

c. they are visiting the country for this purpose.

d. they have resumed diplomatic relations with the country.

ii. It is a victory for ‘human dignity’. Pick the option that lists the correct answer for what ‘human dignity’ would include.

a. i) equality ii) liberty iii) indecency

b. i) liberty ii) indecency iii) self-respect

c. i) immorality ii) self-respect iii) equality

d. i) equality ii) liberty iii) self-respect

Ans. Option (d)

iii. Why does the speaker say that it is a ‘rare privilege’?

He says this as they have

a. been deprived of this honor.

b. seldom been given this honor.

c. experienced it for the first time.

d. been chosen over other countries, for this honor.

Ans. Option (c)

iv. How do you think the speaker feels? Choose the option that best fits his state of mind.

Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom class 10 important questions and answers

a. i) emotional ii) elated iii) unmindful

b. i) elated ii) unmindful iii) overwhelmed

c. i) overwhelmed ii) elated iii) honored

d. i) elated ii) honored iii) unmindful

v. Pick the option that showcases the usage of ‘host’ as in the extract.

a. He was praised for his hospitality as the host of the party.

b. She was able to host the event without any hindrance.

c. She met the host and apologized for her friend’s misbehavior.

d. He is the best host that one can ever come across.

Q. No. 3) But the decades of oppression and brutality had another unintended effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our times — men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom, and generosity that their like may never be known again. Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds. It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea.

i. What was the unintended effect of the long oppression? Choose the correct option.

a. It made the people indifferent to injustice.

b. It made the people reject oppression.

c. It influenced a generation to fight against injustice.

d. It made people accept their oppression.

ii. Men of such extraordinary courage refers to the people who………………..

a. liberated and abolished the Apartheid system.

b. used their resources to spread awareness.

c. fought for their country’s freedom.

d. demonstrated utmost strength to oppose the system.

iii. Nelson Mandela compares _____ to diamonds.

a. his countrymen

b. patriots

c. wise men

d. the oppressed

Ans. Option (a)

iv. When Nelson Mandela says, “I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea.”, he means that they are _____.

a. stubborn.

b. committed.

c. intelligent.

v. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following:

depths : heights : : compassion : _____.

b. oppression

c. struggle

Q. No. 4) “It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honorable freedoms...”

i. The title that best suits this extract is

a. Freedom for everything

b. Knowledge about Freedom

c. Significance of Freedom

d. Realisation of Freedom

ii. Why do you think the speaker mentions some freedoms as ‘transitory’?

a. The freedoms are momentary and keep changing with time.

b. The definition of freedom is constant but perspectives differ.

c. Freedom means different things to different people.

d. Freedom is not that important after a certain age.

iii. Choose the option that best fits the usage of the word ‘illusion’ as used in the extract.

a. He was never able to get past the illusion.

b. The illusion I experienced was quite intriguing.

c. A large mirror in the room creates an illusion.

d. I was living under the illusion that this is possible.

iv. The speaker says, 'at first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself.’ Why do you think he only thought about himself?

a. He didn’t want to think about the freedom denied to others.

b. He was being selfish and was only bothered about himself.

c. He didn’t think that freedom denied to him was important for others.

d. He was too young to realize that freedom was denied to others as well.

v. A part of the extract has been paraphrased. Choose the option that includes the most appropriate solution to the blanks in the given paraphrase of the extract.

The speaker’s belief about freedom, since childhood proved false. It was not until the speaker grew up to be a young man when it (i) __________________ on him that he was (ii) ________________ of freedom. Then he began (iii) __________________ it.

a. i) desired ii) dawned iii) depriving

b. i) dawned ii) deprived iii) desiring

c. i) dawned ii) arrived iii) desiring

d. i) arrived ii) deprived iii) dawned

Q. No. 5) Which of these lines from 'A Long Walk to Freedom' hints at the end of apartheid in South Africa?

a. I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free — free in every way that I could know.

b. ...I yearned for the basic and honorable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning my keep,...

c. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised, they would soon know the words by heart.

d. ...the white-skinned peoples of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples...

Q. No. 6) Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?

Ans. The ceremonies took place in the sandstone amphitheater formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Some of the public buildings made of sandstone in India are:

Red Fort, Delhi
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan

Q. No. 7) Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

Ans. A large number of international leaders attended Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the first black President of South Africa because it was a historic moment not only for South Africa but also for the world. It signified the triumph of the anti-apartheid movement and the victory of democracy over oppression and racism.

Mandela's struggle for freedom and equality had become a global symbol of hope and inspiration. The presence of so many international leaders at his inauguration demonstrated the support and solidarity of the international community for Mandela's cause and the new South Africa.

The inauguration was a significant moment in world history, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy in South Africa. It was a triumph not only for Mandela and his supporters but for all those who had fought for justice and equality around the world.

Q. No. 8) Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

Ans. May 10th is considered an 'autumn day' in South Africa because the country is located in the Southern Hemisphere where the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. While countries in the Northern Hemisphere experience spring in May, South Africa experiences autumn during the same time.

Q. No. 9) At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “ an extraordinary human disaster ”. What does he mean by this? What is the “ glorious human achievement ” he speaks of at the end?

Ans. In his inauguration speech, Nelson Mandela mentions "an extraordinary human disaster" to refer to the apartheid system in South Africa, which had resulted in decades of racial oppression, discrimination, and violence. The system had caused immense suffering, pain, and injustice to millions of people, particularly black South Africans.

Towards the end of his speech, Mandela refers to a "glorious human achievement" to celebrate the end of apartheid and the triumph of democracy in South Africa. He speaks of the power of unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation in bringing about a new era of hope, peace, and prosperity in the country.

The "glorious human achievement" he refers to is the successful transition from apartheid to democracy, the creation of a new constitution, and the establishment of a government that represents all South Africans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion.

Q. No. 10) What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?

Ans. In his inauguration speech, Nelson Mandela sets out several ideals for the future of South Africa. These ideals are based on the principles of democracy, equality, justice, and reconciliation. Some of the key ideals he mentions are:

Unity: Mandela emphasizes the need for all South Africans to come together and work towards a common goal of building a prosperous and democratic society. He calls for an end to divisions based on race, ethnicity, or religion.
Equality: Mandela stresses the importance of equality for all South Africans, regardless of their race, gender, or social status. He recognizes that apartheid had denied black South Africans their rights and freedoms and promises to create a society where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Justice: Mandela stresses the need for justice for all South Africans, particularly those who had suffered under apartheid. He calls for the establishment of a legal system that is fair and impartial and promises to promote human rights and dignity.
Reconciliation: Mandela emphasizes the need for reconciliation and forgiveness to heal the wounds of the past. He calls on South Africans to embrace each other as fellow citizens and to work towards building a future where all can live together in peace and harmony.

Q. No. 11) Why were two national anthems sung?

Ans. Two national anthems were sung during Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the first black President of South Africa because it was a symbolic gesture to signify the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy.

By singing both national anthems at Mandela's inauguration, it was meant to symbolize the unity and reconciliation of all South Africans, regardless of their race or background. It was a powerful gesture of inclusion and recognition of the diverse cultures and traditions that make up the country.

Q. No. 12) How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

Ans. Nelson Mandela describes the systems of government in South Africa in the first and final decades of the twentieth century as follows:

(i) In the first decade of the twentieth century, South Africa was under the colonial rule of the British Empire, which had established a system of white minority rule. The white minority government implemented policies that discriminated against the black majority population. This system of government was based on racial segregation and discrimination, known as apartheid.

(ii) In the final decade of the twentieth century, South Africa had undergone a significant transformation, from a racially segregated and oppressive system of government to a democratic and inclusive one. In 1994, after years of struggle and negotiations, the country held its first democratic elections, and Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black President of South Africa. The new government was based on the principles of democracy, equality, justice, and reconciliation, and aimed to promote the well-being and dignity of all South Africans, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Q. No. 13) What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

Ans. When Nelson Mandela says he is "simply the sum of all those African patriots" who had gone before him, he means that his life and achievements are the results of the struggles and sacrifices made by generations of African leaders and activists who fought against colonialism, racism, and oppression.

Mandela recognizes that his success and his position as the first black President of South Africa were not achieved solely by his own efforts, but were the culmination of a long and difficult struggle that involved many people before him. He acknowledges the contributions of countless African patriots, including those who fought against colonialism and apartheid, those who endured imprisonment, torture, and persecution, and those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and justice.

Q. No. 14) Mandela says that his country’s greatest wealth is its people and not the purest diamonds. Justify his statement.

Ans. Nelson Mandela's statement that his country's greatest wealth is its people and not the purest diamonds highlights the importance of human capital and the potential of a diverse and talented population.

Diamonds and other natural resources are certainly valuable, but they are finite and do not possess the capacity for growth and innovation that human beings do. On the other hand, investing in education, health care, and other forms of human development can have far-reaching benefits, not just for individuals, but for the entire society.

By recognizing the value of human capital, Mandela is highlighting the importance of investing in people and creating an environment that nurtures their talents and potential. This can lead to greater innovation, productivity, and economic growth, as well as a more equitable and just society.

Q. No. 15) Who, according to Nelson Mandela, is a courageous man?

A courageous man is not someone who doesn’t experience fear.
He is someone who doesn’t give in to it.
He is one who wins over fear.

Q. No. 16) Mandela feels that courage is triumph over fear. How would you define courage in this context?

Ans. In the context of Nelson Mandela's view that courage is triumph over fear, courage can be defined as the ability to confront and overcome fear, uncertainty, and adversity in pursuit of a greater goal.

For Mandela, courage was not the absence of fear, but rather the willingness to face and overcome fear in the pursuit of justice and freedom. Courage involves a willingness to confront and challenge oppressive systems and structures, even when doing so may result in personal harm or sacrifice.

Q. No. 17) Explain the given statement with reference to Nelson Mandela's dreams.

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

Ans. The statement "A winner is a dreamer who never gives up" refers to the idea that those who achieve great things are often driven by a powerful vision or dream and that they are willing to persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks in order to make that dream a reality. This is a sentiment that is closely aligned with Nelson Mandela's life and work.

Mandela was a visionary leader who dreamed of a South Africa that was free, democratic, and equitable. Despite facing immense challenges, including imprisonment and persecution, he never gave up on his dream. Instead, he continued to fight for what he believed in, even when it seemed impossible.

Q. No. 18) Nelson Mandela speaks of ‘Twin Obligations’. Elucidate.

Ans. One towards society, one towards the family.

Q. No. 19) Based on your reading of the lesson, what can you infer about Mandela as a father and as a leader?

Ans. Based on the reading of the lesson, it can be inferred that Mandela was a devoted father and a visionary leader who was deeply committed to his family and to the struggle for justice and equality.

As a father, Mandela was affectionate and loving towards his children, even as he spent long periods of time away from them due to his political activities. As a leader, Mandela was a unifying force who was able to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in the fight against apartheid. He was a man of great conviction and principle, who was willing to sacrifice his own freedom for the greater good of his people.

Q. No. 20) If you were in Mandela’s position, would you have given preference to your family or your country? Why?

Ans. Being a leader of a country is a very challenging role, which requires balancing different priorities and responsibilities. It is difficult to say whether one should prioritize their family or their country, as both are important in their own way.

In Mandela's case, he was faced with a difficult choice between his family and his country. He was committed to fighting against apartheid and working towards a more just and equitable society, but this often meant sacrificing time with his family and even risking his own safety.

If I were in Mandela's position, I would likely prioritize the greater good of the country over the needs of my own family. This is because I would feel a deep sense of responsibility towards my fellow citizens, and would believe that the work I was doing was more important than any personal considerations.

Q. No. 21) What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honorable freedoms”?

How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

Ans. As a boy, Mandela saw freedom as the ability to move about without fear of being harassed or detained by the police. He grew up in a society where black people were routinely subjected to violence and discrimination, and being able to move about freely was a rare and precious thing.

As a student, Mandela saw freedom in broader terms, as the ability to pursue his education and achieve his dreams without hindrance. He saw education as a pathway to greater freedom, both for himself and for his community.

In contrast, for Mandela, true freedom was not simply a matter of being able to move about or pursue one's education but was instead a fundamental right that should be enjoyed by all people, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. He saw the struggle for freedom as a long and difficult journey, but one that was ultimately worthwhile, as it would lead to a more just and equitable society for all.

Q. No. 22) Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Ans. Yes, I would agree that the "depths of oppression" can create "heights of character." Nelson Mandela's life story is a powerful example of this. Mandela endured decades of imprisonment, harassment, and discrimination at the hands of the apartheid government in South Africa. Despite this, he remained committed to his principles of justice, equality, and freedom for all people.

Mandela's experiences in prison were particularly transformative, as he was forced to confront his own fears and weaknesses and find the inner strength to continue fighting for what he believed in. Through his suffering, he developed a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others and became a powerful advocate for reconciliation and forgiveness.

There are many other examples throughout history of individuals who have faced great oppression and emerged with remarkable strength of character. For example, Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's independence movement, endured years of imprisonment and persecution at the hands of the British colonial authorities. Through his suffering, he developed a deep commitment to nonviolent resistance and social justice and inspired millions of people around the world to stand up for their rights and fight against oppression.

Q. No. 23) Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

Ans. Mandela suggests that the oppressor is not truly free. Mandela argues that the oppressor's freedom is limited by their own fear and hatred. By seeing others as inferior and unworthy of equality, the oppressor is denying themselves the chance to live in a society that is truly free and open.

Q. No. 24) Create a questionnaire of the two most important questions that you would have liked to ask Nelson Mandela during an interview. Give your reasons for choosing those questions.

Ans. Questionnaire for Nelson Mandela:

What was the most difficult decision you had to make during your struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa, and how did you overcome the challenges associated with that decision?

I chose this question because I believe it would provide valuable insights into Mandela's leadership style and decision-making process. By understanding how he approached these challenges, we can gain a better understanding of his leadership philosophy and how he was able to achieve such remarkable success.

How do you see the future of South Africa, and what steps do you believe are necessary to ensure continued progress and development in the country?

I chose this question because I believe it would be valuable to hear Mandela's perspective on the future of South Africa, particularly given his role in shaping the country's transition to democracy.

Q. No. 25) You recently read a blog by your teen friend, on ‘Freedom-My Perception’. You feel that your perception of freedom has seen a transformation after having read The Long Walk to Freedom.

Complete the dialogue in 120 words, with your friend, explaining your new understanding of freedom. You may begin like this:

Friend: I think the freedom to watch T.V. for extended hours or choose the kind of programs I’d like to view is important.

You: …………………………………

Friend: Hmmm. I still feel that the restrictions are not required. I want my freedom. I’m human too, am I not?

You: ………………………………….

Ans. Friend: I think the freedom to watch T.V. for extended hours or choose the kind of programs I’d like to view is important.

You: I used to think that too, but after reading The Long Walk to Freedom, my perception of freedom has changed. I now believe that freedom is not just about being able to do what we want, but also about taking responsibility for our actions and understanding the impact they have on others.

Friend: What do you mean?

You: Well, for example, Nelson Mandela fought for the freedom of his people from apartheid in South Africa. But he didn't just fight for their freedom to do whatever they wanted. He fought for their freedom to live with dignity and respect, and to be treated equally.

You: Of course, you are. But with freedom comes responsibility. We need to be responsible for our actions and understand that they can impact others around us. Sometimes, restrictions are put in place for our own safety or for the greater good of society. As long as we are mindful of our actions and their impact on others, we can still enjoy our freedom while also respecting the freedom of others.

Q. No. 26) After having read the lesson on the oppression that communities faced in South Africa, you were deeply hurt. You could also relate to the struggles and hardships of millions of Indians who fought against the oppressive British rule.

Write a diary entry expressing your feelings about the oppression faced by people in their homeland.

You may begin like this:

24 August 20XX, Monday 9:00 pm

My heart is filled with sadness as I think of the oppressed who had to tolerate the inhuman attitude of the oppressors in their own land. …………………………

Ans. 24 August 20XX, Monday 9:00 pm My heart is filled with sadness as I think of the oppressed who had to tolerate the inhuman attitude of the oppressors in their own land. Reading about the struggles and hardships that the South African people had to endure under apartheid made me deeply hurt and affected me on a personal level. I couldn't help but think of the countless Indians who faced a similar plight during the oppressive British rule.

It's heartbreaking to imagine how people were denied even basic human rights and had to fight just for their right to live with dignity. The stories of discrimination, violence, and segregation are disturbing and make me wonder how can one human be so cruel to another.

But, at the same time, the stories of resilience, courage, and determination of these people have left an indelible impression on my mind. Nelson Mandela's unwavering spirit and his never-ending struggle for the freedom of his people are truly inspiring.

It makes me think that oppression is not just a thing of the past. Even today, people around the world are struggling for their rights and freedom. We need to be aware of these issues and do our part to support them in their fight against oppression. As Mandela said, "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

I hope that one day, all people will be able to live freely and with dignity in their own land, without the fear of oppression and discrimination.

Q. No. 27) You have been chosen to address a student gathering from the neighborhood schools, to speak on the resilience of the human spirit required to transcend discrimination. Prepare the speech draft in not more than 120 words, with reference to the commonality of themes in Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and The Trees by Adrienne Rich.

You may begin this way:

Good morning, everyone. Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into the resilience of the human spirit required to transcend discrimination.

You may end this way:

To conclude, I’d like to say that ...

Ans. Good morning, everyone. Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into the resilience of the human spirit required to transcend discrimination. Both works share some common themes.

(Theme 1: Transcending Discrimination)

Both Mandela's excerpt and Rich's poem address the issue of discrimination. Mandela speaks of how his own experiences of discrimination made him more determined to fight against it. He emphasizes the need to move beyond the divides created by race, gender, and class. Similarly, Rich's poem acknowledges the discrimination faced by trees, which are often overlooked and undervalued. She argues that these trees deserve to be recognized and appreciated, just as all living beings should be. [ The metaphorical perspective for The Trees - the emergence of women against discrimination. Rich compares the growth of trees to the growth of women who were once suppressed and marginalized by society. Just as trees grow from the earth and reach for the sky, women too are rooted in their past but strive towards a better future, breaking free from the chains of oppression and discrimination.]

(Theme 2: The Efforts Involved in Achieving Equality)

Both pieces of literature also highlight the hard work and sacrifices required to achieve equality. Mandela describes his long and difficult journey toward freedom, including his time spent in prison. He emphasizes that true freedom is not just about breaking physical chains but also breaking mental ones. Rich's poem speaks of the efforts required to protect trees and nature, highlighting the importance of activism and advocacy. [ The metaphorical perspective for The Trees - Despite being cut down and uprooted by the patriarchy, women continue to grow and flourish, resisting oppression and striving towards equality. The trees symbolize the tenacity and determination of women to rise above their circumstances and claim their rightful place in society.]

(Theme 3: Resilience of the Human Spirit)

Despite the challenges faced, both Mandela's excerpt and Rich's poem showcase the resilience of the human spirit. Mandela's perseverance and unwavering determination to fight against discrimination, even in the face of great adversity, inspire us to do the same. Rich's poem also speaks to the resilience of nature, which continues to thrive even in the face of human neglect and disregard. [ The metaphorical perspective for The Trees - The poem celebrates the strength and tenacity of women and highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Through the symbol of the trees, Rich suggests that Content 3 Expression 2 Accuracy 1 13 of 14 just as nature can regenerate and thrive, so too can women emerge stronger and more resilient from discrimination and oppression.]

Conclusion:

To conclude, I’d like to say that the common themes of transcending discrimination and the efforts involved in achieving equality are prevalent in both these pieces of literature and remind us of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even when faced with obstacles. By acknowledging and valuing all forms of life and working towards a more just and equal world, we can continue to build a better future for ourselves and for future generations.

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Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 MCQ Questions with Answers English Chapter 2

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MCQ Questions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom with Answers

Question 1. What is the dream of Nelson Mandela for the future of South Africa? (a) Free from all selfishness (b) Free from all love and emotions (c) Free from poverty and discrimination (d) None of the Above

Answer: (c) Free from poverty and discrimination

Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Questions with Answers

Question 2. What has the Nelson Mandela achieved? (a) Political emancipation (b) Political love (c) Political goodness (d) None of the Above

Answer: (a) Political emancipation

Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Questions with Answers In English

Question 3. Why is it easy to learn to love? (a) Because it comes naturally (b) Because they are less in number (c) Because you have will to do this. (d) None of the Above

Answer: (a) Because it comes naturally

Question 4. In the article, who have the people been compared to? (a) Utensils (b) Minerals and Gems (c) Technology (d) None of the Above

Answer: (b) Its people

Question 5. What created a lasting wound in Nelson’s country? (a) The policy of fighting (b) The policy of economic backwardness (c) The policy of apartheid (d) None of the Above

Answer: (c) The policy of apartheid

Question 6. How did Mandela’s hunger for freedom change his life? (a) turned from frightened to bold (b) turned from law-abiding attorney to a criminal (c) turned a life-loving man to live like a monk (d) all of the above

Answer: (d) all of the above

Question 7. A man who takes away another man’s freedom is _____ (a) White (b) a prisoner of hatred (c) criminal (d) rude

Answer: (b) a prisoner of hatred

Question 8. What began Mandela’s hunger for freedom? (a) the fact that it had already been taken away from him (b) his obligation towards people (c) his obligation towards family (d) he was born to fight

Answer: (a) the fact that it had already been taken away from him

Question 9. What comes more naturally to heart according to Mandela? (a) hatred (b) unity (c) love (d) racial discrimination

Answer: (c) love

Question 10. What are a man’s obligations in life? (a) Obligation to people (b) Obligation to family (c) Obligation to God (d) Both 1 and 2

Answer: (d) Both 1 and 2

Question 11. According to Mandela, what is the greatest wealth of a nation? (a) minerals (b) gems (c) diamonds (d) people

Answer: (d) people

Question 12. Whom did Mandela wanted to thank but couldn’t? (a) his family (b) white rulers (c) African patriots who no longer existed (d) Military

Answer: (c) African patriots who no longer existed

Question 13. What colours does the new South African flag possess? (a) black, red, green, blue and gold (b) black, red, yellow, blue and gold (c) orange, black, yellow, blue and silver (d) black, blue, violet, saffron and green

Answer: (a) black, red, green, blue and gold

Question 14. “We have achieved our political emancipation.” What is the meaning of emancipation? (a) freedom from restriction (b) enslavement (c) slavery (d) both 2 and 3

Answer: (a) freedom from restriction

Question 15. “We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for ____.” (a) justice (b) peace (c) human dignity (d) all of the above

Question 16. Why did other countries broke off diplomatic relations wih South Africa? (a) White rulers (b) Other countries are racial (c) It is a poor country (d) Apartheid policy

Answer: (d) Apartheid policy

Question 17. It was a celebration of South Africa’s first ______ government. (a) autocratic, racial (b) democratic, non-racial (c) democratic, racial (d) monarch, non-racial

Answer: (b) democratic, non-racial

We hope the given NCERT MCQ Questions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom with Answers Pdf free download will definitely yield fruitful results. If you have any queries related to CBSE Class 10 English Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom MCQs Multiple Choice Questions with Answers, drop your questions below and will get back to you in no time.

Class 10 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - First Flight

Q.1. What unintended effect was produced by decades of oppression? Ans . The decades of oppression made him a strong person. He set out the goal to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering and other discrimination. He decided to have freedom and justice for all. Q.2 . What pained Nelson Mandela in becoming the President of South Africa? Ans . Nelson Mandela was sad for not being able to thank those African patriots who had fought for independence and sacrificed their lives for it. This pained him that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had brought. Q . 3 . When did Mandela’s hunger for self turn into a hunger for freedom for all his people? Ans . Mandela gradually realized that freedom was curtailed for those people who looked like he did, but not for the whites. Consequently, he joined the African National Congress, and that was when his “hunger for freedom” became a “greater hunger.” Q . 4 . Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa? Ans . 10th May 1994 is important for South Africa because the first democratic non-racial government elections were held on this day in the country. Nelson Mandela became the first black president of the country. Q . 5. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech? Ans . The ideal Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech was to liberate the people of South Africa from continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. Q . 6. What did Nelson Mandela pledge when he was sworn in as President? Ans . Nelson Mandela pledged to uphold the Constitution of his country and devote himself to liberating his people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. There would be freedom and justice for all.

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Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers Class
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers Short Answer Type. Question 1. When did Nelson Mandela become the President? Answer: Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa on 10 May 1994. ... Answer: Nelson Mandela had to fight against the inhumane government in South Africa. He fought against the policy of aparthied.
Nelson Mandela
Answer: Nelson Mandela was arrested and jailed because he was accused of treason by the South African government. In 1944 he joined the African National Congress (ANC), which challenged the South African ruling party's apartheid policies. He went on trial for treason in 1956-1961 and was acquitted in 1961. Mandela formed the military wing of ...
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How many years did Nelson Mandela spend in prison. Answer: Nelson Mandela Spent twenty seven years in prison. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Extra Questions and Answers Short Answer Type. Question 1. Where did the oath-taking ceremony take place? Answer: The oath-taking ceremony took place in Union Buildings of Pretoria. Question 2.
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They are short type questions answers, long type question answers and extract based questions. Learning these questions will help you to score excellent marks in the board exams. Table of Contents ... Long Answer Type Questions. 1. Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech used these two words 'an extraordinary human disaster' and so ...
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Question 5. What ideals does Nelson Mandela set for the future of South Africa? Answer: Nelson Mandela set the ideals of liberating people from bondage of poverty, deprivation and suffering. He also set the ideal for a society where there would be no discrimination based on gender or racial origins. Page 21. Question 1. What did the military ...
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Question 21. Describe Mandela's life journey from a prisoner to the first black President of south Africa. Answer: Nelson Mandela did a life-long struggle against the racial discrimination in South Africa. He had to pass many years of his life as a prisoner in the jail.
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Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks each] Question 1. What promise does Mandela make in the beginning of opening of his oath-taking speech? ... Answer: Nelson Mandela refers to the apartheid policy of the white race against the black people as "an extraordinary human disaster". White people snatched freedom from the coloured people of ...
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Ans. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2020] Detailed Answer: According to Nelson Mandela, a Courageous man is one who doesn't experience fear. Instead, he triumphs over it and doesn't give in to fear. Q. Mandela feels that courage is triumph over fear.
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Question 1. Summarise the chapter 'Nelson Mandela -Long walk to Freedom. Answer. The chapter was taken from Nelson Mandela's autobiography 'Long Walk to Freedom. Nelson Mandela spoke about a historic occasion, 'the inauguration' after becoming the first Black President of South Africa.
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Short Answer Type Questions (30-40 words & 2 marks each) Question 1. What did 'being free' men to Mandela as a boy and as a student ? ... Answer: Nelson Mandela described the scene of inauguration jubilantly. It took place on the bright and clear day, the 10th of May in Sandstone amphitheatre. Many world leaders and great personalities were ...
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Answer. (a) It is easy to learn to love because love comes most naturally to the human heart. (b) Mandela and his friends had the most unpleasant time in prison when they were pushed to their limits. (c) Mandela's opinion about the man's goodness is that it can be hidden but not extinguished. (d) It is 'grimmest'.
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His undaunted courage, persistent struggle and unparalleled sacrifice, bore fruit and South Africa got freedom from the rule of Apartheid on 10 May 1994. Questions 3: Give the character sketch of Nelson Mandela. Answer: Nelson Mandela was a great patriot. He loved his country and countrymen.
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Answer: Before Nelson Mandela became the President, South Africa was in the grips of apartheid and was thus declared an outlaw by other nations. When Mandela became the President, he abolished apartheid and thus diplomatic relations were rebuilt with many countries. The inauguration of a new, non-racial government was a historic moment in South African as well as world history.
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Extract Based / comprehension test Questions and Answers of Nelson Mandela. 1. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force but a demonstration of the military's loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected.
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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The Nobel Peace Prize 1993. Born: 18 July 1918, Mvezo, South Africa. Died: 5 December 2013, Johannesburg, South Africa. Residence at the time of the award: South Africa. Prize motivation: "for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South ...
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom: Class 10 Q&A
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 Important Questions and Answers. Q. No. 1) Mandela refers to liberty as "newborn" because it. a. was dependent on others for growth and guidance. b. had recently been attained with lots of struggle. c. made people experience infant-like excitement.
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Nelson Mandela is known for several things, but perhaps he is best known for successfully leading the resistance to South Africa's policy of apartheid in the 20th century, during which he was infamously incarcerated at Robben Island Prison (1964-82). He won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993, along with South Africa's president at the time, F.W. de Klerk, for having led the transition ...
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Questions and answers on Nelson Mandela. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His father was Hendry Mphakanyiswa of the Tembu Tribe. Mandela himself was educated at University College of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand where he studied law. He joined the African National Congress in 1944 ...
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