CBSE Class 10 English Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Assignment Set 02

Short Answer Type Question

Question. Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech says, “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.” What is the significance of this statement with reference to the political system that prevailed before this ?
Answer: The importance of Mandela’s words is in showing the major change from the apartheid system of structured racial separation and bias in South Africa to democratic rule. This transition enabled those who were formerly sidelined and outlawed to now greet international countries as peers on their own territory, representing a key triumph for human rights and fairness.
In simple words: Mandela is celebrating that South Africa has ended racial separation. They are now welcoming world leaders to their land as equals, whereas they were previously ignored.

Exam Tip: When discussing the "outlaws" statement, make sure to mention the transition from the discriminatory apartheid system to a democratic system.

Question. State two ways in which the oppressor and the oppressed are similar, according to Mandela.
Answer: As stated by Mandela, both the oppressor and the oppressed are deprived of their basic humanity. He believes that if someone steals another individual’s liberty, they end up becoming a captive of hatred. They get chained and limited by their personal narrow-mindedness and deeds. While the victims lose their human dignity due to how they are treated, the tyrants also lose their dignity as a result of their own behavior.
In simple words: Both the person who hurts others and the person being hurt lose their humanity. The one who steals freedom becomes locked up by his own hatred and biases.

Exam Tip: Clearly state that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of humanity, as one is a victim and the other is a prisoner of hatred.

Question. Based on your reading of the lesson, what can you infer about Mandela as a father and as a leader?
Answer: Mandela was an affectionate parent in addition to being an outstanding guide. However, to liberate his nation from racial bias, he valued his duties as a leader more and spent twenty-seven years in prison away from his household.
In simple words: Mandela loved his family, but he chose to fight for his country's freedom first. This choice forced him to spend many years in prison away from his kids.

Exam Tip: Highlight the conflict Mandela faced between his personal family duties and his public obligation to his nation.

Question. Mandela feels that courage is triumph over fear. How would you define courage in this context?
Answer: In my opinion, bravery must be awakened from inside. A person can defeat fear by confronting it without worrying about the results. The readiness to face danger is what defines bravery.
In simple words: True bravery is not about never feeling scared. It is about facing your fears directly and overcoming them.

Exam Tip: Define courage not as the lack of fear, but as the ability to overcome and master it.

Question. If you were in Mandela’s position, would you have given preference to your family or your country? Why?
Answer: I would surely have chosen my nation because staying with your household and kin without liberty feels meaningless compared to battling and working for my land and essential freedom.
In simple words: It is better to fight for the freedom of the whole nation. Living with family is not truly peaceful if everyone is still living under oppression.

Exam Tip: Give a clear, well-reasoned choice. Emphasize that national freedom is necessary for true family happiness.

Question. Mandela says that his country’s greatest wealth is its people and not the purest diamonds. Justify his statement.
Answer: Gems and even the finest diamonds have no value if the citizens of a nation are denied basic liberties. Precious stones remain under the earth, but the citizens can elevate a nation through their bravery, knowledge, and kindness.
In simple words: A country's real treasure is its brave and kind citizens, not gold or diamonds. Material wealth is useless if the people are not free and happy.

Exam Tip: Contrast physical gems under the earth with human virtues like bravery and wisdom that build a country.

Question. Create a questionnaire of the two most important questions you would have liked to ask Nelson Mandela during an interview. Give your reasons for choosing those questions.
Answer: I wish to pose the following queries:
First Question: Who supported your household during your confinement?
Reason: I want to understand how the households of freedom fighters manage when they are gone.
Second Question: What main insight did your long years in prison offer you?
Reason: I am eager to learn what wisdom he gained while locked away.
In simple words: These questions focus on how his family managed without him and what deep life lessons he discovered while spending decades in prison.

Exam Tip: Frame clear, thoughtful questions that show you understand Mandela's personal sacrifices and his inner growth.

Question. 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.
Answer: A very pleasant morning to the educators and fellow peers. Today, I have received the chance to share my views regarding a great guide. I support Nelson Mandela's view that bravery, intellect, and kindness are the sole qualities of an outstanding leader. These values help a guide rise above common individuals. Mandela's insight and strength serve as an inspiration for us during difficult periods. He displayed great bravery in opposing the laws of racial domination.
An individual transforms into a leader of the public when they struggle for the lawful liberties and well-being of their community members. Nonetheless, this kindness often forces them to leave behind their loved ones. They overlook their private life and dreams. I honor the liberation fighters globally, both recognized and unsung.
In simple words: True leaders need bravery, wisdom, and kindness to guide their people. They often sacrifice their own families and comfort to fight for the rights of everyone else.

Exam Tip: When writing a debate script, clearly state your stand (for or against) in the opening, and back it up with two strong arguments.

Question. 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 programmes I’d like to view is important.
Answer: You: I believe we are fortunate that we can select from so many different stations and shows.
Friend: I agree, but I still think that rules are unnecessary. I desire my liberty. I am human as well, right?
You: We are highly fortunate to be born in a free nation like India, where we enjoy all basic rights. You should ask about the real value of liberty from the citizens of South Africa who went without even elementary needs for nearly a hundred years.
In simple words: Everyday choices like watching TV are small privileges. Real freedom is having basic human rights, which many people in South Africa had to fight for decades to get.

Exam Tip: In a dialogue, keep the tone natural but ensure the message highlights the contrast between casual personal wishes and deep national/human rights.

Question. Struggles teach us many lessons. With reference to the times, you struggled with mastering a skill or learning a concept, write about the lessons you learnt.
Answer: As an ESL speaker, I faced difficulties conversing smoothly in the English language. I utilized my pandemic break and quarantine days to gain fluency in the language. I managed to discover the underlying charm of this speech only after studying it deeply. To reach this level of skill, I realized that diligent effort, regular practice, a clear plan, and tolerance are the keys to gaining expertise.
In simple words: Learning a new language or skill can be very hard at first. But if you work hard every day, stay focused, and are patient with yourself, you will succeed.

Exam Tip: Use personal anecdotes to illustrate universal values like perseverance, dedication, and patience.

Question. Who, according to Nelson Mandela, is a courageous man?
Answer: It is not a person who feels no fear, but rather someone who refuses to yield to it and successfully conquers that fear.
In simple words: A brave person is not someone who never feels scared. They are the ones who face their fears and defeat them.

Exam Tip: Use Mandela's precise idea: courage is the triumph over fear, not the absence of it.

Question. Nelson Mandela speaks of twin obligations. What are they?
Answer: In any country, an individual has two primary duties. The first is a private duty to their household. The second duty is to their community. Besides working towards private aims, a citizen must also strive to help their nation.
In simple words: Every person has two main responsibilities: one is to care for their family and parents, and the other is to serve their community and country.

Exam Tip: Clearly list both obligations—personal (family) and social (community/nation)—and explain that a balanced life requires honoring both.

Question. What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa in his speech?
Answer: The goals Mandela established for his country's path forward in his address were to free the citizens from the ongoing chains of poverty, hardship, pain, bias based on sex, and other forms of inequality.
In simple words: Mandela wanted to build a future where no one suffers from poverty, unfair treatment, or discrimination based on their gender or race.

Exam Tip: Mention key terms like liberation from poverty, deprivation, gender discrimination, and other social biases.

Question. Why did the inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria?
Answer: The swearing-in event was held in the open-air theater of the Union Buildings in Pretoria because this site had served as the center of white dominance for generations. At this venue, the nation's inaugural democratic and non-racial administration was established.
In simple words: This spot was historically the center of white rule. Holding the democratic ceremony there symbolized the end of white supremacy and the start of a free, fair nation.

Exam Tip: Highlight the symbolic shift of the venue from a "seat of white supremacy" to a gathering of all races for a democratic government.

Question. Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa ? What was observed on the streets of Pretoria on this day? Or Describe the inauguration ceremony when Nelson Mandela took the oath.
Answer: On May 10, 1994, the inaugural democratic and multi-racial administration was set up in Pretoria. Leaders from over 140 nations across the globe attended the event. Over a hundred thousand South African citizens of every background celebrated together with songs and dances.
In simple words: This day marked the end of racial discrimination and the start of democracy. People from all over the world and all races came together to celebrate.

Exam Tip: State the significance of the date (first democratic, non-racial government) and describe the global participation and local celebrations.

Question. What freedom meant to Mandela in childhood?
Answer: As a young boy, liberty to Mandela meant playing in the open meadows, bathing in the clean creek flowing past his home, baking corn under the night sky, and sitting on the wide backs of gentle bulls.
In simple words: As a child, Mandela thought freedom was just about doing simple things like running in the fields, swimming, cooking corn, and playing outdoors.

Exam Tip: List the specific childhood activities mentioned, such as running in fields, swimming in streams, and riding bulls, to show his early, simple view of freedom.

Question. An incident involving a white guard in jail helped Mandela continue his struggle against the racial government. What was the incident?
Answer: In the toughest days of incarceration, when Nelson Mandela and his fellow prisoners faced immense suffering, he caught a glimpse of kindness in a guard. This brief comfort kept Mandela moving forward. He believed that human decency is a spark that may be concealed but can never be put out.
In simple words: Even in prison under harsh torture, Mandela saw a small spark of kindness in one of the guards. This gave him hope that human goodness never dies.

Exam Tip: Explain the metaphor of human goodness as a flame that can be hidden but never put out, which gave him hope during hard times.

Question. What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa?
Answer: Nelson Mandela felt deep sorrow because he could not express his gratitude to the African heroes who battled for freedom and gave up their lives. It grieved him that they could not witness the results of their struggles.
In simple words: Mandela felt sad because he couldn't thank the brave freedom fighters who died before seeing their country finally win its freedom.

Exam Tip: Mention his regret over not being able to thank past freedom fighters and their inability to see the fruits of their sacrifices.

Question. When did Mandela’s hunger for self turn into hunger for freedom for all his people?
Answer: Mandela slowly came to understand that liberty was restricted for everyone of his own race, while white citizens remained free. Because of this, he became a member of the African National Congress, which expanded his desire for personal liberty into a broader quest for his people.
In simple words: As he grew up, Mandela realized that black people did not have the same basic freedoms as white people. He joined the ANC to fight for everyone's rights.

Exam Tip: Describe his realization that his own freedom was limited along with that of his fellow black citizens, prompting him to join the ANC.

Question. How did Nelson Mandela become the first black President of South Africa?
Answer: Nelson Mandela, a proud South African, waged a lifetime battle against racial bias. When the nation held its initial democratic elections, his political party secured 252 of the 400 available seats, leading to his historic rise as the first black leader.
In simple words: Mandela fought against racial discrimination all his life. When South Africa held its first free democratic elections, his party won a huge majority, making him the president.

Exam Tip: Mention his lifelong struggle, the historic first democratic election, and the number of seats (252 out of 400) won by the ANC.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. A desire is more personal whereas a vision has broader connotations. You have been asked to present an analysis of Valli’s desire and Mandela’s vision and how they are respectively fulfilled. Write this presentation draft including your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the approaches of both Valli and Mandela. You may begin like this: One acknowledges that both, Valli and Mandela ______, however, (Reference — Nelson Mandela — A Long Walk to Freedom & Madam Rides a Bus)
Answer: One acknowledges that both Valli and Mandela display goals, yet their ways of showing desire and vision vary greatly. Valli, in "Madam Rides the Bus," keeps a private wish to feel the excitement of taking a bus, representing liberty and adventure in her restricted life. On the other hand, Mandela's goal, as shown in "A Long Walk to Freedom," goes beyond individual joy to include the freedom of a whole country from unfair treatment. While Valli's wish is met through a basic act of disobedience, Mandela's goal demands long-term struggle and pain, ending in the creation of a democratic South Africa. Their paths show the difference between personal wishes and shared goals in directing individual and national futures.
In simple words: Valli wanted a simple bus ride for her own fun, which she got easily. Mandela wanted freedom for all his people, which took a long, hard fight.

Exam Tip: When comparing two characters, highlight the contrast between Valli's individual desire for exploration and Mandela's collective vision for national liberation.

Question. In the chapter ‘A Baker from Goa’ the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond memories. In about 120 words write a presentation draft comparing the childhood of the narrator in ‘A Baker from Goa’ to that of Nelson Mandela. You may begin this way : Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by.... Reference : A Baker from Goa and Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom.
Answer: The early memories of both authors provide us a look into their heritages and lifestyles. Nelson Mandela spent his young days near meadows and rivers whereas the early life of Lucio Rodrigues, the storyteller of the Glimpses of India, appears to be influenced by English and Portuguese habits. Mandela spent his life as a herd boy but Lucio came from an educated and refined family where he discusses standard cleanliness and manners. Mandela was raised in a needy household and consumed whatever he found in the pastures, such as toasted corn. In contrast, Lucio was born into a wealthy home that could buy sweet bread rings and other treats found in Goa. Mandela had to fight for his elementary rights all his life. Lucio enjoyed a comfortable upbringing as understood from the story 'Baker from Goa'.
In simple words: Mandela had a simple, rural childhood where he worked as a herd boy and struggled for freedom. Lucio had a comfortable, educated childhood in Goa with delicious foods and refined habits.

Exam Tip: Clearly contrast Mandela's rural, simple childhood with Lucio's comfortable, culturally rich upbringing in Goa.

Question. You have been chosen to address a student gathering from the neighbourhood schools, to speak on the resilience of 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... Thank you
Answer: Good morning, everyone. Today, I’d like to discuss two literary works that provide a strong understanding of the strength of the human soul needed to overcome prejudice. These works are from the writings, Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and The Trees.
In both selections, the strength of the human soul has shown itself capable of removing unfair treatment. In Nelson Mandela, Mandela possessed the resolve and courage to end the racial bias that existed against black people in South Africa. He opposed that bias while encountering many obstacles in his life simply because he was strong.
Likewise, in the poem 'The Trees', the writer uses the symbol of trees to show the struggle of women across the globe to demand their privileges. She has shown how effort, dedication and resolve can overcome any hurdle on the path to securing our basic rights. To conclude, I’d like to say that we ought to understand from these works that regardless of what blocks our path, we must maintain the strength of soul to rise above bias and talk out for our privileges.
Thank you
In simple words: This speech explains that both Nelson Mandela and the poem 'The Trees' show how strong people can be when they fight against unfair rules and demand their equal rights.

Exam Tip: Use the exact starting and ending lines requested in the prompt to ensure you do not lose marks on format.

Question. 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.
Answer: This remark was made by Nelson Mandela on the inauguration day of democratic South Africa. A tyrant who deprives others of their liberty is actually a prisoner of bias and bias-mindedness. He has to escape this prison first to be considered truly free. If a person does not honor others' liberty, he is not free himself and requires guidance.
Example 1 - The passing of George Floyd (a black American) due to a reckless white officer, which sparked the 'Black Lives Matter' and 'I can't Breathe' movements across America, shows that racial bias still exists.
Example 2 - Faith-based bias and violence against minor groups in Pakistan demonstrate that people are still chained by the cuffs of bias and narrow views.
In simple words: A person who takes away someone else's freedom is not truly free either, because they are trapped by their own hatred and narrow thoughts. Real-world events like racial protests show that bias still traps people today.

Exam Tip: Clearly state that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity, and use clear, modern real-world examples to support your points.

Question. 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. …………………………
Answer: 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. Indian cultivators were compelled by the British to cultivate indigo instead of paddy in their farms. This brought a massive amount of wealth for the rulers, but the cultivators had very little food and low earnings. The British violated the respect of poor women. No woman was secure during the colonial era. Tears fill my eyes when I recall the physical and mental agony that our liberty activists endured. Everyone knows how brutally General Dyer converted a peaceful gathering into a bloodbath. These scars are deeply embedded in the souls of all Indians and can never be fully cured.
In simple words: This diary entry describes the great suffering of Indians under British rule, such as farmers being forced to grow indigo, women being unsafe, and the cruel massacre at Jallianwala Bagh.

Exam Tip: Follow the standard diary entry format with the date, day, and time on top, and write in an emotional, first-person tone.

Question. 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.
Answer: Bias based on race, color, or any other factor causes deep pain to the targeted individual. In 'The Hundred Dresses' story from the 'First Flight' book, a girl named Wanda Petronski experienced such unfair treatment from her American peers. She was picked on and mocked. Wanda endured all this harassment simply because she was a Polish newcomer. In addition, she wore the identical outfit daily to school since she could not afford to purchase another one. However, she paid no attention to their cruel remarks. Instead, she channeled her dreams of lovely outfits onto paper for the art contest and secured the first prize.
In simple words: Wanda Petronski was teased by her schoolmates because she was a Polish immigrant and wore the same dress every day. Instead of getting angry, she showed her talent by drawing a hundred beautiful dresses and won the school contest.

Exam Tip: Clearly identify the character (Wanda Petronski) and explain both the cause of prejudice (being a Polish immigrant) and how she overcame it creatively.

Question. 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 ?
Answer: The terrible tragedy refers to the system of Apartheid in South Africa. This system of racial segregation caused mistreatment, lack of basic needs, brutality, and pain for the dark-skinned citizens of South Africa. Non-white people were banned from entering areas kept for white people. They lived a life of constant shame.
Finally, on May 10, 1994, after over three hundred years of white dominance, Nelson Mandela’s party won the democratic polls. Nelson Mandela became the inaugural black President of South Africa. The establishment of this equal, multi-racial administration was a magnificent human triumph.
In simple words: The "disaster" was the cruel system of apartheid that separated and abused black people. The "achievement" was ending this system and electing South Africa's first black president in a fair, equal government.

Exam Tip: Be sure to define both terms separately: the "disaster" as Apartheid and the "achievement" as the non-racial democratic victory on May 10, 1994.

Question. What were the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela in achieving freedom for his people ?
Answer: In his attempt to secure liberty for his citizens from the system of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela had to face multiple difficulties and pain. This dedicated leader had to give up the ease of his house and near family. He was branded a criminal for requesting equal rights for his fellow black citizens. He was penalized, kept alone, and thrown in prison. He and his fellow fighters were mistreated and tormented past endurance. He faced starvation, cruelty, and unfairness but kept the desire for freedom alive in his mind. His fearless spirit, constant fight, and unmatched sacrifices finally paid off when South Africa gained freedom from Apartheid on May 10, 1994.
In simple words: Nelson Mandela had to leave his family, go to jail, and face torture for many years. Despite all the pain and hardships, he never gave up his fight for equality.

Exam Tip: Mention key details such as being declared an outlaw, spending decades in prison, and sacrificing his family life to show the depth of his hardships.

Question. What does Mandela mean by the .boyhood freedom and the freedom he enjoyed as a young man ?
Answer: Mandela had distinct views about childhood liberty and the liberty he had as a growing adult. In his childhood, Mandela discovered that his liberty was just a dream. As a kid, he was free to run across the pastures and bathe in the rivers. He faced no issues as long as he followed tribal rules and his father's wishes. Later, an adult must labor for their dependents, elders, partner, and kids. One constantly finds oneself bound by duties. As a young adult, Nelson Mandela understood that his liberty had already been taken away from him. With growing years and wisdom, he realized that not only his own liberty but the liberty of every dark-skinned person was restricted. He developed a deep desire for the liberty of all people. He wished for every citizen of his nation to live with honor and pride. He believed that true liberty cannot be divided.
In simple words: When Mandela was a boy, he thought he was free because he could run and swim. As he grew up, he realized that this was just a trick, and that black people in his country had no real freedom at all.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between Mandela's early, self-centered view of freedom (swimming and running) and his later mature view of collective freedom and human dignity.

Question. Give the character sketch of Nelson Mandela.
Answer: Nelson Mandela is an outstanding nationalist. He deeply loves his nation and his citizens. To him, the most valuable treasure of South Africa is its people. He possesses a highly selfless personality. He gave up his easy lifestyle, relatives, and house to throw himself into the battle for liberty. He strongly supported equal rights for everyone. He stood against the Apartheid system, because of which he was labeled a criminal. He was mistreated and abused in prison for many decades, but his spirit remained unbroken. This demonstrates his qualities of patience, bravery, and determination.
In simple words: Nelson Mandela was a brave and selfless leader who loved his people more than anything. He spent years in prison but never gave up his fight for equal rights.

Exam Tip: Highlight key traits like patriotism, his selfless nature, courage under oppression, and his belief that the nation's true wealth is its people.

Extract Based Questions

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
"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!"

Question. (i) State any one inference about Nelson Mandela from the given context: “We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation.”
(ii) State True or False: When Mandela says, “God bless Africa”, he intends to mean well-being and welfare of only black people in South Africa.
(iii) “Nelson Mandela’s speech is full of optimism.” Elaborate in about 40 words with reference to the extract.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘so glorious’, in the given sentence from the extract: “The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.”
Answer:
(i) Mandela recognizes the achievement of political freedom following a long fight.
(ii) False
(iii) Mandela’s words overflow with hope as he marks the arrival of political liberty, showing promise and growth for the country after facing hard times. His remarks show trust in a more positive tomorrow despite previous struggles.
(iv) "The sun shall never set on such a magnificent human achievement."
In simple words: This extract celebrates South Africa achieving political freedom, promising to end all poverty and discrimination, and hoping for a bright, successful future.

Exam Tip: Be concise in your explanations for extract-based questions; point-blank and accurate answers receive the maximum marks.

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
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. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic non racial government.

Question. (i) What do you infer from the following statement? “The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African Soil.”
(ii) Explain in about 40 words the effective shift from white supremacy to a rainbow gathering.
(iii) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘pleasantly besieged’ in the given sentence from that extract?
(iv) State true or false with reference to the given extract. In the past the ‘amphitheatre’ had been a seat for theatrical performances.
Answer:
(i) From the remark "The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on south African Soil", we can assume that the oath-taking ceremony is a highly crucial event, drawing the interest of global heads, showing it is a key turning point in the history of South Africa.
(ii) The change from white rule to a diverse assembly shows the end of racial division and white control in South Africa. The "rainbow gathering" represents oneness and welcome, where all groups, skin shades, and states are now equal.
(iii) 'delightfully surrounded' or 'agreeably inundated'
(iv) False
In simple words: This passage describes May 10, 1994, which was a historic day when leaders from all over the world gathered to witness the end of white rule and the start of an equal, democratic South Africa.

Exam Tip: Understand the term "rainbow gathering" as it represents the unity of different races and nations coming together for a common purpose.

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
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 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 twentienth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system has been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.

Question. (i) Explain the feelings of the narrator when he said; “I was overwhelmed with a sense of history.”
(ii) The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that:
(a) confirms the education of the Blacks.
(b) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people.
(c) recollects the bitter experiences.
(d) focuses on the personality development.
(iii) Comment on the kind of society apartheid had created?
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘patched up’ in the given sentence from the extract: “...the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences...”
Answer:
(i) 1. Mandela felt joyful due to his part in finishing Apartheid in South Africa.
2. He was deeply moved recalling all the historical incidents.
(ii) (b) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people.
(iii) 1. A system of racial control and division against the dark-skinned population on their native land.
2. Among the most brutal and heartless communities on earth.
(iv) Appeased/repaired/mended
In simple words: This extract shows Mandela looking back at the past. He remembers the terrible racial system that white people built and how it has now been replaced by a fair system that honors everyone's rights.

Exam Tip: Be prepared to identify the multiple choice option that best represents the changes, such as option (b) in this case.

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
“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.”

Question. (i) The speaker’s attitude towards his freedom when he was in his boyhood can be summed up as _____.
(a) being self- centered
(b) being naive
(c) being foolish
(d) being indifferent to others
(ii) How does Nelson Mandela understand the concept of “transitory freedoms”? Answer in about 40 words.
(iii) In the statement, ‘I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it,’ what was Mandela hungering after?
(a) The desire to lead a normal respectful life as a citizen.
(b) The desire to fulfil all his professional dreams.
(c) The breaking of the chains that bound his fellow citizens.
(iv) If ‘Point of View’ is the narration of a story that can be told from a first, second, or third person’s point of view, the given extract is told _____.
Answer:
(i) (b) being naive
(ii) 'Temporary liberties' for him meant being outdoors at night, reading his preferred books, and visiting any place he liked. This was Mandela's view of liberty during his youth, which was focused purely on individual freedom and pleasure.
(iii) (a) The desire to lead a normal respectful life as a citizen.
(iv) in first person's point of view.
In simple words: As a child, Mandela did not understand that his freedom was limited (he was naive). Later, he wanted temporary personal freedoms like staying out late, before finally wanting a decent, respectful life for everyone.

Exam Tip: Define "transitory freedoms" clearly as short-lived, personal liberties like staying out at night, contrasting them with basic and honorable freedoms.

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
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 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. I was pained that I was not able to thank them and that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had wrought.

Question. (i) Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, usually with two or more people presenting different viewpoints and arguments.
(b) An autobiographical account of an event which covers the author’s point of view regarding the event and all other things associated with it.
(c) A narrative from the point of view of an omniscient narrator, who knows everything about the story and the character.
(ii) Who represents ‘the long and noble line’?
(a) Nelson Mandela (b) African patriots
(c) African tribes (d) None of these
(iii) How do you think the day had come into the life of the author?
(iv) Which word would correctly substitute ‘plainly’, in the given sentence from the extract?
Col Rathore was plainly a man who never liked to show off.
Answer:
(i) (b) An autobiographical account of an event which covers the author’s point of view regarding the event and all other things associated with it.
(ii) (b) African patriots
(iii) The day arrived in the existence of the writer and millions of others through the bravery, pain, and numerous offerings of his fellow citizens.
(iv) simply
In simple words: This text is part of Mandela's autobiography. He honors the brave African freedom fighters who died before seeing their country gain its freedom.

Exam Tip: Identify this text as an autobiography because it is written in the first person ("I", "my people") and discusses the author's own life experiences.

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its great 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 have seen men stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination.

Question. (i) According to the speaker, what is the greatest wealth of a nation?
(a) Its minerals (b) Its gems
(c) Its diamonds (d) Its people
(ii) What opinion does the speaker have about the people in his country?
(iii) What are the people of Africa being compared to?
(iv) State True or False.
None of the terms (a) -(d) below, can be applied to the statement - Nelson Mandela is distraught at the actions of his people.
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(b) An assumption - something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof
(c) A premise - a proposition that forms the basis of an argument
(d) A theory - a well-substantiated explanation for a natural phenomenon
Answer:
(i) (d) Its people
(ii) The writer holds the view that the citizens of his nation are extremely precious. He believes they represent the primary wealth of his nation, being superior and more genuine than the most perfect diamonds.
(iii) The citizens of South Africa are compared to the most refined diamonds and all other valuable stones found in their country.
(iv) True. This claim would not be categorized as a hypothesis, assumption, premise, or theory.
In simple words: Mandela says the true wealth of a country is its good and honest people, not its minerals or diamonds. He also explains that he learned real courage from watching these people fight for freedom.

Exam Tip: Be sure to remember the metaphor Mandela uses: comparing his people to "purest diamonds" to emphasize their value and integrity.