CBSE Class 10 English Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Assignment Set 03

Short Answer Type Question

Question. Name the South African personalities who took swear in ceremony on that day.
Answer: It was a radiant and magnificent day for the people of South Africa. On the stage, Mr. de Klerk initially took the oath as the second deputy leader. Following him, Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as the first deputy leader. Finally, Nelson Mandela pledged to respect and protect the nation's constitution as President.
In simple words: Mr. de Klerk was sworn in first as the second deputy president, then Thabo Mbeki as the first deputy president, and finally, Nelson Mandela took the oath as President.

Exam Tip: Remember the names and roles: Mr. de Klerk (second deputy president), Thabo Mbeki (first deputy president), and Nelson Mandela (President).

Question. What pledge does Mandela owe for his people?
Answer: Nelson Mandela possessed strong emotions and worked tirelessly. Through his enduring and demanding struggles, the nation finally witnessed the arrival of liberty. During his swearing-in, he vowed to release all citizens from the clutches of financial hardship, want, pain, and biases based on gender or race.
In simple words: Mandela promised to free all South Africans from poverty, suffering, hunger, and unfair treatment based on gender or race.

Exam Tip: List the key elements of his pledge: liberating people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, and gender/other discrimination.

Question. Why had Mandela to join the African National Congress?
Answer: When Mandela observed that the liberty of all black citizens was restricted just like his, he felt deeply affected. His longing for freedom grew stronger day by day. He wanted his community to live with honor and self-worth. Therefore, he decided to enter the African National Congress.
In simple words: Mandela realized that none of his people were truly free. He wanted them to live with self-respect and dignity, so he joined the ANC to fight for their rights.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that his personal hunger for freedom transformed into a hunger for the freedom and dignity of his entire community.

Question. Mention the difficulties faced by Nelson Mandela.
Answer: Nelson Mandela encountered numerous hardships. He was separated from his household to serve his community. He had to lead an isolated existence, much like a monk. Furthermore, inside the penitentiary, Nelson and his close companions suffered harsh treatment.
In simple words: Mandela faced terrible hardships. He was separated from his family, lived a lonely life like a monk, and was mistreated during his long years in prison.

Exam Tip: Note the twin difficulties of personal isolation (living like a monk away from family) and physical hardship (ill-treatment in prison).

Question. What according to Nelson Mandela is the greatest wealth of a nation?
Answer: Nelson Mandela recognized that his homeland possessed abundant minerals and precious stones hidden in the earth. However, he maintained that the finest treasure of any country is its citizens, who are superior and more genuine than the highest quality diamonds.
In simple words: While South Africa has many rich minerals and diamonds under the ground, Mandela believed its citizens are the true wealth of the country because they are good and honest.

Exam Tip: Clearly state that the citizens, and not the minerals or diamonds, are a nation's true and greatest wealth.

Question. How did a law abiding advocate become a criminal?
Answer: The rule-following lawyer was turned into a lawbreaker by his deep wish to live with honor and self-worth. This pursuit transformed a peaceful resident into a daring rebel. A man who respected rules was compelled to exist like a hermit. This shift occurred when his personal desire for liberty turned into a fight for his community's freedom.
In simple words: Mandela wanted to live with self-respect and fight for his people's freedom. This made the government view him as a criminal, forcing him to live in hiding like a monk.

Exam Tip: Show how the transition was driven by his desire for his people's dignity and freedom, which clashed with the unjust laws of the apartheid regime.

Question. What does Mandela mean by saying ‘I was born free’?
Answer: During his early years, Mandela believed he was born free because he could run around the pastures close to his mother's cabin. He enjoyed swimming in the local creek and baking corn beneath the night sky. In addition, during that period, he felt unbothered by divine rules.
In simple words: As a young boy, Mandela thought freedom meant just being able to play outside, swim in streams, and roast corn. He felt free because he did not yet understand the social restrictions of the world.

Exam Tip: Contrast Mandela's simple childhood perception of freedom with his mature understanding of political and social freedom.

Question. Who are the ‘African patriots’ mentioned in Mandela’s speech?
Answer: The African heroes highlighted in Mandela's address included Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, and Robert Sobukwe.
In simple words: Mandela paid tribute to many brave leaders who fought against apartheid, including Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, and Chief Luthuli.

Exam Tip: Memorize the names of at least three key African patriots mentioned in the text to write a complete answer.

Question. What were the ceremonies that took place on May 10 in South Africa?
Answer: On May 10, 1994, the swearing-in events were held in South Africa, marking Nelson Mandela's appointment as the nation's inaugural Black leader following over three hundred years of white dominance. The African National Congress led by Mandela had secured 252 out of the 400 seats in parliament.
In simple words: On this day, Mandela became South Africa's first Black president, ending over 300 years of white minority rule after his party won the election.

Exam Tip: Note the historical significance: the inauguration of the first Black President, the end of 300 years of white rule, and the election victory details.

Question. Where did the inauguration ceremonies take place? What was special about that place?
Answer: The historic events were held in the beautiful sandstone open-air theater created by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This venue had served as the hub of white dominance for decades, but on that special day, it hosted the establishment of the country's first democratic, multi-racial administration.
In simple words: The ceremony was held in Pretoria at the Union Buildings' amphitheater. This was special because a place that used to represent white supremacy was now hosting a multi-racial, democratic government.

Exam Tip: Identify the location (sandstone amphitheatre, Union Buildings, Pretoria) and describe the symbolic change from a site of white supremacy to a non-racial democracy.

Question. “We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation.” What does Mandela pledge to his people?
Answer: Nelson Mandela declared that he and his fellow leaders took an oath to free all their citizens from the ongoing chains of financial hardship, lack, misery, gender bias, and various inequalities. He promised that their homeland would never again suffer the subjugation of one person by another.
In simple words: Mandela and his leaders promised to free their people from poverty, hunger, and gender discrimination. He vowed that South Africans would never oppress one another again.

Exam Tip: Clearly outline the key aspects of the pledge: liberation from poverty/deprivation and a firm promise that oppression will never happen again.

Question. What did “a spectacular array” of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers demonstrate and signify at the time of inauguration? Or Describe the spectacular display of military force.
Answer: A breathtaking show of South African aircraft, helicopters, and troop transports flying above the Union Buildings represented more than just armed strength; it was an exhibition of the army's allegiance to democratic principles and the newly chosen administration. The top commanders of the nation's military and police forces saluted him, while a formation of Impala jets released colorful smoke mimicking the new national banner.
In simple words: The military aircraft show was not just for entertainment. It showed that the armed forces and police were loyal to the new democratic government and to Nelson Mandela as president.

Exam Tip: Explain that the display showed the military's loyalty to the newly elected democratic government, ending their support for the old apartheid regime.

Question. What does Mandela tell about the effects of oppression and brutality?
Answer: The system of apartheid inflicted a profound and permanent injury on his nation and citizens. However, those years of cruelty and harsh treatment also had an unexpected result. It gave rise to individuals with exceptional bravery, insight, and kindheartedness, the likes of whom we may never see again. It seems that enduring intense cruelty is sometimes necessary to build such great moral fiber.
In simple words: While years of cruel treatment hurt South Africans deeply, it also had an unexpected benefit: it helped create incredibly brave, wise, and kind leaders who stood up against injustice.

Exam Tip: Discuss both the negative impact (deep wounds) and the unintended positive impact (creation of high-character, brave leaders) of oppression.

Question. Why did Nelson Mandela say that ‘the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed’?
Answer: Nelson Mandela was aware that the tormentor needs to be freed just as much as the victim. A person who robs another of their liberty becomes a captive of ill-will and remains trapped by bigotry and small-mindedness. In his view, an individual is not truly free if they are denying liberty to others. Hence, he believed that both the victim and the tyrant lose their essential human dignity.
In simple words: Mandela believed that the person who takes away someone else's freedom is also trapped by hatred and prejudice. Therefore, both the person who hurts others and the person being hurt need to be set free.

Exam Tip: Explain that the oppressor is a prisoner of hatred and prejudice, meaning both parties are dehumanized and need liberation.

Question. What does Nelson Mandela tell about the people of his country ? What has he learnt from them?
Answer: Nelson Mandela declared that the finest treasure of his nation was its citizens. He discovered the true definition of bravery by watching them. Frequently, he observed individuals risking and sacrificing their existence for a cause. He witnessed people resisting aggression and cruelty without giving way, demonstrating an unimaginable power and endurance. Through them, he understood that bravery is not lacking fear, but overcoming it. He realized that a courageous individual is not one who lacks fear, but one who masters it.
In simple words: Mandela learned about true courage from the brave people of South Africa. He saw men and women risk their lives and stand strong against torture without breaking, showing that courage means overcoming fear.

Exam Tip: Mention that Mandela viewed his people as his country's greatest wealth and that they taught him that courage is overcoming fear, not the lack of it.

Question. What did Mandela think of the oppressor and the oppressed?
Answer: Mandela believes that both the victim and the tyrant lose their basic human dignity. The tyrant lacks true liberty because they are stealing someone else's freedom, leaving the oppressor snared in a web of animosity while the victim's faith in human goodness is damaged. Therefore, both individuals require liberation.
In simple words: Both the oppressor and the oppressed are harmed because they are kept from being fully human. Both must be set free from the cycle of hatred and suffering.

Exam Tip: Focus on the mutual loss of humanity and why both sides need to be freed to heal.

Question. What did Mandela realize about his brothers and sisters?
Answer: Over time, Mandela saw that he was not the only one whose liberties were restricted; his fellow citizens faced the same limitations. He quickly understood that the freedom he enjoyed during his youth was merely a fantasy. Consequently, he became a member of the African National Congress, transforming his personal wish for liberty into a larger fight for his community.
In simple words: As he grew up, Mandela realized that all Black people in his country were living without freedom. He understood his childhood freedom was fake, which made him join the ANC to fight for everyone.

Exam Tip: Describe his realization that his community's freedom was curtailed, which transformed his personal desire for freedom into a collective struggle.

Question. What according to Mandela, is true freedom?
Answer: In Mandela's view, genuine liberty exists when a person does not deprive others of their rights, and simultaneously, when their own liberty is protected and respected.
In simple words: Real freedom means you are free to live your life, and at the same time, you do not stop other people from enjoying your freedom too.

Exam Tip: True freedom involves both having your own rights and respecting the rights and liberty of others.

Question. What was addressed by Mandela in his speech while taking oath?
Answer: Mandela spoke to the assembled crowd during his swearing-in and guaranteed that his citizens would never have to endure subjugation again. He pledged to rescue the country from financial distress, hardship, and unfair bias.
In simple words: In his speech, Mandela promised that South Africans would never be oppressed by one another again. He also promised to end poverty and discrimination.

Exam Tip: Note his key promises: no more oppression, and the eradication of poverty, deprivation, and discrimination.

Question. What is meant by apartheid? How, according to Mandela, has apartheid affected South Africa?
Answer: Apartheid refers to a past system of racial division, alongside civic and financial bias against Black citizens in South Africa. This approach has impacted South Africa severely. It left a profound and permanent injury on the land and its community. Escaping the clutches of apartheid cost the lives of numerous outstanding heroes such as Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, and Bram Fischer. Recovering from this harm will require many years.
In simple words: Apartheid was a system of racial separation and discrimination in South Africa. It hurt the nation deeply, took the lives of many great leaders, and created wounds that will take a long time to heal.

Exam Tip: Define apartheid clearly and explain its severe, long-lasting emotional and physical impact on the nation and its people.

Question. What did the smoke trail of Impala symbolize in the inauguration?
Answer: During the swearing-in, a group of Impala aircraft left a colorful line of black, red, green, blue, and gold smoke to represent the freshly designed South African banner.
In simple words: The jets left colorful smoke trails in the sky that matched the colors of the new South African flag, celebrating the birth of a free nation.

Exam Tip: State the colors of the smoke trail (black, red, green, blue, and gold) and explain that they symbolized the new South African flag.

Question. Describe the aerial display from the lesson ‘Long Walk to Freedom’.
Answer: Following the oath-taking event where every official vowed to support the welfare of the nation, everyone watched in wonder as an spectacular show of South African aircraft, helicopters, and military transports flew in exact alignment above the venue. It showed incredible accuracy and defense capability. This event also highlighted the armed forces' allegiance to democratic governance and the newly, honestly chosen leadership.
In simple words: After the leaders took their oaths, military jets, helicopters, and troop carriers flew over the buildings in perfect formation. This was a show of both precision and the military's support for the new democracy.

Exam Tip: Mention that the display was both a showcase of military precision and a symbolic gesture of the military's support for the new, freely elected democratic government.

Question. How according to Mandela has apartheid affected South Africa?
Answer: According to Mandela, the system of apartheid has caused a deep and permanent injury in his nation and to his citizens. Many generations will pass while recovering from the intense pain of this practice.
In simple words: Mandela explains that the unfair division of races left a very deep and long-lasting hurt on his country. It will take a very long time for the people to heal from it.

Exam Tip: Mention the words 'deep and lasting wound' as they are key terms used by Mandela in his speech.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Which twin obligations have been mentioned in this lesson? Explain. Or Which twin obligations does Mandela mention ? Why was he not able to fulfil those obligations ?
Answer: Throughout this chapter, one learns about the duty to one's home and the duty to one's nation. In the first form of duty, a person must support their relatives, kids, spouse, and parents. He is expected to strive for their prosperity.
In the second form of duty, a person must perform it for their citizens, society, and nation. We are able to meet these duties based on our own skills and powers. However, in South Africa, it was completely impossible for a dark-skinned person to meet both. When Nelson attempted to meet his duties toward his relatives, he was separated from his household. He was forced to live a lonely existence filled with hardships and pain. Whenever Nelson tried to assist his citizens, he was stopped from carrying out his duties.
In simple words: Every person has two main duties: one to their family and one to their country. In South Africa, black people were not allowed to do both because the government punished anyone who tried to stand up for their country by taking them away from their families.

Exam Tip: Clearly define the two obligations (to family and to country) and explain the specific political barriers that made it impossible for a black man in South Africa to fulfill both.

Question. Why was Mandela overwhelmed with a sense of history on the inauguration day and what was its outcome ?
Answer: On the opening day, Mandela felt deeply moved by historical memories. He recalled the fierce Anglo-Boer conflict. It occurred during the opening decade of the 1900s. In that period, the white citizens of South Africa resolved their past disputes. Following that, they established a system of racial bias against the dark-skinned citizens of their native land.
During the polls, the African National Congress secured a majority. Nelson Mandela became the inaugural Black President of South Africa. The previous history of cruelty was fresh in his thoughts. He could not tolerate such terrible acts of violence. Thus, he threw out that system permanently. The old rule was replaced by giving basic privileges and liberty to all South Africans regardless of their skin tone.
In simple words: On the day he became president, Mandela remembered how white people had created the cruel system of apartheid decades earlier. His election put an end to this system and brought equal rights to all citizens.

Exam Tip: Mention the Anglo-Boer war and the creation of racial discrimination in the early 20th century to explain his sense of history, followed by the positive outcome of the 1994 elections.

Question. “Hunger for freedom” is the greatest virtue which one enjoys. How did Mandela reach at the apex for love of freedom ?
Answer: Liberty is the finest gift that an individual enjoys during their stay on this planet. Nobody desires to exist in confinement, whether it is a beast or a bird. Even if a bird is caged in gold, it still longs to fly.
From his youth, Mandela realized that his personal liberty had been stripped away. During his school days, he desired liberty solely for himself. However, over time, his understanding of liberty expanded. He was forced to become displaced, like a wanderer and a lawbreaker. He endured numerous cruelties but continued to strive relentlessly. He stayed locked in prison and eventually achieved liberty for his nation. He rose to become the first black leader of South Africa.
In simple words: Mandela started by wanting simple personal freedoms as a boy, but as he grew up, he realized that everyone of his race was oppressed. This made him fight for the freedom of his entire nation, even though it meant spending decades in prison.

Exam Tip: Explain the evolution of Mandela's idea of freedom from personal, "transitory" freedoms in his youth to the collective freedom of his people as an adult.

Question. Racial discrimination is the worst kind of discrimination. Why was it great aspiring force for Nelson ? What kind of discrimination do you face in the society in which you live ?
Answer: Racial bias creates a boundary between various communities and forces individuals to live separately from one another. The white population repeatedly attempted to abuse dark-skinned individuals and reduce them to bondage. Nelson Mandela was profoundly disturbed by the rules of apartheid. He observed that black people were being dealt with in a brutal way. It was the pain of living apart from his house and relatives that drove him to serve his country.
In all forms of community, we encounter unfair treatment. We see that wealthy individuals try to abuse needy ones, while strong groups try to crush feeble ones. It is consistently this desire to challenge power that helps us reach higher goals.
In simple words: Apartheid was a very cruel system that separated people by race and made black people suffer. Seeing this cruelty made Mandela want to change things, and in our own lives, we also see the rich exploiting the poor.

Exam Tip: When discussing societal discrimination today, focus on economic disparity (rich vs. poor) or social divisions to make your answer relatable and impactful.

Question. Which qualities of Nelson Mandela would you like to imitate ? Which other leader has impressed you the most ?
Answer: I have been deeply moved by a guide such as Nelson Mandela. He strived to meet his duties toward the community. I would desire to possess bravery and resolve like Nelson so that I can challenge injustice. I believe that it is highly challenging to balance both sectors like household and nation with immense affection. I admire the exceptional trait of Mandela in surrendering his personal liberty for the benefit of his nation.
I have also been highly motivated by the attributes of Mahatma Gandhi. He battled with weapons of peace that nobody could destroy. He performed incredible deeds to dismantle the walls of British colonial rule.
In simple words: The qualities to copy from Mandela are his great courage, determination, and his willingness to sacrifice his personal life for his country. Another great leader is Mahatma Gandhi, who fought using non-violence to free India.

Exam Tip: Mention specific values like selflessness, determination, non-violence, and balancing family duties with national duties to score high marks.

Question. Our country has many diverse traditions and customs. Do you find any colour prejudice in India ? Justify.
Answer: India is a land of many languages and traditions. Despite the vast differences, there is a strong sense of unity. Our supreme law is completely behind this harmony. It provides equal honor to all regions. There is no bias based on skin tone. In India, every person has the right to acquire primary learning, work, and housing. India provides identical liberties to all citizens with zero forms of bias. An individual can move to any region of the nation and wed into any group. We rarely experience the sense that anyone is being abused by another.
In simple words: India has many cultures and languages but is united by its Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to everyone, meaning there is no legal color bias or unfair treatment.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the role of the Indian Constitution in ensuring equality and preventing legal prejudice across all diverse groups.

Question. Where and when did the inauguration take place ? Who were sworn in and what did Nelson Mandela pledge ?
Answer: The installation ceremony happened on May 10, 1994, and was witnessed by notable figures and leaders from across the globe. The opening events took place inside the stone amphitheater constructed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This site had previously been the center of white dominance. However, it now served as the location for the crowning of South Africa's first equal, multi-racial administration.
On this day, Mr. de Klerk took the oath as second deputy president, Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president, and Nelson Mandela assumed office as the president. Nelson Mandela dedicated himself to the welfare of the nation and its citizens. They vowed to rescue all their people from the ongoing chains of poverty, lack of resources, pain, gender bias, and other unfair practices.
In simple words: The inauguration took place on May 10, 1994, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Nelson Mandela was sworn in as president, and he promised to free all South Africans from poverty and discrimination.

Exam Tip: Be precise with the date (May 10, 1994), location (sandstone amphitheatre, Pretoria), names of the sworn-in leaders, and the elements of Mandela's pledge.

Question. What kind of “spectacular array” was arranged on the occasion of the inauguration ceremonies ? What does it signify according to Nelson Mandela ?
Answer: During the inauguration festivities, a bright and stunning show of South African planes, choppers, and military transports was staged. As these flew in neat rows above the Union Buildings, it was not just a perfect exhibit of army power but also a show of the armed forces' faithfulness to democratic rules and the freshly elected administration. Just minutes earlier, the top commanders of the South African military and law enforcement had greeted Nelson Mandela and sworn their allegiance.
That occasion was marked for Nelson Mandela by the performance of the country's two different national anthems. The white population sang 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika' while the black citizens sang 'Die Stem', the historical anthem of the state. At last, a V-shaped trail from Impala aircraft released a colorful smoke path of black, red, green, blue, and gold matching the new national flag of South Africa.
In simple words: The "spectacular array" was a flypast of military jets and helicopters. It showed the military's loyalty to the new democratic government, and the playing of both national anthems symbolized unity between white and black people.

Exam Tip: Explain that the display showed both military precision and, more importantly, its loyalty to the newly elected democratic government.

Question. How does Nelson Mandela contrast the political scene in the first decade and the last decade of the twentieth century ?
Answer: Nelson Mandela explained that in the opening decade of the twentieth century, shortly after the painful Anglo-Boer conflict, the white citizens of South Africa settled their arguments and built a system of racial control over the dark-skinned population of their land. The regime they set up became the foundation for one of the most brutal and heartless communities the world had ever seen.
On the contrary, in the final decade of the 1900s, the entire scenario transformed. When Nelson Mandela was living his eighties, that old regime had been dismantled permanently. It was substituted by an administration that honored the privileges and liberties of every citizen, no matter their skin shade.
In simple words: In the early 1900s, white people created the cruel system of apartheid to control black people. By the late 1900s, this system was completely destroyed and replaced with a democratic one that treats everyone equally.

Exam Tip: Contrast the "creation" of the inhumane apartheid system in the first decade with its "destruction" and replacement by a democratic, non-racial system in the last decade.

Question. What effect did the policy of apartheid have on South Africa as a nation and on its people ?
Answer: Apartheid is a state system that divides individuals based on their ethnic background. In South Africa, for many decades, there was a dominance of white individuals who established a structure of racial control over the dark-skinned citizens of their country. The system they built and the unfair, cruel treatment of black people by them almost isolated South Africa from the globe. Due to this system, numerous nations of the world had cut off political ties with South Africa.
Owing to this racial bias, thousands of African heroes underwent extreme pain, and many lost their lives. Nelson Mandela was also forced to spend nearly three decades behind bars. Yet, because of their endless fight, fair elections were ultimately conducted in 1994, and Nelson Mandela was chosen as the inaugural black leader of the reborn state.
In simple words: Apartheid separated people by race, caused deep suffering to black citizens, and made other countries stop talking to South Africa. It was ended only after a long struggle, leading to the first democratic elections in 1994.

Exam Tip: Explain how apartheid harmed South Africa both internally (cruel treatment of citizens) and externally (diplomatic isolation from other nations).

Question. What does courage mean to Mandela? How did he learn the meaning of courage?
Answer: Mandela discovered the actual definition of bravery through the battles of his fellow citizens. Repeatedly, he observed men and women endanger and sacrifice their existence for a cause. He witnessed individuals withstand physical assault and pain without losing spirit, displaying a power and capacity to endure any trouble beyond belief. He also discovered that bravery was not the lack of terror, but the victory over it. A courageous person is not someone who feels no fright, but someone who defeats that fright.
In simple words: To Mandela, courage is not about never being afraid, but about beating your fear. He learned this by watching brave men and women risk their lives and stand up to torture for their freedom.

Exam Tip: Quote or explain Mandela's classic definition of courage: "not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." This is a highly expected line in CBSE marking schemes.

Question. What ideals does Nelson Mandela set out for the future of South Africa? Or What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Answer: Nelson Mandela vowed to free every citizen of South Africa from the ongoing chains of poverty, lack of basic needs, pain, sex bias, and other forms of bias. He also guaranteed that never again in the times ahead would his lovely country face the abuse of one individual by another. The light will never set on this highly magnificent human victory. Liberty will now rule in South Africa, as the nation and its citizens have gained their political freedom and harmony for human pride.
In simple words: Mandela promised to end poverty, suffering, and all kinds of discrimination in South Africa. He declared that the country would remain free forever and never let one group rule over another again.

Exam Tip: Mention his specific goals: ending poverty, deprivation, gender discrimination, and ensuring that oppression never returns to the land.

Question. Which two obligations according to Nelson Mandela, does every man have in life? How could a man not fulfil these obligations in a country like South Africa?
Answer: As per Nelson Mandela, every person has twin duties - a duty to their home, to their parents, to their partner and kids; and a duty to their citizens and society. In a decent and kind nation, every individual can meet these duties. However, Nelson Mandela notes that in a country like South Africa, it was virtually impossible for someone of his race and background to meet both of these duties. A person who tried to meet his duty to his citizens was surely dragged away from his relatives and home. He was compelled to lead a shadowy life of hiding and fighting. He was penalized and kept in isolation.
In simple words: Every man has duties to his family and to his country. In South Africa, black men who tried to help their country were arrested and taken away from their families, making it impossible to do both.

Exam Tip: Be sure to explain how a man of color was actively separated from his family and forced into a "twilight existence" if he attempted to serve his community.

Question. “I was not born with a hunger to be free.” When did Mandela begin to hunger for it?
Answer: Nelson Mandela assumed that he possessed liberty in all aspects he could comprehend. As a child, Mandela felt no desire for liberty since he imagined he was born liberated. He assumed that as long as he listened to his father and followed the rules of his clan, he remained free in all ways. He was not bothered by human or divine laws. He had personal requirements as a youth and as a young adult. Slowly, he noticed that he was self-absorbed during his childhood. He realized that it was not only his liberty that was restricted, but the liberty of all dark-skinned people. It was only after reaching this realization that he developed a strong desire for the liberty of his community.
In simple words: As a child, Mandela felt free because he could run around as long as he followed his father's and tribe's rules. But when he grew up, he saw that all black people were oppressed, which started his deep hunger for real freedom.

Exam Tip: Explain how his hunger for freedom transformed from a personal desire as a child/student to a collective struggle for his entire race as an adult.

Question. What do you think is Nelson Mandela’s concept of courage and love ?
Answer: Nelson Mandela discovered the definition of bravery from his fellow fighters in the independence movement. Frequently, he witnessed men and women jeopardize and sacrifice their lives for a cause. He understood that bravery was not the absence of fright, but the victory over it. He additionally learned that a brave person is not someone who feels no fear, but someone who overcomes that fear.
He held the view that nobody is born with hatred toward someone else due to their skin shade, background, or faith. Strangely, he mentioned that individuals must learn to hate, because if they can learn to hate, they can likewise be trained to love. Nelson Mandela believed this because he felt that affection comes more easily to the human soul than hatred. He believed that human kindness was a spark that could never be put out.
In simple words: To Mandela, courage is overcoming fear rather than having no fear. Love is natural to humans, while hate is learned; because hate is learned, people can be taught to love instead.

Exam Tip: Address both concepts (courage as triumph over fear, and love as a natural human instinct that can be taught) to answer both parts of the question fully.

Question. Do you agree with Nelson Mandela about what he says regarding “twin obligations” ?
Answer: Nelson Mandela held that in existence, every person has dual duties. These comprise duties to their household, parents, spouse, and kids, and duties to their citizens, neighborhood, and nation. He stated that in a polite and kind society, each individual could meet these duties. However, in South Africa, in the past, it was completely impossible for a black person to meet both duties. This was because any person of color who tried to exist like a proper human in South Africa was penalized and separated.
I completely agree with Nelson Mandela that in any nation where citizens face oppression, anyone wanting to serve their community is sure to be blocked from performing their duties as a son, brother, father, and partner. To support his citizens' cause, Nelson Mandela was forced to spend three decades in jail, much like several Indian independence activists who battled for the liberty of their own nation.
In simple words: Yes, I agree with Mandela. When a government is cruel and oppressive, it does not allow a person to do their duty to their country without taking them away from their family.

Exam Tip: State your agreement clearly in the first sentence, explain the two obligations, and give reasons why oppression blocks citizens from fulfilling both.

Question. When did Nelson Mandela realise that freedom was an illusion ? How did the hunger for freedom grow ?
Answer: Nelson Mandela was born free, so he lived free in all ways he could understand, which meant being free to do whatever he liked. As long as he listened to his father and followed the traditions of his clan, he faced no trouble from human or divine laws.
During his youth, he discovered that his childhood liberty was just a fantasy. He quickly realized that his liberty had already been stripped away from him, so he began to long for it. Initially, as a scholar, he desired liberty solely for himself. Later, as a young adult in Johannesburg, he wished for the fundamental and respectable liberties of realizing his capacity, earning his livelihood, marrying, and raising a family—the liberty to live without blocks in a law-abiding life. Later, he observed that it was not only his liberty that was restricted but the liberty of every person who shared his appearance. He registered with the African National Congress to battle for the liberty of his citizens because he wanted them to lead their lives with honor and self-respect.
In simple words: Mandela first thought he was free as a boy, but as a student, he realized his freedom had been stolen. His hunger for freedom grew from wanting simple personal freedoms to wanting full freedom and dignity for all black South Africans.

Exam Tip: Describe how his hunger for freedom expanded in stages: childhood illusion, student days (personal freedoms), young adulthood (social and economic freedoms), and finally collective freedom through the ANC.

Question. Comment on the significance of freedom for human beings and how it is important for the growth of civilization and humanism as described in the lesson ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’.
Answer: Every creature on this planet needs liberty to exist. The worth of liberty is understood best by the citizens of South Africa who were bound by rules and not allowed to meet their duties freely toward their household or their nation. Mandela spent decades in a dark prison cell, and his spirit was crushed by the sights he had to see. He experienced the sadness and pain behind the chilly jail walls for twenty-seven years. His life was miserable during those decades because he was kept away from liberty.
Liberty is a state where individuals have the right to speak, act, and seek joy without unfair outside limits. Liberty is vital because it brings better ways of showing creativity and unique ideas, better output, and a superior standard of life which is highly essential for the development of human culture and kindness. In liberal terms, liberty means being free from cruelty, not being free from duties. This is because liberty is necessary for the development of society.
In simple words: Freedom is necessary for every human being to be happy, creative, and productive. It does not mean running away from responsibilities, but rather having the right to live with dignity and without being oppressed by others.

Exam Tip: Discuss how freedom enables original thought and creativity, which are essential for human progress, and clarify that freedom means liberation from oppression rather than dodging responsibilities.