CBSE Class 10 English Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom MCQs Set 04

Question. How does Nelson Mandela define the meaning of courage?
(a) Triumph over fear
(b) Triumph over love
(c) Triumph over selfish
(d) Triumph over poverty
Answer: (a) Triumph over fear
In simple words: Courage does not mean that you never feel scared, but rather that you are able to defeat your fears.
Exam Tip: Remember this key definition where courage is the victory over fear, not the lack of it.

Question. Where did ceremonies take place?
(a) Rockstone amphitheater
(b) Sandstone amphitheater
(c) Glass stone amphitheater
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) Sandstone amphitheater
In simple words: The inauguration ceremony was held in a beautiful open-air theatre built of sandstone in Pretoria.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific material of the amphitheatre, which is sandstone, located in Pretoria.

Question. Which flame can be hidden but never extinguished?
(a) Man’s love
(b) Man’s natural way
(c) Man’s goodness
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) Man’s goodness
In simple words: A person's inner kindness can be covered up or suppressed, but it can never be completely put out.

Exam Tip: Remember Mandela's belief that human goodness is a flame that can never be fully put out.

Question. Which day was the largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government?
(a) 9th May
(b) 10th May
(c) 11th May
(d) 12th May
Answer: (b) 10th May
In simple words: The historic inauguration day when global leaders gathered to celebrate South Africa's new democracy was the 10th of May.

Exam Tip: Keep the date 10th May in mind as the historic transition day for South Africa.

Question. What is a country’s greatest wealth?
(a) Its minerals
(b) Its people
(c) Its technology
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) Its people
In simple words: Mandela states that a nation's true and most valuable treasure is its citizens, who are finer than any precious gems.

Exam Tip: Do not confuse minerals with actual wealth; Mandela clearly emphasizes that the citizens are a nation's biggest treasure.

Question. What does depths of oppression create?
(a) oppressed
(b) heights of character
(c) poverty
(d) lack of freedom
Answer: (b) heights of character
In simple words: Facing extreme cruelty and hardship can build very strong, noble, and brave personalities in people.

Exam Tip: Remember that "depths of oppression" is directly linked to the development of "heights of character".

Question. Who, according to Mandela is not free?
(a) oppressor
(b) oppressed
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)
In simple words: Both the person who hurts others and the person who gets hurt are locked in a lack of true freedom.

Exam Tip: Note that both the victim and the victimizer are prisoners of prejudice, making both unfree.

Question. Which party did Mandela join?
(a) Indian National Congress
(b) African National Congress
(c) National African Party
(d) he did not join any party
Answer: (b) African National Congress
In simple words: Mandela joined the African National Congress to fight for the freedom of his fellow citizens.

Exam Tip: Remember the full and exact name of the political party Mandela joined: the African National Congress (ANC).

Question. What realisations did Mandela have of his boyhood freedom?
(a) it is just an illusion
(b) he was born free
(c) freedom was meant for kids
(d) he had no realisations
Answer: (a) it is just an illusion
In simple words: As he grew up, Mandela realized that the freedom he thought he had as a child was not real at all.

Exam Tip: Remember that his early freedom was later recognized as a mere illusion once he grew older.

Question. Why were two National Anthems sung?
(a) to imply unity
(b) to mark the end of racial discrimination
(c) to mark the end of gender discrimination
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)
In simple words: Singing both anthems showed that the country was now united and that racial segregation was finally over.

Exam Tip: Singing both anthems symbolised equality between whites and blacks, showing unity and the end of racism.

Question. What did Mandela learn about courage?
(a) it is absence of fear
(b) it is the triumph over fear
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) it is the triumph over fear
In simple words: He discovered that being brave means conquering your fear, rather than never feeling scared.

Exam Tip: Ensure you distinguish between "absence of fear" and "triumph over fear", as only the latter is true courage.

Question. What unintended effect did the decades of oppression and brutality had?
(a) Created men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity
(b) Poverty and suffering
(c) Boycot from foreign nations
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (a) Created men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity
In simple words: The long years of harsh treatment unexpectedly produced remarkably brave, wise, and kind leaders in South Africa.

Exam Tip: Look for the positive "unintended" effect of oppression, which was producing legendary heroes of great character.

Question. The spectacular array of South African jets was a display of
(a) military’s precision
(b) military’s loyalty to democracy
(c) None of the options
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)
In simple words: The jet flyover showed both the perfect skill of the air force and their loyalty to the new free government.

Exam Tip: Remember that the jet show demonstrated both technical perfection and political allegiance to the democratic state.

Question. What was it that the nation needed to be liberated from?
(a) poverty
(b) gender discrimination
(c) deprivation
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: South Africa needed to free its citizens from being poor, being treated unfairly based on gender, and being neglected.

Exam Tip: Be sure to include all forms of social suffering (poverty, gender bias, deprivation) as issues requiring liberation.

Question. What change brought international leaders to South Africa?
(a) End of Apartheid
(b) Humanity
(c) Peace
(d) Trade negotiations
Answer: (a) End of Apartheid
In simple words: Global leaders came to the country because racial segregation had finally been abolished.

Exam Tip: The collapse and official termination of the Apartheid system was the primary reason for this historic global assembly.

Question. How many deputy presidents were elected?
(a) two
(b) three
(c) one
(d) none
Answer: (a) two
In simple words: The new democratic government chose two deputy presidents to help lead the country.

Exam Tip: Recall that both Thabo Mbeki and F.W. de Klerk were sworn in as deputy presidents.

Question. When was the inauguration day?
(a) 10 May
(b) 10 March
(c) 20 May
(d) 20 March
Answer: (a) 10 May
In simple words: The grand opening and swearing-in ceremony of South Africa's new government occurred on May 10th.

Exam Tip: Remember the month of May and the specific day, which is May 10, for the inauguration.

Question. 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
In simple words: This event marked the beginning of South Africa's first freely elected government that did not discriminate based on race.

Exam Tip: The two key words to remember for the new government are "democratic" and "non-racial".

Question. Why did other countries broke off diplomatic relations with South Africa?
(a) White rulers
(b) Other countries are racial
(c) It is a poor country
(d) Apartheid policy
Answer: (d) Apartheid policy
In simple words: Other nations cut ties with South Africa because they strongly disagreed with its unjust racial segregation policy.

Exam Tip: Understand that the "Apartheid policy" led to the international isolation of South Africa prior to democracy.

Question. “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 options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: Mandela thanked global guests for witnessing a shared win for fairness, quiet, and human respect.

Exam Tip: Memorize the three pillars of this victory: justice, peace, and human dignity.

Question. What was it that the nation needed to be liberated from?
(a) poverty
(b) gender discrimination
(c) deprivation
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: The country's citizens had to be freed from poverty, unfair treatment due to gender, and standard hardships.

Exam Tip: Note that this question highlights all the core societal restrictions that needed complete eradication.

Question. “We have achieved our political emancipation.” What is the meaning of emancipation?
(a) freedom from restriction
(b) enslavement
(c) slavery
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (a) freedom from restriction
In simple words: Emancipation refers to gaining liberty and being released from unfair controls or limitations.

Exam Tip: Associate "emancipation" directly with "freedom from restriction" or liberation.

Question. “The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known.” What structure is Mandela talking about?
(a) Racial domination against the black skinned
(b) Poverty and suffering
(c) Discrimination against the poor
(d) oppression of women
Answer: (a) Racial domination against the black skinned
In simple words: He is talking about the harsh system of apartheid, which meant white people ruling over and mistreating dark-skinned people.

Exam Tip: The "harsh and inhumane structure" refers to the system of apartheid and racial domination.

Question. 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
In simple words: He wanted to express gratitude to the brave freedom fighters who passed away before seeing their country gain independence.

Exam Tip: Note that Mandela felt a deep sorrow because the deceased patriots could not witness the fruit of their sacrifices.

Question. According to Mandela, what is the greatest wealth of a nation?
(a) minerals
(b) gems
(c) diamonds
(d) people
Answer: (d) people
In simple words: Mandela firmly believes that a country's citizens are far more precious than any gems hidden in the ground.

Exam Tip: Remember that despite South Africa's rich mineral reserves, Mandela places citizens above diamonds and gems.

Question. What are a man’s obligations in life?
(a) Obligation to people
(b) Obligation to family
(c) Obligation to God
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)
In simple words: Every person has two main duties: one is to take care of their family, and the other is to serve their community and nation.

Exam Tip: Recall that Mandela speaks of "twin obligations" – to one's family and to one's society.

Question. What comes more naturally to heart according to Mandela?
(a) hatred
(b) unity
(c) love
(d) racial discrimination
Answer: (c) love
In simple words: Mandela says that loving others is a natural human feeling, while hating is something that people must be taught to do.

Exam Tip: Remember Mandela's famous quote that love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

Question. What realisations did Mandela have of his boyhood freedom?
(a) it is just an illusion
(b) he was born free
(c) freedom was meant for kids
(d) he had no realisations
Answer: (a) it is just an illusion
In simple words: As a young man, he discovered that his childhood sense of being free was actually a false impression.

Exam Tip: Note that "illusion" is the key term Mandela uses to describe his early, naive understanding of freedom.

Question. 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
In simple words: His strong desire for freedom started when he realised that his basic rights had already been stolen from him.

Exam Tip: Mandela's personal hunger for freedom started when he discovered his freedom as a young black man was restricted.

Question. 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
In simple words: Someone who robs another person of their liberty is himself trapped by narrow-mindedness and anger.

Exam Tip: Keep in mind that according to Mandela, the oppressor is also a prisoner—specifically of hatred.

Question. Who, according to Mandela is not free?
(a) oppressor
(b) oppressed
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)
In simple words: Mandela explains that both the victim of cruelty and the cruel person are held captive in different ways.

Exam Tip: Remember that both the oppressor and the oppressed must be liberated to achieve true freedom.

Question. 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 options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: His search for liberty changed him completely, making him fearless, a rebel against unfair laws, and a homeless wanderer.

Exam Tip: Be aware of all these drastic transformations in Mandela's personality and status due to his struggle.

Question. What does depths of oppression create?
(a) oppressed
(b) heights of character
(c) poverty
(d) lack of freedom
Answer: (b) heights of character
In simple words: Extremely difficult situations of suffering serve to build exceptionally noble and strong personalities.

Exam Tip: Remember this specific phrase used by Mandela to highlight how suffering builds extraordinary human character.

Question. 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 options
Answer: (c) Free from poverty and discrimination
In simple words: He wished for a country where no one would have to suffer from being poor or being treated unfairly.

Exam Tip: Focus on Mandela's pledge to free his people from poverty, deprivation, and all forms of discrimination.

Question. What has the Nelson Mandela achieved?
(a) Political emancipation
(b) Political love
(c) Political goodness
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) Political emancipation
In simple words: Mandela and his party successfully won the fight to have basic political rights and freedom from restrictions.

Exam Tip: "Political emancipation" refers to the political freedom and rights acquired by the citizens.

Question. 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 options
Answer: (a) Because it comes naturally
In simple words: Love is an inherent feeling that fits naturally in human hearts, whereas hatred has to be taught.

Exam Tip: Recall Mandela's logic that love is much more natural to the human heart than hatred.

Question. In the article, who have the people been compared to?
(a) Utensils
(b) Minerals and Gems
(c) Technology
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) Minerals and Gems
In simple words: The author compares the citizens of South Africa to valuable minerals and precious stones, saying they are the country's greatest asset.

Exam Tip: Remember that Mandela compares the citizens to diamonds and other precious gems.

Question. 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 options
Answer: (c) The policy of apartheid
In simple words: The system of racial segregation left a deep and painful mark on the people and the nation that would take a long time to heal.

Exam Tip: Identify "the policy of apartheid" as the major cause of the deep, long-lasting pain in South Africa.

Question. 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
In simple words: The newly designed flag of free South Africa features the colors black, red, green, blue, and gold.

Exam Tip: Carefully memorize this exact combination of five colors for the newly introduced South African flag.