CBSE Class 10 English Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom HOTS

Extract Based Questions:-

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 would take 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 a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. On that lovely autumn day, I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second deputy president. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people.

Question. Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract: (1) The ceremony took place in the grand amphitheatre. (2) The inauguration was experienced as the largest gathering. (3) It was the time for the formation of a non-racial government. (4) The incident was noticed on Tenth June. (5) The white men ruled Africa for decades. (6) It was the installation ceremony. (7) It was South Africa’s republican day.
(a) (4) and (7)
(b) (1) and (2)
(c) (5) and (6)
(d) (3) and (4)
Answer. A

Question. What is apartheid?
a) it is a political system that separates people based on their race and colour.
b) it is discrimination based on religion.
c) discriminating people based on their financial status.
d) segregating people based on their sexual orientation.
Answer. A

Question. Why is there a specific mention of Tenth May in the passage?
a) it was a bright and clear day.
b) it was the inauguration ceremony of South Africa)
c) it was Mandela’s birthday.
d) it is mentioned as a casual day.
Answer. B

Question. Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/ s (F) and opinion/ s (O) of the statement below:

(a) F- (2), (3), (4) and O – (1)
(b) F- (3), (2) and O – (4), (1)
(c) F- (2), (4) and O – (3), (1)
(d) F- (1), (2) and O – (3), (4)
Answer. D

Question. Why was the narrator besieged by the dignitaries and the World leaders?
a) they had come to arrest him.
b) they wanted to pay their respect and wishes for the inauguration ceremony.
c) they wanted to kill the narrator.
d) they wanted to take selfies with him.
Answer. B

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

Question. The guests at the spectacular ceremony are being called distinguished because they
a) they have been invited as guests to attend it.
b) they are eminent world leaders witnessing it.
c) they are visiting the country for this purpose.
d) they have resumed diplomatic relations with the country
Answer. B

Question. It is a victory for ‘human dignity’. Pick the option that lists the correct answer for what ‘human dignity’ would include.
a) i) equality ii) liberty iii) indecency
b) i) liberty ii) indecency iii) self-respect
c) i) immorality ii) self-respect iii) equality
d) i) equality ii) liberty iii) self-respect
Answer. D

Question. Why does the speaker say that it is a ‘rare privilege’? He says this as they have
a) been deprived of this honour.
b) seldom been given this honour.
c) experienced it for the first time.
d) been chosen over other countries, for this honour.
Answer. C

Question. How do you think the speaker feels? Choose the option that best fits his state of mind)
a) i) emotional ii) elated iii) unmindful
b) i) elated ii) unmindful iii) overwhelmed
c) i) overwhelmed ii) elated iii) honoured
d) i) elated ii) honoured iii) unmindful
Answer. C

Question. Pick the option that showcases the usage of ‘host’ as in the extract.
a) He was praised for his hospitality as the host of the party.
b) She was able to host the event without any hindrance.
c) She met the host and apologised for her friend’s misbehaviour.
d) He is the best host that one can ever come across.
Answer. B

2. “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…”

Question. The title that best suits this extract is
a) Freedom for everything
b) Knowledge about Freedom
c) Significance of Freedom
d) Realisation of Freedom
Answer. C

Question. Why do you think the speaker mentions some freedoms as ‘transitory’?
a) The freedoms are momentary and keep changing with time.
b) The definition of freedom is constant but perspectives differ.
c) Freedom means different things to different people.
d) Freedom is not that important after a certain age.
Answer. A

Question. Choose the option that best fits the usage of the word ‘illusion’ as used in the extract.
a) He was never able to get past the illusion.
b) The illusion I experienced was quite intriguing.
c) A large mirror in the room creates an illusion.
d) I was living under the illusion that this is possible.
Answer. D

Question. The speaker says, ‘at first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself.’ Why do you think he only thought about himself?
a) He didn’t want to think about the freedom denied to others.
b) He was being selfish and was only bothered about himself.
c) He didn’t think that freedom denied to him was important for others.
d) He was too young to realise that freedom was denied to others as well.
Answer. D

Question. A part of the extract has been paraphrased) Choose the option that includes the most appropriate solution to the blanks in the given paraphrase of the extract. The speaker’s belief about freedom, since childhood proved false. It was not until the speaker grew up to be a young man when it i) __________________ on him that he was ii) ________________ of freedom. Then he began iii) __________________ it.
a) i) desired ii) dawned iii) depriving
b) i) dawned ii) deprived iii) desiring
c) i) dawned ii) arrived iii) desiring
d) i) arrived ii) deprived iii) dawned
Answer. B

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. How did Nelson Mandela describe the scene of the inaugurations?
Answer. The oath-taking ceremony of Nelson Mandela was a historic occasion. Dignitaries and representatives of about 140 countries came to attend the program. The ceremony took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria) now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

Question. What did ‘being free’ mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?
Answer. Freedom had different meanings for Mandela at different stages. As a boy, freedom for him meant to run freely in the fields and to swim in the stream. As a student he wanted freedom to stay out at nights, to read what he liked, later he realised that this freedom was an illusion. He found that all the black brothers and sisters were in chains. There was no freedom for a respectful life. Their freedom was curtailed at every stage. He wanted the basic and honourable freedom of achieving his potential of earning his keep, of marrying and having a family. He believed that freedom is indivisible. Everyone has to be free.

Question. How did the desire for the freedom of his people change Nelson Mandela’s life?
Answer. The desire for the freedom of his people animated Nelson Mandela’s life. He was transformed from a frightened young man to a bold one. The desire turned a law abiding attorney to a criminal.

Question. Mandela feels that courage is triumph over fear. How would you define courage in this context?
Answer: According to me, courage has to be aroused from within. One can conquer fear by facing it without thinking of its consequences. The willingness to challenge fear is courage.

Question. What did Nelson Mandela pledged when he was sworn in as president?
Answer. Nelson Mandela pledged to uphold the constitution of his country and devote himself to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discriminations. There would be freedom and justice for all.

Question. What is the dream of Nelson Mandela for the future of South Africa?
Answer. Mandela dreamt that his country should be free from poverty and discrimination. Nobody should be oppressed on the basis of colour and creed) He wished the sun of the freedom to shine on his country forever.

Question. Why did Nelson Mandela say, “The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity?
Answer. Nelson Mandela said so because the oppressed were robbed, when they suffered all that was against humanity and the oppressor had to kill the good human being within himself before doing anything cruel to the other person.

Question. Mandela says that his country’s greatest wealth is its people and not the purest diamonds. Justify his statement.
Answer. The strength of a country lies in it’s people. The great patriots of South Africa were Mandela’s comrades in the struggle for freedom. They fought for an idea, went to prison, were pushed to their limits but did not give in. Such great men achieved freedom which cannot be achieved by possessing the purest of diamonds. Thus, these men are more precious than diamonds.

Question. If you were in Mandela’s position, would you have given preference to your family or your country? Why?
Answer. I would have definitely given preference to my country because living with my family and relatives without freedom seems inferior to me in front of fighting and struggling for my country and basic independence.

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 would like to ask the following questions:-
i) Who was taking care of your family in your absence ? Reason- I am curious to know how the patriots’ families survive when they are away.
ii) 2nd Query- What lesson did imprisonment teach you? Reason- I want to know what he learned there inside the jail.

Question. What did ‘being free’ mean to Mandela as a boy and as a student ?
Answer : As a boy ‘being free’, meant to Nelson Mandela to wander free in fields, to swim freely, and to run through the village. As a student-to stay out at night, to read what he pleased and to go wherever he chose was ‘being free’.

Question. Why is 10th May, 1994 important for South Africa ?
Answer : 10th May, 1994 is important for South Africa as the inaugural oath taking ceremony of Nelson Mandela and his colleagues took place on that day. Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa after three centuries of white rule.

Question. What are the twin obligations Nelson Mandela talks about in his speech ?
Answer : According to Nelson Mandela, every man has twin obligations—one is towards his family and the other is towards his people and his country. But in the reign of Apartheid if one tried to fulfill his duty towards his people, he was ripped off with his family and home.

Question. What is the dream of Nelson Mandela for the future of South Africa ?
Answer : Mandela dreamt that his country should be free from poverty and discrimination. No country man should be oppressed on the basis of colour and creed. He wished the Sun of freedom to shine on his country forever.

Question. What pained Nelson Mandela on becoming the President of South Africa ?
Answer : Mandela was pained by his inability to thank his comrades who were unable to see what their sacrifices had brought. He remembered the suffering and courage of thousand of patriots, who fought for the same cause.

Question. Why did Nelson Mandela said, “The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.”
Answer : Nelson Mandela said so because the oppressed were robbed, when they suffered all that was against humanity and the oppressor had to kill the good human being within himself before doing anything cruel to the other person.

Question. How does Nelson Mandela define the meaning of ‘courage’ and ‘the brave man’ ?
Answer : According to Nelson Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. In the same way, the brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Question. What Mandela meant when he is simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him?
Answer : Nelson Mandela was a patriot. Like all other patriots, he felt the need of political independence and also underwent tortures by the whites of his own country. He included three persons in his list who were role model for him.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. How did the desire for the freedom of his people change Nelson Mandela’s life ?
Answer : The desire for the freedom of his people totally animated Nelson Mandela’s life. He was transformed from a frightened young man to a bold one. The desire turned a law abiding attorney to a criminal. A familyloving husband was turned into a man without a home, changed a life-loving man into a monk. Mandela was no more virtuous as self sacrificing, but he could not even enjoy poor and limited freedom. He felt himself robbed when he came to know that his people were not free. He felt the slavery of his people as slavery of his own. It was this desire for the freedom of his people to live their lives with dignity and selfrespect that changed his life. He was allowed freedom when he knew his people were not free. Freedom was indivisible. The chains on anyone of his people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all his people were the chains on him also. He felt the pain and fought for them.

Question. How did Nelson Mandela describe the scene of the inauguration ?
Answer : The oath taking ceremony of Nelson Mandela was a historic occasion. Dignitaries and representatives of 140 countries came to attend it. The ceremony took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre. He had gone there with his daughter Zenani. First, Mr. De Klark the 2nd Deputy President, then after Thabo Mbeki the 1st Deputy President were sworn in. Nelson Mandela took the oath as the President. He pledged to obey and uphold constitution and devote himself to the well-being of the republic and its people. After the ceremony, the display of military force was carried out. Finally, the jets left off smoke trails of different colours e.g. black, red, green, blue and golden which were the colours of the New South African flag. In the end, two National Anthems were sung by the whites and the blacks. It was a jubliant moment for him.

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 think we are privileged that we are free to choose among so many channels and programmes. Friend: Hmmm. I still feel that the restrictions are not required) I want my freedom. I’m human too, am I not? You: We are blessed that we are born in a democratic country like India, where we have all the fundamental rights. Go, and ask the true meaning of FREEDOM from the people of South Africa who were deprived of even the basic facilities for almost one century.

Question. Nelson Mandela was the hero of South Africa’s freedom movement. Comment.
Answer. Nelson Mandela was a true hero of South Africa’s freedom movement. His conscience encouraged him to demand a respectful and unique life for all. His soul cleared him about the twin obligations for everyone. He was always determined to fulfil them. He performed his obligations for his family as well as for his community. Although he was prevented from doing so, yet he did not stop and got discouraged)
He became homeless. In spite of all these difficulties he could not change his decision. He had a soul power to challenge the racial system of the white. He did not care the apartheid policy and announced that this policy had created a lasting wound in the country. He fought against it. At last he got success. He became the first black President of South Africa)

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