NCERT Solutions for Class 10

English First Flight

Chapter 2 - Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom

Oral Comprehension Check (pg. 18)

1. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings
in India that are made of sandstone?
Ans: Union Building of Pretoria was the place where the ceremonies took place.
The Parliament House in New Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, the
Supreme Court of India in New Delhi, and the Madras High Court in Chennai are
all notable sandstone monuments in India.

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

Ans: South Africa lies in the Southern Hemisphere. Hence, the autumn season
falls in May. It was the day of South Africa's largest gathering, with many
international leaders in attendance to witness the installation of the country's first
non-racial democratic government.

3. At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary

human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious …
human achievement” he speaks of at the end?
Ans: “An extraordinary human disaster” meant that the native Africans and the
coloured people had to suffer a lot due to discrimination done by the British
government. It was a glorious achievement, not only for the Africans but also for
the people around the world. A coloured person became the President after the
country was exploited for many years. In South Africa, the government ensured
liberty not only to the black citizens but also to the whites.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Ans: While addressing everyone in his speech, Mandela thanked all the
international leaders who came to witness this glorious moment. He felt privileged
to gather international support for his country. It also helped him bring to light the
issues that Africans faced at the hands of the British. Mandela becoming the
President of Africa was not only their victory but the victory of justice, peace, and
human rights across the globe.

5. What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?
Ans: Mandela wanted to work for the upliftment of everyone. He tried to address
the finer details that would make Africa a progressing nation in the long run. He
focused on the alleviation of poverty and suffering. He also wanted his nation to

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be free from racial discrimination and a safe place for blacks, white and coloured
individuals.

Oral Comprehension Check (pg. 21)

1. What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and
why?
Ans: The military earlier arrested and disrespected the Blacks. But after Mandela
became the President of South Africa, the highest military generals of South
Africa saluted Mandela and pledged their loyalty towards the new emerging
Africa.

2. Why were two national anthems sung?

Ans: Nelson Mandela wanted to make Africa a safe and equal country for
everyone and promote universal brotherhood. So, on the day of the inauguration
one national anthem was sung by whites and the other by blacks.

3. How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country

(i) in the first decade
Ans: In the first decade the racial discrimination between the blacks and white,
the whites set themselves on higher pedestal and created grounds for one of the
gravest racial discrimination the world had ever known. The dark skinned were
treated as inferior in their own land and were denied even basic human rights.

(ii) in the final decade of the twentieth century?

Ans: In the final decade of twentieth century the racial discrimination was
eradicated and was replaced by equal rights for all, irrespective of their colour.

4. What does courage mean to Mandela?

Ans: Mandela’s definition of courage did not mean absence of fear but victory
over fear. A man should not be fearless. He should acknowledge the fear and
gather courage to fight against it.

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

Ans: It is natural for the human heart to love than to hate, according to Mandela.

Oral Comprehension Check (pg. 24)

1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?
Ans: Mandela mentions that every man shoulders responsibility first towards his
family, wife, children, and parents and towards his nation and community.

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2. What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How
does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and
honourable freedoms”?
Ans: Like any other kid for Mandela also the freedom meant the freedom to make
merry and enjoy a blissful life. He was allowed everything till the time he
followed the rules laid out by his father and the tribe. After growing up he realized
freedom had a more deeper meaning and value than he actually thought. It meant
equality and honour for all. As an adult you will have to make sure there is food
for the family and honour of the family is held high.

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

Ans: An oppressor, according to Mandela, is not free because he becomes a
prisoner of hatred, imprisoned by prejudice and narrow-mindedness. They are
stripped of their humanity, and the privilege of being human is taken away from
them.

Thinking about the Text 24

1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the
inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?
Ans: The Britishers ruled over various countries around the world and exploited
them for their own gains. Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa,
after so many years of oppression, signified their win against the oppressors. The
presence of international leaders at an important event signifies their appreciation
of the struggle that Africa went through. It showed that all the nations around the
world were standing in unity with Africa.

2. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those
African patriots” who had gone before him?
Ans: Mandela was inspired by the passion of individuals and freedom fighters,
who had in their hearts a desire to free their country from the shackles of British
oppression. He believed that those patriots who died before him paved this path
for him and without their sacrifice, this would not have been possible. He held
their sacrifice as well as the other citizens who sacrificed themselves for the nation
at a pedestal. He wanted to pay his tribe for all the lives that were a part of this
freedom struggle and work towards what they imagined future Africa to be.

3. Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of

character? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own
examples to this argument?
Ans: Yes, I believe that “depths of oppression” create “heights of character.” It is
when we face adverse situations, we realize the potential we hold. Adverse

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situations help us to come out of our bubble and discover the strength that lies
deep within us. Nelson Mandela never thought as a child that he would fight for
the freedom of the citizens and nations. He was ready to sacrifice himself for the
freedom of his nation. He served around 27 years in prison and then became the
first President of independent South Africa.

4. How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and

experience?
Ans: Since Mandela was a part of an African tribe, he was shouldered with
responsibilities from a noticeably early age. As a young boy, Mandela was
concerned about his own freedom. He considered himself to be free since he
wasn't imposed with any restrictions. He was just asked to abide by his father’s
and communities' rules. As he grew up and developed a better understanding of
the world, he realized how selfish his view of freedom was. He understood that
it's not only his freedom that matters but also other fellow black members and the
residents of the country. It was after this realized he stepped into politics, to
achieve this aim.

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

Ans: Realization about the importance of the freedom of the country hit Mandela
when he was young. He valued his freedom but eventually realized that if the
citizens of his country aren't free then his freedom holds no importance. He held
in his heart a desire for non-racial society and wanted everyone to have equal
rights, irrespective of them being black or white. His own hunger for freedom
soon grew into hunger for the freedom of his own people and he joined the African
National Congress which acted as a stepping stone into his political career.

Thinking about Language

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

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

Noun Verb
Rebellion Rebel
Constitution Constitute

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Ans:
Noun Verb
Rebellion Rebel
Constitution Constitute
Government Govern
Transformation Transform
Deprivation Deprive
Oppression Oppress

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

Martin Luther King’s _____________(contribute) to our history as an

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

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

1. Mr Singh regularly invites the Amitabh Bachchan's and the Shah Rukh
Khans to his parties.
2. Many people think that Madhuri Dixit is the Madhubala of our times.

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3. History is not only the story of the Alexanders, the Napoleons and the
Hitlers, but of ordinary people as well.
Ans:
1. This means that Mr Singh regularly invites famous personalities such as
Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to his parties.
2. This means that Madhuri Dixit is placed on a pedestal in acting just like the
legendary actress, Madhubala.
3. This means that history is not only the story of the great fighters and leaders
such as Alexander, Napoleon and Hitler, but also of ordinary people.

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

A B
1. I was not unmindful of the fact (i) had not forgotten; was aware of
the fact
(ii) was not careful about the fact
(iii) forgot or was not aware of the
fact
2. when my comrades and I were (i) pushed by the guards to the wall
pushed to our limits (ii) took more than our share of
beatings
(iii) felt that we could not endure
the suffering any longer
3. to reassure me and keep me (i) make me go on walking
going (ii) help me continue to live in hope
in this very difficult situation
(iii) make me remain without
complaining
4. the basic and honorable freedoms (i) earning enough money to live on
of…earning my keep… (ii) keeping what I earned
(iii) getting a good salary

Ans:
A B
1. I was not unmindful of the fact (i) had not forgotten; was aware of the

2. When my comrades and I were (iii)felt that we could not endure the
pushed to our limits suffering any longer

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 3. To reassure me and keep me going (ii) help me continue to live in hope in
this very difficult situation
4. The basic and honourable freedoms (i) earning enough money to live on
of…earning my keep…

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

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

discrimination.
• causes of poverty and means of overcoming it
• discrimination based on gender, religion, class, etc.
• constitutionally guaranteed human rights
Ans: True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation, and all forms of
discrimination. Liberty doesn't mean freedom from external colonial government
but it also means liberty of mind and all social constrictions. Poverty is the state
of being extremely poor and not being able to provide enough for yourself. One
of the major reasons for the increase in the poverty rate is the rise of capitalism
and the poor not being aware of their rights because of lack of education.
Government should make schemes to provide free and compulsory education and
vocational training to the poor.
Our society discriminates against individuals based on caste, class, gender,
religion etc. Being a secular country, we should learn to live with unity and avoid
these shallow issues that come between us. In togetherness lies immense strength
and we should stick together to work for the betterment of our country. We as
individuals need to change our subconscious regarding these aspects so that we
can be more accepting of the change. The government and constitution should
guarantee equal rights to everyone. Guaranteeing human rights not only makes an
individual feel safe but also provides trust in his nation and government.

Writing
I. Looking at Contrasts
Nelson Mandela’s writing is marked by balance: many sentences have two
parts in balance.
Use the following phrases to complete the sentences given below.
(i) they can be taught to love.
(ii) I was born free.
(iii) but triumph over it.

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(iv) but he who conquers that fear.
(v) to create such heights of character.

1. It requires such depths of oppression ___________________

Ans: (v) to create such heights of character.

2. Courage was not the absence of fear __________________

Ans: (iii) but the triumph over it.

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

4. If people can learn to hate _________________

Ans: (i) they can be taught to love

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

Ans: (ii) I was born free

II. This text repeatedly contrasts the past with the present or the future. We
can use coordinated clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or effect.
Given below are sentences carrying one part of the contrast. Find in the text
the second part of the contrast, and complete each item. Identify the words
which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item.
1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy,
and now .....
Ans: It was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.

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

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

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

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

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

III. Expressing Your Opinion

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

When you were born you were pink

When you grew up you became white
When you are in the sun you are red
When you are sick you are yellow
When you are angry you are purple
When you are shocked you are grey
And you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’.
Ans: Yes, there is colour prejudice in my country. I belong to an Asian country
where pale skin isn't that common. But I have seen a lot of people judge and
stereotype people based on their colour. Pale individuals are considered better
looking and more attractive than those who have darker skin tones. Society
conditions the younger individuals in such a way that they should be ashamed of
their skin tone if they are on the brown side of the palette. They are casually made
fun of and taunted by their friends and family about it, accompanied by their
advice to use skin lightening products. This reduces the self-confidence of an
individual and makes them feel unacceptable and unworthy of any human
affection. I believe this is a very shallow way to judge or form an opinion about
someone.

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