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[CBSE 2025, 3 marks] Why did Mandela feel that liberation was important for both the oppressor and the oppressed? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2025, 3 marks] Why does the author use the phrase "that drove a law-abiding citizen to become a criminal" to describe Mandela? (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2024, 3 marks] Mandela in his inauguration speech says, "We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil." What is the significance of this statement with reference to the political system that prevailed before this? (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2023, 6 marks] 'No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion'. Do you agree? Elaborate on the basis of the chapter "Nelson Mandela - Long walk to freedom".
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[CBSE 2026, 3 marks] Mandela emphasizes the need to liberate the oppressor. Illustrate. (Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2025, 5 marks] Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the two given: (a) It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the true meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give up their lives for an idea. I have seen men and women stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. (Nelson Mandela : A Long Walk to Freedom) (i) What effect does the experience as described in the lines below have on the speaker? Time and again, I have seen men and women risk their lives for an idea. (ii) Select one inference about the idea of courage from the given context: "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." (A) being fearless (B) absence of fear (C) feeding your fears (D) ability to overcome fear (iii) Answer in about 40 words, with reference to the extract: According to the author, what does true courage entail? How does this perspective differ from a common misconception about courage? (iv) Fill in the blank with the correct phrase from the bracket in the context of the given extract: Men stood up to torture showing strength and resilience that is _________ (impossible to understand / seeped in reality).
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[CBSE 2024, 5 marks] Also covers: From the Diary of Anne Frank Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the given two: (A) On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the 20th century a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and created a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the twentieth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system has been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin. (i) Explain the feelings of the narrator when he said; "I was overwhelmed with a sense of history." (ii) The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that: (A) confirms the education of the Blacks. (B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people. (C) recollects the bitter experiences. (D) focuses on the personality development. (iii) Comment on the kind of society apartheid had created? (iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'patched up' in the given sentence from the extract: "..the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences..."
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[CBSE 2025, 3 marks] Also covers: The Ball Poem; Madam Rides the Bus Answer any two of the following three questions in 40-50 words each: (i) The transition from the apartheid system in South Africa to a new era of equality reflects broader historical trends in the struggle for human rights and social justice. Elaborate. (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2026, 5 marks] Also covers: A Triumph of Surgery Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b) :(a) We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement. Let freedom reign. God bless Africa! (Nelson Mandela — Long Walk to Freedom)(i) State any one inference about Nelson Mandela from the given context :"We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation."(ii) State True or False :When Mandela says, "God bless Africa", he intends to mean well-being and welfare of only black people in South Africa.(iii) "Nelson Mandela's speech is full of optimism." Elaborate in about 40 words with reference to the extract.(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'so glorious', in the given sentence from the extract."The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement."
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[CBSE 2025, 3 marks] Why, according to Mandela, was it important to learn to hate? (Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2026, 3 marks] Also covers: The Ball Poem; The Sermon at Benares; The Proposal; For Anne Gregory Answer any four of the following five questions in 40 – 50 words each : 4×3=12 (i) Why does Mandela mention that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father, and a husband? (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2024, 3 marks] Also covers: The Ball Poem Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech says "We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil." What is the significance of this statement with reference to the political system that prevailed before this? (Nelson Mandela — Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2025, 6 marks] Also covers: Mijbil the Otter; A Tiger in the Zoo; The Trees Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words: I. The inherent instinct for freedom is a fundamental trait in all living creatures. Justify this statement with reference to 'Mijbil the Otter' and 'A Tiger in the Zoo'. II. Both 'Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom' by Nelson Mandela and 'The Trees' by Adrienne Rich explore themes of transformation, liberation and the power to change. Examine the commonality of themes in both the works.
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[CBSE 2026, 3 marks] Also covers: The Ball Poem; The Sermon at Benares; The Proposal; For Anne Gregory Answer any four of the following five questions in 40 – 50 words each : 4×3=12 (i) Although Mandela cherished the illusion of freedom during his boyhood, when he realized the harsh reality, it ignited the spark for a broader and more meaningful freedom for his people. Justify. (Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2024, 5 marks] Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any ONE of the given two. (a) Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days, I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa's first democratic non- racial government. (Nelson Mandela — Long Walk to Freedom) (i) What do you infer from the following statement? "The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African Soil." (ii) Explain in about 40 words the effective shift from white supremacy to a rainbow gathering. (iii) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'pleasantly besieged' in the given sentence from that extract? (iv) State true or false with reference to the given extract. In the past the 'amphitheatre' had been a seat for theatrical performances.
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[CBSE 2025, 3 marks] Also covers: Dust of Snow; Glimpses of India; How to Tell Wild Animals; Mijbil the Otter Answer any four of the following five questions in 40-50 words each: (i) Mandela in his speech says, "The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people." Explain the significance of the word "wound" as used by Mandela. (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2026, 5 marks] Also covers: The Book That Saved the Earth Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given :(A) We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom) I. What is the tone Nelson Mandela is UNLIKELY to have used in his speech? (A) inspirational (B) assertive (C) conflicted (D) direct II. According to Mandela, emancipation is not merely political. Elaborate. III. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket : Mandela's speech swings between references to the past and a ________ (bleak/promising) future. IV. With reference to the extract explain the sentence, "The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement."
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[CBSE 2025, 3 marks] Why, according to Mandela, was it important to learn to hate? (Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)
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[CBSE 2024, 5 marks] Also covers: The Necklace Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two:(a) "People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love." Discuss. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100 — 120 words : (a) Mme Loisel's disposition invites her doom. Elucidate with reference to the text.
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[CBSE 2026, 3 marks] Also covers: The Ball Poem; The Sermon at Benares; The Proposal; For Anne Gregory Answer any four of the following five questions in 40 – 50 words each : 4×3=12 (i) What reasons did Lomov put forward to assert his ownership of Oxen Meadows, despite facing strong opposition from Natalya and her father? (The Proposal) (ii) How does the tone of the poet in the poem 'For Anne Gregory' highlight the distinction between external beauty and inner worth? (iii) Though he knew it was impossible, why did Buddha ask Kisa Gotami to bring mustard seeds from a house untouched by death? (The Sermon at Benares) (iv) How does the expression 'he is learning, well behind his desperate eyes', convey the idea that though the boy is helpless yet he is learning a deeper lesson? (The Ball Poem) (v) What does Mandela mean when he says that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed? (Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)
Answers
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Nelson Mandela believed that hate is a learned emotion. If people can be taught to hate, they can also be taught to love, implying that love is a more natural and achievable state for humanity. This is important because he saw hate as the root of apartheid and oppression, and he wanted to build a society based on love and understanding.
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The phrase "that drove a law-abiding citizen to become a criminal" describes how Mandela's commitment to fighting apartheid forced him to break laws that he considered unjust. Under the apartheid regime, even peaceful protest or advocating for equality could be deemed criminal acts. His desire for freedom and justice for his people compelled him to act outside the legal framework imposed by the oppressive government.
3
This statement signifies the immense political transformation South Africa had undergone. Previously, under apartheid, South Africa was isolated and considered an outlaw nation by many countries due to its discriminatory policies. Being able to host international leaders on its own soil for the inauguration marked the country's return to the global community as a democratic and non-racial nation, a privilege they had not possessed before.
4
The chapter "Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom" strongly supports the idea that hate is learned. Mandela argues that no one is born hating another person based on their skin colour, background, or religion. People learn to hate through societal influences and indoctrination. Conversely, love comes more naturally to the human heart. Therefore, if hate can be taught, love can also be taught, emphasizing the possibility of overcoming prejudice and fostering understanding.
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Mandela believed that the oppressor, just like the oppressed, is not truly free. The oppressor is trapped by hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness. To liberate the oppressed, it is equally necessary to liberate the oppressor from these mental chains. This liberation allows both parties to regain their humanity and build a just society.
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(a) (i) The experience of seeing men and women risk and give their lives for an idea instills in the speaker a deep understanding of commitment and sacrifice. It demonstrates the profound impact that ideals can have on individuals, motivating them to extreme acts of bravery and selflessness. (ii) (D) ability to overcome fear (iii) True courage, according to Mandela, is not the absence of fear but the ability to triumph over it. This differs from the common misconception that courage means being fearless. Mandela highlights that brave individuals are those who acknowledge fear but act despite it. (iv) seeped in reality
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(A) (i) The narrator felt overwhelmed with a sense of history because he was witnessing a monumental shift in his country's political landscape. The inauguration marked the end of centuries of white supremacy and the dawn of a democratic, non-racial government, a moment of immense historical significance that had been achieved through immense struggle. (ii) (B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people. (iii) Apartheid created one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known, characterized by racial domination and the oppression of dark-skinned people by the white minority. It inflicted deep and lasting wounds on the country and its people. (iv) ...the white skinned people of South Africa reconciled their differences...
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The apartheid system in South Africa was a brutal regime that enforced racial segregation and discrimination. The transition to a new era of equality, marked by Nelson Mandela's presidency, reflects a broader global trend where oppressed groups have fought for and achieved human rights and social justice. This mirrors struggles for civil rights in many nations and movements for independence worldwide, signifying a collective human aspiration for dignity and freedom.
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(a) (i) This statement suggests that Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) were considered outlaws by the previous apartheid government, and possibly by some international bodies due to their resistance against the oppressive regime. Their presence at the inauguration as hosts signifies their legitimate rise to power. (ii) False. Mandela's wish for Africa's well-being would encompass all its people, regardless of race or background, reflecting his vision of a unified and inclusive nation. (iii) Nelson Mandela's speech is full of optimism as he speaks of a new era of freedom and democracy, a "glorious human achievement" that will never be undone. He expresses hope for a future society that humanity will be proud of, free from oppression and discrimination. (iv) "The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement" means that this achievement of democracy and equality will be everlasting and will continue to shine brightly throughout history.
10
Mandela believed that hate is a learned emotion, fostered by oppressive systems like apartheid. If people can be taught to hate, they can also be taught to love. He emphasizes this because he wanted to demonstrate that the path to reconciliation and a just society lay in unlearning hate and embracing love and understanding, thereby breaking the cycle of violence and prejudice.
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(i) Mandela mentions that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations because under the apartheid regime, a man of colour who tried to live as a human being and serve his people was severely punished. He was forced into a "twilight existence of secrecy and rebellion," meaning he had to live apart from his family and was unable to be present for them due to his political activism.
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This statement signifies the immense political transformation South Africa had undergone. Previously, under apartheid, South Africa was isolated and considered an outlaw nation by many countries due to its discriminatory policies. Being able to host international leaders on its own soil for the inauguration marked the country's return to the global community as a democratic and non-racial nation, a privilege they had not possessed before.
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I. The inherent instinct for freedom is a fundamental trait in all living creatures. This statement is justified by the behaviour of Mijbil the otter and the tiger in the zoo. Mijbil, though adapted to a domestic environment, displayed strong instincts for water and play, showing his natural affinity for freedom and natural behaviours. The tiger in the zoo, despite having its basic needs met, is shown to be in "quiet rage," longing to be in its natural habitat, stalking long grass and lurking near water holes, indicating its deep-seated desire for freedom and its natural environment. II. Both 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' and 'The Trees' explore themes of transformation, liberation, and the power to change. Mandela's text details the transformation of South Africa from an oppressive apartheid state to a democracy, a liberation achieved through immense struggle and sacrifice. Similarly, 'The Trees' depicts a transformation of the trees from their initial state to their eventual growth and reach towards the sky, symbolizing liberation and resilience. Both works highlight the enduring power of these forces.
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(i) Mandela cherished the illusion of freedom as a boy, believing he was free as long as he obeyed his tribe's customs. However, upon realizing as a young man that his freedom and the freedom of all people like him had been systematically taken away, this harsh reality ignited his lifelong struggle for true freedom and equality for his people.
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(a) (i) The narrator felt overwhelmed with a sense of history because he was witnessing a monumental shift in his country's political landscape. The inauguration marked the end of centuries of white supremacy and the dawn of a democratic, non-racial government, a moment of immense historical significance that had been achieved through immense struggle. (ii) (B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people. (iii) Apartheid created one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known, characterized by racial domination and the oppression of dark-skinned people by the white minority. It inflicted deep and lasting wounds on the country and its people. (iv) ..the white skinned people of South Africa reconciled their differences...
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The word "wound" is used metaphorically by Mandela to describe the deep and lasting emotional and psychological damage inflicted by the policy of apartheid on his country and its people. It signifies the pain, suffering, and trauma that would take generations to heal, highlighting the profound impact of this oppressive system.
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(A) I. The tone Nelson Mandela is UNLIKELY to have used in his speech is (C) conflicted. II. According to Mandela, emancipation is not merely political; it also entails liberation from poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender, and other forms of discrimination. It means freeing all people from the continuing bondage of these issues to live with dignity and self-respect. III. Mandela's speech swings between references to the past and a promising future. IV. This sentence signifies that the achievement of democracy and equality in South Africa will be an everlasting accomplishment, a glorious moment in human history that will be remembered and celebrated forever.
18
Mandela believed that hate is a learned emotion, fostered by oppressive systems like apartheid. If people can be taught to hate, they can also be taught to love. He emphasizes this because he wanted to demonstrate that the path to reconciliation and a just society lay in unlearning hate and embracing love and understanding, thereby breaking the cycle of violence and prejudice.
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(a) This statement refers to the inherent human capacity for love and empathy. Mandela posits that hate is not natural but learned, often through societal prejudice and oppression. If individuals can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love, suggesting that love is a more fundamental and teachable human trait, capable of overcoming ingrained hatred and building a harmonious society. Mme Loisel's disposition of vanity and her relentless desire for a life of luxury beyond her means ultimately lead to her downfall. Her dissatisfaction with her modest life, her longing for extravagant possessions, and her pride prevent her from appreciating what she has. This attitude propels her to borrow the necklace, leading to years of hardship and sacrifice to repay a debt incurred for a borrowed luxury, ultimately destroying her youthful beauty and happiness.
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(v) When Mandela says that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed, he means that the person who inflicts oppression is also a victim. They are trapped by their own hatred, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness, which rob them of their humanity. True freedom for the nation requires freeing both the oppressed from subjugation and the oppressor from their damaging mindset.
