Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Story) -Extra Important Questions English Class 10 In English

Chapter 2. (Story) Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

This section contains important exam-oriented questions based on Chapter 2 (Story) Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. These questions are prepared according to the latest CBSE examination pattern and help students strengthen their conceptual understanding and improve answer-writing skills.

Extra Important Questions

Practice the following important questions to revise the chapter thoroughly and prepare confidently for school and board examinations.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who is the author of Long Walk to Freedom?

(a) Mahatma Gandhi

(b) Nelson Mandela

(c) Desmond Tutu

(d) Jawaharlal Nehru

Answer: (b) Nelson Mandela

Explanation: The chapter is an extract from Nelson Mandela's autobiography.

2. On which date did Nelson Mandela become the President of South Africa?

(a) 26 January 1950

(b) 15 August 1947

(c) 10 May 1994

(d) 11 February 1990

Answer: (c) 10 May 1994

Explanation: Mandela took the oath as the first Black President on 10 May 1994.

3. Where was the inauguration ceremony held?

(a) Johannesburg

(b) Pretoria

(c) Cape Town

(d) Durban

Answer: (b) Pretoria

Explanation: The ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

4. What was apartheid?

(a) A democratic system

(b) A racial discrimination policy

(c) A peace treaty

(d) A political party

Answer: (b) A racial discrimination policy

Explanation: Apartheid was a system that discriminated against Black people.

5. Who became the first Black President of South Africa?

(a) Oliver Tambo

(b) Walter Sisulu

(c) Nelson Mandela

(d) Robert Sobukwe

Answer: (c) Nelson Mandela

Explanation: Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first Black President.

6. What does Mandela say is not the absence of fear?

(a) Leadership

(b) Courage

(c) Freedom

(d) Patriotism

Answer: (b) Courage

Explanation: Mandela believed courage means overcoming fear.

7. According to Mandela, which emotion is more natural?

(a) Hatred

(b) Anger

(c) Love

(d) Jealousy

Answer: (c) Love

Explanation: Mandela believed that love comes naturally to the human heart.

8. Which system ended with Mandela's inauguration?

(a) Colonialism

(b) Apartheid

(c) Monarchy

(d) Socialism

Answer: (b) Apartheid

Explanation: Mandela's inauguration marked the end of apartheid.

9. What does Mandela compare freedom with?

(a) Wealth

(b) Responsibility

(c) Power

(d) Fame

Answer: (b) Responsibility

Explanation: Mandela believed that freedom carries responsibilities towards others.

10. Which quality best describes Nelson Mandela?

(a) Selfish

(b) Courageous

(c) Careless

(d) Arrogant

Answer: (b) Courageous

Explanation: Mandela dedicated his life to justice and equality.

11. What does Mandela call the system of apartheid?

(a) A political victory

(b) An extraordinary human disaster

(c) A social reform

(d) A national celebration

Answer: (b) An extraordinary human disaster

Explanation: Apartheid denied basic human rights to millions.

12. What is the opposite of hatred according to Mandela?

(a) Revenge

(b) Love

(c) Anger

(d) Fear

Answer: (b) Love

Explanation: People can be taught to love because love comes naturally.

13. What does Mandela say about an oppressor?

(a) He is completely free.

(b) He loses his humanity.

(c) He becomes stronger.

(d) He always succeeds.

Answer: (b) He loses his humanity.

Explanation: Mandela believed both the oppressor and the oppressed are not truly free.

14. Which value is highlighted throughout the chapter?

(a) Wealth

(b) Equality

(c) Competition

(d) Luxury

Answer: (b) Equality

Explanation: Equality and justice are the central values of the chapter.

15. Which country is discussed in the chapter?

(a) India

(b) Kenya

(c) South Africa

(d) Nigeria

Answer: (c) South Africa

Explanation: The chapter focuses on South Africa's struggle for freedom.

16. Mandela fought mainly for _____.

(a) wealth

(b) equality and freedom

(c) political power

(d) personal success

Answer: (b) equality and freedom

Explanation: He devoted his life to securing equal rights for all.

17. What does Mandela call his personal freedom during childhood?

(a) Permanent freedom

(b) Basic freedom

(c) Transitory freedom

(d) Political freedom

Answer: (c) Transitory freedom

Explanation: He later realised those freedoms were temporary.

18. Which quality helped Mandela overcome fear?

(a) Greed

(b) Courage

(c) Pride

(d) Luck

Answer: (b) Courage

Explanation: Courage helped him continue the struggle despite difficulties.

19. The chapter is mainly based on _____.

(a) imagination

(b) autobiography

(c) fiction

(d) folklore

Answer: (b) Autobiography

Explanation: It is an extract from Mandela's autobiography.

20. What is the central message of the chapter?

(a) Power is everything.

(b) Freedom, equality, and humanity are essential for a peaceful society.

(c) Wealth brings happiness.

(d) Success comes without sacrifice.

Answer: (b) Freedom, equality, and humanity are essential for a peaceful society.

Explanation: Mandela's life teaches the importance of justice, equality, and forgiveness.

Very Short Answer Questions

1. Who wrote Long Walk to Freedom?

Answer: Nelson Mandela.

2. When did Mandela become the President of South Africa?

Answer: On 10 May 1994.

3. What was apartheid?

Answer: Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination in South Africa.

4. Where was the inauguration ceremony held?

Answer: At the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

5. What does Mandela say about courage?

Answer: Courage is the triumph over fear, not the absence of fear.

6. Which emotion comes naturally according to Mandela?

Answer: Love.

7. What are the two obligations mentioned by Mandela?

Answer: Duty towards family and duty towards society.

8. What did Mandela dedicate his life to?

Answer: Freedom, equality, and justice for all people.

9. What does an oppressor lose?

Answer: His humanity and freedom.

10. What is the main theme of the chapter?

Answer: Freedom, equality, courage, and human dignity.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Mandela's inauguration a historic event?

Answer: Mandela's inauguration marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of South Africa's first democratic government based on equality and justice.

2. What did Mandela learn about courage?

Answer: Mandela learned that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome fear.

3. Why did Mandela thank the international leaders?

Answer: He thanked them for supporting South Africa's struggle for democracy and attending the inauguration ceremony.

4. What did Mandela mean by 'twin obligations'?

Answer: He meant that every individual has responsibilities towards both family and society.

5. Why does Mandela say that both the oppressor and the oppressed are not free?

Answer: Because oppression destroys the humanity of both. The oppressor becomes a prisoner of hatred, while the oppressed loses freedom.

6. How did Mandela's idea of freedom change with age?

Answer: He realised that true freedom means equal rights, dignity, and justice for everyone, not just personal liberty.

7. What qualities made Mandela a great leader?

Answer: Courage, determination, forgiveness, honesty, and commitment to justice made him a great leader.

8. Why is the chapter inspirational?

Answer: It inspires readers through Mandela's sacrifices, leadership, and lifelong struggle against injustice.

9. What message does Mandela give about love and hatred?

Answer: He says that love comes naturally, while hatred is learned. Therefore, people can also be taught to love.

10. What values do you learn from this chapter?

Answer: We learn the values of equality, courage, forgiveness, humanity, and respect for human rights.

Long Answer Questions

1. Describe Nelson Mandela's views on freedom.

Answer: Mandela believed that true freedom is much more than personal liberty. As a child, he thought freedom meant playing and living freely. As he grew older, he realised that real freedom means equality, dignity, justice, and equal opportunities for everyone. His own freedom became meaningful only when all South Africans were free from racial discrimination. He devoted his entire life to achieving this goal and believed that freedom should be enjoyed equally by all people.

2. Explain the significance of Mandela's inauguration ceremony.

Answer: Mandela's inauguration on 10 May 1994 marked the end of apartheid and the birth of a democratic South Africa. The ceremony symbolised equality, justice, and hope for millions of people who had suffered under racial discrimination. It was celebrated by leaders from around the world and became a symbol of humanity's victory over injustice.

3. How does Mandela define courage?

Answer: Mandela explains that courage does not mean being fearless. Instead, it means overcoming fear and doing the right thing despite difficulties. Throughout his struggle against apartheid, he faced imprisonment and hardships but never gave up. His life proves that true courage comes from determination, self-confidence, and commitment to justice.

4. Why is Nelson Mandela regarded as one of the greatest leaders in history?

Answer: Mandela dedicated his life to ending apartheid and establishing equality in South Africa. Despite spending many years in prison, he forgave his enemies and worked towards national unity instead of revenge. His leadership, humility, courage, and belief in human dignity earned him worldwide respect and made him one of the greatest leaders in history.

5. "Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand." Explain this statement with reference to the chapter.

Answer: Mandela believed that freedom is meaningful only when it is accompanied by responsibility. Every individual has duties towards family, society, and the nation. A free person must respect the rights of others and work for justice and equality. Through his own life, Mandela demonstrated that true freedom involves serving humanity and protecting the dignity of every individual.