CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2: This excerpt from Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela highlights his journey, struggles, and triumph in the fight against apartheid.
It describes the historic day of May 10, 1994, when Mandela became South Africa’s first Black President, marking the end of racial oppression. He reflects on the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters and emphasizes the true meaning of courage, freedom, and equality. The chapter conveys deep messages about resilience, leadership, and the power of unity. It is an essential read for CBSE Class 10 students, teaching valuable life lessons on justice and perseverance.
CBSE important questions for Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom help students grasp key themes such as apartheid, freedom, and resilience. These questions focus on Mandela’s leadership, sacrifices, and the significance of democracy, aiding in a deeper understanding of the chapter. Practicing them enhances comprehension, critical thinking, and answer-writing skills, ensuring effective exam preparation.
They also help students articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently in exams. Additionally, these questions reinforce valuable life lessons on justice, equality, and perseverance, making the chapter academically important and meaningful for personal growth and awareness.
To assist students in their exam preparation, we have provided a PDF containing important questions from Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. This PDF includes key questions covering themes, character insights, and literary devices to enhance understanding. Practicing these questions will help students improve their answer-writing skills and perform better in exams. Download the PDF below for a comprehensive and structured revision experience.
CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 PDF
Below are the CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Nelson Mandela- long walk to freedom -
1. Discuss the struggles faced by Nelson Mandela in his fight against apartheid.
Sol. Nelson Mandela's journey was fraught with struggles against apartheid, including imprisonment, oppression, and personal sacrifice.
2. How did Mandela's imprisonment shape his leadership and vision?
Sol. Mandela's imprisonment became a crucible that tempered his resolve, shaping his leadership style and commitment to justice and equality.
3. What lessons can we learn from Mandela's life and leadership?
Sol. Mandela's life teaches invaluable lessons on perseverance, forgiveness, and the power of collective action to bring about change.
4. What did Mandela realise about his brothers and sisters?
Sol. Mandela realised that his brothers and sisters were not free in their own country due to their colour. The freedom of everyone in his society was curtailed. He joined the African National Congress and fought for the freedom.
5. What does Nelson Mandela mean when he describes "an extraordinary human disaster"?
Sol. The white race's apartheid against the black people is described by Nelson Mandela as "an extraordinary human disaster." The coloured people of South Africa, to whom the country belonged, were robbed of their freedom by white people.
Black people endured a long period of oppression. They were denied the ability to fulfill their responsibilities to their own families, communities, and nations. White people oppressed and imprisoned black people because they had no sympathy for them. What little freedom they did have was restricted. The black community was a slave society.
6. How did Mandela feel about the black people who battled and gave their lives to ensure the nation's political independence?
Sol. Mandela consistently stated that the thousands of Black people who fought for political freedom made sacrifices in order to achieve it. It cannot be repaid, he said. He considered himself to be the culmination of all those African nationalists.
He felt bad not being able to express his gratitude. He cursed the apartheid policy that caused centuries- long harm to his nation's citizens.
He added that notable liberation fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Luthuli, Dadoo, Fischer, Sobukwe, and many others were born out of the brutality and oppression of the white people. They were the men from bravery, discernment, and generosity. They endured great suffering in order to preserve the nation's political freedom.
7. What does Mandela mean when he says that both the oppressor and the oppressed have had their humanity taken away from them?
Sol. When Nelson Mandela says that both the oppressor and the oppressed have had their humanity taken away, he means that oppression dehumanizes everyone involved.
The oppressor, by denying others freedom and dignity, becomes consumed by hatred, fear, and a false sense of superiority, losing their moral and ethical values. Similarly, the oppressed, who are subjected to injustice and cruelty, are stripped of their rights, dignity, and the opportunity to live freely.
Thus, both lose their humanity—one by inflicting suffering and the other by enduring it—highlighting that true freedom can only exist when it is shared by all.
8. Could you elaborate on the responsibilities the author discusses and his emotions towards them?
Sol. The author of the chapter discussed two responsibilities that every man has. His first duty is to his spouse, kids, parents, and relatives. The second is in the direction of his nation and community. One must fulfil these responsibilities in order to be a social being.
However, in South Africa, a man who was black was not free to fulfil his responsibilities and would face consequences if he attempted to do so.
The author never gave such obligations much thought when he was younger, but once he did, he fought for the country's freedom and the right of its citizens to carry out their personal duties.
9. Discuss the significance of freedom for humankind and its role in the advancement of humanism and civilization, as outlined in the lesson "Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom."
Sol. Because freedom is innate to all living things, everyone wants to live it, whether they are humans or other creatures. The person who has never experienced freedom is better able to appreciate its worth.
A person who is restricted and unable to carry out his responsibilities without hindrance cherishes freedom above all else. Mandela, for example, is better aware of the value of freedom because he spent the majority of his life behind bars.
Consider an animal or bird that is confined, although they are accustomed to living in complete freedom, their conditions in the cage are appalling. Similar to this, losing our freedom turns life into a hell. Civilization cannot flourish because it can only flourish when an individual is free. In a similar vein, humanism flourishes in an environment of liberty.
10. In what ways did Nelson Mandela's life change as a result of his desire for his people's freedom?
Sol. Nelson Mandela was driven by his people's need for freedom throughout his entire life. He became a brave young man instead of a scared one. A law- abiding attorney became a criminal due to the desire.
A life-loving man became a monk, and a family-loving husband became a homeless man. Mandela was not only a selfless man, but he was also deprived of even a small amount of freedom. When he realized that his people were not free, he felt defrauded. He believed that he was a slave because his people were slaves.
Deeper Understanding of Themes – Helps students grasp key themes like apartheid, freedom, equality, and leadership from Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Exam-Focused Preparation – These questions align with the CBSE syllabus, ensuring students are well-prepared for board exams.
Improves Answer Writing Skills – Regular practice enhances clarity, structure, and expression in exam answers.
Boosts Critical Thinking – Encourages analytical thinking about historical events and their relevance to modern society.
Enhances Retention – Revising with important questions aids memory and recall during exams.
Builds Confidence – Helps students feel more prepared and self-assured while answering English literature questions.