This page offers Extract Based Questions from the chapter Long Walk to Freedom for Class 10 from the book First Flight.
We’ve put together a bunch extracts which ask assumption based, creativity based and critical thinking-based questions. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. The types of questions are quick MCQs, true/false and Subjective questions. So, practice to understand Long Walk to Freedom Extracts to score great.
Table of Contents
Long Walk to Freedom Extract- 1 (Page 17)
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.
Word-Meaning: Dawnedā(here) presented itself, began, Pleasantlyāin a pleasant way, Besiegedā(here) surrounded closely by, Dignitariesāpersons of high ranks, high officials their respectāexpress their honour/respect, Inaugurationā(here) opening ceremony,
Question1: Why do you think the arrival of so many dignitaries and world leaders for the inauguration was significant for South Africa?
Answer: Lots of important people came from around the world to show they support South Africa’s new start. It was a special time where everyone agreed that change was happening.
Question2: State True or False:
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement ā Tenth May dawned bright and clear.
(a) An overcast day – a day filled with clouds and possibly precipitation
(b) A nighttime event – an occurrence happening during the evening or night
(c) A stormy morning – a morning with turbulent weather, including rain or thunderstorms
(d) A typical, unremarkable day – a day without any significant weather or events
Answer: True
The statement Tenth May dawned bright and clear suggests a sunny day, not matching the descriptions of an overcast, stormy, or nighttime setting, making options (a)-(c) inapplicable. Option (d) is also unsuitable as the context implies the day was extraordinary due to the inauguration, not typical or unremarkable.
Question3: The information in the extract suggests that the day of the inauguration could be a _______.
Answer: milestone/celebration or any other similar response.
Question4: How did the international leaders’ presence affect South Africa’s image?
Answer: It showcased global support and recognition for South Africa’s new era.
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Extract from Long Walk to Freedom- 2
The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of wilier 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.
Word-Meaning: Ceremoniesārituals, ceremonial activities Amphitheatreāaround unroofed building, Decadesāa period of ten years, troikaācapital of South Africa, Seatāplace, Whiteāwhite people, Supremacyāsuperiority, Rainbow gatheringāgathering of people of different colours, Installationāputting in a new position of authority Non-racial governmentāgovernment that did not believe in any racial discrimination
Question1: How do the Union Buildings show South Africa has changed?
Answer: The Union Buildings used to be about keeping people apart, but now they’re about bringing everyone together. This shows South Africa is now about treating everyone fairly and including people of all races in its government.
Question2: State True or False:
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement ā The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
(a) A casual gathering – an informal get-together with no special purpose
(b) A private ceremony – an exclusive event closed to the public
(c) A spontaneous event – an unplanned occurrence happening without forethought
(d) A minor local event – a small-scale event of little significance beyond the immediate community
Answer: True
The statement describes a significant and well-planned public ceremony, marking a historic moment, which is neither casual, private, spontaneous, nor minor.
Question3: The ceremonies transformed a symbol of division into a place of _____.
Answer: unity / reconciliation.
Question4: What is the site of a rainbow gathering a metaphor for?
Answer: It signifies South Africa’s diverse, unified society.
Also Read:
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- Who is Narrating in the Story the Long Walk to Freedom?
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Class 10 Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based Questions- 3 (Page 18)
Today, all of us do, by our presence here…confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.
Word-Meaning: Conferāgive, Gloryādignity, greatness, Liberty-freedom,
Question1: How does the newborn liberty mentioned in the text inspire hope for a better society after a prolonged human disaster?
Answer: The newborn liberty signifies the dawn of a new era, where the lessons learned from past hardships pave the way for a society that values freedom, justice, and equality, inspiring hope for a brighter future for all.
Question2: State True or False:
None of the following can be applied to the phrase ānewborn libertyā.
(a) An allegory – a symbolic representation conveying a deeper meaning.
(b) A catalyst – something that causes an important event to happen.
(c) A paradox – a statement that contradicts itself but might be true.
(d) A renaissance – a period of new growth or revival.
Answer: False
This is false because (a) An allegory and (d) A renaissance can be applied to this phrase.
Question3: The extraordinary human disaster has given rise to a society that all humanity can be _____.
Answer: proud of /Admirable.
Question4: What does newborn liberty symbolise in this context?
Answer: It symbolises the beginning of a fair and inclusive society.
Also Read:
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Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based MCQ Questions- 4 (Page 18)
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. 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.
Word-Meaning: Outlaws-bandits, Privilegeāspecial rights, Hostāan innkeeper, Distinguishedā(here) honoured, wain Possessionāownership, Dignityāgrace, glory,
Question1: How does hosting international guests for the common victory reflect a change in the country’s global standing?
Answer: Hosting international guests signifies the country’s transition from isolation to global acceptance, celebrating a shared triumph in justice, peace, and human dignity, marking a significant shift in its international relations and reputation.
Question2: State True or False:
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement regarding the welcoming of international guests and the celebration of a common victory for justice, peace, and human dignity:
(a) A discrepancy – a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.
(b) A triviality – lack of seriousness or importance; insignificance.
(c) A divergence – the process or state of diverging.
(d) A detachment – a state of being objective or aloof.
Answer: True, as the statement emphasises unity, significance, convergence, and engagement, which are contrary to the concepts listed above.
Question3: The event symbolises a victory for ____.
Answer: justice / Unity.
Question4: What does host to the nations signify for the country?
Answer: It marks the country’s global integration and acceptance.
Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 5 (Page 18)
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!
Word-Meaning: Achievedāgot, Emancipationāfreedom, fetal Pledgeāvow, Liberate–free, Bondage–binding, Deprivationānot getting a thing, Genderāsex, Oppressionācruelty, exploitation Gloriousāgrand,
Question1: How does the pledge to end poverty and discrimination reflect the nation’s future priorities?
Answer: It shows a strong commitment to building a society where everyone has equal chances and freedom from poverty and unfair treatment.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the terms (i)-(v) can be applied to the statement: It was this desire for the freedom of my people … that transformed into a bold one.
(i) A metaphor – a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
(ii) An oxymoron – a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
(iii) An alliteration – the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
(iv) A simile – a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.
Answer: False
The statement can be (i) A metaphor as the writer actually was not a criminal but a metaphor has been presented..
Question3: The pledge for equality hints at a future of ____.
Answer: Justice / Prosperity
Question4: What is the significance of never, never, and never again in the text?
Answer: It underscores a firm resolve against any future oppression.
Long Walk to Freedom Extracts- 6 (Page 19)
On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the twentieth century, a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned peoples of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known.
Word-Meaning: Overwhelmedā(here) filled with emotions, Bitterāsour, White skinnedāpeople of white race, Patched-upārepaired, Erectābuilt, Systemāway, Racial dominationādomination of one race over the other, Structureāformation, Basisābase, Harshestāmost unpleasant, Inhumaneāanti-human,
Question1: How did early 20th-century racial policies shape South Africa?
Answer: Long ago, unfair rules made life very hard for dark-skinned people, leading to big fights for equality later on.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the terms (i)-(iv) can be applied to the statement: 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.
(i) A metaphor – a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
(ii) An oxymoron – a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
(iii) An alliteration – the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
(iv) A simile – a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.
Answer: False
Metaphor can be applied.
Question3: The historical system of racial domination established a society known for being ____.
Answer: Harsh / Inhumane
Question4: What established the foundation for South Africa’s harsh society?
Answer: Racial divisions post-Anglo-Boer war led to systemic oppression.
Long Walk to Freedom Extract- 7 (Page 20)
That day had come about through the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people, people whose suffering and courage can never be counted or repaid. I felt that day, as I have on so many other days, that I was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before me. That long and the noble line ended and now began again with me. I was pained that I was not able to thank them and that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had wrought.
Word-Meaning: Unimaginableābeyond imagination, Sacrificesāvoluntarily laying down of life, Countedāto count numbers, Repaidāto pay the debt, Patriotsāloyal to the nation, Nobleāa very good person, Wroughtāresulted,
Question:1- Why do the sacrifices mentioned matter to the narrator?
Answer: The narrator feels part of the freedom fight because of others’ sacrifices. These efforts from the past have helped shape who they are and what they’ve achieved today.
Question2: State True or False:
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the narrator’s feeling of being the sum of all African patriots’ sacrifices:
(a) Disconnection – a lack of connection or relation.
(b) Insignificance – the quality of being small or unimportant.
(c) Obliviousness – the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening.
(d) Indifference – lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
Answer: True
As the narrator’s sense of identity and gratitude towards the sacrifices made contradicts disconnection, insignificance, obliviousness, and indifference, showcasing a deep connection and reverence for the past contributions.
Question3: The narrator’s sense of identity is deeply tied to the legacy of ____.
Answer: Patriots / Sacrifices or any other similar response
Question4: What does the sum of all those African patriots imply about the narrator?
Answer: It suggests he embodies their collective mn spirit and legacy.
Extract from Long Walk to Freedom- 8 : (Pages 20 & 21)
The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another, unintended effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulu, the Chief Luthuliās, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fishers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time ā men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity that their like may never be known again.
Word-Meaning: Apartheidāthe policy of segregation based on race and colour, Generationsāpeople of the same period, Recoveringā(here) healing, Profoundādeep, Hurtāwound, Brutalityācruelty, Unintendedānot contemplated, Generosityākindness,
Question1: How did the adversity of apartheid contribute to the emergence of remarkable leaders in South Africa?
Answer: Apartheid was very tough. But it created strong leaders. These leaders were brave, wise, and kind. They stood up because things were unfair. They left a mark of being tough and good at leading.
Question2: State True or False:
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement about apartheid’s unintended effect of producing remarkable leaders:
(a) A consequence – a result or effect of an action or condition.
(b) An anomaly – something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.
(c) A byproduct – an incidental or secondary product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else.
(d) A catalyst – something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected.
Answer: False
As the emergence of extraordinary leaders due to oppression and brutality can be considered a byproduct or consequence of apartheid, making terms (a) and (c) applicable.
Question3: The policy of apartheid is described as creating leaders of ____.
Answer: Courage / Wisdom or any other similar response
Question4: What trait did apartheid inadvertently foster in leaders?
Answer: Apartheid fostered resilience and leadership.
Class 10 Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based Questions- 9 : (Page 21)
Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.
Word-Meaning: Mineralsāelements dug from the earth,
Question1: How does the narrator’s comparison of his country’s people to its natural resources highlight their value?
Answer: The narrator thinks that his country’s real treasure is not in its many minerals and gems. It’s in the people and their good qualities. He feels people are worth more than the best diamonds.
Question2: State True or False:
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement about the people’s character being the country’s greatest wealth:
(a) Materialism – the tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.
(b) Superficiality – lack of thoroughness, depth of character, or serious thought.
(c) Cynicism – an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest.
(d) Pessimism – a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
Answer: True,
The statement emphasises the intrinsic value and character of the people over material wealth, contradicting materialism, superficiality, cynicism, and pessimism.
Question3: The narrator values his country’s people over its natural resources, seeing them as ____.
Answer: Valuable / Inspirational or any other similar response.
Question4: What makes the country’s people its greatest wealth?Answer: Their character and integrity, surpassing even the purest diamonds.
Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based MCQ Questions- 10: (Page 21)
It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea. I have seen men stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumphs over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
Word-Meaning: Comradesāfriends/associates, Riskāput to danger, Stand upāface, Tortureābodily pain, Resilienceāability to recover, Defiesādisobeys, Triumphsāvictory, Conquerāto win,
Question1: How does the idea that courage involves overcoming fear, not just its absence, affect your view of bravery? Answer briefly.
Answer: Understanding courage as the ability to face and overcome fear, rather than not feeling fear at all, makes bravery more attainable and human. It emphasises the importance of confronting fears to demonstrate true strength.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the courage described in the paragraph:
(a) A facade – an outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant reality
(b) A delusion – a belief that is maintained despite being contradicted by reality or rational argument
(c) A surrender – the act of giving up or yielding under pressure or force
(d) A pretence – an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true
Answer: True
The answer is True because the listed terms suggest falseness or giving up, which don’t apply to the genuine bravery of facing and overcoming fear described in the paragraph.
Question3: The experiences described in the paragraph suggest that the protagonist could be a _______.
Answer: leader / survivor.
Question4: How is triumph over fear depicted as essential for courage?
Answer: It shows courage involves facing, not avoiding, fear.
Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers -11: (Page 21)
No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
Word-Meaning: Backgroundā(here) life-history, Grimmestā(here) darkest, cruellest Pushed to our limitsāforced to face limitless tortures, Glimmerāa faint light, Reassureāto give assurance, Flameāa blaze of fire, Extinguishedāblown out,
Question1: Based on the excerpt, how does the idea that love is more natural than hate influence our understanding of human nature? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The text says love comes naturally to people, while hate is something they have to learn. It’s a hopeful way of seeing people as basically good. It points out that we can be kind and come together, especially when times are tough.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the process of learning to love and hate as described in the paragraph:
(a) An inevitability – a certain future event that cannot be avoided
(b) A predisposition – a natural tendency to behave in a particular way
(c) An anomaly – something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected
(d) A fabrication – the action or process of inventing something, typically a false statement
Answer: False
Some terms can be applied. Learning to love can be seen as a “predisposition” because the paragraph suggests love is more natural to humans. Learning to hate might be seen as a “fabrication” because it’s taught and not natural. So, the statement is false because these terms can apply.
Question3: The paragraph suggests that the individual’s belief in humanity’s inherent goodness could make him a _______.
Answer: visionary / optimist or any other similar. .
Question4: What does humanity in guards imply?
Answer: Potential for kindness exists in everyone.
Long Walk to Freedom Extracts 12:
In life, every man has twin obligations ā obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated.
Word-Meaning: Twinātwo Obligationsāduty, Communityāsociety (local), Inclinationsāliking, Attemptedātried,
Question1: How did the societal conditions in South Africa affect the narrator’s ability to fulfil his obligations to family and community? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: In South Africa, racial discrimination made it difficult for the narrator, due to his birth and colour, to meet his duties to both family and community, facing punishment and isolation when trying to live as a human being.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the concepts (a)-(d) accurately reflects the challenges faced by individuals in the narrator’s situation as described in the paragraph:
(a) Equal opportunity – the right to equivalent chances for all
(b) Meritocracy – advancement based on ability or achievement
(c) Unbiased treatment – impartiality in all circumstances
(d) Freedom of choice – the ability to decide one’s own path without restriction
Answer: True
The answer is True because the societal structure described prevents fair chances and choices for individuals based on their background, contradicting the notions of equal opportunity, meritocracy, unbiased treatment, and freedom of choice.
Question3: The paragraph implies the narrator’s experiences in South Africa made him a _____ due to the societal challenges he faced.
Answer: champion / victim or any other response.
Question4: What does impossible to fulfil obligations reveal about societal constraints?
Answer: It highlights severe racial and social restrictions.
Long Walk to Freedom Extract- 13 : (Page 22)
I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free ā free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or God.
Word-Meaning: Roastāroast on fire, Mealies āmaze corn, Abide byāobeyed, Customsārituals,
Question1: How did the narrator’s early experiences of freedom in his village shape his understanding of liberty?
Answer: The narrator grew up doing whatever he wanted and following his tribe’s ways. This made him feel free without knowing about bigger rules or having to struggle for freedom.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the conditions (a)-(d) accurately reflect the narrator’s initial state of freedom as described in the paragraph:
(a) A constraint – a limitation or restriction
(b) A burden – something that is emotionally difficult to bear
(c) An imposition – something forced unjustly onto others
(d) A deprivation – the damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities
Answer: True
The answer is True because the narrator describes an initial state of natural freedom, without any hints of constraints, burdens, impositions, or deprivations, which contradicts the negative implications of the listed terms.
Question3: The narrator’s early life of freedom in the village made him inherently a _____ in spirit.
Answer: free spirit/ individualist
Question4: What does free to run in the fields symbolise about the narrator’s childhood?
Answer: It symbolises a carefree, unbounded early life.
Extract from Long Walk to Freedom -14:
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 of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family ā the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.
Word-Meaning: Illusionāfalse idea or belief, Transitoryā(here) temporary, Potentialācapacity, Obstructedārestricted,
Question1: How did the narrator’s view of freedom change over time?
Answer: First, he wanted small freedoms like going out at night. Later, he wished for bigger things like a job and family, showing his deeper understanding of freedom.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) accurately describes the narrator’s evolving sense of freedom:
(a) A whim – a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained
(b) A luxury – a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense
(c) A triviality – lack of seriousness or importance; insignificance
(d) A caprice – a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behaviour
Answer: True
The answer is True because the narrator’s journey from personal freedoms to broader societal rights reflects a deepening understanding of freedom, which is neither whimsical, luxurious, trivial, nor capricious, but a profound and essential aspect of life.
Question3: The narrator’s realisation about freedom being taken from him suggests he became a _____ in his youth.
Answer: seeker or fighter or any other similar response
Question4: What does hunger for freedom signify in the narrator’s journey?
Answer: It marks a shift to deeper, societal rights awareness.
Class 10 Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based Questions – 15 : (Pages 22 & 23)
But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters were also not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African National Congress, and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of my people. It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my life, that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home, that forced a life-loving man to live like a monk.
Word-Meaning: Curtailedālimited, cut shot Animatedā(here) inspired, Transformedāchanged, Frightenedāfull of fear, Boldābrave, fearless, Droveātook, Attorneyāa lawyer, Criminalāone who commits crimes, Monkāone who lives like a saint,
Question1: How did the narrator’s perspective shift from personal to collective freedom lead to significant life changes? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: The narrator found out he wasn’t free because his people were also not free. So, he started caring about everyone’s freedom, not just his own. This made him give up a lot to help his people gain respect.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the outcomes (a)-(d) accurately reflect the transformation in the narrator’s life as he moved from personal to collective struggles:
(a) Self-interest – focusing solely on one’s own advantages
(b) Passivity – acceptance of what happens without active response or resistance
(c) Indifference – lack of interest in or concern about others or events
(d) Detachment – the state of being objective or aloof
Answer: True
The answer is True. The narrator moved from caring just about himself to fighting for everyone’s rights, showing he became more active and willing to sacrifice for a bigger cause.
Question3: The narrator’s shift from a law-abiding attorney to a _____ highlights his deep commitment to justice.
Answer: rebel or revolutionary or any other similar response
Question4: What led to the narrator’s involvement with the African National Congress?Answer: Witnessing widespread lack of freedom for people like him.
Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based MCQ Questions- 16: (Page 23)
I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but I found that I could not even enjoy the poor and limited freedoms I was allowed when I knew my people were not free. Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.
Word-Meaning: Virtuous – a sacred person, Indivisibleāwhich can’t be divided, Chains- bondage,
Question1: How does the narrator’s view on freedom affect his personal freedoms?
Answer:The narrator thinks freedom is about everyone being free, not just one person. He believes in sticking together and caring for each other more than just looking out for himself.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the concepts (a)-(d) accurately represent the narrator’s sentiment about freedom in the paragraph:
(a) Self-interest – prioritising one’s own needs and desires above those of others
(b) Isolationism – the policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups
(c) Indifference – lack of interest, concern, or sympathy towards others
(d) Segregation – the enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment
Answer: True
The answer is True because the narrator views freedom as collective, contrasting with the individualism and separation implied by the listed concepts.
Question3: The narrator’s realisation about the indivisibility of freedom suggests he became a “_____” in his pursuit of justice.
Answer: advocate, Fighter, Defender , Supporter, Activist
Question4: What does “chains on my people were chains on me” signify?
Answer: It shows empathy and solidarity with his community’s struggle.
Long Walk to Freedom Extract Based Questions MCQ with Answers- 17: (Page 23)
I knew that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I am not truly free. I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.
Word-Meaning: Oppressor-one who oppresses, Liberatedāfreed from, Barsā(here) prison bars, Prejudiceāill-feeling Robbedāstolen,
Question1: How does the idea that both the oppressor and the oppressed lose their humanity change your perspective on freedom?
Answer: This idea teaches me more about freedom. It shows that when people are unfair to others, it’s bad for everyone, not just those being treated badly. It tells us that everyone needs to be free to make things right again.
Question2: State True or False.
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement “A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred”
(a) Empowerment – the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights
(b) Enlightenment – the state of having knowledge or understanding, especially spiritual knowledge
(c) Liberation – the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression
(d) Compassion – sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others
Answer: False
The answer is False because the statement underlines the negative effects of denying freedom, which is an enlightenment.
Question3: The narrator’s realisation about the interconnection of freedom for all suggests he is a “_____” in the struggle against oppression.
Answer: pioneer or advocate
Question4: What does “liberating the oppressor” mean in the context of freedom?
Answer: It means freeing both sides from the cycle of hate.
Note- Following are the old types of extract based questions. These are simple to answer and all are subjective-Ā
1. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty.
(a) What type of government was chosen in South Africa?
(b) How was it chosen?
(c) What do the military generals do?
(d) How has their attitude changed and why?
Ans. (a) A democratic government was chosen in South Africa.
(b) It was chosen through free and fair elections.
(c) The military generals saluted and pledged their loyalty in front of Mr Mandela.
(d) A few years ago, military generals had arrested Mr Mandela. Their attitude had changed because the country had got freedom from the racial dominations.
2. It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my life that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal.
(a) What animated the narrator’s/author’s life?
(b) Who is the law-abiding attorney here?
(c) How did `he’ become a criminal?
(d) When and what transformation took place in Mandela?
Ans. (a) The desire for the freedom of his people’s life changed his life.
(b) Nelson Mandela
(c) `He’ became a criminal according to the then prevalent laws because he was fighting for his people’s freedom.
(d) It was his desire for freedom for all that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one and a law-abiding attorney into a criminal.
3. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by 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.
(a) Which ceremonies are referred to here?
(b) What does `rainbow gathering mean?
(c) Who led the first non-racial government?
(d) Where did the ceremonies take place?
Ans. (a) Installation of the non-racial government.
(b) Gathering of people from different nations.
(c) Nelson Mandela
(d) The ceremonies took place in the lonely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
4. 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 well-being of its people.
(a) Who is the speaker of these lines?
(b) What oath did the speaker take?
(c) In which capacity did the speaker take the oath?
(d) Where did the oath taking ceremony take place?
Ans. (a) Nelson Mandela.
(b) To obey and uphold the constitution and to devote himself to the well-being of the South Africans.
(c) As the President of South Africa
(d) The oath-taking ceremony took place in the sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
5. 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.
(a) What was the wish for the country?
(b) What does the expression ā ‘the sun shall never set here’ ā imply?
(c) Which experience of oppression is referred to here?
(d) What is this beautiful land the speaker refers to?
Ans. (a) To remain free for ever and no oppressor to rule on them.
(b) That the sun of liberty shall never set and their country should enjoy freedom.
(c) The black is being oppressed by the white people.
(d) South Africa
6. A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings.
(a) What does the expression ā ‘a spectacular array’ mean?
(b) Why did the spectators lift their eyes in awe?
(c) What was the occasion of display?
(d) Why did the inauguration ceremony take place in the amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings?
Ans. (a) A colourful, attractive and impressive display of series (of aircraft).
(b) The display was difficult but perfect.
(c) This was the inaugural ceremony of oath taking by the newly elected non-racial South African democratic government.
(d) For decades, this had been the seat of white supremacy. Black people were never allowed in that area.