Nelson Mandela – Class 10 English Chapter 2 Complete Question Answers and Solutions | ASSEB /
Class 10 English Chapter 2 – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Complete Question Answers and Exam Solutions (ASSEB / SEBA Assam)
The second chapter of the Class 10 English ‘First Flight’ textbook, ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, is a highly important chapter. For the upcoming HSLC 2027 examination, the complete question answers for this chapter have been prepared based on the new ASSEB (Assam State School Education Board) syllabus and the latest National Education Policy (NEP) blueprint. This special collection includes Very Short Answers (VSA / MCQ), Short Questions, Long Answers, and grammar sections, along with a detailed solution of Previous Years’ Board Exam Questions (PYQ). At Ospin Academy, these solutions are provided in a simple, accurate, and completely exam-oriented manner.
This chapter is an inspiring extract from the autobiography of Nelson Mandela that describes the historic inauguration ceremony of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government. It highlights his struggles against the brutal apartheid system, the sacrifices made by thousands of patriots, and his ultimate vision for a free nation. It is essential for HSLC candidates to understand the core theme, vocabulary, and significance of this lesson. Our Question Bank covers not only the textbook exercises but also includes extra probable board questions and answers to ensure 100% preparation for the students.
What you will learn and get from this chapter:
- Detailed analysis of the historic inauguration, the policy of apartheid, and Mandela’s realization of freedom.
- Word meanings, perfect answers for 1-mark objective (VSA) and 2-3 marks short questions.
- Easy and standard solutions for 4-5 marks long descriptive questions.
- Textual grammar, vocabulary exercises, and correct sentence structures.
- Pattern analysis of frequently asked board questions and solutions to the latest MCQ models.
Special Features by Ospin Academy for HSLC 2027 Exam:
- Complete Question Bank prepared based on the latest ASSEB blueprint for HSLC 2027.
- Detailed solutions for the Previous 10 Years’ Questions (PYQ) and 27 Districts Pre-Board Exam Papers (2026).
- 100% accurate, high-quality notes written in simple English for easy memorization.
- Specially designed PDF format for last-minute quick revision before the exams.
- A curated list of 100% common board suggestions and expected questions from this chapter.
Ospin Academy offers this specialized course keeping in mind the academic growth of the students. Start your HSLC 2027 preparation now and step towards securing the highest marks in the English subject.
Class 10 English Question Bank ASSEB HSLC 2027 | Complete Chapter-wise Solutions PDF
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Lesson-2 Ospin Academy
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
HSLC Board Previous Year MCQs with Answers
1. “‘The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known.’ What structure is Mandela talking about? {2026}
(A) Racial domination against the black-skinned people.
(B) Poverty and suffering
(C) Discrimination against the poor.
(D) Oppression of women.”
Answer: A
2. “___ is a pattern in the shape of V. [Hint: Long Walk to Freedom] {2026}
(A) Victory
(B) Chevron
(C) Triangle
(D) Heron”
Answer: B
3. “In “Long Walk to Freedom” Nelson Mandela shares how his ideas regarding freedom formulated over the years. Place them in the correct sequence as they appear in the text. {2026}
Sentence-1: I want to freely pursue different activities of my liking.
Sentence-2: I crave the freedom that helps me lead a life of dignity.
Sentence-3: I was born free, but that freedom was taken from me.
Sentence-4: I desire the freedom of all those who are oppressed.
(A) Sentence: 3, 1, 2, 4
(B) Sentence: 3, 2, 1, 4
(C) Sentence: 2, 3, 1, 4
(D) Sentence: 2, 1, 4, 3″
Answer: A
4. “Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.” In this line from Long Walk to Freedom, provide a word that has the same meaning as the underlined word. {2025}
(A) put out
(B) suppose
(C) ignite
(D) start out
Answer: A
5. The ceremonies taking place in the sandstone amphitheatre of Pretoria refer to the celebration of South Africa’s first ___ and ___ government. {2025}
(A) autocratic and non-racial
(B) democratic and racial
(C) democratic and non-racial
(D) autocratic and racial
Answer: C
6. “The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known.” What does ‘structure’ refer to in this sentence from Long Walk to Freedom? {2025}
(A) The amphitheatre
(B) Apartheid
(C) The city roads
(D) Government and offices
Answer: B
7. “The day was symbolised for me by the playing of our two national anthems.” What was the occasion when two national anthems were being played? {2024}
(A) It was the swearing-in ceremony of Mandela
(B) It was the opening of the World Peace Day
(C) It was the International Day of Games
(D) It was South Africa’s New Year’s Day
Answer: A
8. Read the following statements with reference to Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and choose the correct option. {2024}
Statement 1: On the day of the inauguration, Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
Statement 2: Mandela learned that courage is not the absence of fear but triumph over it.
(A) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true
(C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true
Answer: D
9. “On that lovely autumn day, I was accompanied by my ___ Zenani.” {2024}
(A) Aunt
(B) Mother
(C) Wife
(D) Daughter
Answer: D
10. Apartheid is a political system that separates people according to their ___. {2023}
(A) religion
(B) language
(C) race
(D) gender
Answer: C
11. “In life, every man has twin obligations.” What is another word for ‘obligations’? {2023}
(A) duty
(B) hobbies
(C) Wealth
(D) livelihood
Answer: A
12. Mandela’s country is rich in ___. {2023}
(A) forests and lakes
(B) agriculture
(C) gems and minerals
(D) hills and rivers
Answer: C
Common Pre-Board MCQs (2025–26) with Answers
1. Which political system did South Africa abolish before Mandela’s presidency? {Bajali}
(A) Democracy
(B) Capitalism
(C) Apartheid
(D) Socialism
Answer: C
2. Assertion (A) : The apartheid policy brought segregation among South African people. {Bajali}
Reasoning (R) : Heights of characters were the unintended consequences of apartheid.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is false but R is true
(D) A is true but R is false
Answer: B
3. What did Mandela learn about his boyhood freedom? {Bajali}
(A) It was real
(B) It was permanent
(C) It was delusive
(D) It was honourable
Answer: C
4. Men of such extraordinary courage refers to the people who …. {Baksa}
(A) liberated and abolished the apartheid system
(B) used their resources to spread awareness
(C) fought for their country’s freedom
(D) demonstrated utmost strength to oppose the system
Answer: C
5. In life every man has twin obligations. {Baksa}
(A) first to his community and the second to his country.
(B) first to his family and the second to his country.
(C) first to his country and the second to his parents.
(D) first to his community and second to his family.
Answer: B
6. “It is a victory for human dignity”. Choose the correct option that lists the inclusions of ‘human dignity’. {Baksa}
(A) (i) equality (ii) liberty (iii) indecency
(B) (i) liberty (ii) indecency (iii) self respect
(C) (i) immorality (ii) self respect (iii) equality
(D) (i) equality (ii) liberty (iii) self respect
Answer: D
7. Assertion (A): Mandela’s sense of freedom expanded from a simple, personal concept to a profound political one.
Reason (R) : This change was driven by his growing realization that the freedom of his community was inextricably linked to his own. {Barpeta}
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: A
8. “We have achieved our political emancipation.” Choose the appropriate meaning of the underlined word. {Barpeta}
(A) Freedom from restriction.
(B) enslavement
(C) Slavery
(D) Both B and C
Answer: A
9. How did Mandela’s perception of freedom change after he joined the ANC? {Barpeta}
(A) He realized that freedom was an illusion.
(B) He realized that personal freedom was an illusion if his people were not free.
(C) He became a freedom fighter.
(D) He stopped caring about his own freedom.
Answer: B
10. The extract from Mandela’s autobiography imparts lessons on: {Barpeta}
(A) The meaning of freedom
(B) The meaning of courage and humanity.
(C) The idea of democracy and duties of citizen.
(D) All of the above.
Answer: D
11. Choose the correct meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence from “Long Walk to Freedom” –
“The decades of oppression and brutality had produced the Oliver Tambos and Walter Sisulus.” {Bongaigaon}
(A) Moral Support
(B) Unjust and cruel control
(C) Political advice
(D) Social misunderstanding
Answer: B
12. On the day of inauguration, how did Mandela feel about the thousands of black people who fought and sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence? {Bongaigaon}
(A) He felt happy that their struggle had finally succeeded.
(B) He felt that he was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him.
(C) He was overwhelmed with a sense of history but felt their sacrifices could be repaid.
(D) He felt that their methods were outdated compared to his own.
Answer: B
13. “In policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people”. What does Mandela imply by calling ‘apartheid’ a “deep and lasting wound”? {Bongaigaon}
(A) It caused long-lasting emotional and social damage that required time to fully recover.
(B) It caused temporary problems that would disappear easily once laws were changed.
(C) It caused physical injuries to citizens who opposed the government’s policies.
(D) It caused minor disagreements that communities resolved by themselves quickly.
Answer: A
14. What does Nelson Mandela describe as ‘ the glorious human achievement’? {Cachar}
(A) End of colonial rule
(B) Liberation from oppression and discrimination.
(C) Eastablishing supremacy of the blacks.
(D) Gaining international support.
Answer: B
15. “When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits”. The underlined phrase means {Cachar}
(A) pushed by the guards to the wall.
(B) could not endure suffering any longer.
(C) took more than our share of beatings.
(D) could not sustain life further.
Answer: B
16. Why was it impossible to fulfill the main obligations in South Africa? {Cachar}
(i) Because of the policy of Apartheid
(ii) Because they were born Black.
(iii) Because they were born White.
(iv) Because it was not allowed in South Africa.
(A) Both (i) & (ii)
(B) only (iii)
(C) Both (i) and (iv)
(D) only (iv)
Answer: A
17. Finally a Chevron of impala jets left – ( Choose the correct meaning of the italicized word from the lesson, “ Nelson Mandela : Long walk to freedom” ) {Charaideo}
(A) A pattern in the shape of V
(B) A pattern in the shape of S
(C) A pattern in the shape of U
(D) The L pattern
Answer: A
18. Pretoria is – {Charaideo}
(A) Nelson Mandela’s daughter
(B) The legislative capital of South Africa
(C) The administrative capital of South Africa
(D) Nelson Mandela’s wife
Answer: C
19. Why does Nelson Mandela say that it is ‘a rare privilege’? He says this as they have – {Charaideo}
(A) been deprived of the honor
(B) seldom been given this honor
(C) Experienced it for the first time
(D) Seen closer over other countries for this honor
Answer: B
20. When Mandela says, “I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea?” He means that they were {Darrang}
(A) Stubborn
(B) committed
(C) intelligent
(D) proud
Answer: B
21. On the day of the inauguration ceremony Mandela said that he was pained. It was because {Darrang}
(A) He was not able to thank the world leaders who were present there
(B) He was not able to fulfill the dreams of the former African patriots
(C) Mandela was not able to abolish ‘Apartheid’ and establish a democratic government
(D) The former African patriots were not able to see what their sacrifices had brought to South Africa
Answer: D
22. “Today, all of us do, by our presence here …. confer glory and hope to newborn liberty.” Mandela refers to liberty as ‘newborn’ because it – {Darrang}
(A) was dependent on others for growth and guidance
(B) had recently been attained with lots of struggle
(C) made people experience infant-like excitement
(D) arrived unexpectedly for everyone
Answer: B
23. “All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt.” By this line Mandela wants to mean that– {Dhubri}
(A) The black skinned people of S. Africa will never forget that they had been maltreated by the White skinned people.
(B) It would take a long time for the people of Mandela’s race to forget the oppression they received from the white skinned people.
(C) The black skinned people of S. Africa will forget easily that they had been oppressed by the white skinned people in their own land in no time.
(D) The black skinned people of S. Africa will accept the white skinned people as their owner and will always obey their order.
Answer: B
24. “We who were outlaws not so many years ago.” – By this line Mandela wants to mean {Dhubri}
(A) Till recently the black skinned people of S. Africa were homeless.
(B) Till recently the black skinned people of S. Africa were not allowed to work as servants in the houses of the white people.
(C) The black people were badly punished by the white people till recently.
(D) Many countries have broken off diplomatic relations with South Africa due to Apartheid.
Answer: C
25. Which of the following is not correct about Nelson Mandela {Dhubri}
(A) He was a freedom fighter.
(B) He was a black man.
(C) He was the first President of S. Africa.
(D) His understanding of freedom changed with ages and experience.
Answer: C
26. Mandela said that on the day of the inauguration neither the Black nor the White knew the lyrics of the anthems because– {Dhubri}
(A) The anthems were exchanged between the two groups.
(B) The anthems were sung for the first time on that day.
(C) The anthems were newly composed.
(D) The anthems were composed in foreign languages.
Answer: A
27. According to Mandela, marrying and having a family is an example of– {Dhubri}
(A) Transitory freedom
(B) Real freedom
(C) Basic and honourable freedom
(D) Childhood freedom
Answer: C
28. From the comrades in the struggle, Mandela learned the meaning of– {Dhubri}
(A) Patience
(B) Strength
(C) courage
(D) sacrifice
Answer: C
29. In the struggle, Mandela’s men showed {Dhubri}
(A) Strength
(B) Resilience
(C) Weakness
(D) Both a and b
Answer: D
30. In the context of “Nelson Mandela-Long Walk to Freedom” Mandela refers liberty as ‘new born’ because- {Golaghat}
(A) it was dependent on others for growth and guidance.
(B) it had recently been attained with lots of struggle.
(C) it made people experience infant like excitement.
(D) it arrived at South Africa unexpectedly for everyone.
Answer: B
31. The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that ______ (Fill in the blanks with reference to “Long Walk to Freedom”) {Golaghat}
(A) confirms the education of the blacks
(B) recognizes the rights and freedoms of all people.
(C) recollects the bitter experiences of Apartheid era.
(D) focuses on the personality development
Answer: B
32. Match the following words in column A with their meanings in column B. {Golaghat}
Column A / Column B
(1) resilience / i) had a very low opinion of
(2) profound / ii) the ability to deal with any kind of hardship
(3) despised / iii) unavoidably
(4) inevitably / iv) deep and strong.
(A) 1-ii, 2-iv, 3-1, 4-iii,
(B) 1-iii, 2-iv, 3-1, 4-ii,
(C) 1-i, 2-ii, 3-iii, 4-iv,
(D) 1-iv, 2-iii, 3-ii, 4-i,
Answer: A
33. What historic change does the speaker say has finally been achieved?{Hailakandi}
(A) Economic independence
(B) Cultural unity
(C) Political emancipation
(D) Military victory.
Answer: C
34. What does the phrase “newborn liberty” most nearly mean in the passage?{Hailakandi}
(A) A recently discovered land
(B) Newly achieved freedom.
(C) A developing economy
(D) A youthful population
Answer: B
35. Which situation best reflects the idea of a “common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity”?{Hailakandi}
(A) One nation defeating another in war
(B) A country gaining wealth through trade
(C) Nations uniting to celebrate the end of oppression
(D) A government increasing military power
Answer: C
36. The unintended effect of apartheid was the birth of –{Hojai}
(A) cowards
(B) freedom fighters
(C) oppressor
(D) daydreamer
Answer: B
37. I have been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries. What does the underlined phrase mean? (Ref. Long Walk to Freedom){Hojai}
(A) Controlled by
(B) Cheated by
(C) Surrounded by
(D) Called by
Answer: C
38. Read the following statements with reference to “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” and choose the correct option:{Hojai}
Statement-I: On the day of the inauguration, Nelson Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
Statement-II: Mandela learned that courage is not the absence of fear but triumph over it.
(A) Statement-I is true and Statement-II is false.
(B) Statement-I is false and Statement-II is true.
(C) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true.
(D) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are false.
Answer: C
39. Oliver Tambo and Yusuf Dadoo, as mentioned in “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” are –{Hojai}
(A) Military officers
(B) Deputy presidents
(C) Ministers in Mandela’s cabinet
(D) African patriots
Answer: D
40. What lesson did Mandela learn about courage?{Jorhat}
(A) Anyone can show courage.
(B) Courage can be found under any circumstances.
(C) Courage is not found in the absence of fear.
(D) Use of physical and mental strength.
Answer: C
41. The title “Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela symbolises {Jorhat}
(A) the prolonged struggle for justice
(B) a physical journey across South Africa
(C) an easily achieved victory
(D) thirty years of prison life
Answer: A
42. When Nelson Mandela says, “I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea,” he means that they were _______ {Jorhat}
(A) stubborn
(B) committed
(C) intelligent
(D) proud
Answer: B
43. In South Africa the first democratic election was held in —. {Kamrup R}
(A) 1992
(B) 1999
(C) 1994
(D) 2002
Answer: C
44. Read the following statements with reference to ‘long walk to freedom’ and choose the correct option. {Kamrup R}
Statement 1: On the day of inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
Statement 2: Mandela learned that courage is not the absence of fear but triumph over it.
(A) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is true.
(C) Both statement 1 and 2 are false.
(D) Both statement 1 and 2 are true.
Answer: D
45. As a youngman in Johannesburg, Mandela yearned for _____ freedom. {Kamrup R}
(A) permanent
(B) transitory
(C) basic and honourable
(D) allusive
Answer: C
46. “Man goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished”. The meaning of the underlined word (extinguished) is _____. {Kamrup R}
(A) put on
(B) set on
(C) put out
(D) set out
Answer: C
47. On that lovely autumn day, I was accompanied by my — Zenani. {Kamrup R}
(A) aunt
(B) mother
(C) wife
(D) daughter
Answer: D
48. What does the author mean by “White Supremacy”? {Kamrup R}
(A) White Amphitheatre.
(B) Treating people of every colour equally.
(C) Domination of white people in politics.
(D) Domination of white people in society.
Answer: D
49. “I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free”. In the quoted lines, what is the speaker’s tone? {Kamrup R}
(A) Anger
(B) Sarcasm
(C) Pride
(D) Irony
Answer: C
50. “The day was symbolised for me by the playing of our two national anthems” What was the occasion when two national anthems were being played? {Kamrup R}
(A) It was the swearing in ceremony of Mandela.
(B) It was the opening of the World Peace Day.
(C) It was the International Day of Sports.
(D) It was South Africa’s New Year’s Day.
Answer: A
51. What does ‘depth of oppression’ create? {Kamrup R}
(A) poverty
(B) lack of freedom
(C) height of character
(D) apartheid
Answer: C
52. In which of the following countries had been the political system of ‘apartheid’ very recently? {Kokrajhar}
(A) United State of America
(B) United Kingdom
(C) South Africa
(D) India
Answer: C
53. Mandela says, ‘at first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself.’ -Why do you think only thought about himself? {Kokrajhar}
(A) He didn’t want to think about the freedom denied to others.
(B) He was being selfish and was only bothered about himself.
(C) He didn’t think that freedom denied to him was important for others.
(D) He was too young to realise that freedom was denied to others as well.
Answer: D
54. Find out the incorrect statement from the following। -{Kokrajhar
(A) On the day of inauguration, two national anthems were sung.
(B) Nelson Mandela spent 30 years in prison.
(C) The policy of apartheid created lasting peace in South Africa.
(D) Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
Answer: C
55. What is the deeper meaning of the oath taking day being “a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations”? {Lakhimpur}
(A) It symbolises unity after long division
(B) It reflects the country’s natural beauty
(C) It shows the diversity of South African wildlife
(D) It highlights the variety of traditional dresses
Answer: A
56. Examine the Assertion and Reason statements related to the story, ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, and choose the correct option: {Lakhimpur}
Assertion (A): Nelson Mandela believed that no one is born hating another person.
Reason (R): Mandela felt that love comes more naturally to the human heart than hatred.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is true, but R is false
(D) A is false, but R is true
Answer: A
57. Mandela called the gathering on the inauguration day a “________” of different colours and nations. {Lakhimpur}
(A) festival
(B) rainbow
(C) circle
(D) symbol
Answer: B
58. What is the deeper meaning of the Oath taking day being “a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations”? {Lakhimpur}
(A) It symbolises unity after long divisions
(B) It reflects the country’s natural beauty
(C) It shows the diversity of South African wildlife
(D) It highlights the variety of traditional dresses
Answer: A
59. Examine the Assertion and Reason statements related to the story, ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, and choose the correct option. {Lakhimpur}
Assertion (A): Nelson Mandela believed that no one is born hating another person.
Reason (R): Mandela felt that love comes more naturally to the human heart than hatred.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is true, but R is false
(D) A is false, but R is true
Answer: A
60. Mandela called the gathering on the inauguration day a “______ of different colours and nations.” {Lakhimpur}
(A) festival
(B) rainbow
(C) circle
(D) symbol
Answer: B
61. _________ Was the first deputy president of Africa. {Udalguri}
(A) Walter Sisulu
(B) Oliver Tambo
(C) Thabo Mbeki
(D) Chief Luthuli
Answer: C
62. What according to Nelson Mandela are a man’s obligation in life? {Udalguri}
(A) Obligation to people
(B) Obligation to family
(C) Obligation to God
(D) Obligation to nature
Answer: A and B
63. “We have achieved our political emancipation.” What is the meaning of Emancipation? Write with reference to A Long Walk to Freedom. {Udalguri}
(A) liberation
(B) enslavement
(C) bondage
(D) dependence
Answer: A
64. What was Mandela’s vision for south Africa’s future? {Tamulpur}
(A) A divided nation with separate state.
(B) A united non racial and democratic society.
(C) A united racial and non democratic society.
(D) A non racial and non democratic society.
Answer: B
65. ASSERTION (A): No one is born hating another person by their skin colour. {Tamulpur}
REASON (R): Hatred is a learned behaviour that can also be unlearned.
(A) Both A and R are true and R explains A.
(B) Both A and R are true and R does not explains A.
(C) A is false but R is true.
(D) R is false but A is true.
Answer: A
66. Oliver Tambo and yusuf Dadoo are mentioned in “Nelson Mandela long walk to freedom” are – {Tamulpur}
(A) Military officer’s
(B) Deputy president
(C) Ministers in Mandela’s cabinet
(D) African Patriots.
Answer: D
67. Read the following statements and choose the correct statements (s):
(Hint: Nelson Mandela: Long walk to Freedom.) {SSM}
i) The end of apartheid marked a significant change in South Africa.
ii) During the inauguration ceremonies Mandela was sworn as President of South Africa in 1994.
iii) The first democratic elections in South Africa were held in 1990.
iv) Mandela’s inauguration ceremony was attended by leaders from around the world.
(A) (i) and (ii)
(B) (ii) and (iii)
(C) (i), (ii) and (iv)
(D) (i), (iii) and (iv)
Answer: C
68. How many seats won by Mandela’s African National Congress in the first democratic elections of South Africa’s history? {SSM}
(A) 250 out of 400 seats
(B) 252 out of 400 Seats.
(C) 260 out of 400 Seats
(D) 262 out of 400 Seats.
Answer: B
69. Match column P with column Q and choose the correct answer from option given below: {SSM}
P / Q
Emancipation / i) Being treated differently
Deprivation / ii) Not Permanent
Discrimination / iii) State of not having one’s rightful benefits
Transitory / iv) Freedom from restriction.
(A) 1(iv), 2(iii), 3(i), 4(ii)
(B) 1(i), 2(ii), 3(iii), 4(iv)
(C) 1(iv), 2(iii), 3(ii), 4(i)
(D) 1(ii), 2(iii), 3(iv), 4(i)
Answer: A
70. In life, every man has twin obligation Here the antonym of obligation is {SSM}
(A) Duty
(B) Responsibility
(C) Irresponsibility
(D) Liability.
Answer: C
71. What are a man’s obligations in life according to Mandela? {SSM}
(A) Obligation to people
(B) Obligation to family
(C) Obligation to God
(D) Both (a) and (b).
Answer: D
72. Nelson Mandela believed that ‘Courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.’ What does this reveal about his character? {Sribhumi}
(A) He never felt afraid.
(B) He could hide his fear from others.
(C) He acted bravely even when he was afraid.
(D) He always avoided danger.
Answer: C
73. Given below are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R): Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct alternative from the following :- {Sribhumi}
Assertion (A): Nelson Mandela became the first black President of South Africa.
Reason (R): The ceremony saw the largest gathering of leaders from all around the world, present in South Africa to bear witness to such an extraordinary event.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true and R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer: B
74. “The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known.” What structure is Mandela talking about? {Sribhumi}
(A) Racial domination against the black-skinned.
(B) Poverty and suffering.
(C) Discrimination against the poor.
(D) Oppression of women.
Answer: A
75. After how many centuries of white’s rule Mandela became South Africa’s first Black President? {Sribhumi}
(A) More than three centuries.
(B) Less than three centuries.
(C) Three centuries.
(D) Five centuries.
Answer: C
76. From where did Mandela learn the meaning of courage? {Sonitpur}
(A) The whites
(B) His father
(C) His teacher
(D) Great patriots and comrades.
Answer: D
77. Read the following and choose the correct statements from the chapter “Nelson Mandela, Long walk to Freedom. {Sonitpur}
i) The end of apartheid marked a significant change in south africa.
ii) Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as president took place in 1994.
iii) The first democratic election in south africa was held in 1990.
iv) Mandela’s inuguration ceremony was attended by leaders from around the world.
(A) i and ii
(B) ii and iii
(C) i, ii and iv
(D) i, iii and iv
Answer: C
78. “The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, more inhumane societes that world has ever known what dows ‘structure’ refer to in the sentence? {Sonitpur}
(A) The amphitheatre
(B) Apartheid
(C) The city roads
(D) Monuments.
Answer: B
79. unintended effect did the decades of oppression and brutality have? {Sibsagar}
(A) it produced men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity.
(B) it produced minerals and gems that lie beneath soil.
(C) it produced the highest generals of South African defence force and police.
(D) it produced the oppressor and the oppressed.
Answer: A
80. Choose the correct match. {Sibsagar}
a. ‘Nkosi Sikelel- iAfrika’ / i. pattern in the shape of a V.
b. Chevron / ii. a sign of human feeling.
c. A glimmer of humanity / iii. the centre of racial superiority.
d. The seat of white supremacy / iv. the anthem of the whites.
(A) a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii.
(B) a-iv, b-iii, c-ii, d-i.
(C) a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii.
(D) a-iv, b-ii, c-iii, d-i.
Answer: A
81. Statement i: According to Mandela in life, every man has twin obligations.
Statement ii: In a civil and humane society, each man is unable to fulfil those obligations. {Sibsagar}
(A) Both statement i and statement ii are true.
(B) Statement i is true but statement ii is false.
(C) Statement i is false but statement ii is true.
(D) Both statement i and statement ii are false.
Answer: B
82. Mandela describes the system of government in the first decade of the twentieth century as- {Nalbari}
(A) a democratic system
(B) a racially segregated and oppressive system
(C) a socialist system
(D) a monarchy
Answer: B
83. The phrase “a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations” is an example of: {Nalbari}
(A) Metaphor
(B) Simile
(C) Personification
(D) Irony
Answer: A
84. “The ceremony took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria.” The ceremony mentioned here refers to : {Nalbari}
(A) Mandela’s release from prison
(B) Mandela’s first speech
(C) Mandela’s swearing-in as President
(D) A political rally
Answer: C
85. Mandela refers to liberty as ‘new born’ because it – {Morigaon}
(A) was dependent on others for growth and guidance.
(B) had recently been attained with lots of struggle.
(C) made people experience infant like excitement.
(D) arrive unexpectedly for everyone.
Answer: B
86. Select the suitable word from the given options and complete the sequence of the following – (Hint: Nelson Mandela – A Long Walk to Freedom) {Morigaon}
Depths: Heights: Compassion : –
(A) Wisdom
(B) Oppression
(C) Struggle
(D) Courage
Answer: B
86. Assertion (A): Nelson Mandela saw a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards. {Morigaon}
Reason (R): Nelson Mandela knew it well that man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is false and (R) is true.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are false.
Answer: A
87. What was the significance of the Union Buildings in Pretoria before the inauguration? {Morigaon}
(A) They were used as a prison for political prisoners.
(B) They were the headquarters of the anti-apartheid movement.
(C) They were a symbol of white supremacy.
(D) They were the site of South Africa’s first democratic elections.
Answer: C
88. In the following from “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” which literary device is used by the author? {Majuli}
“A man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished”.
(A) Alliteration
(B) Simile
(C) Metaphor
(D) Hyperbol
Answer: C
89. Read the two statements given below with reference to “Nelson Mandela. Long walk to freedom” and choose the correct option that follows {Majuli}
Statement I: Mandela believed that the oppressor is also imprisoned by hatred.
Statement II: According to him, hatred makes the oppressor lose his humanity.
(A) Statement I is true and Statement II is false.
(B) Statement I is false and Statement II is true.
(C) Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
(D) Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
Answer: C
90. The inauguration ceremony symbolised not only the end of apartheid but also the beginning of a nation built on ___ and ___. {Majuli}
(A) revenge, power
(B) justice, equality
(C) anger, discipline.
(D) fear, hesitation
Answer: B
91. “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 _______”{Kamrup M}
(A) justice
(B) peace
(C) human dignity
(D) all of the above options.
Answer: D
92. Why do you think Nelson Mandela mentions some freedoms as ‘transitory’? {Kamrup M}
(A) The freedoms are momentary and keep changing with time.
(B) The definition of freedom is constant, but perspectives differ.
(C) Freedom means different things to different people.
(D) Freedom is not that important after a certain age.
Answer: A
50 Most Important Model MCQs for HSLC 2027
1. “Depths of oppression create ___.”
(A) Poverty
(B) Revolution
(C) Freedom
(D) Heights of character
Answer: D
2. What was the unintended effect of the decades of oppression and brutality on the people of South Africa?
(A) It created patriots of extraordinary courage, wisdom, and generosity
(B) It brought the army officers among the people
(C) The people of South Africa became politically aware
(D) The people of South Africa became braver and stronger
Answer: A
3. The ceremonies were held at a place that was the seat of white supremacy for decades. What is this place called? (Hint: Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom)
(A) White House
(B) Union Building
(C) Parliament House
(D) Rashtrapati Bhavan
Answer: B
4. What was Mandela’s vision for South Africa’s future?
(A) a divided nation with separate states
(B) a united non-racial and democratic society
(C) a united racial and non-democratic society
(D) a non-racial and non-secular society
Answer: B
5. A pattern in the shape of a V means, in the context of the chapter Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,
(A) Victory
(B) Chevron
(C) Vast
(D) Champion
Answer: A
6. Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT true.
(i) The ceremony took place in the grand amphitheater.
(ii) The inauguration was experienced as the largest gathering.
(iii) It was the time for the formation of a non-racial government.
(iv) The incident was noticed on Tenth June.
(v) The white men ruled Africa for decades.
(vi) It was the installation ceremony.
(vii) It was South Africa’s republican day.
(A) (iv) and (vii)
(B) (i) and (ii)
(C) (v) and (vi)
(D) (iii) and (vi)
Answer: A
7. “I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries.” What does the underlined word mean? (Hint: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
(A) to be controlled by
(B) to be cheated by
(C) to be surrounded by
(D) to be called by
Answer: C
8. Oliver Tambo and Yusuf Dadoo, as mentioned in Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, are ___.
(A) Military officers
(B) Deputy presidents
(C) Ministers in Mandela’s cabinet
(D) African patriots
Answer: D
9. What realization did Mandela have of his boyhood freedom?
(A) It is just an illusion
(B) He was born free
(C) Freedom was meant for kids
(D) He had no realization
Answer: A
10. What was the national anthem traditionally sung for the white people during apartheid?
(A) Sikelel’ Afrika
(B) Kosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
(C) Die Stem van Suid-Afrika
(D) Ngosi Sikelel’ Afrika
Answer: C
11. How old was Nelson Mandela at the time of his inauguration in 1994?
(A) 74
(B) 75
(C) 76
(D) 78
Answer: C
12. How many seats were won by the opposition party in South Africa’s parliamentary election in 1994 (First Democratic election)?
(A) 252 out of 400
(B) 262 out of 400
(C) 148 out of 400
(D) 248 out of 400
Answer: A
13. Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: According to Mandela, love is more natural than hate.
Statement 2: Because it is easy to hate, according to him.
(A) Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false
(B) Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true
(C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false
Answer: A
14. Statement 1: The full form of BBC is Bharat Broadcasting Corporation.
Statement 2: According to Mandela, the victory they have achieved is a common victory for justice, for peace, and for human dignity.
(A) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true
(B) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false
(C) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false
Answer: C
15. Read the following statements and choose the correct option(s). (Hint: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
(i) The end of apartheid marked a significant change in South Africa.
(ii) Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as President took place in 1994.
(iii) The first democratic elections in South Africa were held in 1990.
(iv) Mandela’s inauguration ceremony was attended by leaders from around the world.
(A) (i) and (ii)
(B) (ii) and (iii)
(C) (i), (ii), and (iv)
(D) (i), (iii), and (iv)
Answer: C
16. Assertion (A): Mandela saw a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards.
Reason (R): Mandela knew it well that man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
(A) Assertion and Reason both are true and they support each other
(B) Assertion and Reason both are true and they do not support each other
(C) Assertion is false, Reason is true
(D) Assertion and Reason both are false
Answer: A
17. Assertion (A): Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and many more awards in his life.
Reason (R): He was a Gandhi-like figure in South Africa who sacrificed his most valuable time for the sake of his people and country.
(A) A is true and R is false
(B) A is false and R is true
(C) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(D) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Answer: D
18. Which of the following statements are correct?
(i) Nelson Mandela was the first black President of India.
(ii) Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa.
(iii) Nelson Mandela was elected in the democratic election held in South Africa.
(iv) Nelson Mandela was first sworn in as First Deputy President of South Africa.
(A) (i) and (iii)
(B) (ii) and (iii)
(C) (iii) and (iv)
(D) (i) and (iv)
Answer: B
19. What specific pledge did Nelson Mandela take when he was sworn in as President?
(A) To abolish all opposing political parties
(B) To obey and uphold the Constitution and devote himself to the well-being of the Republic and its people
(C) To seek revenge on the white-skinned people
(D) To distribute all national wealth equally
Answer: B
20. What did the spectacular display of South African jets, helicopters, and troop carriers over the Union Buildings demonstrate?
(A) A warning to neighboring countries
(B) The military’s loyalty to democracy and to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected
(C) The wealth of the South African defense force
(D) The preparation for an upcoming war
Answer: B
21. Why did the military generals have their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals?
(A) They were awarded to them by Mandela on that very day.
(B) They were from days gone by under the old regime.
(C) They were bought from international dignitaries.
(D) They were a symbol of the new democratic constitution.
Answer: B
22. In apartheid-era South Africa, what happened to a man of colour who attempted to live as a human being?
(A) He was given a government job.
(B) He was exiled to another country immediately.
(C) He was punished and isolated.
(D) He was ignored by the authorities.
Answer: C
23. Under the old regime, what happened to a black man who tried to fulfill his duty to his people?
(A) He was celebrated as a local hero.
(B) He was ripped from his family and forced to live a twilight existence of secrecy and rebellion.
(C) He was elected to the local council.
(D) He was given a warning and let go.
Answer: B
24. Did Mandela initially choose to place his people above his family?
(A) Yes, from the very day he was born.
(B) Yes, as soon as he went to school.
(C) No, in the beginning, he did not choose to place his people above his family.
(D) No, he never placed his people above his family at any point in his life.
Answer: C
25. At what stage of his life did Mandela realize that his freedom had already been taken from him?
(A) As a young boy in his village
(B) When he was an old man in prison
(C) As a young man
(D) When he became the President
Answer: C
26. What was the “greater hunger” that eventually replaced Mandela’s desire for his personal freedom?
(A) The hunger for immense wealth
(B) The hunger for international fame
(C) The hunger for the freedom of his people
(D) The hunger for political dominance
Answer: C
27. What did the “chains on all of my people” become for Mandela?
(A) A reason to give up the fight
(B) The chains on himself
(C) A political advantage
(D) A source of economic wealth
Answer: B
28. What did Mandela find he could not do once he knew his people were not free?
(A) He could not continue his law practice.
(B) He could not even enjoy the poor and limited freedoms he was allowed.
(C) He could not sleep peacefully at night.
(D) He could not stay in South Africa.
Answer: B
29. What does the word “prejudice” mean in the context of the phrase “bars of prejudice”?
(A) A strong, unreasonable dislike or preference based on race or background
(B) A legal judgment made by a court
(C) A physical prison cell
(D) A type of educational system
Answer: A
30. Which word from the text implies “a system of government that dictates complete obedience and limits personal freedom”?
(A) Democracy
(B) Emancipation
(C) Apartheid
(D) Autocratic
Answer: D
31. “I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man…” What does this statement reveal about Mandela’s character?
(A) His extreme arrogance
(B) His deep humility
(C) His lack of self-confidence
(D) His desire for sympathy
Answer: B
32. The phrase “twilight existence” used by Mandela refers to:
(A) Living a glamorous life in the spotlight
(B) A life lived in the shadows, full of secrecy and uncertainty
(C) The beautiful evenings spent in his childhood village
(D) Life after retirement
Answer: B
33. What does Mandela mean when he says, “the truth is that I was not born with a hunger to be free”?
(A) He did not care about freedom at all.
(B) He supported the apartheid system as a child.
(C) He was born feeling completely free in every way he could know as a child.
(D) He thought freedom was a myth.
Answer: C
34. Who was the first person to take the oath on the day of the inauguration?
(A) Nelson Mandela
(B) Thabo Mbeki
(C) Mr de Klerk
(D) Zenani
Answer: C
35. What does the phrase “narrow-mindedness” mean when Mandela talks about the oppressor?
(A) The inability to see perfectly
(B) Unwillingness to accept or respect different views, ideas, or people
(C) A physical medical condition affecting the brain
(D) The strict adherence to school rules
Answer: B
36. Assertion (A): The military generals saluted Mandela on the day of the inauguration.
Reason (R): They wanted to demonstrate the military’s loyalty to the new, democratically elected government.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
37. Assertion (A): Mandela believed that the oppressor is entirely free because they hold all the power.
Reason (R): A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred and prejudice.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
38. Assertion (A): The white-skinned people of South Africa created the system of apartheid in the last decade of the 20th century.
Reason (R): Apartheid formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world had ever known.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: D
39. Assertion (A): As a young man in Johannesburg, Mandela yearned for basic and honourable freedoms.
Reason (R): He wanted to enjoy the freedom of roasting mealies under the stars and riding broad-backed bulls.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: C
40. Assertion (A): Mandela joined the African National Congress.
Reason (R): He realized that the freedom of all his brothers and sisters, who looked like him, was being curtailed.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
41. Assertion (A): In South Africa under apartheid, it was easy for a black man to fulfill his twin obligations simultaneously.
Reason (R): The apartheid government provided equal opportunities for both family life and community service.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.
Answer: D
42. Assertion (A): On the day of the inauguration, both the white and black national anthems were sung.
Reason (R): Mandela wanted to signify that the new South Africa belonged equally to all races, embracing a non-racial democracy.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
43. Assertion (A): Mandela’s hunger for his own personal freedom eventually evolved into the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.
Reason (R): He realized that freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of his people were the chains on him.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: A
44. Assertion (A): Mandela was born with a burning, conscious hunger to fight against the white regime.
Reason (R): From the moment of his birth, he was severely troubled by the oppressive laws of the white government.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.
Answer: D
45. Assertion (A): Mandela felt he was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before him.
Reason (R): He was deeply pained that they were not able to witness what their immense sacrifices had finally achieved.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Answer: B
46. Why does Mandela make the profound claim that “the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity”?
(A) Because both groups suffer from severe poverty and lack of resources during apartheid.
(B) Because oppression destroys the moral soul and conscience of the oppressor just as it destroys the physical freedom of the oppressed.
(C) Because both the oppressor and the oppressed are eventually arrested and put in the same prisons.
(D) Because neither group is allowed to vote in democratic elections.
Answer: B
47. What is the supreme situational irony regarding the South African military generals saluting Mandela on inauguration day?
(A) They were saluting a man who did not know how to return a military salute.
(B) They were saluting a leader from another country instead of their own.
(C) The very instruments of the state that had hunted and oppressed him for decades were now officially pledging their allegiance to him.
(D) They saluted him knowing that they would all be fired the next day.
Answer: C
48. How does Mandela’s personal definition of freedom logically evolve throughout the narrative?
(A) From desiring vast political power to desiring absolute wealth.
(B) From personal, physical liberties in childhood to a collective, moral emancipation in adulthood.
(C) From wanting freedom for his country to wanting freedom only for his own family.
(D) From a philosophical concept of liberty to a desire for violent rebellion.
Answer: B
49. What does the imagery of “a twilight existence of secrecy and rebellion” suggest about the lives of black South Africans who fought against apartheid?
(A) It implies they lived highly glamorous lives hidden from the public eye.
(B) It suggests they only worked during the evening hours.
(C) It implies they were forced out of normal society into the shadows, living marginally, dangerously, and disconnected from their families.
(D) It shows they lived peaceful lives surrounded by nature and beautiful sunsets.
Answer: C
50. Which of the following statements best synthesizes Mandela’s realization that “freedom is indivisible”?
(A) True freedom cannot exist in a society if even a single group or individual remains subjugated.
(B) Freedom must be divided equally among all citizens through mathematical quotas.
(C) A country must physically divide its land so that different races can be free separately.
(D) Freedom is an abstract concept that cannot be shared with other nations.
Answer: A
SEBA HSLC Previous Year Questions (1 Mark)
1. State whether the following statements are True or False: (Reference: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) {2020}
(i) On the day of inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of freedom.
(ii) On the day of inauguration, Mandela was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
2. Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and complete the sentence given below :
Mandela’s country is rich ______. {2020}
(i) in forests and lakes
(ii) in minerals and gems
(iii) in agriculture
3. Choose the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence from among the alternatives given in the brackets: {2019}
I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone….
(enhanced/reduced/withheld)
4. State whether the following statements are True or False: {2019}
(i) On the podium, Mr. de Klerk was first sworn in as first Deputy President.
(ii) Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as second Deputy President.
5. Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and complete the sentence:
In life, every man has _____. {2019}
(i) three obligations
(ii) twin obligations
(iii) many obligations
Answer: (ii)
SEBA HSLC Previous Year Questions (2 Marks)
1. “Explain what Mandela implies in the following extract: ‘I was simply the sum of those African patriots who had gone before me. That long and noble line ended and now began again with me.'” {2026}
2. “I knew that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed.” Why does Mandela say so in Long Walk to Freedom? {2025}
3. What, according to Mandela, was the greatest wealth of his country? {2024}
4. What is courage according to Mandela? {2023}
5. Write the names of two patriots before Mandela. {2022}
6. “Freedom is indivisible.” How does Mandela explain this observation of his? {2022}
7. What does Mandela mean by courage? Who, according to him, is a brave man? {2022}
8. What does Mandela say about the inauguration gathering? {2022}
9. When did Mandela begin to hunger for freedom? {2020}
10. What did Mandela say about the wealth of his country? {2019}
11. What did courage mean to Mandela? {2017,15}
Common Pre-Board 2 Mark Questions (2025–26)
1. How did South African defence force demonstrate their loyalty to the new born democracy of South Africa on the day of the inauguration? {Bajali}
2. What promise did Mandela make in the beginning of oath taking speech? {Baksa}
3. Which does Mandela think is natural, to love or to hate? Discuss. {Barpeta}
4. “People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love”. Why does Mandela say so in “Long Walk to Freedom”? {Bongaigaon}
5. How does Mandela contrast the systems of government in Mandela’s country in the first decade and in the final decade of the twentieth century? {Cachar}
6. What did Mandela do when he attempted to serve his people? {Charaideo}
7. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration ceremony? {Darrang}
8. Mandela said “I was not born with a hunger to be free.” How would you explain this line as narrated in the prose piece Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”? {Dhubri}
9. What are Mandela’s observations regarding courage? {Golaghat}
10. Why does Nelson Mandela say that both the oppressor and the oppressed are robbed of their humanity?{Hailakandi}
11. Mandella feels that Courage is triumph over fear? How would you define courage in this context? {Hojai}
12. Name Nelson Mandela’s political party and its performance in the first democratic election held in 1994 in South Africa. {Hojai}
13. Create a questionnaire of the two most important questions that you would have liked to ask Nelson Mandela during an interview.{ Jorhat}
14. What ideals did Mandela set out for the future of South Africa? {Kamrup R}
15. What ‘twin obligations’ did Mandela mention? {Kamrup R}
16. Could everyone fulfill the obligations – personal or social in South Africa? Give a reason. {Kamrup M}
17. How does Mandela’s understanding of freedom change from childhood to adulthood? {Lakhimpur}
18. What made Mandela hungry for freedom? {Udalguri}
19. What are the twin obligations of a man according to Mandela? {Tamulpur}
20. How does Mandela describe the system of government in his country? (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth Century. {SSM}
21. Why were two national anthems sung on the day of the installation of South Africa’s first democratic government? {Sribhumi}
22. What pained Mandela on becoming the president of south Africa? {Sonitpur}
23. “Out of the experience of an extra-ordinary human disaster” What does Mandela mean by “human disaster”? {Sonitpur}
24. What happened in South Africa in the first decade of the twentieth century? {Sibsagar}
25. What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him? {Nalbari}
26. ‘In life, every man has twin obligations’. What are the obligations according to Nelson Mandela? {Morigaon}
27. Why does Mandela feel that a “man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred.” {Majuli}
