Nelson Mandela – Class 10 Descriptive Quiz

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Master Descriptive Writing with “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” – Free CBSE Class 10 English Quiz

Sharpen your descriptive writing skills with this free online quiz based on “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”, a powerful chapter from the First Flight textbook for CBSE Class 10 English. Carefully designed in line with the NCERT syllabus, this practice test includes a mix of short and long answer questions to help students prepare for board exams, school assessments, and daily revision with confidence.

The chapter presents Nelson Mandela’s journey from a freedom fighter to becoming the first Black President of South Africa, highlighting his commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. Through this quiz, students can explore major themes such as courage in the face of oppression, the value of freedom, and the transformative power of sacrifice.

This descriptive quiz encourages learners to:

Reflect deeply on Mandela’s thoughts, values, and vision.

Analyze the narrative tone, inspirational quotes, and personal experiences shared in the text.

Frame well-structured answers that demonstrate clear understanding and critical insight.

Ideal for enhancing your exam writing proficiency, these questions help improve your ability to articulate thoughts clearly, back up interpretations with evidence from the text, and express complex ideas in a coherent manner.

Whether you're aiming to score higher in English or gain a richer understanding of global struggles for freedom and justice, this quiz is a valuable tool to build confidence and fluency in descriptive answers.

Start your free quiz on “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” today and prepare to write impactful answers that stand out in your CBSE Class 10 English exams!

How Our Descriptive Test on Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Works

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In this descriptive quiz on Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, you will:

  • Write your own answers instead of choosing from fixed options
  • Get instant evaluation with detailed, actionable feedback
  • Build clarity, communication, and critical thinking skills
  • Practice exam-focused questions from textbooks and previous years’ papers
  • Sharpen your writing to score better in school tests and board exams

Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of sandstone?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: The ceremonies took place in the sandstone amphitheater at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. In India, public buildings made of sandstone include the Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Humayun’s Tomb.

Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?

Marks: 1

Suggested Answer: South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, where seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. So, while May is a summer month in India, it is an autumn month in South Africa.

At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions “an extraordinary human disaster”. What does he mean by this? What is the “glorious … human achievement” he speaks of at the end?

Marks: 3

Suggested Answer: The “extraordinary human disaster” refers to apartheid, where racial discrimination oppressed black South Africans. The “glorious human achievement” refers to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government where all citizens enjoy equal rights.

What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: Mandela thanks international leaders for attending the inauguration and supporting South Africa’s transition to democracy. Their presence symbolized global recognition of South Africa’s fight against apartheid and the triumph of justice.

What ideals does he set out for the future of South Africa?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: Mandela sets ideals of equality, freedom, and dignity for all South Africans. He pledges to end poverty, suffering, and discrimination, ensuring a society based on justice and human dignity.

What do the military generals do? How has their attitude changed, and why?

Marks: 3

Suggested Answer: The military generals saluted Mandela, showing respect and loyalty to the new democratic government. Earlier, they upheld apartheid and would have arrested him. Their change in attitude signifies their acceptance of the new era of democracy.

Why were two national anthems sung?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: Two national anthems were sung—Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (the anthem of black South Africans) and Die Stem (the anthem of white South Africans)—to symbolize unity and the coming together of all races in a democratic South Africa.

How does Mandela describe the systems of government in his country (i) in the first decade, and (ii) in the final decade, of the twentieth century?

Marks: 3

Suggested Answer: (i) In the first decade, South Africa had a system of racial domination, where white people enjoyed supremacy, and black people faced oppression. (ii) In the final decade, apartheid was abolished, and a democratic government was established, granting equal rights to all citizens.

What does courage mean to Mandela?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: According to Mandela, courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to triumph over it. A brave person is not someone who does not feel afraid but someone who conquers fear and continues to fight for justice.

Which does he think is natural, to love or to hate?

Marks: 2

Suggested Answer: Mandela believes that love is more natural than hate. He explains that hatred is taught, while love comes naturally to the human heart. Even in the worst conditions, he saw moments of kindness that proved humanity’s natural tendency toward love.

Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration? What did it signify the triumph of?

Marks: 3

Suggested Answer: Many international leaders attended the inauguration to show support for South Africa’s transition to democracy. Their presence signified the triumph of justice, peace, and equality over apartheid and racial oppression, marking the beginning of a new era.

What does Mandela mean when he says he is “simply the sum of all those African patriots” who had gone before him?

Marks: 3

Suggested Answer: Mandela acknowledges that his success is built on the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters before him. He sees himself as a continuation of their struggle and achievements, emphasizing that his victory is not personal but a collective triumph.

Would you agree that the “depths of oppression” create “heights of character”? How does Mandela illustrate this? Can you add your own examples to this argument?

Marks: 5

Suggested Answer: Mandela illustrates that oppression strengthens character, as seen in freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu. Their resilience was shaped by years of struggle. Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi’s perseverance during British rule and Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the civil rights movement prove that great adversity builds great leaders.

How did Mandela’s understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

Marks: 4

Suggested Answer: As a child, Mandela saw freedom as personal—playing freely and enjoying life. As he grew older, he realized that true freedom meant dignity, equality, and rights for all. His focus shifted from individual freedom to collective liberation.

How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

Marks: 4

Suggested Answer: Mandela’s desire for freedom transformed him from a law-abiding student into a revolutionary leader. He sacrificed personal life, endured imprisonment, and devoted himself to the liberation of South Africans, ultimately leading to the end of apartheid.

Do you think there is colour prejudice in our own country? Discuss this with your friend and write a paragraph of about 100 to 150 words about this. You have the option of making your paragraph a humorous one.

Marks: 5

Suggested Answer: Recently, while discussing colour prejudice with my friend Rohan during lunch, we laughed over the absurdity of judging people by their skin colour. Rohan reminded me of a quirky rhyme: "When you were born you were pink; when you grew up you became white; when you are in the sun you are red; when you are sick you are yellow; when you are angry you are purple; when you are shocked you are grey; and you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’." This made us realize that everyone’s colour changes naturally and humorously throughout life. Yet, despite such obvious variations, some still cling to outdated ideas that fairness is beauty. In our diverse country, these prejudices are not only baseless but also ridiculous. Our conversation turned into a light-hearted critique of societal norms, emphasizing that our differences make us unique and should be celebrated, not used as a basis for discrimination.

What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention?

Marks: 3

Suggested Answer: Mandela speaks of twin obligations that bind him both to his people and to the broader cause of justice. He felt responsible not only for fighting the oppression of apartheid in South Africa but also for upholding the universal struggle for human rights and equality. In other words, his duty was twofold: one, to secure freedom and dignity for his own community; and two, to contribute to the global fight against injustice. This dual responsibility shaped his lifelong commitment to liberty and fairness, reinforcing that the battle for freedom is as much a personal struggle as it is a collective effort for the betterment of society.

What did being free mean to Mandela as a boy, and as a student? How does he contrast these “transitory freedoms” with “the basic and honourable freedoms”?

Marks: 4

Suggested Answer: As a boy, Mandela equated freedom with the simple joys of childhood—playing, exploring, and experiencing life without restrictions. As a student, his concept of freedom expanded to include intellectual curiosity and the ability to express his ideas openly. However, he recognized these “transitory freedoms” as temporary and limited. In contrast, “the basic and honourable freedoms” refer to the fundamental human rights that every individual deserves, such as dignity, equality, and self-determination. While his early experiences of freedom were fleeting and situational, the deeper, honourable freedoms are essential for a just society and are enduring rights that empower individuals to lead lives of dignity and purpose. This contrast highlights his belief that true freedom goes beyond momentary liberties to encompass lifelong, universal human rights.

Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/Why not?

Marks: 4

Suggested Answer: Mandela does not believe that the oppressor is truly free. He argues that while an oppressor might enjoy certain privileges and material comforts, such freedom is superficial because it comes at the expense of denying fundamental rights to others. According to Mandela, true freedom is both moral and spiritual—a state of being that respects human dignity and equality. The oppressor, by inflicting suffering and injustice, remains internally imprisoned by hatred and cruelty. This moral bondage prevents him from experiencing the honourable freedoms that arise from mutual respect and justice. Thus, even if the oppressor seems free in a physical or material sense, he is not free in the deeper, more meaningful sense that Mandela envisions for a just and humane society.

Write a short note on the statement "True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation, and all forms of discrimination." In your answer, discuss the causes of poverty and ways to overcome it, highlight discrimination based on gender, religion, class, etc., and mention constitutionally guaranteed human rights.

Marks: 5

Suggested Answer: True liberty means not only having freedom from external constraints but also being free from poverty, deprivation, and discrimination. Poverty often stems from factors like economic inequality, lack of education, and limited access to job opportunities. To overcome it, governments and communities must ensure quality education, create fair employment avenues, and establish effective social safety nets. Additionally, discrimination based on gender, religion, caste, or class prevents individuals from enjoying equal rights and opportunities. Even though our constitution guarantees fundamental human rights, these biases continue to marginalize many people. Thus, true liberty is achieved when every person can live with dignity, access essential resources, and participate fully in society without fear of prejudice. This holistic freedom is the cornerstone of a just and equitable society.

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Why does descriptive practice matter?

Descriptive practice develops critical thinking, improves written expression, and strengthens your ability to organize and articulate ideas—all essential for scoring well in CBSE board exams and beyond.

Are other types of quizzes (like MCQs) and topics available for free?

Yes! You can explore our full quiz list, including free MCQ quizzes and more descriptive tests across subjects and topics. MCQ quizzes are unlimited and free to practice. For descriptive quizzes like Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, the free limit of 5 evaluations per day applies across all quizzes, meaning you can attempt any 5 questions from any quiz each day.

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