Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Oral Comprehension Check

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

The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. In India, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Parliament House are examples of buildings made of sandstone.

2. Can you say how 10 May is an 'autumn day' in South Africa?

In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. May falls in the autumn season in South Africa.

3. 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?

By "extraordinary human disaster," Mandela refers to the practice of Apartheid in South Africa, where there was racial segregation and blacks were oppressed. The "glorious human achievement" refers to the establishment of the first democratic, non-racial government in South Africa.

4. What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

He thanks them for coming to take possession with the people of his country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.

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

He pledges to liberate all his people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.

Thinking about the Text

1. Why did such a large number of international leaders attend the inauguration?

They attended to pay their respects to the new democratic government and to show their support for the end of Apartheid. It signified the recognition of a new, free South Africa by the international community.

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

He means that his freedom was the result of the sacrifices of thousands of African patriots who fought before him. He felt their suffering and courage had culminated in his achievement, and he was carrying their legacy forward.

3. Would you agree that the "depths of oppression" create "heights of character"? How does Mandela illustrate this?

Yes, Mandela agrees. He illustrates this by mentioning great patriots like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, etc., who were men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom, and generosity that their like may never be known again. The brutality of Apartheid produced these men of high character.

4. How did Mandela's understanding of freedom change with age and experience?

As a boy, he thought he was born free to run in the fields and swim in the stream. As a student, he wanted freedom only for himself. Later, he realized his freedom was an illusion and that his people were not free. His hunger for his own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of his people.

5. How did Mandela's 'hunger for freedom' change his life?

It transformed a frightened young man into a bold one. It drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal. It turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home. It forced a life-loving man to live like a monk.

Grammar Series - Part 2

Topic 1: Subject-Verb Concord

Subject-Verb Concord means that the verb must agree with the subject in number and person.

Golden Rules

Singular subject takes singular verb: She writes well.
Plural subject takes plural verb: They write well.
Two singular subjects joined by 'and' take plural verb: Ram and Shyam are friends.
'Each', 'Every', 'Either', 'Neither' take singular verbs: Each of the boys was given a prize.
Collective nouns (team, jury) take singular verb when acting as a unit: The team is winning.
'One of' + Plural Noun + Singular Verb: One of my friends is a doctor.

Exercise: Choose the correct verb

Slow and steady _______ (win/wins) the race. (wins - considered one idea)
Bread and butter _______ (is/are) his wholesome food. (is)
Neither of the two men _______ (was/were) present. (was)
The quality of the mangoes _______ (was/were) not good. (was - subject is 'quality')
Fifty kilometres _______ (is/are) a long distance. (is - distance as a unit)

Topic 2: Non-Finites

Verbs that do not change form according to the subject or tense are called Non-Finite Verbs. They are of three types: Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles.

1. Infinitives (to + V1):
I want to go.
It is easy to solve.

2. Gerunds (V1 + ing acting as Noun):
Swimming is a good exercise.
He is fond of reading.

3. Participles (V1 + ing or V3 acting as Adjective/Verb):
I saw a burning train. (Present Participle)
A broken chair. (Past Participle)

Exercise: Identify/Fill Non-finites

He promised _______ (help) me. (to help)
_______ (Walk) is good for health. (Walking - Gerund)
Please stop _______ (talk). (talking)
I saw a bird _______ (sing) in the tree. (singing - Participle)
It is too difficult _______ (do). (to do)

Writing Skills Series - Part 2

1. Complaint Letter

Purpose: To complain about defective products, poor services, or civic issues.

Structure

Sender's Address

Date

Receiver's Designation

Receiver's Address

Subject: Complaint regarding [Topic]

Sir/Madam,

Para 1: Reference to purchase/service and state the problem clearly.

Para 2: Elaborate on the issue (bill no, warranties, specific defects).

Para 3: Ask for redressal (replacement/refund/action).

Yours faithfully,

Signature

Name

Useful Phrases

"I regret to inform you that..."
"I would like to draw your attention to..."
"The product stopped working within a week..."
"I request you to replace the defective piece..."

2. Article Writing

Purpose: To express opinions, arguments, or facts on a topic for a magazine or newspaper.

Format

CATCHY HEADLINE
By [Writer's Name]

Para 1 (Introduction): Hook the reader, define the topic, state its relevance.
Para 2 (Body): Causes, effects, current scenario, pros/cons. Use facts/data.
Para 3 (Conclusion): Suggestions, solutions, hope for future, strong closing statement.

Example: Freedom (Theme of Mandela)

TRUE FREEDOM: A BIRTHRIGHT

By XYZ

Freedom is the most cherished possession of every living being. As Nelson Mandela rightly said, "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."...

True freedom means the absence of discrimination, poverty, and fear. In today's world, while political freedom exists, social and economic chains still bind many...

We must strive to create a society where freedom is not just a constitutional right but a lived reality for all.