Oral comprehension check -1

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

Ans: The ceremonies took place in the campus of the Union Building of Pretoria, which were attended by dignitaries and leaders of many nations. In India; Rashtrapati Bhavan and Red Fort are buildings made of red sandstone.

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

Ans: 10 May is called an “autumn day” in South Africa because it marks a new beginning for the country. On 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela took the oath as the first black President of South Africa, ending the era of apartheid and racial discrimination.

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

Ans: At the beginning of his speech, Nelson Mandela refers to apartheid as a great human disaster. Under apartheid, black people in South Africa faced racial discrimination, oppression, and were denied basic rights.

At the end of his speech, Mandela calls the end of apartheid and the establishment of democracy in South Africa a “glorious human achievement”. The victory of equality, justice, and human dignity brought hope and freedom for all South Africans.

4. Why does Mandela thank the international leaders for? 

Ans: Mandela expressed his gratitude to international leaders for their support in abolishing apartheid and helping South Africa become a free and democratic nation.

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

Ans: Nelson Mandela’s ideals focused on freedom, equality, and social justice, aiming to build a peaceful and united South Africa free from discrimination and oppression.

Oral comprehension check -2

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

2. Why were two National Anthems Sung? 

3. 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? 

4. What does courage mean to Mandela? 

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

Oral comprehension check -3

1. What “twin obligations” does Mandela mention? 

2. 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”?

3. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/why not?