Question 1

Make groups of four and find out the background information on Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King. All three of them fought against all odds and used non-violence to achieve their aim. Choose any two of the above stated leaders and do a comparative study of their principles and lives.

Accepted Answer

To answer this question, form groups of four and research the background of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King. Focus on their principles, especially their commitment to non-violence, and their life stories. Then choose any two leaders and compare their principles and lives. For example, compare Gandhi and Mandela on their use of non-violent resistance, their leadership during freedom struggles, and their personal sacrifices. Highlight similarities such as their dedication to justice and differences such as the contexts of their struggles. — Step 1: Research the background of each leader.
Step 2: Identify their principles, especially non-violence.
Step 3: Choose any two leaders.
Step 4: Compare their principles and lives, noting similarities and differences.
Step 5: Present findings in a tabular or descriptive format.

Question 2

You have learnt about the freedom struggles of many nations after the Second World War and how many leaders spearheaded freedom movements in their countries. Based on the learning from history and political science, write about any two leaders from different nations. The following are prompts that can help you:

(a) Their thoughts
(b) Their uniqueness
(c) Honesty and integrity
(d) Confidence and leadership qualities
(e) Inspirational speeches
(f) Contributions to free their countries

(Hints: You may develop their profiles in chronological order. You may visit the library. Consult social science teachers in your school and elders in your neighbourhood.)

Accepted Answer

Select any two leaders from different nations who led freedom struggles after the Second World War. For each leader, write a profile covering:
(a) Their core thoughts and philosophies,
(b) What made them unique among leaders,
(c) Their honesty and integrity,
(d) Their confidence and leadership qualities,
(e) Notable inspirational speeches,
(f) Their contributions to the freedom of their countries.
Use chronological order to present their life and achievements. Research using books, teachers, and elders to gather information. — Step 1: Identify two leaders from different nations.
Step 2: Research their life and freedom struggle.
Step 3: Organize information under the given prompts.
Step 4: Write detailed profiles highlighting their contributions and qualities.
Step 5: Review and present the profiles clearly.

Question 3

What does Nelson Mandela emphasize about the relationship between freedom and responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Nelson Mandela emphasizes that freedom is not just the absence of oppression but comes with responsibilities. For example, he states that to maintain and cherish freedom, individuals must uphold their duties and be accountable. — Nelson Mandela highlights that freedom is inseparable from responsibility. He believes that freedom entails duties that every individual must fulfill to preserve it. This understanding encourages citizens to be accountable and actively participate in safeguarding their freedom.

Question 4

Sardar Patel, in his convocation speech, warns that freedom must be __________.

Accepted Answer

consolidated / preserved — Sardar Patel stresses that the freedom India has won is not complete and must be consolidated. He uses the metaphor of a one-year-old child that needs to be nurtured and strengthened to indicate that freedom requires ongoing effort and care.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the occasion of Sardar Patel’s speech mentioned in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

A convocation address at a university — The speech by Sardar Patel was delivered as a convocation address at a university, where he spoke to the youth about character building and responsibilities in the context of freedom.

Question 6

According to Sardar Patel, what will future generations do if we fail to make the best use of our freedom?

Accepted Answer

They will heap curses on us — Patel warns that if the present generation fails to preserve and use freedom wisely, future generations will curse them for losing the precious boon of freedom.

Question 7

What does Sardar Patel describe as the 'most essential requisite' for students leaving university?

Accepted Answer

Character — Patel emphasizes that character is the most essential quality students must develop before leaving university, as it is crucial for shouldering responsibilities and nation-building.

Question 8

What does the phrase 'comity of nations' mean as used in Sardar Patel’s speech?

Accepted Answer

Friendly and cordial relationship among countries — 'Comity of nations' refers to the mutual respect and friendly relations among countries, which Patel believes India should aspire to be a part of by conducting itself well.

Question 9

Why does Sardar Patel warn against communalism in his speech?

Accepted Answer

Sardar Patel warns that communalism is a poison that spreads disunity and is a great danger to India. For example, he says that only by drawing a curtain over communalism can India equip itself for freedom and progress. — Patel identifies communalism as a divisive force that threatens national unity. He stresses that overcoming communalism is essential for the country's strength and to truly enjoy the benefits of freedom.

Question 10

Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles: "______ weapons of ______ world war were: violence, brute force, political and military moves, and counter moves. As ______ result of ______ churning of the ocean, ______ world has emitted poison."

Accepted Answer

The / the / the / the / the — The definite article 'the' is used before 'weapons', 'world war', 'result', 'churning', and 'world' because they refer to specific, known entities, especially 'the world war' referring to a particular historical event.

Question 11

Which article is most frequently used in the passage about Sardar Patel's speech and why?

Accepted Answer

The article 'the' is most frequently used because it refers to specific things like 'the world war', 'the result', and 'the world'. It cannot be replaced by other articles as it denotes particular known entities. — The definite article 'the' is used to specify particular nouns that are unique or already known to the reader or listener. In the speech, it helps clarify references to specific events and concepts.

Question 12

Identify and correct the error in the sentence: "I don’t mean that some peoples are born clear headed and is therefore natural writers."

Accepted Answer

"I don’t mean that some people are born clear-headed and are therefore natural writers." — The plural of 'people' is 'people' (not 'peoples' in this context). 'Clear headed' should be hyphenated as 'clear-headed'. The verb 'is' should agree with the plural subject 'some people' and be 'are'.

Question 13

What is the meaning of the idiom 'Break the ice' as introduced in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

To end a conflict or commence a friendship — The idiom 'Break the ice' means to initiate social interactions that reduce tension or awkwardness, often by starting a conversation or friendship.

Question 14

Complete the sentence: "India abounds in the resources of nature and manpower" means _______________.

Accepted Answer

India’s natural resources and population are a great resource — The phrase means India is rich in natural resources and has a large population that can be utilized for development and progress.

Question 15

According to Sardar Patel, what is the 'real danger' for India?

Accepted Answer

Disunity caused by communalism — Patel identifies communalism, which causes disunity among people, as the greatest danger threatening India's progress and unity.

N elson M andela : L ong

N elson M andela : L ong — Study Notes

LET'S BEGIN

READING COMPREHENSION - TEXT I: Sardar Patel’s Call to Youth to build Character and be Disciplined

Look Up and Understand

Practice Questions — N elson M andela : L ong

All 7 Chapters in Words and Expressions 2