Question 1

Given below are sentences carrying one part of the contrast. Find in the text the second part of the contrast, and complete each item. Identify the words which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item.

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now ...
2. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police ... saluted me and pledged their loyalty. ... not so many years before they would not have saluted _______________
3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem ..., they would soon _______________
4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, _______________
5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but _______________
6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people ... that transformed _______________ into a bold one, that drove _______________ to become a criminal, that turned _______________ into a man without a home.

Accepted Answer

1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it belongs to all who live in South Africa.

2. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police saluted me and pledged their loyalty. Not so many years before they would not have saluted a black man.

3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem, they would soon learn them and sing them with pride.

4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but its greatest wealth is its people.

5. The Air Show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but also a symbol of the unity and strength of our nation.

6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people that transformed a shy boy into a bold one, that drove a young man to become a criminal, that turned a prisoner into a man without a home. — The exercise asks to find the contrasting second part of each sentence from the text and identify the words signaling contrast such as 'and now', 'but', 'although', etc. The answers complete the sentences by providing the contrasting idea as given in the chapter 'The Inauguration'.

Question 2

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. (Read the short verse given below.)

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'.

Accepted Answer

This is a subjective question aimed at encouraging students to reflect on the issue of colour prejudice in their own country. A good answer would discuss examples of colour prejudice, its effects on society, and personal opinions on how to overcome it. The humorous poem highlights the irony of calling someone 'coloured' when human skin changes colour in different situations. Students may write a paragraph expressing their views, possibly including personal experiences or observations. — The question is designed to develop critical thinking and writing skills. It asks students to discuss and write about colour prejudice, using the poem as a prompt to understand the absurdity of racial discrimination based on skin colour.

Question 3

Read the poem silently once, and say which stanzas speak about the tiger in the zoo, and which ones speak about the tiger in the jungle.

Accepted Answer

The poem 'A Tiger in the Zoo' has four stanzas.

- Stanzas 1, 4, and 5 describe the tiger in the zoo:
  1st stanza: 'He stalks in his vivid stripes / The few steps of his cage...'
  4th stanza: 'But he's locked in a concrete cell...'
  5th stanza: 'He hears the last voice at night...'

- Stanzas 2 and 3 describe the tiger in the jungle:
  2nd stanza: 'He should be lurking in shadow...'
  3rd stanza: 'He should be snarling around houses...'

Thus, the poem contrasts the confined life of the tiger in the zoo with its natural life in the jungle. — By reading the poem carefully, students identify the setting described in each stanza. The words 'cage', 'concrete cell', and 'bars' indicate the zoo, while 'shadow', 'long grass', 'water hole', and 'jungle's edge' indicate the wild habitat.

Question 4

Read the poem again, and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks.
(i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns.
(ii) Find the words that describe the two places, and arrange them in two columns.

Now try to share ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast the two situations.

Accepted Answer

(i) Words describing movements and actions:
- Tiger in the cage: stalks, quiet, quiet rage, locked, stalking, ignoring visitors
- Tiger in the wild: lurking, sliding, snarling, baring, terrorising

(ii) Words describing the two places:
- Cage: few steps, cage, concrete cell, bars, behind bars
- Wild: shadow, long grass, water hole, jungle's edge, village, stars

The poet uses contrasting words and images to highlight the difference between the confined, restricted life of the tiger in the zoo and the free, wild life it should have in the jungle. The use of words like 'quiet rage' and 'locked in a concrete cell' evoke sympathy and sadness for the tiger's captivity, while words like 'lurking', 'snarling', and 'terrorising' show the tiger's natural power and wildness. — The question encourages close reading and analysis of the poem's language and imagery to understand how contrast is created between captivity and freedom.

Question 5

Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these:
(i) On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.

What do you think is the effect of this repetition?

Accepted Answer

The repetition of the words 'quiet' and 'brilliant' emphasizes the intensity and contrast in the tiger's experience. 'Quiet' repeated in 'pads of velvet quiet' and 'quiet rage' highlights the silent but powerful anger and frustration of the caged tiger. Similarly, 'brilliant' repeated in 'brilliant eyes' and 'brilliant stars' draws attention to the tiger's sharp awareness and longing for the freedom symbolized by the stars. The repetition creates a rhythmic effect and deepens the emotional impact of the poem. — Repetition is a poetic device used to emphasize particular feelings or images. Here, it helps convey the tiger's restrained power and yearning for the wild.

Question 6

Read the following two poems — one about a tiger and the other about a panther. Then discuss:
Are zoos necessary for the protection or conservation of some species of animals? Are they useful for educating the public? Are there alternatives to zoos?

Accepted Answer

This is a discussion question inviting students to consider the pros and cons of zoos.

Possible points for zoos:
- Help protect endangered species from extinction.
- Provide a safe environment free from hunters and natural dangers.
- Educate the public about wildlife and conservation.

Possible points against zoos:
- Animals are confined and deprived of their natural habitat.
- Zoos may not provide adequate space or conditions for animals.
- Alternatives include wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and virtual education.

Students should weigh these points and express their own views, supported by examples from the poems and their knowledge. — The question encourages critical thinking about animal welfare and conservation, using the poems as a starting point to understand the animals' perspective.

Question 7

Take a point of view for or against zoos, or even consider both points of view and write a couple of paragraphs or speak about this topic for a couple of minutes in class.

Accepted Answer

Students should write or speak expressing their opinion on zoos.

For zoos: They help conserve endangered species, protect animals from poachers, and educate people.

Against zoos: They restrict animals' freedom, may cause stress and unnatural behavior, and do not replicate natural habitats.

Balanced view: Zoos can be useful if they focus on conservation and animal welfare, but alternatives like wildlife reserves should be promoted.

The answer should be coherent, with reasons and examples supporting the chosen viewpoint. — This question develops speaking and writing skills, encouraging students to articulate and justify their opinions on a relevant social and environmental issue.

Question 8

Which country among the following had the political system of apartheid until very recently?

Accepted Answer

South Africa — Apartheid was a political system that enforced racial segregation and discrimination primarily in South Africa until the early 1990s. The United States and Australia did not have apartheid as an official political system, and Canada is not related to apartheid.

Question 9

What historic occasion is described in Nelson Mandela's autobiography extract titled 'The Inauguration'?

Accepted Answer

Nelson Mandela becoming the first black President of South Africa — The inauguration refers to Nelson Mandela's official swearing-in as South Africa's first black President after the 1994 democratic elections.

Question 10

Match the expression 'A rainbow gathering of different colours and nations' with its correct meaning.

Accepted Answer

A beautiful coming together of various peoples, like the colours in a rainbow — 'A rainbow gathering of different colours and nations' symbolizes the coming together of diverse racial groups in South Africa, reflecting unity and diversity.

Question 11

Where did Nelson Mandela's inauguration ceremony take place?

Accepted Answer

The Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria — The inauguration ceremony was held at the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, which was historically the seat of white supremacy.

Question 12

What did Nelson Mandela pledge during his inauguration speech?

Accepted Answer

To obey and uphold the Constitution and devote himself to the well-being of the Republic and its people — Mandela pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and dedicate himself to the welfare of all South Africans, marking a commitment to democracy and equality.

Question 13

What does Mandela mean by the phrase 'an extraordinary human disaster' in his speech?

Accepted Answer

The phrase refers to the long period of apartheid and racial oppression in South Africa. For example, apartheid caused suffering and injustice to millions of people based on race. — Mandela calls apartheid an 'extraordinary human disaster' because it was a system of racial segregation and oppression that lasted for decades, causing immense suffering and injustice to the majority black population.

Question 14

Why did thousands of international leaders attend Nelson Mandela's inauguration ceremony?

Accepted Answer

International leaders attended to pay respects and witness the historic event marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic South Africa. For example, leaders from over 140 countries were present. — The attendance of many international dignitaries symbolized global recognition and support for South Africa's transition to democracy and the triumph of justice and human dignity.

Question 15

What was symbolized by the flying formation of South African jets and the smoke trails during the inauguration?

Accepted Answer

Military loyalty to the new democratic government and unity represented by the colors of the new flag — The jets flying in formation and leaving smoke trails in the colors of the new South African flag symbolized the military's support for democracy and the unity of the nation.

The Inauguration

The Inauguration — Study Notes

Before You Read

Activity: Matching Expressions with Meanings

The Inauguration Ceremony and Mandela's Speech

Practice Questions — The Inauguration

All 9 Chapters in First Flight