Class 10 English Chapter 1 Practice Question Answers - First Flight

Q1. What do depths of oppression create?
(a) oppressed
(b) heights of character
(c) poverty
(d) lack of freedom
Ans: (b)
The depths of oppression refer to extreme and prolonged suffering or hardship experienced by individuals or communities. Nelson Mandela suggests that such oppression can give rise to "heights of character." It means that those who endure and resist oppression often develop remarkable strength, courage, and moral integrity. They become resilient and compassionate individuals who can inspire and lead others towards positive change and justice. Mandela himself is an example of how the struggles against oppression shaped his character and leadership qualities.

Q2. Which flame can be hidden but never extinguished?
(a) Man’s love
(b) Mar’s natural way
(c) Man’s goodness
(d) None of the Above
Ans: (c)
Nelson Mandela refers to "Man's goodness" as the flame that can be hidden but never extinguished. This means that inherent goodness and compassion within individuals may be suppressed or hidden under challenging circumstances or oppressive regimes, but it remains resilient and eventually surfaces. No matter how difficult the situation, people's innate goodness can shine through, and they can still show kindness, empathy, and a desire for positive change. Mandela believed in the power of humanity's goodness to overcome adversity and promote reconciliation.

Q3. What is a country’s greatest wealth?
(a) Its minerals
(b) Its people
(c) its technology
(d) None of the Above
Ans: (b)
According to Nelson Mandela, a country's greatest wealth lies in its people. Natural resources like minerals (option a) or advanced technology (option c) are valuable, but the true strength and prosperity of a nation come from its human resources—the collective skills, talents, creativity, and unity of its citizens. Developing and empowering the people through education, healthcare, and equal opportunities are essential for a nation's progress and sustainable development.

Q4. Where did ceremonies take place?
(a) Rockstone amphitheater
(b) Sandstone amphitheater
(c) Glass stone amphitheater
(d) None of the Above
Ans: (b)
The ceremonies took place in the "Sandstone amphitheater." An amphitheater is an outdoor venue with semi-circular seating. In this context, the sandstone amphitheater refers to a location where gatherings, events, or ceremonies were conducted during significant occasions. The specific location is not mentioned beyond this information.

Q5. Who, according to Mandela, is not free?
(a) oppressor
(b) oppressed
(c) both A and B
(d) none of the above
Ans: (c)
Nelson Mandela believes that both the oppressor and the oppressed are not free. While it's evident that oppression restricts the freedom of the oppressed, Mandela emphasizes that the oppressor is also not free because they are bound by their own actions of subjugation and fear. True freedom, according to Mandela, can only be achieved when both parties are liberated from the chains of prejudice, injustice, and hatred.

Q6. Which party did Mandela join?
(a) Indian National Congress
(b) African National Congress
(c) National African Party
(d) he did not join any party
Ans: (b)
Nelson Mandela joined the "African National Congress" (ANC). The ANC is a political organization in South Africa that fought against racial discrimination and apartheid. Mandela's involvement with the ANC played a crucial role in his activism and leadership in the anti-apartheid struggle.

Q7. What unintended effect did the decades of oppression and brutality had?
(a) created men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity
(b) Poverty and suffering
(c) boycott from foreign nations
(d) both B and C
Ans: (a)
The unintended effect of decades of oppression and brutality was that it "created men of extraordinary courage, wisdom, and generosity." This means that despite the suffering and cruelty endured, some individuals emerged with remarkable qualities like bravery, wisdom, and a capacity for forgiveness. The harsh conditions of oppression brought out the best in some people, motivating them to strive for justice, equality, and a better society.

Q8. What realisations did Mandela have of his boyhood freedom?
(a) it is just an illusion
(b) he was born free
(c) freedom was meant for kids
(d) he had no realisations
Ans: (a)
Nelson Mandela realized that his boyhood freedom was "just an illusion." This suggests that although Mandela was born free as a human being, his childhood was spent under the oppressive system of apartheid, which denied him the real freedom to live without discrimination, prejudice, and equal opportunities. This realization made him determined to fight for the true freedom of all South Africans.

Q9. Why were two National Anthems sung?
(a) to imply unity
(b) to mark the end of racial discrimination
(c) to mark the end of gender discrimination
(d) Both A and B
Ans: (d)
Two National Anthems were sung to imply unity (symbolizing the coming together of diverse communities) and to mark the end of racial discrimination (symbolizing the end of apartheid). The singing of two anthems during the inauguration ceremony represented the transition of South Africa from a divided nation to a united, non-racial democracy, where all citizens are equal before the law.

Q10. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known” What structure is Mandela talking about?
(a) Racial domination against the black skinned
(b) Poverty and suffering
(c) Discrimination against the poor
(d) oppression of women
Ans: (a)
Nelson Mandela is referring to the system of "racial domination against the black-skinned" as the structure that formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever known. This system was apartheid, a legalized racial segregation and discrimination policy that enforced racial separation and denied the majority black population basic human rights and freedoms.

Q11. When was the inauguration day?
(a) 10 May
(b) 10 March
(c) 20 May
(d) 20 March
Ans:  (a)
The inauguration day was on 10th May. It was the day when Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the President of South Africa. This historic event marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of democracy in the country. On this day, Nelson Mandela, who had fought against racial discrimination and oppression, became the first democratically-elected, non-racial President of South Africa.

Q12. The spectacular array of South African jets was a display of –
(a) military’s precision
(b) military’s loyalty to democracy
(c) none of the above
(d) both A and B
Ans: (d)
The spectacular array of South African jets was a display of both the military's precision and its loyalty to democracy. During the inauguration ceremony, the South African Air Force performed an impressive flypast with precision and skill, showcasing the country's military capabilities. Simultaneously, the display also symbolized the military's commitment to the newly established democratic government, emphasizing the peaceful transition from a regime based on discrimination to an inclusive democratic system.

Q13. How does Nelson Mandela define the meaning of courage?
(a) Triumph over fear
(b) Triumph over love
(c) Triumph over selfish
(d) Triumph over poverty
Ans: (a)
According to Nelson Mandela, courage means "triumph over fear." It means that being courageous is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome fear and still do what is right or necessary. Mandela himself demonstrated immense courage in standing up against apartheid, even when it meant facing severe consequences. He showed that fearlessness is not the key, but rather the determination to act despite fear and work towards a just and equal society. 

Q14. What was it that the nation needed to be liberated from?
(a) poverty
(b) gender discrimination
(c) deprivation
(d) all of the above
Ans: (d)
The nation needed to be liberated from various forms of oppression and discrimination, as mentioned in the options: poverty, gender discrimination, and deprivation. During apartheid, the majority of black South Africans suffered from poverty and deprivation due to discriminatory policies. Additionally, gender discrimination also affected women's rights and opportunities. Mandela's vision of liberation encompassed all these aspects, aiming for a society free from all forms of discrimination and inequality.

Q15. What did Mandela learn about courage?
(a) it is absence of fear
(b) it is the triumph over fear
(c) both A and B
(d) none of the above
Ans: (b)
Mandela learned that courage is "the triumph over fear." It means that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to confront and overcome it. Mandela demonstrated courage throughout his life by fearlessly challenging apartheid and promoting reconciliation despite facing imprisonment and personal threats. He believed that courage lies in facing challenges, standing up for what is right, and working for the betterment of society despite the fear of consequences.

Q16. What change brought international leaders to South Africa?
(a) End of Apartheid
(b) humanity
(c) peace
(d) trade negotiations
Ans: (a)
The end of apartheid brought international leaders to South Africa. After decades of international pressure and protests against apartheid, the dismantling of this discriminatory system and the establishment of a democratic, non-racial government marked a significant turning point in South African history. International leaders attended Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the President to show solidarity with the nation's transition from apartheid to democracy.

Q17. He was surrounded by:
(a) international leaders and dignitaries
(b) family members
(c) national heroes
(d) British soldiers
Ans: (a)
Nelson Mandela was surrounded by international leaders and dignitaries during his inauguration as the President of South Africa. Leaders from various countries and representatives of international organizations attended the ceremony to celebrate the historic moment and support the newly formed democratic government. It signified the global significance of South Africa's transformation and its reintegration into the international community.

Q18. What realisations did Mandela have of his boyhood freedom?
(a) it is just an illusion
(b) he was born free
(c) freedom was meant for kids
(d) he had no realisations
Ans: (b)
Nelson Mandela realized that he was born free, as every human being is. However, his boyhood was lived under the oppressive system of apartheid, which denied him and his fellow black citizens the real freedom and equal rights that they deserved. This realization motivated Mandela to fight for the liberation of his people from the chains of racial discrimination and work towards a South Africa where all individuals would enjoy true freedom and equality.

Q19. How many deputy presidents were elected?
(a) two
(b) three
(c) one
(d) none
Ans: (a)
Two deputy presidents were elected in the new democratic government of South Africa. The system of having two deputy presidents was unique to the transitional period after apartheid. This arrangement aimed to promote unity and representation from different political parties, ensuring a smooth transition to democracy and a diverse leadership structure.

Q20. Which day was the largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government?
(a) 9 May
(b) 10 May
(c) 11 May
(d) 12 May
Ans: (b)
The largest gathering of international leaders on South African soil for the installation of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government took place on 10th May during Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the President. This event brought together leaders from across the world to witness and celebrate the historic moment when apartheid officially came to an end, and South Africa embraced a new era of democracy and inclusivity.