CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 2 of CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight), titled 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'. It covers comprehension questions from pages 18 and 21, focusing on Nelson Mandela's inauguration, his vision for a new South Africa, and the significance of the event. The solutions explain the context of the ceremonies, the meaning of 'an autumn day' in South Africa, the 'extraordinary human disaster' of apartheid, and the ideals Mandela set for the future. It also delves into the changed attitudes of military generals and the symbolic importance of singing two national anthems. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the historical and emotional depth of Mandela's struggle and his triumph, aiding in their exam preparation by clarifying complex ideas and historical context.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 10
Subject	First Flight
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 2

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English (First Flight) focus on 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'. The solutions address oral comprehension questions related to Mandela's inauguration, the symbolism of the day, the end of apartheid, and his vision for a free South Africa. They clarify the significance of the event, the changed political landscape, and the symbolic gestures like the singing of two national anthems, providing a clear understanding of the chapter's core messages.

Learning outcomes

Understand the historical significance of Nelson Mandela's inauguration.
Analyze the symbolism of 'an autumn day' in the South African context.
Identify the 'human disaster' of apartheid and the 'human achievement' of freedom.
Explain Mandela's vision for a non-racial and prosperous South Africa.
Describe the changing attitudes of military and political figures post-apartheid.
Interpret the significance of singing two national anthems.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Nelson Mandela's Inauguration
The Significance of May 10th
Apartheid in South Africa
Human Disaster vs. Human Achievement
Mandela's Vision for Future South Africa
Changing Political Landscape
Role of Military Generals
Symbolism of National Anthems
Racial Discrimination
Democracy in South Africa

Important topics

Nelson Mandela's vision for a free South Africa
The end of apartheid and its impact
Symbolism in Mandela's speech
The transition to a democratic government
Ideals for the future of South Africa

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Questions and Solutions

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-18, Question 1

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

Solution: The inauguration ceremonies were held in the amphitheater of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a significant venue for this historic event. In India, many public buildings are constructed using sandstone, showcasing traditional architecture. Notable examples include the Red Fort in Delhi, the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, and the Jama Masjid in Delhi, all of which are renowned for their sandstone structures.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-18, Question 2

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

Solution: May 10th is described as 'an autumn day' in South Africa not because of the literal season, but symbolically. This day marked the beginning of a new democratic government, signifying the end of the old political order and the dawn of a new era. Just as autumn is a period of transition, where old leaves fall and new growth begins, May 10th represented a profound transformation for South Africa, moving from apartheid to democracy.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-18, Question 3

At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions "an extraordinary human disaster." What is the "glorious......human achievement" he speaks of at the end?

Solution: At the start of his speech, Nelson Mandela referred to the 'extraordinary human disaster' as the deeply entrenched system of apartheid in South Africa. This oppressive policy led to widespread racial discrimination and suffering for the majority of the population. Conversely, the 'glorious human achievement' he spoke of at the end signifies the hard-won freedom and the establishment of a democratic government where people are no longer subjugated or discriminated against based on their skin color. It represents the triumph of human dignity and equality.

Question 4

What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Solution: Nelson Mandela expressed his gratitude to the international leaders for attending the historic event. Their presence signified that South Africa was finally being recognized as a nation committed to principles of equality and justice, and their support was crucial for the newly formed, first anti-racial democratic government.

Question 5

What ideals does he sent out for the future of South Africa?

Solution: Nelson Mandela articulated several key ideals for the future of South Africa. He envisioned a nation where its people would be liberated from the bonds of poverty, deprivation, and suffering. He emphasized that no one would ever again experience oppression by another, and that all citizens would enjoy fundamental human rights and freedoms, fostering a society built on equality and dignity for all.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-21, Question 1

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

Solution: The military generals are responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring the security of the nation. Previously, under the white minority rule, their role often involved enforcing oppressive laws. However, their attitude underwent a significant change with the advent of democracy. On the day of Mandela's inauguration, they saluted him, demonstrating their loyalty not to a particular regime, but to the newly established democratic government and its President. This change reflects their acceptance of the new political order and their commitment to serving the nation under its first black leader.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-21, Question 2

Why were two national anthems sung?

Solution: Two national anthems were sung during the inauguration ceremony to symbolize the unity and reconciliation between the different racial groups in South Africa. One anthem represented the tradition of the white minority, and the other represented the aspirations of the newly empowered black majority. Singing both anthems was a powerful gesture to honor the past while embracing a shared future, signifying that both communities were now integral parts of the new democratic nation.

Common mistakes

Confusing the literal meaning of 'autumn day' with its symbolic meaning.
Underestimating the depth of the 'human disaster' caused by apartheid.
Not fully grasping the ideals Mandela envisioned for the future of South Africa.
Misinterpreting the changed role and loyalty of the military generals.

Revision tips

Focus on the symbolic meanings of events and phrases mentioned in the chapter.
Understand the historical context of apartheid and its impact.
Note down Mandela's key ideals for the future of South Africa.
Review the significance of the two national anthems and the generals' changed attitude.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the phrase 'an autumn day' symbolize in the context of South Africa on May 10th?

Q2. What was the 'extraordinary human disaster' Nelson Mandela referred to at the beginning of his speech?

Q3. What 'glorious human achievement' does Mandela speak of at the end of his speech?

Q4. Why did the military generals salute Mandela?

Q5. What was the significance of singing two national anthems?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 2 of CBSE Class 10 First Flight about?

Chapter 2 of CBSE Class 10 First Flight is titled 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' and deals with Nelson Mandela's struggle against apartheid and his rise to become the first black President of South Africa.

What does the 'long walk to freedom' refer to?

The 'long walk to freedom' refers to Nelson Mandela's lifelong struggle against apartheid, his imprisonment, and the eventual triumph of democracy and equality in South Africa.

Why is May 10th considered a significant day in the chapter?

May 10th is significant because it was the day of Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the first black President of South Africa, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new democratic era.

What were the main ideals Nelson Mandela set for the future of South Africa?

Mandela envisioned a future for South Africa free from poverty, deprivation, discrimination, and oppression, where all citizens would be equal regardless of their race or background.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to the chapter's comprehension questions, helping students understand the key themes, historical context, and Mandela's vision, which is crucial for exam preparation.

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