Q1. [5]
"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die".
Read the given extract and answer the questions:
- (i) What is the main ideal Mandela is talking about? [1]
- (A) economic prosperity
- (B) representative and free society
- (C) absolute power
- (D) finishing racism
- (ii) How does the statement reflect Mandela's commitment to justice? (Answer in about 40 words) [2]
- (iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:
Nelson's vision was not simply to reverse the oppression but to end it completely as he wishes to _______ (fight / appease) all forms of domination in which all persons live with equal opportunities. [1]
- (iv) The phrase "prepared to die" shows Mandela's: [1]
- (A) anxiety
- (B) desperation
- (C) passion
- (D) uprightness
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2026 2/5/1 Q6(B)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) (B) representative and free society
(ii) Mandela's statement shows his unwavering commitment to justice by declaring that he is willing to sacrifice even his life for a democratic society where all persons have equal opportunities and live in harmony. His dedication goes beyond personal survival, reflecting selfless devotion to justice.
(iii) fight
(iv) (C) passion
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Explanation
- (i) The extract clearly states "democratic and free society" — option (B) is the closest match. Avoid (D); Mandela's ideal is broader than finishing racism alone.
- (ii) Focus on TWO things: what the ideal is + the depth of commitment (willing to die). Examiners look for both these points for full 2 marks.
- (iii) "Fight" fits because Mandela seeks to actively eliminate domination, not pacify or appease it.
- (iv) "Prepared to die" shows deep passion for his cause — not anxiety, desperation, or mere uprightness. It is an expression of strong, positive conviction.
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cbse.gov.in.