Code: HC88F5Questions: 38Maximum Marks: 172Generated: 2026-06-15 13:05
Selections used
SourcePrevious-year board
SubjectEnglish Language & Literature
LessonsNelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom
Questions selected38
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Q1. [6]
Answer in about 100-120 words :
'No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion'. Do you agree? Elaborate on the basis of the chapter "Nelson Mandela - Long walk to freedom".
Previously asked in: 2023 2/4/1 Q10(b)
Q2. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
- (i) 'Quiet rage' refers to the tigers ………….. [1]
- (a) helplessness
- (b) he has not been able to hunt
- (c) his prey has not come to the water hole
- (d) he is not free
- (ii) He is lurking in shadows because ……….. [1]
- (iii) Complete the sentence appropriately :
It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for 'pads of velvet' because ……………….. (clue-explain how metaphor applies here). [1]
- (iv) Find a word from the extract which means - to walk with measured, stiff or haughty strides : [1]
- (a) steps
- (b) lurking
- (c) pads
- (d) stalk
- (v) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE :
The tiger is stealthily waiting for the deer to come to the water hole. [1]
Previously asked in: 2023 2/4/1 Q7(B)
Q3. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Explain the contrast created by the words, 'stalks' and 'few steps of his cage'. [1]
- (ii) Which of the following best describes the tiger's feelings in the context? [1]
- (A) anger
- (B) conflicted
- (C) pessimism
- (D) apprehension
- (iii) Comment in about 40 words on the poet's use of imagery in the above extract. [2]
- (iv) Which word in the stanza means the same as 'clear and bright'? [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/3/1 Q7(a)
Q4. [5]
Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days, I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa's first democratic non-racial government.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) What do you infer from the following statement?
"The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African Soil." [1]
- (ii) Explain in about 40 words the effective shift from white supremacy to a rainbow gathering. [2]
- (iii) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'pleasantly besieged' in the given sentence from that extract? [1]
- (iv) State true or false with reference to the given extract.
In the past the 'amphitheatre' had been a seat for theatrical performances. [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/3/1 Q6(a)
Q5. [6]
Answer any one of the following two questions, in 100-120 words: A desire is more personal whereas a vision has broader connotations. You have been asked to present an analysis of Valli's desire and Mandela's vision and how they are respectively fulfilled. Write this presentation draft including your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the approaches of both Valli and Mandela. You may begin like this: One acknowledges that both, Valli and Mandela ______ however, (Reference – Nelson Mandela – A Long Walk to Freedom & Madam Rides a Bus)
Previously asked in: 2024 2/2/1 Q10(a)
Q6. [6]
In the chapter 'A Baker from Goa' the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond memories. In about 120 words write a presentation draft comparing the childhood of the narrator in 'A Baker from Goa' to that of Nelson Mandela.
You may begin this way: Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by.....
Reference: A Baker from Goa and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk
Previously asked in: 2024 2/1/1 Q10(i)
Q7. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water pole
Where plump deer pass.
He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle's edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) State any one point of contrast between the tiger in the zoo and in its natural habitat. [1]
- (ii) When the speaker suggests that the tiger should be "Snarling around houses at the jungle's edge"? What does he insinuate about the tiger's natural behaviour and habitat? [1]
- (iii) The poet's skillful use of imagery effectively depicts the confinement and frustration of the tiger. Elaborate in about 40 words. [2]
- (iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'quiet rage' in the given sentence from the extract? The few steps of his cage on pads of velvet quiet in his 'quiet rage.' [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/1/1 Q7(A)
Q8. [5]
On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the 20th century a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and created a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhuman societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the twentienth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system has been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Explain the feelings of the narrator when he said; "I was overwhelmed with a sense of history." [1]
- (ii) The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that: [1]
- (A) confirms the education of the Blacks.
- (B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people.
- (C) recollects the bitter experiences.
- (D) focuses on the personality development.
- (iii) Comment on the kind of society apartheid had created? [2]
- (iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'patched up' in the given sentence from the extract: "...the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences..." [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/1/1 Q6(A)
Q9. [5]
It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the true meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give up their lives for an idea. I have seen men and women stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
Read the given extract and answer the questions.
- (i) What effect does the experience as described in the lines below have on the speaker?
Time and again, I have seen men and women risk their lives for an idea. [1]
- (ii) Select one inference about the idea of courage from the given context :
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. [1]
- (A) being fearless
- (B) absence of fear
- (C) feeding your fears
- (D) ability to overcome fear
- (iii) Answer in about 40 words, with reference to the extract :
According to the author, what does true courage entail? How does this perspective differ from a common misconception about courage? [2]
- (iv) Fill in the blank with the correct phrase from the bracket in the context of the given extract :
Men stood up to torture showing strength and resilience that is ________ (impossible to understand / seeped in reality). [1]
Previously asked in: 2025 2/6/1 Q6(a)
Q10. [6]
Answer in about 100-120 words : What distinguishes the portrayal of the tiger in the poem 'A Tiger in the Zoo' from the depiction of the tiger in the poem 'How to tell Wild Animals' ?
Previously asked in: 2025 2/5/1 Q10(b)
Q11. [3]
Is it ethical to enclose wild animals within cages ? Discuss with reference to the poem, 'A Tiger in the Zoo'.
Previously asked in: 2025 2/5/1 Q8 (iii)
Q12. [3]
In what way did Nelson Mandela's yearning for freedom alter the course of his life ? (Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/5/1 Q8 (ii)
Q13. [2]
Give instances from the poem to justify [the world the poet envisions].
Previously asked in: 2022 2/3/1 Q6 (iii)
Q14. [2]
[The narrator compared humans unfavourably to animals. / Humans can learn from animals. Justify.] (A Tiger in the Zoo / related text)
Previously asked in: 2022 2/1/1 Q6 (iii)
Q15. [2]
Walt Whitman speaks of the human race with a tinge of sarcasm. Which are the two reasons that you agree with ? (Animals)
Previously asked in: 2022 2/2/1 Q6 (iv)
Q16. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage
On pads of velvet quiet
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass
Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most appropriate option :
- (i) 'He' is in a rage because he is [1]
- (a) hungry
- (b) tied
- (c) thirsty
- (d) in a cage
- (ii) He is lurking in the shadow because _______. [1]
- (iii) The above lines express the tiger's _______. [1]
- (a) resignation
- (b) fear
- (c) anger
- (d) acceptance
- (iv) Complete the sentence appropriately :
It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for 'pads of velvet' – because _______. (Clue : explain how metaphor is applied here.) [1]
- (v) The contrast in the above extract is between life in the forest and life in the [1]
- (a) circus
- (b) national park
- (c) cave
- (d) zoo
Previously asked in: 2023 2/6/1 Q7(b)
Q17. [3]
State any three disadvantages that the tiger faces inside a cage.
Previously asked in: 2023 2/5/1 Q8 (d)
Q18. [5]
To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said : Today, all of us do, by our presence here ..... confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
- (i) A society that __________ was born out of human disaster. [1]
- (a) all humanity would be proud of
- (b) was full of extraordinary human disaster
- (c) was full of outlaws and fighters
- (d) hosts nations on their soil
- (ii) The former outlaws were given the privilege of _________. [1]
- (a) getting citizenship of their country
- (b) participating in a trade conclave
- (c) finalizing the foreign policy
- (d) hosting the nations of the world on their soil
- (iii) The speaker was overwhelmed with the sense of _________. [1]
- (a) gratitude
- (b) achievement
- (c) happiness
- (d) charity
- (iv) State whether the following statement is True or False:
The common victory was when South Africa did not become an independent nation. [1]
- (v) Select the word from the extract that means 'granting/bestowing'. [1]
- (a) conferring
- (b) confident
- (c) conference
- (d) configuring
Previously asked in: 2023 2/5/1 Q6(A)
Q19. [6]
Mandela said, 'No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.' Discuss.
Previously asked in: 2023 2/2/1 Q10(b)
Q20. [5]
He hears the last voice at night.
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
He stalks in his vivid stripes
A few steps of his cage.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
- (i) Whose is the last voice heard by the tiger? [1]
- (a) police jeep
- (b) patrolling cars
- (c) watchmen
- (d) roar of lion
- (ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that repetition is the poetic device used for 'his brilliant eyes / At the brilliant stars' because _________. (Clue: explain how repetition applies here) [1]
- (iii) The main contrasting ideas in this extract are [1]
- (a) tiger and deer.
- (b) cruelty and sympathy.
- (c) confinement and freedom.
- (d) master and slave.
- (iv) The image of the tiger stalking in his vivid stripes creates an image of [1]
- (a) cowardice.
- (b) frustration.
- (c) lethargy.
- (d) purposefulness.
- (v) State whether the following statement is True or False:
The poem uses staring at the sky to symbolize the freedom the tiger yearns for. [1]
Previously asked in: 2023 2/2/1 Q7(B)
Q21. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage
He should be lurking in shadow
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
Attempt any one of the given two extracts:
- (i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The vivid stripes refer to the ______. [1]
- (ii) Which word from the extract is the opposite of 'loud'? [1]
- (iii) The use of the phrase 'pads of velvet' means [1]
- (a) neck
- (b) tail
- (c) skin
- (d) paws
- (iv) State whether the following statement is True or False:
The confinement of the cramped space of the cage has restricted the tiger's steps. [1]
- (v) The tiger was lurking in shadow _________. [1]
- (a) to catch its prey
- (b) as the cage was dark
- (c) as the velvet was quiet
- (d) as he was in a rage
Previously asked in: 2023 2/1/1 Q7(b)
Q22. [5]
We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.
Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.
The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.
Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!
Read the following extract and answer the questions:
- (i) State any one inference about Nelson Mandela from the given context. [1]
- (ii) State True or False:
[Statement about whether Mandela intends to mean the well-being and welfare of only black people in South Africa.] Justify your answer in about 40 words with reference to the extract. [1]
- (iii) Which phrase would correctly replace the underlined portion of the given sentence from the extract?
The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement. [2]
- (iv) Mandela intends to mean the well-being and welfare of only black people in South Africa. State True or False and justify your answer. [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/5/1 Q6(a)
Q23. [3]
Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech says, "We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil."
What is the significance of this statement with reference to the political system that prevailed before this?
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2024 2/4/1 Q8 (i)
Q24. [5]
But he's locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Why is the tiger stalking the length of his cage? [1]
- (ii) What is the significance of the use of the word 'concrete' to describe the concrete cell where the tiger is kept and how does it contrast with the tiger's presence in its natural habitat? Answer in about 40 words. [2]
- (iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option:
The lines from the poem tell us that the tiger is __________ . [1]
- (A) enjoying his time in the cell
- (B) being indifferent to visitors because it is a daily routine for him
- (C) not as strong as his counterpart in the jungle
- (D) wanting to be free from the cage
- (iv) Identify the type of literary device used in the line:
"His strength behind bars" [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/4/1 Q7(a)
Q25. [6]
Answer any one of the following two questions in 100–120 words:
Explore the contrasting images of the tiger in 'A Tiger in the Zoo' and the tiger in 'How to Tell Wild Animals'.
Previously asked in: 2025 2/2/1 Q10 (b)
Q26. [3]
The transition from the apartheid system in South Africa to a new era of equality reflects broader historical trends in the struggle for human rights and social justice. Elaborate.
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/2/1 Q8 (i)
Q27. [6]
Comment on the reactions and feelings of Lencho and Nelson Mandela when they faced challenges in their lives.
(A Letter to God and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/3/1 Q10(a)
Q28. [3]
In what ways does the contrast between the tiger's natural habitat and its confinement in a concrete cell enhance the poem's exploration of captivity and its consequences for wild animals?
(A Tiger in the Zoo)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/3/1 Q8 (ii)
Q29. [3]
Mandela in his speech says, ''The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people.'' Explain the significance of the word ''wound'' as used by Mandela.
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/1/1 Q8 (i)
Q30. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Identify and name any one figure of speech in the above extract. [2]
- (ii) Fill in the blank with one word.
The tiger's stalking on 'pads of velvet' suggests a movement that is ___________. [1]
- (iii) Based on the given lines from the poem, which words would best describe the feelings of the tiger ? [1]
- A Calm and content
- B Both subdued and angry
- C Both frustrated and happy
- D Both angry and famished
- (iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the first four lines of the given extract. [1]
- A The people along the sand
All turn and look one way
They turn their back on the land
They look at the sea all day
- B Along the sand, the people
All turn and look one way
They turn back on the sand
They look at the sea all day
- C The people along the sand
Look one way and all turn
Their backs on the land
They look at the sea all day
- D The people along the sand
They turn their back on the land
They look one way
At the sea all day.
Previously asked in: 2025 2/1/1 Q7(b)
Q31. [5]
Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Which of the following options justifies the statement made by Mandela, "We, who were outlaws …" ? [1]
- (A) The international leaders who came to attend the ceremony
- (B) Due to Apartheid, many countries broke diplomatic relations with South Africa
- (C) The Commonwealth countries and their people
- (D) The people who fought in the Anglo-Boer War
- (ii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
Mandela thanked all the distinguished international guests because ____________. [1]
- (iii) In the above lines, Mandela mentions 'extraordinary human disaster'. What is the significance of this phrase in his speech? [2]
- (iv) The tone of Mandela in the above excerpt is:
1. unifying
2. determined
3. aggressive
4. pessimistic
5. hopeless
Select the correct option: [1]
- (A) 1, 2 and 4
- (B) 2 and 4
- (C) 1 and 2
- (D) 4 and 5
Previously asked in: 2026 2/2/1 Q6(a)
Q32. [3]
Why does Mandela mention that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father, and a husband ? (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2026 2/3/1 Q8 (i)
Q33. [5]
But he's locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Complete the sentence suitably : The tiger ignores the visitors because ___________. [1]
- (ii) The above lines juxtapose the tiger's natural instincts with its caged existence. Justify. [2]
- (iii) What mood is created by the poet in the above lines ? [1]
- (A) sympathetic and thoughtful
- (B) angry and violent
- (C) cheerful and happy
- (D) exciting and fun
- (iv) Fill in the blank with the correct option from the brackets. The length of his cage highlights the __________ (vast space/limited space/free space) in which the tiger is confined. [1]
Previously asked in: 2026 2/3/1 Q7(a)
Q34. [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: 2026 2/5/1 Q6(B)
Q35. [6]
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words:
Examine the similarities and differences between the tiger in "A Tiger in the Zoo" and the dragon in "The Tale of Custard the Dragon".
Previously asked in: 2026 2/1/1 Q10(I)
Q36. [5]
We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given:
- I What is the tone Nelson Mandela is UNLIKELY to have used in his speech? [1]
- A inspirational
- B assertive
- C conflicted
- D direct
- II According to Mandela, emancipation is not merely political. Elaborate. [2]
- III Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:
Mandela's speech swings between references to the past and a ________ (bleak/promising) future. [1]
- IV With reference to the extract explain the sentence, "The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement." [1]
Previously asked in: 2026 2/1/1 Q6(A)
Q37. [6]
Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words :
Evaluate the similarities and differences between the tiger in "A Tiger in the Zoo" and the dragon in "The Tale of Custard the Dragon".
Previously asked in: 2026 2/4/1 Q10 (b)
Q38. [3]
What is the vision of freedom that comes through the speech of Nelson Mandela ?
Previously asked in: 2026 2/4/1 Q8 (v)
Code: HC88F5Questions: 38Maximum Marks: 172Generated: 2026-06-15 13:05
Q1. [6]
Answer in about 100-120 words :
'No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion'. Do you agree? Elaborate on the basis of the chapter "Nelson Mandela - Long walk to freedom".
Previously asked in: 2023 2/4/1 Q10(b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Yes, I completely agree with this statement. Nelson Mandela, in Long Walk to Freedom, powerfully illustrates that hatred based on colour or background is a learned behaviour, not an inborn one.
Mandela himself was born free — free to run in fields, swim in streams, and live without fear. It was only when he grew up that he discovered his freedom had been taken away by the apartheid system. He was not born hating white people; he learned about racial oppression through experience.
Mandela further says, "The oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed." A man who takes away another's freedom becomes "a prisoner of hatred, locked behind bars of prejudice." This shows hatred is a cage people build around themselves.
His conclusion is hopeful: "If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love." Love and humanity are natural; hatred is taught.
Source: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- The quote "If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love" is the key line from the chapter and should anchor your answer.
- Examiners look for: (1) a clear statement of agreement, (2) evidence from the text (Mandela born free, apartheid as a learned system of oppression), (3) Mandela's philosophical point about oppressor and oppressed both losing humanity, and (4) the hopeful conclusion.
- Keep the answer personal to Mandela's experience in the chapter — don't go into general historical examples unless you run short.
- The phrase "prisoner of hatred" is a direct quote from the passage — using it scores well.
Q2. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
- (i) 'Quiet rage' refers to the tigers ………….. [1]
- (a) helplessness
- (b) he has not been able to hunt
- (c) his prey has not come to the water hole
- (d) he is not free
- (ii) He is lurking in shadows because ……….. [1]
- (iii) Complete the sentence appropriately :
It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for 'pads of velvet' because ……………….. (clue-explain how metaphor applies here). [1]
- (iv) Find a word from the extract which means - to walk with measured, stiff or haughty strides : [1]
- (a) steps
- (b) lurking
- (c) pads
- (d) stalk
- (v) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE :
The tiger is stealthily waiting for the deer to come to the water hole. [1]
Previously asked in: 2023 2/4/1 Q7(B)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) (d) he is not free
(ii) He is lurking in shadows because he should be in the wild, hiding near the water hole to hunt plump deer — that is his natural instinct and habitat.
(iii) It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for 'pads of velvet' because the tiger's paws (pads) are directly compared to velvet — a soft, smooth fabric — without using 'like' or 'as', thus transferring the quality of softness and silence to the tiger's feet.
(iv) (d) stalk
(v) TRUE — The tiger should be lurking in shadow, sliding through long grass near the water hole, stealthily waiting for the plump deer to pass.
Source: "A Tiger in the Zoo" — Stanza 1
---
Explanation
- (i) "Quiet rage" captures the tiger's suppressed anger at being caged and losing freedom — option (d) is the direct cause.
- (ii) Focus on the word "should" — the poet is describing what the tiger ought to be doing in the wild.
- (iii) For metaphor, remember: direct comparison WITHOUT 'like/as'. Here, paws = velvet (no connecting word), so it is a metaphor, not a simile.
- (iv) "Stalks" means to walk with stiff, measured strides — a standard dictionary meaning examiners expect.
- (v) The extract clearly says "lurking in shadow… near the water hole / Where plump deer pass" — so TRUE.
Q3. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Explain the contrast created by the words, 'stalks' and 'few steps of his cage'. [1]
- (ii) Which of the following best describes the tiger's feelings in the context? [1]
- (A) anger
- (B) conflicted
- (C) pessimism
- (D) apprehension
- (iii) Comment in about 40 words on the poet's use of imagery in the above extract. [2]
- (iv) Which word in the stanza means the same as 'clear and bright'? [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/3/1 Q7(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) "Stalks" suggests the tiger's powerful, majestic movement, as if roaming a vast jungle. But "few steps of his cage" immediately reveals his confinement. The contrast highlights how his natural grandeur is cruelly limited by captivity.
(ii) (A) anger
(iii) The poet uses visual imagery — "vivid stripes" paints a striking picture of the tiger's bright coat. Tactile imagery is created by "pads of velvet quiet," suggesting the softness of his paws. Together, these images highlight the tiger's natural beauty trapped within a cage, making the reader feel both admiration and sympathy.
(iv) Vivid
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, Stanza 1
---
Explanation
- (i) Focus on the contrast between action (stalks = powerful, free movement) and space (few steps = restricted). One mark for clearly explaining both sides of the contrast.
- (ii) "Quiet rage" points to suppressed anger, not fear or pessimism. Option (A) is correct.
- (iii) For 2 marks, name two types of imagery (visual + tactile are the clearest), quote the relevant phrases, and link each to its effect. Do not write vaguely — cite exact words from the stanza.
- (iv) "Vivid" means clear, bright, and striking in colour. It is the only word in the stanza that fits the meaning.
Q4. [5]
Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days, I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa's first democratic non-racial government.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) What do you infer from the following statement?
"The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African Soil." [1]
- (ii) Explain in about 40 words the effective shift from white supremacy to a rainbow gathering. [2]
- (iii) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'pleasantly besieged' in the given sentence from that extract? [1]
- (iv) State true or false with reference to the given extract.
In the past the 'amphitheatre' had been a seat for theatrical performances. [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/3/1 Q6(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) This statement infers that Mandela's inauguration was a historic event of global significance — the world's leaders came to South Africa in unprecedented numbers, showing international support for the end of apartheid and the birth of democracy.
(ii) For decades, the Union Buildings in Pretoria symbolised white supremacy — only one race held power. Now, the same site became a "rainbow gathering," uniting people of all colours and nations to celebrate South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government. It marks a powerful transformation from exclusion to inclusion.
(iii) 'Pleasantly besieged' can be correctly substituted with "happily surrounded" (or "warmly overwhelmed").
(iv) False. The amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria was the seat of white supremacy for decades — it was a centre of political power, not a venue for theatrical performances.
Source: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- (i) Inference means reading between the lines — stress the global significance and historic nature of the event.
- (ii) Use the contrast the passage gives directly: "seat of white supremacy" → "rainbow gathering." Examiners reward use of these exact phrases.
- (iii) 'Besieged' means surrounded/overwhelmed; 'pleasantly' softens it. Any phrase capturing happily surrounded scores the mark.
- (iv) The passage says it was the "seat of white supremacy," not a theatre. Don't be misled by the word amphitheatre — here it refers to an open semicircular structure, not a performance stage.
Q5. [6]
Answer any one of the following two questions, in 100-120 words: A desire is more personal whereas a vision has broader connotations. You have been asked to present an analysis of Valli's desire and Mandela's vision and how they are respectively fulfilled. Write this presentation draft including your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the approaches of both Valli and Mandela. You may begin like this: One acknowledges that both, Valli and Mandela ______ however, (Reference – Nelson Mandela – A Long Walk to Freedom & Madam Rides a Bus)
Previously asked in: 2024 2/2/1 Q10(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:13 · grounding rag
Model Answer
One acknowledges that both Valli and Mandela harboured deep longings for freedom; however, their desires differed greatly in scope and purpose.
Valli's desire was intensely personal — an eight-year-old girl's overwhelming wish to ride the bus to town, even just once. She planned meticulously: gathering information discreetly, calculating fares, and saving thirty paise each way. Her desire was fulfilled through individual determination and careful preparation, without anyone's help.
Mandela's vision, by contrast, was broader and selfless — freedom not for himself alone, but for all South Africans oppressed by apartheid. He sacrificed personal comforts, dedicating his life to this collective cause. His vision was fulfilled through decades of struggle, culminating in South Africa's first democratic inauguration.
Thus, Valli's personal desire was fulfilled by resourcefulness, while Mandela's expansive vision was realised through courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to justice for all.
Source: Madam Rides the Bus, Chapter 7; Nelson Mandela – A Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- The question is a comparative presentation draft — examiners expect you to address both characters, draw a clear contrast (personal desire vs. broad vision), and show how each is fulfilled.
- Use the given opening line naturally.
- Key points to cover: Valli's planning/saving/independence vs. Mandela's sacrifice/collective struggle/triumph of democracy.
- Keep within 120–150 words; avoid padding. Each paragraph should carry a distinct point.
- The phrase "twin obligations" and Mandela's evolving understanding of freedom can be referenced but are not mandatory here.
Q6. [6]
In the chapter 'A Baker from Goa' the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond memories. In about 120 words write a presentation draft comparing the childhood of the narrator in 'A Baker from Goa' to that of Nelson Mandela.
You may begin this way: Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by.....
Reference: A Baker from Goa and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk
Previously asked in: 2024 2/1/1 Q10(i)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by, shaping who we become.
The narrator in 'A Baker from Goa' recalls a carefree, joyful childhood filled with the aroma of fresh bread, the jingle of the baker's bamboo staff, and the excitement of rushing out to greet him each morning. His memories are warm and festive — bread was central to every celebration, and the baker was a beloved figure in the community. His childhood was free, happy, and rooted in the rich traditions of Goan-Portuguese culture.
In contrast, Nelson Mandela grew up under the oppressive apartheid system in South Africa, where people were separated by race. He was not born free. His childhood gradually awakened him to injustice, and his hunger for freedom grew with experience. He witnessed suffering that shaped his extraordinary courage and character.
Thus, while the narrator's childhood is one of sweetness and nostalgia, Mandela's is one of awakening and resistance — both, however, deeply shaped by their surroundings.
Source: First Flight — 'A Baker from Goa' (Chapter 7); 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' (Chapter 2)
---
Explanation
- The examiner expects a comparative presentation draft — introduce both childhoods, contrast them clearly, then conclude.
- Key points to include: narrator's joy/freedom/Goan traditions vs. Mandela's oppression/apartheid/growing hunger for freedom.
- Quote Mandela's own words where possible: "I was not born with a hunger to be free" — this scores well.
- Keep the tone formal (it's a presentation draft) but personal and reflective.
- Do not exceed 150 words; every sentence must add contrast or comparison — no padding.
Q7. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water pole
Where plump deer pass.
He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle's edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) State any one point of contrast between the tiger in the zoo and in its natural habitat. [1]
- (ii) When the speaker suggests that the tiger should be "Snarling around houses at the jungle's edge"? What does he insinuate about the tiger's natural behaviour and habitat? [1]
- (iii) The poet's skillful use of imagery effectively depicts the confinement and frustration of the tiger. Elaborate in about 40 words. [2]
- (iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'quiet rage' in the given sentence from the extract? The few steps of his cage on pads of velvet quiet in his 'quiet rage.' [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/1/1 Q7(A)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) In the zoo, the tiger paces restlessly in a small cage; in its natural habitat, it would be freely lurking in shadows and sliding through long grass near a watering hole.
(ii) The speaker insinuates that the tiger is a powerful predator by nature, whose habitat is the jungle's edge. Terrorising villages is its natural, instinctive behaviour — not a sign of cruelty, but of its wild, free existence.
(iii) The poet uses vivid imagery to highlight the tiger's confinement and suppressed anger. "Few steps of his cage" shows its cramped space. "Pads of velvet quiet" and "quiet rage" suggest silent, bottled-up fury. Contrasting images — lurking in grass, baring fangs — show what freedom looks like, making the captivity more painful.
(iv) "Suppressed anger" (or "silent fury") would correctly substitute 'quiet rage', as the tiger is inwardly furious but outwardly calm, unable to express its anger freely within the cage.
Source: "A Tiger in the Zoo" by Leslie Norris, First Flight, Chapter 1 (Poem)
---
Explanation
- (i) A direct contrast — caged stillness vs. wild freedom — earns the mark.
- (ii) Focus on what the poet insinuates (implies), not just what the lines say literally. Link natural behaviour + natural habitat.
- (iii) Name the image, quote the phrase, explain its effect. Two images with explanation = 2 marks. Keep within ~40 words in the exam.
- (iv) Examiners accept phrases like "suppressed anger," "silent fury," or "restrained wrath." Avoid repeating the same words from the poem.
Q8. [5]
On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the 20th century a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences and created a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhuman societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the twentienth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system has been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Explain the feelings of the narrator when he said; "I was overwhelmed with a sense of history." [1]
- (ii) The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that: [1]
- (A) confirms the education of the Blacks.
- (B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people.
- (C) recollects the bitter experiences.
- (D) focuses on the personality development.
- (iii) Comment on the kind of society apartheid had created? [2]
- (iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'patched up' in the given sentence from the extract: "...the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences..." [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/1/1 Q6(A)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) On the day of his inauguration as South Africa's first black President, Mandela felt deeply emotional. He was moved by the weight of all past events — decades of racial oppression — that had finally led to that historic moment of freedom and equality.
(ii) (B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people.
(iii) Apartheid, created in the first decade of the 20th century after the Anglo-Boer war, established a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned people of South Africa. The structure it created formed the basis of one of the harshest and most inhuman societies the world had ever known, where people were oppressed solely on the basis of the colour of their skin.
(iv) The phrase that correctly substitutes 'patched up' is "resolved" (i.e., settled or made peace with their differences).
Source: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Extract — Inauguration passage
---
Explanation
- (i) The activity column in the textbook explicitly glosses "overwhelmed with a sense of history" as feeling deeply emotional, remembering and understanding all past events that led to the moment — use that meaning.
- (ii) The extract directly states the replacement system "recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples" — B is the verbatim answer.
- (iii) For 2 marks, give two clear points: (a) it was a system of racial domination, and (b) it created one of the harshest, most inhuman societies. Quote from the extract for accuracy.
- (iv) 'Patched up their differences' means they settled/resolved their disputes. Accept synonyms like "settled" or "resolved." Avoid "ended" alone as it misses the reconciliation nuance.
Q9. [5]
It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the true meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give up their lives for an idea. I have seen men and women stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
Read the given extract and answer the questions.
- (i) What effect does the experience as described in the lines below have on the speaker?
Time and again, I have seen men and women risk their lives for an idea. [1]
- (ii) Select one inference about the idea of courage from the given context :
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. [1]
- (A) being fearless
- (B) absence of fear
- (C) feeding your fears
- (D) ability to overcome fear
- (iii) Answer in about 40 words, with reference to the extract :
According to the author, what does true courage entail? How does this perspective differ from a common misconception about courage? [2]
- (iv) Fill in the blank with the correct phrase from the bracket in the context of the given extract :
Men stood up to torture showing strength and resilience that is ________ (impossible to understand / seeped in reality). [1]
Previously asked in: 2025 2/6/1 Q6(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) The experience of seeing men and women repeatedly risk and give up their lives for an idea taught the speaker the true meaning of courage and deeply inspired him.
(ii) (D) ability to overcome fear
(iii) According to Mandela, true courage means conquering fear, not the absence of it. A brave person still feels afraid but chooses to overcome that fear. The common misconception is that a courageous person feels no fear at all, but Mandela rejects this, saying it is the triumph over fear that defines real bravery.
(iv) impossible to understand
Source: Nelson Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom, Extract
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Explanation
- (i) 1-mark: one clear sentence stating the effect on the speaker — he learned the true meaning of courage.
- (ii) 1-mark MCQ: "triumph over fear" = ability to overcome fear → (D).
- (iii) 2-marks: address both parts — what courage is (triumph over fear) AND the misconception (that brave people feel no fear). ~40 words, so keep it tight.
- (iv) 1-mark: "defies the imagination" matches "impossible to understand" from the vocabulary activity in the same chapter. "Seeped in reality" is the opposite idea.
Q10. [6]
Answer in about 100-120 words : What distinguishes the portrayal of the tiger in the poem 'A Tiger in the Zoo' from the depiction of the tiger in the poem 'How to tell Wild Animals' ?
Previously asked in: 2025 2/5/1 Q10(b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding rag
Model Answer
'A Tiger in the Zoo' by Leslie Norris portrays the tiger with deep sympathy and seriousness. The tiger is shown as a captive animal, pacing his cage in rage and helplessness, longing for his natural habitat. He is majestic yet imprisoned — his strength suppressed, his freedom stolen. The poet evokes pathos as the tiger stares at the brilliant stars with his "brilliant eyes" at night, dreaming of freedom. The tone is solemn and melancholic.
'How to Tell Wild Animals' by Carolyn Wells, in sharp contrast, portrays the tiger in a humorous, light-hearted way. The tiger is described comically — if a large beast pounces on you and tears you limb from limb, you know it's a Bengal Tiger! The tone is satirical and playful, treating a dangerous animal as a source of wit and amusement.
Thus, while one poem highlights the tiger's tragedy of captivity with empathy, the other uses the tiger for comic effect.
---
Explanation
- The question is a comparison question worth 6 marks — examiners expect you to discuss both poems clearly, not just one.
- Key contrast: tone and purpose — tragic/sympathetic vs. comic/satirical.
- Always mention the poet's name and at least one specific detail from each poem.
- Avoid simply retelling; focus on how the tiger is portrayed differently.
Q11. [3]
Is it ethical to enclose wild animals within cages ? Discuss with reference to the poem, 'A Tiger in the Zoo'.
Previously asked in: 2025 2/5/1 Q8 (iii)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding rag
Model Answer
No, it is not ethical to enclose wild animals in cages. In the poem A Tiger in the Zoo, the poet Leslie Norris shows the tiger pacing in his cage, feeling helpless and enraged. The tiger should ideally be lurking in the shadows of the forest, terrorising villages, and sliding through long grass near water holes — living freely in his natural habitat. Caged in a zoo, he ignores visitors and stares at the brilliant stars with his quiet rage. Confining wild animals denies them their natural instincts, freedom, and dignity, which is both cruel and unethical.
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, First Flight (Poem)
---
Explanation
- The examiner expects you to state your position clearly (Yes/No + reason) and then support it with specific references from the poem — the tiger's natural habitat (forest/water hole), its behaviour in the cage (pacing, quiet rage, staring at stars).
- Avoid just retelling the poem; link the images to the ethical argument.
- 3 marks = position + 2–3 poem-based points. Don't write more than ~80 words.
Q12. [3]
In what way did Nelson Mandela's yearning for freedom alter the course of his life ? (Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/5/1 Q8 (ii)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Nelson Mandela's hunger for freedom transformed his entire life. As a young boy, he felt free simply running in the fields; as a student, freedom meant staying out at night. However, as he grew older, he saw that his own freedom was inseparably linked to the freedom of his people. This realisation turned him from a frightened young man into a bold freedom fighter. He joined the African National Congress, courted imprisonment, suffered, and sacrificed — dedicating his life to the struggle for justice and equality for all South Africans.
Source: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Think About It (Q.5)
---
Explanation
- The examiner wants three clear points: (1) initial limited understanding of freedom, (2) growing awareness that his freedom was tied to others', and (3) how this changed his actions/life path.
- Avoid vague statements — name specific consequences: joining ANC, sacrificing personal freedom, accepting imprisonment.
- Don't exceed ~80 words; every sentence must add new information.
Q13. [2]
Give instances from the poem to justify [the world the poet envisions].
Previously asked in: 2022 2/3/1 Q6 (iii)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
The question asks for instances from a poem, but the source passages provided are all from Nelson Mandela's prose piece "Long Walk to Freedom" (Chapter 2), not a poem. There is no poem or poetic text in the passages given.
Model Answer
The source passages provided do not contain a poem. The passages are from Nelson Mandela's "Long Walk to Freedom." Therefore, this question cannot be answered from the given material.
(If this question refers to a poem from a different chapter — such as "A Tiger in the Zoo" or another prescribed poem — please share the relevant passage so the question can be answered accurately.)
Explanation
- The question asks about instances from a poem, but all supplied passages are from Mandela's autobiographical prose piece.
- Answering a reading-comprehension/extract question from outside the given passage would be against exam rules and could lead to incorrect answers.
- If you are referring to a poem like "A Tiger in the Zoo" (First Flight, Chapter 2 poem), share that extract and the question can be properly answered.
Q14. [2]
[The narrator compared humans unfavourably to animals. / Humans can learn from animals. Justify.] (A Tiger in the Zoo / related text)
Previously asked in: 2022 2/1/1 Q6 (iii)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding rag
Model Answer
In the poem "A Tiger in the Zoo," the tiger in the zoo is shown as restless and imprisoned, while in the wild it would move freely and hunt naturally. The narrator implies that humans, by caging the tiger for entertainment, act cruelly and selfishly. Animals like the tiger retain their dignity and instincts, whereas humans abuse their power over nature. Thus, humans compare unfavourably to animals.
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, First Flight (Class 10)
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Explanation
The source passages provided are from a different chapter (about Mij the otter). Since no extract from "A Tiger in the Zoo" is supplied, the answer is grounded in the poem's well-known content from the CBSE Class 10 textbook. Examiners expect you to reference: (1) the tiger's natural dignity vs. captivity, and (2) human cruelty/selfishness implied by the poet. Keep it to 2–3 sentences for 2 marks.
Q15. [2]
Walt Whitman speaks of the human race with a tinge of sarcasm. Which are the two reasons that you agree with ? (Animals)
Previously asked in: 2022 2/2/1 Q6 (iv)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Walt Whitman, in the poem Animals, sarcastically points out two human flaws absent in animals:
- Humans are dissatisfied and constantly whine about their condition, whereas animals are content and self-sufficient.
- Humans are obsessed with material possessions and their "duty to God," which makes them restless, unlike the calm, independent animals.
Explanation
The question asks you to identify two sarcastic observations Whitman makes about humans compared to animals. The key irony is that animals are portrayed as superior — they don't complain, don't worship possessions, and aren't morally tormented. Note: The source passages provided do not include the poem Animals, so base your answer on your textbook reading of that poem. Examiners expect you to cite specific human flaws Whitman highlights (dissatisfaction, greed/materialism, hypocrisy) and agree with two of them with brief justification.
Q16. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage
On pads of velvet quiet
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass
Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most appropriate option :
- (i) 'He' is in a rage because he is [1]
- (a) hungry
- (b) tied
- (c) thirsty
- (d) in a cage
- (ii) He is lurking in the shadow because _______. [1]
- (iii) The above lines express the tiger's _______. [1]
- (a) resignation
- (b) fear
- (c) anger
- (d) acceptance
- (iv) Complete the sentence appropriately :
It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for 'pads of velvet' – because _______. (Clue : explain how metaphor is applied here.) [1]
- (v) The contrast in the above extract is between life in the forest and life in the [1]
- (a) circus
- (b) national park
- (c) cave
- (d) zoo
Previously asked in: 2023 2/6/1 Q7(b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) (d) in a cage
(ii) He is lurking in the shadow because he is waiting to hunt plump deer that pass near the water hole. It is his natural instinct to stalk prey by hiding in the shadows of long grass.
(iii) (c) anger
(iv) 'Pads of velvet' is a metaphor because the tiger's soft, cushioned paws are directly compared to velvet (a soft fabric) without using 'like' or 'as'. The paws are called velvet, not compared to it.
(v) (d) zoo
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, poem
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Explanation
- (i) The tiger's rage is directly caused by being confined in a cage — not hunger or thirst.
- (ii) Sub-question (ii) is a fill-in-the-blank requiring a reason drawn from the extract — the tiger's natural hunting behaviour near the water hole.
- (iii) "Quiet rage" clearly signals suppressed anger, not resignation or acceptance.
- (iv) For metaphor questions, always state: (a) what is being compared, (b) what it is compared to, and (c) that there is no 'like/as' (distinguishing it from simile).
- (v) The poem contrasts the tiger's free forest life with captivity in a zoo (cage is the direct reference).
Q17. [3]
State any three disadvantages that the tiger faces inside a cage.
Previously asked in: 2023 2/5/1 Q8 (d)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding rag
Model Answer
The poem "A Tiger in the Zoo" describes the following disadvantages a tiger faces inside a cage:
- Loss of freedom: The tiger is locked in a concrete cell, unable to move freely as it would in the wild.
- Restricted movement: It can only pace in few steps around the cage, which is a far cry from the vast jungle.
- Suppressed natural instincts: The tiger cannot hunt prey; its strength and ferocity are wasted behind bars.
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, (Poetry Chapter)
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Explanation
This question is from the poem "A Tiger in the Zoo" by Leslie Norris (Class 10 English First Flight). The examiner expects three distinct points drawn from the poem's imagery — confinement, restricted movement, and suppression of natural behaviour. Each point should be brief and clear. Avoid writing a paragraph; list 3 points for 3 marks.
Q18. [5]
To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said : Today, all of us do, by our presence here ..... confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
- (i) A society that __________ was born out of human disaster. [1]
- (a) all humanity would be proud of
- (b) was full of extraordinary human disaster
- (c) was full of outlaws and fighters
- (d) hosts nations on their soil
- (ii) The former outlaws were given the privilege of _________. [1]
- (a) getting citizenship of their country
- (b) participating in a trade conclave
- (c) finalizing the foreign policy
- (d) hosting the nations of the world on their soil
- (iii) The speaker was overwhelmed with the sense of _________. [1]
- (a) gratitude
- (b) achievement
- (c) happiness
- (d) charity
- (iv) State whether the following statement is True or False:
The common victory was when South Africa did not become an independent nation. [1]
- (v) Select the word from the extract that means 'granting/bestowing'. [1]
- (a) conferring
- (b) confident
- (c) conference
- (d) configuring
Previously asked in: 2023 2/5/1 Q6(A)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) (a) all humanity would be proud of
(ii) (d) hosting the nations of the world on their soil
(iii) (a) gratitude
(The speaker thanks the international guests and acknowledges the privilege given to them, showing a sense of gratitude.)
(iv) False.
The common victory was when South Africa became a free, democratic nation — a victory for justice, peace, and human dignity.
(v) (a) conferring
Source: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Extract from the Inaugural Address
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Explanation
- (i) The extract clearly states "must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud" — directly matching option (a).
- (ii) "We who were outlaws… have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil" — matches (d) exactly.
- (iii) The speaker thanks the guests, showing gratitude. Examiners expect you to infer tone from context.
- (iv) The extract says it was "a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity" — implying South Africa did become independent, so the statement is False.
- (v) "Confer" means to grant/bestow. "Conferring" is the present participle form — the correct answer is (a).
Q19. [6]
Mandela said, 'No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.' Discuss.
Previously asked in: 2023 2/2/1 Q10(b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Mandela's statement reflects a profound truth about human nature. He believed that love is natural; hate is learned. No child is born with racial hatred — it is instilled through social conditioning, upbringing, and unjust systems like apartheid.
Having suffered decades of oppression under apartheid and spending 27 years in prison, Mandela had every reason to hate. Yet he chose reconciliation. This shows that just as society teaches people to hate through prejudice and discrimination, it can equally teach love through education, empathy, and justice.
Mandela himself illustrates this: he says "a man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred, locked behind bars of prejudice." The oppressor, too, loses humanity. True freedom — for both oppressed and oppressor — lies in love and mutual respect, not hatred.
His words carry a message of hope: hatred is not inevitable; transformation is always possible.
Source: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- Examiners expect you to discuss the quote — explain its meaning, connect it to the chapter's themes (apartheid, freedom, reconciliation), and support with textual evidence.
- Key points to cover: (1) hate is learned, not innate; (2) love is natural; (3) Mandela's personal experience as proof; (4) the idea that the oppressor is also a prisoner of hatred.
- The line about "a man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred" is direct textual support — always quote it.
- Do NOT write a vague general essay; anchor every point to Mandela's life or his words from the chapter.
Q20. [5]
He hears the last voice at night.
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
He stalks in his vivid stripes
A few steps of his cage.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
- (i) Whose is the last voice heard by the tiger? [1]
- (a) police jeep
- (b) patrolling cars
- (c) watchmen
- (d) roar of lion
- (ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
It is clear that repetition is the poetic device used for 'his brilliant eyes / At the brilliant stars' because _________. (Clue: explain how repetition applies here) [1]
- (iii) The main contrasting ideas in this extract are [1]
- (a) tiger and deer.
- (b) cruelty and sympathy.
- (c) confinement and freedom.
- (d) master and slave.
- (iv) The image of the tiger stalking in his vivid stripes creates an image of [1]
- (a) cowardice.
- (b) frustration.
- (c) lethargy.
- (d) purposefulness.
- (v) State whether the following statement is True or False:
The poem uses staring at the sky to symbolize the freedom the tiger yearns for. [1]
Previously asked in: 2023 2/2/1 Q7(B)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:15 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) (b) patrolling cars
(ii) The word "brilliant" is repeated in both phrases — "his brilliant eyes" and "the brilliant stars" — using the same word in close succession to create emphasis and draw a parallel between the tiger and the stars.
(iii) (c) confinement and freedom.
(iv) (b) frustration.
(v) True. The tiger stares at the brilliant stars, symbolizing his longing for the open wild and the freedom he is denied in the cage.
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, stanza 4
---
Explanation
- (i): The extract clearly states "He hears the last voice at night, / The patrolling cars" — so patrolling cars is correct.
- (ii): Repetition means using the same word/phrase more than once. Here "brilliant" appears twice, so identify the repeated word and explain the effect.
- (iii): The tiger's cage (confinement) is contrasted with the open sky/stars (freedom) — the central tension of the poem.
- (iv): Stalking a "few steps" in a cage shows a powerful animal trapped and frustrated, not purposeful movement.
- (v): Staring at stars = yearning for freedom is a key symbolic reading examiners expect you to know.
Q21. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage
He should be lurking in shadow
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
Attempt any one of the given two extracts:
- (i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The vivid stripes refer to the ______. [1]
- (ii) Which word from the extract is the opposite of 'loud'? [1]
- (iii) The use of the phrase 'pads of velvet' means [1]
- (a) neck
- (b) tail
- (c) skin
- (d) paws
- (iv) State whether the following statement is True or False:
The confinement of the cramped space of the cage has restricted the tiger's steps. [1]
- (v) The tiger was lurking in shadow _________. [1]
- (a) to catch its prey
- (b) as the cage was dark
- (c) as the velvet was quiet
- (d) as he was in a rage
Previously asked in: 2023 2/1/1 Q7(b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) The vivid stripes refer to the tiger's bold black and yellow markings / stripes on the tiger's body.
(ii) The word opposite of 'loud' from the extract is quiet.
(iii) (d) paws
'Pads of velvet' refers to the tiger's soft, cushioned paws that move silently.
(iv) True.
The cage allows only a few steps, confining the tiger and restricting its natural movement.
(v) (a) to catch its prey
In its natural habitat, the tiger would lurk in shadow near the water hole where plump deer pass, in order to hunt them.
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, stanza 2
---
Explanation
- (i) 'Vivid stripes' is the tiger's most distinctive physical feature — its striking black and orange/yellow stripes.
- (ii) 'Quiet' appears twice in the extract; it directly means the opposite of 'loud.' Pick the exact word from the poem.
- (iii) 'Pads' is the technical word for a tiger's soft underside of the paws — 'velvet' describes their smooth, silent quality.
- (iv) "Few steps of his cage" clearly shows restricted movement — True is correct.
- (v) Context clues ("near the water hole / Where plump deer pass") confirm the tiger lurks to ambush prey, making (a) the right choice.
Q22. [5]
We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.
Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.
The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.
Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!
Read the following extract and answer the questions:
- (i) State any one inference about Nelson Mandela from the given context. [1]
- (ii) State True or False:
[Statement about whether Mandela intends to mean the well-being and welfare of only black people in South Africa.] Justify your answer in about 40 words with reference to the extract. [1]
- (iii) Which phrase would correctly replace the underlined portion of the given sentence from the extract?
The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement. [2]
- (iv) Mandela intends to mean the well-being and welfare of only black people in South Africa. State True or False and justify your answer. [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/5/1 Q6(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) Nelson Mandela was a visionary and compassionate leader who was deeply committed to the freedom and upliftment of all people, not just a single group.
(ii) False.
Mandela pledges to liberate "all our people" from poverty, deprivation, suffering, and gender and other discrimination. He also says "never again shall this land experience the oppression of one by another," showing his concern for all people regardless of race.
(iii) The phrase "so glorious a human achievement" refers to the end of apartheid and the dawn of democracy in South Africa — an achievement of immense historical significance. A correct replacement phrase could be: "such a magnificent human accomplishment" — conveying the same sense of pride, grandeur, and historic importance as the original.
(iv) False.
Mandela's words "all our people" and his promise to end "oppression of one by another" show he envisions freedom and welfare for all South Africans — black, white, and of every background — not exclusively black people.
Source: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- Sub-question (i) asks for an inference — draw a logical conclusion about Mandela's character from his words (pledges, vision, inclusive language).
- Sub-questions (ii) and (iv) appear to be the same question repeated in the paper; answer both as "False" with justification using the phrase "all our people" and "oppression of one by another" — these are the key textual evidence examiners look for.
- Sub-question (iii) asks for a replacement phrase — pick words that match the meaning (greatness/glory of the achievement). Examiners award marks for identifying the meaning AND giving a suitable synonym phrase.
- Always quote directly from the extract when justifying True/False answers — this earns full marks.
Q23. [3]
Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech says, "We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil."
What is the significance of this statement with reference to the political system that prevailed before this?
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2024 2/4/1 Q8 (i)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Before Mandela's inauguration, South Africa was governed under apartheid — a political system that racially segregated and oppressed the Black majority. Black South Africans were denied basic rights, and leaders like Mandela were treated as criminals and imprisoned for resisting this unjust rule.
The statement is deeply significant because it marks a complete reversal: those once branded outlaws and persecuted under apartheid were now the legitimate hosts of over 140 world leaders. It signifies the triumph of democracy and justice over centuries of racial oppression, and the birth of a free, non-racial South Africa after more than three hundred years of White rule.
Source: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- Key focus: The question asks specifically about the contrast between the previous political system (apartheid) and the new reality shown by the statement. Always name apartheid and explain it briefly.
- Examiners look for: (1) identification of apartheid, (2) what "outlaws" refers to (Black leaders persecuted/imprisoned), and (3) what the change signifies (triumph of democracy/justice).
- Avoid writing a full essay on Mandela's life — 3 marks = 3 clear, focused points in roughly 60–90 words.
Q24. [5]
But he's locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Why is the tiger stalking the length of his cage? [1]
- (ii) What is the significance of the use of the word 'concrete' to describe the concrete cell where the tiger is kept and how does it contrast with the tiger's presence in its natural habitat? Answer in about 40 words. [2]
- (iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option:
The lines from the poem tell us that the tiger is __________ . [1]
- (A) enjoying his time in the cell
- (B) being indifferent to visitors because it is a daily routine for him
- (C) not as strong as his counterpart in the jungle
- (D) wanting to be free from the cage
- (iv) Identify the type of literary device used in the line:
"His strength behind bars" [1]
Previously asked in: 2024 2/4/1 Q7(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) The tiger is stalking the length of his cage because he is restless and frustrated being locked in a confined space. He is unable to roam freely as he would in his natural habitat.
(ii) The word 'concrete' emphasises the hard, cold, and artificial nature of the tiger's enclosure. It contrasts sharply with the tiger's natural habitat — the lush, open jungle with tall grass and water holes — highlighting the cruelty of captivity.
(iii) (D) wanting to be free from the cage.
(iv) The literary device used is Synecdoche, where "strength" (a part/quality) represents the whole tiger. It can also be identified as Metonymy.
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, Stanza 2
---
Explanation
- (i) Direct inference from the poem — the tiger paces because he is caged and restless. One line is enough for 1 mark.
- (ii) For 2 marks, examiners expect two points: the meaning/effect of 'concrete' AND the contrast with natural habitat. Stick to ~40 words.
- (iii) Option (D) is correct. The tiger ignores visitors and paces — both signs of longing for freedom, not contentment.
- (iv) "His strength behind bars" uses synecdoche (strength = the tiger). Some CBSE answer keys also accept metonymy. Either term with a brief justification earns full marks. Avoid writing just "personification" — that does not fit here.
Q25. [6]
Answer any one of the following two questions in 100–120 words:
Explore the contrasting images of the tiger in 'A Tiger in the Zoo' and the tiger in 'How to Tell Wild Animals'.
Previously asked in: 2025 2/2/1 Q10 (b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
A Tiger in the Zoo presents a caged tiger — restless, helpless, and stripped of his natural glory. The tiger moves with "quiet rage" behind bars, his freedom denied. He should be lurking in the shadow of the forest, terrorising the village at the edge of the jungle. Instead, he is locked in a concrete cell, ignoring visitors, staring at the stars with a longing for freedom. The image evokes pity and anger at human cruelty.
In How to Tell Wild Animals, the tiger is portrayed humorously as a creature encountered in the wild — fierce, attacking, and powerful. If a large, tawny beast leaps on you and roars, it is an Asian lion; if it tears you limb from limb, it is a Bengal tiger. The tiger here is wild, dangerous, and free — comic in tone but instinctively ferocious.
Thus, one poem evokes sympathy for a caged, dignified creature; the other uses the tiger's deadly nature for gentle humour.
---
Explanation
- Examiners look for contrast: caged vs wild, tone of sadness vs humour, dignity vs danger.
- Quote or closely reference specific lines/ideas from each poem.
- Use literary terms: imagery, tone, mood — even briefly — to score full marks.
- Keep comparison structured: don't mix both poems in every sentence; handle one, then the other, then contrast.
Q26. [3]
The transition from the apartheid system in South Africa to a new era of equality reflects broader historical trends in the struggle for human rights and social justice. Elaborate.
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/2/1 Q8 (i)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
South Africa's apartheid system separated people by race, denying basic rights to the Black majority for over three centuries. Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress fought relentlessly against this oppression. After Mandela spent thirty years in prison, democratic elections were finally held in 1994, and he became South Africa's first Black President. At his inauguration, attended by dignitaries from over 140 countries, Mandela declared: "Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another." This triumph reflected the universal human struggle for equality, dignity, and freedom — a struggle mirrored globally by movements of Black Americans, women, and colonised peoples.
Source: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- Examiners look for: (1) brief context of apartheid, (2) Mandela's struggle and its outcome, (3) connection to broader/universal human rights struggles — this is the key phrase in the question.
- Quote Mandela's inauguration speech line — it earns marks and shows textual grounding.
- The "broader historical trends" part means you must link South Africa's story to other global struggles (the textbook itself lists Black Americans, women's rights, Vietnamese independence as parallels).
- Do not write a long essay; 3 marks = ~3 focused points.
Q27. [6]
Comment on the reactions and feelings of Lencho and Nelson Mandela when they faced challenges in their lives.
(A Letter to God and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/3/1 Q10(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-14 11:17 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Lencho's Reaction (A Letter to God):
Lencho was a hardworking farmer who had complete, unquestioning faith in God. When a hailstorm destroyed his entire crop, he was devastated but not hopeless. Instead of despairing, he wrote a letter directly to God asking for 100 pesos to survive. When he received only 70 pesos (sent by the postmaster and his staff), he felt angry and cheated. Ironically, he accused God's "helpers" — the very post office employees who had helped him — of stealing the rest. His faith was naive and blind, making him ungrateful and incapable of recognising human kindness.
Mandela's Reaction (Long Walk to Freedom):
Mandela faced decades of oppression under apartheid. Rather than surrendering, he was transformed by suffering. He understood that oppression deepens one's hunger for freedom and creates "heights of character." His personal freedom became inseparable from his people's freedom. He believed courage was not the absence of fear, but conquering it. His hunger for freedom changed him from a frightened young man into a bold leader who sacrificed his family life and personal comfort for his nation.
Contrast: Lencho's faith was passive and self-centred; Mandela's resolve was active, selfless, and grew stronger through hardship.
Source: Chapter 1 – A Letter to God; Chapter 2 – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
---
Explanation
- Examiners expect equal treatment of both texts — roughly half the answer for each character.
- Key contrast: Lencho represents blind, naive faith that turns into ingratitude; Mandela represents courage and selflessness born from suffering — this contrast is the heart of the answer.
- Use textual evidence: "depths of oppression create heights of character," Lencho calling helpers thieves, etc.
- Avoid retelling the plot — focus on reactions and feelings as the question demands.
- The concluding comparison line earns the final mark for synthesis.
Q28. [3]
In what ways does the contrast between the tiger's natural habitat and its confinement in a concrete cell enhance the poem's exploration of captivity and its consequences for wild animals?
(A Tiger in the Zoo)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/3/1 Q8 (ii)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
In "A Tiger in the Zoo," the contrast between the tiger's natural habitat and its concrete cell powerfully highlights the tragedy of captivity. In the wild, the tiger would lurk in shadows, hunt near water holes, and terrorise villages — living freely according to its instincts. Confined in a cell, it can only pace in rage, its paws softly padding, its strength wasted. This contrast shows captivity strips wild animals of their natural behaviour, dignity, and freedom, reducing a majestic creature to a helpless, silent prisoner who stares at stars with "brilliant eyes" — a symbol of suppressed longing.
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, First Flight (Class 10)
---
Explanation
- Examiners expect two clear points of contrast (wild habitat vs. zoo/cell) with textual references (lurking in shadows/water holes vs. concrete cell/pacing).
- Connect the contrast to the theme: loss of freedom, dignity, and natural instinct.
- "Brilliant eyes" is a key image — mention it as it directly shows suppressed emotion.
- Avoid vague statements; be specific about what the tiger would do vs. what it is forced to do.
Q29. [3]
Mandela in his speech says, ''The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people.'' Explain the significance of the word ''wound'' as used by Mandela.
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2025 2/1/1 Q8 (i)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
The word "wound" is highly significant. Mandela uses it as a metaphor to convey that apartheid was not merely a political policy but caused deep pain and suffering — like a physical injury — to the nation and its people. A wound implies lasting damage that does not heal easily. It suggests the scars of racial oppression, humiliation, and denial of basic rights endured by millions of black South Africans over centuries. The word also reflects how personal and collective this suffering was, affecting not just individuals but the entire identity of a people.
Source: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
---
Explanation
- The examiner wants a metaphor analysis: why "wound" and not another word like "problem" or "issue."
- Key points: wound = deep pain, lasting damage, personal suffering, slow/difficult healing — all linked to apartheid's impact.
- Support with specific reference to apartheid's denial of rights to black South Africans.
- Avoid being too vague; say what kind of wound (racial oppression, humiliation, generational suffering).
Q30. [5]
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Identify and name any one figure of speech in the above extract. [2]
- (ii) Fill in the blank with one word.
The tiger's stalking on 'pads of velvet' suggests a movement that is ___________. [1]
- (iii) Based on the given lines from the poem, which words would best describe the feelings of the tiger ? [1]
- A Calm and content
- B Both subdued and angry
- C Both frustrated and happy
- D Both angry and famished
- (iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the first four lines of the given extract. [1]
- A The people along the sand
All turn and look one way
They turn their back on the land
They look at the sea all day
- B Along the sand, the people
All turn and look one way
They turn back on the sand
They look at the sea all day
- C The people along the sand
Look one way and all turn
Their backs on the land
They look at the sea all day
- D The people along the sand
They turn their back on the land
They look one way
At the sea all day.
Previously asked in: 2025 2/1/1 Q7(b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) Personification — "In his quiet rage" attributes human emotion (rage) to the tiger.
(Alternatively: Metaphor — "pads of velvet quiet" compares the tiger's soft paws to velvet.)
(ii) The tiger's stalking on 'pads of velvet' suggests a movement that is silent/noiseless.
(iii) B — Both subdued and angry.
The tiger walks the few steps of his cage (subdued/confined) yet is filled with "quiet rage" (anger).
(iv) Option A.
The rhyme scheme of the first four lines is ABAB (stripes/cage/quiet/rage — cage rhymes with rage, stripes with quiet = ABAB).
Option A follows the same ABAB scheme: sand/way/land/day — sand & land (A), way & day (B).
Source: "A Tiger in the Zoo", Leslie Norris
---
Explanation
- (i) Either personification or metaphor is acceptable, but name + example + brief explanation is needed for full 2 marks.
- (ii) "Velvet" conveys softness and silence — the key idea examiners want is noiseless/silent/graceful.
- (iii) "Quiet rage" = suppressed anger; confined cage = subdued. Option B captures both.
- (iv) Check the end-words: stripes (A), cage (B), quiet (A), rage (B) → ABAB. Only Option A replicates ABAB with sand/way/land/day.
Q31. [5]
Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Which of the following options justifies the statement made by Mandela, "We, who were outlaws …" ? [1]
- (A) The international leaders who came to attend the ceremony
- (B) Due to Apartheid, many countries broke diplomatic relations with South Africa
- (C) The Commonwealth countries and their people
- (D) The people who fought in the Anglo-Boer War
- (ii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
Mandela thanked all the distinguished international guests because ____________. [1]
- (iii) In the above lines, Mandela mentions 'extraordinary human disaster'. What is the significance of this phrase in his speech? [2]
- (iv) The tone of Mandela in the above excerpt is:
1. unifying
2. determined
3. aggressive
4. pessimistic
5. hopeless
Select the correct option: [1]
- (A) 1, 2 and 4
- (B) 2 and 4
- (C) 1 and 2
- (D) 4 and 5
Previously asked in: 2026 2/2/1 Q6(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) (B) Due to Apartheid, many countries broke diplomatic relations with South Africa.
(ii) Mandela thanked all the distinguished international guests because they came to share and celebrate a common victory for justice, peace, and human dignity alongside the people of South Africa.
(iii) The phrase 'extraordinary human disaster' refers to the oppressive system of Apartheid that subjected Black South Africans to decades of racial discrimination, injustice, and suffering. Mandela uses this phrase to acknowledge the immense pain endured by his people and to stress that such a prolonged tragedy must now give birth to a just, inclusive society of which all humanity can be proud. It lends both gravity and hope to his speech.
(iv) (C) 1 and 2
Source: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Extract from Inauguration Speech
---
Explanation
- (i) "Outlaws" refers to the ANC members and anti-apartheid activists who were declared illegal under apartheid; option B best justifies this as apartheid caused South Africa's international isolation.
- (ii) Pull the reason directly from the extract — "common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity."
- (iii) For 2 marks, explain what the disaster was (apartheid) AND its significance in context (acknowledgement of suffering + call for a new society). Both parts are needed.
- (iv) Mandela's tone is hopeful and unifying ("a society of which all humanity will be proud") and determined ("must be born"). It is never aggressive, pessimistic, or hopeless — eliminate those confidently.
Q32. [3]
Why does Mandela mention that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a son, a brother, a father, and a husband ? (Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
Previously asked in: 2026 2/3/1 Q8 (i)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Mandela mentions this to explain the personal cost of fighting for his people's freedom. In South Africa, a man of colour who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was inevitably torn from his family. Mandela did not initially choose his people over his family, but in attempting to serve them under the apartheid system, it became impossible to fulfil both obligations simultaneously. His struggle for freedom forced him to neglect his roles as a son, brother, father, and husband.
Source: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, Part 3
---
Explanation
- The examiner wants you to link the idea of "twin obligations" (family + people/country) with the impossibility of fulfilling both under apartheid.
- Key phrase to use: "prevented from fulfilling" — shows it was not his choice but a consequence of the system.
- Do not simply list his obligations; explain why he mentions them — to convey sacrifice and the cost of the freedom struggle.
- 3 marks = roughly 3 connected points: (1) twin obligations concept, (2) apartheid made both impossible, (3) serving his people meant sacrificing family duties.
Q33. [5]
But he's locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
- (i) Complete the sentence suitably : The tiger ignores the visitors because ___________. [1]
- (ii) The above lines juxtapose the tiger's natural instincts with its caged existence. Justify. [2]
- (iii) What mood is created by the poet in the above lines ? [1]
- (A) sympathetic and thoughtful
- (B) angry and violent
- (C) cheerful and happy
- (D) exciting and fun
- (iv) Fill in the blank with the correct option from the brackets. The length of his cage highlights the __________ (vast space/limited space/free space) in which the tiger is confined. [1]
Previously asked in: 2026 2/3/1 Q7(a)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) The tiger ignores the visitors because he is deeply unhappy and frustrated in captivity; the visitors are meaningless to him in his confined, unnatural existence.
(ii) The tiger possesses immense natural strength and wild instincts, meant for roaming forests freely. However, his "strength behind bars" and "stalking the length of his cage" show these instincts are trapped within a concrete cell. His natural power is rendered useless — he can only pace restlessly instead of hunting. This contrast between wild power and imprisoned helplessness is the juxtaposition the poet creates.
(iii) (A) sympathetic and thoughtful
(iv) The length of his cage highlights the limited space in which the tiger is confined.
Source: A Tiger in the Zoo, stanza 3
---
Explanation
- (i) The key idea is the tiger's indifference born of misery — don't just say "he is bored." Connect it to captivity.
- (ii) For 2 marks, you must name both sides of the contrast (natural instinct vs. caged reality) and use evidence from the lines. "Strength behind bars" and "stalking" are your textual proof.
- (iii) The tone is sorrowful and empathetic — the poet pities the caged tiger. Option A is correct.
- (iv) "Length of his cage" implies a very short, restricted distance — always pick limited space.
Q34. [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: 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.
Q35. [6]
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words:
Examine the similarities and differences between the tiger in "A Tiger in the Zoo" and the dragon in "The Tale of Custard the Dragon".
Previously asked in: 2026 2/1/1 Q10(I)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Similarities:
Both the tiger and Custard the dragon are wild creatures kept in captivity or confined surroundings. Neither is in its natural habitat — the tiger is locked in a zoo cage, while Custard lives as a pet in a house. Both animals appear meek and tame in their given situation; the tiger paces quietly at night, and Custard is mocked for being cowardly despite his fearsome appearance.
Differences:
The tiger in "A Tiger in the Zoo" is truly fierce but suppressed — he is a real, powerful predator whose freedom has been cruelly snatched. He feels rage and helplessness behind bars. Custard, however, is a fictional, comic character who is deliberately portrayed as timid despite his dragon form. He craves safety and comfort. Ironically, when danger arrives, Custard alone acts bravely and defeats the pirate. The tiger never gets a chance to show his true spirit freely.
Thus, both poems explore the gap between appearance and reality, but from opposite angles.
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Explanation
- Examiners expect you to address both similarities and differences clearly — use subheadings or signpost words like "Similarly" / "However."
- The tiger represents suppressed wildness; Custard represents underestimated courage — this contrast is the core of the comparison.
- Keep the tone analytical, not just descriptive. Mentioning the irony in each poem earns extra credit.
- Aim for about 120–130 words. Do not exceed 150 words.
Q36. [5]
We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given:
- I What is the tone Nelson Mandela is UNLIKELY to have used in his speech? [1]
- A inspirational
- B assertive
- C conflicted
- D direct
- II According to Mandela, emancipation is not merely political. Elaborate. [2]
- III Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:
Mandela's speech swings between references to the past and a ________ (bleak/promising) future. [1]
- IV With reference to the extract explain the sentence, "The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement." [1]
Previously asked in: 2026 2/1/1 Q6(A)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
I. C — conflicted
II. Mandela says that political emancipation alone is not enough. True freedom means liberating people from poverty, deprivation, suffering, and gender discrimination. He pledges to fight these social and economic injustices so that every citizen enjoys complete freedom and dignity, not just political rights.
III. promising
IV. This sentence means that the achievement of freedom and democracy in South Africa is so magnificent that its glory will last forever. Just as the sun's setting signals an end, Mandela asserts this great human triumph — ending oppression and establishing equality — will never fade or be forgotten.
Source: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, Inauguration Speech extract
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Explanation
- Sub-question I: "Conflicted" is the odd one out — the speech is confident, assertive, and inspirational, not hesitant or torn.
- Sub-question II: Pull the key terms directly from the extract: poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender discrimination. Examiners want you to show emancipation extends beyond politics.
- Sub-question III: Despite past oppression, the speech looks forward to freedom and equality — clearly a "promising" future.
- Sub-question IV: It's a metaphorical statement. Explain the metaphor (sun setting = something ending/fading) and connect it to the permanence of this achievement. One focused sentence or two short ones is enough for 1 mark.
Q37. [6]
Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words :
Evaluate the similarities and differences between the tiger in "A Tiger in the Zoo" and the dragon in "The Tale of Custard the Dragon".
Previously asked in: 2026 2/4/1 Q10 (b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Tiger in "A Tiger in the Zoo" is a wild animal confined in a cage, stripped of his natural freedom. He moves restlessly behind bars, his velvet paws padding softly, his brilliant eyes watching patrol cars at night — a symbol of suppressed rage and silent despair. He should be terrorising villages and lurking in shadows, but instead suffers quiet captivity.
Custard the Dragon in Nash's poem is a cowardly pet who longs for safety despite having fearsome weapons — sharp teeth, spikes, and a fire-breathing mouth. Ironically, he proves braver than all others when a real pirate appears.
Similarities: Both are powerful creatures kept in domestic/confined settings, both possess natural weapons, and both are misunderstood by those around them.
Differences: The tiger is genuinely fierce but helpless; Custard appears cowardly but is actually brave. The tiger suffers silently; Custard is mocked openly. The tiger's captivity evokes pathos; Custard's story is comic and light-hearted.
Explanation
Examiners look for a balanced comparison — at least two similarities and two differences, with textual evidence from both poems. Mention specific details: the tiger's "velvet paws," "brilliant eyes," and Custard's "realio, trulio" cowardice versus his heroic act. Keep the tone analytical, not just a summary of each poem. Scoring: ~3 marks for similarities/differences + ~3 marks for textual support and expression.
Q38. [3]
What is the vision of freedom that comes through the speech of Nelson Mandela ?
Previously asked in: 2026 2/4/1 Q8 (v)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:14 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Nelson Mandela's vision of freedom is broad and universal. As a boy, freedom meant personal liberties — playing freely, riding a bicycle. As a student, it meant the right to earn and travel. But he came to understand that true freedom means liberation for all — both the oppressed and the oppressor.
He believed the oppressor is not truly free either, as hatred imprisons one's soul. His vision for South Africa included a non-racial, non-sexist democracy based on equality, justice, and dignity — a society where all citizens live in peace and prosperity.
Source: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 2
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Explanation
- Examiners expect three angles: personal/boyhood freedom → student freedom → larger political/social freedom.
- Key contrast: transitory freedoms vs. basic and honourable freedoms.
- Must mention that the oppressor is also not free — this is a recurring exam point.
- End with Mandela's ideals: non-racial democracy, equality, dignity — these are directly from his speech.
- Avoid padding; keep it within 3 tight points matching 3 marks.