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Read the following extracts… (Class 10 English 2024, Q6a)

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EnglishCBSE Class 10 · Board exam 2024, set 2/3/1 · 5 marks · Reading comprehension

CBSE Class 10 English 2024: question 6(a)

Set in the CBSE Class 10 board exam of 2024, paper 2/3/1, section C, question 6(a), for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q6(a) · 5 marks · Reading comprehensionCompetency-basedNelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any ONE of the given two.

(a) 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.

(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)

  1. (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 mark
  2. (ii)

    Explain in about 40 words the effective shift from white supremacy to a rainbow gathering.

    2 marks
  3. (iii)

    Which phrase would correctly substitute 'pleasantly besieged' in the given sentence from that extract?

    1 mark
  4. (iv)

    State true or false with reference to the given extract.
    In the past the 'amphitheatre' had been a seat for theatrical performances.

    1 mark

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2024 board paper, set 2/3/1.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

For (i), think about why such a gathering would be unusual for South Africa earlier.

Hint 2

For (ii), contrast the place's past and present role.

Hint 3

For (iv), find what the amphitheatre was the seat of.

Step-by-step solution

Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

  1. (i) South Africa had earlier been isolated and not allowed to host international gatherings; this was the first time such a large international event was held on its soil.

    1 mark

  2. (ii) For decades the Union Buildings were the seat of white-minority rule, with inequality and discrimination. Now the same place hosts leaders of many races and nations for the installation of the first non-racial democratic government. It marks a shift from white supremacy to equality and freedom from discrimination.

    2 marks

  3. (iii) 'Surrounded in a friendly, welcome manner' (amicably surrounded).

    1 mark

  4. (iv) False. It had been the seat of white supremacy.

    1 mark

Answer: (i) South Africa's acceptance and recognition globally; (ii) from white-ruled inequality to a non-racial democracy; (iii) amicably surrounded; (iv) False

Where the marks are

  • Draws the correct inference (1 mark)
  • Explains the shift with two points (2 marks)
  • Gives the correct substitute phrase (1 mark)
  • Answers False (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paper2024 board paper, set 2/3/1: every question, by section.

The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.