আজকের যায়যায়দিন

12. Read the following text and answer the questions A and B. The years Mandela spent behind bars made him the world’s most celebrated political prisoner and a leader of mythic stature for millions of black South Africans and other oppressed people far beyond his country’s borders. Charged with capital offences in the 1963 Rivonia Trial, his statement from the dock was his political testimony. ‘During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities,’ he told the court. ‘It is an ideal I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.’ Friends adored Mandela and fondly called him ‘Madiba’, the clan name by which he was known. People lauded his humanity, kindness and dignity.

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.

a) ‘Behind bars’ refers to —

i. at the back of the courts

ii. in the prisons

iii. under impediments

iv. in small rooms

Answer: ii. in the prisons

b) The word ‘stature’ stands for —

i. intellectual or moral greatness

ii. the height of something

iii. physical structure

iv. good reputation

Answer : i. intellectual or moral greatness

c) How did Mandela win the support of the world?

i. By dint of magic

ii. By virtue of imprisonment

iii. With his personality and stature

iv. With is honesty and simplicity

Answer : iii. With his personality and stature

d) ‘— it is an ideal I hope to live for and to achieve.’ What does it imply?

i. Mandela’s belief in attaining his ideal

ii. Mandela’s life is for ideology

iii. Mandela’s sacrifice for democracy

iv. All of the above answers

Answer : iv. All of the above answers

e) The word ‘advocate’ in the text stands for—

i. backer

ii. supporter

iii. uphold

iv. recommend

Answer : ii. supporter

B. Answer the following questions.

a) How do you differentiate the life Mandela from the life of other people?

b) For what ideal do you think Mandela was readz to die?

c) Why did his friends call him ‘Madiba’?

d) How do you explain a leader of mythic stature for millions of black South African and other oppressed people for behind his country’s borders?

e) ‘The white are superior to the black.’ Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons.

a) Mandela was different from other people. Very few people have struggled like him. Very few people can be compared with him due to his sacrifice.

b) I think that Mandela was readz to die to establish an oppression free democratic society. He wanted to establish such an ideal society where all people will live harmoniously and peacefully.

c) Mandela was fondly called ‘Madiba’. It was his clan name by which people used to call him so out of love.

d) I mean Mandela had a great fame all over the world. He was a legendary leader not only to the black people of South Africa but also to the oppressed people around the world.

e) I don’t agree with this statement. I think all are equal. So the white are not superior to the black.