Q1 of 30 Page 26

Looking at contrasts

Nelson Mandela’s writing is marked by balance: Many sentences have two parts in balance.


Use the following phrases to complete the sentences given below:


(i) They can be (ii) I was born free


thought to love


(iii) but the triumph (iv) but he who


Over it. Conquers that


Fear


(v) to create such


Heights of character


1. It requires such depths of oppression


…………………….


2. Courage was not the absence of fear


……………………..


3. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid ……………………


4. If people can learn to hate…………………


5. I was not born with hunger to be free.

1. (v) to create such heights of character.


2. (iii) but the triumph over it.


3. (iv) but he who conquers that fear.


4. (i) they can be taught to love.


5. (ii) I was born free


More from this chapter

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3

Idiomatic Expressions

Match the italicized phrases in column A with the phrase nearest in meaning in column B. (Hint: First look for the sentence in the text in which the phrases in column A occurs).
























A



B



1. I was not unmindful of the fact



(i) had not forgotten; was aware of the fact


(ii) was not careful about the fact.


(iii) forgot or was not aware of the fact.



2. when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits



(i) pushed by the guards to the wall.


(ii) took more than our share of beatings.


(iii) felt that we could not endure the suffering any longer.



3. To reassure me and keep me going



(i) make me go on walking.


(ii) help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation.


(iii) make me remain without complaining.



4. the basic and honorable freedoms of earning my keep.



(i) earning enough money to live on.


(ii) keeping what I earned.


(iii) Getting a good salary.


 4

In groups, discuss the issues suggested in the box below.

Then prepare a speech of about two minutes on the following table.


(First make notes for your speech in writing).


True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation and all forms of discrimination.


•Causes of poverty and means of overcoming it.


•Discrimination based on gender, religion, class, etc.


•Constitutionally guaranteed human rights.

 2

This text repeatedly contrast the past with the present or the future. We can use coordinated clauses to contrast two views, for emphasis or effect.

Given below are sentences carrying one part of the contrast. Find in the text the second part of the contrast, and complete each item.


Identify the words which signal the contrast. This has been done for you in the first item.


1. For decades the Union Buildings had been the seat of white supremacy, and now…..


2. Only moments before, the higher generals of the South African defense force and police……saluted me and pledged their loyalty….not so many years before they would not have saluted…..


3. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem….they would soon……………..


4. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil,…………….


5. The Air show was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but…………………..


6. It was this desire for the freedom of my people………that transformed………….into a bold one, that drove………………to become a criminal, that turned……………..into a man without a home.

 3

Expressing your Opinion

Do you think there is a color prejudice in our own country? Discuss this with your friend and write a paragraph of about 100 to 150 words about this. You have the option of making your paragraph a humorous one.


(Read the short verse given below)


When you were born you were pink


When you grew up you became white


When you are in the sun you are red


When you are sick you are yellow


When you are angry you are purple


When you are shocked you are grey


And you have the cheek to call me ‘coloured’.