Q2 of 30 Page 26

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.

1. It was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colors and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.


2. Officials; but arrested me.


3. now; know the words by heart.


4. But I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people.


5. A demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy.


6. A frightened young man; a law-abiding attorney; a family-loving husband.


More from this chapter

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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.

 1

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.

 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’.

 1

Read the poem again, and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks.

(i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns.


(ii) Find the words that describes the two places, and arrange them in two columns.


Now try to share ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast the two situations.