Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in a small village in South Africa. As a young man, he trained to be a lawyer. But it wasn’t long before he began to challenge the unfair system of apartheid—a government policy that kept white and Black South Africans separate, giving most rights and power only to the white minority.
Mandela joined a group called the African National Congress (ANC), which fought to change the system through protests and political action. Over time, his involvement led to his arrest. In 1964, he was sentenced to life in prison for speaking out against apartheid.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison. While there, he became a powerful symbol of resistance. Instead of growing bitter, he focused on peace, education, and unity. Even behind bars, he continued to inspire people around the world.
In 1990, Mandela was released from prison as apartheid began to crumble. Just four years later, he became South Africa’s first Black president. He chose to lead with forgiveness, not revenge. He worked to heal a divided nation and encouraged people of all races to work together.
Mandela once said, 'I have walked that long road to freedom... But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities.' He believed that freedom was not just about rights—it also came with the duty to create a fair and peaceful world for others.
Today, Nelson Mandela is remembered as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. His life shows how courage, forgiveness, and persistence can lead to real change—even in the face of injustice.
Q1: What is the central idea of the passage?
Q2: Which event in Mandela’s life shows his commitment to peaceful leadership?
Q3: What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?
Q4: What does the quote 'with freedom comes responsibilities' suggest about Mandela's beliefs?
Q5: Which text structure is used to organize this passage?
Q6: What lesson can be learned from Mandela’s life as described in the passage?
Printable Comprehension Practice
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Q1: What is the central idea of the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage focuses on Mandela’s journey from protester to president and his efforts to unify the country after apartheid.
Q2: Which event in Mandela’s life shows his commitment to peaceful leadership?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: After years in prison, Mandela chose forgiveness and worked toward unity rather than revenge when he became president.
Q3: What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The author shares Mandela’s life and beliefs to educate readers about his role in ending apartheid and leading with justice.
Q4: What does the quote 'with freedom comes responsibilities' suggest about Mandela's beliefs?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: Mandela believed freedom wasn't only about personal rights—it also meant taking responsibility to help others.
Q5: Which text structure is used to organize this passage?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The events in Mandela’s life are presented in the order they happened—from childhood to presidency.
Q6: What lesson can be learned from Mandela’s life as described in the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Mandela’s 27 years in prison and peaceful leadership show that change is possible through persistence and patience.