ENGLISH CLASS- 9
CHAPTER- 8
(Follow
That Dream)
Check Your Understanding
I. State whether the following sentences are True or False.
| S.No. | Statement | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Reaching the peak of skill in a field typically demands a focused and intense dedication for about a decade. | True |
| 2. | The mother believes that significant effort and personal sacrifices are essential for turning aspirations into reality. | True |
| 3. | The path to achieving the deepest desires has very little difficulty or a few obstacles. | False |
| 4. | The mother is of the opinion that a person's life goals and hopes can evolve over time. | True |
| 5. | Having a strong network of individuals can be a hurdle in pursuing one's ambition. | False |
| 6. | The mother feels that pursuing a major life goal will not involve any financial expense or sacrifice. | False |
| 7. | For many individuals, their aspirations remain just wishes because they don't move beyond mere daydreaming. | True |
Explanation
| Statement No. | Reason |
|---|---|
| 1 | The mother says that achieving a world-class standard in any field requires at least ten years of dedicated and intensive effort. |
| 2 | She clearly mentions that effort, financial investment, and sacrifice are necessary to fulfil one's dream. |
| 3 | The mother explains that the road to success is often uphill and filled with many obstacles. |
| 4 | She shares from her own experience that dreams may change as people grow older and life circumstances change. |
| 5 | The mother says that a strong support network helps a person achieve success rather than becoming a hurdle. |
| 6 | She advises Ming to count the cost in terms of years of effort, financial investment, and sacrifice before pursuing a dream. |
| 7 | According to the mother, many people only wish for success but never take action to turn their dreams into reality. |
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Extract 1: It starts with a passion for a particular interest, then comes the conviction that it is imperative to realise it. Count the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice. Then if it is still burning in your blood and you are ready to commit yourself to the task, plunge. It could be in any field—sports, science, arts, business, or design. The road may be uphill most of the way and often you are buoyed up only by the knowledge that you are doing what you love best and are doing the right thing. When stamina is running out, the prospect of success will keep you on track.
(i) Complete the analogy with a suitable word from the extract.
Answer:
enthusiasm : passion :: belief : conviction
(ii) Choose the correct option.
Answer: B. an early abandonment of the dream
Explanation: The author advises Ming to carefully consider the effort, financial investment, and sacrifices required before pursuing a dream. This realistic preparation helps a person remain committed and prevents giving up midway.
(iii) Complete the following with the correct option.
Answer: complete
Explanation: The word "plunge" suggests throwing oneself completely into a task with full commitment and determination.
(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Answer:
The author's emphasis on "when you are doing what you love best and are doing the right thing" works as a form of intrinsic motivation because the satisfaction of pursuing one's passion encourages a person to continue even during difficult times without depending only on external rewards.
(v) Mention one motivating factor besides 'prospect of success' that might keep a person on track, despite running out of stamina.
Answer:
One motivating factor is passion for the dream. A strong interest and personal commitment encourage a person to keep working hard even when the journey becomes difficult.
Extract 2:From my own experience, life itself may change a person’s dreams. These hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days. To fulfil them you will need to negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles. The dream will take a much longer time to realise, and the people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more.
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Answer:
The phrase "life itself may change a person's dreams" suggests that dreams are not static but rather dynamic and evolving.
(ii) What does the author mean by, "hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days"?
Answer:
The author means that as people grow older, their dreams may change according to their experiences and responsibilities. These new goals are just as valuable and meaningful as the dreams they had in their youth.
(iii) Identify the phrase from the extract that indicates a complex and challenging journey.
Answer:
"negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles"
(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Answer:
The author says, "people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more" because achieving a dream often requires the encouragement, guidance, cooperation, and support of family members, friends, teachers, mentors, and many other people.
(v) What is the tone of the author in this extract?
Answer: C. optimistic and encouraging
II. Answer the following questions.
1. The letter begins thus, "By all means follow that dream". What do you think Ming must have written to her mother about?
Answer:
Ming must have written to her mother about her dream or career ambition. She was probably seeking advice, encouragement, or permission to pursue a goal that she was deeply passionate about but found difficult or uncertain.
2. How can one attain an international level of skill in any field? Mention any two ways.
Answer:
A person can attain an international level of skill by:
- Practising with complete dedication and consistent effort over many years.
- Being willing to invest time, make sacrifices, and remain committed despite difficulties.
3. What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers?
Answer:
Mere dreamers only wish for success, whereas actual achievers take action. Achievers work hard, remain determined, overcome obstacles, make sacrifices, and continue pursuing their dreams until they become reality.
4. How does Ming's mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming and convey her message effectively?
Answer:
Ming's mother asks thoughtful questions that encourage Ming to consider the effort, time, and sacrifices needed to achieve her dream. She also shares examples from her own life and from other people's experiences to show that dreams may change over time but can still be fulfilled with determination. These personal experiences make her advice practical, convincing, and inspiring.
5. How does Ming's mother balance encouragement with caution in her advice?
Answer:
Ming's mother encourages her daughter to follow her dreams with confidence. At the same time, she advises her to think carefully about the challenges, financial costs, years of hard work, and sacrifices involved. This balanced advice motivates Ming while preparing her for the realities of achieving success.
6. In the letter, Ming's mother specifically addresses the challenges people face in pursuing their dreams. Do you think this advice is still relevant in contemporary society? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer:
Yes, this advice is still relevant today. Success in any field requires dedication, patience, continuous learning, and perseverance. Although opportunities have increased in modern times, people still face competition, financial challenges, and setbacks. Therefore, the mother's advice about commitment, planning, and hard work remains valuable.
7. What 'costs' in terms of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest to pursue your goals?
Answer:
I am willing to invest consistent effort, several years of dedicated practice, and the discipline needed to improve my skills. I am also prepared to sacrifice unnecessary distractions and comfort to achieve my goals. However, I would not sacrifice my health, honesty, or important family responsibilities while pursuing success.
Believe in Yourself
Check Your Understanding
I. Based on your understanding of the poem, select the correct central idea for each stanza from the options given.
| Stanza | Correct Answer | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Stanza 1 | (i) Facing challenges requires personal responsibility and a clear focus on one's future. | The opening stanza encourages readers to face challenges independently and focus on shaping their own future with confidence. |
| Stanza 2 | (ii) Facing the future with confidence makes choices easier and more straightforward. | The poet advises readers to move forward with courage instead of allowing fear or uncertainty to control their decisions. |
| Stanza 3 | (ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change. | The stanza explains that progress begins only when a person steps out of the comfort zone and accepts change. |
| Stanza 4 | (ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track. | The poet highlights that although the first step is the hardest, confidence and self-belief make success possible. |
II. Rhyme Scheme
Fill in the blank.
Answer: The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme ABCB that flows steadily through each stanza.
III. Tone
| Statement | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The overall tone of the poem is motivational and encouraging. | True |
| 2. The tone shifts from thoughtful in the beginning to one of determination by the end of the poem. | True |
IV. Speaker
Fill in the blanks with the correct options from those given in the brackets.
The speaker in this poem is not distant; rather, he/she comes across as a guide who understands the struggle and is encouraging the reader to take control of his/her own future.
The use of direct address 'You' creates a close connection, as though the speaker is talking directly to the reader.
V. Imagery
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. There is no crowd to see... | (ii) Suggests a solitary journey, stressing individual effort. |
| 2. Push you back in fear? | (iii) Evokes the mental barrier that prevents growth. |
| 3. The first step is the hardest. | (i) Represents the difficulty of beginning a new challenge or change. |
Extra representation (not used): None.
VI. Symbolism
Select the words/phrases from the box below to complete the given sentences.
Words/Phrases: unknown, self-improvement, courage, leap of faith, stagnation
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Comfort and the status quo represent ___________ and fear of change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back. | stagnation |
| 2. The future symbolises the ____________, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires ___________ to step into. | unknown, courage |
| 3. The first step symbolises the initial ___________ required to begin the journey of _____________ or personal development. | leap of faith, self-improvement |
VII. Metaphor
Answer:
The line "The first step is the hardest" is metaphorical because it does not refer only to taking a physical step. Instead, the "first step" symbolises beginning a new journey, accepting a challenge, or making an important decision in life. The poet uses this metaphor to show that starting something new often requires the greatest courage and determination.
VIII. Antithesis
Answer:
| Lines from the Poem | Why they show Antithesis |
|---|---|
| "There is no crowd to see; There is no one to cheer." |
These lines contrast the expectation of public appreciation with the reality of beginning one's journey alone. The contrast emphasises that success often starts without recognition or applause. |
| "Will you let fear hold you back, Or move towards your future?" |
The poet contrasts fear with moving forward. This highlights the choice between remaining in one's comfort zone and courageously embracing new opportunities. |
| "Comfort and the status quo" versus "The future" |
The poem contrasts staying in familiar surroundings with stepping into the unknown future. This antithesis reinforces the message that growth requires leaving one's comfort zone. |
Explanation:
The poet uses antithesis to place opposite ideas side by side, such as fear and courage, comfort and growth, and remaining still and moving forward. These contrasts make the poem more powerful and encourage readers to choose confidence, action, and self-belief over fear and hesitation.
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Extract: Step up to the challenge There is no crowd to see, It’s just you and the future And where you want to be.
(i) What does the line, "There is no crowd to see" suggest about facing challenges?
Answer:
The line suggests that the journey towards achieving a goal often begins alone. At the beginning, there may be no audience to appreciate or encourage our efforts. Success depends on self-motivation rather than public recognition.
(ii) Complete the following suitably.
Answer:
The line "It's just you and the future" suggests that each person is responsible for shaping his or her own future through courage, determination, and the choices they make.
(iii) Fill in the blank with the appropriate word/phrase from the extract.
Answer:
Latha will step up to the challenge her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practicing harder each day.
(iv) Select the most suitable title for the extract.
Answer: C. A Journey of Growth
Explanation: The extract encourages readers to accept challenges, believe in themselves, and move confidently towards personal growth and success.
(v) Complete the analogy by using a word from the extract.
Answer:
achieve : goal :: face : challenge
II. Answer the following questions.
1. What is the significance of the metaphor, "The first step is the hardest" in the context of personal growth?
Answer:
The metaphor means that beginning a new journey or accepting a challenge is usually the most difficult part. It requires courage, confidence, and determination to overcome fear and uncertainty. Once the first step is taken, moving forward becomes easier, leading to personal growth and success.
2. What message does the antithesis in the poem convey about the nature of personal development?
Answer:
The antithesis highlights the contrast between remaining in one's comfort zone and moving towards growth. It shows that real development happens only when people overcome fear, accept change, and confidently face new opportunities.
3. Do you think the poet's message is realistic in the context of real-world struggles? (Clue: Evaluate whether simply 'believing in yourself' is enough to overcome obstacles or other factors are also necessary.)
Answer:
Yes, the poet's message is realistic, but self-belief alone is not enough. Success also requires hard work, perseverance, discipline, patience, proper planning, and continuous learning. Believing in oneself gives the confidence to begin the journey, while consistent effort and determination help overcome real-life challenges and achieve long-term goals.
4. Consider a situation where you or someone you know had to take a difficult first step towards a goal. How does the poem's message about the importance of self-belief apply to this situation?
Answer:
A student preparing for a competitive examination may initially feel nervous because of the vast syllabus and fear of failure. Taking the first step by making a study plan and beginning regular preparation can be difficult. The poem teaches that self-belief gives a person the confidence to overcome fear and start the journey. Once the student trusts in their abilities and continues working with determination and perseverance, each step becomes easier. Thus, the poem reminds us that believing in ourselves is the key to facing challenges and achieving our goals.