Circle of Learning • New NCERT textbook "Kaveri" (2026-27) • Reflect and Respond, Check Your Understanding, Critical Reflection, Vocabulary and Structures, Listening, Speaking, Writing, Learning Beyond the Text, and the poem "Believe in Yourself" – complete answers
Reflect and Respond
What is your dream? 2. Who inspires you to dream? 3. What qualities should you have in order to fulfil your dream? 4. Abdul Kalam said, "Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep." Discuss.
Answer
Sample answers:
1. My dream is to become a doctor and serve people in rural areas where medical care is scarce.
2. My mother, a nurse, inspires me; I have seen how she cares for patients with patience and kindness.
3. Hard work, determination, patience, discipline, self-belief and the ability to learn from failure.
4. Dr. Kalam means that a true dream is not a passing fancy but a burning goal that keeps us restless and motivated. It makes us work day and night until we achieve it, just as the letter in this chapter says that the dream should be "still burning in your blood".
What role can parents and community play to help children achieve their dreams?
Answer
Parents can encourage children, listen to their dreams, provide emotional and financial support and help them plan realistically. Teachers and the community can offer guidance, resources like libraries, sports grounds and training, mentorship and scholarships, and celebrate children's achievements. As the letter notes, every winner has "a group of people who stood by him/her".
Complete the web chart: Why is it important to follow a dream?
Answer
Sample points:
(i) It gives our life direction and purpose.
(ii) It motivates us to work hard and stay disciplined.
(iii) It helps us discover our talents and grow as people.
(iv) It brings happiness and satisfaction from doing what we love.
(v) It can benefit society and inspire others.
(vi) It saves us from regret later in life.
Check Your Understanding
State whether the following sentences are true or false.
Answer
Statement | True/False |
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 (the road may be "uphill most of the way") |
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 (a support network helps; every winner thanks the people who stood by them) |
6. The mother feels that pursuing a major life goal will not involve any financial expense or sacrifice. | False (she asks Ming to count the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice) |
7. For many individuals, their aspirations remain just wishes because they don't move beyond mere daydreaming. | True |
Critical Reflection
Extract 1: "It starts with a passion for a particular interest ... the prospect of success will keep you on track."
Answer
(i) enthusiasm : passion :: belief : ______
conviction
(ii) The author says that a realistic assessment of effort, investment and sacrifice is crucial for preventing ______.
B. an early abandonment of the dream
(iii) The word 'plunge' as used in the extract indicates a ______ (complete/gradual) involvement in a task.
complete
(iv) 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 joy and satisfaction come from within – from loving the work and knowing it is right – not from outside rewards like money or praise, so they keep a person going even on a difficult road.
(v) Mention one motivating factor besides 'prospect of success' that might keep a person on track.
The love for the work itself (the knowledge that one is doing what one loves best); also the support and encouragement of family and friends.
Extract 2: "From my own experience, life itself may change a person's dreams ... the people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more."
(i) The phrase 'life itself may change a person's dreams' suggests that dreams are not static but rather ______ (evolving/dynamic).
evolving
(ii) What does the author mean by 'hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days'?
Answer
She means that the new dreams a person forms later in life are just as important and worthwhile as the dreams of youth; a changed dream is not a lesser dream.
(iii) Identify the phrase from the extract that indicates a complex and challenging journey.
"negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles"
(iv) The author says 'people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more' because ______.
as dreams grow bigger and take longer to realise, more people – family, mentors, colleagues and supporters – become involved in helping to achieve them (as many people helped her publish her book).
(v) What is the tone of the author in this extract?
Answer
C. optimistic and encouraging
Answer the following questions.
Answer
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 about a dream or ambition she had – perhaps a career in a field like sports, arts or design – and asked her mother whether she should pursue it, perhaps sharing her doubts and fears.
How can one attain an international level of skill in any field? Mention any two ways.
(i) By pursuing the subject "singularly and intensively" for at least ten years.
(ii) By investing great effort, money and personal sacrifice with full commitment, and by having a support network.
Answer
What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers?
Answer
Achievers invest effort and sacrifice and pursue their dream until it comes true, while mere dreamers only say "I wish I could be this or the other" and "never got beyond just wishful thinking", often trading their dream for security.
How does Ming's mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming and convey her message effectively?
Answer
She asks a critical question – "Do you know that to reach world-class standard in any field, one has to be singularly and intensively pursuing the subject for at least ten years?" – which makes Ming think seriously about the commitment needed. She gives examples of people whose dreams of studying at Raffles College were destroyed by the Japanese invasion, and of people who left school to support siblings, showing that circumstances can change dreams. Finally, she shares her own story: publishing the book was a dream she had chased for ten years, though it was not her original youthful dream. These real examples make her advice honest, practical and convincing.
How does Ming's mother balance encouragement with caution in her advice?
Answer
She encourages Ming warmly – "By all means follow that dream" – and says she does not want to "put a wet blanket" on her dreams. At the same time, she cautions her to "count the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice", reminding her that the road is "uphill" and that circumstances can change dreams. Only if the dream still burns after considering all obstacles should Ming "plunge". Thus she supports her dream while making sure it is realistic.
Do you think the mother's advice about the challenges people face in pursuing their dreams is still relevant in contemporary society? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer
Yes. Even today, people must invest years of effort and money to reach top levels in sports, science, arts or business. Financial pressures, family responsibilities, competition, and sudden events like pandemics or economic changes still force people to give up or change their dreams. Support networks remain essential. So the advice to dream with passion but plan realistically is as relevant now as it was in 1995.
What 'costs' in terms of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest to pursue your goals?
Answer
Sample answer: To become a doctor, I am willing to study for long hours, give up some leisure time and social media, attend coaching, and spend more than ten years in medical education and training. I am willing to stay away from home for my studies. However, I am unwilling to sacrifice my health, my values or time with my family completely, because I believe success should be balanced and honest.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Find the meanings of mindscape, seascape, landscape, cityscape. Fill in the blanks in the dialogue.
Answer
Meanings:
mindscape – a person's inner world of thoughts, feelings and imagination
seascape – a view or picture of the sea
landscape – a view of natural scenery on land, such as hills, forests and fields
cityscape – a view of a city, with its buildings and streets
(i) seascape (ii) cityscape (iii) landscape (iv) mindscape
Choose the best meaning for the underlined expressions and use them in sentences of your own.
Answer
Expression | Meaning | Sentence |
1. burn in her blood | (ii) have a passionate desire | The dream of becoming a pilot burns in his blood. |
2. an uphill task | (i) a tough challenge | Cleaning the whole house before the guests arrived was an uphill task. |
3. buoyed up | (iv) lifted in spirit | The students were buoyed up by the principal's praise. |
4. wishful thinking | (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true | Expecting the exam to be cancelled is just wishful thinking. |
5. a wet blanket | (i) spoil-sport | Don't be a wet blanket; come and join the dance! |
6. coursing through her veins | (ii) flowing through her body | Joy was coursing through his veins when he heard the results. |
Complete the sentences using your own words (imperatives).
Answer
1. If the idea excites you, go ahead and give it a try.
2. If you hear strange noises, call the security guard immediately.
3. If this seems too hard, break it into smaller steps.
4. If you care about the issue, raise your voice and volunteer to help.
5. If you finish early, revise your answers carefully.
Analyse the usage of 'could' and match the sentences with their functions.
Answer
Sentence | Function |
1. It could be in any field—sports, science, arts, business or design. | Possibility |
2. "I wish I could be this or the other," ... | Unreal or hypothetical situation |
3. They could have preferred to trade their dream for security. | Past possibility or speculation |
4. ... so that they could support their siblings through school. | Past ability or purpose |
Complete the sentences using 'could' with the functions mentioned.
Answer
1. I wish I could travel the world without worrying about money. (unreal or hypothetical)
2. They could have taken the shorter route, but they didn't know about it. (past possibility or speculative)
3. When I was younger, I could run for hours without stopping. (past ability)
4. She could be at the library right now—she had mentioned it. (possibility)
5. Could you please repeat the question? I didn't hear it clearly. (formal/polite request)
Fill in the blanks with suitable grammatical forms of the words given in brackets.
Answer
1. helps 2. learned (learnt) 3. work 4. apply 5. conducts 6. analyses 7. must reflect 8. helps 9. is 10. will incorporate
Listen and Respond
Listen to an announcement regarding vocational courses starting in school and fill in the blanks with one to three exact words.
Answer
Vocational courses will begin in the month of ______.
Answer
The objective of the courses is to prepare you with ______ for future studies and jobs.
Answer
Offered courses include Graphic Design, ______, Web Application, and Entrepreneurship Skills, etc.
Answer
Classes will be conducted by ______ at school.
Answer
The application forms will be available at the ______.
Answer
Choice of course will be given to ______ applicants.
Answer
1. April (registration forms are available from Monday, 04 April)
2. practical skills
3. Basic Coding
4. trained professionals
5. school office
6. early
Speaking Activity
Role play in groups of four: the Dreamer, a Parent, a Mentor or Teacher, and a Friend/Sibling.
Answer
Sample role play:
Dreamer: Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of the mountains. I want to become a trekking guide. I know this might sound challenging, but I believe I can make it a career.
Parent: I know you're passionate, but how will you earn a steady income? I only want what's best for you, and a secure job matters. You can always pursue your dream later.
Dreamer: I understand it's not a usual path, but I believe adventure tourism is growing fast. It's an uphill journey, but I'm ready for it because this is what I love.
Parent: What if it doesn't work out?
Mentor: Remember, dreams need planning. Let's look at the long-term view. There are ways to combine your dream and a qualification – you could do a course in mountaineering and also study tourism management. Are you ready to train hard and get certified?
Dreamer: Yes, I am!
Friend: You've always been good at leading our class treks – don't give up now. I don't want to be a wet blanket, but what's your backup plan?
Dreamer: I'll complete my degree in tourism as a backup.
Friend: If anyone can do this, it's you. If this dream makes you happy, go for it!
Parent: All right. With a plan like this, you have my support.
Writing Task
Write an email to the Director of a reputed design institute enquiring about details of a summer workshop and expressing your interest in joining it.
Answer
Model answer:
From: aarav.mehta2010@email.com
To: director@designinstitute.edu.in
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: 5 April 2026
Subject: Enquiry about the Summer Design Workshop 2026
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Aarav Mehta, a student of Class IX at Delhi Public School, Lucknow. I am passionate about design and hope to pursue a career in product design in the future. I recently read on your website that your institute is conducting a summer workshop on design for school students.
I would be grateful if you could share the details of the workshop, including the dates, duration, timings, topics to be covered, eligibility, fee and the registration procedure. I would also like to know whether students need to bring any materials or a portfolio.
I am very keen to join this workshop, as it will help me learn from experts and explore my interest in design. I request you to kindly consider my application.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
Aarav Mehta
Class IX, Delhi Public School, Lucknow
Phone: 98XXXXXX10
Learning Beyond the Text
Create a Vision Board for yourself (My Dreams, I Want to Try, Goals, Places I Will Go, Inspiration).
Answer
Sample vision board:
1. My Dreams: To become an astronomer and work with ISRO.
2. I Want to Try: joining the school theatre club, learning to swim, starting a nature journal, building a simple telescope.
3. Goals: Read 12 books this year; score above 90% in Mathematics and Science; practise yoga daily; improve my handwriting.
4. Places I Will Go: the Himalayas (to see the night sky at Hanle, Ladakh), the Andaman Islands, the Sriharikota launch centre, and one day – space!
5. Inspiration: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Kalpana Chawla; my grandfather; the quote "Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep."
Great personalities in history were inspired by their parents (Jijabai and Shivaji; Queen Madalasa).
Answer
This is an information section. It shows how mothers like Jijabai, who shaped Shivaji's sense of dharma, patriotism and justice through stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and Queen Madalasa, who guided her sons towards spiritual wisdom, inspired their children – just as Ming's mother guides her in the letter.
Believe in Yourself (Poem) – Reflect and Respond
Imagine that you are the person in the image (standing at the foot of tall stairs). 1. What emotions do you feel standing at the base of a difficult task? 2. What might make you take the first step?
Answer
Sample answers:
1. I would feel nervous, a little afraid and unsure, but also curious and excited about what lies at the top.
2. Belief in myself, the thought of the view and success at the top, the encouragement of people I love, and reminding myself that every big climb begins with one small step.
Think about a time when you had to face a challenge. 1. What was it, and how did you feel at the start? 2. How did you feel once you made the decision to move forward?
Answer
Sample answers:
1. I had to give a speech in front of the whole school at the annual function. At the start, I felt anxious; my hands were cold and I was afraid of forgetting my lines.
2. Once I decided to go ahead and practised every day, I felt calmer and more confident. After the speech, I felt proud and relieved.
What does the phrase 'believe in yourself' mean to you? Write some words or phrases you associate with it.
Answer
To me, it means trusting my own abilities and not giving up even when others doubt me. Associated words: confidence, courage, self-trust, determination, "I can do it", positive thinking, self-respect, never give up.
Select the correct meaning of 'status quo'.
Answer
2. A situation to keep things the same.
Believe in Yourself – Check Your Understanding
Select the correct central idea for each stanza.
Answer
Stanza 1: (i) Facing challenges requires personal responsibility and a clear focus on one's future.
Stanza 2: (i) Fear and uncertainty make it difficult to make choices as the future approaches.
Stanza 3: (ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change.
Stanza 4: (ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track.
Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme ______ that flows steadily through each stanza.
Answer
ABCB (see/be, fear/near, quo/grow, back/track – the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme)
Tone: State whether the statements are true or false.
Answer
1. True
2. True
Speaker: Fill in the blanks.
Answer
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.
Imagery: Match the phrases in Column 1 with the imagery they represent in Column 2.
Answer
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. |
Extra representation: (i) Represents the difficulty of beginning a new challenge or change.
Symbolism: Complete the sentences with words from the box (unknown, self-improvement, courage, leap of faith, stagnation).
Answer
1. Comfort and the status quo represent stagnation and fear of change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back.
2. The future symbolises the unknown, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires courage to step into.
3. The first step symbolises the initial leap of faith required to begin the journey of self-improvement or personal development.
Metaphor: Explain why 'The first step is the hardest' is metaphorical.
Answer
The "first step" does not mean a physical step. It stands for the beginning of any new challenge or change – making a decision and starting to act. Beginning is compared to taking the first step of a climb, which needs the most courage because one must overcome fear and leave comfort behind.
Antithesis: Identify the lines that show antithesis and explain why.
Answer
"Will it pull you forward / Or push you back in fear?" These lines place opposite ideas – "pull ... forward" and "push ... back" – in a parallel structure. The contrast shows the two possible effects of a challenge: it can make us progress or make us retreat in fear, and the choice is ours. (The contrast between the "ease in comfort" of the status quo and "how we grow" in stanza 3 also shows contrasting ideas.)
Believe in Yourself – Critical Reflection
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."
Answer
(i) What does the line 'There is no crowd to see' suggest about facing challenges?
Answer
Facing a challenge is a personal, often lonely journey; there is no audience to cheer or judge us, so we must find motivation within ourselves.
(ii) The line 'It's just you and the future' suggests that ______.
each person is responsible for his or her own future, and only our own choices and efforts decide where we will reach.
(iii) Latha will ______ her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practising harder each day.
step up
(iv) Select the most suitable title for the extract.
B. Facing the Future Alone
(v) achieve : goal :: face : ______
challenge
Answer the following questions.
Answer
What is the significance of the metaphor 'The first step is the hardest' in the context of personal growth?
Answer
It shows that the most difficult part of change is beginning, because we must overcome fear, doubt and the comfort of the status quo. Once we take that first step, there is "no turning back", and progress becomes easier. So personal growth depends on the courage to start.
What message does the antithesis in the poem convey about the nature of personal development?
Answer
The contrast between being pulled forward and pushed back in fear shows that every challenge offers two paths – growth or retreat. Personal development depends on our choice to move forward despite fear, rather than staying in the comfort of the status quo.
Do you think the poet's message is realistic in the context of real-world struggles?
Answer
Partly. Self-belief is essential, because without it we may never take the first step or keep going after failures. However, in the real world, believing in yourself is not always enough. Hard work, proper planning, skills, guidance from mentors, support from family and sometimes financial resources and opportunities are also necessary. As the letter in "Follow That Dream" says, one must "count the cost" and have a support network. So the poet's message is a strong starting point, but it must be combined with effort and planning.
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 self-belief apply?
Answer
Sample answer: My elder cousin wanted to become a software engineer but failed her entrance exam the first time. Many relatives advised her to take any job and maintain the status quo. Taking the first step to prepare again was very hard, and she was afraid of failing twice. But she believed in herself, studied with a fixed timetable and cleared the exam the next year. Her story matches the poem: the first step was the hardest, but self-belief kept her "future on track".
Believe in Yourself – Vocabulary in Context
Fill in the blanks with the Latin expressions from the table.
(i) I enjoy reading fantasy books, e.g. (exempli gratia) Harry Potter and Magical Paint Brush.
(ii) After helping Tanya with the homework, Ritu asked for a quid pro quo to borrow her notes next time.
(iii) I love all kinds of outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking, biking, etc. (et cetera)
(iv) The park is not very special per se; it becomes more fun when you visit with friends.
(v) We created an ad hoc team to organise the school festival.
(vi) The movie started in media res, with the hero already fighting the villain in a huge battle.
Answer
State what the rhetorical questions intend to achieve.
Answer
(i) "Isn't it obvious that we must act now? Don't we all have a responsibility to make a change?" – It creates a sense of urgency and shared responsibility, persuading listeners to agree and take action.
(ii) "Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?" – It challenges listeners to choose courage over fear and inspires them to overcome difficulties.
Match the situations in Column 1 to the rhetorical questions in Column 2.
Answer
Situation | Rhetorical question |
(i) Deciding whether to stand up for what is right | F. How can we stay silent when we know what is right? |
(ii) Owning up to a mistake made in a group project | C. If I don't take responsibility now, when will I? |
(iii) Deciding whether to try something challenging, like public speaking | E. What's the point of playing it safe if it means staying stuck? |
(iv) Choosing between two career paths | D. Can I really move forward without knowing which path to take? |
(v) Deciding whether to apologise for a mistake | B. Isn't it better to admit our mistakes than to let them define us? |
(vi) Trying something new and stepping out of your comfort zone | A. How can we ever grow if we never try anything new? |
Believe in Yourself – Listen and Respond
Listen to a conversation between two friends and answer in one to three exact words: 1. How did the boy feel before the play? 2. According to the girl, where does confidence come from? 3. What was the girl finally sure about regarding the boy?
Answer
1. (so) nervous
2. taking action
3. (that) you'll shine – she says, "I know you'll shine!"
Listen again and select the four true statements from 1–7.
Answer
Statement | True/False |
1. The boy feels confident but is worried about freezing on stage. | False – he is nervous, not confident. |
2. The girl encourages the boy to push through his doubts by trusting in his preparation. | True |
3. The boy thinks that the audience will be supportive regardless of his performance. | False – he worries that everyone will be watching him. |
4. The girl believes that self-doubt is a normal part of preparing for a big performance. | True ("self-doubt is just part of the process") |
5. The boy feels that his preparation is not enough and doubts his abilities, even though he has practised. | True ("I feel like I'm not good enough, even though I've put in the work") |
6. The girl suggests that the boy should avoid feeling nervous and perform perfectly. | False – she says everyone feels nervous before big moments. |
7. The girl believes that pushing through nervousness will help the boy grow and build confidence. | True ("The more you push yourself, the more confident you'll become") |
True statements: 2, 4, 5 and 7.
Believe in Yourself – Speaking Activity
Work in pairs. For each saying/proverb, explain its meaning, relate it to a real-life situation and do the suggested role play.
Answer
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Answer
Meaning: We should not judge people or things only by their appearance.
Sample role play:
Riya: Look at the new boy in the torn shoes. He probably can't even answer a simple question.
Kabir (new boy): Hi, I'm Kabir. I just moved from a village in Bihar. I'm preparing for the Science Olympiad – would you like to join our study group?
Riya: Oh! I had no idea. I'm sorry I judged you so quickly.
Conclusion: Appearances can be deceptive; we should get to know people before forming opinions.
Actions speak louder than words.
Answer
Meaning: What we do shows our true intentions more than what we say.
Sample role play:
Aman: From tomorrow I'll study three hours daily and top the class!
Neha: I've already made a timetable and have been revising every evening for two weeks. Here are my notes.
Aman (a month later): My marks didn't improve, but yours did. I realise I only talked about working hard.
Conclusion: Real effort, not promises, brings results.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Answer
Meaning: Strong people work even harder when things become difficult.
Sample role play:
Tanu: Our model keeps falling apart. I give up – the project is due in two days!
Ishaan: Let's not quit now. We'll use a stronger base and divide the work. We can do this.
Tanu (two days later): We finished it, and the teacher praised our model!
Conclusion: Perseverance in difficult times leads to success.
Believe in Yourself – Writing Task
Draft a speech for the morning assembly on 'Turning Challenges into Opportunities'.
Answer
Model answer:
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. I am Ananya Sharma of Class IX-B. "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity," said Albert Einstein. Have you ever wondered why some people grow stronger after facing problems, while others give up? Today, I would like to speak on "Turning Challenges into Opportunities" – why we fear change, and how we can use challenges to grow.
Firstly, most of us feel anxious when faced with change because we prefer the comfort of the status quo and fear failure. However, challenges are the best teachers. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam delivered newspapers before dawn to pay for his school, and this hardship taught him discipline and hard work. Similarly, when my school's sports ground was closed for repairs, our football team practised on a small patch of land; we learnt better ball control and went on to win the zonal match. Isn't it amazing how a problem can become a hidden advantage?
Secondly, we can choose the right attitude to face challenges. We can break big problems into small steps, ask for help from teachers and parents, learn from every failure, and believe in ourselves. Each challenge we overcome builds new skills, determination and confidence – the very qualities that lead to success. As the poem we read says, "The first step is the hardest", but once we take it, there is no turning back.
To sum up, challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones. Let us stop fearing change and start welcoming it as a chance to grow. Remember, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Thank you.
Believe in Yourself – Learning Beyond the Text
Explore the stories of Indian leaders who faced challenges and turned them into opportunities. Find out about such personalities from your village, town, city or state and present their success stories.
Answer
Sample presentation – Arunima Sinha (Uttar Pradesh): Arunima Sinha was a national-level volleyball player. In 2011, she lost her left leg after being pushed off a moving train by robbers. Instead of giving up, she decided to climb Mount Everest. With an artificial leg and training under Bachendri Pal, she reached the summit in 2013, becoming the first woman amputee to climb Everest. She later climbed the highest peaks of several continents and received the Padma Shri. Her story shows how a terrible setback can be turned into an inspiring achievement through self-belief and determination.
Read and enjoy the poem 'Always Believe in Yourself' by Dorothy Hewitt.
Answer
This is a reading-for-enjoyment activity. The poem encourages us not to limit ourselves, to be kind to ourselves, to persist even when tested beyond endurance, to hold on to courage and to think big – the same message of self-belief found in Robert Langley's poem.
Extra Important Questions
Short Answer Questions
What, according to Ming's mother, differentiates greatness from the ordinary?
Answer
The amount of effort and sacrifice people invest to realise their dream differentiates greatness from the ordinary.
What example does the mother give about Academy Award winners, and why?
Answer
She says winners always thank many people who formed their support network. She uses this to show that behind every successful person there is a group of people who stood by them.
Why did some people fail to fulfil their dreams, according to the letter?
Answer
Some traded their dreams for security, while others were stopped by circumstances – like the Japanese invasion during World War II or having to work to support their siblings.
What dream had Ming's mother been chasing for ten years?
Answer
Publishing her book, which was not her original dream of youth but a newer one that life had given her.
What does the speaker of "Believe in Yourself" say about comfort and the status quo?
Answer
The speaker says there is ease in comfort and maintaining the status quo, "But this isn't what we are made for / This isn't how we grow."
Long Answer Questions
What steps does Ming's mother suggest for following a dream successfully?
Answer
Ming's mother says a dream begins with a passion for a particular interest, followed by the conviction that it must be realised. Next, one must "count the cost" – years of effort, financial investment and sacrifice. If the dream is still "burning in your blood" after this, one should commit fully and "plunge". She warns that the road may be uphill, but the joy of doing what one loves and the prospect of success will keep one going. She also stresses the value of a support network and accepts that dreams may change with life, and that new dreams are no less valuable. Her advice combines passion with careful, realistic planning.
How is the letter "Follow That Dream" an example of a loving and practical mother–daughter relationship?
Answer
The letter, from the collection "My Daughter, My Friend", shows a mother who treats her teenage daughter as a friend. She begins with complete support – "By all means follow that dream" – but she also shares honest truths about effort, sacrifice and obstacles. She does not want to "put a wet blanket" on Ming's dreams, yet she prepares her for reality with examples from history and her own life. Ending with "I wish at least one of your dreams comes true" and "Love, Mum", she shows affection and faith in her daughter. This balance of love, honesty and guidance makes their relationship special.
Compare the messages of the letter "Follow That Dream" and the poem "Believe in Yourself".
Answer
Both texts encourage young people to pursue their goals with courage. The letter focuses on the practical journey: passion, conviction, counting the cost, years of hard work, support networks and accepting that dreams may change. The poem focuses on the inner strength needed to begin: facing the future alone, overcoming fear, leaving the comfort of the status quo and taking the hardest first step with self-belief. Together, they teach that achieving a dream needs both self-belief to start and determined, well-planned effort to finish.