Reflect and Respond
I. Read the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What is your dream?
Ans (Sample): My dream is to become a software engineer who creates innovative digital solutions to empower rural communities, making education and healthcare more accessible and closing the digital divide in India.
2. Who inspires you to dream?
Ans (Sample): I find inspiration in Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, whose journey from modest beginnings to becoming a renowned scientist and President of India demonstrates the power of perseverance and commitment. In addition, my parents and teachers motivate me through their guidance and encouragement.
3. What qualities should you have in order to fulfil your dream?
Ans (Sample): To achieve my dream, I need qualities like enthusiasm, persistence, self-discipline, adaptability, patience, and the ability to make sacrifices when necessary. Having supportive mentors, family, and friends is also crucial.
4. Abdul Kalam said, “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.” Discuss.
Ans: A dream that occurs during sleep is fleeting and requires no real action. In contrast, a dream that keeps you awake is a powerful goal or ambition—so strong that it energizes you and shapes your daily life. This type of dream fills you with determination, pushes you toward achievement, and inspires continuous effort. It is this passionate drive, as described by Ming’s mother, that leads people to accomplish great things.
II. What role can parents and community play to help children achieve their dreams?
Ans:
Parents play a key role by offering emotional support, helping children recognize their talents, investing in their education, sharing personal stories, and guiding them with thoughtful advice while maintaining motivation and positivity.
Communities support children’s dreams by connecting them with mentors and positive role models, organizing events like workshops and competitions to foster growth, building supportive networks, recognizing and celebrating achievements to motivate others, and offering financial assistance or scholarships for those with limited resources.
III. Complete the given web chart. Why is it important to follow a dream?
Ans: Following a dream brings meaning and direction to life, encouraging dedication and personal growth. It helps develop resilience, provides a sense of accomplishment, inspires those around you, and allows you to make a positive impact on society through creativity and progress.
Check Your Understanding
I. State whether the following sentences are true or false.
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.
enthusiasm : passion :: belief : _____________
Ans: enthusiasm : passion :: belief : conviction — just as enthusiasm and passion are synonyms, belief and conviction both denote a firm, deeply held certainty.
(ii) Choose the correct option to complete the following sentence appropriately.
The author says that a realistic assessment of effort, investment and sacrifice is crucial for preventing _____________.
A. the need for external support network
B. an early abandonment of the dream
C. initial excitement from fading over time
D. others from questioning one’s commitment
Ans: B. an early abandonment of the dream. By considering the required effort, time, and investment in advance, a person sets realistic expectations and is better prepared for obstacles, reducing the chances of giving up early.
(iii) Complete the following with the correct option from those given in brackets.
The word ‘plunge’ as used in the extract indicates a _____________ (complete/gradual) involvement in a task.
Ans: complete — The word “plunge” refers to getting involved in something fully and right away, showing absolute dedication instead of a gradual or hesitant start.
(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
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 _____________.
Ans: …because the motivation is internal, not dependent on outside rewards. When someone finds personal meaning and their actions reflect their values, they are more likely to persist even through tough times. This inner fulfilment provides the strength to keep going, especially when faced with challenges and fatigue.
(v) Mention one motivating factor besides ‘prospect of success’, that might keep a person on track, despite running out of stamina.
Ans: Support from family, friends, or mentors can reignite determination when your energy is low. Their belief in you and their encouragement can help you push through difficult moments. Additionally, reflecting on your original motivation for pursuing your dream can refresh your commitment and keep you moving forward.
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.
The phrase ‘life itself may change a person’s dreams’ suggests that dreams are not static but rather__________. (evolving/dynamic)
Ans: evolving — dreams are constantly changing, influenced by our experiences, responsibilities, and the situations we face in life. The mother highlights this point by sharing how her own dream of publishing a book transformed over time.
(ii) What does the author mean by, ‘hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days’?
Ans: When circumstances in life lead to a shift in your original dream, the new hopes and goals that arise are just as meaningful. They deserve the same dedication and are equally important to pursue. Changing a dream is not a sign of failure; it means the dream has evolved and matured as you have.
(iii) Identify the phrase from the extract that indicates a complex and challenging journey.
Ans: “negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles” — this phrase suggests a challenging and intricate journey, with many twists, turns, and barriers. Navigating a maze full of hurdles means facing ongoing obstacles and difficulties, requiring determination, problem-solving skills, and adaptability at every step.
(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The author says, ‘people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more’ because _________________.
Ans: …because as dreams change over time, their pursuit often becomes more complicated and extended. As a result, people need support and guidance from a wider range of individuals—like teachers, mentors, family members, and colleagues—at various points along the way. More people become involved as dreams develop and grow.
(v) What is the tone of the author in this extract?
A. appreciative and celebratory
B. excited and cheerful
C. optimistic and encouraging
D. eager and inquisitive
Ans: C. optimistic and encouraging. While the mother recognizes the difficulties involved, she remains hopeful and supportive throughout her message—emphasizing that new dreams are just as valuable as the original ones and expressing confidence in Ming’s ability to achieve her goals.
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?
Ans: Ming probably wrote to her mother about a special ambition—maybe a less traditional career choice—expressing her excitement as well as her doubts about whether it was realistic. She was likely looking for her mother’s support or advice before making a final decision. The mother’s warm encouragement, paired with practical guidance, shows that Ming shared both her hopes and uncertainties about her dream.
2. How can one attain an international level of skill in any field? Mention any two ways.
Ans:
- Devoting yourself fully and working persistently in your chosen field for at least a decade—showing unwavering commitment and steady, focused effort over many years.
- Beginning with genuine passion and reinforcing it with strong conviction—a heartfelt enthusiasm for the subject along with the determination to reach your full potential, which helps you persevere through years of hard work and sacrifice.
3. What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers?
Ans:
- Taking action versus just wishing: Dreamers often say “I wish I could,” but stop there. Achievers, on the other hand, turn their wishes into real plans and take steps to accomplish them.
- Willingness to work and sacrifice: Achievers honestly assess the effort, time, and resources required and are prepared to make those sacrifices. Dreamers usually avoid making such commitments.
- Commitment: Achievers immerse themselves completely in their goals, while dreamers hesitate and never fully commit to the journey.
- Perseverance: Achievers stay motivated by focusing on the possibility of success and their passion for what they do, even during tough times. Dreamers tend to quit when faced with difficulties.
4. How does Ming’s mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming and convey her message effectively?
Ans:
Critical questions: Ming’s mother uses thoughtful questions, such as asking whether Ming knows that reaching excellence in any field often means dedicating at least ten years of focused work. This approach encourages Ming to reflect and form her own conclusions, rather than simply accepting advice.
Personal anecdotes: She shares real-life stories, including people whose dreams were affected by historical events, relatives who made sacrifices for family, and her own experience of working for a decade to publish a book. These personal examples make her guidance relatable and credible, building a strong emotional connection.
5. How does Ming’s mother balance encouragement with caution in her advice?
Ans:
Encouragement: Ming’s mother begins her letter with enthusiastic support, urging Ming to pursue her dreams and sharing the message that perseverance leads to success. She reassures Ming that she will not discourage her and even shares her own excitement about pursuing her changing dreams.
Caution: She is candid about the challenges ahead, openly discussing the need for years of hard work, financial sacrifices, and strong personal commitment. She provides real-life examples where dreams were interrupted by difficult circumstances and advises Ming to consider these factors carefully before making a decision.
This balanced approach shows respect for Ming’s maturity, empowering her to make a well-informed and passionate choice.
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?
Ans: Yes, this advice is still highly relevant today:
- • Achieving excellence continues to demand years of dedicated effort, even though social media sometimes makes success look instant.
- • Many people still struggle with wishful thinking, hoping for big results without consistent hard work.
- • External factors like finances, family responsibilities, and social pressures can still block people from following their dreams.
- • Having supportive mentors and a strong community remains crucial for reaching ambitious goals.
- • Dreams naturally change over time, and it’s just as important now to understand that these changes are valid and meaningful.
7. What ‘costs’ in terms of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest to pursue your goals?
Ans (Sample):
Willing: I am prepared to study and practice every day, give up some leisure activities, persist through setbacks, and seek feedback to improve.
Difficult to accept: It would be hard to miss out on time with family and friends during busy periods, and I am concerned about the financial demands of getting a good education.
Still, as Ming’s mother suggests, if my determination remains strong after weighing these sacrifices, I believe I should move forward and chase my dream.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I. Find the meanings of the ‘-scape’ compound words and fill in the blanks in the dialogue.
1. Fill in the blanks in the dialogue between Sneha and Kiran.
Ans:
Sneha: Your Goa pictures were beautiful! That (i) seascape was dreamy.
Kiran: Thanks! It was way better than our usual (ii) cityscape, so peaceful.
Sneha: I get that. But sometimes the city lights have their own charm.
Kiran: True, but I’m craving a quiet (iii) landscape. Forests, hills — something real.
Sneha: Yes, nature clears the (iv) mindscape, doesn’t it?
II. Read each sentence carefully and choose the best meaning for the underlined expression. Then, use that expression in a sentence of your own.
1. She had a dream that seemed to burn in her blood, and she wasn’t going to give up on it easily.
(i) make her angry (ii) have a passionate desire (iii) cause physical pain (iv) become violent
Ans: (ii) have a passionate desire. Own sentence: A passion for helping others burned within her, inspiring her to volunteer at the community center every weekend.
2. Preparing for the final exam without proper notes felt like an uphill task.
(i) a tough challenge (ii) a slow progress (iii) a hard routine (iv) a difficult choice
Ans: (i) a tough challenge. Own sentence: Training for a marathon while balancing schoolwork felt like an uphill task, but his determination helped him reach the finish line.
3. The team was buoyed up by their recent victory and felt confident about the next game.
(i) energised by success (ii) encouraged by the result (iii) motivated to improve (iv) lifted in spirit
Ans: (iv) lifted in spirit. Own sentence: The encouragement from her friends after the performance buoyed her up, inspiring her to set even higher goals for herself.
4. He thought he could ace the exam without studying, but that was just wishful thinking.
(i) a clever shortcut but no real effort (ii) a confident guess lacking knowledge (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true (iv) a strong desire based on facts
Ans: (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true. Own sentence: Believing you can win a competition without putting in any preparation is simply wishful thinking—real achievement demands effort.
5. Don’t be a wet blanket — we’re trying to have fun!
(i) spoil-sport (ii) latecomer (iii) rule-breaker (iv) daydreamer
Ans: (i) spoil-sport. Own sentence: Everyone was enjoying the celebration, but his negative comments acted like a wet blanket and dampened the mood.
6. Excitement was coursing through her veins as she stepped onto the stage for the first time.
(i) hiding deep inside (ii) flowing through her body (iii) lingering in her thoughts (iv) causing numbness
Ans: (ii) flowing through her body. Own sentence: As she stepped onto the stage, excitement was coursing through her veins, filling her with energy and confidence.
III. First Conditional with Imperative – Complete the sentences using your own words (imperatives).
Ans:
- If the idea excites you, pursue it with all your heart and start planning today.
- If you hear strange noises, stay calm, switch on the lights, and alert an adult immediately.
- If this seems too hard, break it into smaller steps and take it one day at a time.
- If you care about the issue, speak up, take action, and inspire others to do the same.
- If you finish early, use the extra time to revise, help a classmate, or explore something new.
IV. Analyse the usage of ‘could’ and match the sentences with their functions.
V. Complete the following sentences using ‘could’ with the functions mentioned within brackets.
- I wish __________ without worrying about money. (unreal or hypothetical)
- They __________ the shorter route, but they didn’t know about it. (past possibility or speculative)
- When I was younger, I __________ without stopping. (past ability)
- She __________ the library right now—she had mentioned it. (possibility)
- __________ repeat the question? I didn’t hear it clearly. (formal/polite request)
Ans:
- I wish I could travel the world without worrying about money.
- They could have taken the shorter route, but they didn’t know about it.
- When I was younger, I could run for hours without stopping.
- She could be at the library right now — she had mentioned it.
- Could you repeat the question? I didn’t hear it clearly.
VI. Fill in the blanks with suitable grammatical forms of the words given in brackets.
Ans: Experiential learning is a teaching method that emphasizes gaining knowledge through direct experiences, practical activities, and thoughtful reflection. It 1. helps (help) students acquire real-world skills and practical understanding. Traditionally, students 2. learned / learnt (learn) by listening to lectures and memorizing facts, but experiential learning has transformed this traditional process.
In this setting, students 3. work (work) on hands-on projects, solve real problems, and participate in activities that mirror actual challenges. They 4. apply (apply) classroom concepts to unfamiliar situations. For example, science students 5. conduct (conduct) experiments to test ideas, and business students 6. analyze (analyse) case studies to understand market trends.
A key aspect of this approach is reflection. After completing a task, learners 7. must reflect (must/reflect) on their successes and areas for improvement. This process 8. helps (help) them develop a deeper grasp of the subject.
Experts agree that experiential learning 9. is (be) generally more effective than passive methods, as it is both engaging and meaningful. Looking ahead, more educational institutions 10. will incorporate (incorporate) experiential learning to prepare students for real-life situations.
Speaking Activity
I. Work in groups of four. Each member takes one role. Use the sentence prompts to present your role play. (Sample: Dream — becoming a trekking guide)
Role 1 — The Dreamer (wants to be a trekking guide)
Dreamer: “I realize this path is unconventional, but being in the mountains has always made me feel truly alive. Since childhood, I’ve imagined leading others on wilderness adventures and sharing the lessons the outdoors can teach—lessons that go beyond any textbook. I know trekking isn’t the most common career choice, but eco-tourism and certified guides are gaining popularity. The journey is tough—sometimes literally an uphill climb—but I’ve put in two years of training, learned the routes, and I genuinely love what I do.”
Role 2 — A Parent (worried about financial stability)
Parent: “I can see how much this means to you, but my main concern is your financial security. I want you to have a stable future, and I’m not sure trekking can provide that. Maybe you could focus on your studies first, get a degree for job security, and then explore trekking as a career. If things don’t go as planned, what’s your backup? The mountains aren’t going anywhere—you can always return to them after finishing your education.”
Role 3 — A Mentor or Teacher (offers balanced advice)
Mentor: “Chasing a dream starts with a solid plan. Consider that adventure tourism and eco-tourism are expanding fields in India. You could merge your passion with financial stability by earning a certification in adventure tourism—many respected institutions offer these programs. Are you prepared to invest in building these skills step by step? If you are, I truly believe your dream could become a successful career.”
Role 4 — A Friend / Sibling (supportive voice)
Friend: “You’ve always had a knack for finding your way, helping others, and making friends wherever you go—don’t stop now. I’m not trying to discourage you, but do you have a backup plan in case things start off slowly? Honestly, if anyone can make this work, it’s you. Maybe you could begin with weekend treks and start building a client base while you’re still in school. If this dream truly excites you and you’re committed to it, every bit of effort will be worthwhile.”
Writing Task
I. Write an email to the Director of a reputed design institute enquiring about a summer workshop and expressing your interest in joining it.
From: priya.sharma.student@gmail.com
To: director@designinstitute.edu.in
Cc: admissions@designinstitute.edu.in
Bcc: (left blank)
Date: 18 March 2026
Subject: Enquiry Regarding Summer Workshop on Designing
Dear Director,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Priya Sharma, and I am a Class IX student at Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 21, Chandigarh. I recently learned about your Summer Workshop on Designing from your institute’s website and am eager to participate.
I am passionate about visual design and creative arts, and I am keen to enhance my skills through expert guidance. I would be grateful if you could provide the following information about the workshop:
- The exact dates and duration of the summer workshop
- Topics and modules to be covered
- Eligibility criteria and prerequisites, if any
- Registration process, fees, and payment details
- Availability of certificates or portfolio guidance upon completion
Attending this workshop would be a valuable step toward my academic and career goals. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from your faculty and connect with like-minded peers.
Thank you for considering my enquiry. I look forward to your response. You may reach me at the contact details below for any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Priya Sharma
Class IX Student
Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 21, Chandigarh – 160022
Mobile: 98XXXXXXXX
Email: [EMAIL HERE]