Reflect and Respond (Page 1)
Q1. I Read the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. 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 successful software engineer and create innovative solutions that make people's lives easier.
2. My parents and teachers inspire me to dream. They encourage me to think big and work hard to achieve my goals.
3. To fulfil my dream, I should have qualities like determination, hard work, patience, discipline, self-confidence, and the ability to learn from failures.
4. Abdul Kalam's quote means that a true dream is not just a fantasy you see while sleeping, but a powerful vision that stays with you and motivates you to work tirelessly until you achieve it. A real dream keeps you awake at night with excitement and determination.
Q2. II What role can parents and community play to help children achieve their dreams?
Answer:
Answer:
Parents and community play a crucial role in helping children achieve their dreams:
- Encouragement: They can encourage children to pursue their passions and believe in themselves.
- Support: They can provide emotional, financial, and moral support during difficult times.
- Guidance: They can guide children with wise advice and share their own experiences.
- Resources: They can provide access to education, training, and opportunities.
- Role Models: They can serve as positive role models and inspire children to work hard.
Q3. III Complete the given web chart. Give as many reasons as you can. 
Answer:
Reasons why people do not follow their dreams:
- Fear of failure
- Lack of self-confidence
- Financial constraints
- Family responsibilities
- Lack of support from family and friends
- Fear of stepping out of comfort zone
- Lack of proper guidance
- Unrealistic expectations
- Procrastination
- Negative mindset
Check Your Understanding (Page 4)
Q1. I State whether the following sentences are true or false. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. 1. Reaching the peak of skill in a field typically demands a focused and intense dedication for about a decade. 2. The mother believes that significant effort and personal sacrifices are essential for turning aspirations into reality. 3. The path to achieving the deepest desires has very little difficulty or a few obstacles. 4. The mother is of the opinion that a person's life goals and hopes can evolve over time. 5. Having a strong network of individuals can be a hurdle in pursuing one's ambition. 6. The mother feels that pursuing a major life goal will not involve any financial expense or sacrifice. 7. For many individuals, their aspirations remain just wishes because they don't move beyond mere daydreaming.
Answer:
Answers:
1. True – The mother mentions that to reach world-class standard, one must pursue the subject intensively for at least ten years.
2. True – The mother emphasises that significant effort and personal sacrifices are essential to turn aspirations into reality.
3. False – The mother says the road may be uphill most of the way, indicating it is difficult with many obstacles.
4. True – The mother shares from her own experience that life itself may change a person's dreams.
5. False – The mother says that winners always thank a host of people who formed their support network, indicating it is helpful, not a hurdle.
6. False – The mother says one must count the cost in years of effort, financial investments, and sacrifice.
7. True – The mother says that for many people, dreams remain dreams because they don't get beyond wishful thinking.
Critical Reflection (Page 5)
Q1. 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: (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 (iii) Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets. The word 'plunge' as used in the extract indicates a (complete/gradual) involvement in a task. (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
Answer:
Answers:
(i) enthusiasm: passion : conviction
(ii) B. an early abandonment of the dream
(iii) The word 'plunge' as used in the extract indicates a complete involvement in a task.
(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 it comes from within and gives a sense of purpose and satisfaction, making the effort worthwhile regardless of external rewards.
Q2. 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) (ii) What does the author mean by, 'hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days'? (iii) Identify the phrase from the extract that indicates a complex and challenging journey. (iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. The author says, 'people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more' because ______. (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
Answer:
Answers:
(i) The phrase 'life itself may change a person's dreams' suggests that dreams are not static but rather evolving/dynamic.
(ii) The author means that the new dreams and aspirations that develop later in life are just as valuable and meaningful as the dreams one had in youth. They are not inferior just because they are different.
(iii) The phrase 'negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles' indicates a complex and challenging journey.
(iv) The author says, 'people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more' because as life progresses and dreams evolve, more people become involved in supporting and helping you achieve your goals.
(v) C. optimistic and encouraging
Q3. 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? 2. How can one attain an international level of skill in any field? Mention any two ways. 3. What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers? 4. How does Ming's mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming and convey her message effectively? 5. How does Ming's mother balance encouragement with caution in her advice? 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? 7. What 'costs' in terms of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest to pursue your goals?
Answer:
Answers:
1. Ming must have written to her mother about her dreams and aspirations, possibly expressing doubts or seeking guidance on whether she should pursue them. She might have shared her passion and asked for her mother's opinion.
2. Two ways to attain an international level of skill in any field are:
- Singularly and intensively pursuing the subject for at least ten years.
- Making significant effort and personal sacrifices while staying passionate and committed.
3. Mere dreamers only engage in wishful thinking and never get beyond just wishing. Actual achievers have passion, conviction, and are willing to invest effort, make sacrifices, and commit themselves to the task. They take action and persist through challenges.
4. Ming's mother uses critical questions like 'Do you know that to reach world-class standard...?' to make Ming think deeply. She uses personal anecdotes, such as her own experience of publishing a book, to show that dreams can change and evolve. These techniques make her advice relatable and convincing.
5. Ming's mother balances encouragement with caution by first encouraging Ming to follow her dream, then advising her to count the cost in terms of effort, time, and sacrifice. She warns about obstacles but also emphasises that if the conviction remains strong, she should go ahead. She encourages while ensuring Ming is realistic about the challenges.
6. Yes, this advice is still relevant in contemporary society. Despite technological advancements, the core principles of pursuing dreams—passion, hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance—remain unchanged. The challenges may differ, but the need for dedication and realistic assessment is as important as ever.
7. This is a personal response question. Sample answer: I am willing to invest time and effort in my studies and practice regularly to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. I am willing to make sacrifices like cutting down on leisure time. However, I am not willing to sacrifice my health or relationships completely.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context (Page 7)
Q1. I Read the following sentence from the text. The dream will take a much longer time to realise, and the people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more. The word 'dreamscape' is a compound word where 'scape' means 'a view or scene of'. Now, refer to a dictionary and find out the meaning of the following words. mindscape seascape landscape cityscape 1. Fill in the blanks in the following dialogue between two friends with the words given in the box. SNEHA Your Goa pictures were beautiful! That (i) was dreamy. KIRAN Thanks! It was way better than our usual (ii) so peaceful. SNEHA I get that. But sometimes the city lights have their own charm. KIRAN True, but I'm craving a quiet (iii) Forests, hills—something real. SNEHA Yes, nature clears the (iv) doesn't it? KIRAN Exactly. Let's plan a trip that soothes—inside and out.
Answer:
Meanings:
- Mindscape: A mental or psychological landscape; the inner world of thoughts and feelings.
- Seascape: A view or picture of the sea.
- Landscape: A view or picture of the countryside or natural scenery.
- Cityscape: A view or picture of a city.
Completed Dialogue:
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?
KIRAN: Exactly. Let's plan a trip that soothes—inside and out.
Q2. 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 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 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 4. He thought he could ace the exam without studying, but that was just wishful thinking. (i) a clever shortcut but no real effort behind it (ii) a confident guess but lacking proper knowledge (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true (iv) a strong desire but based on facts and planning 5. Don't be a wet blanket—we're trying to have fun! (i) spoil-sport (ii) latecomer (iii) rule-breaker (iv) daydreamer 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
Answer:
Answers:
1. (ii) have a passionate desire
Sentence: The dream of becoming a doctor burned in her blood from a very young age.
2. (i) a tough challenge
Sentence: Completing the marathon with a sprained ankle was an uphill task.
3. (iv) lifted in spirit
Sentence: The good news buoyed up everyone in the family.
4. (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true
Sentence: Thinking you can win the lottery without buying a ticket is just wishful thinking.
5. (i) spoil-sport
Sentence: Don't be a wet blanket and ruin everyone's excitement about the trip.
6. (ii) flowing through her body
Sentence: Joy was coursing through her veins when she received the award.
Q3. III Read the following sentence from the text. After all the obstacles are considered, if the burning conviction is still coursing through your veins, then go ahead and do something about it. Here, the first conditional is used to talk about real or possible situations in the future. Sometimes, instead of saying 'will + verb' in the main clause, we use an imperative (a command or advice). Complete the sentences using your own words (imperatives): 1. If the idea excites you, 2. If you hear strange noises, 3. If this seems too hard, 4. If you care about the issue, 5. If you finish early,
Answer:
Sample Answers:
1. If the idea excites you, go ahead and pursue it.
2. If you hear strange noises, call the police immediately.
3. If this seems too hard, ask for help from someone experienced.
4. If you care about the issue, speak up and take action.
5. If you finish early, help your classmates who are still working.
Q4. IV Read the following sentences from the text. Analyse the usage of 'could' and match the sentences with their functions given in the box below. Past ability or purpose Possibility Past possibility or speculation Unreal or hypothetical situation 1. It could be in any field—sports, science, arts, business or design. 2. "I wish I could be this or the other," they have never got beyond just wishful thinking. 3. They could have preferred to trade their dream for security. 4. I know too, of people who had wished to finish secondary school but they had to go out to work so that they could support their siblings through school.
Answer:
Correct Matches:
| Sentence | Function |
|---|---|
| 1. It could be in any field. | 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 |
Q5. 1. I wish without worrying about money. (unreal or hypothetical) 2. They the shorter route, but they didn't know about it. (past possibility or speculative) 3. When I was younger, I without stopping. (past ability) 4. She the library right now—she had mentioned it. (possibility) 5. repeat the question? I didn't hear it clearly. (formal/polite request)
Answer:
Answers:
1. I wish I could travel without worrying about money.
2. They could have taken the shorter route, but they didn't know about it.
3. When I was younger, I could run without stopping.
4. She could be at the library right now—she had mentioned it.
5. Could you repeat the question? I didn't hear it clearly.
Q6. VI Fill in the blanks with suitable grammatical forms of the words given in brackets. Experiential learning is an approach to education that focuses on learning through experience, action and reflection. It 1. (help) students gain practical knowledge and develop real-world skills. Traditionally, students 2. (learn) by listening to lectures and memorising facts, but experiential learning has changed this process. In an experiential setting, students 3. (work) on projects, solve problems, and take part in activities that reflect real-life challenges. They 4. (apply) what they have learned in class to new and unfamiliar situations. For example, a student studying science 5. (conduct) experiments to test a theory, while a business student 6. (analyse) a case study to understand market trends. Reflection is key to this process. After completing a task, learners 7. (must/reflect) on what went well and what could be improved. This reflection 8. (help) them build a deeper understanding of the topic. Educators believe that experiential learning 9. (be) more effective than passive learning methods because it is engaging and meaningful. In the future, more schools and universities 10. (incorporate) experiential learning into their curriculum to prepare students for the real world.
Answer:
Answers:
Experiential learning is an approach to education that focuses on learning through experience, action and reflection. It 1. helps students gain practical knowledge and develop real-world skills. Traditionally, students 2. learned by listening to lectures and memorising facts, but experiential learning has changed this process.
In an experiential setting, students 3. work on projects, solve problems, and take part in activities that reflect real-life challenges. They 4. apply what they have learned in class to new and unfamiliar situations. For example, a student studying science 5. conducts experiments to test a theory, while a business student 6. analyses a case study to understand market trends.
Reflection is key to this process. After completing a task, learners 7. must reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This reflection 8. helps them build a deeper understanding of the topic.
Educators believe that experiential learning 9. is more effective than passive learning methods because it is engaging and meaningful. In the future, more schools and universities 10. will incorporate experiential learning into their curriculum to prepare students for the real world.
Listen and Respond (Page 11)
Q1. 1. You will listen to an announcement regarding vocational courses starting in school. As you listen, fill in the blanks with one to three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 275) 1. Vocational courses will begin in the month of 2. The objective of the courses is to prepare you with for future studies and jobs. 3. Offered courses include Graphic Design, Web Application, and Entrepreneurship Skills, etc. 4. Classes will be conducted by at school. 5. The application forms will be available at the 6. Choice of course will be given to applicants.
Answer:
Answer:
This is a listening comprehension activity. Students must listen to the audio and fill in the blanks with the correct words.
Speaking Activity (Page 11)
Q1. I Work in groups of four. Each member of the group takes up one of the roles given below. Use the sentence prompts given under each role to present your role play. 1. The Dreamer (for example: wants to be a trekking guide) I know this might sound challenging, but... Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of... I understand it's not a usual path, but I believe... It's an uphill journey, but I'm ready for it because... 2. A Parent (worried about financial stability) I know you're passionate, but... I only want what's best for you, and... You can always pursue your dream later... What if it doesn't...?
3. A Mentor or Teacher (offers balanced advice) Remember dreams need planning... Let's look at the long-term view... There are ways to combine your dream and... Are you ready to... 4. A Friend/Sibling (neutral or supportive voice) You've always been good at... don't give up now. I don't want to be a wet blanket, but what's your backup plan? If anyone can do this, it's you, so... If this dream makes you happy...
Answer:
Sample Role Play:
Setting: A family discussion about career choices.
Dreamer (Rahul): I know this might sound challenging, but ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of becoming a professional trekking guide. I understand it's not a usual path, but I believe I can make it work. It's an uphill journey, but I'm ready for it because I love the mountains and nature.
Parent (Mother): I know you're passionate, but I only want what's best for you. This job doesn't have a stable income. You can always pursue your dream later after getting a secure job. What if it doesn't work out financially?
Mentor (Teacher): Remember dreams need planning. Let's look at the long-term view. There are ways to combine your dream and earning a living. Are you ready to get proper training and certifications in this field?
Friend (Sibling): You've always been good at outdoor activities, so don't give up now. I don't want to be a wet blanket, but what's your backup plan? If anyone can do this, it's you, so go for it if this dream makes you happy.
Writing Task (Page 12)
Q1. I You are passionate about pursuing a course in designing in future. You come across a summer workshop being conducted by a reputed design institute. Write an email to the Director of the institute enquiring the details of the workshop and expressing your interest in joining it. Follow the guidelines given below to write the email. Use formal language Avoid use of abbreviations Include the following components: Header consisting of- sender, receiver, date, and subject The message- introduction, seeking permission, conclusion Complementary close- Yours sincerely, Name, (designation), and contact details of the sender Format of an email:
| From: | |
|---|---|
| To: | |
| Cc: | |
| Bcc: | |
| Subject: | |
| Message: |
Answer:
Sample Email:
From: [email protected]
Cc:
Bcc:
Subject: Enquiry regarding Summer Workshop in Designing
Message:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Rahul Sharma, a student of Class 9 at Delhi Public School. I am writing to express my keen interest in the summer workshop in designing being conducted by your reputed institute.
I have a strong passion for creative arts and design, and I wish to pursue a career in this field. I would be grateful if you could provide me with details regarding the workshop, including the duration, eligibility criteria, fee structure, and the topics that will be covered.
I would also like to know about the application process and the last date for submission of forms. I am eager to join this workshop to enhance my skills and gain valuable experience.
Kindly let me know if there are any additional requirements. I look forward to your positive response.
Yours sincerely,
Rahul Sharma
Student, Class 9
Contact: 9876543210
Learning Beyond the Text (Page 13)
Q1. I Create a Vision Board for yourself. A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, dreams, and inspirations. It helps you focus on what you want to achieve and stay motivated. Vision boards often include pictures, words, or symbols that reflect your hopes and intentions for the future. 1. My Dreams—Think about what you wish for in the future. This could be becoming an artist, serving the Nation, or learning a new skill. Write or draw it in the 'My dreams' section. 2. I Want to Try—List new things you want to experience this year. These might include trying out for a play, starting a journal, learning to ride a bicycle, etc. 3. Goals—Think about specific things you want to achieve. Use this space to write goals like 'Read 10 books this year' or 'Improve my writing'. 4. Places I Will Go—These can be real or imaginary places you'd like to visit. Draw or paste pictures of cities, nature spots, or even dream destinations like the space or the ocean. 5. Inspiration—Who or what inspires you? It could be a family member, teacher, a famous personality, or a quote that gives you strength.
Answer:
Answer:
This is a creative activity. Students should create their own vision board with sections for dreams, things they want to try, goals, places to visit, and sources of inspiration. They can use pictures, drawings, and words to represent their aspirations.
Q2. II Great personalities in history were inspired by their parents. [IMAGE NEEDED: Images of Chhatrapati Shivaji with his mother Jijabai and Queen Madalasa with her children] 1. Chhatrapati Shivaji's mother, Jijabai, instilled in him a strong sense of dharma, patriotism, and justice. She told him tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which shaped his leadership ideals and bravery. 2. Queen Madalasa, wife of King Ritudhwaja, a revered figure from Indian scriptures, nurtured in her children a deep understanding of the soul and detachment from material desires. Her wisdom led her sons to seek spiritual liberation. Madalasa is a timeless example of a mother guiding her children on the path of enlightenment.
Answer:
Answer:
This section highlights how great personalities were inspired by their parents. Students should read about these examples and discuss how parents can inspire children to achieve greatness. They can also share stories of inspiring figures from their own families or communities.
Q3. 1. What emotions do you feel standing at the base of a difficult task? 2. What might make you take the first step?
Answer:
Answers:
1. Standing at the base of a difficult task, one might feel nervous, anxious, excited, overwhelmed, or uncertain. There is often a mix of fear and anticipation.
2. The first step might be taken because of self-belief, encouragement from others, the desire to grow, or the realisation that the task is necessary for achieving a bigger goal.
Q4. II Think about a time when you had to face a challenge. 1. What was it, and how did you feel at the start of the journey? 2. How did you feel once you made the decision to move forward?
Answer:
Sample Answers:
1. When I had to participate in a public speaking competition, I felt very nervous and scared at the start. I doubted my abilities and wanted to quit.
2. Once I decided to move forward and started preparing, I felt more confident. Each practice session made me feel better, and by the time of the competition, I was excited and proud of myself for taking the challenge.
Q5. III What does the phrase 'believe in yourself' mean to you? Write some words or phrases you associate with believing in yourself.
Answer:
Answer:
Words/phrases associated with 'believe in yourself':
- Confidence
- Self-trust
- Inner strength
- Positive thinking
- Courage
- Determination
- Self-worth
- Trust your abilities
- Be your own cheerleader
- You are capable
Q6. IV Select the correct meaning of 'status quo' based on the given sentence. Even though some kids wanted to try new activities, most of them were happy with the status quo and didn't want any changes. 1. A plan to make things more exciting. 2. A situation to keep things the same. 3. A decision where everything is completely different. 4. A choice to change things quickly without thinking.
Answer:
Answer:
2. A situation to keep things the same.
'Status quo' refers to the existing state of affairs or the current situation, especially when things remain unchanged.