NCERT Class 9 English Follow That Dream & Believe in Yourself – Complete Solutions
Short Intro
This complete study material provides detailed solutions and explanations for the prose lesson “Follow That Dream” and the poem “Believe in Yourself” from Kaveri English. The content is written in Unicode English format and structured for educational portals like MyMockMate. It includes summaries, grammar, literary devices, MCQs, exam tips, FAQs, and step-by-step answers.
Quick Information Box
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Book Name | Kaveri |
| Unit | Unit 8 |
| Lesson Name | Follow That Dream |
| Genre | Letter/Inspirational Prose |
| Author | Irene Chua |
| Poem Name | Believe in Yourself |
| Poet | Robert Langley |
| Main Theme | Dreams, Self-Belief, Perseverance |
| Focus Areas | Motivation, Confidence, Personal Growth |
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
- Reading Comprehension
- Theme and Message
- Character Analysis
- Vocabulary in Context
- Literary Devices
- First Conditional Sentences
- Usage of Could
- Grammar Applications
- Speech Writing
- Email Writing
- Motivation and Goal Setting
- Poetry Appreciation
Important Formulas
First Conditional Structure
If + present tense + imperative/future action
Example: If you believe in yourself, work hard every day.
Modal Verb “Could” Usage
Subject + could + base verb
Functions:
- Possibility
- Past Ability
- Hypothetical Situation
- Polite Request
Chapter Summary – Follow That Dream
“Follow That Dream” is an inspiring letter written by a mother to her daughter Ming. The mother encourages her to pursue her dreams with passion, dedication, and hard work. She explains that success requires years of sacrifice, effort, and determination. The letter also highlights that dreams may evolve with time and that people need support, patience, and resilience to achieve their goals.
Reflect and Respond Answers
1. What is your dream?
Sample Answer
My dream is to become a successful scientist and contribute to society.
2. Who inspires you to dream?
Answer
My parents, teachers, and great personalities like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam inspire me.
3. What qualities are needed to fulfil dreams?
Answer
Hard work, patience, discipline, confidence, and determination are necessary.
4. Abdul Kalam’s quote explanation
Answer
The quote means real dreams motivate people to work continuously toward success.
Check Your Understanding – True or False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
Critical Reflection – Extract 1
(i) enthusiasm : passion :: belief : conviction
(ii) Correct Option
B. an early abandonment of the dream
(iii) Correct Answer
complete
(iv) Intrinsic motivation explanation
Answer
People feel emotionally satisfied when they do work they truly love.
(v) One motivating factor
Answer
Support from family and friends.
Critical Reflection – Extract 2
(i) Correct Word
Dynamic
(ii) Meaning of the statement
Answer
Dreams can change with age and experience, but they remain equally important.
(iii) Challenging phrase
Answer
“maze of hurdles”
(iv) Reason
Answer
Many people contribute and support a person’s dreams over time.
(v) Correct Option
C. optimistic and encouraging
Short Answer Questions
1. What might Ming have written to her mother?
Answer
Ming may have written about her career dream and doubts regarding whether she should pursue it.
2. How can one attain international-level skill?
Answer
- By practicing consistently for many years.
- By making sacrifices and staying focused.
3. Difference between dreamers and achievers
Answer
Achievers work hard and take action, while dreamers only imagine success.
4. How does the mother persuade Ming?
Answer
She uses personal experiences, examples, and thoughtful advice to motivate Ming.
5. How does the mother balance encouragement with caution?
Answer
She encourages dreams but also reminds Ming about sacrifices, obstacles, and planning.
6. Is the advice still relevant today?
Answer
Yes. Modern life also requires hard work, determination, and patience to achieve goals.
7. What sacrifices are necessary for goals?
Answer
Students may sacrifice comfort, free time, entertainment, and money to achieve goals.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Compound Words Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
| mindscape | scene of thoughts or imagination |
| seascape | view of the sea |
| landscape | view of natural scenery |
| cityscape | view of a city |
Dialogue Fill in the Blanks
- seascape
- cityscape
- landscape
- mindscape
Underlined Expressions Answers
1. burn in her blood
Correct Option: (ii) have a passionate desire
Sentence: Her dream to become a doctor burns in her blood.
2. uphill task
Correct Option: (i) a tough challenge
Sentence: Learning coding was an uphill task initially.
3. buoyed up
Correct Option: (iv) lifted in spirit
Sentence: The team was buoyed up after their success.
4. wishful thinking
Correct Option: (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true
Sentence: Passing without studying is wishful thinking.
5. wet blanket
Correct Option: (i) spoil-sport
Sentence: Do not be a wet blanket during celebrations.
6. coursing through her veins
Correct Option: (ii) flowing through her body
Sentence: Excitement coursed through his veins.
First Conditional Answers
- If the idea excites you, follow it with confidence.
- If you hear strange noises, call for help immediately.
- If this seems too hard, practice more regularly.
- If you care about the issue, raise your voice.
- If you finish early, help your classmates.
Usage of Could – Matching Answers
| Sentence | Function |
| It could be in any field | Possibility |
| I wish I could be this or the other | Unreal/Hypothetical |
| They could have preferred | Past possibility/speculation |
| They could support siblings | Past ability/purpose |
Fill in the Blanks Using Could
- I wish I could travel the world.
- They could have taken the shorter route.
- When I was younger, I could run fast.
- She could be in the library right now.
- Could you repeat the question?
Grammar Exercise Answers
- helps
- learned
- work
- apply
- conducts
- analyses
- must reflect
- helps
- is
- will incorporate
Writing Task – Email Sample
From: student@gmail.com To: director@designinstitute.com Subject: Enquiry Regarding Summer Design Workshop
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class 10 and I am interested in pursuing designing as a career. I recently came across the announcement regarding the summer workshop conducted by your institute.
I would like to know the duration, eligibility, fee structure, and activities included in the workshop. Kindly provide me with the necessary details.
I am eager to participate and improve my creative skills.
Yours sincerely, Rahul Sharma Class 10 Student Contact: 9876543210
Poem Summary – Believe in Yourself
The poem “Believe in Yourself” motivates readers to face challenges bravely. The poet explains that growth happens only when people leave their comfort zones. Self-belief, courage, and determination help individuals move toward success and personal development.
Check Your Understanding – Central Ideas
Stanza 1
Correct Option: (i)
Stanza 2
Correct Option: (i)
Stanza 3
Correct Option: (ii)
Stanza 4
Correct Option: (ii)
Rhyme Scheme
Answer
ABCB
Tone – True or False
- True
- True
Speaker
Answers
- guide
- control of
- talking directly to the reader
Imagery Matching
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| There is no crowd to see | Suggests a solitary journey |
| push you back in fear | Evokes mental barriers |
| The first step is the hardest | Represents difficulty in beginning |
Symbolism Answers
- stagnation
- unknown, courage
- leap of faith, self-improvement
Metaphor Explanation
“The first step is the hardest”
Explanation
The line is metaphorical because it refers to beginning a new challenge or journey in life rather than taking an actual physical step.
Antithesis in the Poem
Lines
“Will it pull you forward / Or push you back in fear?”
Explanation
The poet contrasts moving forward with being pushed backward to highlight inner conflict and decision-making.
Critical Reflection – Poem
1. Meaning of “There is no crowd to see”
Answer
Challenges must often be faced individually without external attention or support.
2. Meaning of “It’s just you and the future”
Answer
A person alone is responsible for shaping his or her future.
3. Fill in the blank
Answer
step up to
4. Most suitable title
Answer
B. Facing the Future Alone
5. Analogy
achieve : goal :: face : challenge
Long Answer Questions – Poem
1. Significance of “The first step is the hardest”
Answer
It highlights that starting a new journey requires courage and determination.
2. Message of antithesis
Answer
Personal growth involves overcoming fear and choosing progress over comfort.
3. Is self-belief enough?
Answer
Self-belief is important, but success also requires hard work, opportunities, discipline, and support.
4. Real-life application
Answer
Whenever people take difficult decisions like changing careers or overcoming fear, self-belief helps them continue despite challenges.
Vocabulary in Context – Latin Expressions
- e.g.
- quid pro quo
- et cetera
- per se
- ad hoc
- in media res
Rhetorical Questions
1(i) Purpose
To encourage immediate action and responsibility.
1(ii) Purpose
To inspire courage and confidence.
Match the Situations
| Situation | Question |
| standing up for right | F |
| owning up to mistake | B |
| trying public speaking | A |
| choosing career paths | D |
| apologising for mistake | C |
| stepping out of comfort zone | E |
Practice MCQs
Follow That Dream
1. Who wrote the letter?
A. Robert Langley B. Irene Chua C. APJ Abdul Kalam D. Dorothy Hewitt
Answer: B
2. What is necessary to achieve greatness?
A. Luck B. Money C. Effort and sacrifice D. Fame
Answer: C
3. What keeps a person on track?
A. Fear B. Success prospects C. Laziness D. Popularity
Answer: B