1
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:"By all means follow that dream. Great men and women become great because they have a dream and they pursue it till it comes true. What differentiates greatness from the ordinary is how much effort and sacrifice people invest to realise their dream. 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? 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."
(i) The extract emphasizes that achieving greatness requires a significant commitment. Explain the analogy between 'passion' and 'conviction' as the starting point for pursuing a dream. [2 marks]
(ii) The mother advises Ming to 'count the cost'. What does this phrase imply in the context of pursuing a dream? [2 marks]
(iii) Based on the extract, what are the essential components that differentiate an ordinary person from a great one? [2 marks]
2
A group of students in Class 9 are discussing their future career aspirations.Rohan wants to be a doctor, requiring extensive education and rigorous training.Priya dreams of becoming a renowned musician, which involves years of practice and performance.Arjun aspires to be an entrepreneur, starting his own tech company, a path known for its risks and demanding schedule.
Which of these students' aspirations most closely aligns with the concept of "counting the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice" as described in the text? Justify your answer with specific references to the text. [3 marks]
3
Assertion (A): Great achievements are a result of unwavering dedication to a dream.Reason (R): Ordinary individuals often lack the willingness to invest the necessary effort and sacrifice required for extraordinary outcomes.Choose the correct option:(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.(c) A is true but R is false.(d) A is false but R is true. 1mark
4
Read the following excerpt:"Although everyone at one time or other has wistfully said to oneself, “I wish I could be this or the other,” they have never got beyond just wishful thinking. They could have preferred to trade their dream for security. Perhaps circumstances changed their lives."
Explain the difference between "wishful thinking" and "following a dream" as presented in this excerpt. [2 marks]
5
Consider a scenario: A student loves painting and dreams of becoming a famous artist. However, their parents insist on them pursuing engineering for financial security. This student faces a dilemma between their passion and parental expectations.How does the mother's advice in the "Follow That Dream" chapter address such a conflict between personal dreams and external pressures? Discuss with reference to the text. 3marks
6
The extract states, "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."Explain how doing "what you love best" can act as a source of motivation, even when facing difficulties. 2marks
7
Read the following lines:"When stamina is running out, the prospect of success will keep you on track. When you watch the Academy Awards for best actors and actresses and films, the winner always thanks a host of people that formed his/her support network. So, you see that for one winner, there is a group of people who stood by him/her."
What does this passage suggest about the importance of a 'support network' in achieving one's dreams? [2 marks]
8
The mother mentions that "for a lot of people, dreams remain dreams."Identify two reasons from the text that contribute to dreams remaining unfulfilled. 2marks
9
Consider the following statement: "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..."Complete the sentence with a suitable explanation based on the text. 2marks
10
The mother shares her own experience: "For example, publishing this book is a dream I have chased in the last ten years. This was not the dream I had in my youth but my original dream has changed over the years."What does this example illustrate about the nature of dreams and aspirations? 2marks
11
The text mentions that to reach world-class standard in any field, one has to be "singularly and intensively pursuing the subject for at least ten years."Imagine a student who wants to excel in competitive programming. How would this statement guide their approach to achieving their goal? 3marks
12
Read the following: "Although everyone at one time or other has wistfully said to oneself, “I wish I could be this or the other,” they have never got beyond just wishful thinking."Explain the key difference between a 'wish' and a 'dream' as implied in this statement. 2marks
13
Case Study:Anjali is a talented dancer who dreams of joining a prestigious international dance academy. Her family faces financial difficulties, making it hard to afford the tuition fees and living expenses abroad. Her school principal, aware of her talent and aspirations, has offered to help her find scholarships and sponsorships.
Based on the principles discussed in the "Follow That Dream" chapter, what advice would you give Anjali regarding her situation? Mention at least two strategies she could adopt. [3 marks]
14
Assertion (A): Circumstances can significantly alter the trajectory of one's dreams.Reason (R): Individuals may have to prioritise immediate needs like financial security over long-term aspirations due to unavoidable life events.Choose the correct option:(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.(c) A is true but R is false.(d) A is false but R is true. 1mark
15
The mother writes, "To fulfil them you will need to negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles."Explain the metaphor "maze of hurdles" and its relevance to pursuing a dream. 2marks
16
The extract mentions that "hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days."What does this statement imply about the evolution of dreams throughout a person's life? 2marks
17
Read the following lines from the text: "It starts with a passion for a particular interest, then comes the conviction that it is imperative to realise it."Explain the sequence of these two elements – passion and conviction – and their importance in initiating the pursuit of a dream. 2marks
18
Consider the following situation: A young scientist is working on a groundbreaking research project. They face numerous setbacks, funding issues, and skepticism from peers. However, they are deeply passionate about their work and believe in its potential.How does the mother's advice about being "buoyed up only by the knowledge that you are doing what you love best and are doing the right thing" apply to this scientist's situation? 3marks
19
The text contrasts those who achieve their dreams with those whose "dreams remain dreams."Identify the core difference in their approach, as highlighted in the chapter. 2marks
20
The letter ends with the mother wishing, "So, I wish at least one of your dreams comes true too."What does this concluding remark convey about the mother's feelings towards Ming and the overall theme of the chapter? 2marks
Answers
1.(i) Passion is the initial spark or strong liking for an interest, while conviction is the firm belief that it is essential to achieve that interest. Together, they form the foundation for dedicating oneself to a dream. [2 marks](ii) This phrase implies that one must realistically assess the time, effort, money, and sacrifices that will be required to achieve their dream before fully committing to it. [2 marks](iii) The extract states that greatness is differentiated from the ordinary by the "effort and sacrifice people invest to realise their dream." Achieving world-class standards also requires "singularly and intensively pursuing the subject for at least ten years." 2marks
2.
Arjun's aspiration to be an entrepreneur aligns most closely. Starting a tech company inherently involves high financial risks (investments), immense effort (demanding schedule), and significant sacrifices (personal time, stability) compared to the more structured paths of a doctor or musician, though those also require considerable dedication. [3 marks]
3
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 1mark
4
"Wishful thinking" involves merely desiring something without taking concrete steps or making sacrifices, remaining at the level of desire. "Following a dream," as described, involves a deep conviction, a willingness to put in considerable effort, sacrifice, and time to make the aspiration a reality, even if circumstances change. 2marks
5
The mother's advice suggests that while parental expectations and societal pressures (like prioritizing financial security) are valid considerations, the crucial factor is the internal burning conviction. If Ming's passion for designing is strong enough to overcome these pressures and she is willing to "count the cost," she should "plunge" into it, even if the path is difficult. The key is balancing realistic assessment with unwavering commitment. 3marks
6
Doing what one loves best provides intrinsic motivation. This means the satisfaction derived from the activity itself, the enjoyment of the process, and the belief in the inherent value of the work are powerful enough to sustain effort and enthusiasm, even when facing external difficulties or fatigue. 2marks
7
The passage highlights that achieving significant goals is rarely a solitary effort. A strong support network of friends, family, or mentors provides encouragement, assistance, and motivation, especially during challenging times when an individual's own stamina or resolve might be waning. They offer a collective strength that helps the individual persevere. 2marks
8
Two reasons from the text are:a) Individuals may get stuck in "wishful thinking" and never move beyond just desiring something.b) Circumstances in life may change, forcing individuals to prioritise security or other immediate needs over their dreams. 2marks
9
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 enjoyment and fulfillment derived from the task itself serve as a powerful internal drive, independent of external rewards or pressures, making the pursuit sustainable and meaningful. 2marks
10
This example illustrates that dreams are not always static; they can evolve, change, and adapt over a person's lifetime. The mother's current dream of publishing a book is different from her youthful aspirations, yet it holds equal significance and requires similar dedication to achieve. It shows that life experiences can shape and redefine our goals. 2marks
11
For the student aiming for competitive programming, this statement would guide them to dedicate at least ten years to intensive and singular focus on programming, algorithms, and problem-solving. It implies consistent practice, learning advanced concepts, participating in contests regularly, and analysing solutions deeply, rather than sporadic efforts. 3marks
12
A 'wish' is often a passive desire, a longing for something to happen without any commitment to action or sacrifice ("I wish I could be this or the other"). A 'dream', in the context of the chapter, is an active aspiration that requires passion, conviction, hard work, and sacrifice to be realised; it is something one actively pursues. 2marks
13
Anjali should first explore scholarship and sponsorship opportunities, as suggested by her principal, to address the financial hurdles. The chapter advises to "count the cost" and assess if the dream is "burning in your blood." If her passion for dance is strong, she should then commit to the rigorous effort and sacrifices required, perhaps by seeking part-time work or support from her community, while remaining focused on her goal. 3marks
14
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 1mark
15
The metaphor "maze of hurdles" vividly describes the path to achieving a dream as being complex, winding, and filled with numerous obstacles, difficulties, and challenges that one must navigate carefully and persistently. It signifies that the journey is not straightforward and requires problem-solving and resilience. 2marks
16
This statement implies that as individuals mature and gain life experiences, their hopes and aspirations may change or develop. These evolved goals are just as valid and important as the dreams held in younger days and deserve the same level of commitment and effort to fulfil them. 2marks
17
Passion for a particular interest is the initial spark, the driving force that ignites desire. Conviction is the subsequent firm belief that realizing this interest is imperative, turning the passion into a determined goal. This sequence is important because passion alone might fade, but when coupled with a strong conviction, it provides the necessary resolve to overcome obstacles and commit to the pursuit. 2marks
18
For the scientist, the passion for their research and the belief in its potential (doing "what you love best and are doing the right thing") would be their primary source of motivation. This intrinsic satisfaction and sense of purpose would help them persevere through the setbacks, funding issues, and skepticism, providing the mental and emotional strength to continue their work despite external difficulties. 3marks
19
The core difference highlighted is that achievers actively pursue their dreams with dedication, effort, and sacrifice, making a commitment to realize them. Those whose dreams remain dreams are often content with "wishful thinking," lacking the resolve to go beyond mere desire and undertake the necessary hard work and sacrifices. 2marks
20
This concluding remark conveys the mother's deep love, support, and genuine wish for her daughter Ming's happiness and fulfillment. It reinforces the chapter's theme by emphasizing the importance of dreams and expressing hope that Ming will experience the joy of achieving at least one of hers, showing an optimistic and encouraging outlook. 2marks
