Important Questions Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 Follow That Dream

Important Questions Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 covers dreams, effort, sacrifice, support, self-belief and personal growth. In CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri 2026-27, Chapter 8 helps students practise reading, grammar, writing and literature-based answers from the letter and poem.

A mother tells Ming to follow her dream and count the cost before taking the plunge. Follow That Dream connects ambition with effort, sacrifice, support networks and changing life goals. The letter shows that dreams need passion, planning and the courage to continue when the road feels uphill. Believe in Yourself carries this idea into a poem, where comfort, fear and the first step become part of personal growth. 

Important Questions Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 come from these moments of choice, courage and self-belief, helping students practise extract, short and long answers for 2026-27 revision.

Key Takeaways

• Dream and effort: The letter shows that dreams need passion, planning and sacrifice.
• Support network: Achievers often need people who stand by them.
• Changing dreams: Life can change a person’s hopes without making them less valuable.
• Poem message: Believe in Yourself encourages courage, action and personal growth.

Important Questions Class 9 English Chapter 8 Exam Pattern Overview

Reading Skills Practice for Important Questions Class 9 English Chapter 8

Reading Skills Practice from Chapter 8 tests how students understand advice, motivation and realistic thinking. Follow That Dream needs attention to the mother’s balanced tone, while Believe in Yourself needs attention to imagery and personal growth.

Passage-Based Questions from Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 important questions

Q1. Read the passage and answer the questions.

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.

(a) What does a dream begin with, according to the mother?
A dream begins with passion for a particular interest.

It then needs conviction and commitment.

(b) What costs must a person count before following a dream?
A person must count the cost in years of effort, financial investment and sacrifice.

This makes the dream realistic.

(c) What does “burning in your blood” mean?
It means having a deep and passionate desire.

The phrase shows that the dream still feels powerful after careful thought.

(d) What does “plunge” suggest here?
“Plunge” suggests complete involvement in the task.

The mother asks Ming to commit fully once she is sure.

Q2. Why does Ming’s mother begin with “By all means follow that dream”?

Ming’s mother begins this way to encourage her daughter.

She wants Ming to dream boldly, but she also wants her to understand the effort needed to make a dream real.

Q3. What differentiates greatness from the ordinary in the letter?

Greatness is different from the ordinary because great people invest effort and sacrifice.

They pursue their dreams with focus until those dreams come true.

Q4. Why does the mother mention Academy Award winners?

She mentions Academy Award winners to show that success needs support.

Winners thank many people because no achievement happens alone.

Q5. Read the passage and answer the questions.

Step up to the challenge
There is no crowd to see,
It’s just you and the future
And where you want to be.

(a) What does “step up to the challenge” mean?
It means to face a difficult task with courage.

The speaker asks the reader to take responsibility.

(b) What does “There is no crowd to see” suggest?
It suggests that personal growth is often a private journey.

A person must act even when no one is watching.

(c) What does “you and the future” show?
It shows that the choice belongs to the individual.

The future depends on the person’s action.

(d) What is the tone of the extract?
The tone is motivational and direct.

The speaker encourages the reader to move forward.

Writing Skills and Grammar Practice for Important Questions Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8

Writing Skills and Grammar Practice from Chapter 8 covers dream-related vocabulary, first conditional sentences, uses of “could”, word forms and email writing. These exercises connect grammar with ambition, planning and self-belief.

Vocabulary and Grammar Questions from Important Questions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8

Q6. What does “dreamscape” mean?

“Dreamscape” means a world or scene of dreams.

In the letter, it refers to the people and situations connected with a person’s dream.

Q7. Fill in the blanks with suitable words.

Words: seascape, cityscape, landscape, mindscape

1. Your Goa pictures were beautiful. That __________ was dreamy.
2. It was better than our usual __________, so peaceful.
3. I am craving a quiet __________ with forests and hills.
4. Nature clears the __________.

Answers:

1. seascape
2. cityscape
3. landscape
4. mindscape

Q8. Choose the meaning of “burn in one’s blood”.

Answer: “Burn in one’s blood” means to have a passionate desire.

In the chapter, it shows a dream that still feels powerful after considering effort and sacrifice.

Q9. Choose the meaning of “uphill task”.

Answer: “Uphill task” means a tough challenge.

Following a dream can feel like an uphill task because it needs long effort and patience.

Q10. Complete the first conditional sentence.

If the idea excites you, __________.

Answer: If the idea excites you, explore it seriously.

Q11. Complete the first conditional sentence.

If this seems too hard, __________.

Answer: If this seems too hard, break it into smaller steps.

Q12. Match the use of “could” with its function.

1. It could be in any field.
   Answer: Possibility
2. I wish I could be this or the other.
   Answer: Unreal or hypothetical situation
3. They could have preferred to trade their dream for security.
   Answer: Past possibility or speculation
4. They went to work so that they could support their siblings.
   Answer: Past ability or purpose

Q13. Complete the sentence using “could”.

I wish __________ without worrying about money.

Answer: I wish I could study design without worrying about money.

Writing Practice from Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 extra questions

Q14. Write an email to the Director of a design institute enquiring about a summer workshop.

Answer:

From: ananya.sharma@email.com
To: director@designinstitute.com
Date: 15 July 2026
Subject: Enquiry About Summer Design Workshop

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a Class 9 student interested in pursuing design in the future. I recently came across information about the summer workshop being conducted by your institute and would like to know more about it.

Kindly share the workshop dates, duration, fees, eligibility, topics covered and registration process. I would also like to know whether beginners can apply.

I am keen to join the workshop as it will help me understand the field better.

Yours sincerely,
Ananya Sharma
Class 9 Student
Contact: 98XXXXXXXX

Literature Questions from Important Questions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8

Literature Questions from Chapter 8 test how students understand dreams, sacrifice, self-belief and change. Follow That Dream gives practical advice through a mother’s letter, while Believe in Yourself turns the first step into a symbol of courage.

Follow That Dream important questions and extract questions

Q15. Read the extract and answer the questions.

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.

(a) What does “uphill” suggest here?
“Uphill” suggests difficulty.

The mother says the journey towards a dream can be hard.

(b) What keeps a person going during difficulty?
A person is kept going by love for the work and belief in doing the right thing.

The prospect of success also helps.

(c) What does “stamina is running out” mean?
It means the person is becoming tired.

It refers to physical, emotional or mental exhaustion.

(d) What is the mother’s tone in this extract?
The tone is encouraging but realistic.

She motivates Ming without hiding the struggle.

Q16. Read the extract and answer the questions.

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.

(a) What does the mother say about dreams?
She says life can change a person’s dreams.

New hopes can be as valuable as earlier dreams.

(b) What does “no less than the original dream” mean?
It means changed dreams are not inferior.

They also deserve effort and respect.

(c) Why might dreams change over time?
Dreams may change because of experience, responsibilities and circumstances.

A person’s priorities can also change.

(d) What is the tone of this extract?
The tone is thoughtful and encouraging.

The mother accepts change without discouraging ambition.

Believe in Yourself questions answers

Q17. Read the extract and answer the questions.

There is such ease in comfort
To maintain the status quo,
But this isn’t what we are made for
This isn’t how we grow.

(a) What does “status quo” mean?
“Status quo” means the existing situation.

Here, it means staying in one’s comfort zone.

(b) Why is comfort called easy?
Comfort is easy because it does not demand change.

It allows a person to avoid risk.

(c) What does the poet say about growth?
The poet says growth does not come from remaining the same.

A person must move beyond comfort to grow.

(d) What is the message of the extract?
The message is that change is necessary for personal development.

Self-belief helps a person take the first step.

Q18. Read the extract and answer the questions.

The first step is the hardest
There is no turning back,
You just need to believe in yourself
For your future to be on track.

(a) Why is the first step called the hardest?
The first step is called the hardest because beginning a change takes courage.

Fear and doubt are strongest at the start.

(b) What does “no turning back” suggest?
It suggests commitment.

Once a person chooses growth, they need to continue.

(c) What does the poet ask the reader to do?
The poet asks the reader to believe in themselves.

Self-belief helps the future stay on track.

(d) What is the tone of the extract?
The tone is motivational and firm.

The speaker pushes the reader towards action.

Follow That Dream questions answers

Q19. What is the main idea of Follow That Dream?

The main idea is that dreams need passion, effort, sacrifice and planning.

Ming’s mother encourages her to follow her dream, but she also asks her to think realistically.

Q20. Why does the mother ask Ming to count the cost?

The mother asks Ming to count the cost so that she understands the effort involved.

Dreams need time, money, sacrifice and discipline.

Q21. Why do some dreams remain only dreams?

Some dreams remain only dreams because people do not move beyond wishful thinking.

Some also give up because of security, circumstances or responsibilities.

Q22. How does the mother balance encouragement with caution?

The mother encourages Ming to follow her dream.

At the same time, she warns her about effort, sacrifice, time and obstacles. This makes her advice balanced.

Q23. Why are support networks important?

Support networks are important because success often needs help from others.

Family, friends, teachers and mentors can guide, encourage and support a person.

Q24. How can dreams change over time?

Dreams can change as life brings new responsibilities and experiences.

The mother says changed dreams are still valuable and worth pursuing.

Believe in Yourself questions answers

Q25. What is the central idea of Believe in Yourself?

The central idea is that self-belief helps people face challenges.

The poem encourages the reader to leave comfort and take the first step towards growth.

Q26. What does the future symbolise in the poem?

The future symbolises possibility and change.

It shows where a person wants to be, but reaching it needs courage.

Q27. What does the poem say about comfort?

The poem says comfort is easy but limiting.

Staying in the same place may feel safe, but it prevents growth.

Long Answer Questions from Class 9 English Chapter 8 Follow That Dream questions answers

Q28. How does Ming’s mother present a realistic view of dreams?

Ming’s mother presents dreams as valuable but demanding.

She begins by encouraging Ming to follow her dream. This shows that she respects ambition and wants her daughter to believe in herself.

However, she also asks Ming to count the cost. Dreams need years of effort, financial investment and sacrifice.

She explains that some people leave their dreams because of security or circumstances. This makes her advice practical.

Her own example shows that dreams can change over time. The letter teaches that dreams need both courage and planning.

Q29. How does Believe in Yourself encourage personal growth?

Believe in Yourself encourages personal growth by asking the reader to step up to challenges.

The poem begins with the idea that no crowd is watching. This means personal growth depends on individual effort.

It shows that fear can push a person back, while the future can pull a person forward. The contrast makes the reader think about choice.

The poem also says comfort keeps people in the status quo. Growth begins when a person leaves that comfort.

The final stanza encourages self-belief. The poet suggests that courage and the first step can put the future on track.

Q30. Compare the messages of Follow That Dream and Believe in Yourself.

Follow That Dream and Believe in Yourself both encourage people to move towards their goals.

Follow That Dream presents a mother’s practical advice. It says dreams need passion, planning, sacrifice and support.

Believe in Yourself gives a more direct motivational message. It asks the reader to face challenges and trust their own ability.

Both texts show that fear and comfort can hold people back. They also show that progress begins with commitment.

Together, they teach that dreams need self-belief as well as effort.

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