NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8

Self-belief is the confidence to trust one’s abilities, choices, effort, and potential while working towards a goal. In Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8, self-belief is linked with dreams, planning, sacrifice, courage, and action through a mother’s advice in “Follow That Dream” and the motivational poem “Believe in Yourself”.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 help students answer textbook questions from Follow That Dream, an excerpt from Irene Chua’s My Daughter, My Friend, and Believe in Yourself by Robert Langley. The chapter focuses on dreams, ambition, family support, effort, sacrifice, self-confidence, difficult choices, first conditional sentences, the modal verb “could”, Latin expressions, rhetorical questions, email writing, and speech writing. These Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 solutions are written in a clear school-answer format for prose, poem, vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and writing tasks.

Key Takeaways

• Prose focus: “Follow That Dream” presents a mother’s balanced advice on pursuing dreams with passion, planning, effort, and sacrifice.
• Main idea: Dreams need action, discipline, support, and realistic thinking.
• Poem focus: “Believe in Yourself” encourages readers to step out of comfort, face challenges, and trust their own future.
• Language skills: The chapter practises compound words, idiomatic expressions, first conditional, “could”, grammatical forms, Latin terms, rhetorical questions, email writing, and speech writing.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 Structure 2026

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8: Follow That Dream

Reflect and Respond

I. What is your dream?

Answer:
My dream is to become successful in a field that matches my interest and ability. I want to choose a path where I can use my skills, work hard, and contribute meaningfully to society.

II. Who inspires you to dream?

Answer:
My parents, teachers, and people who have achieved success through hard work inspire me to dream. Personalities like Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam also inspire me because they turned difficult circumstances into opportunities.

III. What qualities should you have to fulfil your dream?

Answer:
To fulfil a dream, one should have determination, discipline, patience, courage, planning, hard work, self-belief, and willingness to learn from failure.

IV. Discuss Abdul Kalam’s quote: “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.”

Answer:
The quote means that a true dream is not just a casual wish. It is a strong goal that keeps a person motivated and active. A real dream pushes us to work, sacrifice, learn, and improve until we achieve it.

V. What role can parents and community play in helping children achieve dreams?

Answer:
Parents can encourage children, guide them, provide emotional support, and help them make practical decisions. The community can offer opportunities, mentors, resources, safety, and appreciation. Together, they help children believe in themselves and stay focused.

VI. Why is it important to follow a dream?

Answer:
It is important to follow a dream because:

• It gives direction to life.
• It motivates us to work hard.
• It helps us discover our abilities.
• It builds confidence and discipline.
• It gives meaning to effort and sacrifice.
• It can help us contribute to society.
• It teaches us to overcome difficulties.

Check Your Understanding: Follow That Dream

I. State whether true or false.

Critical Reflection: Follow That Dream

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. Complete the analogy.
   Enthusiasm : passion :: belief : conviction
2. Why is realistic assessment of effort, investment, and sacrifice important?
   The correct answer is B. an early abandonment of the dream.

A realistic assessment helps a person understand what the dream will demand. This prevents giving up midway when difficulties appear.

3. Complete the sentence.
   The word “plunge” as used in the extract indicates a complete involvement in a task.
4. Why is doing what you love a form of intrinsic motivation?
   The author’s emphasis on “doing what you love best and are doing the right thing” works as a form of intrinsic motivation because the person is driven by inner interest, satisfaction, and belief rather than only by external rewards.
5. Mention one motivating factor besides success.
   One motivating factor is the joy of doing what one loves. Support from family, encouragement from mentors, and belief in the purpose of the dream can also keep a person on track.

Extract 2

1. Complete the sentence.
   The phrase “life itself may change a person’s dreams” suggests that dreams are not static but rather evolving.
2. What does the author mean by “hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days”?
   The author means that dreams may change with age, experience, responsibilities, and circumstances, but new dreams are still valuable. A changed dream is not inferior to an earlier dream.
3. Identify the phrase that indicates a complex and challenging journey.
   The phrase is “a maze of hurdles.”
4. Why would more people become participants in a person’s dreamscape?
   The author says this because as life progresses, family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and responsibilities become connected with one’s goals and decisions.
5. What is the tone of the author?
   The correct answer is C. optimistic and encouraging.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. What do you think Ming must have written to her mother about?

Answer:
Ming must have written to her mother about a dream or ambition she wanted to pursue. She may have asked whether she should follow that dream, especially if it required effort, time, money, sacrifice, or a difficult career choice.

2. How can one attain an international level of skill in any field?

Answer:
One can attain an international level of skill through focused practice and long-term dedication. The mother says that reaching world-class standard in any field requires at least ten years of singular and intensive pursuit.

Two ways are:

• Practising regularly with discipline and commitment.
• Making sacrifices in time, comfort, money, and leisure to improve steadily.

3. What differentiates mere dreamers from actual achievers?

Answer:
Mere dreamers only wish for success but do not take action. Actual achievers invest effort, time, money, and sacrifice. They plan realistically, face obstacles, stay committed, and continue even when the road becomes difficult.

4. How does Ming’s mother use questions and personal anecdotes effectively?

Answer:
Ming’s mother asks Ming to count the cost of her dream in years of effort, financial investment, and sacrifice. This makes Ming think practically.

She also uses personal anecdotes about people whose dreams changed because of war, poverty, or family responsibility. These examples make her advice realistic and persuasive.

5. How does Ming’s mother balance encouragement with caution?

Answer:
Ming’s mother encourages Ming by saying, “By all means follow that dream.” She believes dreams are important and worth pursuing.

At the same time, she cautions Ming to consider the cost, effort, sacrifice, financial investment, and long journey involved. She does not discourage Ming, but she wants her to make a mature decision.

6. Is this advice still relevant today?

Answer:
Yes, this advice is still relevant. Today, students have many career options, but every serious goal still needs effort, planning, training, money, and sacrifice. Dreams in sports, design, science, arts, business, or technology require long-term preparation and emotional support. The advice helps young people avoid wishful thinking and work with realistic commitment.

7. What costs are you willing or unwilling to invest for your goals?

Answer:
I am willing to invest time, regular practice, learning, discipline, and some personal comfort to pursue my goals. I am willing to reduce distractions and work consistently.

However, I would not like to sacrifice my health, values, family relationships, or basic peace of mind. A dream should make life meaningful, not completely unbalanced.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Meaning of compound words with “-scape”

Fill in the blanks.

Answer:

Sneha: Your Goa pictures were beautiful! That seascape was dreamy.
Kiran: Thanks! It was way better than our usual cityscape, so peaceful.
Sneha: I get that. But sometimes the city lights have their own charm.
Kiran: True, but I’m craving a quiet landscape. Forests, hills—something real.
Sneha: Yes, nature clears the mindscape, doesn’t it?
Kiran: Exactly. Let’s plan a trip that soothes—inside and out.

II. Choose meanings of expressions and use in sentences.

1. Burn in her blood

Meaning: (ii) have a passionate desire

Sentence:
Her dream of becoming a scientist seemed to burn in her blood.

2. Uphill task

Meaning: (i) a tough challenge

Sentence:
Preparing for the national-level competition was an uphill task.

3. Buoyed up

Meaning: (iv) lifted in spirit

Sentence:
The team was buoyed up by the coach’s encouraging words.

4. Wishful thinking

Meaning: (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true

Sentence:
Expecting good marks without studying is only wishful thinking.

5. Wet blanket

Meaning: (i) spoil-sport

Sentence:
Do not be a wet blanket when others are enjoying the school picnic.

6. Coursing through her veins

Meaning: (ii) flowing through her body

Sentence:
Excitement was coursing through her veins before the final performance.

III. Complete first conditional sentences with imperatives.

Answer:

1. If the idea excites you, start working on it today.
2. If you hear strange noises, check carefully and call an adult.
3. If this seems too hard, break it into smaller steps.
4. If you care about the issue, speak up and take action.
5. If you finish early, revise your answers once again.

IV. Match “could” with its function.

V. Complete sentences using “could”.

Answer:

1. I wish I could travel around the world 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 for an hour without stopping.
4. She could be in the library right now—she had mentioned it.
5. Could you repeat the question? I didn’t hear it clearly.

VI. Fill in the blanks with suitable grammatical forms.

Answer:

Experiential learning is an approach to education that focuses on learning through experience, action and reflection. It helps students gain practical knowledge and develop real-world skills. Traditionally, students learnt by listening to lectures and memorising facts, but experiential learning has changed this process.

In an experiential setting, students work on projects, solve problems, and take part in activities that reflect real-life challenges. They apply what they have learned in class to new and unfamiliar situations. For example, a student studying science conducts experiments to test a theory, while a business student analyses a case study to understand market trends.

Reflection is key to this process. After completing a task, learners must reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This reflection helps them build a deeper understanding of the topic.

Educators believe that experiential learning is more effective than passive learning methods because it is engaging and meaningful. In the future, more schools and universities will incorporate experiential learning into their curriculum to prepare students for the real world.

Writing Task: Email to a Design Institute

Answer:

From: anirudh@example.com
To: director@designinstitute.com
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: 22 May 2026
Subject: Enquiry About Summer Workshop in Design

Dear Sir/Madam,

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

Kindly share the details of the workshop, including its duration, dates, eligibility criteria, registration process, fee structure, timings, and topics covered. I would also like to know whether students at school level can apply and whether any portfolio or prior experience is required.

I am very keen to join this workshop because it will help me understand design better and learn from experienced mentors. I request you to kindly guide me with the necessary information.

Yours sincerely,
Anirudh
Class 9 Student
Contact: 9876543210

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8: Believe in Yourself

Reflect and Respond

I. What emotions do you feel standing at the base of a difficult task?

Answer:
I may feel nervous, doubtful, excited, and curious. A difficult task can seem frightening at first, but it can also make me want to test my abilities.

II. What might make you take the first step?

Answer:
Encouragement from family, trust in my preparation, a clear goal, and belief in myself can make me take the first step.

III. How did you feel once you decided to move forward?

Answer:
I felt more confident and focused. The fear did not disappear completely, but making the decision helped me feel stronger.

IV. What does “believe in yourself” mean?

Answer:
“Believe in yourself” means trusting your ability to learn, improve, face challenges, and keep going even when the path is difficult.

Words and phrases linked with self-belief:

• Confidence
• Courage
• Hope
• Determination
• Patience
• Positive thinking
• Hard work
• Resilience
• Trust in effort

V. Meaning of “status quo”

Answer:
The correct meaning is 2. A situation to keep things the same.

Check Your Understanding: Believe in Yourself

I. Central idea of each stanza

II. Rhyme scheme

Answer:
The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme ABCB that flows steadily through each stanza.

III. Tone

IV. Speaker

Answer:
The speaker in this poem is not distant; rather, he/she comes across as a guide who understands the struggle and is encouraging the reader to take control of his/her own future.

The use of direct address “You” creates a close connection, as though the speaker is talking directly to the reader.

V. Imagery

VI. Symbolism

Answer:

1. Comfort and the status quo represent stagnation and fear of change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back.
2. The future symbolises the unknown, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires courage to step into.
3. The first step symbolises the initial leap of faith required to begin the journey of self-improvement or personal development.

VII. Explain the metaphor “The first step is the hardest.”

Answer:
“The first step is the hardest” is metaphorical because it does not refer only to physical walking. It represents the beginning of any difficult journey, decision, change, or goal. Starting is often the most difficult part because fear, doubt, and uncertainty are strongest at the beginning.

VIII. Antithesis in the poem

Answer:
The lines that show antithesis are:

“Will it pull you forward / Or push you back in fear?”

These lines contrast progress and fear. “Pull you forward” suggests growth, courage, and movement towards the future. “Push you back” suggests hesitation, fear, and staying where one is.

Another example is:

“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.”

This contrasts comfort with growth. The poet shows that staying comfortable may feel easy, but true growth requires change.

Critical Reflection: Believe in Yourself

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. What does “There is no crowd to see” suggest?
   It suggests that facing a challenge is often personal. Others may not be watching or cheering, so the person must take responsibility for their own future.
2. Complete the sentence.
   The line “It’s just you and the future” suggests that a person must make their own choices and take charge of where they want to go.
3. Fill in the blank.
   Latha will step up her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practising harder each day.
4. Select the most suitable title.
   The correct answer is C. A Journey of Growth.
5. Complete the analogy.
   Achieve : goal :: face : challenge

II. Answer the following questions.

1. What is the significance of “The first step is the hardest” in personal growth?

Answer:
The line shows that beginning a new journey is often the most difficult part. Once a person takes the first step, fear reduces and confidence grows. In personal growth, starting requires courage because it means leaving comfort and facing uncertainty.

2. What message does the antithesis convey?

Answer:
The antithesis conveys that personal development involves choices between opposite forces: fear and courage, comfort and growth, staying still and moving forward. The poet uses contrast to show that growth begins when we choose courage over fear.

3. Is the poet’s message realistic in real-world struggles?

Answer:
The poet’s message is realistic, but self-belief alone may not solve every problem. Believing in oneself is important because it gives courage to start and continue. However, real-world struggles also require planning, effort, guidance, resources, patience, and support from others.

So, self-belief is the foundation, but action and preparation are also necessary.

4. How does the poem apply to a difficult first step?

Answer:
Suppose a student is afraid of public speaking. The first step may be volunteering for a short speech in class. At first, the student may feel nervous, but self-belief helps them try. With practice and encouragement, the student becomes more confident. This matches the poem’s message that the first step is difficult, but it puts the future on track.

Vocabulary in Context: Believe in Yourself

I. Fill in Latin expressions.

Answer:

1. I enjoy reading fantasy books, exempli gratia Harry Potter and Magical Paint Brush.
2. After helping Tanya with the homework, Ritu asked for a quid pro quo to borrow her notes next time.
3. I love all kinds of outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking, biking, et cetera.
4. The park is not very special per se; it becomes more fun when you visit with friends.
5. We created an ad hoc team to organise the school festival.
6. The movie started in media res, with the hero already fighting the villain in a huge battle.

II. Rhetorical questions

1. What do these rhetorical questions intend to achieve?

(i) “Isn’t it obvious that we must act now? Don’t we all have a responsibility to make a change?”
These questions urge people to take immediate action and accept responsibility.

(ii) “Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?”
This question encourages the listener to choose courage over fear.

2. Match situations with rhetorical questions.

Writing Task: Speech on Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends.

I am Anirudh from Class 9, and today I am going to speak on the topic “Turning Challenges into Opportunities.” Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once said, “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.” This thought reminds us that every dream demands courage, effort, and the ability to face challenges. Don’t you agree that every successful person has faced difficulties before reaching success?

Challenges often frighten us because they bring uncertainty. A new class, a difficult subject, a competition, public speaking, or a sudden change can make us anxious. However, every challenge also teaches us something. For instance, a student who fears speaking on stage can slowly become confident by practising in front of friends, then in class, and finally in assembly. The challenge becomes an opportunity to build confidence.

In addition, challenges help us discover strengths we did not know we had. When things are easy, we may remain in our comfort zone. But when problems arise, we learn planning, patience, teamwork, and discipline. Isn’t it true that failure often teaches us more than success? Great leaders like Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam faced hardships, but they turned them into opportunities through education, hard work, and self-belief.

To face challenges positively, we need the right attitude. We should break big goals into smaller steps, seek guidance, learn from mistakes, and keep trying. Change may be uncomfortable, but it can open new doors.

To conclude, challenges are not roadblocks; they are turning points. If we believe in ourselves and act with courage, every difficulty can become a step towards growth. Let us not run away from challenges. Let us turn them into opportunities.

Thank you.

Topics Covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8

• Follow That Dream Class 9
• Irene Chua My Daughter My Friend
• Mother-daughter relationship
• Dreams and ambition
• Effort, sacrifice, and commitment
• Support network and success
• Wishful thinking versus action
• Changing dreams over time
• Compound words with “-scape”
• Expressions such as uphill task, wet blanket, and wishful thinking
• First conditional Class 9 English
• Modal verb could Class 9 English
• Email writing Class 9 English
• Believe in Yourself Class 9
• Robert Langley Believe in Yourself
• Self-belief and personal growth
• Status quo and comfort zone
• Rhyme scheme, tone, imagery, symbolism, metaphor, and antithesis
• Latin expressions in English
• Rhetorical questions
• Speech writing Class 9 English

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Structure 2026