NCERT Solutions · Class 9 English · Kaveri · Unit 8
Follow That Dream
A Letter from ‘My Daughter, My Friend’ by Irene Chua · Complete Solutions · Pages 1–14
“Dream is not that you see in sleep; dream is something that does not let you sleep.”
— Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Page 1
Reflect and Respond
Q1–Q3
What is your dream? Who inspires you? What qualities do you need?
Answer
My Dream
To become a successful doctor and serve people who cannot afford good medical treatment. (You may choose: engineer, scientist, teacher, sportsperson, artist, etc.)
Who Inspires Me
My parents, teachers, and great personalities like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam — who showed us that dreams can transform our entire lives.
Qualities Needed to Fulfil a Dream
Passion
A burning desire to achieve your goal every single day
Hard Work
Dedication and tireless effort over many years
Patience
Staying the course even when results are slow
Focus
Discipline and concentration without distractions
Self-belief
Positive attitude and confidence in yourself
Sacrifice
Willingness to give up short-term comforts for long-term goals
Q4
Discuss Abdul Kalam’s quote: “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.”
Answer
Dr. Kalam’s quote means that a real dream is not just an imagination you see while sleeping, but a strong desire or goal that keeps you awake — making you think, plan, and work hard to achieve it.
A true dream pushes you to take action, not just to imagine. It is so powerful that it occupies your mind day and night until you turn it into reality.
Q·II
What role can parents and community play to help children achieve their dreams?
Answer
Parents
Encourage & support · provide guidance · financial help · emotional strength · respect children’s choices instead of forcing their own dreams
Teachers & Mentors
Guide students with knowledge and direction · identify hidden talents · provide constructive feedback
Community
Create opportunities — workshops, libraries, sports facilities, scholarships · respect every profession and dream, not just popular careers
Q·III
Why is it important to follow a dream? (Web Chart)
Answer
Purpose
Gives life a direction and meaning
Happiness
Brings joy and deep satisfaction
Growth
Helps us grow as individuals
Success
Leads to achievement and self-respect
Inspiration
Motivates others around us to dream too
Potential
Helps discover our true abilities
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Page 4
Check Your Understanding — True / False
Q
State whether the following sentences are True or False.
Answer
| # | Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reaching the peak of skill typically demands focused, intense dedication for about a decade. | TRUE |
| 2 | The mother believes significant effort and personal sacrifices are essential for turning aspirations into reality. | TRUE |
| 3 | The path to achieving the deepest desires has very little difficulty or few obstacles. | FALSE — The road is “uphill most of the way.” |
| 4 | The mother is of the opinion that a person’s life goals and hopes can evolve over time. | TRUE |
| 5 | Having a strong network of individuals can be a hurdle in pursuing one’s ambition. | FALSE — A support network helps, not hinders. |
| 6 | The mother feels that pursuing a major life goal will not involve any financial expense or sacrifice. | FALSE — She says “Count the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice.” |
| 7 | For many individuals, aspirations remain just wishes because they don’t move beyond mere daydreaming. | TRUE |
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Page 5
Critical Reflection — Extract 1
Extract 1: “It starts with a passion for a particular interest, then comes the conviction that it is imperative to realise it…”
i
Complete the analogy: enthusiasm : passion :: belief : ___
Answer
enthusiasm : passion :: belief : conviction
Just as enthusiasm relates to passion (a stronger, deeper form), belief relates to conviction — a firm, unshakeable certainty.
ii
A realistic assessment of effort, investment and sacrifice is crucial for preventing ___.
Answer
B. An early abandonment of the dream. The mother wants Ming to assess everything beforehand so she does not give up when difficulties arise — being prepared prevents early quitting.
iii
The word ‘plunge’ indicates a ___ involvement in a task.
Answer
The word ‘plunge’ indicates a complete involvement. It means to throw oneself fully into something — not gradually or cautiously, but with total commitment.
iv
“Doing what you love best and the right thing” works as intrinsic motivation because ___.
Answer
…it gives you inner joy, satisfaction, and meaning, which keeps you going even when there are no external rewards. When you love what you do, the work itself becomes the reward — the greatest motivator of all.
v
Mention one motivating factor besides ‘prospect of success’ that might keep a person on track.
Answer
The passion for one’s work — the knowledge that you are doing what you love best and what feels right. Inner satisfaction and genuine love for the field can keep a person going even when stamina and energy run out.
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Page 6
Critical Reflection — Extract 2
Extract 2: “From my own experience, life itself may change a person’s dreams…”
i
‘Life itself may change a person’s dreams’ suggests that dreams are not static but rather ___ (evolving/dynamic).
Answer
Evolving — Dreams grow and change with our experiences and circumstances. This is natural and should be embraced, not feared.
ii
What does the author mean by ‘hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days’?
Answer
The author means that even though our dreams may change as we grow older, the new hopes and goals are just as important and valuable as the dreams we had in our youth. We should pursue them with the same passion and dedication.
iii
Identify the phrase from the extract that indicates a complex and challenging journey.
Answer
“negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles”
This phrase vividly shows that achieving dreams involves dealing with many obstacles at once — like navigating a complicated maze, not a straight road.
iv
‘People who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more’ because ___.
Answer
…as we grow older and our dreams take longer to fulfil, more and more people — family, friends, teachers, mentors, colleagues — become part of our journey and contribute meaningfully to our success.
v
What is the tone of the author in this extract?
Answer
C. Optimistic and encouraging. The mother is hopeful and supportive, sharing her own experience to inspire Ming and reassure her that changing dreams is not failure — it is growth.
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Pages 6–7
Answer the Following Questions
Q1
The letter begins, ‘By all means follow that dream.’ What must Ming have written to her mother about?
Answer
Ming must have written about a personal dream or goal she wanted to pursue — perhaps a career choice, an unusual passion, or an unconventional path. She was likely seeking her mother’s opinion or approval, and possibly feeling doubtful or unsure. Her mother’s strong opening — “By all means follow that dream” — is a direct response to that uncertainty.
Q2
How can one attain an international level of skill in any field? Mention two ways.
Answer
Way 1
Pursue the subject singularly and intensively for at least ten years without distraction — deep, focused mastery takes a decade.
Way 2
Invest huge effort, sacrifice, time, and financial resources in the chosen field, while keeping the passion alive through every hardship.
Q3
What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers?
Answer
| Mere Dreamers | Actual Achievers |
|---|---|
| Say “I wish I could be this or the other” — never move beyond wishful thinking | Have passion, conviction, and commitment — take real action |
| Avoid hardship, sacrifice, and long-term investment | Willing to invest years of effort, accept financial costs, and make sacrifices |
| Dream remains in the mind — never gets tested | Plunge into their dream with full dedication and perseverance |
The key difference: action and perseverance — not just dreaming.
Q4
How does Ming’s mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming?
Answer
Critical Questions
“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?” — makes Ming think deeply about commitment.
Personal Anecdotes
People who couldn’t attend Raffles College due to WWII · Those who had to support siblings · Her own 10-year journey to publish this book as a dream fulfilled.
These real examples help Ming understand both the obstacles and the rewards of chasing dreams — making the advice credible and human.
Q5
How does Ming’s mother balance encouragement with caution in her advice?
Answer
Encouragement
“By all means follow that dream” — strong opening. She shares the positive side of pursuing passion with full support.
Caution
“Count the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice” — realistic warning. “Consider the years you need to chase your dream.”
She says she does not want to put “a wet blanket” on Ming’s dreams but wants her to be realistic and prepared. This balance reflects love, wisdom, and motherly care.
Q6
Is this advice still relevant in contemporary society?
Answer
Yes, this advice is very much relevant today.
- Dreams still need hard work, time, and sacrifice — these things never change
- Today, young people face even more distractions (social media, instant gratification) — making this guidance even more important
- The idea that dreams can evolve over time fits modern life, where careers often change
- Having a strong support network is just as essential now as it was before
This advice from 1995 still applies beautifully — perhaps even more powerfully — to the 21st century.
Q7
What ‘costs’ of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest?
Personal Answer
✅ Willing to Invest
Time — daily study and practice · Effort — hard work and repeated attempts · Small sacrifices — giving up TV, social media, and unnecessary outings
❌ Unwilling to Sacrifice
My health (physical/mental well-being) · Relationships with family · My values and ethics — I won’t choose dishonest shortcuts
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Pages 7–9
Vocabulary I–IV — Phrases, Idioms & Grammar
Voc I
Find meanings of words ending in ‘–scape’. Fill in the dialogue.
–scape Word Meanings
mindscape
A mental view or scene of thoughts and feelings
seascape
A view or picture of the sea
landscape
A view of natural scenery — land, hills, trees
cityscape
A view or picture of a city skyline or urban area
Dialogue Fill-in
| Speaker | 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 | True, but sometimes the city lights have their own charm. |
| Kiran | I know, but I’m craving a quiet (iii) landscape. Forests, hills — something real. |
| Sneha | Nature really does clear the (iv) mindscape, doesn’t it? |
Voc II
Idioms and Expressions — choose the best meaning and use in a sentence.
Answer
burn in her blood
Have a passionate desire for something
The dream to become a singer burns in her blood.
uphill task
A tough, difficult challenge
Mastering a new language is an uphill task.
buoyed up
Lifted in spirit; encouraged
The class was buoyed up after winning the competition.
wishful thinking
A hopeful belief unlikely to come true
Hoping to top the exam without studying is just wishful thinking.
wet blanket
A spoil-sport; one who dampens enthusiasm
Don’t be a wet blanket — let everyone enjoy the picnic!
coursing through her veins
Flowing intensely through the body (of emotion)
Excitement was coursing through her veins as she stepped on stage.
Voc III
First Conditional with Imperatives — complete the sentences.
Answer
If
the idea excites you, go ahead and try it without hesitation.
If
you hear strange noises, stay calm and call for help immediately.
If
this seems too hard, take a short break and try again with a fresh mind.
If
you care about the issue, stand up and speak about it.
If
you finish early, help your classmates with their work.
Rule: First Conditional = If + present tense → imperative (command/advice). Used for realistic situations with definite actions.
Voc IV
Match the sentences with the functions of ‘could’.
Answer
“It could be in any field — sports, science, arts, business or design.”
Possibility“I wish I could be this or the other,” they have never got beyond just wishful thinking.
Unreal / HypotheticalThey could have preferred to trade their dream for security.
Past Possibility / Speculation…they had to go out to work so that they could support their siblings through school.
Past Ability / Purpose🌠
Page 10
Vocabulary V–VI — ‘Could’ Practice & Verb Forms
Voc V
Complete sentences using ‘could’ with the given function.
Answer
I wish I could travel the world without worrying about money.
Unreal / HypotheticalThey could have taken the shorter route, but they didn’t know about it.
Past PossibilityWhen I was younger, I could run for hours without stopping.
Past AbilityShe could be at the library right now — she had mentioned it.
PossibilityCould you please repeat the question? I didn’t hear it clearly.
Polite RequestVoc VI
Fill in the blanks with suitable grammatical verb forms.
Answer
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.
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Pages 12–13
Writing Task — Email to Design Institute
Email
Write an email to the Director of a design institute enquiring about a summer workshop.
Sample Email
Fromaarav.sharma@email.com
Todirector@nidesigninstitute.edu.in
SubjectEnquiry Regarding Summer Design Workshop
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Aarav Sharma, and I am a Class 9 student at Modern Public School, Indore. I am writing to enquire about the Summer Design Workshop being conducted by your esteemed institute.
I have always been deeply passionate about design and aspire to pursue it as a future career. While browsing your institute’s website, I came across the announcement of the workshop, and I am extremely interested in participating.
I would be very grateful if you could kindly provide me with the following details:
- Dates and duration of the workshop
- Eligibility criteria and fee structure
- Course modules and topics covered
- Last date of application
- Any prerequisites or materials needed in advance
I would also like to know if there are any scholarship opportunities for school students.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your kind response and the opportunity to be part of this enriching experience.
Yours sincerely,
Aarav Sharma · Class 9 · Modern Public School, Indore
Contact: +91-9876543210
Aarav Sharma · Class 9 · Modern Public School, Indore
Contact: +91-9876543210
Email Format Reminder: From → To → Subject → Salutation → Body (purpose, details, enquiries, thanks) → Closing (Yours sincerely) → Name & Contact
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Pages 13–14
Learning Beyond the Text
Q·I
Create a Vision Board — what would you include?
Answer
My Dreams
Big future goals — becoming a doctor, scientist, artist, or sportsperson
I Want to Try
New experiences — learning a sport, instrument, or joining a club
Goals
Specific targets — read 10 books, improve handwriting, score 90%
Places I’ll Go
Travel destinations — Goa, Himalayas, or even space one day!
Inspiration
Pictures or quotes of role models — parents, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Use pictures, drawings, words, and stickers to make your vision board colourful and deeply motivating!
Q·II
Great Indian personalities inspired by their mothers.
Answer
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji & Jijabai
Shivaji’s mother Jijabai instilled in him strong values of dharma, patriotism, and justice. She told him stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which shaped his bravery and legendary leadership.
2. Queen Madālasa
Wife of King Ritudhwaja, Madālasa was a wise mother from Indian scriptures. She taught her children about the soul and detachment from material desires, guiding her sons toward spiritual liberation. A timeless example of wisdom-shaping motherhood.
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Summary
Quick Revision — Key Vocabulary & Central Theme
Rev
Important vocabulary and their meanings.
Answer
insight
Clear and deep understanding of something
singularly
Exclusively; in a focused, dedicated manner
imperative
Absolutely necessary; of vital importance
plunge
To throw oneself fully and completely into an activity
buoyed up
Kept afloat; lifted in spirit and encouraged
wistfully
In a longing, wishful, or yearning manner
dreamscape
The world of one’s dreams; the landscape of dreaming
conviction
A firm, unshakeable belief in something
burn in your blood
To have a deep, passionate desire for something
wet blanket
A spoil-sport who dampens others’ enthusiasm
wishful thinking
A hopeful belief that is unlikely to come true
uphill task
A tough, demanding challenge that requires great effort
Chapter Type
A letter from mother to daughter Ming — from ‘My Daughter, My Friend’ by Irene Chua
Central Message
“By all means follow that dream” — but be realistic, prepared, and ready for a long, uphill journey
10-Year Rule
To reach world-class standard in any field, one must pursue it singularly and intensively for at least 10 years
Dreamers vs Achievers
Dreamers stop at wishful thinking. Achievers plunge in with passion, conviction, sacrifice, and commitment
Dreams Can Evolve
Life may change a person’s dreams — and that is natural. New hopes are no less than the original dream
Support Network
More people participate in your dreamscape as your journey grows. A strong network is essential for success
First Conditional
If + present tense → imperative (advice/command). For realistic, actionable situations
‘Could’ Functions
Possibility · Unreal/Hypothetical · Past Possibility/Speculation · Past Ability/Purpose · Polite Request
–scape Words
mindscape · seascape · landscape · cityscape · dreamscape
Count the Cost
Years of effort + financial investment + personal sacrifice = the real price of chasing a dream
💭 Dream big — but with realism and eyes wide open
🔥 Dreams need passion, conviction, and 10 years of dedication
⏳ Be ready to sacrifice time, money, and effort — count the cost
🚀 Don’t just dream — plunge in, act, and follow that dream! — Central Theme of “Follow That Dream” · Irene Chua
🔥 Dreams need passion, conviction, and 10 years of dedication
⏳ Be ready to sacrifice time, money, and effort — count the cost
🚀 Don’t just dream — plunge in, act, and follow that dream! — Central Theme of “Follow That Dream” · Irene Chua