Navigating the academic landscape of Class 9 English requires a deep understanding of both literal comprehension and critical reflection. The chapter “Follow That Dream,” presented in the form of a poignant letter from a mother, Irene Chua, to her daughter, Ming, serves as a cornerstone for character building and analytical writing. This comprehensive guide provides flawless, textbook-accurate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English “Follow That Dream.” Designed by senior content architects and board exam graders, these solutions are structured to help students secure maximum marks in their CBSE examinations. By focusing on precise textual evidence, advanced vocabulary, and correct grammatical structures, this article ensures that every student can confidently master the chapter’s exercises.
NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Follow That Dream
The chapter “Follow That Dream” is a beautiful literary piece that explores the dynamics of ambition, perseverance, and parental guidance. It is presented as an intimate letter from a mother to her teenage daughter, offering a realistic perspective on what it takes to achieve greatness. The text emphasizes that dreams are not merely passive wishes but active pursuits requiring immense dedication, sacrifice, and resilience.
For Class 9 students, this chapter is crucial as it bridges the gap between simple reading comprehension and deep, analytical thinking. The CBSE curriculum design for this unit aims to foster critical reflection, vocabulary acquisition, and formal writing skills. Understanding the nuances of the mother’s advice helps students develop their own perspectives on goal-setting and personal growth.
To score well in CBSE English exams, students must learn to incorporate specific textual keywords into their answers. Phrases like “burning conviction,” “uphill task,” and “support network” are highly valued by examiners. These solutions highlight such key phrases to guide students on what to memorize and replicate in their answer sheets.
The structure of these solutions mirrors the exact layout of premium educational portals like LearnCBSE. Each section is meticulously organized, ensuring that no question is left unanswered. From true-or-false statements to complex writing tasks, every exercise is solved with the highest level of academic precision.
In addition to textual answers, this guide provides detailed explanations of the grammatical concepts introduced in the chapter. The use of first conditionals with imperatives and the modal verb “could” are explained in context. This holistic approach ensures that students not only complete their homework but also build a strong foundation in English grammar.
The speaking and listening activities included in this chapter are designed to improve students’ communicative competence. Our solutions provide complete scripts and model answers for these activities, making them ideal for classroom presentations and internal assessments. This ensures that students are well-prepared for all components of the English curriculum.
Parents and teachers can also use this guide as a reliable resource to evaluate students’ understanding of the text. The detailed explanations help clarify doubts and encourage meaningful discussions about the themes of the chapter. It serves as an excellent tool for self-study and exam preparation.
By engaging with these solutions, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the literary merit of the text. They will learn how to structure their answers logically, use appropriate vocabulary, and express their thoughts clearly. Let us dive into the complete, step-by-step solved exercises for “Follow That Dream.”
Class 9 English Follow That Dream Reflect & Respond
The “Reflect and Respond” section encourages students to connect the themes of the chapter with their own lives and aspirations. It prompts them to think deeply about their personal goals, sources of inspiration, and the practical steps required to turn dreams into reality. This section is essential for developing self-awareness and critical thinking skills.
In CBSE exams, reflective questions are often asked to assess a student’s ability to express personal opinions coherently. Answering these questions requires a balance of personal reflection and structured expression. The solutions provided below are designed to meet these academic standards while remaining authentic and relatable.
The discussion on Abdul Kalam’s famous quote about dreams is a highlight of this section. It challenges students to redefine their understanding of ambition and hard work. Our detailed response explains the deeper philosophical meaning behind the quote, helping students write high-scoring answers in their exams.
Furthermore, this section addresses the role of the community and parents in supporting young dreamers. It highlights the importance of a strong support network, a theme that is central to the mother’s letter. The solutions emphasize collaboration, encouragement, and realistic planning as key factors in achieving success.
The web chart exercise in this section helps students visually organize the reasons why following a dream is important. This graphical representation aids in memory retention and helps students structure their thoughts for longer writing tasks. The completed web chart points are detailed comprehensively below.
Overall, the “Reflect and Respond” exercises serve as an excellent warm-up for the more analytical sections of the chapter. They encourage students to engage with the text on a personal level before diving into critical reflection. Let us look at the detailed, solved questions for this section.
Students should practice writing these answers in their own words to build confidence. The model answers provided here serve as a benchmark for quality and structure. By studying these responses, students can learn how to elaborate on their ideas effectively.
Let us now proceed to the exact questions and their comprehensive, textbook-accurate solutions.
Reflect and Respond
Question 1
What is your dream? (Page No. 232)
Answer:
My dream is to become an environmental scientist and work towards finding sustainable solutions to combat climate change. I wish to develop innovative technologies that can reduce plastic pollution and promote renewable energy sources in rural areas. This dream stems from my deep love for nature and my desire to make a meaningful contribution to preserving our planet for future generations.
Question 2
Who inspires you to dream? (Page No. 232)
Answer:
I am deeply inspired by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and a renowned scientist. His journey from a humble background in Rameswaram to becoming the pioneer of India’s space and missile programs is truly motivating. His belief in the power of youth and his constant encouragement to “dream big” make him my ultimate role model.
Question 3
What qualities should you have in order to fulfil your dream? (Page No. 232)
Answer:
To fulfil my dream, I need to cultivate several essential qualities:
- Unwavering Perseverance: The ability to keep striving despite repeated failures and setbacks.
- Disciplined Focus: Maintaining a singular and intensive dedication to my academic and practical goals.
- Resilience: The strength to overcome obstacles and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Curiosity and Innovation: A constant desire to learn new things and think outside the box to solve complex problems.
Question 4
Abdul Kalam said, “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.” Discuss. (Page No. 232) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
This profound quote by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam highlights the difference between passive daydreaming and active ambition.
- A dream seen during sleep is temporary, effortless, and lacks commitment.
- In contrast, a true dream is a burning conviction that occupies your thoughts constantly, driving you to work tirelessly day and night.
- It creates a sense of urgency and passion that prevents complacency, keeping you awake and motivated to take action.
- Therefore, real dreams are defined by the effort, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit we invest in making them a reality.
II What role can parents and community play to help children achieve their dreams? (Page No. 232)
Answer:
Parents and the community play a pivotal role in a child’s journey toward achieving their dreams:
- Emotional Support: Parents act as the primary support network, offering encouragement and a safe space to fail without fear of judgment.
- Financial and Resource Backing: Providing access to quality education, books, training, and mentorship.
- Creating a Conducive Environment: The community can offer safe spaces, libraries, and extracurricular programs that foster talent.
- Constructive Guidance: Helping children balance their passion with realistic planning, ensuring they do not get discouraged by initial hurdles.
III Complete the given web chart. Give as many reasons as you can. Why is it important to follow a dream? (Page No. 232)
Answer:
Following a dream is important because:
- Provides a Sense of Purpose: It gives direction to our lives and prevents aimless wandering.
- Fosters Personal Growth: The journey forces us to acquire new skills, build resilience, and discover our true potential.
- Brings Inner Happiness: Pursuing what we love leads to deep intrinsic satisfaction and emotional fulfillment.
- Drives Innovation and Progress: Society advances when individuals dare to follow unique paths in science, arts, and technology.
- Builds Resilience: Overcoming the “uphill task” of achieving a dream makes us mentally stronger and more adaptable.
Check Your Understanding True or False Solved Answers
The “Check Your Understanding” section is designed to test students’ literal comprehension of the text. It consists of several statements that students must classify as true or false based on the mother’s letter to Ming. This exercise ensures that students have read the text carefully and understood the core arguments presented by the author.
In CBSE examinations, objective-type questions like True/False or Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are highly scoring. However, they require a precise understanding of the text, as options can often be tricky. A single misplaced word can change the entire meaning of a statement, leading to a loss of marks.
To help students master this section, we have provided not just the answers, but also detailed explanations for each statement. These explanations refer directly to the passage, showing students exactly where the information is located. This method builds analytical reading skills, which are essential for solving unseen passages as well.
For instance, the statement about the time required to reach a world-class standard is directly linked to the mother’s mention of “at least ten years.” By connecting the questions to specific textual evidence, students learn how to verify their answers systematically. This reduces the margin of error significantly.
Similarly, the role of a support network is highlighted in the text through the example of the Academy Awards. The mother explains that winners always thank a host of people who stood by them. Therefore, the statement suggesting that a support network is a hurdle is clearly false, as it actually aids success.
Understanding the evolution of dreams is another key concept tested in this section. The mother shares her personal experience of how her own dreams changed over ten years, leading to the publication of her book. This supports the statement that life goals can evolve over time, making it true.
By practicing these solved true-or-false questions, students can reinforce their understanding of the chapter’s key themes. It serves as a quick revision tool before exams, ensuring that all factual details are fresh in the student’s mind. Let us look at the complete solved answers for this section.
Here are the detailed, textbook-accurate solutions for the “Check Your Understanding” section.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
State whether the following sentences are true or false. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. (Page No. 234)
- Reaching the peak of skill in a field typically demands a focused and intense dedication for about a decade.
Answer: True
Explanation: The text explicitly states, “to reach world-class standard in any field, one has to be singularly and intensively pursuing the subject for at least ten years.” - The mother believes that significant effort and personal sacrifices are essential for turning aspirations into reality.
Answer: True
Explanation: The author mentions that what differentiates greatness from the ordinary is “how much effort and sacrifice people invest to realise their dream.” - The path to achieving the deepest desires has very little difficulty or a few obstacles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The text states that “the road may be uphill most of the way” and that one must negotiate a “maze of hurdles.” - The mother is of the opinion that a person’s life goals and hopes can evolve over time.
Answer: True
Explanation: The mother shares from her own experience that “life itself may change a person’s dreams” and that these new aspirations are no less valuable. - Having a strong network of individuals can be a hurdle in pursuing one’s ambition.
Answer: False
Explanation: The mother highlights that winners always thank a “host of people that formed his/her support network,” indicating that such a network is beneficial, not a hurdle. - The mother feels that pursuing a major life goal will not involve any financial expense or sacrifice.
Answer: False
Explanation: The mother advises her daughter to “count the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice” before taking the plunge. - For many individuals, their aspirations remain just wishes because they don’t move beyond mere daydreaming.
Answer: True
Explanation: The text notes that for a lot of people, “dreams remain dreams” because they “have never got beyond just wishful thinking.”
Critical Reflection Extract Based Solved Questions
Extract-based questions are a staple of CBSE Class 9 English examinations. They test a student’s ability to analyze a specific passage from the text, understand its context, and answer analytical questions based on it. This section requires a deep understanding of vocabulary, literary devices, and the author’s tone.
To score full marks in extract-based questions, students must pay close attention to the wording of the questions. Often, these questions include analogies, vocabulary matching, and short-answer explanations. Our solutions provide precise, high-scoring answers that align perfectly with the CBSE marking scheme.
In the first extract, the author discusses the initial passion and conviction required to pursue a dream. She emphasizes the need to “count the cost” before taking the plunge. Our solutions explain the metaphorical use of “plunge” and how intrinsic motivation helps overcome physical and mental exhaustion.
The second extract focuses on how dreams can change over time due to life’s circumstances. The mother uses her own experience of publishing a book to illustrate this point. The questions based on this extract test the student’s understanding of dynamic goals and the expanding circle of people involved in one’s life journey.
Analyzing the author’s tone is another important aspect of critical reflection. In these extracts, the mother’s tone is balanced, realistic, yet deeply encouraging. She does not discourage her daughter but ensures she is fully aware of the challenges ahead. This nuanced understanding is reflected in our solved answers.
By practicing these extract-based questions, students will learn how to extract key information quickly and accurately. This skill is highly beneficial for both literature and comprehension sections of the exam paper. Let us examine the detailed solved questions for the extracts.
Each answer is structured to be concise yet comprehensive, ensuring that students understand the underlying concepts fully. Key terms are underlined to help students identify the most important parts of the response.
Let us proceed to the solved extract-based questions.
Critical Reflection
Question 1
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow. (Page No. 234)
Extract 1:
“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. It could be in any field—sports, science, arts, business, or design. 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.”
(i) Complete the analogy with a suitable word from the extract.
enthusiasm: passion:: belief: conviction
(ii) Choose the correct option to complete the following sentence appropriately.
The author says that a realistic assessment of effort, investment and sacrifice is crucial for preventing _____.
A. the need for external support network
B. an early abandonment of the dream
C. initial excitement from fading over time
D. others from questioning one’s commitment
Answer: B. an early abandonment of the dream
Explanation: Assessing the costs beforehand ensures that one is prepared for the long-term struggle, preventing them from giving up prematurely when faced with difficulties.
(iii) Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The word ‘plunge’ as used in the extract indicates a complete (complete/gradual) involvement in a task.
(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
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 doing what you love provides internal satisfaction and a sense of purpose, which keeps you going even when external rewards are absent.
(v) Mention one motivating factor besides ‘prospect of success’, that might keep a person on track, despite running out of stamina.
Answer: Another motivating factor is the unwavering support and encouragement of a reliable network of family, friends, and mentors.
Question 2
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow. (Page No. 235)
Extract 2:
“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. To fulfil them you will need to negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles. The dream will take a much longer time to realise, and the people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more.”
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The phrase ‘life itself may change a person’s dreams’ suggests that dreams are not static but rather dynamic (evolving/dynamic).
(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 new goals and aspirations that develop later in life are just as valuable, meaningful, and fulfilling as the dreams one had during youth, even if they are different in nature.
(iii) Identify the phrase from the extract that indicates a complex and challenging journey.
Answer: “negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles”
(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The author says, ‘people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more’ because as we grow older, our lives become more interconnected with others, meaning our decisions and dreams involve and impact a larger circle of family, colleagues, and community members.
(v) What is the tone of the author in this extract?
A. appreciative and celebratory
B. excited and cheerful
C. optimistic and encouraging
D. eager and inquisitive
Answer: C. optimistic and encouraging
Follow That Dream Class 9 Short Answer Questions
This section contains the short and long-answer questions from Part II of the “Critical Reflection” section. These questions require students to synthesize information from the entire text and express their understanding in structured paragraphs. They are designed to test higher-order thinking skills (HOTS).
In CBSE Class 9 English exams, short-answer questions are typically worth 3 marks each, requiring a response of 30-40 words, while long-answer questions are worth 6 marks, requiring 100-120 words. Our solutions are tailored to meet these length and depth requirements, ensuring that students know how to elaborate on their points.
The questions cover a wide range of topics, including the hypothetical letter written by Ming, the requirements for achieving international-level skills, and the difference between dreamers and achievers. We also analyze the mother’s persuasive techniques, such as her use of rhetorical questions and personal anecdotes.
One of the key questions asks students to evaluate the relevance of the mother’s advice in contemporary society. This requires students to connect the text with modern-day challenges, such as the pressure for instant success and the rapidly changing job market. Our solution provides a well-reasoned argument supporting the timeless nature of the advice.
Another important question encourages self-reflection, asking students what “costs” they are willing to invest in their own goals. This helps students apply the lessons of the chapter to their personal lives, fostering character development. The model answer provided is balanced and realistic.
By studying these solved questions, students will learn how to construct logical, well-supported arguments. They will understand how to use textual evidence to back up their claims, which is a key requirement for securing high marks in CBSE exams. Let us look at the detailed solutions.
Each answer is presented with clear headings and bullet points where necessary to maximize readability and study efficiency.
Critical Reflection – Part II
Question 1
The letter begins thus, ‘By all means follow that dream’. What do you think Ming must have written to her mother about? (Page No. 236)
Answer:
Ming must have written to her mother expressing a passionate desire to pursue a specific, perhaps unconventional, career path or personal dream. She might have shared her excitement, along with some underlying doubts and anxieties about the challenges involved, and sought her mother’s approval, guidance, and emotional support before taking the final plunge.
Question 2
How can one attain an international level of skill in any field? Mention any two ways. (Page No. 236)
Answer:
According to the text, attaining an international level of skill requires:
- Long-term Dedication: One must be singularly and intensively pursuing the chosen subject for at least ten years.
- Willingness to Sacrifice: One must be ready to “count the cost” and invest immense effort, financial resources, and personal sacrifices to achieve world-class standards.
Question 3
What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers? (Page No. 236) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
The primary differences between mere dreamers and actual achievers are:
- Action vs. Wishful Thinking: Mere dreamers engage in wishful thinking and often trade their dreams for security. Achievers, however, take the “plunge” and actively work towards their goals.
- Perseverance: Achievers possess a burning conviction that keeps them on track even when their stamina is running out, whereas dreamers give up when circumstances change or when faced with an uphill journey.
Question 4
How does Ming’s mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming and convey her message effectively? (Page No. 236)
Answer:
Ming’s mother employs a highly effective persuasive strategy:
- Critical Questions: By asking, “Do you know that to reach world-class standard…?”, she forces Ming to realistically evaluate the level of commitment required.
- Personal Anecdotes: She shares her own ten-year struggle to publish her book, demonstrating that dreams can evolve and still bring immense joy. She also shares stories of people whose dreams were disrupted by World War II or family responsibilities, adding a layer of realistic caution to her advice.
Question 5
How does Ming’s mother balance encouragement with caution in her advice? (Page No. 236) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
The mother balances her advice beautifully by:
- Encouragement: She starts with the positive affirmation, “By all means follow that dream,” and assures Ming that she is not going to “put a wet blanket” on her aspirations.
- Caution: At the same time, she cautions Ming to “count the cost” in terms of years of effort and financial investments. She warns her that the road is “uphill most of the way” and that she must navigate a “maze of hurdles,” ensuring Ming is mentally prepared for the challenges.
Question 6
In the letter, Ming’s mother specifically addresses the challenges people face in pursuing their dreams. Do you think this advice is still relevant in contemporary society? If yes, why? If no, why not? (Page No. 236)
Answer:
Yes, this advice is highly relevant in contemporary society. In today’s fast-paced world, young people often face the pressure of instant gratification and quick success. The mother’s reminder that true mastery requires at least ten years of intensive pursuit serves as a crucial reality check. Furthermore, in an era of rapid technological and economic changes, her advice on being adaptable as “life itself may change a person’s dreams” is incredibly valuable for modern career planning.
Question 7
What ‘costs’ in terms of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest to pursue your goals? (Page No. 236)
Answer:
To achieve my goal of becoming a research scientist, I am:
- Willing to Invest: Years of disciplined academic study, long hours of laboratory research, and sacrificing immediate leisure activities or social gatherings to maintain focus.
- Unwilling to Sacrifice: My mental and physical well-being, my ethical values, and my core relationships with my family, as I believe a balanced life is essential for sustainable, long-term success.
Vocabulary and Grammar Structures in Context Solved
This section focuses on the vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in the chapter. It includes exercises on compound words ending in “-scape,” idiomatic expressions, first conditional sentences with imperatives, and the various functions of the modal verb “could.” It also includes a passage-editing exercise to test overall grammatical accuracy.
In CBSE Class 9 English, grammar and vocabulary account for a significant portion of the marks. Mastering these concepts is essential for writing grammatically correct answers and essays. Our solutions provide clear explanations and model sentences for each exercise, helping students understand the rules thoroughly.
The compound word exercise explores words like “mindscape,” “seascape,” “landscape,” and “cityscape.” We provide precise dictionary definitions for these terms and show how they are used in a dialogue context. This helps students expand their vocabulary and use these words correctly in their own writing.
The idioms exercise covers common expressions used in the text, such as “burn in her blood,” “uphill task,” and “wet blanket.” We provide the correct meanings and write original, high-quality sentences for each idiom. This is a highly effective way to improve students’ descriptive writing skills.
The grammar exercises on conditionals and modals are particularly important. The first conditional with imperatives is a common structure used to give advice or commands. The modal verb “could” has multiple functions, including expressing possibility, past ability, and hypothetical situations. Our solutions clearly categorize and explain these functions.
Finally, the experiential learning passage-editing exercise helps students practice subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and modal usage. This exercise is directly aligned with the editing and omission tasks asked in CBSE exams. Let us look at the complete solved exercises.
Each section is clearly formatted with bold tags and structured tables where appropriate to make learning easy and effective.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I Compound Words with ‘-scape’ (Page No. 236)
Definitions:
- mindscape: The range of a person’s thoughts, imagination, or mental focus.
- seascape: A view of an expanse of sea; a picture representing this.
- landscape: All the visible features of an area of land, often considered in terms of their aesthetic appeal.
- cityscape: The visual appearance of a city or urban area; a city landscape.
1. Fill in the blanks in the following dialogue between two friends with the words given in the box. (Page No. 236)
Answer:
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: I get that. But sometimes the city lights have their own charm.
Kiran: True, but I’m craving a quiet (iii) landscape. Forests, hills—something real.
Sneha: Yes, nature clears the (iv) mindscape, doesn’t it?
Kiran: Exactly. Let’s plan a trip that soothes—inside and out.
II Idioms and Expressions (Page No. 237)
1. She had a dream that seemed to burn in her blood, and she wasn’t going to give up on it easily.
Meaning: (ii) have a passionate desire
Sentence: Her desire to become a world-class violinist seemed to burn in her blood from a very young age.
2. Preparing for the final exam without proper notes felt like an uphill task.
Meaning: (i) a tough challenge
Sentence: Clearing the advanced level of the mathematics olympiad without coaching was an uphill task for Rohan.
3. The team was buoyed up by their recent victory and felt confident about the next game.
Meaning: (iv) lifted in spirit (or encouraged by the result)
Sentence: Buoyed up by the roaring cheers of the crowd, the athlete sprinted across the finish line to win the gold medal.
4. He thought he could ace the exam without studying, but that was just wishful thinking.
Meaning: (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true
Sentence: Expecting to score perfect marks without opening a single textbook is nothing but wishful thinking.
5. Don’t be a wet blanket—we’re trying to have fun!
Meaning: (i) spoil-sport
Sentence: Don’t be a wet blanket by complaining about the rain; let’s enjoy the indoor board games instead!
6. Excitement was coursing through her veins as she stepped onto the stage for the first time.
Meaning: (ii) flowing through her body
Sentence: A sudden rush of adrenaline was coursing through her veins as she prepared to make her first bungee jump.
III First Conditional with Imperatives (Page No. 238)
Complete the sentences using your own words (imperatives):
- If the idea excites you, go ahead and start working on it immediately.
- If you hear strange noises, check the security locks or call for help.
- If this seems too hard, take a short break and try a different approach.
- If you care about the issue, raise awareness and contribute to the cause.
- If you finish early, review your answers carefully before submitting.
IV Usage of ‘Could’ – Matching (Page No. 238)
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 or hypothetical situation
- “They could have preferred to trade their dream for security.” -> Past possibility or speculation
- “…so that they could support their siblings through school.” -> Past ability or purpose
V Complete Sentences using ‘Could’ (Page No. 239)
- I wish I could travel the world without worrying about money. (unreal or hypothetical)
- They could have taken the shorter route, but they didn’t know about it. (past possibility or speculative)
- When I was younger, I could run five miles without stopping. (past ability)
- She could be at the library right now—she had mentioned it. (possibility)
- Could you please repeat the question? I didn’t hear it clearly. (formal/polite request)
VI Grammatical Forms – Experiential Learning Passage (Page No. 239)
Answer:
Experiential learning is an approach to education that focuses on learning through experience, action and reflection. It 1. helps (help) students gain practical knowledge and develop real-world skills. Traditionally, students 2. learned (learn) by listening to lectures and memorising facts, but experiential learning has changed this process.
In an experiential setting, students 3. work (work) on projects, solve problems, and take part in activities that reflect real-life challenges. They 4. apply (apply) what they have learned in class to new and unfamiliar situations. For example, a student studying science 5. conducts (conduct) experiments to test a theory, while a business student 6. analyses (analyse) a case study to understand market trends.
Reflection is key to this process. After completing a task, learners 7. must reflect (must/reflect) on what went well and what could be improved. This reflection 8. helps (help) them build a deeper understanding of the topic.
Educators believe that experiential learning 9. is (be) more effective than passive learning methods because it is engaging and meaningful. In the future, more schools and universities 10. will incorporate (incorporate) experiential learning into their curriculum to prepare students for the real world.
Listen and Respond Plus Speaking Activity Solutions
The “Listen and Respond” and “Speaking Activity” sections are designed to develop students’ oral and aural communication skills. These activities are essential components of the CBSE Assessment of Speaking and Listening (ASL), which carries significant weight in internal assessments.
For the listening task, we have provided accurate, context-based answers that align with standard school announcements regarding vocational courses. These courses, such as Graphic Design and Entrepreneurship, are highly relevant to modern educational trends, making this exercise very practical.
The speaking activity involves a roleplay with four distinct characters: The Dreamer, A Parent, A Mentor, and A Friend/Sibling. This activity helps students practice expressing different viewpoints on a single issue—pursuing an unconventional career path. It teaches empathy, negotiation, and balanced decision-making.
To help students perform exceptionally well in this activity, we have written a complete, highly engaging script for the roleplay. The script uses the exact sentence prompts provided in the textbook, ensuring that students meet all the activity requirements. It can be easily adapted for classroom presentations.
The dialogue highlights the tension between passion (The Dreamer) and financial stability (The Parent). It also shows how a mentor can offer balanced advice, and how a friend can provide both support and a realistic backup plan. This realistic portrayal makes the roleplay highly effective.
By practicing this script, students will improve their pronunciation, intonation, and public speaking confidence. It also helps them understand how to structure a persuasive argument in a conversation. Let us look at the complete solutions for both activities.
The solutions are presented clearly, making it easy for students to assign roles and practice in their groups.
Listen and Respond
I Fill in the blanks with the exact words from the announcement: (Page No. 240)
- Vocational courses will begin in the month of July.
- The objective of the courses is to prepare you with practical skills for future studies and jobs.
- Offered courses include Graphic Design, Information Technology, Web Application, and Entrepreneurship Skills, etc.
- Classes will be conducted by industry experts at school.
- The application forms will be available at the reception desk (or school office).
- Choice of course will be given to eligible (or first-come, first-served) applicants.
Speaking Activity
I Group Role Play Script (Page No. 240)
Setting: A living room discussion about the Dreamer’s aspiration to become a professional trekking guide.
- The Dreamer (Rohan): I know this might sound challenging, but… ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of exploring the Himalayas and guiding others through those majestic trails. I understand it’s not a usual path, but I believe nature has a unique way of teaching us. It’s an uphill journey, but I’m ready for it because my passion for adventure burns in my blood, and I cannot see myself confined to a desk job.
- The Parent (Mr. Sharma): Rohan, I know you’re passionate, but… passion alone does not pay the bills. I only want what’s best for you, and financial stability is crucial in today’s expensive world. You can always pursue your dream later as a hobby once you have a secure job. What if it doesn’t work out, or what if you face a physical injury? How will you support yourself?
- The Mentor (Mrs. Sen, English Teacher): Remember, Rohan, dreams need planning just as much as they need passion. Let’s look at the long-term view; a career in adventure tourism is growing, but it requires professional certifications from institutes like NIM. There are ways to combine your dream and academic security, perhaps by pursuing a degree in Tourism Management first. Are you ready to invest years of rigorous physical training and study to make this a viable career?
- The Friend/Sibling (Ananya): Rohan, you’ve always been good at leading outdoor camps, so don’t give up now. I don’t want to be a wet blanket, but what’s your backup plan if the trekking season is off? If anyone can do this, it’s you, so I will support you, but you must listen to Mrs. Sen and get certified first. If this dream makes you happy, we will help you convince Dad with a solid plan!
Class 9 English Follow That Dream Email Writing Task
Email writing is a vital functional writing skill tested in the CBSE Class 9 English curriculum. It falls under the short writing tasks category and requires a strict adherence to formal formats and tone. This section provides a complete guide and a model answer for the email writing task presented in the textbook.
To secure full marks in email writing, students must understand the key components of a formal email. These include the sender’s and receiver’s email addresses, a clear and concise subject line, a formal salutation, a structured body, and a professional closing. Abbreviations and informal language must be strictly avoided.
The prompt asks students to write an email to the Director of a design institute, enquiring about a summer workshop. This requires a polite, formal tone, expressing genuine interest while seeking specific details about the course. Our model email is structured to meet these exact requirements.
We have also provided a detailed breakdown of the marking scheme for this task. This helps students understand how marks are distributed for format, content, and expression. By knowing what examiners look for, students can write their answers more strategically.
The body of the email is divided into three clear paragraphs: an introduction expressing interest, a body paragraph seeking specific details (such as duration, fees, and eligibility), and a polite conclusion requesting a response. This logical flow is highly appreciated by board graders.
Additionally, we have included tips on how to customize this email for different prompts. This ensures that students can apply the same format and style to any email writing question they encounter in their exams. It builds versatile writing skills.
Let us look at the complete, formal email draft and its structural analysis.
Each element of the email is clearly labeled to help students memorize the correct format easily.
Writing Task
Question 1
You are passionate about pursuing a course in designing in future. You come across a summer workshop being conducted by a reputed design institute. Write an email to the Director of the institute enquiring the details of the workshop and expressing your interest in joining it. (Page No. 241) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer:
From: aarav.sharma99@email.com
To: director@delhiinstitutedesign.edu.in
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: 15 October 2023
Subject: Enquiry Regarding Summer Design Workshop - Expressing Interest
Respected Sir/Ma'am,
I hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits.
I am Aarav Sharma, a Class 9 student from New Delhi. I am writing to express my keen interest in the upcoming Summer Design Workshop organized by your esteemed institute. I have a deep passion for graphic and product design, and I aspire to pursue a professional career in this creative field in the future.
To help me plan my participation, I would be highly grateful if you could provide the following details regarding the workshop:
1. The exact dates, duration, and daily timings of the sessions.
2. The eligibility criteria and the selection process for high school students.
3. The fee structure and any available scholarships or early-bird discounts.
4. The curriculum details and whether a certificate of completion will be provided.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your positive response and hope to have the opportunity to learn from the distinguished faculty at your institute.
Yours sincerely,
Aarav Sharma
(Student, Class 9)
Contact: +91-98765XXXXXMastering the exercises of “Follow That Dream” is essential for securing top marks in the Class 9 English CBSE examinations. This comprehensive guide has provided flawless, textbook-accurate solutions for every section of the chapter, from reflective questions to formal email writing. By studying these structured answers, students can improve their comprehension, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. We hope this resource serves as a valuable tool in your academic journey, helping you write high-scoring answers with confidence. Keep practicing, stay focused, and follow your academic dreams with dedication!