Chapter 8

Follow That Dream

Reflect and Respond

I Read the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. What is your dream?

2. Who inspires you to dream?

3. What qualities should you have in order to fulfil your dream?

4. Abdul Kalam said, “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.” Discuss.

II What role can parents and community play to help children achieve their dreams?

III Complete the given web chart. Give as many reasons as you can.

Reading for Meaning

The following excerpt is a letter taken from a collection titled ‘My Daughter, My Friend’, by Irene Chua. Here she shares her deepest thoughts as a mother with her daughter, Ming. The letters celebrate the special bond that often exists between a mother and her teenage daughter. The mother shares valuable insights into life, equipping her daughter for its challenges.

Check Your Understanding

I State whether the following sentences are true or false. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. Reaching the peak of skill in a field typically demands a focused and intense dedication for about a decade.

2. The mother believes that significant effort and personal sacrifices are essential for turning aspirations into reality.

3. The path to achieving the deepest desires has very little difficulty or a few obstacles.

4. The mother is of the opinion that a person’s life goals and hopes can evolve over time.

5. Having a strong network of individuals can be a hurdle in pursuing one’s ambition.

6. The mother feels that pursuing a major life goal will not involve any financial expense or sacrifice.

7. For many individuals, their aspirations remain just wishes because they don’t move beyond mere daydreaming.

Critical Reflection I

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

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: _____________

(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

(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/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 _____________.

(v) Mention one motivating factor besides ‘prospect of success’, that might keep a person on track, despite running out of stamina.

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__________. (evolving/dynamic)

(ii) What does the author mean by, ‘hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days’?

(iii) Identify the phrase from the extract that indicates a complex and challenging journey.

(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.

The author says, ‘people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more’ because_________________.

(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

II Answer the following questions.

1. The letter begins thus, ‘By all means follow that dream’. What do you think Ming must have written to her mother about?

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

3. What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers?

4. How does Ming’s mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming and convey her message effectively?

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

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?

7. What ‘costs’ in terms of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest to pursue your goals?

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I Read the following sentence from the text.

The dream will take a much longer time to realise, and the people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more.

The word ‘dreamscape’ is a compound word where ‘-scape’ means ‘a view or scene of’.

Now, refer to a dictionary and find out the meaning of the following words.

1. Fill in the blanks in the following dialogue between two friends with the words given in the box.

Sneha Your Goa pictures were beautiful! That

(i) ___________ was dreamy.

Kiran Thanks! It was way better than our usual

(ii) ___________, so peaceful.

Sneha I get that. But sometimes the city lights have their own charm.

Kiran True, but I’m craving a quiet (iii) ___________. Forests, hills—something real.

Sneha Yes, nature clears the (iv)___________, doesn’t it?

Kiran Exactly. Let’s plan a trip that soothes— inside and out.

II Read each sentence carefully and choose the best meaning for the underlined expression. Then, use that expression in a sentence of your own.

1. She had a dream that seemed to burn in her blood, and she wasn’t going to give up on it easily.

(i) make her angry

(ii) have a passionate desire

(iii) cause physical pain

(iv) become violent

2. Preparing for the final exam without proper notes felt like an uphill task.

(i) a tough challenge

(ii) a slow progress

(iii) a hard routine

(iv) a difficult choice

3. The team was buoyed up by their recent victory and felt confident about the next game.

(i) energised by success

(ii) encouraged by the result

(iii) motivated to improve

(iv) lifted in spirit

4. He thought he could ace the exam without studying, but that was just wishful thinking.

(i) a clever shortcut but no real effort behind it

(ii) a confident guess but lacking proper knowledge

(iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true

(iv) a strong desire but based on facts and planning

5. Don’t be a wet blanket—we’re trying to have fun!

(i) spoil-sport

(ii) latecomer

(iii) rule-breaker

(iv) daydreamer

6. Excitement was coursing through her veins as she stepped onto the stage for the first time.

(i) hiding deep inside

(ii) flowing through her body

(iii) lingering in her thoughts

(iv) causing numbness

III Read the following sentence from the text.

After all the obstacles are considered, if the burning conviction is still coursing through your veins, then go ahead and do something about it.

Here, the first conditional is used to talk about real or possible situations in the future. Sometimes, instead of saying ‘will + verb’ in the main clause, we use an imperative (a command or advice).

Complete the sentences using your own words (imperatives):

1. If the idea excites you, ____________________________.

2. If you hear strange noises,_________________________.

3. If this seems too hard, ______________________________.

4. If you care about the issue, _________________________.

5. If you finish early, ______________________________.

IV Read the following sentences from the text. Analyse the usage of ‘could’ and match the sentences with their functions given in the box below.

1. It could be in any field—sports, science, arts, business or design.

2. “I wish I could be this or the other,” they have never got beyond just wishful thinking.

3. They could have preferred to trade their dream for security.

4. I know too, of people who had wished to finish secondary school but they had to go out to work so that they could support their siblings through school.

V Complete the following sentences using ‘could’ with the functions mentioned within brackets.

1. I wish ____________ without worrying about money. (unreal or hypothetical)

2. They ____________ the shorter route, but they didn’t know about it. (past possibility or speculative)

3. When I was younger, I ____________ without stopping. (past ability)

4. She ____________ the library right now—she had mentioned it. (possibility)

5. ____________ repeat the question? I didn’t hear it clearly. (formal/polite request)

VI Fill in the blanks with suitable grammatical forms of the words given in brackets.

Experiential learning is an approach to education that focuses on learning through experience, action and reflection. It 1. _______ (help) students gain practical knowledge and develop real-world skills. Traditionally, students 2. _______ (learn) 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. _______ (conduct) experiments to test a theory, while a business student 6. _______ (analyse) 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. _______ (help) them build a deeper understanding of the topic.

Educators believe that experiential learning 9. _______ (be) more effective than passive learning methods because it is engaging and meaningful. In the future, more schools and universities 10. _______ (incorporate) experiential learning into their curriculum to prepare students for the real world.

Listen and Respond

I You will listen to an announcement regarding vocational courses starting in school. As you listen, fill in the blanks with one to three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 275)

1. Vocational courses will begin in the month of _____.

2. The objective of the courses is to prepare you with ______ for future studies and jobs.

3. Offered courses include Graphic Design, ______,Web Application, and Entrepreneurship Skills, etc.

4. Classes will be conducted by ______ at school.

5. The application forms will be available at the ______.

6. Choice of course will be given to ______ applicants.

Speaking Activity

I Work in groups of four. Each member of the group takes up one of the roles given below. Use the sentence prompts given under each role to present your role play.

1. The Dreamer (for example: wants to be a trekking guide)

• I know this might sound challenging, but…

• Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of…

• I understand it’s not a usual path, but I believe…

• It’s an uphill journey, but I’m ready for it because…

2. A Parent (worried about financial stability)

• I know you’re passionate, but…

• I only want what’s best for you, and…

• You can always pursue your dream later…

• What if it doesn’t…?

3. A Mentor or Teacher (offers balanced advice)

• Remember dreams need planning…

• Let’s look at the long-term view…

• There are ways to combine your dream and…

• Are you ready to…?

4. A Friend/Sibling (neutral or supportive voice)

• You’ve always been good at … don’t give up now.

• I don’t want to be a wet blanket, but what’s your backup plan?

• If anyone can do this, it’s you, so…

• If this dream makes you happy…

Writing Task

An email (electronic mail) is a method of composing, sending, storing, and receiving messages over an electronic communication system.

I 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.

Follow the guidelines given below to write the email.

Format of an email:

Learning Beyond the Text

I Create a Vision Board for yourself.

A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, dreams, and inspirations. It helps you focus on what you want to achieve and stay motivated. Vision boards often include pictures, words, or symbols that reflect your hopes and intentions for the future.

1. My Dreams—Think about what you wish for in the future. This could be becoming an artist, serving the Nation, or learning a new skill. Write or draw it in the ‘My dreams’ section.

2. I Want to Try—List new things you want to experience this year. These might include trying out for a play, starting a journal, learning to ride a bicycle, etc.

3. Goals—Think about specific things you want to achieve. Use this space to write goals like ‘Read 10 books this year’ or ‘Improve my writing’.

4. Places I Will Go—These can be real or imaginary places you’d like to visit. Draw or paste pictures of cities, nature spots, or even dream destinations like the space or the ocean.

5. Inspiration—Who or what inspires you? It could be a family member, teacher, a famous personality, or a quote that gives you strength.

II Great personalities in history were inspired by their parents.

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji’s mother, Jijabai, instilled in him a strong sense of dharma, patriotism, and justice. She told him tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which shaped his leadership ideals and bravery.

2. Queen Madālasa, wife of King Ritudhwaja, a revered figure from Indian scriptures, nurtured in her children a deep understanding of the soul and detachment from material desires. Her wisdom led her sons to seek spiritual liberation. Madalasa is a timeless example of a mother guiding her children on the path of enlightenment.

Believe in Yourself

Reflect and Respond

I Imagine that you are the person in the image.

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

2. What might make you take the first step?

II Think about a time when you had to face a challenge.

1. What was it, and how did you feel at the start of the journey?

2. How did you feel once you made the decision to move forward?

III What does the phrase ‘believe in yourself’ mean to you? Write some words or phrases you associate with believing in yourself.

IV Select the correct meaning of ‘status quo’ based on the given sentence.

Even though some kids wanted to try new activities, most of them were happy with the status quo and didn’t want any changes.

1. A plan to make things more exciting.

2. A situation to keep things the same.

3. A decision where everything is completely different.

4. A choice to change things quickly without thinking.

Reading for Appreciation

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

Will it pull you forward
Or push you back in fear?
Difficult are choices
When the future is getting near.

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.

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.

robert LangLey

Check your Understanding

I Based on your understanding of the poem, select the correct central idea for each stanza from the options given.

Stanza 1

(i) Facing challenges requires personal responsibility and a clear focus on one’s future.

(ii) Facing challenges is a journey best taken with support and guidance from others.

Stanza 2

(i) Fear and uncertainty make it difficult to make choices as the future approaches.

(ii) Facing the future with confidence makes choices easier and more straightforward.

Stanza 3

(i) Personal growth involves finding balance between comfort and change.

(ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change.

Stanza 4

(i) The first step towards change may feel easy if you place your trust in others to guide you and provide support.

(ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track.

II Rhyme Scheme

Fill in the blank to complete the following sentence.

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

III Tone

State whether the following statements are true or false.

1. The overall tone of the poem is motivational and encouraging.

2. The tone shifts from thoughtful in the beginning to one of determination by the end of the poem.

IV Speaker

Fill in the blanks with the correct options from those given in the brackets.

The speaker in this poem is not distant; rather, he/ she comes across as a _________ (stranger/guide) who understands the struggle and is encouraging the reader to take ____________ (interest in/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/addressing the reader from a distance)

V Imagery

Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with the imagery they represent in Column 2. An extra representation is given.

VI Symbolism

Select the words/phrases from the box below to complete the given sentences.

1. Comfort and the status quo represent ___________ and fear of change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back.

2. The future symbolises the ____________, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires ___________to step into.

3. The first step symbolises the initial ___________ required to begin the journey of _____________ or personal development.

VII Metaphor

The poet uses a metaphor in the line, ‘The first step is the hardest’. Explain why this is metaphorical.

VIII The poem uses antithesis in a couple of lines.

Identify the lines from the poem that show antithesis and explain why it is so.

Critical Reflection

I Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

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

(i) What does the line, ‘There is no crowd to see’ suggest about facing challenges?

(ii) Complete the following suitably.

The line ‘It’s just you and the future’ suggests that _________.

(iii) Fill in the blank with the appropriate word/ phrase from the extract.

Latha will ________ her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practicing harder each day.

(iv) Select the most suitable title for the extract.

A. The Struggles of Change

B. Facing the Future Alone

C. A Journey of Growth

D. The Power of Fear

(v) Complete the analogy by using a word from the extract.

achieve: goal : : face : ___________

II Answer the following questions.

1. What is the significance of the metaphor, ‘The first step is the hardest’ in the context of personal growth?

2. What message does the antithesis in the poem convey about the nature of personal development?

3. Do you think the poet’s message is realistic in the context of real-world struggles? (Clue: Evaluate whether simply ‘believing in yourself’ is enough to overcome obstacles or other factors are also necessary.)

4. Consider a situation where you or someone you know had to take a difficult first step towards a goal. How does the poem’s message about the importance of self-belief apply to this situation?

Vocabulary in Context

I The phrase ‘status quo’ is a Latin expression that translates to ‘the state in which’ or ‘the existing state of affairs.’ Over time, it has become a popular term used in English to refer to the current situation or condition, especially when things remain unchanged.

There are other Latin terms commonly used in English. Read a few given below along with their meanings.

Now, fill in the blanks in the given sentences with the Latin expressions used in English from the table.

(i) I enjoy reading fantasy books, _________ Harry Potter and Magical Paint Brush.

(ii) After helping Tanya with the homework, Ritu asked for a _________ to borrow her notes next time.

(iii) I love all kinds of outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking, biking, _________.

(iv) The park is not very special _________; it becomes more fun when you visit with friends.

(v) We created an _________ team to organise the school festival.

(vi) The movie started _________, with the hero already fighting the villain in a huge battle.

II The line , ‘Will it pull you forward/or push you back in fear?’ is a rhetorical question.

1. Read the following rhetorical questions and state what they intend to achieve.

(i) Isn’t it obvious that we must act now? Don’t we all have a responsibility to make a change?

(ii) Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?

2. Match the situations in Column 1 to the rhetorical questions in Column 2.

Listen and Respond

I You will listen to a conversation between two friends. As you listen, answer the following questions in one to three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 275)

1. How did the boy feel before the play ?

2. According to the girl, where does confidence come from?

3. What was the girl finally sure about regarding the boy?

II You will once again listen to the conversation. As you listen, select the four true statements from 1–7 given below.

1. The boy feels confident but is worried about freezing on stage.

2. The girl encourages the boy to push through his doubts by trusting in his preparation.

3. The boy thinks that the audience will be supportive regardless of his performance.

4. The girl believes that self-doubt is a normal part of preparing for a big performance.

5. The boy feels that his preparation is not enough and doubts his abilities, even though he has practiced.

6. The girl suggests that the boy should avoid feeling nervous and perform perfectly.

7. The girl believes that pushing through nervousness will help the boy grow and build confidence.

Speaking Activity

I Work in pairs. Read the three Sayings/Proverbs given below. For each one, think of a real-life situation where it could apply. Do the suggested role play and use the Saying/Proverb.

Remember:

1. Before diving into a real-life situation, briefly explain the meaning of the saying.

2. Describe the situation in the following way—

• Introduction: Briefly explain the saying.

• Situation/Example: Share a personal story or relate the saying to something familiar.

• Conclusion: Reflect on what the saying teaches or what you learned from the experience.

3. For the role-play, work in pairs to create the dialogues first and then enact. Take turns to choose your sayings/proverbs.

Sayings/Proverbs

1. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

• Situation to consider: Have you ever misjudged someone based on their appearance or first impression? What happened?

• Role-play: One student acts as someone who judges others based on their looks or first impressions. The other student plays someone who shows the true personality after a deeper conversation, proving that appearances can be deceptive.

2. Actions speak louder than words.

• Situation to consider: Think of a time when someone’s actions proved more valuable than their words.

• Role-play: One student talks about how they will improve their grades, and the other shows how they actually put in the effort. Compare the impact of talking versus doing.

3. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

• Situation to consider: Can you think of a time when you faced a difficult challenge but didn’t give up?

• Role-play: One student plays someone who is giving up on a tough school project, while the other encourages that student to keep going. Show how perseverance leads to success despite difficulties.

Writing Task

I Your class is conducting the morning assembly. You have been asked to deliver a speech on the topic, ‘Turning Challenges into Opportunities’. Draft this speech by following the guidelines given below.

• Opening paragraph: Greet the audience and introduce yourself. Begin with a quotation, a question or a surprising fact. State the purpose of your speech and provide an overview of what you will be talking about.

• Paragraphs 2 and 3 — Body of the speech: Divide the body of your speech into two paragraphs, each focusing on a different main point or idea. Use transition words, anecdotes, statistics, and other supporting evidence to strengthen your points.

• Concluding paragraph: Summarise the main points of your speech. End with a statement that leaves a lasting impression on the audience and convey your thanks.

• Use formal language to present ideas clearly

• Use persuasive tone — don’t you agree …/…, isn’t it?

Learning Beyond the Text

I Explore the stories of Indian leaders who faced significant challenges and turned them into opportunities for success.

For example:

1. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

At school, Ambedkar suffered untold humiliations and discrimination but he never gave up.

It was for sheer grit, hardwork, and perseverence that he went on to study Politics and Economics. His self-motivation proved to be a life-changing event not only for him but also for the nation. He is known as a great jurist, economist, and social reformer.

He rose to become the Chairperson of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India.

2. Lal Bahadur Shastri

He endured many hardships throughout his life. His father passed away when he was just a year and a half old, leaving the family in financial distress. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his education, often walking several miles barefoot to attend school, even in extreme weather. After graduating from Kashi Vidyapeeth in Varanasi, he was honoured with the title “Shastri,” meaning scholar.

Deeply involved in India’s freedom movement, Shastri was imprisoned multiple times alongside other freedom fighters for his active participation. Following India’s independence, he dedicated himself to the progress and unity of the nation. Through unwavering determination and sincere efforts, Lal Bahadur Shastri rose to become the Prime Minister of India, leaving a legacy of humility, service, and patriotism.

3. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Kalam’s family faced financial difficulties, which made it hard for them to support his education fully. To help with his school expenses, Kalam took on a job delivering newspapers early in the morning. He would wake up before dawn, distribute newspapers across the town, and then head to school.

This job was more than just a way to earn money; it was a valuable learning experience for Kalam. Through this work, he learnt the importance of hard work, perseverance, and managing responsibilities. It also gave him a sense of independence and taught him the value of hard work.

He was a renowned scientist, also known as the ‘Missile Man of India’. He rose to become the 11th President of India.

Now, find out about such personalities from your village, town, city, or state and present their success stories in class.

Always Believe in Yourself

Always believe in yourself.
Do not limit yourself.
Be kind to yourself
And always believe in all that is good.

You have all the intelligence and ability that you need.
You can attain whatever you are after.
Even though it may not always come the way you
believe it should.
Be ready to achieve your dreams.

Believe in yourself when you’re tested beyond
your endurance, continue and persist.
Hold on to courage.
Let laughter and encouragement surround you.

The world has much to give;
Always think big,
And keep your hands and heart open
For then you will receive
All of life’s gifts.

Dorothy hewitt