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Follow that Dream Class 9 NCERT Solutions provides simple and easy-to-understand answers to all the questions from the chapter. The chapter highlights the importance of having dreams, working hard, staying determined, and facing challenges with courage. Through Ming’s conversation with her mother, students learn that dreams require passion, planning, patience, effort, and sometimes sacrifice.
Follow that Dream Class 9 NCERT Solutions
Reflect and Respond
I. Read the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What is your dream?
Answer: My dream is to become a successful person in life and make my family proud. I want to choose a career where I can use my skills, help others, and be happy. My dream gives me direction and motivates me to study well and work hard every day.
2. Who inspires you to dream?
Answer: I am inspired by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam because he always encouraged students to dream big and work hard. My parents also inspire me because they support me and teach me the value of honesty and effort. My teachers guide me and show me how education can change my future.
3. What qualities should you have in order to fulfil your dream?
Answer: To fulfil a dream, I should have discipline, patience, and determination. Hard work and self‑confidence are very important. I must be ready to sacrifice comfort, face challenges bravely, and keep learning from mistakes. Positive thinking and focus will help me stay on the right path.
4. Abdul Kalam said, “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep.” Discuss.
Answer: This quote means that real dreams are not just imagination during sleep. True dreams are strong goals that keep us awake, thinking, and working hard. They give energy and push us to act until we achieve them. Such dreams become the driving force of life and inspire us to never give up.
II. What role can parents and community play to help children achieve their dreams?
Answer: Parents play a very important role in helping children achieve their dreams. They give emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. Parents can provide good education, create a positive environment at home, and teach discipline and values. They also help children stay motivated when challenges come.
The community also has a big role. Teachers, mentors, and neighbors can inspire children by sharing knowledge and experiences. Community can provide opportunities like workshops, competitions, and skill training. A strong support network helps children feel confident and gives them chances to grow.
Together, parents and community can build a safe, supportive environment where children feel free to dream big and work hard. Their encouragement, resources, and guidance make it easier for children to turn dreams into reality.
III. Complete the given web chart. Give as many reasons as you can.
Answer:
- Direction in life
- Motivate us to work hard
- Personal growth
- Create hope and happiness
- Ispire others
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.
Answer: True
2. The mother believes that significant effort and personal sacrifices are essential for turning aspirations into reality.
Answer: True
3. The path to achieving the deepest desires has very little difficulty or a few obstacles.
Answer: False
4. The mother is of the opinion that a person’s life goals and hopes can evolve over time.
Answer: True
5. Having a strong network of individuals can be a hurdle in pursuing one’s ambition.
Answer: False
6. The mother feels that pursuing a major life goal will not involve any financial expense or sacrifice.
Answer: False
7. For many individuals, their aspirations remain just wishes because they don’t move beyond mere daydreaming.
Answer: True
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: _
Answer: 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
(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.
Answer: complete
(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 _.
Answer: Doing what you love best works as intrinsic motivation because it gives inner happiness and makes you feel you are on the right path.
(v) Mention one motivating factor besides ‘prospect of success’, that might keep a person on track, despite running out of stamina.
Answer: Besides success, the love for the work itself can keep a person motivated even when stamina is low.
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)
Answer: Dreams are not static but dynamic/evolving.
(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 later hopes and aspirations are equally valuable and meaningful as childhood dreams.
(iii) Identify the phrase from the extract that indicates a complex and challenging journey.
Answer: The phrase “maze of hurdles” shows 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_________________.
Answer: The author says many participants join your dreamscape because big dreams need teamwork, guidance, and support from others.
(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: The tone is optimistic and encouraging.
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?
Answer: Ming must have written to her mother about her own dream or ambition. She might have shared her wish to pursue a career or passion and asked for guidance and support.
2. How can one attain an international level of skill in any field? Mention any two ways.
Answer: One can attain international skill by practicing with dedication for many years and by focusing deeply on one subject. Discipline and continuous improvement are also necessary.
3. What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers?
Answer: Mere dreamers only wish and imagine, but achievers work hard, sacrifice comfort, and keep trying until success comes. Action and effort make the difference.
4. How does Ming’s mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming and convey her message effectively?
Answer: Ming’s mother asks thoughtful questions to make Ming reflect on effort and sacrifice. She also shares personal stories and real examples, which make her advice convincing and relatable.
5. How does Ming’s mother balance encouragement with caution in her advice?
Answer: She motivates Ming to follow her dream but also warns about the challenges, time, and sacrifices needed. This balance helps Ming stay hopeful yet realistic.
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?
Answer: Yes, the advice is still relevant today. Even in modern society, success requires hard work, patience, and sacrifice. Dreams cannot be achieved without facing obstacles and staying determined.
7. What ‘costs’ in terms of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest to pursue your goals?
Answer: I am willing to invest time, effort, and discipline to achieve my goals. I am ready to sacrifice comfort and leisure, but I may be unwilling to give up family time or health for success.
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.
Answer:
- Mindscape – the view or scene of the mind, thoughts, or imagination.
- Seascape – the view or scene of the sea.
- Landscape – the view or scene of land or nature.
- Cityscape – the view or scene of a city.
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.
Answer:
- (i) Seascape
- (ii) Cityscape
- (iii) Landscape
- (iv) Mindscape
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
Answer: (ii) have a passionate desire
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
Answer: (i) a tough challenge.
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
Answer: (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
Answer: (iii) a hopeful belief but unlikely to be true.
5. Don’t be a wet blanket—we’re trying to have fun!
(i) spoil-sport
(ii) latecomer
(iii) rule-breaker
(iv) daydreamer
Answer: (i) spoil‑sport.
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
Answer: (ii) flowing through her body.
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, ________________.
Answer: If the idea excites you, go ahead and start working on it with full energy.
2. If you hear strange noises,_____________.
Answer: If you hear strange noises, check carefully and stay alert for safety.
3. If this seems too hard, __________________.
Answer: If this seems too hard, take a break and try again with patience.
4. If you care about the issue, _____________.
Answer: If you care about the issue, speak up and take action to solve it.
5. If you finish early, __________________.
Answer: If you finish early, help others or use the time to revise your work.
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.
Answer: This shows possibility. The word “could” here means that dreams may be pursued in any area of interest.
2. “I wish I could be this or the other,” they have never got beyond just wishful thinking.
Answer: This shows an unreal or hypothetical situation. The person imagines being something but has not acted to make it real.
3. They could have preferred to trade their dream for security.
Answer: This shows past possibility or speculation. It means that in the past, people might have chosen safety instead of chasing their dream.
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.
Answer: This shows past ability or purpose. The word “could” here means they were able to or had the purpose of supporting their siblings.
V. Complete the following sentences using ‘could’ with the functions mentioned within brackets.
1. I wish __ without worrying about money. (unreal or hypothetical)
Answer: I wish I could study freely without worrying about money.
2. They __ the shorter route, but they didn’t know about it. (past possibility or speculative)
Answer: They could have taken the shorter route, but they didn’t know about it.
3. When I was younger, I __ without stopping. (past ability)
Answer: When I was younger, I could run long distances without stopping.
4. She __ the library right now—she had mentioned it. (possibility)
Answer: She could be in the library right now—she had mentioned it.
5. __ repeat the question? I didn’t hear it clearly. (formal/polite request)
Answer: Could you repeat the question? I didn’t hear it clearly.
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.
Answer:
- helps
- learn
- work
- apply
- conducts
- analyses
- must reflect
- will help
- is
- will incorporate
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 _.
Answer: April
2. The objective of the courses is to prepare you with __ for future studies and jobs.
Answer: Practical Skills
3. Offered courses include Graphic Design, __,Web Application, and Entrepreneurship Skills, etc.
Answer: Tourism
4. Classes will be conducted by __ at school.
Answer: Trained Professionals
5. The application forms will be available at the __.
Answer: School Office
6. Choice of course will be given to __ applicants.
Answer: Eligible
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…
Answer:
1. The Dreamer (student who wants to be a trekking guide)
Answer: I know this might sound challenging, but I am ready to face it. Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of exploring mountains and guiding people safely. I understand it’s not a usual path, but I believe it will give me happiness. It’s an uphill journey, but I’m ready for it because trekking is my passion.
2. A Parent (worried about financial stability)
Answer: I know you’re passionate, but I worry about your future. I only want what’s best for you, and financial security is important. You can always pursue your dream later when you are stable. What if it doesn’t give you enough income?
3. A Mentor or Teacher (balanced advice)
Answer: Remember dreams need planning, not just passion. Let’s look at the long‑term view and see how you can prepare. There are ways to combine your dream and financial stability. Are you ready to work hard and train yourself for this career?
4. A Friend/Sibling (neutral or supportive voice)
Answer: You’ve always been good at trekking—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 keep trying. If this dream makes you happy, then follow it with confidence.
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.
- Use formal language
- Avoid use of abbreviations
- Include the following components:
- Header consisting of—sender, receiver, date, and subject
- The message—introduction, seeking permission, conclusion
- Complementary close—Yours sincerely,
- Name, (designation), and contact details of the sender
Format of an email:
Answer:
From: Student Name & Class IX
To: Director, Reputed Design Institute
Cc: —
Bcc: —
Date: 12 August 2026
Subject: Enquiry About Summer Design Workshop
Message:
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student of Class IX and I am passionate about pursuing a course in designing in the future. I recently came across the announcement of your summer workshop and I am very eager to join it.
I would like to request details regarding the schedule, duration, eligibility, and registration process of the workshop. Kindly inform me if there are any fees involved and whether we need to bring specific materials.
I am confident that this workshop will help me gain valuable knowledge and practical skills in design. I look forward to your guidance and permission to join.
Yours sincerely,
Student Name
Student, Class IX
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Contact: xxxxxxxxxx
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