Follow That Dream Class 9 Extra Questions and Answers English Chapter 8

Follow That Dream Extra Question Answer

Question 1.

What is the "ten-year rule" mentioned by the mother in the letter?

Answer:

The mother explains that to reach a world-class standard in any field, an individual must singularly and intensively pursue that subject for at least ten years.

Question 2.

How does the author differentiate "greatness" from the "ordinary"?

Answer:

Greatness is differentiated from the ordinary by the specific amount of effort and sacrifice an individual is willing to invest to realize their dream.

Question 3.

According to the text, what should a person do once they have "counted the cost" and still feel a burning passion?

Answer:

If the passion is still "burning in your blood" after considering the costs, the mother advises the person to "plunge" or fully commit to the task.

Follow That Dream Short Question Answer

Question 4.

Why does the winner of an Academy Award thank a "host of people"?

Answer:

The winner thanks them because they formed the support network that stood by the individual and helped them achieve their victory.

Question 5.

Why do many people's dreams remain merely "wishful thinking"?

Answer:

Many people prefer to trade their dreams for security or fail to move beyond wishing because they are unwilling to face the necessary sacrifices.

Question 6.

How did the Japanese invasion during WWII affect some people's destiny?

Answer:

The invasion changed their lives forever by preventing them from attending Raffles College (now the National University of Singapore), forcing them onto different paths.

Question 7.

What does the mother mean by being a "wet blanket" on dreams?

Answer:

She means discouraging or dampening someone's enthusiasm; however, she clarifies she does not want to do this to Ming.

Question 8.

What kept the mother "buoyed up" while pursuing her own dream?

Answer:

She was kept afloat by the knowledge that she was doing what she loved best and doing the right thing.

Follow That Dream Class 9 Extra Question Answer

Question 9.

What does the phrase "maze of hurdles" signify in the context of the letter?

Answer:

It signifies the complex and confusing series of obstacles one must navigate to fulfill their hopes and aspirations.

Question 10.

What was the mother's recent "dream" that she chased for ten years?

Answer:

Her dream was publishing the very book (a collection of letters) that the reader is currently engaging with.

Follow That Dream Long Question Answer

Question 1.

Describe the realistic approach the mother takes toward the concept of "following a dream."

Answer:

The mother encourages Ming but also speaks realistically. She tells her to carefully consider the cost of pursuing her dream, including years of hard work, money, and personal sacrifices. She explains that the journey will be difficult and that many people choose safety over passion. This helps Ming make a thoughtful and determined decision rather than acting on impulse.

Question 2.

Explain the significance of a "support network" as discussed in the letter.

Answer:

The mother emphasises that for every single winner, there is a group of people who stood by them. She uses the example of the Academy Awards to show that greatness is rarely achieved in isolation. This support network provides the necessary encouragement and stability when an individual's stamina is running out, helping them stay on track toward success.

Question 3.

How does the author use historical and social examples to illustrate that dreams can be derailed?

Answer:

The author provides two emotional examples. First, she mentions students whose plans for higher education were halted by the Japanese invasion during World War II. Second, she speaks of those who had to sacrifice their own secondary education to work and support their siblings through school. These examples show that external circumstances and family responsibilities can often force a person to trade their dreams for immediate needs or security.

Question 4.

Analyze the mother's perspective on the evolution of dreams. Use her personal experience as a reference.

Answer:

The mother explains that life can change a person's dreams, and these new dreams are just as important as those from youth. She shares that publishing her book became her dream later in life. This teaches Ming that being flexible and adapting to challenges can lead to new and fulfilling goals.

Question 5.

What message does the letter convey about the relationship between passion, stamina, and success?

Answer:

The letter explains that success comes when passion becomes strong determination. Passion alone is not enough because achieving a dream is difficult and requires stamina and hard work. The hope of success and the happiness of doing what one truly loves help a person continue working until the dream is achieved.

Follow That Dream Extract Based Questions and Answers

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 offort, financial investments and sacrifice. Then if it is still burning in your blood and you are ready to commit yourself to the task, plunge."

(a) What are the two initial stages of pursuing a dream according to this extract?

Answer:

The two stages are having a passion for an interest, followed by the conviction that its realization is imperative.

(b) What does "count the cost" mean in this context?

Answer:

It means to realistically evaluate the time, money, and personal sacrifices required to achieve the goal.

(c) When does the author suggest one should "plunge"?

Answer:

One should plunge only when the desire is still "burning in your blood" and they are fully ready to commit after considering all costs.

(d) Find a word from the extract that means 'essential' or 'unavoidable'.

Answer:

Imperative.

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 fulfill them you will need to negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles. The dream will take a much longer time to realise..."

(a) What can cause a person's dreams to change according to the mother?

Answer:

Life itself and one's experiences can cause dreams to change.

(b) How does the author view these "new" hopes compared to original dreams?

Answer:

She views them as being "no less" significant or valuable than the dreams held in younger days.

(c) What does the phrase "negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles" imply?

Answer:

It means that achieving a dream is not easy and involves overcoming many challenges and difficulties along the way.

(d) Why might these evolved dreams take longer to realize?

Answer:

They take longer because they often involve more "participants in your dreamscape" and more complex life hurdles to overcome

Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the most appropriate option for each question.

Question 1.

According to the mother, what is the minimum duration of intense pursuit required to reach world-class standards?

(a) Five years

(b) Ten years

(c) Fifteen years

(d) Twenty years

Answer:

(b) Ten years

Question 2.

What does the mother suggest Ming should do before "plunging" into her dream?

(a) Ask for a financial loan

(b) Trade the dream for security

(c) Count the cost in effort and sacrifice

(d) Wait until she is older than 60

Answer:

(c) Count the cost in effort and sacrifice

Question 3.

Which historical event is cited as a reason some people had to change their destinies?

(a) The Industrial Revolution

(b) The French Revolution

(c) The Japanese invasion during WWII

(d) The founding of the United Nations

Answer:

(c) The Japanese invasion during WWII

Question 4.

What is the meaning of the idiom "a wet blanket" as used in the text?

(a) Someone who provides comfort

(b) Someone who discourages others

(c) A rainy day in the desert

(d) A person who works in a factory

Answer:

(b) Someone who discourages others

Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using information from the text.

Question 1.

The mother describes the road to success as being ............ most of the way.

Answer:

uphill

Question 2.

Every winner usually has a ............ that stood by them during their journey.

Answer:

support network (or "group of people")

Question 3.

The mother is currently excited about the dream of ............ her own book.

Answer:

publishing

True or False

State whether the following statements are True or False.

Question 1.

Greatness is differentiated from the ordinary by the amount of luck a person has.

Answer:

False (It is differentiated by effort and sacrifice)

Question 2.

Dreams are static and never change throughout a person's life.

Answer:

False (Life itself may change a person's dreams)

Question 3.

The prospect of success can help keep a person on track when their stamina is running out.

Answer:

True

Class 9 English Extra Questions