Class 9 English Chapter 7 Question Answers - Reach for the Top

Q1: How was Santosh different from other girls in her village?
Ans: Santosh was not content with the traditional way of life in her village, setting her apart from other girls. She chose to live life on her own terms right from the beginning, even opting out of wearing traditional Indian dresses intended for village girls.

Q2: What decision did Santosh have to make when she turned sixteen?
Ans: When Santosh turned sixteen, she faced the decision of either getting married like most other village girls or pursuing a different path. Despite parental pressure and societal norms, she chose to defy the trend and continue her education.

Q3: What did her seniors think about Santosh’s ability as a climber?
Ans: Santosh's seniors consistently held her in high regard for her exceptional climbing abilities, leadership qualities, physical fitness, and mental strength. Her willingness to assist others also fostered strong bonds with her fellow climbers.

Q4: How did Santosh save the life of a fellow climber, Mohan Singh?
Ans: During one of her Mount Everest expeditions, Santosh demonstrated extraordinary heroism by rescuing her fellow climber, Mohan Singh. She noticed his oxygen shortage, and without hesitation, she shared her own oxygen supply with him, ultimately saving his life.

Q5: What is the most significant achievement of Maria Sharapova so far?
Ans: Maria Sharapova’s notable achievements include winning the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 2004 and attaining the world number one ranking in women's tennis on August 22, 2005.

Q6: How did Maria’s father contribute to her success?
Ans: Maria's father, Yuri, played a crucial role in her success. He managed her training and moved her from Russia to the United States, specifically Florida, to provide better opportunities. He worked hard to finance her training and career development.

Q7: How was Maria treated by her fellow students at Florida?
Ans: During her training in Florida at just nine years old, Maria faced challenges from her older peers. She often endured mistreatment, being awakened late at night to do their tasks and being insulted. Her seniors made her clean their rooms and subjected her to humiliation.

Q8: How did Maria react to the humiliation and insults she faced during her training in the United States?
Ans: Despite the mistreatment and insults, Maria remained resilient and determined. She did not succumb to depression but instead used the adverse conditions to build mental toughness. The challenges she faced only fueled her determination and her ability to adapt in difficult situations.

Q9: What was the secret of Maria’s success?
Ans: The key to Maria's success lay in her unwavering determination and mental strength. Her strong competitive spirit and diligent work ethic, regardless of the circumstances, played a significant role in her achievements. She thrived under pressure and adverse conditions.

Q10: What shows that Maria was proud of being a Russian?
Ans: Despite spending much of her time in the United States and adopting an American accent, Maria Sharapova remained proud of her Russian identity. She expressed her readiness to represent Russia in the Olympics, indicating her deep connection to her nationality.

Q11: What are Maria’s interests apart from tennis?
Ans: While tennis was her primary focus, Maria Sharapova had other interests and hobbies. She enjoyed fashion, singing, and dancing. She often wore elegant evening gowns and had a liking for pancakes with chocolate spread and fizzy orange drinks.

Q12: Determination and correct choice of path always lead to success. Do you agree? Elaborate with reference to the success story of Santosh Yadav.
Ans: Santosh Yadav was born into a traditional family, facing opposition and difficulties when she chose a different path. Her resolute stance against early marriage and her insistence on pursuing education showcased her determination. She challenged societal norms and set out on a journey that led her to become a successful mountaineer. Santosh Yadav's story exemplifies how determination and making the right choices can indeed pave the way for success.

Q13: What inspired Santosh Yadav to be a climber? How does her life inspire you?
Ans: Santosh Yadav's inspiration to become a climber stemmed from her observation of villagers scaling the Aravalli Hills. This encounter ignited her fascination, and her meeting with experienced climbers solidified her resolve. Her journey from a determined young woman to conquering Mount Everest twice showcases her unwavering commitment and resilience. Santosh Yadav's life serves as a powerful source of inspiration, demonstrating that with mental strength and determination, one can overcome any obstacles and achieve remarkable feats.

Q14: Both Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova reached the top of the world in their respective fields. How are they alike and different? Out of the two whom would you make your role model and why?
Ans: Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova both share a common trait of starting from humble beginnings and defying obstacles to reach the pinnacle of their fields. Their determination and hard work contributed to their success. While Sharapova received parental support, Santosh faced unique challenges being an Indian woman, showcasing her exceptional resilience. Both serve as role models, but considering the societal and economic challenges Santosh overcame, she stands out as a more relatable and impactful role model for me.

Q15: Santosh Yadav saved the life of one of her fellows on the expedition. It is an example of team spirit. What would you do under such a condition?
Ans: During an expedition, Santosh Yadav's act of sacrificing her own oxygen to save a fellow climber's life exemplifies remarkable team spirit. In a similar situation, I would prioritize teamwork and the well-being of my fellow expedition members. Just as Santosh demonstrated, I would willingly offer assistance and support to ensure the safety and success of the entire team.

Q16: Do you think that if girls like Santosh are allowed to go to school in the village, it will improve our society? Justify.
Ans: Absolutely, allowing girls like Santosh Yadav to receive education in villages would significantly enhance our society. Education empowers individuals, and when girls have access to education, they can contribute positively to their families and communities. Santosh Yadav's own journey showcases how educated women can challenge norms, become role models, and uplift the entire society. Educated women can break the cycle of gender bias, leading to more inclusive and progressive communities.

Q17: According to you, what are the social customs that do not allow girls to get proper education? Should we revolt against the old social system? Why/Why not?
Ans: Various social customs, such as early marriage and gender-based role expectations, hinder girls from receiving proper education in rural areas. While revolting against the old social system might bring temporary change, a more effective approach is to initiate reform. Educating communities about the benefits of gender equality and education, coupled with legal and policy interventions, can bring lasting change. A balanced transformation ensures that we preserve positive aspects of tradition while fostering a more inclusive and progressive society.

Q18: Like Santosh Yadav, your parents want you to settle like other girls in your society. But you are an ambitious girl and want to do something more in life. We see that some of the girls revolt against their parents and fall into bad company, leading to exploitation. What will you do in such a situation? Elaborate.
Ans: In a situation where my ambitions differ from my parents' expectations, I would strive for open communication and understanding. Revolting against my parents might lead to negative consequences, including falling into bad company. Instead, I would express my aspirations, present a well-thought-out plan, and seek their support. Establishing trust and reassuring them of my responsible decision-making can help bridge the gap. Ultimately, maintaining a strong bond with family while pursuing my ambitions ensures a more balanced and fulfilling path forward.

Q19: Describe Maria Sharapova’s rapid ascent to the number one position in tennis. What lessons can be learned from her life?
Ans: Maria Sharapova's journey to the pinnacle of tennis was marked by determination and sacrifices. Hailing from a modest background in Siberia, she embarked on her tennis training journey in Florida at the age of nine, facing loneliness and insults from older peers. Her unwavering resolve and mental strength fueled her rapid rise. By the age of eighteen, she attained the world number one ranking. Maria's life teaches us that success demands sacrifices and hard work. Her story underscores that early sacrifices can lead to later achievements, showcasing the importance of dedication and persistence.

Q20: It is the attitude towards goals and not money that matters. Do you agree? How did Sharapova prove it?
Ans: Maria Sharapova's ascent to the top of women's tennis at a young age illustrates the significance of one's attitude towards goals. Despite achieving fame and wealth, she remained focused and determined. While she enjoyed material rewards and had an interest in fashion and entertainment, her primary goal was maintaining her world number one status. Sharapova's example highlights that while monetary gains can motivate, true success is marked by a resolute commitment to achieving one's goals. Her humility and continued hard work emphasize the importance of maintaining the right attitude even after achieving success.

Q21: One has to sacrifice something to achieve something good in life. Do you agree? Justify with reference to Maria Sharapova. If you have to live alone in a boarding school, would you accept it?
Ans: Yes, the path to achieving significant accomplishments often requires sacrifices, as demonstrated by Maria Sharapova. Leaving her family at a tender age and enduring isolation in pursuit of her tennis career exemplify the sacrifices she made for success. Her story underscores that achieving meaningful goals often demands leaving behind comforts and embracing challenges. Personally, if faced with the choice of living alone in a boarding school to achieve a worthy goal, I would indeed accept it, recognizing the value of sacrifices in realizing long-term aspirations.

Q22: Determination is necessary for success. Do you agree? Justify with reference to the life of Sharapova.
Ans: Absolutely, determination is a fundamental factor in achieving success, as illustrated by the life of Maria Sharapova. Despite facing isolation, insults, and hardships, her unwavering determination enabled her to persevere and excel in the world of tennis. Her commitment to her goals, combined with mental toughness, allowed her to overcome challenges and emerge victorious. Sharapova's journey serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role determination plays in reaching one's desired destination.

Q23: And that something in her lifted her on Monday, 22 August 2005, to the world number one position in women's tennis. What do you think, was that something in Maria due to which she reached the top?
Ans: The key factor that propelled Maria Sharapova to the world number one position in women's tennis was her resolute determination and unwavering mindset. Her ability to transform challenges and humiliations into mental fortitude and strength played a crucial role in her ascent. It was this "something" – her indomitable spirit, combined with her dedication and hard work – that enabled her to reach the pinnacle of her sport and secure the top-ranking position.

Q24: Do you think, despite living in the United States, Maria Sharapova is a Russian at heart? If you were in place of Maria, would you have accepted the citizenship of the United States?
Ans: Despite residing in the United States, Maria Sharapova's deep connection to her Russian heritage is evident in her pride and willingness to represent her country in international competitions. While she has embraced certain aspects of American culture, her strong affinity for her Russian identity reflects her heart's allegiance. If placed in Maria's situation, I would prioritize maintaining a connection to my cultural roots while appreciating the opportunities presented by living in another country. The decision to accept citizenship would depend on various personal factors and values.

Q25: “The other tennis pupils would come in at 11 p.m. and wake me up and order me to tidy up the room and clean it.” This treatment of Maria by her seniors was like bullying the junior mates. How would you treat your junior mates if you were in the same situation?
Ans: Maria Sharapova's experience of mistreatment by her seniors highlights the importance of empathy and respect towards junior mates. If I were in a similar situation, I would strive to create an environment of support and camaraderie among fellow students. Treating junior mates with kindness, offering help, and fostering a sense of belonging would be my approach. Instead of resorting to bullying or mistreatment, I would aim to uplift and assist my junior mates, recognizing that a positive and inclusive atmosphere benefits everyone's growth and well-being.