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

Part 1: Santosh Yadav

Santosh Yadav

• Santosh Yadav is a brave and strong-willed woman from a small village in Haryana, who became the first woman to climb Mount Everest twice. Born as the only girl among five brothers in a society that valued boys more, Santosh refused to follow traditional rules. 
• Her name means "contentment," but she was never satisfied with a simple life. Instead of wearing traditional clothes, she chose shorts, and she refused to marry early to focus on her studies.

• Santosh’s determination led her to leave home for school in Delhi, where she worked part-time to pay her fees when her wealthy parents didn’t support her at first. 

• At college in Jaipur, she saw people climbing the Aravalli Hills and decided to try mountaineering. She joined a training institute in Uttarkashi and quickly became skilled, strong, and mentally tough. 

• At just 20 years old, in 1992, she climbed Mount Everest, becoming the youngest woman to do so. A year later, she climbed it again, setting a world record. 

• Santosh was kind-hearted, helping climbers in danger during her Everest trip by sharing her oxygen, saving one life. She also cared for the environment, cleaning up 500 kg of garbage from the Himalayas. 

• Her love for India showed when she proudly raised the Indian flag on Everest. Santosh’s courage, hard work, and kindness make her a true role model.

Q2. How did Santosh carve her own destiny?
Ans: 

• Santosh Yadav was born into a conservative and patriarchal society, yet she refused to let outdated traditions dictate her life. She believed that by choosing a rational and correct path, others would eventually have to adapt to her decisions. 
• This belief guided her actions throughout her life. At the age of sixteen, when most girls in her village were being married off, Santosh resisted this pressure. 
• She firmly stated that she would not marry unless she received a proper education. Despite her parents' opposition, she enrolled in a school in Delhi. 
• When her parents refused to finance her education, she took the initiative to work part-time to support her studies, which eventually led her parents to relent. 
• Santosh's choice to pursue a career in mountaineering further exemplified her defiance of convention. She joined the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi without seeking her father's permission, demonstrating her willingness to take risks to follow her passion.
• Her actions consistently reflected her belief that others needed to adapt to her choices, not the other way around.

Q3. Santosh had all the qualities of a good mountaineer. Comment.
Ans: 

• Santosh Yadav demonstrated all the essential qualities of a good mountaineer. Mountaineering demands courage, determination, and physical endurance, alongside a strong sense of teamwork. 
• Santosh excelled in these areas. Within just four years of her training, she successfully scaled Mt. Everest twice, becoming the first woman in the world to achieve this remarkable feat. 
• Her exceptional physical fitness and mental toughness were key to her success. Santosh's ability to withstand cold temperatures and high altitudes gave her a significant advantage. Moreover, her outstanding teamwork skills were evident as she consistently showed concern for her fellow climbers. 
• A notable instance of her selflessness was when she shared her oxygen with a climber in distress, showcasing her composure and dedication even in dire situations. 
• These qualities not only made Santosh an extraordinary mountaineer but also earned her respect and admiration among her peers.

Q4. Santosh is not only a good mountaineer but also a genuinely good human being. Discuss.
Ans: 

• Santosh Yadav was an extraordinary mountaineer whose achievements were complemented by her compassion and selflessness. 
• Her care for others was evident when she tended to a climber at the South Col, despite being unable to save him. In another instance, she shared her own oxygen supply with Mohan Singh, a fellow climber, which ultimately saved his life. 
• These acts of kindness highlight her deep sense of empathy and concern for others. Furthermore, Santosh's commitment to preserving the environment showcases her noble character. 
• She was dedicated to keeping the mountains clean and even brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from Mt. Everest. This demonstrates her sense of responsibility towards both her fellow climbers and the natural world. 
• Santosh's blend of courage, compassion, and environmental awareness illustrates that she was not only a skilled mountaineer but also a person of great moral character.

Q5. Imagine you are Santosh Yaday. You are feeling uncomfortable about enrolling yourself for climbing without seeking your father’s permission. Write a letter of apology to your father politely explaining your situation.
Ans: 

Kasturba Hostel
Maharani College
Jaipur
17th May 1988

Dear Father,

I hope you are well. I am writing to say sorry for joining the mountaineering course at Uttarkashi without asking your permission. I feel bad about my mistake and want to explain why I did it.

I love climbing and always wanted to learn it properly. When I saw a chance to join the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, I got so excited that I signed up without thinking. I know I should have talked to you first because you always guide me. My excitement made me act quickly, but I didn’t mean to disrespect you.

I promise to be more careful and ask you before making big decisions. I hope you forgive me and support my dream to climb mountains. I want to make you proud.

Thank you for understanding.

Your loving daughter,
Santosh Yadav

Part 2: Maria Sharapova 

Q1. Explain the early challenges Maria Sharapova faced on her journey to becoming the world’s number one tennis player. How did her determination and mental toughness help her overcome these obstacles?Maria SharapovaAns: 

• Maria Sharapova's journey to success was filled with numerous challenges. Her rise in women's tennis began in childhood, and by the age of 18, she had become the world’s number one player. 
• This achievement came after years of sacrifice and dedication. At just nine years old, Maria moved to the United States to train, marking the start of her professional career. 
• The separation from her mother for two years was heart-wrenching, yet it did not weaken her spirit. Instead, she developed mental toughness, which became one of her greatest strengths. 
• Maria faced difficult living conditions and intense training, which only fueled her determination. Her perseverance paid off when she won the Wimbledon women’s singles title in 2004, launching her into the spotlight. 
• Her ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a focused mindset were crucial in her rapid ascent to the top, achieving the world number one ranking in just four years as a professional. 
• Reflecting on her early experiences, Maria noted that the loneliness and challenges she faced taught her resilience. She embraced her struggles, stating, “When you come from nothing, it makes you very hungry and determined.” 
• This determination and her competitive nature were key to her success, proving that her sacrifices were worthwhile.

Q2. Discuss the sacrifices Maria Sharapova and her family had to make in order for her to pursue her tennis career. How did these sacrifices contribute to her eventual success, both emotionally and professionally?
Ans: 

• Sacrifice played a crucial role in Maria Sharapova's journey to becoming a top tennis player. At just nine years old, she left her home in Russia to move to the United States with her father, Yuri, for training. 
• This decision meant a painful two-year separation from her mother, Yelena, due to visa restrictions. This long absence was emotionally challenging for Maria, but she recognised that achieving excellence in tennis required significant sacrifices. 
• Yuri worked tirelessly to support Maria's training while living apart from his wife. In the U.S., Maria faced loneliness and the harsh realities of a training academy. 
• She often dealt with older players who would disturb her sleep and demand chores. Instead of letting these experiences discourage her, Maria grew more determined and mentally strong. 
• She learned to take care of herself and never considered quitting, driven by her desire to succeed. These sacrifices, along with her family's unwavering support, propelled Maria to her dream of becoming the world’s number one tennis player. 
• Her story highlights the importance of resilience and the willingness to endure hardship to achieve one's goals.

Maria Sharapova won the women’s singles at Wimbledon in 2004

Q3. How did Maria Sharapova's early experiences in the United States, including her loneliness and separation from her mother, shape her mental toughness and resolve? Provide examples from the text to support your answer.
Ans: 

• Maria Sharapova faced significant challenges during her early years in the United States, which greatly contributed to her mental toughness and determination. 
• At just nine years old, she moved to Florida to train, enduring a painful two-year separation from her mother, Yelena, who could not join her due to visa issues. This emotional distance left Maria feeling lonely, as her father, Yuri, was busy working to support her training. 
• Despite her young age, Maria learned to cope with her situation. She recalled feeling so lonely that she went to bed early, only to be woken by other tennis players who would ask her to tidy up. 
• Rather than allowing this to discourage her, she became more determined and resilient. She developed self-reliance and never considered quitting, driven by her desire to succeed. 
• Maria’s experiences taught her that coming from nothing instilled a fierce hunger to achieve her dreams. This determination was evident in her later success, including winning the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 2004 and reaching the world number one ranking shortly thereafter. 
• Her journey from Siberia to the top of women's tennis reflects her unwavering commitment and the sacrifices she made, which she believes were worth it.

Q4. Despite living and training in the United States, Maria Sharapova strongly identifies as Russian. Discuss how she balances her national identity with her professional life. How does this reflect her ambition and focus?
Ans: 

• Maria Sharapova identifies strongly with her Russian heritage, despite living and training in the United States for much of her life. Although she speaks with an American accent and has developed her career in the U.S., Maria maintains her Russian citizenship and expresses pride in her roots. 
• She has stated, "My blood is totally Russian," and has shown her willingness to represent Russia in the Olympics. This balance between her national identity and professional life highlights her clarity of purpose and focus. 
• Maria acknowledges the significant role the U.S. has played in her tennis training, yet she remains committed to her origins. This determination reflects the same ambition that fuels her drive to excel in tennis. 
• Maria's aspiration to be the best transcends nationality, demonstrating that while her heritage is important, her ambition motivates her to strive for success. 
• She works diligently to achieve her goals and has made numerous sacrifices along the way. Her Russian background is a source of pride, but her relentless pursuit of excellence in tennis is what truly drives her forward.

Q5. How does Maria Sharapova view her success and monetary gains in tennis? Explain how her ambition and desire to be the best in the world motivated her to work hard and achieve success.
Ans: 

• Maria Sharapova views her success in tennis as a result of her strong ambition and desire to be the best. While she admits that money is a motivating factor, it is not her main goal. 
• For Maria, the ultimate aim has always been to become the world’s number one tennis player. This focus on achieving excellence has driven her through challenging times in her career. 
• Maria recognises that tennis is both a business and a sport. Although financial rewards are part of the equation, they take a back seat to her ambition for success. 
• She has worked tirelessly, faced numerous challenges, and made significant sacrifices to reach the top of women's tennis. Her determination and focus have enabled her to overcome obstacles, making her one of the best players in the world. Her attitude towards success and money showcases her professionalism and dedication. 
• Achievements like winning the Wimbledon women’s singles title in 2004 and reaching the world number one ranking are testaments to her hard work and commitment to her dreams. Maria's story serves as an inspiring example of how ambition and perseverance can lead to remarkable success.