Short & Long Question Answer: Reach for the Top

Q1: How was Santosh different from other girls in her village?
Ans: Santosh differed from other village girls because she refused to accept the traditional expectations placed on her. From an early age she chose to live by her own decisions, sought education and adventure, and did not follow the usual dress and life-style expected of girls in her village.
Q2: What decision did Santosh have to make when she turned sixteen?
Ans: At sixteen Santosh had to decide whether to follow the village custom and marry early or to continue her studies and aim for a different future. Despite pressure from family and society, she chose education and training in mountaineering rather than marriage.
Q3: What did her seniors think about Santosh's ability as a climber?
Ans:Her seniors regarded Santosh as an outstanding climber. They admired her climbing skill, physical fitness, courage and leadership. They also respected her readiness to help others, which made her a trusted and valued member of the climbing team.
Q4: How did Santosh save the life of a fellow climber, Mohan Singh?
Ans:On an Everest expedition Santosh noticed that Mohan Singh was running short of oxygen. She removed her own oxygen supply to share with him, a selfless act that saved his life. This showed her courage, quick judgment and deep sense of responsibility to her team.
Q5: What is the most significant achievement of Maria Sharapova so far?
Ans:Maria Sharapova's most significant achievements include winning the women's singles title at Wimbledon in 2004 and reaching the world number one ranking on 22 August 2005.
Q6: How did Maria's father contribute to her success?
Ans:Maria's father, Yuri, played a decisive role in her career. He organised and managed her training, moved the family to Florida to get better coaching and opportunities, and made personal sacrifices to fund her development as a tennis player.
Q7: How was Maria treated by her fellow students at Florida?
Ans:While training in Florida as a young pupil, Maria was often mistreated by older students. They woke her late at night to do chores, insulted her and made her clean their rooms. This behaviour was a form of bullying which she had to endure during her early training.
Q8: How did Maria react to the humiliation and insults she faced during her training in the United States?
Ans:Maria responded with resilience and determination. She did not give in to despair; instead she used the difficulties to build mental toughness and stronger focus, which helped her to perform better under pressure.
Q9: What was the secret of Maria's success?
Ans:The key to Maria's success was her firm determination and mental strength. Her competitive spirit, consistent hard work and ability to remain calm and focused in difficult situations were central to her achievements.
Q10: What shows that Maria was proud of being a Russian?
Ans:Although she lived much of the time in the United States and adopted an American accent, Maria remained proud of her Russian roots. Her willingness to represent Russia in the Olympics and her expressed pride in her nationality show this connection.
Q11: What are Maria's interests apart from tennis?
Ans: Apart from tennis Maria enjoyed fashion, singing and dancing. She liked to wear elegant evening gowns and had favourite foods such as 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: I agree. Santosh Yadav's life shows that firm determination and choosing the right path can lead to success. She resisted early marriage, pursued education and mountaineering, and overcame social opposition to achieve great heights in her field. Her life illustrates how steady resolve and correct choices open doors to success.
Q13: What inspired Santosh Yadav to be a climber? How does her life inspire you?
Ans:Santosh was inspired by seeing villagers climb the Aravalli Hills and by meeting experienced climbers. Her determination turned that early interest into a full career, culminating in summiting Mount Everest twice. Her life inspires by showing that curiosity, courage and persistent effort can help a person overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable goals.
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:Both Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova began with humble backgrounds and reached the top through hard work and determination. They are alike in their dedication, discipline and mental toughness. They differ in context: Sharapova had family support and moved abroad for training, while Santosh faced stronger social constraints and had to challenge local traditions. Personally, I would choose Santosh as a role model because her achievements came despite social and cultural obstacles, making her example especially inspiring for girls in similar situations.
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:In such a situation I would put the safety of the person and the team first. I would offer help, share resources if needed and make decisions that protect life and the welfare of the whole group, following Santosh's example of selfless team spirit.
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:Yes. Allowing girls in villages to go to school helps to empower them, raises awareness, and improves family and community life. Educated women can challenge harmful customs, become role models and contribute economically and socially, which leads to a more equitable and progressive society.
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: Customs that prevent girls' education include early marriage, strict gender roles, household duties imposed on girls, poverty and conservative attitudes that value sons' education more. Rather than violent revolt, a better approach is peaceful reform: community education, awareness campaigns, legal protection, scholarships and role models can change minds and practices while preserving useful cultural values.
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 that situation I would try to communicate openly with my parents, explain my goals and present a clear plan showing how I will pursue them safely. I would seek their advice, look for supportive mentors, and avoid bad company. If needed, I would request trusted relatives, teachers or community leaders to help mediate and support my ambitions while maintaining family bonds.
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 moved from Siberia to Florida at nine to train, faced loneliness and insults, and worked very hard on her game. By age eighteen she became world number one. Lessons from her life include the importance of sacrifice, consistent practice, mental strength and turning setbacks into motivation to improve.
Q20: It is the attitude towards goals and not money that matters. Do you agree? How did Sharapova prove it?
Ans: I agree. Sharapova showed that a strong attitude towards goals matters more than money. Despite gaining fame and wealth later, she remained focused on improving her game and achieving top ranking. Her commitment and discipline, rather than financial gain, drove her 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, important achievements often require sacrifice. Maria left her family at a young age and lived with hardships to pursue tennis. Her example shows that giving up comforts for focused effort can lead to success. Personally, I would accept living alone in a boarding school if it were necessary to reach a clear and worthy goal, understanding the value of such sacrifice.
Q22: Determination is necessary for success. Do you agree? Justify with reference to the life of Sharapova.
Ans: Yes. Determination is essential, as Maria Sharapova's life shows. Her steady resolve helped her face insults, loneliness and tough training. Her determination, combined with hard work, enabled her to rise to the top of her sport.
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: That "something" was Maria's inner resolve and mental toughness. Her ability to convert hardship into strength, her focus on goals and continuous hard work together brought her to the top of women's tennis.
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: Yes, Maria appears to retain a strong connection to her Russian roots and has shown pride in her nationality. If I were in her place I would value my cultural roots and weigh the advantages and personal feelings before accepting another country's citizenship; such a decision depends on personal priorities and long-term plans.
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: That treatment was bullying, and if I were in a senior position I would not repeat it. I would treat junior mates with respect, offer guidance and help, and create a supportive environment where they can learn and feel safe rather than feel humiliated.