GSEB Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 8 Reach for the Top Solutions

Part I: Santosh Yadav

Thinking about the Text

I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each: (The paragraph numbers within brackets provide clues to the answers.)

 

Question 1. Why was the 'holy man' who gave Santosh's mother his blessings surprised ? (1)
Answer: The holy man felt surprise because he had believed Santosh's mother wished for a son. However, her grandmother told him they did not want a son.
In simple words: The holy man was surprised because he thought Santosh's mother wanted a boy, but her grandmother said they did not.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to details about character expectations and contrasting realities in the text to understand their reactions.

 

Question 2. Give an example to show that even as a young girl Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable. (2)
Answer: Right from the very beginning, Santosh lived her life on her own terms. She was not pleased with the usual way of life and was unwilling to accept anything that seemed illogical. While other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh chose to wear shorts instead.
In simple words: Santosh always did things her way. She did not like old traditions and wore shorts when other girls wore Indian dresses, showing she would not accept anything that felt wrong.

Exam Tip: When providing examples, select specific actions or preferences that directly demonstrate the character's trait, such as defiance of norms.

 

Question 3. Why was Santosh sent to the local school ? (3)
Answer: Even though Santosh's parents could manage to send their children to the best educational institutions, she was sent to the local village school because of the existing tradition in the family.
In simple words: Santosh's parents could afford better schools, but she went to the local village school due to family tradition.

Exam Tip: Note how societal expectations and family traditions often influenced educational choices in the past, even for affluent families.

 

Question 4. When did Santosh leave home for Delhi and why ?
Answer: When she turned sixteen, and was under pressure to get married, Santosh warned her parents that she would never marry unless she received a proper education. Therefore, she departed from home and got herself registered in a school in Delhi.
In simple words: At sixteen, Santosh left home for Delhi because her parents wanted her to marry, but she insisted on getting an education first.

Exam Tip: Highlighting critical turning points and motivations for a character's major decisions is key to a good answer.

 

Question 5. hy did Santosh's parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi ? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought into light by this incident ? (4)
Answer: When Santosh's parents declined to cover her education costs, she politely informed them of her plans to earn money by working part-time to pay her school fees. After this, her parents agreed to pay for her studies in Delhi. This situation reveals that Santosh was a mentally strong girl and was determined to gain a good education.
In simple words: Santosh's parents agreed to pay for her schooling when she offered to work to cover the fees. This shows she was strong-willed and determined to get an education.

Exam Tip: Focus on how a character's actions (like polite assertion and self-reliance) can influence others and reveal core personality traits.

 

II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words):

 

Question 1. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains ?
Answer: From her room at Kasturba Hostel, Santosh observed people ascending the Aravalli Hills and disappearing after a short time. Upon investigating, she found only a few mountaineers. She asked if she could join them; they agreed and inspired her to take up climbing, leading her to later accompany them on their climbing trip. This is how she started climbing mountains.
In simple words: Santosh saw people climbing the Aravalli Hills from her hostel room. She asked to join them, and they encouraged her. This is how her journey into mountaineering began.

Exam Tip: For narrative questions, describe the sequence of events clearly, starting with the initial observation and leading to the final action.

 

Question 2. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh's concern for her team-mates ?
Answer: During the Everest journey, Santosh displayed great care for her fellow climbers. Although she could not save the life of one of them, she successfully rescued another climber by sharing her oxygen supply with him.
In simple words: Santosh cared deeply for her team on Everest. She could not save one climber but did save another by giving him her oxygen.

Exam Tip: When illustrating concern, provide specific actions like sharing resources, as these demonstrate empathy and leadership.

 

Question 3. What shows Santosh's concern for the environment ?
Answer: Santosh was a passionate environmentalist. Her dedication to the environment is clear from the fact that she gathered and carried down 500 kilograms of waste from the Himalayas.
In simple words: Santosh was a strong environmentalist. She showed her concern by collecting and bringing down 500 kg of garbage from the Himalayas.

Exam Tip: Quantifiable actions, like collecting a specific amount of waste, provide strong evidence for claims about a character's traits.

 

Question 4. How does Santosh describe her feelings at the summit of the Everest ?
Answer: Santosh stated that her emotions at the peak of Everest were 'indescribable'. Raising the Indian flag at the world's highest point was a spiritual experience for her, and she felt great pride as an Indian.
In simple words: Santosh said her feelings on Everest's summit were 'indescribable'. Waving the Indian flag there was a spiritual moment, making her feel very proud to be Indian.

Exam Tip: For questions about feelings, use direct quotes or strong descriptive words from the text to convey the character's emotions accurately.

 

Question 5. Santosh Yadav got into the record books both times she scaled Mt. Everest. What were the reasons for this ?
Answer: When Santosh Yadav first climbed Mt. Everest, she became the youngest woman globally to accomplish this feat. When she ascended Everest a second time, she became the only woman to have climbed it twice.
In simple words: Santosh made history twice on Everest: first, as the youngest woman to climb it, and second, as the only woman to climb it two times.

Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate between the two separate achievements, specifying the unique aspect of each record to earn full marks.

 

III. Complete the following statements:

 

Question III. (1) From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to ................................
Answer: From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to watch villagers going up the hill and suddenly vanish after a while.
In simple words: From her room, Santosh watched villagers climb the nearby hill and disappear from sight.

Exam Tip: Read the provided text carefully to find the exact phrase or sentence that completes the statement correctly.

 

Question III. (2) When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because ................................
Answer: When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because she had got herself enrolled at Uttarkashi's Nehru Institute of Mountaineering without his permission.
In simple words: Santosh had to apologize to her father because she enrolled in a mountaineering course without his consent after college.

Exam Tip: Understand the sequence of events and the reasons behind character actions, especially when it involves seeking forgiveness or permission.

 

Question III. (3) During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her climbing skills, physical fitness and mental strength while her concern for others and desire to work together with them ................................ endeared her to fellow climbers.
Answer: During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her climbing skills, physical fitness and mental strength while her concern for others and desire to work together with them endeared her to fellow climbers.
In simple words: On Everest, her climbing abilities, strength, and caring nature made her well-liked by her older teammates.

Exam Tip: Identify multiple positive traits demonstrated by the character and how they contributed to team dynamics and respect.

 

IV. Pick out words from the text that mean the same as the following words or expressions: (Look in the paragraphs indicated.)

 

Question IV. (1) took to be true without proof (1) : .......
Answer: Assumed
In simple words: This means to believe something is true without needing any proof.

Exam Tip: Always look for synonyms or contextual meanings of words within the provided paragraph to ensure accuracy.

 

Question IV. (2) based on reason; sensible; reasonable (2) :
Answer: Rational
In simple words: This refers to something that is based on good logic and makes sense.

Exam Tip: When matching synonyms, consider the precise shade of meaning. "Rational" implies logical reasoning.

 

Question IV. (3) the usual way of doing things (3) : ..
Answer: Custom
In simple words: This means the normal or traditional way that people do things.

Exam Tip: "Custom" refers to established practices or traditions within a society or group.

 

Question IV. (4) a strong desire arising from within (5) :
Answer: Urge
In simple words: This is a powerful feeling or wish that comes from inside you.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between a general wish and a strong, internal "urge" which implies a powerful, often irresistible, desire.

 

Question IV. (5) the power to endure, without falling ill (7) :
Answer: Resistance
In simple words: This means the ability to stay strong and not get sick, even when facing tough conditions.

Exam Tip: "Resistance" implies an ability to withstand or recover from difficult conditions, often related to health or physical challenge.

 

Part II: Maria Sharapova

Thinking about the Text

 

Question 1. Working in small groups of 4 – 5 students, go back over the two passages on Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova and complete the table given below with relevant phrases or sentences:

Answer:
Top Women Players Over The Years
Women's tennis has seen many legends since Chris Evert of the U.S., who secured the top position in 1975 and held it for 362 weeks. From 1978-97, Martina Navratilova (U.S.), Steffi Graf (Germany), Monica Seles (U.S.), and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) were some other mentally resilient and determined girls who maintained their top ranks for 331, 377, 178, and 209 weeks respectively. The confidence they had in their abilities and the strong will to lead in their careers helped them a lot.
Sharing these personality traits were women like Tracy Austin (U.S.), Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Lindsay Davenport (U.S.) - a two-time top-ranked woman player, Jennifer Capriati (U.S.), Venus Williams (U.S.), Serena Williams (U.S.), Kim Clijsters (Belgium), Justine Henin-Hardenne (Belgium), Amelie Mauresmo (France), and Maria Sharapova (Russia). These athletes topped women's tennis from 1980 to 2005.
Though the time these players held their positions was not equal to the likes of Chris Evert or Steffi Graf, they also demonstrated their competitiveness in a sport like tennis.
In simple words: This table compares Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova based on their humble starts, parents' views, strong will, mental strength, and patriotism. The article then highlights top women tennis players, mentioning their peak years and how long they stayed at the top. It notes that while some had longer reigns, all showed great competitive spirit.

Exam Tip: When asked to compare and contrast, ensure you address each point of comparison for both subjects and summarize the key takeaways in a concise article format.

 

Question 2. Which of these words would you use to describe Santosh Yadav ? Find reasons in the text to support your choices and write a couple of paragraphs describing Santosh's character.
Answer: Words describing Santosh: determined, polite, adventurous, considerate, independent, persevering.
(1) Determined: When her parents refused to pay for her education, she politely informed them of her plans to earn money by working part-time to pay for her school fees.
(2) Polite:
(i) She politely informed her parents to earn money on her own to pay the school fees.
(ii) Just four years after she had shyly asked the Aravalli mountaineers if she could join them.
(3) Adventurous: Santosh went on an expedition everywhere.
(4) Considerate:
(i) Santosh had to make do with the local village school.
(ii) Santosh decided to fight the system in her own way when the right moment arrived.
(5) Independent: Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father without whose permission she got herself enrolled at Uttarkashi.
(6) Persevering:
(i) Santosh developed a remarkable resistance to cold and the altitude.
(ii) Equipped with an iron will, physical endurance and an amazing mental toughness, she proved herself repeatedly.
In simple words: Santosh showed traits like being determined, polite, adventurous, considerate, independent, and persevering. For instance, when her parents didn't want to pay for her education, she kindly offered to work part-time to pay her fees. She also ventured on expeditions and developed strong mental and physical toughness to achieve her goals.

Exam Tip: When asked to describe a character, always provide specific examples from the text to support each trait you mention.

 

GSEB Class 9 English Reach for the Top Additional Important Questions and Answers

Reading Comprehension

Part I: Santosh Yadav

Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers for the questions given below them:

The only woman in the world who, has scaled Mt. Everest twice was born in a society where the birth of a son was regarded as a blessing, and a daughter, though not considered a curse, was not generally welcome. When her mother was expecting Santosh, a travelling 'holy man', giving her his blessing, assumed that she wanted a son. The unborn child's grandmother, who was standing close by, told him that they did not want a son. The ‘holy man' was also surprised ! Nevertheless, he gave the requested blessing and as destiny would have it, the blessing seemed to work. Santosh was born the sixth child in a family with five sons, a sister to five brothers. She was born in the small village of Joniyawas of Rewari District in Haryana.

 

Question 1. What is the unique achievement of Santosh Yadav ?
(a) She was born in an orthodox society.
(b) She scaled Mt. Everest twice.
(c) She was an unwanted child.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (b) She scaled Mt. Everest twice.
In simple words: Santosh Yadav's special accomplishment is that she successfully climbed Mount Everest two times.

Exam Tip: Look for specific factual details in the passage that highlight unique or record-breaking accomplishments.

 

Question 2. .................... was generally not welcomed in the society in which Santosh was born.
(a) Inter-caste marriage
(b) Holy man's blessings
(c) Girl child's birth
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (c) Girl child's birth
In simple words: The birth of a girl child was usually not welcomed in the society where Santosh was born.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the social context described in the passage, especially how specific events or births were perceived.

 

Question 3. .................... did not want son for Santosh's mother.
(a) Santosh's father
(b) Santosh's mother
(c) Santosh's grandfather
(d) Santosh's grandmother
Answer: (d) Santosh's grandmother
In simple words: Santosh's grandmother told the holy man that they did not want a son.

Exam Tip: Identify key characters and their direct statements or actions within the passage, as they often reveal crucial information.

 

Question 4. Santosh was a sister of .................... brothers.
(a) one
(b) three
(c) five
(d) four
Answer: (c) five
In simple words: Santosh was born as the sister to five brothers in her family.

Exam Tip: Carefully read details about family structure and birth order mentioned in the passage.

Thereafter, Santosh went on an expedition every year. Her climbing skills matured rapidly. Also, she developed a remarkable resistance to cold and the altitude. Equipped with an iron will, physical endurance and an amazing mental toughness, she proved herself repeatedly. The culmination of her hard work and sincerity came in 1992, just four years after she had shyly asked the Aravalli mountaineers if she could join them.
At barely twenty years of age, Santosh Yadav scaled Mt. Everest, becoming the youngest woman in the world to achieve the feat. If her climbing skills, physical fitness, and mental strength impressed her seniors, her concern for others and desire to work together with them found her a special place in the hearts of fellow climbers.

 

Question 1. .................... includes Santosh's climbing skills.
(a) Resistance to cold
(b) Resistance to the altitude
(c) Resistance to physical endurance
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)
In simple words: Santosh's climbing abilities included a strong resistance to both cold temperatures and high altitudes.

Exam Tip: When evaluating what "includes" certain skills, consider all the specific elements mentioned in the text that contribute to that skill set.

 

Question 2. The qualities that Santosh was equipped with were ....................
(a) iron will.
(b) physical endurance.
(c) amazing mental toughness.
(d) All of the options
Answer: (d) All of the options
In simple words: Santosh possessed an iron will, strong physical endurance, and remarkable mental toughness.

Exam Tip: When options include "All of the options," verify that each individual option is supported by the passage before selecting it.

 

Question 3. Santosh learnt her initial mountaineering lessons climbing ....................
(a) Aravalli mountains.
(b) Himalayan range of mountains.
(c) Vindhya mountain range.
(d) Satpuda mountain range.
Answer: (a) Aravalli mountains.
In simple words: Santosh learned her first mountaineering skills by climbing the Aravalli mountains.

Exam Tip: Look for specific geographical locations mentioned in connection with a character's early experiences or training.

 

Question 4. .................... qualities of Santosh won the hearts of her fellow climbers.
(a) Her concern for others
(b) Her desire to work together
(c) Her amiable nature
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)
In simple words: Santosh's concern for her teammates and her willingness to cooperate won their admiration.

Exam Tip: Identify character traits that specifically foster positive relationships and admiration among peers or team members.

Within twelve months, Santosh found herself a member of an Indo-Nepalese Women's Expedition that invited her to join them. She then scaled the Everest a second time, thus setting a record as the only woman to have scaled the Everest twice, and securing for herself and India a unique place in the annals of mountaineering. In recognition of her achievements, the Indian government bestowed upon her one of the nation's top honours, the Padmashri.
Describing her feelings when she was literally 'on top of the world', Santosh has said, "It took some time for the enormity of the moment to sink in... Then I unfurled the Indian tricolour and held it aloft on the roof of the world. The feeling is indescribable. The Indian flag was flying on top of the world. It was truly a spiritual moment. I felt proud as an Indian."

 

Question 1. .................... of her first scaling of Mt. Everest, Santosh could manage to scale Mt. Everest the second time.
(a) After twelve months
(b) Within twelve months
(c) Before a period of one year
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c)
In simple words: Within one year of her first Mount Everest climb, Santosh successfully scaled it for the second time.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to timeframes mentioned. "Within twelve months" and "Before a period of one year" convey the same meaning.

 

Question 2. The meaning of 'annals' here is ....................
(a) 'a periodical journal'.
(b) 'happening every year'.
(c) 'historical records'.
(d) All of the options
Answer: (c) 'historical records'.
In simple words: In this context, 'annals' refers to the historical records or accounts of events.

Exam Tip: Understand that "annals" refers to a historical account of events, typically arranged in chronological order.

Answer the Following Questions in Three to Four Sentences Each:

 

Question 1. Does Santosh have the attribute as her name suggested ?
Answer: 'Santosh' means 'contentment' or 'satisfaction', but Santosh was not always happy with her place in a traditional way of life. She wanted more freedom and opportunities, showing she wasn't content with the old ways.
In simple words: No, Santosh's name means contentment, but she wasn't content with traditional life. She wanted more freedom and a different way of living.

Exam Tip: When discussing character names, always explain the meaning of the name and then show how the character's actions either align with or contradict that meaning.

 

Question 2. Brief the financial status of Santosh's parents.
Answer: Santosh's parents were wealthy landowners. They had enough money to send their children to the best schools, even those in the country's capital, Delhi. This shows their comfortable financial standing.
In simple words: Santosh's parents were rich farmers who owned a lot of land and could easily pay for good schools.

Exam Tip: Note key details about family background, as they often explain a character's motivations or challenges later in the story.

 

Question 3. When did the 'right moment' came into Santosh's life ?
Answer: The right moment came into Santosh's life when she was sixteen years old. At this age, she was under pressure to get married according to the prevailing local custom. However, Santosh firmly told her parents that she would never marry if she did not receive a proper education first.
In simple words: The right time for Santosh was when she was sixteen. She faced pressure to marry but insisted on getting an education instead.

Exam Tip: Major turning points in a character's life often occur when they make a firm stand against societal expectations or personal challenges.

 

Question 4. What top honours did Santosh get for her achievements ?
Answer: In recognition of her remarkable achievements in mountaineering, Santosh Yadav was honored with one of the nation's highest awards, the Padmashri, by the Indian Government. This award acknowledged her extraordinary feats and contributions.
In simple words: Santosh Yadav received the Padmashri, which is a very high award from the Indian Government, for her mountaineering successes.

Exam Tip: Remember to include the specific name of the award and the recognizing body when asked about honors or recognitions.

 

Answer the Following Questions in Five to Six Sentences Each:

 

Question 1. Where did Santosh take a professional training of mountaineering ? How did she manage to do it ?
Answer: Santosh undertook professional mountaineering training at Uttarkashi's Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. She managed this by saving money herself. Her college semester in Jaipur was supposed to end in April, but it finished on May 19th. Since the training institute started on May 21st, she had very little time to return home, get her parents' consent, and come back. So, she went straight to the institute and later sent a letter of apology to her father for not seeking his permission beforehand.
In simple words: Santosh trained at Uttarkashi's Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. She saved money and went directly after college because she had no time to get her parents' permission. She wrote an apology letter to her father later.

Exam Tip: When describing how a character achieved a goal, mention their actions, challenges, and the specific steps they took, including any sacrifices or bold decisions.

 

Question 2. What qualities did Santosh cultivate for her climbing skills to mature ?
Answer: Santosh developed a remarkable ability to withstand cold temperatures and high altitudes. She consistently demonstrated her preparedness, becoming equipped with a strong will, physical toughness, and exceptional mental strength. She continued improving her climbing abilities, physical fitness, and mental resilience. These specific qualities greatly impressed her seniors and were crucial for her success in mountaineering.
In simple words: Santosh developed strong resistance to cold and high places. She showed great mental and physical toughness, along with a strong will. These qualities helped her climbing skills grow and impressed her teachers.

Exam Tip: Focus on adjectives that describe specific traits (e.g., "remarkable resistance," "iron will," "amazing mental toughness") and link them directly to the character's achievements.

 

Question 3. Santosh had a sympathetic heart. Illustrate.
Answer: Santosh indeed had a compassionate nature. During an expedition, she provided special care to a climber who was dying at the South Col, though sadly, she could not save him. On another occasion, she successfully saved a fellow climber, Mohan Singh, by sharing her own oxygen with him. If she had not helped him then, he would surely have died. These instances clearly show her selflessness and concern for her teammates.
In simple words: Santosh was very kind-hearted. She tried to save a dying climber and saved Mohan Singh's life by sharing her oxygen, showing her care for others.

Exam Tip: To illustrate a character's trait, provide specific examples or anecdotes from the text that clearly demonstrate that quality.

 

Part II: Maria Sharapova

 

Reading Comprehension

Read the following passages and select the most appropriate answers for the questions given below them:

 

Question 1. However, the rapid ascent in a fiercely competitive world began nine years before with a level of sacrifice few children would be prepared to endure; Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States. That trip to Florida with her father Yuri launched her on the path to success and stardom. But it also required a heart-wrenching two-year separation from her mother Yelena. The latter was compelled to stay back in Siberia because of visa restrictions. The nine-year-old girl had already learnt an important lesson in life – that tennis excellence would only come at a price.

"I used to be so lonely," Maria Sharapova recalls. "I missed my mother terribly. My father was working as much as he could to keep my tennis-training going. So, he couldn't see me either.
1. Before Maria entered into her tenth year she went to Florida from
A. America
B. Russia
C. Netherlands
D.West Indies
Answer: (B) Russia
In simple words: Maria went to Florida from Russia before she turned ten.

Exam Tip: For passage-based questions, always refer directly to the text to confirm geographical facts or specific details.

 

Question 2. What was one of the sacrifices that Maria made for her career ?
A. She sacrificed her childhood.
B. She was separated from her mother Yelena for two years.
D. Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (D) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: Maria sacrificed her childhood and was separated from her mother for two years.

Exam Tip: When evaluating sacrifices, consider all options provided in the context of the passage, as multiple factors can contribute.

 

Question 3. She had to stay back in Siberia for two long years as ................
A. She could not get visa.
B. She had to take care of her ill mother.
C. No tennis association invited her to play.
D. Both 'A' and 'C'
Answer: (A) She could not get visa.
In simple words: Maria's mother stayed in Siberia because she couldn't get a visa to join Maria in the U.S.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to explicit reasons given in the text for specific events or circumstances.

 

Question 4. Maria's father could not see her so often as ...................
A. he had to stay back in Siberia.
B. he had to spend most of his time taking care of her mother.
C. he had to keep working to keep her tennis-training going.
D. Maria kept too busy with her training.
Answer: (C) he had to keep working to keep her tennis-training going.
In simple words: Maria's father worked constantly to pay for her tennis training, which meant he couldn't see her often.

Exam Tip: Identify the direct cause-and-effect relationships described in the passage to accurately determine reasons.

 

Question 2. While her journey from the frozen plains of Siberia to the summit of women's tennis has touched the hearts of tennis fans, for the youngster herself there appears to be no room for sentiment. The straight looks and the answers she gives when asked about her ambition make it amply clear that she considers the sacrifices were worth it. "I am very, very competitive. I work hard at what I do. It's my job.” This is her mantra for success.

Though Maria Sharapova speaks with a pronounced American accent, she proudly pafades her Russian nationality. Clearing all doubts, she says, “I'm Russian. It's true that the U.S. is a big part of my life. But I have Russian citizenship. My blood is totally Russian. I will play the Olympics for Russia if they want me.”
1. Siberia is a ................... country.
A. hot
C. cold
D. temperate
Answer: (C) cold
In simple words: Siberia is known for being a cold country.

Exam Tip: Use contextual clues, such as "frozen plains," to infer characteristics of places mentioned in the passage.

 

Question 2. There appears no room for sentiments while ....................
A. playing.
B. making sacrifices for achievements.
C. thinking about parents.
D. talking about own country.
Answer: (B) making sacrifices for achievements.
In simple words: Maria Sharapova shows no sentimentality when it comes to making sacrifices to achieve her goals.

Exam Tip: Look for phrases that directly describe the character's attitude or approach, such as "no room for sentiment," and connect them to the relevant action.

 

Question 3. 'She proudly parades her Russian nationality'. What is this sentence used in reference to ?
A. Her dress.
B. Her way of playing.
C. Her speech.
D. Her behaviour.
Answer: (C) Her speech.
In simple words: This sentence refers to how Maria Sharapova speaks about her Russian background with pride.

Exam Tip: When analyzing phrases, check which aspect of the character's presentation (e.g., appearance, actions, words) the phrase is describing.

 

Question 4. One of these sentences does not talk about Maria's being proud of her country:
A. I have Russian citizenship.
B. The U.S. is a big part of my life.
C. My blood is totally Russian.
D. I will play the Olympics for Russia if they want me.
Answer: (B) The U.S. is a big part of my life.
In simple words: Saying "The U.S. is a big part of my life" simply states a fact about her residency, not pride for Russia.

Exam Tip: Carefully distinguish between statements of fact or influence and expressions of pride or loyalty. Look for emotional language or declarations of belonging.

 

Answer the Following Questions in Three to Four Sentences Each:

 

Question 1. Why could Maria's mother not accompany her to U.S. ?
Answer: Maria's mother, Yelena, could not go with her to the U.S. because she resided in Siberia, Russia. She needed a visa to enter the U.S. However, due to certain restrictions, she was unable to obtain the necessary visa. This led to a difficult two-year separation.
In simple words: Maria's mother couldn't go to the U.S. because she lived in Russia and couldn't get a visa due to some rules.

Exam Tip: Always state the direct reason given in the text, even if it seems simple, and avoid adding outside information.

 

Question 2. What important lesson did the nine- year-old Maria learn ?
Answer: The nine-year-old Maria Sharapova learned a crucial lesson early in her life: that 'tennis excellence would only come at a price.' She realized that achieving great success in tennis would require significant sacrifices and hard work, and she was prepared to make them.
In simple words: Maria, at nine, learned that to be great at tennis, she would have to pay a high price through hard work and sacrifices.

Exam Tip: When asked about a "lesson learned," identify the core insight or realization the character gains from their experiences.

 

Question 3. What sacrifice did Maria's father do to keep her tennis-training going ?
Answer: Of Maria's parents, only her father could accompany her to the U.S. To ensure Maria's tennis training continued, he had to work extremely hard, leaving him with almost no time to spend with Maria. This constant work and lack of family time represented a significant personal sacrifice for him.
In simple words: Maria's father worked very hard in the U.S. to pay for her tennis training, which meant he had almost no time for her. This was a big sacrifice.

Exam Tip: Highlight the specific actions and their consequences when discussing sacrifices made by supporting characters.

 

Question 4. What did Maria learn after her humiliating experience with her senior tennis-mates ? What statement did she make in this regard ?
Answer: After her humiliating experiences with her senior tennis-mates, Maria learned that she needed to endure much more humiliation and insults to relentlessly pursue her dream. In this regard, she stated, 'when you come from nothing and have nothing, then it makes you more hungry and determined.' This mindset helped her stay strong.
In simple words: Maria learned that she needed to put up with insults to chase her dream. She said that starting with nothing makes you hungrier and more determined.

Exam Tip: When a question asks for a statement a character made, try to quote or accurately paraphrase it to show textual evidence.

 

Question 5. How does Maria parade her Russian : nationality ? '
Answer: Maria was born in Siberia, Russia. Although she moved to the U.S. at a young age and adopted an American accent, she proudly displays her Russian nationality. She emphasizes her Russian citizenship and strong Russian roots, stating her willingness to represent Russia in the Olympics. Her strong sense of belonging to Russia is evident in her words and actions, despite her American ties.
In simple words: Maria shows her Russian nationality proudly by saying she has Russian citizenship and Russian blood, and that she would play for Russia in the Olympics.

Exam Tip: Look for direct declarations or actions that demonstrate national pride or cultural identity, especially when a character lives in another country.

 

Answer the Following Questions in Five to Six Sentences Each:

 

Question 1. What sacrifices did Maria did to make her career ?
Answer: At the tender age of ten, Maria left her homeland, Siberia, for the U.S. to build her tennis career. Only her father could accompany her, leading to a heartbreaking two-year separation from her mother, Yelena. Maria deeply missed her mother and, as a nine-year-old, learned that success in tennis demanded a steep price. Being the youngest at the sports hostel, she endured chores and humiliations from older pupils. Despite these challenges, she was determined to chase her dream, learning to cope with insults and hardship.
In simple words: Maria left Russia at ten, separating from her mother for two years. She lived in a hostel, doing chores and facing insults from older students. These were big sacrifices she made for her tennis career.

Exam Tip: List both emotional and physical sacrifices to provide a comprehensive answer about the challenges a character faced.

 

Question 2. What is the 'Success Mantra' of Maria Sharapova? How does she put it into practice ?
Answer: Maria Sharapova's 'Success Mantra' is to 'work hard to pursue your goal'. She implemented this by making immense sacrifices from a very young age. Her journey involved moving from Siberia, Russia, to America when she was barely ten, enduring a painful two-year separation from her mother, Yelena, and suffering humiliation and insults at the sports hostel. She eliminated all sentimentality from her approach, making herself incredibly competitive to achieve her objectives.
In simple words: Maria's success mantra is "work hard for your goal." She practiced it by making huge sacrifices, like moving countries, being away from her mother, and facing insults, all to become very competitive.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the "mantra" and then provide concrete examples from the text to show how the character applied it in their life.

 

Question 3. Maria Sharapova cannot be pigeon-holed or categorised. Explain.
Answer: Maria Sharapova possesses a unique combination of talent and an unyielding desire to succeed, coupled with a readiness to sacrifice. These inherent qualities elevated her to the pinnacle of the tennis world. Considering the extent of her sacrifices to reach the top, few would begrudge her the wealth she now enjoys. Because of her exceptional drive and accomplishments, she cannot be easily labeled or confined to simple categories.
In simple words: Maria Sharapova is hard to categorize because of her unique talent, strong desire to win, and willingness to sacrifice. Her journey to the top makes her an exceptional individual.

Exam Tip: When explaining why a character cannot be "pigeon-holed," focus on their multifaceted personality, their extraordinary efforts, and their uncommon achievements that defy simple labels.

 

Vocabulary And Grammar

 

Vocabulary

 

Question 1. (1) (enrolled, looking, saved, determined)
Then there was no ............................ back for this ............................ young girl. She ............................ money and .............................. in a course at Uttarkashi's Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.
Answer:
a. looking
b. determined
c. saved
d. enrolled
Answer:
(a) looking
(b) determined
(c) saved
(d) enrolled
In simple words: This exercise tests your ability to choose the correct words to fill in the blanks, based on their meaning and how they fit into the sentence context.

Exam Tip: When filling in blanks, read the entire sentence to understand the context and ensure that the chosen word logically completes the idea and fits grammatically.

 

Question 2. (2) (enormity, literally, describing, moment)
........................ her feelings when she was ............................ 'on the top of the world', Santosh has said, "It took some time for the ............................ of the ............................ to sink in......"
Answer:
a. Describing
b. literally
c. enormity
d. moment
Answer:
(a) Describing
(b) literally
(c) enormity
(d) moment
In simple words: This exercise helps you pick the right words for a sentence, making sure they match the meaning and flow of the text.

Exam Tip: For vocabulary questions, consider synonyms and the precise meaning of each option to ensure it aligns perfectly with the sentence's intent.

 

Grammar

 

Rectify the Errors in the Passage:

The girl gave the name 'Santosh', which means contentment. And Santosh was not always content to her place in a traditional way of life. She began living life on her own terms with the start. Where another girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred short.

Answer: The corrected passage is: The girl was given the name 'Santosh', which means contentment. But Santosh was not always content with her place in a traditional way of life. She began living life on her own terms from the start. Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred shorts.
In simple words: This exercise shows common grammar mistakes and how to fix them to make sentences correct and clear.

Exam Tip: When rectifying errors, pay attention to verb forms, conjunctions, prepositions, determiners, and plurals to ensure grammatical accuracy.

 

Question 2. A marriage as early as this was the last thing in her mind. She threatened her parents that she will never marry if she did not get a proper education. She left home but got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi. Where her parents refused to pay for her education, she decides to work part time to pay her school fees.

Answer: The corrected passage is: A marriage as early as that was the last thing on her mind. She threatened her parents that she would never marry if she did not get a proper education. She left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi. When her parents refused to pay for her education, she decided to work part time to pay her school fees.
In simple words: This table corrects errors in a passage, focusing on pronouns, prepositions, verb tenses, and conjunctions for clear writing.

Exam Tip: Practice identifying common errors like subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, and sentence structure to improve grammar and punctuation.

 

Question 3. Wishing always to study 'a bit more' so with her father slowly get used to her urge for more education, Santosh passes the high school examinations and went to Jaipur. She joined Maharshi collage and got a room in Kasturba Hostel. Santosh remembered, "Kasturba Hostel to face the Aravalli Hills.

Answer: The corrected passage is: Wishing always to study 'a bit more' and with her father slowly getting used to her urge for more education, Santosh passed the high school examinations and went to Jaipur. She joined Maharshi college and got a room in Kasturba Hostel. Santosh remembers, "Kasturba Hostel faced the Aravalli Hills.
In simple words: This section focuses on correcting grammatical mistakes like conjunctions, verb forms, spelling, and tense to create clear and accurate sentences.

Exam Tip: Always double-check verb tenses for consistency, ensure correct spellings, and use appropriate conjunctions to link ideas smoothly.

 

Fill in the Blanks Using Article(s), Conjunctions(s) and Preposition(s) at the Correct Places:

 

Question 1. (1) ................................ twelve months, Santosh found herself ............................ member ................................ an Indo-Nepalese Women's Expedition................................. invited her to join them. She ................................ scaled ................................ Everest a second time.
Answer:
a. Within
b. a
c. of
d. that
e. then
f. the
Answer:
(a) Within
(b) a
(c) of
(d) that
(e) then
(f) the
In simple words: You need to select the correct articles, conjunctions, and prepositions to fill the blanks, ensuring the sentences make grammatical sense.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the surrounding words in a sentence to determine the most suitable article, conjunction, or preposition that completes the meaning and grammatical structure.

 

Question 2. (2) "My college semester ................................ Jaipur was to end in April ................................ it ended ................................ the nineteenth ................................ May. ................................ I was supposed to be in Uttarkashi on ................................ twenty-first.
Answer:
a. in
b. but
c. on
d. of
e. And
f. the
Answer:
(a) in
(b) but
(c) on
(d) of
(e) And
(f) the
In simple words: Choose the right small words like 'in', 'but', 'on', and 'of' to connect ideas and complete the sentences correctly.

Exam Tip: Understand the role of each part of speech (articles, conjunctions, prepositions) to correctly fill in the blanks and create coherent sentences.

 

Punctuate the Following Passage:

 

Question 1. I used to be so lonely maria Sharapova recalls I missed my mother terribly my father was working as much as he could to keep my tennis training going so he couldn't see me either.
Answer: "I used to be so lonely,” Maria Sharapova recalls. “I missed my mother terribly. My father was working as much as he could to keep my tennis-training going. So, he couldn't see me either."
In simple words: This exercise shows how to add punctuation marks like quotation marks, commas, and periods to make a sentence clear and easy to read.

Exam Tip: Remember to use quotation marks for direct speech, commas to separate clauses, and periods to end sentences to improve readability.

 

Convert the Following Into Indirect Speech:

 

Question 1. "Instead of letting that depress me, I became more quietly determined and mentally tough. I learnt how to take care of myself. I never thought of quitting because I knew what I wanted."
Answer: Sharapova said that instead of letting that depress her, she had become more quietly determined and mentally tough. She then added that she had learned how to take care of herself, and continuing the speech, she said that she had never thought of quitting because she had known what she had wanted.
In simple words: This shows how to change someone's exact words into a report, using phrases like "she said that" and adjusting tenses.

Exam Tip: When converting to indirect speech, change pronouns, adjust verb tenses (usually to past tense), and remove quotation marks, using conjunctions like 'that' or 'if'.

 

Rewrite As Directed:

 

Question 1. (1) The girl was given the name Santosh. (Change the Voice.)
(2) The right moment came when she turned sixteen. (Make it Simple.)
(3) She would never marry if she did not get proper education. (Use 'Unless'.)
(4) I used to watch villagers from my room. (Use 'accustomed to'.)
(5) Yelena was compelled to stay back because of visa restrictions. (Use 'therefore'.)
(6) Instead of letting that depress me, I became more quietly determined and mentally tough. (Use 'but'.)
(7) I work hard for my deeds. (Turn into Complex.)
Answer:
(1) The parents of the girl gave her the name Santosh.
(2) At her age of sixteen, the right moment came.
(3) She would never marry unless she got proper education.
(4) I was accustomed to watch villagers from my room.
(5) There were some visa restrictions; therefore, Yelena was compelled to stay back.
(6) I did not let that depress me, but I became more quietly determined and mentally tough.
(7) I work hard because of my deeds.
In simple words: This exercise shows how to change sentences in different ways, like switching from passive to active voice, making sentences simpler, or using different linking words.

Exam Tip: For voice changes, identify the subject and object, and ensure the verb form changes accordingly. For complex sentences, use subordinating conjunctions to link a dependent clause to an independent one.

 

Reach for the Top Summary in English

 

Part I: Santosh Yadav

 

Santosh Yadav Introduction:

Santosh Yadav is an Indian mountaineer. She is the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest twice and the first woman to successfully climb Mt. Everest from Kanshung Face. She climbed the peak first in May 1992 and then again in May 1993. During her Everest mission of 1992, she saved the life of another climber, Mohan Singh, by sharing oxygen with him.

 

Santosh Yadav Summary:

Santosh Yadav is the only woman in the world who has conquered Mt. Everest twice. She was born into a society where a son's birth was seen as a blessing, and a daughter was generally not welcome. However, Santosh's family was somewhat different; having five sons already, they welcomed the birth of a daughter. She was born in a small village in Haryana. Her parents were quite wealthy, owning a lot of land in the village.

Even as a child, Santosh wanted to live life according to her own wishes. She did not want to follow a traditional lifestyle. While other girls in the village wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh loved to wear shorts. Her parents had enough money to send her to any of the best schools in Delhi. However, it was not customary to send girls away from home, so she was sent to the village school. When she was sixteen, her parents decided to arrange her marriage. But Santosh stated that she would never marry if she was not given proper education.

Santosh left home and enrolled in a school in Delhi. After finishing high school, she joined Maharani College at Jaipur. She secured a room in Kasturba Hostel, which overlooked the Aravalli Hills. From her room, Santosh would see villagers climbing the hills and disappearing. One day, she herself went to investigate who these people were. She learned they were mountaineers. When she met them, they encouraged her to become a mountaineer. A strong desire to climb arose in Santosh, and there was no looking back. Santosh saved some money and joined a course at Uttarkashi Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.

After completing this course, she began participating in climbing expeditions annually. Her climbing skills developed quickly. Her determination was as strong as iron, and her mental fortitude was astonishing. Just four years later, she successfully scaled Mt. Everest. She was barely twenty years old, becoming the youngest woman to achieve this feat. She conquered it a second time a year later, setting a record as the only woman to have climbed Everest twice.

For her accomplishments, she was honored with the Padmashri, one of the nation's highest recognitions. Santosh Yadav impressed her seniors not only with her climbing abilities but also with her desire to assist fellow climbers. During the 1992 Everest mission, she shared her oxygen with a fellow climber, saving his life. She is also a true environmentalist, having collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.

 

Part II: Maria Sharapova

 

Maria Sharapova Introduction:

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova (Born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. A United States resident since 1994, Sharapova has competed on the WTA tour since 2001. She has been ranked world No. 1 in singles by the WTA on five separate occasions, for a total of 21 weeks. She is one of ten women and the only Russian, to hold the career Grand Slam. She is also an Olympic medallist, having earned silver for Russia in Women's singles at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

 

Maria Sharapova Summary:

Maria Sharapova always has a friendly smile and likes nice, colorful clothes. She appears to be an easy-going and delicate woman. However, she is actually very tough and hardworking. In 2004, she won the ladies' singles title at Wimbledon. The next year, she became the world's number one in women's tennis, still in her teens. She won this title on Monday, August 22, 2005. Maria took only four years to reach the top of the tennis world. She was not even ten years old when she was sent to train in the United States.

Her father accompanied her, but she had to be away from her mother for two years. Her father, too, saw her very little because he had to work diligently. Thus, Maria had to make many sacrifices to achieve excellence in tennis. "I used to be so lonely; I missed my mother terribly," Sharapova recalls. Maria was very young then. She used to go to bed at 8 p.m. Other tennis students would come in at 11 p.m. They would wake her up and tell her to clean the room. But Maria did not lose hope; she became even more determined and mentally tougher.

She learned how to take care of herself. Thus, Maria had to strive and sacrifice much in her life. But she believes her sacrifices were worthwhile. She states, "I work hard at what I do. It's my job." Maria started her journey from the cold plains of Siberia. Her journey has touched the hearts of all tennis fans. Even though she has lived most of her life in the U.S., she is proud to be Russian. She proudly declares, "My blood is totally Russian. I will play the Olympics for Russia if they want me."