Loading PDF...
Chapter Analysis
Intermediate14 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 7 'Reach for the Top' in the Class 9 English NCERT textbook 'Beehive' is an inspirational lesson divided into two parts featuring the stories of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova. Santosh Yadav's story narrates her journey to becoming the first woman to scale Mount Everest twice, highlighting her determination, resilience, and breaking social norms. The second part focuses on Maria Sharapova's rise to fame in women's tennis, emphasizing hard work, sacrifice, and competitive spirit. Both stories underline themes of perseverance and achieving one's goals despite adversities.
Key Topics
- •Determination and perseverance
- •Overcoming social norms
- •Impact of family support
- •Importance of mental and physical toughness
- •Cultural challenges
- •Role of education
- •Gender and societal expectations
- •International identity
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the impact of determination and resilience in achieving success.
- ✓Explore how cultural and societal norms influence personal achievements.
- ✓Analyze the role of family and education in personal development.
- ✓Examine the importance of physical and mental fortitude in sports.
- ✓Investigate the balance between personal and professional identities in an international context.
- ✓Identify strategies to overcome gender stereotypes in various fields.
Questions in Chapter
Why was the ‘holy man’ who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings surprised?
Answer: Because the child’s grandmother wanted a girl instead of a boy.
Page 88
Give an example to show that even as a young girl Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable.
Answer: She preferred wearing shorts instead of traditional Indian dresses.
Page 88
Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
Page 88
When did she leave home for Delhi, and why?
Page 88
Why did Santosh’s parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi?
Page 88
How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
Page 89
What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh's concern for her team-mates?
Page 89
What shows her concern for the environment?
Page 89
How does she describe her feelings at the summit of the Everest?
Page 89
Santosh Yadav got into the record books both times she scaled Mt Everest. What were the reasons for this?
Page 89
Additional Practice Questions
What qualities do Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova share that contributed to their success?
mediumAnswer: Both Santosh and Maria exhibit remarkable determination, resilience, and a strong desire to succeed. They faced various social and personal challenges but overcame them with unwavering focus and hard work.
Discuss the role of family support in the achievements of Santosh Yadav.
mediumAnswer: Though initially reluctant, Santosh's family eventually supported her education, which laid the foundation for her mountaineering success. This highlights the importance of family backing in pursuing one's dreams.
How did cultural expectations impact Santosh Yadav's journey to success?
hardAnswer: Santosh faced cultural expectations regarding marriage at a young age. Her refusal to adhere to these norms and pursue education and mountaineering showcases her defiance and commitment to her ambitions.
Analyze the impact of physical training on Maria Sharapova's career.
mediumAnswer: Intense physical training helped Maria develop the skills required to excel in tennis. Her commitment to rigorous practice sessions was crucial in achieving top rankings in international tennis.
What motivational lessons can be learned from Santosh Yadav's attempt to save fellow climbers?
easyAnswer: Santosh's actions during her expeditions displayed her selflessness and compassion, emphasizing that true success involves helping others along the journey.
Discuss the significance of gender in the stories of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova.
hardAnswer: Both individuals broke gender stereotypes in their fields, with Santosh excelling in a male-dominated sport like mountaineering, and Maria succeeding in a highly competitive tennis circuit, reflecting changing societal norms.
How do the achievements of Santosh and Maria inspire young girls today?
mediumAnswer: Their stories encourage young girls to dream big and follow their aspirations regardless of societal pressures or personal hardships, fostering a message of empowerment and resilience.
In what ways does Maria Sharapova's international lifestyle affect her identity?
mediumAnswer: Maria's lifestyle blends American influences with her Russian heritage, allowing her to embrace a dual identity that enriches her personal and professional life, reflecting globalization's impact on personal identities.
What role does education play in Santosh Yadav's life decisions?
mediumAnswer: Education was a key factor in Santosh's life choices, as it provided her with opportunities beyond traditional societal roles, helping her to pursue her mountaineering career.
Describe the mental toughness required in sports, referring to examples from Maria Sharapova's career.
mediumAnswer: Maria's mental toughness was evident through her ability to handle isolation, rigorous training, and competitive pressure, all of which contributed to her success as a top-ranking tennis player.