Important Questions and Answers for Class 9 English (Kaveri) Chapter 8 Follow That Dream | 2026-27

The Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 important questions focus on the relationship between dreams and determination, the importance of realistic planning, personal sacrifices and the role of family support. Students can practise MCQs, very short answers, short answers and detailed questions, along with grammar and writing exercises based on the prose lesson.

Class 9 English Chapter 8 Follow That Dream Multiple Choice Questions

Q1. Who wrote the letter featured in Follow That Dream?

(a) Ming 

(b) Irene Chua 

(c) Rabindranath Tagore 

(d) Sudha Murty

Answer: (b) Irene Chua.

Explanation: The chapter features a letter written by Irene Chua to her daughter, Ming, offering advice about following dreams with dedication and realistic expectations.

Q2. According to the author, approximately how many years of focused effort may be needed to reach a world-class standard in a field?

(a) Two years 

(b) Five years 

(c) Ten years 

(d) Twenty years

Answer: (c) Ten years.

Explanation: Irene Chua states that reaching a world-class standard in any field generally requires at least ten years of focused and intensive effort.

Q3. What does the author identify as an important source of encouragement when pursuing a difficult goal?

(a) Avoiding all responsibilities 

(b) Doing what one loves and believing in the purpose of the work 

(c) Depending entirely on other people's achievements 

(d) Changing goals whenever difficulties arise

Answer: (b) Doing what one loves and believing in the purpose of the work.

Explanation: The author explains that personal satisfaction and the belief that one is doing something meaningful can help a person continue working towards a goal.

Class 9 English Chapter 8 Follow That Dream Very Short Answer Questions

Q4. From which collection is the letter Follow That Dream taken?

Answer:

The letter is taken from My Daughter, My Friend, a collection by Irene Chua.

Q5. Who is Ming in the chapter Follow That Dream?

Answer:

Ming is Irene Chua's daughter. Her mother writes the letter to encourage her to pursue her dreams while understanding the effort and sacrifices involved.

Q6. What does the expression "wishful thinking" mean?

Answer:

Wishful thinking means hoping that something will happen without taking practical steps or having a realistic plan to achieve it.

Q7. Fill in the blanks with suitable forms of the word "could".

(i) When I was younger, I ______ run long distances without stopping.

(ii) She ______ be at the library right now.

Answer:

(i) could

(ii) could

Q8. What does the word "dreamscape" mean in the chapter?

Answer:

Dreamscape refers to a world of dreams, hopes and aspirations. In the chapter, it represents a person's goals and the people involved in helping achieve them.

Class 9 English Chapter 8 Follow That Dream Short Answer Questions

Q9. What does Irene Chua suggest students should consider before pursuing a major dream?

Answer:

Irene Chua advises young people to think carefully before committing themselves to a major goal.

1. They should understand the time and effort required.

2. They must consider the financial investment involved.

3. They should recognise the personal sacrifices they may need to make.

She believes that strong interest should be supported by commitment and practical planning.

Q10. How does the author explain the difference between dreamers and achievers?

Answer:

The author explains that many people dream of becoming successful, but not everyone takes action.

Dreamers may continue wishing for a better future without making a serious commitment. Achievers, however, invest time, effort and resources in pursuing their goals.

The main difference lies in the willingness to move beyond wishes and take consistent action.

Q11. Why does the author compare the journey towards success to an uphill road?

Answer:

The author compares the journey towards success to an uphill road because achieving a meaningful goal often involves difficulties, hard work and sacrifices.

Progress may be slow, and a person may sometimes feel tired or discouraged. However, passion, determination and the hope of achieving the goal can help them continue.

Q12. Complete the following sentences using suitable first conditional structures.

(i) If you practise regularly, ______.

(ii) If the idea excites you, ______.

(iii) If you face difficulties, ______.

Answer:

(i) If you practise regularly, you will improve your skills.

(ii) If the idea excites you, explore it further.

(iii) If you face difficulties, ask for guidance and continue making an effort.

Explanation: The first conditional describes real or possible future situations. The main clause may express a likely result using will or give advice using an imperative verb.

Q13. Why does Irene Chua emphasise the importance of a support network?

Answer:

Irene Chua explains that success is rarely achieved through individual effort alone.

She uses the example of Academy Award winners who thank the people who supported them.

Family members, friends, teachers and mentors can provide guidance, encouragement and practical assistance. Their support can help individuals overcome difficulties and continue pursuing their goals.

Q14. Explain the meanings of the following expressions from Follow That Dream.

(i) Burning in your blood

(ii) Buoyed up

(iii) A wet blanket

(iv) An uphill task

Answer:

(i) Burning in your blood: Having a strong passion or desire to achieve something.

(ii) Buoyed up: Feeling encouraged or supported during a difficult situation.

(iii) A wet blanket: A person who discourages others or reduces their enthusiasm.

(iv) An uphill task: A difficult activity that requires considerable effort and determination.

Q15. Read the following extract from Follow That Dream and answer the questions.

"By all means follow that dream."

(i) Who is the speaker addressing?

Answer: Irene Chua is addressing her daughter, Ming.

(ii) What does this statement suggest about the speaker's attitude?

Answer: It shows that the mother is encouraging and supportive of her daughter's ambitions.

(iii) Why does the author also discuss effort and sacrifice after giving this advice?

Answer: 

She wants Ming to understand that achieving a dream requires more than enthusiasm. It involves planning, dedication, patience and a willingness to face difficulties.

Class 9 English Chapter 8 Follow That Dream Long Answer Questions

Q16. Explain how Irene Chua balances encouragement and practical advice in Follow That Dream.

Answer:

In Follow That Dream, Irene Chua encourages her daughter, Ming, to pursue her ambitions while also explaining the challenges involved in achieving meaningful goals.

At the beginning of the letter, she strongly supports Ming's desire to follow her dreams.

However, she makes it clear that success requires considerable dedication and effort.

The author advises Ming to consider the time, financial investment and personal sacrifices associated with her chosen goal.

She also explains that reaching a world-class standard in any field may require many years of focused work.

At the same time, Irene Chua recognises that unexpected circumstances can affect people's plans.

She gives examples of individuals whose educational dreams were interrupted by war or family responsibilities.

Rather than discouraging Ming, she encourages her to make thoughtful decisions after understanding the possible difficulties.

The letter shows that encouragement becomes more meaningful when it is combined with realistic expectations.

Through her advice, Irene Chua teaches students to follow their ambitions with passion, patience and careful planning.

Q17. Formal Email Writing – Enquiry About a Summer Design Workshop

You are interested in joining a summer design workshop organised by a reputed institute. Write a formal email to the Director asking about the course details, duration, fees and registration process.

Answer:

To: 

The Director, 

Creative Design Institute

Subject: Enquiry Regarding Summer Design Workshop

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a Class 9 student interested in learning graphic design and developing my creative skills.

I recently learned that your institute is organising a summer design workshop for school students. I would like to participate in the programme. Kindly share the workshop schedule, course duration, fees, eligibility criteria and registration procedure.

I would also appreciate information about the topics covered and whether beginners can enrol.

I look forward to your response.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely, 

Aarav Sharma 

Class 9

Q18. How does Follow That Dream explain that life circumstances can change a person's ambitions?

Answer:

Irene Chua explains that dreams are not always fixed and may change because of personal experiences and circumstances.

She gives examples of people who wished to continue their education but could not fulfil those ambitions.

Some individuals wanted to attend Raffles College, which later became the National University of Singapore. However, the Japanese invasion during World War II changed their circumstances and educational opportunities.

Others had to leave school and begin working to support their younger siblings.

These examples show that financial responsibilities and unexpected events can influence personal goals.

The author also discusses her own experience of pursuing the dream of publishing a book.

She explains that this was not her original ambition during her younger years, but it became important to her later in life.

Through these examples, Irene Chua communicates that changing a dream does not necessarily mean giving up on success.

New goals can be equally meaningful when they reflect a person's changing interests, responsibilities and circumstances.

Q19. "Dreams require more than imagination; they demand action and sacrifice." Justify this statement with reference to Follow That Dream.

Answer:

Follow That Dream highlights the difference between simply wishing for success and making a genuine effort to achieve it.

Irene Chua explains that people may have many ambitions, but fulfilling them requires determination and commitment.

She advises Ming to recognise the time, effort and financial resources needed to pursue a major goal.

The author suggests that reaching a world-class standard in a chosen field requires years of focused practice and personal sacrifice.

She also explains that the journey towards success may be difficult and tiring.

During such situations, the knowledge that one is doing meaningful work can provide encouragement.

Another important factor is the support received from family members, teachers, friends and mentors.

The author uses the example of successful individuals who acknowledge the contributions of people who helped them.

She also warns against wishful thinking, where people continue hoping for success without taking practical steps.

Therefore it teaches that ambition becomes meaningful when it is supported by thoughtful planning, consistent effort and the willingness to overcome difficulties.

Q20. Why is the title Follow That Dream appropriate for Irene Chua's letter to Ming?

Answer:

The title Follow That Dream reflects the central message of Irene Chua's letter to her daughter, Ming.

The author encourages Ming to pursue her ambitions and develop the commitment needed to achieve them.

However, the title does not suggest that dreams can be fulfilled through hope alone.

Throughout the letter, Irene Chua explains the importance of dedication, financial planning, sacrifice and persistence.

She also discusses the difficulties that people may face because of unexpected events or changing responsibilities.

By sharing examples from other people's lives and her own experiences, the author shows that personal goals can develop over time.

Her dream of publishing a book emerged later in life and required years of effort.

The title is appropriate because it encourages individuals to take their ambitions seriously while remaining realistic about the challenges involved.

It communicates that dreams should inspire action, careful decisions and meaningful personal growth.

Important Topics to Practise for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 Exams

Students preparing Follow That Dream should concentrate on Irene Chua's advice, the importance of commitment and the examples used in her letter. Understanding the difference between dreaming and taking action can help students answer questions involving explanation and interpretation.

Students should pay attention to how the author uses examples and personal experiences to communicate her advice. These details are particularly helpful when answering long descriptive and inference-based questions.

Download Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 Important Questions PDF from Vedantu

Vedantu's Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 important questions and answers PDF covers Follow That Dream, including questions about Irene Chua's advice, personal ambitions, practical challenges and the importance of determination.

The Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 important questions PDF brings together different question formats so students can practise important concepts and improve their written answers.

Students can use the downloadable PDF in the following ways:

• Offline Access: Save the questions and answers on a mobile, tablet or computer to study without an internet connection.

• Concept-Based Questions: Practise explaining the importance of dedication, personal sacrifices and support networks.

• Reading Comprehension: Answer questions based on the author's advice, experiences and examples.

• Grammar Practice: Solve exercises on conditional sentences, modal verbs and chapter-related vocabulary.

• Writing Skills: Practise formal email writing and organise descriptive answers using clear explanations.

• Self-Assessment: Compare written responses with Vedantu's solutions to identify missing points and improve answer accuracy.

Students can use the Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 8 important questions PDF download for independent question practice and preparation for the 2026–27 English examinations.

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