Chapter 8: Believe in Yourself – Complete Solutions
About the Poem
This chapter features a motivational poem by Robert
Langley that encourages readers to step up to challenges, leave their
comfort zone, and believe in themselves to shape their future.
Reflect and Respond (Page 265)
I. Looking at the Image
[Image: A person standing at the base of a steep mountain
or difficult path, looking up]
1. What emotions do you feel standing at the base of a
difficult task?
- Nervousness
and fear about whether I can succeed
- Excitement
mixed with uncertainty
- A
feeling of being small compared to the challenge ahead
2. What might make you take the first step?
- Believing
that I am capable of doing it
- Remembering
past successes when I faced困难
- Support
and encouragement from family and teachers
- The
desire to grow and achieve my dreams
II. Think About a Challenge You Faced
1. What was it, and how did you feel at the start?
(Answer depends on personal experience – example)
- I
had to speak on stage for the first time. I felt very nervous and wanted
to run away.
2. How did you feel once you made the decision to move
forward?
- I
felt a little braver. After taking the first step, my fear started to go
away.
III. What does "Believe in Yourself" mean?
Words and phrases associated:
- Confidence
- Courage
- Trust
your abilities
- Never
give up
- Positive
thinking
- Self-respect
IV. Meaning of "Status Quo"
From the sentence given: "Even though some kids
wanted to try new activities, most of them were happy with the status quo and
didn't want any changes."
Correct meaning: 2. A situation to keep
things the same
Reading for Appreciation – The Poem
[Image: A person standing alone on a path leading toward
a bright horizon]
Believe in Yourself
by Robert Langley
Step up to the challenge
There is no crowd to see,
It's just you and the future
And where you want to be.
Will it pull you forward
Or push you back in fear?
Difficult are choices
When the future is getting near.
There is such ease in comfort
To maintain the status quo,
But this isn't what we are made for
This isn't how we grow.
The first step is the hardest
There is no turning back,
You just need to believe in yourself
For your future to be on track.
Check Your Understanding (Page 247)
I. Central Idea of Each Stanza
|
Stanza |
Correct Option |
|
Stanza 1 |
(i) Facing challenges requires personal responsibility and
a clear focus on one's future |
|
Stanza 2 |
(i) Fear and uncertainty make it difficult to make choices
as the future approaches |
|
Stanza 3 |
(ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and
embracing change |
|
Stanza 4 |
(ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but
having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track |
II. Rhyme Scheme
The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme ABCB that
flows steadily through each stanza.
Example from first stanza:
- Line
2: "see" (B)
- Line
4: "be" (B)
III. Tone – True or False
- True –
The overall tone of the poem is motivational and encouraging.
- True –
The tone shifts from thoughtful in the beginning to one of determination
by the end of the poem.
IV. Speaker
The speaker in this poem is not distant; rather, he/she
comes across as a guide who understands the struggle and is
encouraging the reader to take control of his/her own future.
The use of direct address 'You' creates a close connection,
as though the speaker is talking directly to the reader.
V. Imagery – Matching
|
Phrase |
Imagery Represented |
|
"There is no crowd to see..." |
(ii) Suggests a solitary journey, stressing individual
effort |
|
"push you back in fear?" |
(iii) Evokes the mental barrier that prevents growth |
VI. Symbolism
Fill in the blanks:
- Comfort
and the status quo represent stagnation and fear of
change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back.
- The
future symbolises the unknown, the potential for change and
success that lies ahead but requires courage to step
into.
- The
first step symbolises the initial leap of faith required
to begin the journey of self-improvement or personal
development.
VII. Metaphor
Line: "The first step is the
hardest"
Why it is a metaphor:
This is metaphorical because "step" does not literally mean a
physical step. It represents the first action or decision we
take toward a goal or change in life. The "hardest" refers to the
mental and emotional difficulty, not physical effort.
VIII. Antithesis
Lines showing antithesis:
"Will it pull you forward / Or push you back in
fear?"
Explanation:
The poet contrasts two opposite actions – "pull forward" (positive,
progress) and "push back" (negative, retreat). This contrast
highlights the internal struggle between moving ahead and staying stuck in
fear.
Other lines with antithesis:
- "There
is such ease in comfort" vs "This isn't how we grow"
- Contrast
between staying comfortable and growing through challenge
Critical Reflection (Page 250)
I. Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1 (Stanza 1)
"Step up to the challenge / There is no crowd to
see, / It's just you and the future / And where you want to be."
(i) What does the line 'There is no crowd to see' suggest
about facing challenges?
- It
suggests that facing challenges is a personal journey. No one
else will do it for you. You cannot depend on an audience or praise from
others. It is between you and your goals.
(ii) Complete the sentence suitably:
The line 'It's just you and the future' suggests that you are
solely responsible for your own destiny and progress.
(iii) Fill in the blank:
Latha will step up her efforts to improve her vocal
performance by practicing harder each day.
(iv) Most suitable title for the extract:
C. A Journey of Growth
(v) Complete the analogy:
achieve : goal :: face : challenge
II. Long Answer Questions
1. What is the significance of the metaphor 'The first
step is the hardest' in the context of personal growth?
Answer:
This metaphor means that starting something new is always the most
difficult part of any journey. When we try to change or grow, our mind
creates fears and doubts. We worry about failure, what others will think, or
whether we are good enough. Taking the first step requires the most courage
because we are leaving our comfort zone. However, once we take that first step,
the next steps become easier. The poet wants us to understand that difficulty
is not a sign to stop – it is a sign that we are growing.
2. What message does the antithesis in the poem convey
about the nature of personal development?
Answer:
The antithesis in the poem (pull forward vs. push back; ease of comfort vs.
growth) tells us that personal development always involves a choice
between two opposite paths. We can either stay where we are – comfortable
but unchanged – or we can face fear and move forward. Growth never happens
without discomfort. The poem teaches that every challenge is an
opportunity to choose progress over fear.
3. Do you think the poet's message is realistic in the
context of real-world struggles?
Answer:
Yes, the message is realistic. Simply believing in yourself is not always
enough – we also need hard work, planning, support from others, and
sometimes luck. However, self-belief is the starting point.
Without it, we will not even try. Many successful people faced huge obstacles
but kept believing in themselves. For example, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam faced
poverty but believed in his abilities. So, while self-belief alone may not
solve everything, it is essential for overcoming real-world
struggles.
4. Consider a situation where you or someone you know had
to take a difficult first step towards a goal. How does the poem's message
apply?
Answer (example):
My friend wanted to join the school debate team but was very shy. The first
step – signing up and speaking in front of others – was the hardest. She was
scared of making mistakes. But she remembered that everyone starts somewhere.
She took a deep breath and participated. After that first time, each debate
became easier. The poem's message – "The first step is the
hardest" – was completely true for her. Once she believed in
herself, her future in debating became bright.
Vocabulary in Context (Page 251-252)
I. Latin Expressions Used in English
|
Latin Expression |
Meaning |
Sentence Fill |
|
et cetera (etc.) |
And other things; and so on |
(iii) I love all kinds of outdoor activities, such as
trekking, hiking, biking, etc. |
|
exempli gratia (e.g.) |
For example |
(i) I enjoy reading fantasy books, e.g. Harry
Potter and Magical Paint Brush. |
|
ad hoc |
For a specific purpose or situation, often temporary |
(v) We created an ad hoc team to organise
the school festival. |
|
in media res |
Into the middle of things; starting at a crucial point |
(vi) The movie started in media res, with the
hero already fighting the villain. |
|
per se |
By itself; fundamentally |
(iv) The park is not very special per se; it
becomes more fun when you visit with friends. |
|
quid pro quo |
A favour given in return for something |
(ii) After helping Tanya with homework, Ritu asked for
a quid pro quo to borrow her notes. |
II. Rhetorical Questions
Definition: A rhetorical question does not need
an answer. It is used to make the reader think or reflect.
1. What these rhetorical questions intend to achieve:
|
Question |
Intention |
|
"Isn't it obvious that we must act now? Don't we all
have a responsibility to make a change?" |
To persuade and create a sense of urgency |
|
"Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above
it?" |
To encourage self-reflection and motivation |
2. Match situations to rhetorical questions:
|
Situation |
Rhetorical Question |
|
(i) Deciding whether to stand up for what is right |
F. How can we stay silent when we know what is right? |
|
(ii) Owning up to a mistake in a group project |
B. Isn't it better to admit our mistakes than to let them
define us? |
|
(iii) Trying something challenging like public speaking |
A. How can we ever grow if we never try anything new? |
|
(iv) Choosing between two career paths |
D. Can I really move forward without knowing which path to
take? |
|
(v) Deciding whether to apologise for a mistake |
C. If I don't take responsibility now, when will I? |
|
(vi) Trying something new and stepping out of comfort zone |
E. What's the point of playing it safe if it means staying
stuck? |
Listen and Respond (Page 253)
Transcript Summary (from Appendix pages 275-276)
A conversation between Karan (boy) and Ananya (girl) about
performing in a play.
I. Answer in one to three exact words
- How
did the boy feel before the play?
nervous - According
to the girl, where does confidence come from?
taking action - What
was the girl finally sure about regarding the boy?
he'll shine
II. Select the four true statements from 1–7
The four true statements are:
|
No. |
Statement |
True/False |
|
2 |
The girl encourages the boy to push through his doubts by
trusting in his preparation. |
✓ True |
|
4 |
The girl believes that self-doubt is a normal part of
preparing for a big performance. |
✓ True |
|
5 |
The boy feels that his preparation is not enough and
doubts his abilities, even though he has practiced. |
✓ True |
|
7 |
The girl believes that pushing through nervousness will
help the boy grow and build confidence. |
✓ True |
Speaking Activity (Page 254-255)
Three Sayings/Proverbs with Role-Play Situations
1. Don't judge a book by its cover.
Meaning: You cannot know what someone or
something is really like just by looking at the outside appearance.
Situation example: A new student wears old
clothes and looks shy. Everyone ignores him. But during a quiz, he answers all
questions correctly and becomes the star of the class.
Role-play idea: One student acts as someone who
judges others by looks. The other student shows their true talent and kindness
after a conversation.
2. Actions speak louder than words.
Meaning: What people actually do is more
important than what they promise or say.
Situation example: A student keeps saying
"I will study hard" but never opens a book. Another student quietly
studies every day and gets good marks.
Role-play idea: One student talks about
improving grades but doesn't work. The other student shows hard work and gets
results.
3. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Meaning: Difficult times reveal strong people –
they work harder instead of giving up.
Situation example: During a difficult maths
project, one group gives up. Another group stays late, asks the teacher for
help, and completes it successfully.
Role-play idea: One student wants to quit a
tough school project. The other encourages them to keep going and shows how
perseverance leads to success.
Writing Task (Page 255)
Speech on "Turning Challenges into
Opportunities"
Guidelines for writing the speech:
Opening Paragraph
- Greet
the audience (respected teachers and dear friends)
- Introduce
yourself
- Start
with a quote or question – e.g., "Have you ever felt like giving up
when something seemed too difficult?"
- State
your purpose: to explain how challenges can become opportunities
Body (Paragraphs 2 & 3)
Point 1: Challenges teach us new skills. When we
face a difficult task, we learn patience, problem-solving, and hard work. These
skills help us throughout life.
Point 2: Challenges make us stronger. Every time
we overcome something hard, our confidence grows. The poet says, "The
first step is the hardest" – but after that step, we become braver.
Point 3: Examples from life – Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam sold newspapers to support his education. He turned poverty into
motivation. His challenge became the foundation of his success.
Concluding Paragraph
- Summarise
main points
- End
with an inspiring statement: "So don't run away from challenges.
Welcome them. Because every challenge is a chance to grow. Believe in
yourself, take that first step, and watch your future shine."
- Thank
the audience
Learning Beyond the Text (Page 256-257)
Stories of Indian Leaders Who Turned Challenges into
Opportunities
1. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Challenge: Faced untold humiliations and
discrimination at school because of his caste.
How he overcame: Never gave up. Showed sheer
grit, hard work, and perseverance.
Achievement: Studied Politics and Economics.
Became a great jurist, economist, and social reformer. He was the Chairperson
of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India.
2. Lal Bahadur Shastri
Challenge: His father died when he was only one
and a half years old. Family faced financial distress. He walked several miles
barefoot to attend school, even in extreme weather.
How he overcame: Remained committed to
education. Graduated from Kashi Vidyapeeth and earned the title
"Shastri" (scholar).
Achievement: Became the Prime Minister of India.
Deeply involved in the freedom movement. Left a legacy of humility, service,
and patriotism.
3. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Challenge: Family faced financial difficulties.
Could not afford his full education.
How he overcame: Took a job delivering
newspapers early in the morning before school. Learned the importance of hard
work, perseverance, and managing responsibilities.
Achievement: Became a renowned scientist known
as the 'Missile Man of India'. Rose to become the 11th President of India.
Additional Poem – "Always Believe in Yourself"
[Image: A person looking at the sunrise with arms open]
Always Believe in Yourself
by Dorothy Hewitt
Always believe in yourself.
Do not limit yourself.
Be kind to yourself
And always believe in all that is good.
You have all the intelligence and ability that you need.
You can attain whatever you are after.
Even though it may not always come the way you believe it should.
Be ready to achieve your dreams.
Believe in yourself when you're tested beyond your
endurance,
continue and persist.
Hold on to courage.
Let laughter and encouragement surround you.
The world has much to give;
Always think big,
And keep your hands and heart open
For then you will receive
All of life's gifts.
Simple Summary of this Poem
- Believe
in yourself – you have everything you need inside you.
- Don't
limit yourself – you can achieve your dreams.
- Be
kind and courageous – even when things are very hard.
- Stay
open to life – laughter, encouragement, and big thinking will
bring you life's best gifts.
Key Takeaways from Chapter 8
|
Message |
Meaning |
|
The first step is the hardest |
Starting something new requires the most courage |
|
Leave your comfort zone |
Growth never happens by staying where you are safe |
|
Believe in yourself |
Self-confidence is the foundation of success |
|
Challenges are opportunities |
Every difficulty can make you stronger |
|
You are not alone in the struggle |
Many great leaders faced hardships and succeeded |
Quick Revision Points for Exams
- Poet
of "Believe in Yourself" – Robert Langley
- Rhyme
scheme – ABCB
- Tone –
Motivational and encouraging
- Main
message – Self-belief helps us overcome fear and take the first
step toward our goals
- Antithesis
example – "pull you forward / push you back in fear"
- Metaphor
example – "The first step is the hardest" (step =
action toward a goal)
- Meaning
of status quo – keeping things the same, avoiding change
- Rhetorical
question – A question that does not need an answer; used to make
you think
[Image: A staircase going up toward a bright light, with
a person standing at the bottom ready to climb]
Final Thought from the Poem:
"You just need to believe in yourself / For your
future to be on track."
Believe in yourself. Take that first step. Your future is
waiting.