Class 9 English

Believe in Yourself Class 9 Extra Questions and Answers English Poem 8

Believe in Yourself Poem Extra Question Answer


Question 1.

What does the poet mean by "Step up to the challenge"?

Answer:

It means to take personal responsibility and courageously face a difficult task or situation instead of avoiding it.


Question 2.

Why does the poet say "There is no crowd to see"?

Answer:

This suggests that the journey of personal growth is solitary and requires individual effort without looking for validation or support from others.


Question 3.

How does the future act as a double-edged sword in the poem?

Answer:

The poet suggests the future can either pull you forward with excitement or push you back in fear, depending on your mindset.


Question 4.

What is the "status quo," and why is it tempting?

Answer:

The status quo is the existing state of affairs or comfort zone; it is tempting because it offers ease and safety without the risk of change.


Believe in Yourself Short Question Answer


Question 5.

According to the third stanza, what is the result of staying in comfort?

Answer:

Staying in comfort leads to stagnation, as humans are not made for that; we are made to grow through challenges.


Question 6.

Why is the first step considered the "hardest"?

Answer:

It is the hardest because it requires overcoming the strongest resistance-the initial fear and the inertia of the status quo.


Question 7.

What does the poet mean by "There is no turning back"?

Answer:

Once you commit to change and take action, you have crossed a threshold where returning to your old self is no longer an option.


Question 8.

What is the ultimate tool needed to keep the future "on track"?

Answer:

The poet identifies an unwavering belief in oneself as the essential tool for success.


Believe in Yourself Class 9 Extra Question Answer


Question 9.

What role does "fear" play in the second stanza?

Answer:

Fear acts as a barrier that tries to push an individual away from their goals as the reality of the future draws near.


Question 10.

What is the central message of the poem?

Answer:

The message is that personal growth requires leaving comfort behind and trusting your own abilities to navigate the unknown.


Believe in Yourself Long Question Answer


Question 1.

Discuss the importance of self-belief in overcoming the "hardest" first step.

Answer:

The poet explains that the first step is the hardest because fear and doubt stop people from moving forward. Self-belief gives a person the confidence to begin the journey. When there is no one else to encourage you, trusting your own abilities helps you move ahead and stay focused on your goals.


Question 2.

How does the poet contrast "comfort" with "growth" in the third stanza?

Answer:

The poet shows that comfort feels easy and safe, but it prevents progress. Staying in the same situation may feel pleasant, yet it leads to no improvement. Real growth happens only when a person leaves comfort behind and accepts challenges and difficulties.


Question 3.

Explain the significance of the "future" as presented in the first and second stanzas.

Answer:

In the first stanza, the future represents a goal or dream a person wants to achieve. In the second stanza, it feels closer and more serious, making decisions harder. The poet suggests that the future is shaped by the choices we make today and should motivate us to act bravely.


Question 4.

Analyze the use of direct address in the poem and its impact on the reader.

Answer:

The poet repeatedly uses the word "You" to speak directly to the reader. This makes the poem feel personal and meaningful. It encourages readers to think about their own fears and decisions, making the message of believing in oneself more powerful and relatable.


Question 5.

Is "believing in yourself" enough to succeed? Use evidence from the unit to support your answer.

Answer:

Self-belief is important because it helps a person begin working toward success. However, the prose Follow That Dream shows that success also needs hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and support from others. Self-belief starts the journey, but effort and perseverance help achieve the goal.


Believe in Yourself Extract Based Questions and Answers


Extract 1.


"Will it pull you forward

Or push you back in fear?

Difficult are choices

When the future is getting near."


(a) Identify the poetic device used in the first two lines.

Answer:

Antithesis (contrasting pulling forward and pushing back).


(b) Why do choices become "difficult" in this stanza?

Answer:

They become difficult because the future is "getting near," making the consequences of those choices feel more real and intimidating.


(c) What does "it" refer to in the first line?

Answer:

It refers to "the future" mentioned in the previous stanza.


(d) What emotion is identified as a hindrance to progress?

Answer:

Fear.


Extract 2.


"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."


(a) Why is the "first step" significant?

Answer:

It symbolizes the start of a journey and the point of no return for personal change.


(b) What is the requirement for keeping the future "on track"?

Answer:

One simply needs to believe in themselves.


(c) Is the "first step" a literal step? Explain.

Answer:

No, it is a metaphor for the psychological decision to start a challenge or change one's life.


(d) Find a synonym for 'persistent' or 'moving correctly' from the extract.

Answer:

On track.


Multiple Choice Questions


Choose the most appropriate option for each question.


Question 1.

According to the poet, who else is present when you face your challenge?

(a) A cheering crowd

(b) Your parents and teachers

(c) No one; it is just you and the future

(d) A group of competitors

Answer:

(b) Your parents and teachers


Question 2.

What does the poet say about "comfort"?

(a) It is the goal of human life

(b) It provides ease but prevents growth

(c) It is the hardest step to take

(d) It keeps your future on track

Answer:

(c) It is the hardest step to take


Question 3.

What happens as the future gets "near"?

(a) Choices become easier

(b) There is a crowd to see

(c) Choices become difficult

(d) You can turn back easily

Answer:

(b) There is a crowd to see


Question 4.

Which of these is identified as the "hardest" part of the journey?

(a) Maintaining the status quo

(b) The first step

(c) Finding a crowd

(d) Avoiding the future

Answer:

(c) Finding a crowd


Fill in the Blanks


Complete the following sentences using words or phrases from the poem.


Question 1.

The poem suggests that fear can ............ you back.

Answer:

push


Question 2.

We are not made to maintain the ............ ;we are made to grow.

Answer:

status quo


Question 3.

Once you take the first step, there is .............

Answer:

no turning back


State whether the following statements are True or False.


Question 1.

The poet believes that self-belief is necessary to keep your future on track.

Answer:

True


Question 2.

According to the poem, personal growth is a journey that everyone watches.

Answer:

False (Poet says "There is no crowd to see").


Question 3.

The poem uses the word "You" to address the reader directly as a guide.

Answer:

True


Class 9 English Extra Questions