- Understand the importance of listening to commentaries and eyewitness accounts for enhancing speaking skills.
- Recognize the value of diary writing as a form of personal expression and reflection.
- Analyze the elements of a one-act play, focusing on stage directions and character portrayal.
- Explore biographical narratives that highlight perseverance and achievement.
- Develop skills in speech writing and delivery, emphasizing the use of rhetorical devices.
- Engage in travelogue writing to connect personal experiences with broader cultural contexts.
- Compare and contrast the lives and achievements of notable figures like Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova.
Reach for the Top
CBSE Learning Objectives – Key Concepts & Skills You Must Know
CBSE Revision Notes & Quick Summary for Last-Minute Study
Reach for the Top
Overview
This unit features two biographical pieces that highlight the persistent endeavors of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova to reach the top in their respective fields.
Santosh Yadav
- Background: Born in Joniyawas, Rewari District, Haryana, as the sixth child in a family with five sons.
- Cultural Context: In her society, the birth of a son was celebrated, while daughters were less welcomed.
- Determination: Santosh was determined to pursue education and mountain climbing despite societal pressures.
- Education: Left home to enroll in a school in Delhi after threatening her parents about marriage.
- Achievements: First woman to scale Mt. Everest twice.
Maria Sharapova
- Background: A Russian tennis player who reached the world number one position at the age of eighteen.
- Training: Sent to the United States for training at a young age.
- Motivation: Desires to be number one in the world, viewing tennis as both a sport and a business.
Comparison Points
| Points of Comparison/Contrast | Santosh Yadav | Maria Sharapova |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Their humble beginning | ||
| 2. Their parents' approach | ||
| 3. Their will power and strong desire to succeed | ||
| 4. Evidence of their mental toughness | ||
| 5. Their patriotism |
Writing Tasks
- Speech Preparation: Students are encouraged to prepare speeches to motivate others, using examples from the lives of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova.
- Article Writing: Compose articles for a school magazine, focusing on contemporary language and adhering to word limits.
Language Focus
- Diary Entries: Students can write diary entries as a form of self-expression, which can later be developed into travelogues.
- Dictionary Skills: Emphasize the importance of understanding parts of speech to derive meanings from the dictionary.
CBSE Exam Tips, Important Questions & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes and Exam Tips
Common Pitfalls
- Misunderstanding Context: Students often misinterpret the context of characters' actions and motivations, especially in biographical pieces like those of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova.
- Ignoring Language Nuances: Failing to recognize the use of formal language and rhetorical devices in speeches can lead to a lack of depth in analysis.
- Overlooking Details in Writing Tasks: Students may neglect to adhere to word limits or the specific requirements of writing tasks, such as composing articles or diary entries.
Tips for Success
- Read Aloud: For plays, read aloud in class to better understand stage directions and character dynamics.
- Use Examples: When preparing speeches, incorporate powerful examples and anecdotes to enhance the message.
- Practice Dictionary Skills: Encourage students to familiarize themselves with dictionary entries and parts of speech to improve vocabulary comprehension.
- Engage in Discussions: Facilitate discussions about the texts to deepen understanding and clarify any misconceptions.
CBSE Quiz & Practice Test – MCQs, True/False Questions with Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
A.
She always wore traditional dresses.
B.
She preferred shorts over traditional dresses.
C.
She wore traditional dresses only on special occasions.
D.
She designed her own traditional dresses.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav preferred wearing shorts over traditional Indian dresses, showing her determination to live life on her own terms.
A.
To become number one in the world
B.
To travel the world
C.
To meet famous athletes
D.
To earn a lot of money
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Maria Sharapova stated that becoming number one in the world was her primary motivation.
A.
They were disappointed and considered it a curse.
B.
They were surprised but accepted her birth with blessings.
C.
They celebrated her birth as they would for a son.
D.
They decided to send her to a local school as a result.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Despite the societal norms, Santosh's family accepted her birth with blessings, as indicated by the grandmother's reaction to the holy man's assumption.
A.
She organized a team meeting
B.
She shared her oxygen with a fellow climber
C.
She cooked meals for the team
D.
She led the team to the summit
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav shared her oxygen with a fellow climber, Mohan Singh, to save his life.
A.
She performed a rescue operation at the summit.
B.
She shared her oxygen with Mohan Singh, saving his life.
C.
She organized a team to carry the climber down.
D.
She provided medical treatment at the base camp.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav shared her oxygen with Mohan Singh during the 1992 Everest mission, saving his life.
A.
She agreed to get married.
B.
She threatened to leave home.
C.
She planned to work part-time to pay her fees.
D.
She decided to study at the local school.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Santosh informed her parents of her plans to earn money by working part-time to pay her school fees.
A.
She became the first woman to climb Everest.
B.
She set a record as the only woman to have scaled Everest twice.
C.
She climbed Everest without oxygen.
D.
She led an all-women's expedition.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav set a record as the only woman to have scaled Everest twice.
A.
He was angry.
B.
He was surprised.
C.
He was indifferent.
D.
He was pleased.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The 'holy man' was surprised when Santosh's grandmother expressed her wish for a granddaughter instead of a grandson.
A.
To escape political unrest in Russia.
B.
To receive advanced tennis training.
C.
To reunite with her family.
D.
To pursue academic education.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Maria Sharapova was sent to the United States to train in tennis, which was a significant step in her journey to becoming a world-class tennis player.
A.
Her father's encouragement.
B.
The dream to become number one in the world.
C.
Her love for traveling.
D.
The desire to earn money.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Maria Sharapova was motivated by the dream to become number one in the world.
A.
She agreed to marry as per her parents' wishes.
B.
She threatened to never marry if she did not get a proper education.
C.
She ran away from home to avoid marriage.
D.
She decided to marry but continued her education secretly.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav threatened her parents that she would never marry if she did not get a proper education.
A.
She planted trees at the base camp.
B.
She collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.
C.
She organized a clean-up drive with the local villagers.
D.
She refused to use oxygen tanks to reduce waste.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas, showcasing her commitment to environmental conservation.
A.
Her mother was not supportive of her tennis career.
B.
Her mother had visa restrictions and could not travel to the U.S.
C.
Her parents were divorced.
D.
Her mother was ill and could not travel.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Maria Sharapova's mother had to stay back in Siberia due to visa restrictions.
A.
First woman to climb Mt. Everest
B.
First woman to climb Mt. Everest twice
C.
First Indian woman to climb Mt. Everest
D.
First woman to climb all Seven Summits
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav holds the unique record of being the only woman to have scaled Mt. Everest twice.
A.
Santosh, meaning contentment
B.
Santosh, meaning courage
C.
Santosh, meaning wisdom
D.
Santosh, meaning strength
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Santosh was given the name 'Santosh', which means contentment.
A.
She agreed with the 'holy man' and wished for a son.
B.
She expressed a desire for a daughter instead.
C.
She remained silent and did not express any preference.
D.
She asked for blessings for a healthy child, regardless of gender.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh's grandmother surprised the 'holy man' by stating that they did not want a son, showing a progressive mindset.
A.
By planting trees at the base camp.
B.
By collecting and bringing down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.
C.
By using eco-friendly climbing gear.
D.
By organizing clean-up drives before the expedition.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.
A.
By accepting her parents' decision.
B.
By enrolling in a local school.
C.
By threatening not to marry without education.
D.
By studying independently at home.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Santosh threatened her parents that she would never marry if she did not get a proper education.
A.
100 kilograms
B.
250 kilograms
C.
500 kilograms
D.
1000 kilograms
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Santosh Yadav collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas, showcasing her commitment to environmental conservation.
A.
She decided to marry as per her parents' wishes
B.
She threatened to leave home permanently
C.
She planned to earn money by working part-time
D.
She gave up on her education
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Santosh Yadav informed her parents of her plans to earn money by working part-time to pay her school fees, which eventually led them to agree to fund her education.
A.
She had to give up her education.
B.
She had to be separated from her mother for two years.
C.
She had to move to a different country alone.
D.
She had to stop playing tennis temporarily.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Maria Sharapova was separated from her mother for two years due to visa restrictions, which was a significant sacrifice she made for her tennis career.
A.
Because her family wanted a son.
B.
Because she was born in a wealthy family.
C.
Because her grandmother wished for a daughter.
D.
Because she was born during a festival.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The 'holy man' was surprised because Santosh's grandmother expressed a wish for a daughter, which was unusual in their society.
A.
She agreed to marry
B.
She ran away from home
C.
She threatened not to marry if she couldn't study
D.
She accepted her parents' decision
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Santosh Yadav threatened her parents that she would not marry if she did not get a proper education.
A.
She had to give up her education.
B.
She was separated from her mother for two years.
C.
She had to live in a different country without her family.
D.
She had to train without a coach.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Maria Sharapova was separated from her mother for two years due to visa restrictions, which was a significant sacrifice.
A.
Imagery
B.
Metaphor
C.
Antithesis
D.
Hyperbole
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The phrase 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country' is an example of antithesis, where contrasting ideas are expressed in a balanced manner.
A.
By organizing the expedition logistics.
B.
By saving a fellow climber's life by sharing her oxygen.
C.
By leading the team to the summit first.
D.
By documenting the expedition for future climbers.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav demonstrated her leadership and compassion by sharing her oxygen with a fellow climber, Mohan Singh, saving his life.
A.
She felt indifferent.
B.
She was overwhelmed and unfurled the Indian flag.
C.
She immediately started descending.
D.
She took a moment to rest.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh unfurled the Indian tricolour and held it aloft, feeling proud as an Indian.
A.
It should be informal and humorous
B.
It should be meticulously prepared and formal
C.
It should be spontaneous and improvised
D.
It should be brief and to the point
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
A speech is a formal use of spoken language and must be prepared meticulously.
A.
She never lost a match in her career.
B.
She trained in harsh conditions without proper facilities.
C.
She overcame loneliness and separation from her family to focus on her training.
D.
She refused to play against higher-ranked players.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Maria Sharapova's mental toughness is illustrated by her ability to overcome loneliness and separation from her family to focus on her training.
A.
They wanted her to get married.
B.
They could not afford the fees.
C.
They preferred her to study in the local village school.
D.
They wanted her to join the family business.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Santosh's parents were under pressure to marry her off at sixteen, which was common in her village.
A.
They are primarily used for comedic effect.
B.
They help bring out the effect of the play by guiding actors in their movements and expressions.
C.
They are irrelevant to the understanding of the play.
D.
They are used to provide historical context.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Stage directions and character descriptions help bring out the effect of the play by guiding actors in their movements, gestures, and tonal variations.
A.
She was raised to follow traditional customs strictly.
B.
Her parents encouraged her to be independent from a young age.
C.
She was influenced by her affluent upbringing to challenge norms.
D.
Her upbringing had no significant influence on her character.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Santosh Yadav's affluent upbringing allowed her to challenge traditional norms and pursue her goals independently.
A.
She led the team to the summit.
B.
She shared her oxygen with a dying climber.
C.
She organized the expedition.
D.
She collected samples for research.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh shared her oxygen with Mohan Singh, saving his life during the expedition.
A.
She strictly adhered to traditional customs.
B.
She accepted traditional customs only if they were rational.
C.
She completely rejected all traditional customs.
D.
She was indifferent to traditional customs.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav was determined to follow a rational path and believed that others around her needed to change if her path was correct, indicating that she accepted traditional customs only if they were rational.
A.
Tennis excellence comes without sacrifices
B.
Family support is not necessary for success
C.
Excellence in tennis requires significant personal sacrifices
D.
Success in sports is purely based on talent
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Maria Sharapova learned that excellence in tennis would only come at a price, involving significant personal sacrifices.
A.
She carried him down the mountain.
B.
She shared her oxygen with him.
C.
She provided him with additional clothing.
D.
She called for a helicopter evacuation.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav shared her oxygen with Mohan Singh, which saved his life.
A.
To pursue a career in acting
B.
To train in tennis
C.
To study at a prestigious school
D.
To live with relatives
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Maria Sharapova was sent to the United States to train in tennis.
A.
She was born into a wealthy family and had a privileged upbringing.
B.
She faced a heart-wrenching separation from her mother due to visa restrictions.
C.
She started her tennis career in her hometown and never moved abroad.
D.
She was trained by her mother in Siberia.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Maria Sharapova faced a heart-wrenching two-year separation from her mother due to visa restrictions when she moved to the United States for training.
A.
She agreed to get married
B.
She decided to work part-time to fund her education
C.
She returned to her village school
D.
She stopped pursuing further education
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav informed her parents of her plans to earn money by working part-time to pay her school fees, which led them to agree to fund her education.
A.
The desire to travel the world.
B.
The dream of becoming the number one tennis player.
C.
The encouragement from her peers.
D.
The financial rewards of playing tennis.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Maria Sharapova was motivated by the dream of becoming the number one tennis player in the world.
A.
He blessed her to have a daughter.
B.
He blessed her to have a son.
C.
He blessed her to have twins.
D.
He blessed her to have a healthy child.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The 'holy man' was surprised when Santosh's grandmother requested a blessing for a daughter.
A.
That success comes without sacrifice.
B.
That family support is unnecessary for success.
C.
That excellence in tennis requires significant personal sacrifice.
D.
That she could rely on her peers for emotional support.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Maria Sharapova learned that excellence in tennis would only come at a price, as evidenced by her separation from her mother and the sacrifices she made.
A.
She was the first woman to climb Mount Everest.
B.
She was the only woman to have scaled Mount Everest twice.
C.
She climbed Mount Everest without oxygen.
D.
She was the youngest woman to climb Mount Everest.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav set a record as the only woman to have scaled Mount Everest twice.
A.
Her parents could not afford it
B.
It was the prevailing custom in her family
C.
She preferred the local school
D.
There were no better schools nearby
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav was sent to a local school because it was the prevailing custom in her family.
A.
She agreed to marry as per her parents' wishes.
B.
She ran away from home to avoid marriage.
C.
She threatened not to marry and pursued education.
D.
She convinced her parents to arrange a marriage later.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Santosh Yadav was determined to pursue education and threatened her parents that she would not marry if she did not get a proper education.
A.
By planting trees at the base camp.
B.
By collecting and bringing down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.
C.
By organizing a cleanup drive in her village.
D.
By refusing to use oxygen tanks to reduce waste.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Santosh Yadav showed her concern for the environment by collecting and bringing down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas during her Everest expeditions.
True or False
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
In recognition of her achievements, the Indian government bestowed upon Santosh Yadav the Padmashri.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Maria Sharapova became the world number one in women's tennis when she was barely eighteen.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Santosh's parents initially refused to pay for her education in Delhi, but later agreed after she threatened to work part-time to cover her fees.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The excerpt indicates that Santosh Yadav was unsuccessful in saving a dying climber during her 1992 Everest mission, although she managed to save another climber, Mohan Singh.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Maria Sharapova became the world number one in women's tennis when she was barely eighteen.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt states that Santosh Yadav 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.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Santosh Yadav set a record as the only woman to have scaled Mt Everest twice.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Maria Sharapova's mother did not accompany her to the United States due to visa restrictions.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Santosh's parents refused to pay for her education, prompting her to plan to earn money by working part-time.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt states that Maria Sharapova reached the world number one position in women's tennis on Monday, 22 August 2005.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Maria Sharapova's mother stayed back in Siberia due to visa restrictions when Maria went to the United States for training.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Santosh Yadav shared her oxygen with Mohan Singh, saving him during the 1992 Everest mission.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Santosh Yadav was not content with the traditional way of life and chose to live on her own terms.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt mentions that Santosh's parents refused to pay for her education when she enrolled in a school in Delhi, but later agreed after she informed them of her plans to work part-time.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Santosh Yadav collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Santosh Yadav set a record as the only woman to have scaled Mt Everest twice.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Santosh Yadav was indeed born as the sixth child in a family with five sons.