If you are preparing for Class 9 CBSE English, this chapter is important for understanding self-belief, courage, and personal growth. Believe in Yourself encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and take responsibility for their future.
Students often find interpretation, symbolism, and value-based questions challenging. This page provides complete NCERT solutions to help you understand answers clearly and improve your writing in exams.
All sections are covered, including Reflect and Respond, Check Your Understanding, Critical Reflection, Vocabulary in Context, Listen and Respond, Speaking Activity, Writing Task, and Learning Beyond the Text.
Reflect and Respond
I Imagine that you are the person in the image.
- What emotions do you feel standing at the base of a difficult task?
Answer:
I would feel nervous, uncertain, and slightly afraid, but also hopeful and determined. - What might make you take the first step?
Answer:
The thought of achieving my goal, improving myself, and believing that I can succeed would make me take the first step.
II Think about a time when you had to face a challenge. - What was it, and how did you feel at the start of the journey?
Answer:
A challenge I faced was speaking on stage in front of my class. At the start, I felt scared, shy, and doubtful about myself. - How did you feel once you made the decision to move forward?
Answer:
Once I decided to move forward, I felt more confident, relieved, and ready to try my best.
III What does the phrase ‘believe in yourself’ mean to you? Write some words or phrases you associate with believing in yourself.
Answer:
To me, “believe in yourself” means trusting your abilities, having confidence, staying positive, and not giving up.
Words and phrases: confidence, courage, determination, self-trust, hope, resilience, positive thinking.
IV Select the correct meaning of ‘status quo’ based on the given sentence.
Even though some kids wanted to try new activities, most of them were happy with the status quo and didn’t want any changes. - A plan to make things more exciting.
- A situation to keep things the same.
- A decision where everything is completely different.
- A choice to change things quickly without thinking.
Answer: - A situation to keep things the same.
Check your Understanding
I Based on your understanding of the poem, select the correct central idea for each stanza from the options given.
Stanza 1
(i) Facing challenges requires personal responsibility and a clear focus on one’s future.
(ii) Facing challenges is a journey best taken with support and guidance from others.
Answer:
(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.
(ii) Facing the future with confidence makes choices easier and more straightforward.
Answer:
(i) Fear and uncertainty make it difficult to make choices as the future approaches.
Stanza 3
(i) Personal growth involves finding balance between comfort and change.
(ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change.
Answer:
(ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change.
Stanza 4
(i) The first step towards change may feel easy if you place your trust in others to guide you and provide support.
(ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track.
Answer:
(ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track.
II Rhyme Scheme
Fill in the blank to complete the following sentence.
The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme _ that flows steadily through each stanza.
Answer:
A B A B
III Tone
State whether the following statements are true or false.
- The overall tone of the poem is motivational and encouraging.
Answer: True - The tone shifts from thoughtful in the beginning to one of determination by the end of the poem.
Answer: True
IV Speaker
Fill in the blanks with the correct options from those given in the brackets.
The speaker in this poem is not distant; rather, he/ she comes across as a (stranger/guide) who understands the struggle and is encouraging the reader to take ___ (interest in/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/addressing the reader from a distance)
Answer:
guide
control of
talking directly to the reader
V Imagery
Match the phrases from the poem in Column 1 with the imagery they represent in Column 2. An extra representation is given. - There is no crowd to see…
Answer: (ii) Suggests a solitary journey, stressing individual effort. - push you back in fear?
Answer: (iii) Evokes the mental barrier that prevents growth.
Extra representation not used: (i) Represents the difficulty of beginning a new challenge or change.
VI Symbolism
Select the words/phrases from the box below to complete the given sentences.
unknown self-improvement courage
leap of faith stagnation - Comfort and the status quo represent _ and fear of change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back.
Answer: stagnation - The future symbolises the _, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires to step into.
Answer: unknown, courage - The first step symbolises the initial required to begin the journey of __ or personal development.
Answer: leap of faith, self-improvement
VII Metaphor
The poet uses a metaphor in the line, ‘The first step is the hardest’. Explain why this is metaphorical.
Answer:
This is metaphorical because the “first step” does not refer only to a literal step. It stands for the beginning of a challenge, a change, or a difficult decision in life.
VIII The poem uses antithesis in a couple of lines.
Identify the lines from the poem that show antithesis and explain why it is so.
Answer:
The lines “Will it pull you forward / Or push you back in fear?” show antithesis because they contrast two opposite possibilities—moving ahead and being held back by fear.
The lines “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.” also show antithesis because they contrast comfort and staying the same with growth and change.
Critical Reflection
I Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
- 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?
Answer:
It suggests that facing challenges is often a personal journey and that one must rely on oneself rather than on public attention or approval.
(ii) Complete the following suitably.
The line ‘It’s just you and the future’ suggests that .
Answer:
the future depends on your own choices, actions, and determination.
(iii) Fill in the blank with the appropriate word/ phrase from the extract.
Latha will her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practicing harder each day.
Answer:
step up
(iv) Select the most suitable title for the extract.
A. The Struggles of Change
B. Facing the Future Alone
C. A Journey of Growth
D. The Power of Fear
Answer:
B. Facing the Future Alone
(v) Complete the analogy by using a word from the extract.
achieve: goal : : face :
Answer:
challenge
II Answer the following questions. - What is the significance of the metaphor, ‘The first step is the hardest’ in the context of personal growth?
Answer:
The metaphor shows that beginning any change or challenge is usually the most difficult part. It takes courage to leave one’s comfort zone, but once the journey begins, growth becomes possible. - What message does the antithesis in the poem convey about the nature of personal development?
Answer:
The antithesis conveys that personal development involves a choice between comfort and change, fear and courage, staying the same and moving forward. Growth comes from choosing courage and action. - Do you think the poet’s message is realistic in the context of real-world struggles? (Clue: Evaluate whether simply ‘believing in yourself’ is enough to overcome obstacles or other factors are also necessary.)
Answer:
Yes, the poet’s message is realistic to an extent. Believing in yourself is very important because it gives courage and confidence, but it is not enough by itself. Hard work, preparation, perseverance, guidance, and opportunities are also necessary. - 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 about the importance of self-belief apply to this situation?
Answer:
A student who is afraid of public speaking may hesitate to take part in a speech competition. The poem’s message applies because self-belief helps the student take the first step, practise seriously, and speak with confidence despite fear.
Vocabulary in Context
I The phrase ‘status quo’ is a Latin expression that translates to ‘the state in which’ or ‘the existing state of affairs.’ Over time, it has become a popular term used in English to refer to the current situation or condition, especially when things remain unchanged.
Now, fill in the blanks in the given sentences with the Latin expressions used in English from the table.
(i) I enjoy reading fantasy books, Harry Potter and Magical Paint Brush.
Answer: e.g.
(ii) After helping Tanya with the homework, Ritu asked for a to borrow her notes next time.
Answer: quid pro quo
(iii) I love all kinds of outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking, biking, .
Answer: etc.
(iv) The park is not very special ; it becomes more fun when you visit with friends.
Answer: per se
(v) We created an team to organise the school festival.
Answer: ad hoc
(vi) The movie started , with the hero already fighting the villain in a huge battle.
Answer: in media res
II The line, ‘Will it pull you forward/or push you back in fear?’ is a rhetorical question.
- Read the following rhetorical questions and state what they intend to achieve.
(i) Isn’t it obvious that we must act now? Don’t we all have a responsibility to make a change?
Answer:
It intends to urge immediate action and remind everyone of their shared responsibility.
(ii) Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?
Answer:
It intends to make the listener reflect and choose courage over fear. - Match the situations in Column 1 to the rhetorical questions in Column 2.
(i) Deciding whether to stand up for what is right
Answer: F. How can we stay silent when we know what is right?
(ii) Owning up to a mistake made in a group project
Answer: C. If I don’t take responsibility now, when will I?
(iii) Deciding whether to try something challenging, like public speaking
Answer: E. What’s the point of playing it safe if it means staying stuck?
(iv) Choosing between two career paths
Answer: D. Can I really move forward without knowing which path to take?
(v) Deciding whether to apologise for a mistake
Answer: B. Isn’t it better to admit our mistakes than to let them define us?
(vi) Trying something new and stepping out of your comfort zone
Answer: A. How can we ever grow if we never try anything new?
Listen and Respond
I You will listen to a conversation between two friends. As you listen, answer the following questions in one to three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 275)
- How did the boy feel before the play ?
Answer: so nervous - According to the girl, where does confidence come from?
Answer: taking action - What was the girl finally sure about regarding the boy?
Answer: you’ll shine
II You will once again listen to the conversation. As you listen, select the four true statements from 1–7 given below. - The boy feels confident but is worried about freezing on stage.
Answer: False - The girl encourages the boy to push through his doubts by trusting in his preparation.
Answer: True - The boy thinks that the audience will be supportive regardless of his performance.
Answer: False - The girl believes that self-doubt is a normal part of preparing for a big performance.
Answer: True - The boy feels that his preparation is not enough and doubts his abilities, even though he has practiced.
Answer: True - The girl suggests that the boy should avoid feeling nervous and perform perfectly.
Answer: False - The girl believes that pushing through nervousness will help the boy grow and build confidence.
Answer: True
Speaking Activity
I Work in pairs. Read the three Sayings/Proverbs given below. For each one, think of a real-life situation where it could apply. Do the suggested role play and use the Saying/Proverb.
- Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Answer:
Meaning: We should not form opinions about people only by their appearance or first impression.
Situation/Example: A student looked quiet and serious, so others thought he was unfriendly. Later, they discovered that he was kind, intelligent, and helpful.
Role-play:
Student 1: I thought you were rude because you never talked much.
Student 2: I am just shy at first, but I like helping others once I get comfortable.
Student 1: I realise now that I judged you too quickly.
Student 2: That is why we should not judge a book by its cover.
Conclusion: This proverb teaches us to know people better before judging them. - Actions speak louder than words.
Answer:
Meaning: What a person does is more important than what a person says.
Situation/Example: One student kept saying that he would improve his marks, while another quietly studied every day and actually improved.
Role-play:
Student 1: I will definitely score better this time.
Student 2: Then start revising regularly and completing your practice work.
Student 1: You are right. Just saying it is not enough.
Student 2: Exactly. Actions speak louder than words.
Conclusion: This proverb teaches us that effort and action bring real results. - When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Answer:
Meaning: Strong and determined people do not give up when life becomes difficult.
Situation/Example: A student found a science project very difficult and wanted to quit, but a friend encouraged him to continue. In the end, he completed it successfully.
Role-play:
Student 1: This project is too difficult. I think I should leave it.
Student 2: No, keep trying. Difficult times are when we become stronger.
Student 1: I am tired, but I do not want to give up.
Student 2: Good. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Conclusion: This proverb teaches perseverance and courage in difficult situations.
Writing Task
I Your class is conducting the morning assembly. You have been asked to deliver a speech on the topic, ‘Turning Challenges into Opportunities’. Draft this speech by following the guidelines given below.
Answer:
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Good morning respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends. I am here to deliver a speech on the topic “Turning Challenges into Opportunities.” It is rightly said, “Difficulties in life are intended to make us better, not bitter.” Through this speech, I would like to share how challenges, though difficult at first, can help us grow, learn, and succeed.
Challenges are a natural part of life. They may make us feel scared, anxious, or uncertain. Many people fear change because it takes them out of their comfort zone. However, every challenge brings with it a lesson. When we face difficulties, we develop qualities such as courage, patience, discipline, and problem-solving skills. In this way, challenges help us become stronger and wiser.
Moreover, change often opens doors to new opportunities. A student who is afraid of speaking in public may discover confidence after giving one speech. A person who fails in an exam may learn to work harder and perform better the next time. Even in my own life, I have seen that difficult situations often teach the most valuable lessons. They push us to improve ourselves and move forward.
Therefore, we should not run away from challenges. Instead, we should face them with a positive mindset, self-belief, and determination. Don’t you agree that every difficulty carries the seed of growth? If we remain confident and keep trying, challenges can become stepping stones to success.
In conclusion, challenges are not obstacles alone; they are also opportunities for learning and progress. Let us believe in ourselves, accept change bravely, and turn every challenge into an opportunity. Thank you.
Learning Beyond the Text
I Explore the stories of Indian leaders who faced significant challenges and turned them into opportunities for success.
Now, find out about such personalities from your village, town, city, or state and present their success stories in class.
Answer:
Activity-based. Model response:
- Mary Kom
Mary Kom came from a humble background in Manipur and faced many struggles, including poverty and lack of resources. Through determination and hard work, she became a world champion boxer and an inspiration to millions. - Sudha Murty
Sudha Murty overcame social barriers and proved herself in the fields of engineering, writing, and social service. Her life shows that courage, education, and service can turn challenges into achievements. - Kalpana Saroj
Kalpana Saroj faced poverty, discrimination, and personal hardship, but she worked hard and became a successful entrepreneur. Her story is an example of courage and self-belief.
How to Use These NCERT Solutions
Read the poem carefully and focus on its message about self-belief and taking action.
Try answering the questions on your own before checking the answers. This will improve your understanding and writing.
Pay attention to poetic devices like metaphor, antithesis, and symbolism because they are frequently asked in exams.
Why This Chapter is Important
This chapter highlights the importance of confidence and courage in facing challenges.
It shows that growth happens when we step out of our comfort zone and take action.
Questions from this chapter often test interpretation, real-life application, and values.
Who Should Use This
This content is useful for:
- Class 9 CBSE students
- Students preparing for English exams
- Learners focusing on value-based questions
- Students improving answer writing
