NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri: Chapter 8 — Follow That Dream
This chapter, 'Follow That Dream,' from the NCERT Class 9 English textbook 'Kaveri,' is an excerpt from Irene Chua's 'My Daughter, My Friend.' It emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams with dedication and sacrifice. The author advises her daughter, Ming, that greatness is achieved through relentless effort and a singular focus on a chosen field for at least ten years. The chapter highlights that realizing a dream requires passion, conviction, counting the costs, and unwavering commitment. It encourages students to understand that the journey may be challenging but is fueled by the pursuit of their aspirations, whether in sports, science, arts, business, or design. This chapter aims to equip young learners with the understanding that dedication and perseverance are key to achieving their goals, fostering a mindset for future success.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaveri |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — Follow That Dream |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 349 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of having and pursuing dreams.
- Recognize the effort, sacrifice, and dedication required to achieve goals.
- Identify the role of passion and conviction in realizing aspirations.
- Appreciate the challenges and rewards associated with following a dream.
- Develop a mindset for perseverance in the face of difficulties.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| insight | clear and deep understanding |
| singularly | exclusively |
| imperative | necessary |
| plunge | throw oneself into the activity |
| buoyed up | kept afloat |
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Practice questions
- What is the main message of the chapter 'Follow That Dream'? Answer: The main message is that achieving greatness requires a dream, relentless effort, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment over a long period.
- According to the text, what differentiates greatness from the ordinary? Answer: The amount of effort and sacrifice people invest to realize their dream differentiates greatness from the ordinary.
- How long does one need to pursue a subject to reach world-class standard? Answer: One has to be singularly and intensively pursuing the subject for at least ten years.
- What are the initial steps mentioned for realizing a dream? Answer: It starts with a passion for a particular interest, then comes the conviction that it is imperative to realize it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chapter 'Follow That Dream' about?
It's an excerpt from a letter where a mother advises her daughter on the importance of pursuing dreams with dedication, effort, and sacrifice.
Who wrote the excerpt 'Follow That Dream'?
The excerpt is by Irene Chua, from her collection 'My Daughter, My Friend'.
What does the chapter say about achieving greatness?
It states that greatness comes from having a dream and pursuing it with significant effort and sacrifice for at least ten years.
What are the initial requirements for realizing a dream?
A passion for an interest and the conviction that it is imperative to realize it are the initial requirements.
What kind of fields can one pursue their dreams in, according to the text?
The text mentions sports, science, arts, business, or design as possible fields.
What does the phrase 'buoyed up' suggest in the context of following a dream?
It suggests that the knowledge of pursuing one's dream can keep a person motivated and hopeful, even when facing difficulties.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 9 English — Kaveri — Chapter 8 — Follow That Dream. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.