NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 8 – Reach for the Top & On Killing a Tree

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Chapter 8: Reach for the Top (Prose)

Thinking about the Text

I. Short Answer Questions

1. Why was the holy man surprised when he blessed Santosh’s mother?
   The holy man was surprised because Santosh’s grandmother asked for a daughter, not a son. At that time, it was unusual for families to wish for a girl.

2. Give an example showing Santosh’s unwillingness to accept anything unreasonable.
   Even as a young girl, Santosh defied societal norms. She wore shorts instead of traditional Indian dresses and followed her own way rather than blindly accepting conventions.

3. Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
   Although her family was wealthy, Santosh had to attend the local school because of traditional customs followed in the family.

4. When and why did Santosh move to Delhi?
   At sixteen, Santosh moved to Delhi to pursue proper education, seeking opportunities that her local school could not provide.

5. Why did her parents agree to fund her schooling in Delhi?
   Her parents agreed when Santosh assured them she would work part-time to cover some expenses. This showed her determination and clear goal of getting a proper education.

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II. Paragraph Answers (30–40 words)

1. How did Santosh begin climbing mountains?
   From her Kasturba Hostel room, Santosh watched villagers climbing the Aravalli Hills. Fascinated, she asked to join them, and they agreed. This small curiosity eventually sparked her love for mountaineering.

2. What incidents show her concern for team-mates during Everest?
   During the 1992 Everest expedition, Santosh shared oxygen with Mohan Singh, saving his life. She also tried to assist a dying climber, showing her care and responsibility towards her team.

3. How did she show concern for the environment?
   On returning from Everest in 1992, Santosh collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage left on the mountains, reflecting her environmental awareness.

4. What were her feelings at the summit?
   Holding the Indian tricolor atop Everest, Santosh felt immense pride and joy. The moment of seeing her country’s flag on the world’s highest peak was unforgettable and spiritual.

5. Why is Santosh in the record books?
   She became the youngest woman to climb Everest on her first attempt and the only woman to scale it twice, marking her as a record-holder in mountaineering history.

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III. Complete the Statements

1. From her Kasturba Hostel room, Santosh used to watch villagers climbing hills and disappearing behind the slopes.

2. She wrote a letter of apology to her father because she enrolled at Uttarkashi without seeking his permission.

3. Her seniors admired her climbing skills, stamina, and mental strength, while fellow climbers loved her caring and cooperative attitude.

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IV. Vocabulary from the Text

Word/Expression	Meaning
assumed	took to be true without proof
rational	sensible; based on reason
custom	usual way of doing things
urge	strong inner desire
resistance	power to endure without falling ill

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Part II: Maria Sharapova & Santosh Yadav Comparison

Points of Comparison	Santosh Yadav	Maria Sharapova
Humble beginning	Born in Joniyawas, Haryana	Father worked hard to fund training
Parents’ approach	Sent to local school due to custom	Father supported her training
Willpower & desire	Determined to pursue education and climbing	Determined despite limited resources
Mental toughness	Demonstrated endurance and courage during Everest	Became mentally tough despite setbacks
Patriotism	Proudly held Indian flag atop Everest	Represents Russia, proud of her nationality

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Thinking about Language

I. Identifying Clauses

1. Where other girls wore traditional dresses, Santosh preferred shorts. (Contrast)

2. She left home and got enrolled in Delhi. (After first action)

3. She decided to fight the system when the right moment arrived. (When)

4. Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was sent to train in the USA. (When)

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II. Sentence Rewriting

1. Grandfather told me about the old days when all books were printed on paper.

2. After finishing the book, perhaps you just throw it away.

3. He gave the little girl an apple and took the computer apart.

4. When you have nothing, it makes you very determined.

5. I never thought of quitting because I knew what I wanted.

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III. Speaking Activity

Imagine being Santosh or Maria, speaking to motivate girls:

Good Morning Girls!
You have determination and willpower that will take you far. Always believe in yourself and chase your dreams. Never let difficulties or defeat discourage you. Keep striving and trust your abilities.

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IV. Writing Activity

Compare top-ranked women players for your school magazine:
Do it yourself using the qualities: determination, perseverance, mental toughness, discipline, and focus.

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Chapter 8 Poem: On Killing a Tree

Thinking about the Poem

1. Can a simple jab kill a tree?
   No, because trees are nourished by years of sunlight, air, water, and nutrients. They regenerate unless removed completely.

2. How has the tree grown to full size?
   By feeding on earth, absorbing sunlight, air, water, and nutrients. Keywords: absorbing, feeding, rising, consuming, sprouting.

3. Meaning of “bleeding bark”?
   It represents the tree releasing sap when cut, similar to a human bleeding.

4. Meaning of “No” in third stanza:
   It emphasizes that merely cutting the tree does not end its life.

5. Meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”:
   The roots anchor the tree, holding it firmly. “Earth cave” shows the depth and support from the soil.

6. Meaning of “strength of the tree exposed”:
   Pulling out the tree along with deep roots reveals its resilience.

7. What finally kills the tree?
   Only uprooting it entirely and exposing it to sun and heat can finally kill it.

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Summary of the Chapter & Poem

• Reach for the Top: Inspires with stories of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova, highlighting determination, courage, and patriotism.

• On Killing a Tree: Teaches that nature is resilient and cannot be destroyed easily.