April 10, 2026
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Poem 8: Believe in Yourself
Complete Poem Solutions | CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri
Reflect and Respond
R1Personal ResponsePage 245
Imagine that you are the person in the image. What emotions do you feel standing at the base of a difficult task? What might make you take the first step?
Suggested Answer:
I would feel nervous, uncertain and slightly afraid while standing at the base of a difficult task. At the same time, I would also feel curious and hopeful. My dream, my preparation, encouragement from others and belief in myself might make me take the first step.
I would feel nervous, uncertain and slightly afraid while standing at the base of a difficult task. At the same time, I would also feel curious and hopeful. My dream, my preparation, encouragement from others and belief in myself might make me take the first step.
R2Personal ReflectionPage 245
Think about a time when you had to face a challenge. What was it, and how did you feel at the start? How did you feel once you decided to move forward?
Suggested Answer:
I once had to speak in front of my class. At first, I felt nervous and afraid of making mistakes. Once I decided to move forward and prepared well, I felt more confident. After completing the speech, I felt proud and realised that courage grows when we take action.
I once had to speak in front of my class. At first, I felt nervous and afraid of making mistakes. Once I decided to move forward and prepared well, I felt more confident. After completing the speech, I felt proud and realised that courage grows when we take action.
R3Word AssociationPage 245
What does the phrase “believe in yourself” mean to you? Write some words or phrases you associate with believing in yourself.
Suggested Answer:
“Believe in yourself” means trusting your abilities, staying hopeful and taking action even when things are difficult. Words and phrases associated with it are confidence, courage, self-trust, determination, effort, hope, patience, resilience, positive thinking, inner strength and never giving up.
“Believe in yourself” means trusting your abilities, staying hopeful and taking action even when things are difficult. Words and phrases associated with it are confidence, courage, self-trust, determination, effort, hope, patience, resilience, positive thinking, inner strength and never giving up.
R4VocabularyPage 245
Select the correct meaning of “status quo” based on the given sentence.
Answer:
The correct answer is 2. A situation to keep things the same.
Status quo means the existing condition or the present state of things.
The correct answer is 2. A situation to keep things the same.
Status quo means the existing condition or the present state of things.
Check Your Understanding
1Central IdeaPage 247
Based on your understanding of the poem, select the correct central idea for each stanza.
Answer:
| Stanza | Correct Central Idea |
|---|---|
| Stanza 1 | (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. |
| Stanza 3 | (ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change. |
| Stanza 4 | (ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but having self-belief and confidence helps you stay on track. |
Poem Appreciation
A1Rhyme SchemePage 247
Fill in the blank: The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme _________ that flows steadily through each stanza.
Answer:
The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme ABCB that flows steadily through each stanza.
The poem follows a simple, yet effective rhyme scheme ABCB that flows steadily through each stanza.
A2TonePage 247
State whether the statements about the tone of the poem are true or false.
Answer:
| Statement | Answer |
|---|---|
| The overall tone of the poem is motivational and encouraging. | True |
| The tone shifts from thoughtful in the beginning to one of determination by the end of the poem. | True |
A3SpeakerPage 248
Fill in the blanks with the correct options.
Answer:
The speaker in this poem is not distant; rather, he/she comes across as a guide who understands the struggle and is encouraging the reader to take 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.
The speaker in this poem is not distant; rather, he/she comes across as a guide who understands the struggle and is encouraging the reader to take 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.
A4ImageryPage 248
Match the phrases from the poem with the imagery they represent.
Answer:
| Phrase | Imagery / Representation |
|---|---|
| There is no crowd to see... | Suggests a solitary journey, stressing individual effort. |
| push you back in fear? | Evokes the mental barrier that prevents growth. |
| The first step is the hardest | Represents the difficulty of beginning a new challenge or change. |
A5SymbolismPages 248–249
Select the words/phrases from the box to complete the sentences: unknown, self-improvement, courage, leap of faith, stagnation.
Answer:
1. Comfort and the status quo represent stagnation and fear of change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back.
2. The future symbolises the unknown, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires courage to step into.
3. The first step symbolises the initial leap of faith required to begin the journey of self-improvement or personal development.
1. Comfort and the status quo represent stagnation and fear of change, symbolising the comfort zone that holds one back.
2. The future symbolises the unknown, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires courage to step into.
3. The first step symbolises the initial leap of faith required to begin the journey of self-improvement or personal development.
A6MetaphorPage 249
The poet uses a metaphor in the line, “The first step is the hardest”. Explain why this is metaphorical.
Answer:
The line is metaphorical because “the first step” does not merely mean a physical step. It represents the beginning of any difficult journey, change, challenge or goal. The poet suggests that starting something new is often the most difficult part, but self-belief helps us continue.
The line is metaphorical because “the first step” does not merely mean a physical step. It represents the beginning of any difficult journey, change, challenge or goal. The poet suggests that starting something new is often the most difficult part, but self-belief helps us continue.
A7AntithesisPages 249–250
Identify the lines from the poem that show antithesis and explain why it is so.
Answer:
Example 1: “Will it pull you forward / Or push you back in fear?”
This is antithesis because it contrasts moving forward with being pushed back by fear.
Example 2: “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.”
This contrasts staying comfortable and unchanged with growing through challenge and change.
These contrasts help the poet show that personal development requires courage, movement and self-belief.
Example 1: “Will it pull you forward / Or push you back in fear?”
This is antithesis because it contrasts moving forward with being pushed back by fear.
Example 2: “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.”
This contrasts staying comfortable and unchanged with growing through challenge and change.
These contrasts help the poet show that personal development requires courage, movement and self-belief.
Critical Reflection
CR 1Extract BasedPage 250
Read the extract beginning “Step up to the challenge…” and answer the questions.
Answer:
(i) The line “There is no crowd to see” suggests that facing challenges is often a personal journey. We cannot always depend on applause, attention or approval from others.
(ii) The line “It’s just you and the future” suggests that your progress depends on your own choices, courage and commitment to the future you want.
(iii) Latha will step up to her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practising harder each day.
(iv) The most suitable title is C. A Journey of Growth.
(v) achieve : goal :: face : challenge.
(i) The line “There is no crowd to see” suggests that facing challenges is often a personal journey. We cannot always depend on applause, attention or approval from others.
(ii) The line “It’s just you and the future” suggests that your progress depends on your own choices, courage and commitment to the future you want.
(iii) Latha will step up to her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practising harder each day.
(iv) The most suitable title is C. A Journey of Growth.
(v) achieve : goal :: face : challenge.
CR 2Long AnswerPages 250–251
Answer the following questions.
1. What is the significance of the metaphor, “The first step is the hardest” in the context of personal growth?
The metaphor means that beginning a new journey is often the most difficult stage of personal growth. Fear, uncertainty and comfort can hold us back. Once we take the first step with courage and self-belief, the path becomes clearer and progress becomes possible.
2. What message does the antithesis in the poem convey about the nature of personal development?
The antithesis shows that personal development involves choices between opposites: moving forward or being pushed back, comfort or growth, fear or courage. The poem suggests that growth happens when we choose courage and change over fear and stagnation.
3. Do you think the poet’s message is realistic in the context of real-world struggles?
Yes, the message is realistic, but self-belief alone is not always enough. Real-world struggles also require effort, planning, discipline, support, resources and patience. However, self-belief is important because it gives us the courage to start and the strength to continue.
4. 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 apply to this situation?
A student preparing for public speaking may feel nervous before the first speech. The first step—standing before the audience—is the hardest. The poem’s message applies because self-belief, preparation and courage help the student move past fear and gain confidence through experience.
The metaphor means that beginning a new journey is often the most difficult stage of personal growth. Fear, uncertainty and comfort can hold us back. Once we take the first step with courage and self-belief, the path becomes clearer and progress becomes possible.
2. What message does the antithesis in the poem convey about the nature of personal development?
The antithesis shows that personal development involves choices between opposites: moving forward or being pushed back, comfort or growth, fear or courage. The poem suggests that growth happens when we choose courage and change over fear and stagnation.
3. Do you think the poet’s message is realistic in the context of real-world struggles?
Yes, the message is realistic, but self-belief alone is not always enough. Real-world struggles also require effort, planning, discipline, support, resources and patience. However, self-belief is important because it gives us the courage to start and the strength to continue.
4. 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 apply to this situation?
A student preparing for public speaking may feel nervous before the first speech. The first step—standing before the audience—is the hardest. The poem’s message applies because self-belief, preparation and courage help the student move past fear and gain confidence through experience.
Vocabulary in Context
V1Latin ExpressionsPages 251–252
Fill in the blanks with Latin expressions used in English.
Answer:
1. I enjoy reading fantasy books, e.g., Harry Potter and Magical Paint Brush.
2. After helping Tanya with the homework, Ritu asked for a quid pro quo to borrow her notes next time.
3. I love all kinds of outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking, biking, etc.
4. The park is not very special per se; it becomes more fun when you visit with friends.
5. We created an ad hoc team to organise the school festival.
6. The movie started in media res, with the hero already fighting the villain in a huge battle.
1. I enjoy reading fantasy books, e.g., Harry Potter and Magical Paint Brush.
2. After helping Tanya with the homework, Ritu asked for a quid pro quo to borrow her notes next time.
3. I love all kinds of outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking, biking, etc.
4. The park is not very special per se; it becomes more fun when you visit with friends.
5. We created an ad hoc team to organise the school festival.
6. The movie started in media res, with the hero already fighting the villain in a huge battle.
V2Rhetorical QuestionsPages 252–253
Read the rhetorical questions and state what they intend to achieve. Then match the situations to rhetorical questions.
Answer:
1. Purpose of rhetorical questions:
(i) “Isn’t it obvious that we must act now? Don’t we all have a responsibility to make a change?” — This urges immediate action and reminds people of collective responsibility.
(ii) “Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?” — This makes the listener reflect on courage and choose action over fear.
2. Matching:
1. Purpose of rhetorical questions:
(i) “Isn’t it obvious that we must act now? Don’t we all have a responsibility to make a change?” — This urges immediate action and reminds people of collective responsibility.
(ii) “Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?” — This makes the listener reflect on courage and choose action over fear.
2. Matching:
| Situation | Rhetorical Question |
|---|---|
| Deciding whether to stand up for what is right | F. How can we stay silent when we know what is right? |
| Owning up to a mistake made in a group project | C. If I don’t take responsibility now, when will I? |
| Deciding whether to try something challenging, like public speaking | E. What’s the point of playing it safe if it means staying stuck? |
| Choosing between two career paths | D. Can I really move forward without knowing which path to take? |
| Deciding whether to apologise for a mistake | B. Isn’t it better to admit our mistakes than to let them define us? |
| Trying something new and stepping out of your comfort zone | A. How can we ever grow if we never try anything new? |
Listen and Respond
L1Audio BasedPage 253
Listen to a conversation between two friends and answer the questions in one to three exact words.
Answer:
This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be written after listening to the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
Questions:
1. How did the boy feel before the play?
2. According to the girl, where does confidence come from?
3. What was the girl finally sure about regarding the boy?
This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be written after listening to the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
Questions:
1. How did the boy feel before the play?
2. According to the girl, where does confidence come from?
3. What was the girl finally sure about regarding the boy?
L2Audio BasedPage 253
Listen again and select the four true statements from 1–7.
Answer:
This is an audio-based task. The exact statements should be selected after listening to the audio.
Statements to verify:
1. The boy feels confident but is worried about freezing on stage.
2. The girl encourages the boy to push through his doubts by trusting in his preparation.
3. The boy thinks that the audience will be supportive regardless of his performance.
4. The girl believes that self-doubt is a normal part of preparing for a big performance.
5. The boy feels that his preparation is not enough and doubts his abilities, even though he has practised.
6. The girl suggests that the boy should avoid feeling nervous and perform perfectly.
7. The girl believes that pushing through nervousness will help the boy grow and build confidence.
This is an audio-based task. The exact statements should be selected after listening to the audio.
Statements to verify:
1. The boy feels confident but is worried about freezing on stage.
2. The girl encourages the boy to push through his doubts by trusting in his preparation.
3. The boy thinks that the audience will be supportive regardless of his performance.
4. The girl believes that self-doubt is a normal part of preparing for a big performance.
5. The boy feels that his preparation is not enough and doubts his abilities, even though he has practised.
6. The girl suggests that the boy should avoid feeling nervous and perform perfectly.
7. The girl believes that pushing through nervousness will help the boy grow and build confidence.
Speaking Activity
S1Role PlayPages 254–255
Read the three sayings/proverbs and create a real-life situation with a role play.
Sample Role Play: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Student A: I cannot complete this science project. It is too difficult, and I think I should give up.
Student B: Don’t lose hope. Remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Student A: But I have already tried twice and failed.
Student B: Failure means you are learning. Let us divide the project into smaller steps. First, we will complete the research. Then we will prepare the model.
Student A: That sounds possible. I think I was afraid because I looked at the whole project at once.
Student B: Exactly. Challenges help us grow when we face them with patience.
Student A: Thank you. I will continue and complete the project.
Student A: I cannot complete this science project. It is too difficult, and I think I should give up.
Student B: Don’t lose hope. Remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Student A: But I have already tried twice and failed.
Student B: Failure means you are learning. Let us divide the project into smaller steps. First, we will complete the research. Then we will prepare the model.
Student A: That sounds possible. I think I was afraid because I looked at the whole project at once.
Student B: Exactly. Challenges help us grow when we face them with patience.
Student A: Thank you. I will continue and complete the project.
Writing Task
W1Speech WritingPages 255–256
Draft a speech on the topic “Turning Challenges into Opportunities”.
Answer:
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Good morning respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. I am here to speak on the topic “Turning Challenges into Opportunities”. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once said, “Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you, but to help you realise your hidden potential.” Isn’t it true that every challenge teaches us something valuable?
Challenges often make us feel afraid because they take us out of our comfort zone. A student may fear public speaking, a player may fear losing, and a learner may fear failure in a difficult subject. However, every challenge also brings a chance to learn. When we face problems with patience and courage, we develop confidence, discipline and problem-solving skills.
Change can open doors to new opportunities. For example, during difficult times, many people discover new talents, learn new skills and become stronger. A failure in one attempt can guide us towards a better method. A setback can become a stepping stone if we learn from it instead of giving up.
To turn challenges into opportunities, we need a positive mindset, self-belief, planning, hard work and support from others. We should ask ourselves: Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?
To conclude, challenges are not the end of the road. They are invitations to grow. Let us believe in ourselves, take the first step and turn every difficulty into a path towards success. Thank you.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Good morning respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. I am here to speak on the topic “Turning Challenges into Opportunities”. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once said, “Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you, but to help you realise your hidden potential.” Isn’t it true that every challenge teaches us something valuable?
Challenges often make us feel afraid because they take us out of our comfort zone. A student may fear public speaking, a player may fear losing, and a learner may fear failure in a difficult subject. However, every challenge also brings a chance to learn. When we face problems with patience and courage, we develop confidence, discipline and problem-solving skills.
Change can open doors to new opportunities. For example, during difficult times, many people discover new talents, learn new skills and become stronger. A failure in one attempt can guide us towards a better method. A setback can become a stepping stone if we learn from it instead of giving up.
To turn challenges into opportunities, we need a positive mindset, self-belief, planning, hard work and support from others. We should ask ourselves: Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?
To conclude, challenges are not the end of the road. They are invitations to grow. Let us believe in ourselves, take the first step and turn every difficulty into a path towards success. Thank you.
Learning Beyond the Text
LB 1Research ActivityPages 256–257
Explore the stories of Indian leaders who faced significant challenges and turned them into opportunities for success.
Suggested Answer:
Students may also research successful personalities from their village, town, city or state and present their success stories in class.
| Personality | Challenge | Achievement | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. B. R. Ambedkar | Faced discrimination and hardship. | Became a great jurist, economist, social reformer and Chairperson of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India. | Education, courage and perseverance can transform society. |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri | Faced poverty and personal loss from a young age. | Became the Prime Minister of India. | Simplicity, discipline and determination lead to greatness. |
| Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam | Faced financial difficulties and worked while studying. | Became a renowned scientist and the 11th President of India. | Hard work, responsibility and self-belief can shape the future. |
Students may also research successful personalities from their village, town, city or state and present their success stories in class.
LB 2Reading ActivityPage 258
Read and enjoy the poem “Always Believe in Yourself” by Dorothy Hewitt.
Suggested Response:
“Always Believe in Yourself” encourages readers not to limit themselves. It says that people have the intelligence and ability needed to achieve their dreams. Like “Believe in Yourself”, this poem teaches courage, confidence, persistence, kindness to oneself and openness to life’s gifts.
“Always Believe in Yourself” encourages readers not to limit themselves. It says that people have the intelligence and ability needed to achieve their dreams. Like “Believe in Yourself”, this poem teaches courage, confidence, persistence, kindness to oneself and openness to life’s gifts.
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