English Class 9 — Kaveri
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Follow That Dream — Letter from Irene Chua to Ming

🎓 Class 9 English CBSE Theory Ch 8 — Follow That Dream ⏱ ~35 min
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This MCQ module is based on: Follow That Dream — Letter from Irene Chua to Ming

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Before You Read — Reflect and Respond

Unit 8 is centred on dreams, aspirations, and the courage to pursue them. Think through these questions before you begin reading the letter.

Q1. What is your dream? Who inspires you to dream? Share your thoughts with your classmates.

A dream could be becoming a scientist, athlete, writer, entrepreneur, or artist. The important thing is that it sparks genuine excitement. Inspiration often comes from parents, teachers, national icons like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, or personal experiences of watching someone succeed against the odds.

Q2. Dr. Abdul Kalam said, "Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep." Discuss the meaning of this statement.

Dr. Kalam draws a contrast between idle daydreaming and a true driving ambition. A genuine dream does not let you rest — it fills your mind with plans, makes you restless with purpose, and pushes you to act. It is an active force, not a passive fantasy.

Q3. What qualities should you have to fulfil a dream? List as many as you can — then consider: why is it important to follow a dream at all?

Qualities needed: passion, conviction, patience, resilience, hard work, willingness to sacrifice, ability to build a support network, and adaptability as dreams evolve.
Why follow a dream? It gives life direction and meaning, develops character through challenges, contributes something valuable to society, and brings deep personal fulfilment.

Vocabulary Warm-up: Before reading, guess the meanings of these key words from the letter:
singularly  |  imperative  |  buoyed up  |  wistfully  |  dreamscape  |  plunge  |  coursing

singularly — exclusively, with complete focus on one thing
imperative — absolutely necessary; cannot be avoided
buoyed up — kept afloat emotionally; lifted in spirit
wistfully — with a longing, gently sad feeling for something out of reach
dreamscape — the world of one's dreams; the people and setting that share in a dream
plunge — to throw oneself wholeheartedly into an activity without hesitation
coursing — flowing powerfully and rapidly through something
IC
Irene Chua
Irene Chua is a Singaporean author whose collection My Daughter, My Friend brings together warmly personal letters written to her teenage daughter, Ming. Each letter is a mother's honest sharing of life's deepest lessons — about dreams, challenges, relationships, and growing up. Written in an intimate and conversational style, the letters celebrate the special bond of trust and friendship between a mother and her daughter, offering guidance that is practical, caring, and rooted in lived experience.
Singaporean Author Epistolary Writing Personal Essays Letters & Correspondence

Theme Web — "Follow That Dream"

Click any sub-theme to see its connection to the letter.

Follow That Dream Passion Sacrifice Perseverance Support Network Evolving Dreams Conviction

Reading for Meaning — The Letter

About the Text
This is an excerpt from a personal letter in the collection My Daughter, My Friend by Irene Chua. Written as a mother's intimate communication to her daughter Ming, it equips her for life's challenges with honest, warm, and practical wisdom about following dreams.
19 June 1995  |  Personal Letter — Irene Chua

Dear Ming,

1 Go ahead and pursue that dream — by all means, chase it with everything you have. History tells us that remarkable men and women achieve greatness because they hold a vision close and work relentlessly until it becomes reality. What truly separates the extraordinary from the ordinary is the degree of effort and personal sacrifice a person is willing to invest. Here is a thought worth considering: to reach genuinely world-class mastery in any discipline, one must dedicate oneself with singular intensity for no less than a decade. Metaphor

2 Everything begins with a deep passion for a particular subject. That passion must deepen into a conviction — the unshakeable sense that realising this dream is imperative. Before you commit, count the real cost: years of effort, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. If, after weighing all of this honestly, the desire is still burning in your heart and you are ready to commit fully — then plunge. Imagery The field hardly matters — it could be sport, science, the arts, business, or design. The road ahead may be difficult most of the way, and often the only thing keeping you going will be the quiet, deep knowledge that you are doing what you truly love and what is right for you. When your stamina runs low, the prospect of eventual success will be your compass and keep you on track.

3 Watch the Academy Awards ceremony. Every winner, when accepting the honour, thanks a whole array of people — mentors, coaches, family, friends — who formed their support network. Symbolism For every single winner, there stands a whole group that believed in them and stood firmly by their side. You are not alone in your journey.

4 Fulfilling a dream is wonderful, but for a great many people, dreams never move beyond a quiet, wistful wish. At some point in life, nearly everyone has whispered to themselves, "I wish I could be this or that," yet never translated that longing into meaningful action. Irony Some choose the comfort of security over the risk of a dream. Others are stopped by circumstances entirely beyond their control — I think of those who had planned to study at great universities, but whose futures were redirected forever by the disruption of World War II; or those who wished to finish school but had to begin working early to help support younger brothers and sisters.

5 I am not going to discourage you, Ming … but you must also carefully weigh the years that chasing a dream demands. After examining every obstacle honestly, if that burning conviction is still coursing through your veins — then act on it. Do something genuine and courageous about it. Metaphor

6 From personal experience, I can tell you that life has a way of reshaping a person's dreams over the years. These evolved hopes and aspirations are no less valuable or worthy than the dreams held in youth. To fulfil them, you will need to find your way through what feels like a maze of hurdles — patiently, persistently. The dream may take far longer than expected, and the circle of people who become part of your dreamscape will grow larger with each passing year. Personification Publishing this very book is a dream I have been chasing for the past ten years — not the dream I had as a young woman, but one that grew with me. And I am genuinely thrilled about it. So, I hope with all my heart that at least one of your dreams, Ming, also finds its way to becoming real.

With love,
Mum

Check Your Understanding — True or False

Read each statement. Decide whether it is True or False based on the letter. Click to check your answer.

1. Reaching world-class mastery in any field typically requires about a decade of focused, intensive effort.
True. The mother clearly states that achieving a genuinely world-class standard in any field requires at least ten years of singular, intensive pursuit.
2. The mother believes that personal sacrifice is essential for turning a dream into reality.
True. She explicitly asks Ming to "count the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice" — this is presented as non-negotiable for genuine achievement.
3. According to the letter, the road to achieving one's dream is mostly smooth and obstacle-free.
False. The mother describes the path as "uphill most of the way" and later warns of "a maze of hurdles." The journey is difficult by nature.
4. The mother believes that dreams can change and evolve over a person's lifetime.
True. She says from experience that "life itself may change a person's dreams," and supports this with her own example of the book she published after ten years.
5. A strong support network is an obstacle that makes it harder to pursue a dream.
False. The mother uses the Academy Awards to demonstrate the opposite — behind every winner stands a network of supporters. A support network is an asset, not an obstacle.
6. Many people's dreams remain as mere wishes because they never move beyond wishful thinking.
True. The letter notes that "for a lot of people, dreams remain dreams" — though everyone has wished wistfully for something, most never convert that longing into sustained action.
7. The mother's intention is to put a wet blanket on Ming's dreams and make her give up.
False. She explicitly says, "I am not going to put a wet blanket on your dreams." Her purpose is to encourage Ming while also preparing her for the realistic challenges ahead — she balances enthusiasm with honest caution.

Vocabulary from the Letter

insight
noun
A clear, deep understanding of a complex situation or person's inner workings.
"The mother's letters give valuable insights into navigating teenage years."
singularly
adverb
Exclusively; with total, undivided focus on one aim or pursuit.
"She was singularly dedicated to becoming a concert pianist."
imperative
adjective / noun
Absolutely necessary; a vital requirement that cannot be ignored or avoided.
"It is imperative to stay hydrated during long distance runs."
plunge
verb
To throw oneself boldly and completely into an activity without hesitation.
"He finally plunged into his startup idea after months of planning."
buoyed up
phrasal verb
Encouraged and emotionally lifted; kept going by hope or positive feelings.
"The team was buoyed up by the crowd's cheering despite the difficult match."
wistfully
adverb
With a gentle, longing feeling for something desired but out of reach.
"He stared wistfully at the acceptance letter he had to decline."
aspirations
noun (plural)
Strong hopes or ambitions that drive a person towards a valued future goal.
"Her aspirations led her to study medicine despite all the difficulties."
dreamscape
compound noun
The imaginative world where one's dreams unfold; the people and circumstances that share in a dream's journey.
"In her dreamscape, the entire village would benefit from her new hospital."
coursing
verb (present participle)
Flowing rapidly and powerfully; used figuratively for strong feelings moving through the body.
"Excitement was coursing through her as she opened the results."

Expressions in Context

burn in your blood
To have an intensely passionate desire; a deep, consuming drive that cannot be ignored.
Used to test the depth of commitment before asking someone to fully pursue a dream.
uphill most of the way
Describes a journey that is mostly difficult and demanding, requiring constant effort without much ease.
A realistic warning from the mother that the path to a dream is not smooth.
buoyed up
Emotionally lifted and sustained by hope, love, or inner motivation when external circumstances are tough.
Used to show that inner purpose keeps a person going when energy and stamina run low.
wishful thinking
A hopeful belief or desire that is unlikely to be realised because it lacks real planning and effort.
Contrasts with genuine dreamers who translate desire into committed, sustained action.
put a wet blanket on
To dampen someone's excitement or enthusiasm; to discourage with pessimism.
The mother uses it to assure Ming she will not dismiss her dream — she wants to support, not suppress.
coursing through your veins
Flowing powerfully through the body; describes an intense, unstoppable feeling of conviction or excitement.
Used as the ultimate test — if conviction is that strong, the person must act on their dream.

Critical Reflection — Extract-Based Questions (CBQ Format)

Extract 1

"It starts with a passion for a particular interest, then comes the conviction that it is imperative to realise it. Count the cost in years of effort, financial investments and sacrifice. Then if it is still burning in your blood and you are ready to commit yourself to the task, plunge. It could be in any field — sports, science, arts, business, or design. The road may be uphill most of the way and often you are buoyed up only by the knowledge that you are doing what you love best and are doing the right thing. When stamina is running out, the prospect of success will keep you on track."
L1 Remember
(i) Complete the analogy using a word from the extract: enthusiasm : passion :: belief : ___________
conviction. Just as enthusiasm is a deeper, more committed form of interest, conviction is a deeply held belief that drives action — both pairs represent an intensification of feeling into resolve.
L2 Understand
(ii) The author says that a realistic assessment of effort, investment and sacrifice is crucial for preventing which of the following?
A. the need for external support   B. early abandonment of the dream   C. initial excitement from fading   D. others questioning one's commitment
B. early abandonment of the dream. By calculating the real cost upfront, a person avoids being shocked into giving up when the road gets tough — they have mentally prepared for the sacrifices and can face them without despair.
L2 Understand
(iii) The word 'plunge' as used in the extract indicates a ___________ (complete / gradual) involvement in a task. Explain your choice.
complete. 'Plunge' evokes the image of diving headlong into water — an immediate, wholehearted commitment without hesitation. It is the opposite of a tentative, step-by-step approach, signalling that true pursuit of a dream requires total, fearless immersion.
L4 Analyse
(iv) The author's emphasis on 'doing what you love best and doing the right thing' works as intrinsic motivation because ___________.
When a person's actions align with both their deepest love and their core values, they no longer need external rewards or recognition to continue. The activity itself becomes meaningful and self-sustaining. This inner alignment provides a kind of energy that external pressures cannot easily diminish — it comes from within and cannot be taken away.
L5 Evaluate
(v) Besides 'prospect of success,' suggest one other motivating factor that could keep a person going when stamina runs out.
The support and belief of loved ones, mentors, or a community can sustain a person through periods of exhaustion. Knowing that others have invested their faith and encouragement in your journey provides a renewed sense of responsibility and belonging — as the Academy Awards example in the letter illustrates, no great achievement is truly a solo effort.

Extract 2

"From my own experience, life itself may change a person's dreams. These hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days. To fulfil them you will need to negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles. The dream will take a much longer time to realise, and the people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more."
L1 Remember
(i) The phrase 'life itself may change a person's dreams' suggests that dreams are not static but rather ___________ (evolving / fixed).
evolving. The word 'may change' implies ongoing transformation — dreams are living, developing aspirations that respond to life's experiences. They are never permanently fixed; they grow and shift as the person does.
L2 Understand
(ii) What does the author mean when she says 'hopes and aspirations are no less than the original dream of younger days'?
The author reassures Ming that a dream which has changed or evolved over time is not inferior or less worthy than the bold dreams of youth. An evolved aspiration — perhaps more realistic, more nuanced — still deserves the same energy and commitment. Its worth lies in its sincerity and personal significance, not in when it was first formed.
L3 Apply
(iii) Identify the phrase from the extract that best conveys the idea of a complex and challenging journey.
"negotiate a path through a maze of hurdles" — the image of a maze suggests that the challenges are not just numerous but also unpredictable and interlocking. 'Negotiate' implies that the person must be thoughtful and flexible rather than using brute force alone.
L4 Analyse
(iv) The author says 'people who are participants in your dreamscape would be many more' because ___________.
As a dream evolves and a longer time passes, the journey becomes more complex and interconnected with the lives of others. More people — family members, colleagues, mentors, collaborators, even those who benefit from the dream's realisation — become invested in it. The author's own decade-long publishing journey shows how such a pursuit naturally draws more people into its orbit over time.
L4 Analyse
(v) What is the tone of the author in this extract?
A. appreciative and celebratory   B. excited and cheerful   C. optimistic and encouraging   D. eager and inquisitive
C. optimistic and encouraging. The author acknowledges that evolved dreams take longer and face greater challenges, yet she frames this with warmth and positivity. Her own example — "I am really quite excited about it" — confirms an optimistic, forward-looking tone that seeks to encourage Ming rather than discourage her.

Answer the Following Questions

Q1.
The letter begins: "By all means follow that dream." What do you think Ming must have written to her mother about?
Ming had likely written about a particular dream or ambition — perhaps an unconventional career path or an uncertain goal — sharing both excitement and doubt about whether to pursue it. The mother's immediate, positive response ("By all means follow that dream") suggests Ming was looking for permission or confirmation, not just information.
Q2.
How can one attain a world-class level of skill in any field? Mention any two ways described in the letter.
(i) By pursuing the chosen field singularly and intensively for at least ten years — sustained, focused dedication over a long period is the foundation of world-class mastery. (ii) By beginning with genuine passion that deepens into conviction, ensuring that when difficulties arise, inner motivation — not just external reward — keeps the person going.
Q3.
What differentiates the mere dreamers from actual achievers, according to Irene Chua?
Mere dreamers remain trapped in wishful thinking — they long for something but never convert that longing into real, sustained action. Actual achievers honestly assess the cost of their dream, develop an unshakeable conviction, make genuine sacrifices, build a support network, and commit fully to the pursuit. Crucially, they persist through difficulty rather than retreating to the comfort of the familiar or the security of an easier path.
Q4.
How does Ming's mother use critical questions and personal anecdotes to persuade Ming and convey her message effectively?
The mother uses thought-provoking questions ("Do you know that to reach world-class standard one has to pursue the subject for at least ten years?") to make Ming think critically rather than simply accept advice. She supports abstract points with concrete examples: people whose dreams were ended by World War II, and her own ten-year journey to publish a book. These anecdotes transform the advice from theoretical to deeply credible — she speaks not as someone who merely believes in dreams, but as someone who has lived the struggle and the reward.
Q5.
How does Ming's mother balance encouragement with caution in her advice?
She opens with wholehearted encouragement ("By all means follow that dream") and closes with genuine personal excitement about her own dream coming true. In between, she introduces sober caution — the ten-year rule, the need to count costs, the reality that circumstances can derail dreams. The key is her framing: obstacles are things to prepare for, not reasons to give up. She says explicitly, "I am not going to put a wet blanket on your dreams," which perfectly captures her approach — real, not dismissive; honest, not discouraging.
Q6.
Is the mother's advice in the letter still relevant in contemporary society? Give reasons.
Yes, the advice remains deeply relevant. In today's world of rapid change, social media pressure, and instant gratification, the reminder that mastery takes ten years is especially powerful and countercultural. The emphasis on genuine passion over external validation, the importance of a support network, the honesty about sacrifice — all of these address challenges that today's young people face in a particularly intense form. The human experience of dreaming, and having to pay a real price for those dreams, remains unchanged across generations and technologies.
Q7 (HOT).
What 'costs' in terms of effort, sacrifice, and time are you willing or unwilling to invest to pursue your own goals? Reflect honestly.
A strong reflective answer should: (a) name a specific personal goal clearly; (b) honestly identify the sacrifices it demands — social time, comfort, financial resources, short-term grades; (c) distinguish between sacrifices that feel manageable and those that feel too costly; (d) reflect on whether this honest assessment strengthens or changes your commitment. Use the mother's framework: passion → conviction → honest cost assessment → decision to plunge or reconsider.

Grammar Workshop — The Modal 'Could' & First Conditional with Imperative

First Conditional with an Imperative (from the letter)
Source sentence: "After all the obstacles are considered, if the burning conviction is still coursing through your veins, then go ahead and do something about it."

Structure: If + Present Simple, → Imperative (command / advice)
This form is used for real or possible future situations — particularly in giving advice — where the main clause is a direct instruction rather than "will + verb."
If the idea excites you, → explore it further and start planning today.
If you care about the issue, → raise your voice and speak up boldly.
If you finish early, → review your answers one more time.

The Four Functions of 'Could' in the Letter

Sentence from the LetterFunction of 'Could'
"It could be in any field — sports, science, arts, business, or design."Possibility — indicating one of several options that might be true
"I wish I could be this or the other."Unreal / hypothetical — expressing an unfulfilled wish
"They could have preferred to trade their dream for security."Past possibility / speculation — something that might have happened but is uncertain
"They had to work so that they could support their siblings."Past ability / purpose — ability or intention behind an action in the past

'-scape' Word Family

The letter introduces dreamscape. The suffix -scape means "a view or scene of." Explore the family:

mindscape
The inner landscape of a person's thoughts and imagination.
seascape
A view or painting featuring the sea as its main subject.
landscape
A view of a stretch of open countryside or natural scenery.
cityscape
A view of a city's skyline and urban environment.

Writing Task — Formal Email to a Design Institute

Task: You are passionate about design and have come across a summer workshop conducted by a reputed design institute. Write a formal email to the Director, enquiring about the workshop details and expressing your interest in joining.

Email Format
From: your.email@student.edu
To: director@designinstitute.ac.in
Cc / Bcc: (as applicable)
Subject: Enquiry Regarding Summer Design Workshop — 2026

Message Structure:
• Opening: Greeting + who you are + how you found out about the workshop
• Body: Express interest; specific questions (dates, duration, fees, eligibility, curriculum, accommodation)
• Closing: Thank the recipient; request a prompt reply
• Sign-off: Yours sincerely, Name, Class, School, Contact details

Useful Expressions for Formal Emails

Opening
"I am writing to enquire about…"
Expressing interest
"I am keenly interested in joining…"
Seeking details
"Could you kindly provide information regarding…"
Polite request
"I would be grateful if you could…"
Closing
"I look forward to your favourable response."
Sign-off
"Yours sincerely, [Name]"
From: priya.mehta@dpschool.edu
To: director@creativehub.ac.in
Subject: Enquiry Regarding Summer Design Workshop — July 2026

Dear Director,

I am writing to enquire about the Summer Design Workshop advertised on your institute's official website. I am Priya Mehta, a student of Class 9 at Delhi Public School, with a strong interest in graphic design and visual communication.

I would be grateful if you could kindly provide the following details: the exact dates and duration of the workshop; the eligibility criteria for participants; the fee structure and available payment modes; an overview of the topics covered in the curriculum; and whether accommodation or transport assistance is available for students from other cities.

I am particularly keen to attend this workshop as I aspire to pursue a career in design, and I believe early, structured exposure under expert guidance would be invaluable at this stage.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,
Priya Mehta
Class 9-B | Delhi Public School, New Delhi
priya.mehta@dpschool.edu | 9876543210

Did You Know?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central theme of 'Follow That Dream' in Class 9 Kaveri?
The central theme is the pursuit of dreams through passion, conviction, sustained effort, and honest sacrifice. Secondary themes include the importance of a support network, the reality that dreams evolve, and the contrast between genuine achievers and mere dreamers.
What literary devices are used in 'Follow That Dream'?
Key literary devices include: Metaphor ("burning in your blood," "road uphill"); Imagery ("maze of hurdles," "coursing through your veins"); Symbolism (Academy Awards as a symbol of teamwork behind success); Personification (life reshaping dreams as if it were an active agent).
Why does the author mention the Academy Awards?
The Academy Awards ceremony serves as a symbol of collective achievement. Every winner acknowledges a support network. The mother uses this to show Ming that no dream is achieved in isolation — building a team of supporters is as important as personal talent and effort.
What is epistolary writing? How does it apply to this text?
Epistolary writing uses the format of letters, emails, or diary entries to tell a story or convey ideas. 'Follow That Dream' is an epistolary text — a personal letter from a mother to her daughter. This format creates an intimate, direct tone and makes the advice feel personal and authentic rather than abstract.
How is the first conditional used in the letter?
The letter uses the first conditional with an imperative: "If the burning conviction is still coursing through your veins, then go ahead and do something about it." Structure: If + present simple → imperative. This is used in advice-giving, where the speaker gives a direct instruction rather than a prediction.
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