Reach For The Top MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz is for Class 9 students studying English Language and Literature (Code 184), focusing on the chapter “Reach For The Top” from Section C: Literature (Beehive Prose). It covers key topics such as motivation, perseverance, character traits of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova, and inference-based questions. Answer all questions, submit your quiz, and download the PDF answer sheet to review your performance.
Understanding “Reach For The Top”
The chapter “Reach For The Top” from the Beehive textbook presents the inspiring stories of two remarkable women who achieved global recognition through sheer hard work, determination, and perseverance: Santosh Yadav, the first woman to scale Mount Everest twice, and Maria Sharapova, a world-renowned tennis sensation. Though their fields are different, their journeys share common themes of overcoming adversity, making sacrifices, and staying focused on their goals.
Key Themes Explored
- Motivation and Determination: Both Santosh and Maria were driven by an unwavering desire to succeed. Santosh was motivated by the majestic Aravalli Hills and a thirst for adventure, while Maria was driven by her dream to become the number one tennis player in the world.
- Perseverance and Resilience: The path to success was not easy for either of them. Santosh faced societal pressure and gender bias, while Maria endured loneliness, separation from her mother, and bullying from senior players. Their ability to persevere through these challenges is a central theme.
- Sacrifice: Reaching the top required immense sacrifices. Maria had to leave her home and mother at a very young age. Her father worked multiple jobs to fund her training. Santosh had to defy traditional norms to pursue her education and passion.
- Character Traits of Achievers: The stories highlight key traits like mental toughness, self-belief, discipline, and a strong work ethic. Maria’s statement, “I am very, very competitive. I work hard at what I do. It’s my job,” encapsulates this spirit.
Character Sketch: Santosh Yadav vs. Maria Sharapova
While both women are symbols of success, their personalities and backgrounds offer a study in contrast and comparison.
| Attribute | Santosh Yadav | Maria Sharapova |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | A small, traditional village in Haryana, India | The frozen plains of Siberia, Russia |
| Primary Motivation | A love for nature and adventure; a desire to break traditional norms | A focused ambition to become number one in tennis; financial goals |
| Key Challenge | Overcoming conservative societal expectations and gender bias | Loneliness, financial hardship, and tough competition in a foreign land |
| Defining Trait | Rebellious spirit, environmental consciousness, team spirit | Unwavering focus, mental toughness, fierce competitiveness |
Inference-Based Questions: A Quick Guide
Many questions from this chapter require you to ‘infer’ or ‘deduce’ information that is not directly stated. To answer them:
- Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the details, dialogues, and descriptions.
- Connect the Dots: Look for clues that suggest a character’s feelings, motivations, or personality. For example, Santosh choosing her own path instead of getting married early implies she was independent and determined.
- Eliminate Options: Rule out answer choices that contradict the text or are not supported by any evidence.
Quick Revision Points
- Santosh Yadav was born in Joniyawas village, Rewari District, Haryana.
- She was the only woman in her expedition to scale Everest for the first time.
- She saved a fellow climber, Mohan Singh, by sharing her oxygen.
- She was an avid environmentalist and brought down 500 kgs of garbage from the Himalayas.
- Maria Sharapova was sent to the United States for tennis training at the age of nine.
- She achieved the world number one position in women’s tennis in August 2005.
- Her father, Yuri, accompanied her and worked hard to support her.
- Maria’s hobbies include fashion, singing, and dancing.
Practice Questions
1. How did Santosh Yadav challenge the traditional norms of her society?
2. What sacrifices did Maria Sharapova and her family make for her career?
3. Describe the incident that shows Santosh Yadav’s concern for her fellow climbers.
4. What does Maria Sharapova’s attitude towards her senior trainees in Florida reveal about her character?
5. Compare the motivations that drove Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova to “reach for the top.”
