Chapter 4, Part 2- ‘Reach for the Top’ Summary, Theme, Character Sketch, Word Meanings, Important Passages, Textbook Questions Answers with Extra Questions.
Chapter 7- Reach for the Top Part 2- Maria Sharapova
Table of Contents
More from Beehive: Class 9-PROSE, Class 9- POETRY,
Supplementary Reader: Class 9- MOMENTS
Vocabulary:
Word Meaning and Idiomatic Expressions:
| Ascent – A rise to a higher position or level. At odds with – In conflict or not matching with something. Disarming – Making someone feel at ease or less hostile. Endure – To tolerate or go through something difficult. Fiercely – Intensely or with great energy and determination. Fizzy – Containing bubbles or carbonation, often in drinks. Glamorous – Full of charm, beauty, or sophistication. Heart-wrenching – Deeply upsetting or emotional. Humiliation – Feeling ashamed or embarrassed. Mantra – (In English) A personal motto or belief that one lives by. Meteoric – Sudden and very fast (like a meteor). Parades – Shows off or displays with pride. Pigeon-holed – Categorized in a narrow or limited way. Pinnacle – The highest or most successful point. Poised – Balanced, calm, or self-assured. Pronounced – Noticeable or clearly defined. Reaping – Receiving or gaining as a result of effort. Resilience – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties. Sophisticated – Elegant, refined, or worldly. Summit – The highest point, often of a mountain or achievement. Unwavering – Steady, firm, or not changing. Pack off – To send someone away, often for a particular purpose. Pigeon-holed – To be categorised or placed in a limited or narrow group. Bag the crown – To win or achieve something significant, especially a title or honour. Rise to the top – To reach the highest level or achieve the most success in a field. Put up with – To tolerate or endure something unpleasant. No room for sentiment – Not allowing emotions or personal feelings to affect decisions or actions. “Her meteoric rise”— (Metaphor) comparing Maria Sharapova’s quick rise in tennis to the speed and suddenness of a meteor, emphasising how fast and dramatic her success was. |
Summary ‘Reach for the Top Part 2’:
Maria Sharapova’s journey to becoming the world’s number one tennis player is a story of sacrifice, determination, and hard work. Born in Siberia, she moved to the United States at nine with her father to train, enduring a two-year separation from her mother due to visa issues.
Even in the face of loneliness and obstacles, Maria cultivated mental resilience and remained dedicated to her aspirations. Her efforts paid off when she won Wimbledon in 2004 and reached the top of women’s tennis in 2005.
Proud of her Russian roots, Maria balances her competitive spirit with hobbies like fashion and reading. Although she sees money as motivation, she values her passion for tennis and achieving her dream as her ultimate success.
Theme ‘Reach for the Top Part 2’:
Perseverance and Success:
The excerpt’s central theme is determination and sacrifice in pursuing success. Maria Sharapova‘s journey highlights the importance of resilience, mental toughness, and hard work in overcoming challenges and achieving one’s dreams.
Her sacrifices, including enduring separation from her family and facing hardships during her training, underline the personal cost of greatness.
The excerpt also explores themes of identity and ambition, showing how Maria remains proud of her Russian heritage while excelling globally.
It emphasises that success requires unwavering focus, rising above adversity, and a relentless drive to reach the pinnacle of one’s chosen field.
Character Sketch of Maria Sharapova:
Maria Sharapova: A Portrait of Resilience
1. Determined Dreamer:
- From a young age, Maria displayed unwavering determination to succeed in tennis.
- Despite challenges, she stayed focused on her goals and refused to quit.
- Her mantra for success: “Work hard and stay competitive.”
2. Sacrificing for Success:
- Left her home in Siberia at nine for training in the United States.
- Endured a two-year separation from her mother and loneliness during her early training years.
- Faced humiliation but stayed mentally tough, using every hardship as motivation.
3. Mental Toughness and Competitive Spirit:
- Known for her resilience and refusal to give up, even in challenging circumstances.
- Her mental strength led her to win Wimbledon at 17 and rise to world number one at 18.
4. Proud of Her Roots:
- Despite her global success, Maria remains deeply connected to her Russian identity.
- Declares her willingness to represent Russia in the Olympics.
5. A Blend of Talent and Elegance:
- Maria enjoys fashion, singing, dancing, and reading off the court.
- Balances her competitive edge with a love for elegant evening gowns and simple joys like pancakes with chocolate.
6. Focused and Goal-Oriented:
- Views tennis as both a sport and a business but prioritises achieving greatness.
- She believes in hard work, sacrifices, and staying ambitious to reach her dreams.
7. Inspirational Figure:
- Maria Sharapova’s journey inspires others to overcome challenges, embrace sacrifices, and strive for excellence.
Textbook Questions Answers ‘Reach for the Top Part 2’:
Thinking about the Text:
Working in small groups of 4–5 students, go back over the two passages on Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova and complete the table given below with relevant phrases or sentences.
| Points of Santosh Yadav Maria Sharapova Comparison/Contrast | Santosh Yadav | Maria Sharapova |
1. Their humble beginning | Santosh was born in a small village in Haryana, where the birth of a daughter was not always welcome. She grew up in a traditional family with limited resources for education. | Maria Sharapova came from a modest background in Siberia. Her family faced hardships in supporting her tennis career., but they made significant sacrifices, like sending her to Florida for training. |
2. Their parents’ approach | Santosh’s parents were initially traditional and wanted her to follow societal expectations, such as marriage. However, they supported her education when she fought for it. | Maria’s father supported her tennis dream and even moved with her to Florida, while her mother had to stay behind due to visa restrictions. Both parents made significant sacrifices for her career. |
3. Their willpower and strong desire to succeed | Santosh was determined to pursue education and mountaineering despite opposition from her parents and the challenges of living far from home. She worked hard to prove herself. | Maria’s competitive nature and strong desire to succeed led her to train away from her family in harsh conditions. Her resilience and hunger to succeed were key to her rise. |
4. Evidence of their mental toughness | Santosh exhibited mental toughness during her training in Uttarkashi and her numerous expeditions, showing resilience even in extreme conditions. | Maria showed mental toughness when dealing with loneliness and separation from her family. Her determination to push through harsh training regimes and maintain focus is evident throughout her career. |
5. Their patriotism | Santosh felt immense pride in representing India when she reached the summit of Mount Everest. She even carried d00 kilograms of garbage down from the Himalayas to protect the environment. | Despite living in the U.S., Maria proudly identifies as Russian and desires to represent Russia in the Olympics. |
Thinking about Language:
Look at the following sentences. They each have two clauses, or two parts each with their own subject and verb or verb phrase. Often, one part (italicised) tells us when or why something happened.
I. Identify the two parts in the sentences below by underlining the part that gives us the information in brackets, as shown above.
1. Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred shorts. (Contrasts her dress with that of others)
- Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses contrasting with Santosh’s preferred shorts.
2. She left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi. (Tells us what happened after the first action.)
- She left home and enrolled in a school in Delhi, which tells us what happened next.
3. She decided to fight the system when the right moment arrived. (Tells us when she was going to fight the system.)
- She decided to fight the system when the right moment arrived, telling us when she had agreed.
4. Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States. (Tells us when Maria was sent to the U.S.)
- Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States, tells us when she was sent away.
II. Now rewrite the pairs of sentences given below as one sentence.
- Grandfather told me about the old days when all books were printed on paper.
- What do you do after you finish the book, you throw it away?
- He gave the little girl an apple before he took the computer apart.
- You have nothing, which makes you very determined.
- I never thought of quitting because I knew what I wanted.
Dictation:
Read the passage once. Then close your books. Your teacher will dictate the story to you. Write it down with the correct punctuation and paragraphing.
The Raincoat
After four years of drought in a small town in the Northeast, the Vicar gathered everyone for a pilgrimage to the mountain. There, they would pray together and ask for rain to return.
The priest noticed a boy in the group wearing a raincoat.
“Have you gone mad?” he asked. “It hasn’t rained in this region for five years. The heat will kill you climbing the mountain.”
“I have a cold, Father. If we’re going to ask God for rain, can you imagine the way back from the mountain? It’s going to be such a downpour that I need to be prepared.”
At that moment, a great crash was heard in the sky, and the first drops began to fall. A boy’s faith was enough to bring about a miracle that not even those most prepared truly believed in.
(translated by JAMES MULHOLLAND)
Speaking:
Speaking Imagine that you are Santosh Yadav, or Maria Sharapova. You have been invited to speak at an All India Girls’ Athletic Meet, as chief guest. Prepare a short speech to motivate the girls to think and dream big and make an effort to fulfil their dreams, not allowing difficulties or defeat to discourage them.
Sample:
Speech as Maria Sharapova at the All India Girls’ Athletic Meet
| Good morning, everyone! Being here among such talented and aspiring young athletes is an honour. Today, I want to discuss something very close to my heart—the power of believing in yourself and pursuing your dreams, no matter how big or distant they seem. I started my journey as a little girl from Siberia with a tennis racket and a big dream. Along the way, I faced many challenges—loneliness, separation from my family, and the pressure of competing against the best in the world. But I was always sure of one thing: I believed in myself. Confidence is the key to unlocking your potential. It doesn’t mean you will never feel unsure or insecure. It means you choose to push forward despite those feelings. Each time you face a challenging moment, remember that every outstanding achievement starts with a decision to try. Let your morale be your strongest ally. When you succeed, celebrate it! When you stumble, let it boost you to get up and try again. Each defeat is just a lesson that brings you closer to your goal. I say to all the girls here: Dream big, work hard, and don’t let fear or doubts demoralise you. You are stronger, braver, and more capable than you think. Believe in yourself, and the world will believe in you, too. Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your journeys ahead. Remember, the sky is the limit if you dare to reach for it! |
Speech as Santosh Yadav at the All India Girls’ Athletic Meet
| Good morning, young champions! Seeing so many talented and determined girls gathered here today fills me with pride. I want to share a simple but powerful truth: No dream is too big, and no obstacle is too difficult if you dare to believe in yourself. I was born in a small village with limitations for girls, But I was sure of one thing—I wanted more. I refused to let traditions or societal norms dictate my destiny. Becoming the first woman to climb Mount Everest twice was not easy. There were times of struggle, doubt, and sacrifice., but my self-assurance and belief in my abilities kept me going. When challenges come your way, as they surely will, let them raise your morale rather than lower it. Stay focused on your goal and remind yourself why you started. Confidence in yourself is the most powerful tool you can carry—it will lift you in moments of despair and drive you to achieve the impossible. Girls, you have the strength to change the world. Trust yourself, work hard, and never let anyone tell you what you cannot do. Every time you step onto the field, the track, or the stage, give it your all and prove that you are unstoppable. Thank you, and I wish you all great success in your dreams and ambitions. Remember, every peak is within reach if you are determined to climb! |
Writing:
Working in pairs, go through the table below that gives you information about the top women tennis players since 1975. Write a short article for your school magazine comparing and contrasting the players in terms of their duration at the top. Mention some qualities that you think may be responsible for their brief or long stay at the top spot.
The Women Who Ruled Tennis: A Journey to the Top Nina Joshi Since 1975, women’s tennis has been graced by incredible players who reached the number one spot, each leaving a lasting legacy. Steffi Graf holds the record with 377 weeks at the top, followed by Martina Navratilova (331 weeks) and Chris Evert (362 weeks). Their remarkable consistency, adaptability, and dedication to fitness ensured their dominance. Players like Monica Seles (178 weeks) and Martina Hingis (209 weeks) also enjoyed impressive runs, showcasing powerful shots and tactical brilliance during their peak. Others, such as Maria Sharapova, Amelie Mauresmo, and Kim Clijsters, had shorter reigns, with Sharapova holding the top spot for just one week. Despite their immense talent, factors like injuries, strong competition, or lack of consistency limited their time at the summit. The key to sustained success lies in relentless commitment and overcoming challenges. Yet, every player, whether at the top for years or a fleeting moment, exemplifies hard work and determination, proving that reaching the pinnacle of any sport is a monumental achievement. |
II. Which of these words would you use to describe Santosh Yadav? Find reasons in the text to support your choices, and write a couple of paragraphs describing Santosh’s character.
| Santosh Yadav: A Remarkable Personality Santosh Yadav can best be described as determined, independent, adventurous, considerate, and persevering. From an early age, she displayed an independent spirit, choosing to live on her terms rather than conforming to societal expectations. Unlike other girls in her village, she preferred wearing shorts over traditional dresses, as mentioned in paragraph 2, reflecting her bold and adventurous personality. Her decision to pursue education despite familial pressure to marry at sixteen (paragraph 3) is a testament to her determination and independence. Santosh’s resourcefulness and perseverance are evident in convincing her parents to support her education (paragraph 4). Her dedication to mountaineering, saving money for her training at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (paragraph 6), and her rapid progress in the field showcase her unwavering resolve. Additionally, her considerate nature shone through during her Everest expeditions when she tried to save a dying climber and successfully helped another by sharing her oxygen supply (paragraph 8). Santosh Yadav’s character embodies courage, resilience, and empathy, making her an inspiring role model for all. |
Extra Questions ‘Reach for the Top Part 2’:
Short Answer Type Questions:
Q1: What sacrifices did Maria Sharapova make to become a world-class tennis player?
A1: Maria Sharapova sacrificed her childhood by moving to the U.S. at age nine, leaving her mother behind in Russia for two years. She endured loneliness, visa issues, strict training, and even bullying by other players. Despite these hardships, she stayed focused on becoming the best.
Q2: How did Maria Sharapova’s early experiences shape her determination and mental toughness?
A2: Maria’s struggles, like loneliness and bullying, strengthened her. She learned to take care of herself and stay determined. She didn’t let hardships stop her. Instead, she used them as motivation to work harder and reach her goal of becoming a top tennis player.
Q3: What role did Maria Sharapova’s father play in her tennis career?
A3: Maria’s father, Yuri, supported her dreams by taking her to the U.S. for training. He worked hard to pay for her lessons, even though he couldn’t spend much time with her. His dedication and sacrifices allowed Maria to pursue her passion for tennis.
Q4: How does Maria Sharapova describe her connection to Russia despite living in the United States?
A4: Maria Sharapova proudly says she is Russian, even though she spent much time in the U.S. She has Russian citizenship and wants to represent Russia at the Olympics. She values her Russian roots, saying her “blood is totally Russian,” which shows her deep connection to her homeland.
Q5: What is Maria Sharapova’s mantra for success, and how does it reflect her attitude towards tennis?
A5: Maria’s mantra is to work hard and stay competitive. She believes tennis is both a sport and a business. Her main goal is to become the best, not just earn money. It shows her intense focus, determination, and love for the game.
Q6: What hobbies and interests does Maria Sharapova have outside of tennis?
A6: Maria enjoys fashion, singing, and dancing. She likes reading Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels. Her love for glamorous evening gowns contrasts her simple favourites like pancakes with chocolate and fizzy orange drinks, showing her unique personality beyond being a tennis star.
Q7: How does Maria Sharapova view money in her career as a tennis player?
Q7: Maria sees money as motivation but not her main goal. She understands tennis is both a sport and a business. However, becoming the world’s best player is her true dream, and that ambition drives her to work hard and succeed more than the monetary rewards.
Q8: What challenges did Maria face during her early training in Florida, and how did she overcome them?
A8: Maria faced loneliness, being away from her mother, and bullying from older players during training. Despite these struggles, she became mentally tough and focused on her goals. Her determination and ability to endure difficulties helped her stay strong and achieve her dreams in tennis.
Q9: Why does Maria Sharapova believe her sacrifices were worth it?
A9: Maria believes her sacrifices were worth it because they helped her achieve her dream of becoming a world-class tennis player. She feels the hardships, like leaving her family and facing difficulties, were necessary to reach the top and fulfil her ambitions in life.
Q10: What qualities helped Maria Sharapova rise to the top in women’s tennis?
A10: Maria’s determination, mental toughness, and willingness to sacrifice helped her succeed. She stayed focused on her goals, worked hard, and remained competitive. Her ability to endure hardships and maintain a clear vision for her future were key to her rise in tennis.
Long Answer Type Questions:
Q1: How did Maria Sharapova’s sacrifices and determination contribute to her success in tennis? Discuss the lessons her journey teaches about resilience and perseverance.
A1: Maria Sharapova’s sacrifices and determination were key to her success in tennis. She moved to the United States at a young age, leaving her mother behind and enduring loneliness.
Despite the challenging conditions, she remained focused and worked hard. She learned to be independent and never thought of quitting. It teaches us that achieving goals requires persistence, hard work, and the willingness to face challenges.
Her journey illustrates that sacrifices, such as time away from loved ones, are frequently essential for achieving success. Maria’s story encourages us to stay determined and resilient, no matter the obstacles.
Q2: In what ways does Maria Sharapova’s story highlight the role of mental toughness in overcoming challenges? Reflect on how this trait shaped her career.
A2: Maria Sharapova’s story highlights how mental toughness helped her overcome difficulties. She faced loneliness, strict training, and separation from her family, but instead of giving up, she became more determined.
Mental toughness made her strong enough to endure hardship and focus on her goal. It shaped her career by allowing her to stay calm under pressure and work harder than others.
This trait is important because it helps athletes and people in any field keep going, even when things are tough. Maria’s ability to stay strong mentally helped her become a world champion.
Q3: What challenges did Maria Sharapova face during her early years of tennis training in the United States, and how did she respond to them?
A3: Maria Sharapova faced many challenges during her early tennis training in the United States. She was only nine years old when she left her home in Siberia. She lived apart from her mother for two years due to visa issues, and her father was often busy working to support her training.
She also experienced loneliness and bullying from older players. Despite these difficulties, Maria stayed focused and determined. She worked hard, became mentally tough, and never thought of quitting.
Her challenges taught her how to handle tough situations and remain committed to her dreams, which helped her become a world champion.
Q4: How does Maria Sharapova balance her Russian identity with her life in the United States? Why do you think this balance is significant?
A4: Maria Sharapova proudly balances her Russian identity with her life in the United States. Although she has lived and trained in the U.S. for many years, she emphasises that her blood and citizenship are Russian.
She says she would play for Russia in the Olympics if needed. This balance is significant because it shows her pride in her roots while embracing opportunities abroad. It also highlights her strong connection to her culture, giving her a unique identity in tennis.
Maria’s ability to represent her Russian heritage and global success inspires others to embrace their origins while pursuing international dreams.
Q5: Maria Sharapova emphasises hard work, competitiveness, and sacrifice as her keys to success. How do these qualities apply to achieving goals in your own life?
A5: Maria Sharapova’s hard work, competitiveness, and sacrifice qualities are necessary to achieve any field goal. Hard work helps improve skills and brings you closer to success.
Competitiveness drives you to do better and stay ahead. Sacrificing comfort or leisure demonstrates your dedication to achieving your dreams. In my own life, these qualities can help me stay focused on my goals, even when challenges arise.
For example, studying hard and skipping distractions can lead to better results in school or work. Maria’s story shows that success comes to those who give their best and never give up.
Q6: Sharapova mentions that money motivates her, but her main focus is becoming world number one. What does this reveal about her values, and how can this perspective inspire others?
A6: Maria Sharapova values money but prioritises her dream of being world number one. It reveals that she sees financial rewards as a result of achieving excellence, not the primary goal.
Her focus on being the best shows she values passion, dedication, and personal achievement more than material wealth. Her perspective inspires others to focus on their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals.
It teaches us that success is more fulfilling when driven by genuine passion and not just money. By following her example, we can learn to pursue excellence while appreciating the rewards that come with it.
Q7: Analyse how Maria Sharapova’s childhood experiences shaped her professional attitude and competitive spirit.
A7: Maria Sharapova’s childhood experiences significantly shaped her professional attitude and competitive spirit. Moving to the United States at a young age without her mother taught her independence and resilience.
She faced loneliness, financial struggles, and bullying from older players but used these challenges to grow stronger. Instead of being discouraged, she became determined to work harder. These experiences gave her the mental toughness to handle pressure and a strong desire to succeed.
Maria’s early struggles made her realise the importance of focus and hard work, which helped her rise to the top in tennis. Her journey shows how challenges can shape a person’s mindset for success.
Q8: Examine the impact of sacrifices on an individual’s personal life and relationships, using Maria Sharapova’s story as a reference.
A8: Sacrifices significantly impact personal life and relationships, as in Maria Sharapova’s story. Leaving her home and living away from her mother for two years was emotionally challenging. Her father also had to work long hours, limiting their time together.
These sacrifices strained her family relationships but were necessary for her tennis training and success. Although they caused temporary hardship, the sacrifices paid off, helping her achieve her dreams.
Maria’s story shows that sacrifices often involve giving up comfort or time with loved ones. However, they can lead to personal growth and long-term achievements, inspiring others to make tough choices for their goals.
Important Excerpts/Passages:
1. “Poised beyond her years, the Siberian-born teenager took just four years as a professional to reach the pinnacle.”
Context: Maria Sharapova demonstrated remarkable maturity and composure under pressure when she reached the top of women’s tennis at age 18. The phrase “poised beyond her years” highlights her calmness and self-assurance, indicating that her success stemmed from her talent and mental and emotional strength. Her rapid rise in just four years showcases her extraordinary skill, dedication, and resilience.
2. “That trip to Florida with her father Yuri launched her on the path to success and stardom. But it also required a heart-wrenching two-year separation from her mother Yelena.”
Context: The lines captured a pivotal moment in Maria’s childhood when she moved to Florida with her father for professional tennis training. This journey marked the start of her career but required significant personal sacrifice, particularly the emotional toll of a heart-wrenching two-year separation from her mother. It emphasises the commitment needed to succeed in such a competitive sport.
3. “I used to be so lonely. I missed my mother terribly. My father was working as much as he could to keep my tennis-training going.”
Context: Maria reflects on the emotional challenges she faced during her early training years in Florida, particularly the difficulty of being separated from her family, especially her mother. It highlights the personal cost of her journey to success. Her loneliness and yearning for her mother and her father’s hard work to support her training underscore the sacrifices her family made despite the physical distance.
4. “Instead of letting that depress me, I became more quietly determined and mentally tough. I learnt how to take care of myself. I never thought of quitting because I knew what I wanted.”
Context: Maria demonstrates the mental strength that helped her overcome loneliness and challenges in her early tennis career. Instead of letting difficulties hinder her, she used them as motivation to grow stronger and more determined. Her resilience and commitment to her goals set her apart from other young players, highlighting her maturity and focus.
5. “I am very, very competitive. I work hard at what I do. It’s my job.”
Context: Maria Sharapova emphasises her intense competitive nature, stating, “It’s my job,” to emphasise her serious approach to tennis, which she views as both a career and a passion. Her competitiveness drives her success, and the phrase “very, very competitive” reinforces how ingrained this quality is in her character.
6. “I’m Russian. It’s true that the U.S. is a big part of my life. But I have Russian citizenship. My blood is totally Russian.”
Context: Maria Sharapova reaffirms her strong connection to her Russian heritage despite living much of her life in the United States. While she speaks with an American accent and has spent significant time in Florida, she proudly claims her Russian identity, highlighting the complexities of balancing cultural influences as an internationally successful athlete.
7. “Money is a motivation. Tennis is a business and a sport, but the most important thing is to become number one in the world.”
Context: Maria recognises that financial rewards are part of professional tennis but are not her primary motivation. Her ultimate goal is to be the best in the world, reflecting her deep commitment to the sport and personal challenges. While she acknowledges the business aspect, she focuses on individual achievement and legacy rather than material gains.
8. “Her talent, unwavering desire to succeed, and readiness to sacrifice have lifted her to the top of the world.”
Context: The passage summarises Maria Sharapova’s journey, emphasising the qualities that led to her success. It highlights her natural talent, “unwavering desire to succeed, ” and willingness to make sacrifices. These qualities—her commitment, determination, and sacrifices—propelled her to the top of the tennis world. This statement encapsulates the essence of Maria’s character and the reasons behind her rise to fame.
