📘 REACH FOR THE TOP
Part I: Santosh Yadav | Part II: Maria Sharapova
(Class 9 English – Beehive)
✅ 1–40: Short Question Answers (2–3 lines each with colorful bullets)
Part I – Santosh Yadav
- Who is Santosh Yadav?
🔵 She is the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest twice. - Where was Santosh Yadav born?
🟢 In a small village called Joniyawas in Rewari district, Haryana. - Why was Santosh considered different from other girls?
🟡 She didn’t follow traditional rules and had a strong will and determination. - What kind of clothes did she prefer as a child?
🔴 She wore shorts, unlike other girls who wore traditional dresses. - What decision did she make at sixteen?
🔵 She decided to live life on her own terms and go for higher studies. - How did her family react to her decision to study?
🟣 They resisted at first, but finally gave in to her strong will. - Which institute did Santosh join for mountaineering?
🟢 She joined the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi. - How was her performance at the institute?
🟡 She was excellent and quickly impressed her instructors. - What rare achievement did she make in 1992?
🔴 She climbed Mount Everest and became the youngest woman to do so. - When did she climb Everest for the second time?
🔵 In 1993, becoming the first woman to do it twice. - What did she do during her expeditions?
🟣 She saved fellow climbers’ lives and collected garbage to clean the Himalayas. - What award was she honoured with?
🟢 She received the Padma Shri award from the Indian government. - What qualities made Santosh successful?
🟡 Courage, determination, and a never-give-up spirit. - What message does her life give?
🔴 Girls can achieve anything if they are determined and work hard. - Why is she an inspiration?
🔵 She broke gender stereotypes and achieved what many thought impossible.
Part II – Maria Sharapova
- Who is Maria Sharapova?
🟣 A Russian tennis player, who became world number one in women’s tennis. - Where was she born?
🟢 She was born in Siberia, Russia. - At what age did she go to the U.S. for training?
🟡 At the age of nine, along with her father. - What challenges did she face in the U.S.?
🔴 She missed her mother and faced loneliness and bullying. - What inspired her to continue her training?
🔵 Her dream of becoming number one in tennis. - What title did she win in 2004?
🟣 She won the Wimbledon Women’s Singles title. - When did she become World No. 1?
🟢 In August 2005, at just 18 years old. - What is her mantra for success?
🟡 Hard work, determination, and mental toughness. - How did she handle her separation from her mother?
🔴 With strong willpower and maturity beyond her age. - What kind of schedule did she have as a child?
🔵 She had a strict routine, waking at 6 am and practicing for hours. - What language did she learn quickly?
🟣 English, to adapt to her new environment. - What was her attitude towards hardship?
🟢 She saw it as a price to pay for success. - What are her interests outside tennis?
🟡 Fashion, dancing, singing, and reading novels. - What does Maria say about her nationality?
🔴 She is proud of being Russian and never forgets her roots. - What role did her father play in her life?
🔵 Her father was a huge support, working hard to fund her training. - How is Maria Sharapova an inspiration?
🟣 She shows that success comes from sacrifice and hard work. - What is Maria’s attitude towards money and fame?
🟢 She sees them as by-products of her passion for tennis. - What sets her apart from others?
🟡 Her mental strength and fierce desire to win. - What did Maria face from older players?
🔴 They tried to bully her, but she stayed strong. - What lesson does Maria’s story teach?
🔵 Never give up, even in unfamiliar and difficult situations. - How is Maria different from others of her age?
🟣 She is focused, disciplined, and goal-oriented. - What does she say about success?
🟢 It takes years of hard work and sacrifice. - What is her view on dreams?
🟡 Dreams become reality through dedication. - Why is this chapter titled “Reach for the Top”?
🔴 Because both women reached the top in their fields despite challenges. - What is common between Santosh and Maria?
🔵 Both are determined, hardworking, and inspire young people.
✅ 41–45: Long Question-Answers (100–120 words)
41. Describe Santosh Yadav’s journey to becoming a mountaineer.
🟦 Santosh Yadav was born in a conservative village but was always different. She disliked traditional norms and made independent decisions. She pursued education despite resistance and later joined the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Her dedication, courage, and hard work led her to climb Mount Everest in 1992 and again in 1993. She saved lives during expeditions and worked for environmental cleanliness. She became the first woman in the world to climb Everest twice. Santosh’s journey proves that determination can overcome tradition and hardship. Her achievements make her a role model for girls across the country.
42. What challenges did Maria Sharapova face in her early years, and how did she overcome them?
🟩 Maria faced many difficulties after leaving her homeland at a young age. She had to live without her mother, faced loneliness, and dealt with bullying from older tennis players. Despite this, she stayed focused on her dream. Her daily routine was strict, and she worked hard every day to improve her game. Her father supported her despite financial struggles. Maria’s mental toughness and dedication helped her reach the top. She won the Wimbledon title at 17 and became World No. 1 at 18. Her story is one of sacrifice, strength, and resilience.
43. Compare and contrast the lives of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova.
🟥 Both Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova are inspiring women who faced challenges in different fields. Santosh battled traditional barriers and family resistance in rural India, while Maria faced emotional and cultural challenges in a foreign country. Santosh chose mountaineering, and Maria pursued tennis. Both worked hard, remained focused, and achieved international success. While Santosh climbed Everest twice, Maria became a tennis champion and World No. 1. Both women show courage, determination, and the power of chasing dreams. They prove that success comes with struggle and sacrifice, and both are excellent role models for youth.
44. What qualities helped Santosh and Maria succeed in life?
🟨 Both women had common qualities like determination, courage, and discipline. Santosh was strong-willed, independent, and brave enough to defy societal norms. She had a deep love for adventure and was committed to her goal. Maria was mentally tough, hardworking, and very focused. She trained tirelessly and remained patient through hardships. Both were passionate about their dreams and accepted sacrifices as part of the journey. Their stories show how inner strength and focus can help overcome any barrier. Their positive attitude and resilience are key traits that led to their remarkable success.
45. How can youth learn from the lives of Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova?
🟧 Youth can learn to dream big, work hard, and stay focused. Both Santosh and Maria teach us that challenges are part of success. Santosh teaches the importance of standing up against outdated traditions. Maria shows how sacrifice and self-discipline can lead to global success. Their lives are examples of perseverance, grit, and self-belief. Students should also value time, have confidence in their abilities, and stay committed even when things are difficult. These inspiring women show that with courage and dedication, nothing is impossible.
✅ 46–50: Value-Based Questions
46. What value does Santosh Yadav’s life teach us?
🟦 It teaches courage, self-reliance, and determination to break barriers and achieve goals.
47. How does Maria Sharapova inspire young people?
🟩 Maria teaches that hard work, sacrifice, and a clear goal can help achieve great success.
48. What is the importance of mental strength, according to the chapter?
🟥 Mental strength is vital to overcome challenges, resist negativity, and stay focused on success.
49. Why is it important to follow one’s dreams despite obstacles?
🟨 Because every dream needs courage, faith, and effort, just like Santosh and Maria showed.
50. What message does “Reach for the Top” convey to students?
🟧 That anyone, regardless of background, can reach the top with dedication, planning, and confidence.