Class 9 NCERT Beehive: Reach for the Top — Chapter 7 MCQs & Answers
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Added: 18.01.2026 at 10:05
Summary:
Master key MCQs from Class 9 NCERT Beehive Chapter 7 Reach for the Top to boost understanding of perseverance, courage, and exam success.
Introduction
“Reach for the Top” is the seventh chapter in the NCERT Class 9 English textbook *Beehive*, and it stands out as a beacon of perseverance, courage, and inspiration. This chapter unfolds in two narratives—one describing the phenomenal journey of Santosh Yadav, the renowned mountaineer from Haryana, and the other delving into the life and rise of Maria Sharapova, the celebrated tennis player of Russian origin. Both parts, set in distinctly different contexts, are bound together by the themes of determination, hard work, and breaking societal barriers.The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) pattern places considerable emphasis on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for objective evaluation. MCQs are not merely mechanical exercises; they demand comprehensive comprehension, quick recall, and sharp inferencing abilities. By practising MCQs, students not only prepare for exams but also strengthen their understanding of important concepts and literary themes.
This essay offers a holistic and systematic approach for mastering MCQs related to “Reach for the Top." The discussion will unfold the content of the chapter, provide guidance on different types of MCQs, equip students with preparation strategies tailored to Indian classrooms, and illuminate the broader academic and personal benefits of mastering Chapter 7 via MCQs.
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Understanding the Content of *Reach for the Top*
Part 1: Santosh Yadav’s Story
Santosh Yadav’s journey is one of defiance, grit, and unwavering resolve. Born in an orthodox Jat family in Haryana, Santosh was expected to follow a trajectory common for girls in rural India—early marriage and domestic responsibilities. However, she refused to let tradition dictate her life. At sixteen, when many of her peers were preparing for marriage, Santosh demanded a proper education. She cycled to school while others simply accepted the status quo.Her story is not just about scaling Mount Everest—twice—the first woman in the world to do so. It is about scaling the metaphoric mountains that society placed before her. Key incidents, such as her joining the Maharani College in Jaipur against her family’s wishes, and her self-funded mountaineering training at Uttarkashi’s Nehru Institute, reveal her independence and courage. Santosh also stood out for her concern for the environment, as seen when she collected and brought down garbage from Everest.
Thus, Part 1 is replete with themes—gender equality, women’s empowerment, the importance of education, family dynamics, and environmental awareness—each deeply resonant within the social fabric of India.
Part 2: Maria Sharapova’s Story
The second half of the chapter takes us beyond Indian borders but links equally important values. Maria Sharapova’s ascent to become the youngest women’s world number one in tennis is a testament to tenacity. Her story, as presented in the textbook, highlights the sacrifices made by her and her family: Maria left her Russian home at a tender age, trained rigorously in the United States, and endured isolation and hardship.Maria’s journey is steeped in the themes of discipline, ambition, and overcoming adversity. She displays a global spirit, embracing challenges with positivity and dignity, and never letting success cloud her humility. Maria’s story serves as a model for Indian youth aspiring to excel in sports or any chosen field, illustrating the fruits of relentless effort.
Importance of Thematic Understanding for MCQs
To tackle MCQs efficiently, students must go beyond memorising facts to internalise the deeper messages. A nuanced grasp of these themes—social change, self-belief, hard work, and ethical values—not only aids in answering direct questions, but also supports critical thinking and inference-based questions that are frequent in CBSE exams.---
Types of MCQs Commonly Found in *Reach for the Top*
Factual MCQs
These questions require direct retrieval of information: years, locations, names, or specific events. For instance, students may be asked “Who was the first woman to climb Mount Everest twice?” or “Where did Santosh receive her mountaineering training?”Preparation Tip: While reading, highlight key factual details and jot them in the margins for later revision.
Character-Based MCQs
These probe deeper into the personality, motivation, or actions of Santosh or Maria. For example, “Which trait best describes Santosh Yadav?” or “How did Maria Sharapova handle loneliness during her training in the US?”Preparation Tip: Create character sketches and summary points about each individual’s traits, motivations, and decisions.
Vocabulary and Word Meaning MCQs
Some questions centre around challenging words or phrases from the text, like “What does the word ‘grit’ mean in the context of Maria’s story?”Preparation Tip: Maintain a vocabulary list from the chapter and try using new words in your own sentences.
Inference and Analytical MCQs
These questions demand interpretation beyond literal facts, for example, “What can we infer about Santosh Yadav’s attitude to societal traditions?” MCQs here rely on grasping the undercurrents and implied meanings in the narrative.Preparation Tip: Practise reading between the lines by paraphrasing complex passages and discussing possible interpretations.
Application-Based or Value-Centric MCQs
These MCQs focus on lessons and values—connecting literary experiences to one’s own life. For example, “Which value do you think Santosh Yadav’s life teaches us?”Preparation Tip: Try relating chapter themes to people or situations you know, which will help you apply concepts when answering questions.
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Effective Strategies for Preparing *Reach for the Top* MCQs
Thorough Reading and Annotation
Firstly, students should read the chapter more than once. The first reading familiarises you with the story. On the second pass, annotate—underline crucial lines, make brief margin notes, and summarise each paragraph in your notebook.Summaries and Character Sketches
After reading, condense each part into a short summary. Write detailed sketches on Santosh and Maria, citing specific incidents that reveal their core traits. For Santosh, highlight her rebellion against norms; for Maria, her unwavering persistence.Practising Past Year and Sample MCQs
Consult previous year CBSE question papers or sample MCQ booklets from publishers like Oswaal or Arihant, which are widely used in Indian schools. Attempt questions in a timed manner and review your errors to discover weak areas.Group Study and Discussion
Collaborative learning is invaluable. Gather with classmates to quiz each other with MCQs, debate themes, and clear doubts. Often, different perspectives reveal intricacies you may miss in solo study.Multimedia Resources
Utilise video summaries on platforms like Diksha portal or YouTube channels dedicated to CBSE. Listening to audio narrations can also refine pronunciation—something teachers often emphasise.Memory Techniques
Visual memory aids like flashcards are especially helpful. Write questions on one side, answers on the other. Mnemonics can be used for remembering order of events or tricky dates.---
Common Challenges Students Face & How to Overcome Them
Confusing or Similar MCQ Options
Many MCQs have distractor options that appear convincing. The key is to eliminate obviously incorrect answers first and then re-read the question to check for subtle differences.Misinterpretation of Questions
It is easy to miss the nuance in a question during exams. Always read each MCQ at least twice, underlining keywords.Poor Time Management
Learning to pace oneself is vital, especially since MCQ sections are often timed. Mock tests can train you to balance speed and accuracy.Forgetting Biographical or Thematic Details
Connect facts to stories you already know or to inspiring figures from Indian history—like Kalpana Chawla or P.T. Usha—to make them memorable.Vocabulary Difficulties
Frequent revision of difficult words, along with usage in original sentences, cements meanings in memory.---
Illustrative Examples of MCQ Approaches
Factual MCQ Example: _Q: Where did Santosh Yadav receive her mountaineering training?_ - (A) Nehru Institute, Uttarkashi - (B) Himalayan Institute, Shimla - (C) Mountaineering Club, Mumbai - (D) None of the above Approach: Underline ‘mountaineering training’ and recall the detailed reading—Santosh trained at the Nehru Institute, Uttarkashi.Character-Based MCQ Example: _Q: What quality in Maria Sharapova inspires her the most?_ - (A) Wealth - (B) Determination - (C) Fame - (D) Parental Influence Approach: Reflect on Maria’s reactions to hardship—‘determination’ was key to her success.
Vocabulary MCQ Example: _Q: What does ‘defiance’ mean in the context of Santosh’s story?_ - (A) Support - (B) Opposition - (C) Agreement - (D) Kindness Approach: Recall the context—Santosh defied social norms—so the answer is ‘opposition’.
Inference MCQ Example: _Q: What can be inferred about the role of Santosh’s family in her mountaineering career?_ - (A) Unwavering support - (B) Initial resistance - (C) Complete ignorance - (D) None of the above Approach: Understanding that her family was initially resistant, but later proud, the correct answer is ‘initial resistance’.
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The Role of MCQs in Enhancing Overall Language Skills
Engaging regularly with MCQs does much more than prepare you for exams. They aid reading comprehension by forcing careful attention to detail. Inference-based questions boost analytical thinking. Vocabulary MCQs enlarge your language repertoire. Moreover, the discipline of systematic revision and self-testing instils habits that benefit not just English studies, but all academic pursuits. Most significantly, drawing parallels between the literary challenges in “Reach for the Top” and real-life scenarios infuses moral values and self-confidence—qualities needed by responsible citizens of India.---
Conclusion
Mastering MCQs for “Reach for the Top” is about more than securing marks; it fosters a deeper understanding of awe-inspiring stories that have shaped modern Indian sensibility. By adopting a structured preparation method—careful reading, practice, peer discussion, and memory aids—you not only excel in exams but also imbibe values of resilience and aspiration. The confidence gained here lays a foundation not only for higher studies but also for life’s many summits. Let us, like Santosh and Maria, keep reaching for the top—with persistent effort and the right strategies.---
Additional Tips and Resources
- Refer to NCERT’s official solutions and books by authors like Renu Anand and Manjit Kaur, which provide practice MCQs tailored to CBSE. - Use educational platforms such as Vedantu or Toppr for mock tests and quizzes. - Regularly update your vocabulary with the help of Oxford or Collins dictionaries, both widely available in Indian markets. - Join English language forums such as those on Brainly India or school WhatsApp study groups for question discussions. - Maintain a separate revision diary—jotting down difficult questions and errors helps identify recurring problem areas and track progress.*To master “Reach for the Top” MCQs is to prepare for all summits in life—step by unwavering step.*
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