You are here
I. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow.
Step up to the challenge
There is no crowd to see,
It’s just you and the future
And where you want to be.
There is no crowd to see,
It’s just you and the future
And where you want to be.
(i) What does the line ‘There is no crowd to see’ suggest about facing challenges?
See Lines 1-2
How to answer:
Start with the direct point, support it with a poem line or example, and end with the main idea in one clear sentence.
View Answer
It suggests that
facing challenges is a personal, solitary journey
. There is no audience and no one else to do it for us — we must face the challenge
on our own, through our own effort
.
(ii) Complete suitably: The line ‘It’s just you and the future’ suggests that ________.
See Lines 3-4
How to answer:
Look for the exact word or phrase from the poem or box, then fit it grammatically into the sentence.
View Answer
The line suggests that
your future depends entirely on you
— your own choices and efforts decide where you reach.
No one else can shape your future for you.
(iii) Fill in the blank with the appropriate word/phrase from the extract: “Latha will ________ her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practicing harder each day.”
See Lines 1-2
How to answer:
Look for the exact word or phrase from the poem or box, then fit it grammatically into the sentence.
View Answer
Latha will
step up
her efforts. (“Step up” from the extract means to
increase or raise
her efforts.)
(iv) Select the most suitable title for the extract.
See Lines 1-2
How to answer:
Read the exact line or option first, then choose the answer that matches the poem without adding a new idea.
View Answer
Correct:
C. A Journey of Growth
.
Why:
The extract is about
stepping up, facing the future and reaching where you want to be
— a journey of personal growth. It is hopeful, not only about struggle or fear.
(v) Complete the analogy by using a word from the extract: achieve : goal : : face : ________
See Lines 1-2
How to answer:
Look for the exact word or phrase from the poem or box, then fit it grammatically into the sentence.
View Answer
Correct:
achieve : goal : : face :
challenge
. Just as we
achieve
a
goal
, we
face
a
challenge
. (The word “challenge” comes from the extract’s first line.)
II. Answer the following questions.
1. What is the significance of the metaphor ‘The first step is the hardest’ in the context of personal growth?
How to answer:
Start with the direct point, support it with a poem line or example, and end with the main idea in one clear sentence.
View Answer
The metaphor shows that
beginning is the most difficult part of any growth or change
. The “first step” stands for the
first decision or action
we must take. Fear and doubt make this start hard, but
once we begin, the rest becomes easier
. So it teaches that the hardest — and most important — part of growing is simply
starting
.
2. What message does the antithesis in the poem convey about the nature of personal development?
How to answer:
Start with the direct point, support it with a poem line or example, and end with the main idea in one clear sentence.
View Answer
The antithesis (“this isn’t what we are made for / this isn’t how we grow”, and “pull you forward / push you back”) shows that
personal development means choosing growth over comfort, and courage over fear
. By placing opposite ideas side by side, the poet stresses that
we cannot grow by staying comfortable
— real development needs us to move forward and embrace change.
3. Do you think the poet’s message is realistic in the context of real-world struggles? (Clue: Evaluate whether simply ‘believing in yourself’ is enough to overcome obstacles or other factors are also necessary.)
How to answer:
Start with the direct point, support it with a poem line or example, and end with the main idea in one clear sentence.
View Answer
The poet’s message is
partly realistic
.
Self-belief is very important
— without it, we may never even try. But in the real world,
believing in yourself alone is not always enough
. We usually also need
hard work, proper guidance, resources, support from others, and sometimes a bit of luck
. So self-belief is the
essential first step
, but it works best when combined with effort and support.
4. Consider a situation where you or someone you know had to take a difficult first step towards a goal. How does the poem’s message about the importance of self-belief apply to this situation?
How to answer:
Start with the direct point, support it with a poem line or example, and end with the main idea in one clear sentence.
View Answer
This is a
personal answer
. Example: “My friend was scared to take part in a science fair. The hardest part was simply
deciding to enter
— the ‘first step’. She
believed in herself
, signed up, and worked hard. She did not win first prize, but she gained confidence. The poem’s message applied perfectly: the first step was the hardest, and
self-belief helped her begin and stay on track
.” (Write your own real example.)
