16.1 Walt Disney: An Example of Struggle & Success

A. Use the correct words/phrases

(domineering, solace, apprentice, bankrupt, plotting, afloat, mounting, harness, perseverance, colossal)

Kisan had to sell his house to keep his business afloat.
b. He was accused of plotting the robbery of the bank.
c. Scientists are trying to harness the sun’s rays as a new source of energy.
d. Many companies went bankrupt during the economic depression.
e. Courage and perseverance are the keys to success in life.
f. The government had mounting pressure from the public to withdraw the bill.
g. After his graduation, he worked as an apprentice electrician in a company.
h. The government spent a colossal amount of money on the renovation of the historical buildings.
i. Kathy was brought up by an unkind domineering stepmother.
j. Patrick took solace in the company of his mates.

B. Phrases/Idioms — Meanings & Sentences

make ends meet – to earn just enough money to live
👉 Many families are struggling to make ends meet these days.
silver lining – a positive aspect in a difficult situation
👉 Losing the job was hard, but the silver lining was that he started his own business.
nervous breakdown – a serious mental health crisis
👉 After months of pressure, she suffered a nervous breakdown.
kick in the teeth – something very disappointing or upsetting
👉 Not getting the promotion was a real kick in the teeth for him.
drop out – to leave school or a course before finishing
👉 He had to drop out of college due to financial problems.
set off – to start a journey
👉 We set off for Pokhara early in the morning.

C. Chronological Order of Events in Disney’s Life

Correct order:

g. Disney left home and went to France to work as an ambulance driver.
c. He returned to Chicago and worked as a trainee at an art studio.
e. The cartoon company collapsed.
d. He created the characters, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse.
b. He successfully founded the famous Disneyland.
a. He shifted his focus from big screens to television shows.
f. Disney suffered severe mental and emotional illness.

D. Answer the Questions

How was Walt Disney’s childhood?
Walt Disney’s childhood was difficult. He grew up in a strict household under a demanding father, which made his early life challenging.
Describe Disney’s family background.
He was born into a large family. His father, Elias Disney, was a strict man who often made Walt and his siblings work hard, while his mother, Flora, was kind and supportive.
What did Disney do after his failure in the first business?
After his first cartoon company failed, he moved to Hollywood with determination to start fresh and began building a new studio with his brother Roy.
How was the character of Mickey Mouse created?
Mickey Mouse was created after Disney lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. During a train journey, he sketched the idea for Mickey, who soon became a global icon.
Why did Disney have a mental breakdown?
He suffered a mental breakdown because of constant work pressure, financial stress, and the betrayal by his business partners, which overwhelmed him emotionally.
Which of his films were commercially useless?
Some of his early films did not do well commercially, and certain ambitious projects initially failed to make profits.
Which films produced him great financial returns?
Films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and The Lion King brought him great financial success and helped his company grow.
Why do you think the opening of Disneyland was called ‘Black Sunday’?
The opening day of Disneyland was called ‘Black Sunday’ because of multiple problems like overcrowding, fake tickets, plumbing failures, and technical glitches.
What special quality of Disney made him finally a successful entrepreneur?
His perseverance, creativity, and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities made him a successful entrepreneur.
What lesson do you learn from Disney’s life?
His life teaches us to never give up in the face of failure, to keep dreaming big, and to work hard with patience and vision.

E. Personal Inspiration

(Example Answer — you can replace with your own story.)

My Inspiration: My Grandfather
My grandfather has always inspired me. He grew up in a small village with very limited resources. Through hard work and honesty, he became a respected teacher. He faced many hardships but never gave up on education. His dedication and values motivate me to work hard and stay humble.

Pronunciation Table

Word	Pronunciation	Parts of Speech	No. of Syllables	Stressed Syllable
a. extraordinarily	/ɪkˈstrɔːdnrəli/	adverb	six	second
b. sibling	/ˈsɪblɪŋ/	noun	two	first
c. adversity	/ədˈvɜːsəti/	noun	four	second
d. renegotiate	/ˌriːnɪˈɡəʊʃieɪt/	verb	five	third
e. venture	/ˈventʃə(r)/	noun/verb	two	first
f. enterprise	/ˈentəpraɪz/	noun	three	first
g. animation	/ˌænɪˈmeɪʃn/	noun	four	third

Speaking — Congratulating

“Congratulations! You got a GPA of 4.0. You really deserve this success.”
b. “That’s wonderful news! Congratulations on the arrival of your baby girl.”
c. “My warmest congratulations to you on your new job.”
d. “Well done! You’ve been promoted. I’m so proud of you.”
e. “Congratulations on your graduation! You did it.”
f. “I commend you on your success. Winning that trophy is a big achievement.”

Grammar I

A. Choose the correct prepositions:

ii. between
b. iv. from
c. ii. by
d. ii. in
e. iv. for
f. i. under
g. i. on
h. ii. in
i. i. of
j. ii. into

B. Complete with in, on, or at:

at 100 degrees Celsius.
b. went on a trip.
c. sit in the dark.
d. married at the young age of 20.
e. developed at a great pace.
f. In my opinion.
g. news on the radio.
h. not at home at the moment

Writing I

A. Message of Congratulations (School Notice Board)

Regent Residential School
Message of Congratulations
We are proud and delighted to announce that our school football team has won the title of the Inter-School Football Tournament, organised by the District Sports Development Committee. The team’s hard work and dedication have brought home the trophy and cash prizes. Congratulations to all the players and best wishes for continued success.

— School Administration

B. Letter of Congratulations

[Your Address]
[Date]

Dear Maternal Uncle,

I am very happy to hear about your promotion to the post of Inspector of Nepal Police. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. Your hard work, discipline, and dedication have brought you this success.

I wish you continued progress and success in your new role. May you inspire others through your service and leadership.

With warm regards,
[Your Name]

16.2 If [poem] by Rudyard Kipling

Summary of the Poem ‘IF’ by Rudyard Kipling

The poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling is a motivational and inspiring poem that encourages the reader to hold on to their values, persevere through challenges, and maintain their integrity in the face of adversity. The poem is structured in a series of conditional statements, each one presenting a challenge that the reader must overcome to become a person of character.

The opening lines set the tone for the poem and establish the theme of the importance of maintaining one’s composure and keeping a level head in difficult situations. The speaker challenges the reader to be able to remain calm and collected in the midst of chaos and confusion, even when others are blaming them for the problem.

The second stanza encourages the reader to trust themselves even when others doubt them, while also acknowledging the importance of considering others’ opinions. The third stanza emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of obstacles and adversity, and the need to resist the temptation to resort to dishonesty or hatred.

The fourth stanza stresses the importance of having dreams and aspirations but not becoming a slave to them. The speaker encourages the reader to have a balanced perspective and not let their thoughts and ambitions consume them. The fifth stanza deals with the need to be able to handle success and failure with equal grace and not be swayed by either.

The sixth stanza stresses the importance of being able to handle criticism and setbacks and to be able to bounce back from failures. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of being able to continue pushing oneself even when faced with physical or emotional exhaustion.

The seventh stanza deals with the importance of maintaining one’s values and integrity, regardless of the situation. The speaker encourages the reader to be able to interact with people from all walks of life and to remain grounded in reality, regardless of their status.

The final stanza sums up the poem’s message by emphasizing the importance of making the most of every minute and every opportunity, and by reminding the reader that if they can accomplish all of the challenges presented in the poem, they will be a true success in life.

Overall, the poem is an inspiring and timeless piece of literature that encourages readers to strive for excellence and maintain their values, no matter what challenges they may face.

The Vocabulary of the Poem

Word	Meaning
Composure	calmness and self-control
Adversity	difficult circumstances or misfortune
Integrity	the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
Aspirations	a strong desire to achieve something
Slave	a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them
Grace	elegance or refinement of movement or gesture
Criticism	the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes
Setbacks	a reversal or check in progress
Exhaustion	a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue
Values	principles or standards of behavior
Confronted	face up to and deal with a problem or difficult situation
Overcome	succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty
Doubt	a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction
Wait	stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens
Lied	past tense of lie, to speak falsely or deliberately deceive someone
Hating	feeling intense or passionate dislike for someone
Dream	a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep
Impostors	a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others
Triumph	a great victory or achievement
Disaster	a sudden event causing great damage or loss
Bear	endure an ordeal or difficulty
Twisted	distort or change the meaning or context of something
Knaves	a dishonest or unscrupulous man
Trap	a device or stratagem for catching someone in a trap
Fools	a person who lacks good sense or judgment
Watch	observe or pay attention to someone or something
Stooping	bend one’s head or body forward and downward
Build	construct something by putting parts or material together
Heap	a large and disordered pile of things
Winnings	money or another valuable object won or obtained
Risk	a situation involving exposure to danger
Pitch-and-toss	a gambling game in which a coin is thrown and the player who correctly calls which side will come up wins the coin
Nerve	a person’s steadiness, courage, and sense of purpose
Sinew	a piece of tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone; a tendon or ligament.
Serve	perform duties or services for (another person or an organization)
Virtue	behavior showing high moral standards
Kings	a male ruler of a country who is not an emperor
Unforgiving	not willing to forgive or excuse faults or errors
Minute	a period of time equal to sixty seconds
Earth	the planet on which we live, the third planet from the sun in the solar system

20 Challenging Words from the Poem with Meanings

Word & IPA	Definition
Cleave /kliːv/	to split or sever something with a sharp instrument
Suborn /səˈbɔːrn/	to induce someone to commit an unlawful act, especially bribery or perjury
Impudence /ˈɪmpjʊdəns/	disrespectful behavior or speech
Prudence /ˈpruːdəns/	the quality of being careful and cautious in making decisions
Renown /rɪˈnaʊn/	the state of being known and celebrated by many people for one’s achievements or qualities
Arduous /ˈɑːdʒuəs/	involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring
Pallor /ˈpælər/	an unhealthy pale appearance
Requite /rɪˈkwaɪt/	to make appropriate return for (a favor, service, etc.)
Slander /ˈslændər/	the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation
Chastise /tʃæsˈtaɪz/	to rebuke or reprimand severely
Dissemble /dɪˈsɛmbəl/	to conceal one’s true motives, feelings, or beliefs
Ignominy /ˈɪɡnəmɪni/	public shame or disgrace
Obstinate /ˈɒbstɪnət/	stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action
Dilapidated /dɪˈlæpɪdeɪtɪd/	in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect
Gird /ɡɜːrd/	to prepare oneself for something difficult or challenging
Sordid /ˈsɔːdɪd/	involving immoral or unethical behavior
Unscrupulous /ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs/	having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair
Endeavor /ɪnˈdɛvə/	an attempt to achieve a goal
Condone /kənˈdəʊn/	to allow or overlook something considered wrong or objectionable
Cogitate	to think deeply and carefully about something

Some Important Question and Answer about the Poem

What is the poem “If” about?

The poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling is a moral instruction on how to live a virtuous life. It describes the qualities that an individual should possess, such as self-control, perseverance, honesty, and humility, in order to navigate life’s challenges and become a successful person.

What is the theme of the poem “If”?

The main theme of the poem “If” is the importance of character development and the virtues that an individual should strive to possess in order to become successful in life. The poem emphasizes the importance of self-control, patience, determination, honesty, and humility in achieving one’s goals.

What is the tone of the poem “If”?

The tone of the poem “If” is didactic, meaning that it is intended to teach a moral lesson. The poem is written in a calm and measured tone, conveying a sense of wisdom and authority.

What is the structure of the poem “If”?

The poem “If” is a rhyming quatrain, meaning that each stanza has four lines and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which describes a different quality or virtue that an individual should possess.

What is the significance of the last line of the poem “If”?

The last line of the poem “If” is “Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, / And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!” This line emphasizes the idea that if an individual possesses the virtues described in the poem, they will be successful in life and will have the world at their feet. The reference to “being a Man” suggests that these virtues are particularly important for men to possess, but the lesson is equally applicable to both men and women.

Literary Devices in ‘IF’

Metaphor: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same” Here, Triumph and Disaster are metaphorically referred to as impostors to convey the idea that success and failure are temporary and should be treated with equanimity.
Personification: “If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew / To serve your turn long after they are gone” Here, the heart, nerve, and sinew are personified as if they were people, to emphasize the importance of perseverance and determination.
Repetition: “If you can keep your head when all about you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you” The repetition of “if” at the beginning of each stanza emphasizes the importance of each condition, while the repetition of “you” emphasizes the individual responsibility.
Alliteration: “If you can fill the unforgiving minute / With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run” The repetition of the “f” sound in “fill” and “forgiving” and the “s” sound in “sixty seconds” create a musical effect.
Assonance: “If you can dream – and not make dreams your master” The repetition of the “e” sound in “dream” and “make” draws attention to the importance of balance.
Hyperbole: “And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss“ The idea of risking everything on a single toss of a coin is an exaggerated example of taking risks to achieve one’s goals.

Exercise of the Poem IF NEB Class -10

A. Match the words/phrases with their correct meanings.

Column A	Column B (Correct Meanings)
a. unforgiving	vii. not giving a second chance: not happening again
b. virtue	iii. behaviour showing high moral standards
c. sinew	vi. a strong band of tissues in the body
d. pitch-and-toss	v. a game of skill and chance
e. worn-out	ii. badly damaged and no longer useful
f. stoop	ix. to bend the body forwards and downwards
g. knave	viii. a person who cheats by pretending to be somebody else
h. triumph	iv. a great success, achievement or victory
i. impostor	vi. a dishonest person

B. Summary Completion

In ‘If’, Rudyard Kipling providesinspirationalinsights into life. In the first stanza, the poet suggests us to keep calm, have self- trust and bear failure. According to the poet, it is important to be thoughtful about an action before undertaking it. Similarly, balancing between success and failure is another important quality of a successful person. In the third stanza, the poet suggests us to value our winnings. We must devote our intellect, heart, and muscle in the work we do, and we should always have a strong will to achieve success. In the final stanza, the poet suggests us to maintain our truthfulness no matter who we are with. Most importantly, we must realize the importance of time.

C. Answer the following questions.

a. What does the poet suggest about dealing with lies?

➡ The poet suggests that one should never lie in their life, and maintain truthfulness and rise above negativity.

b. What do you mean by ‘not be tired by waiting’?

➡ ‘Not be tired by waiting’ means having patience and endurance without becoming weary or frustrated while waiting for something. It suggests the importance of perseverance and not losing hope.

c. Why should we not aim only to dream in life?

➡ The poet suggests that merely dreaming in life is not enough. One should not make dreams the sole focus or master, implying that action and practicality are also essential for achieving success.

d. How do you think we can achieve our dream?

➡ I think when we emphasize qualities such as perseverance, self-belief, truthfulness, resilience, and the ability to handle both triumph and disaster, and when applied these qualities in life, we can potentially help ourselves achieve our dream.

e. What Can knaves do to us?

➡ The poem suggests that knaves can twist the truth spoken by others to trap fools. It implies that deceitful individuals can manipulate or distort the words and actions of honest people to their advantage.

f. Why should we forget our failures in life?

➡ The poem encourages forgetting failures in life because dwelling on past failures can hinder progress and growth. To move forward and succeed, it is important to learn from failures, let go of the past, and focus on present and future opportunities.

g. What should we do if we lose the ‘pitch-and-toss’?

➡ If one loses in the game of “pitch-and-toss,” the poem suggests starting again at the beginning without dwelling on the loss or revealing it to others. It implies the importance of resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks without losing hope or being discouraged.

D. Suggestions for Success

What suggestions do your parents and teachers give you to be successful in life?

Setting clear and achievable goals to provide direction and purpose in life.
Hard work, dedication, and maintaining discipline in daily routines and tasks.
Maintaining a positive attitude, believing in oneself, and having confidence in one’s abilities.
Acquiring new knowledge, developing new skills, and staying updated in the respective fields.
Being willing to take calculated risks to grow and learn from.
Building positive relationships, fostering effective communication, and collaborating with others.

Grammar II: Prepositional Phrases

a. The accident took place as the bus and the lorry collided with each other.
b. Amin is brilliant at playing the violin.
c. Mr. Sharma is not interested in politics.
d. The criminal who took the lives of five is still at large.
e. I cannot contact him. His phone is out of reach.
f. The concert went out of hand. They had to call the police to take control.
g. Sanskriti is on a diet these days for fear that she will put on weight.
h. I cannot talk to you now. I am in a hurry.
i. Even though the plane had to take an emergency landing, all the passengers on board were safe and sound.
j. Would you like to make the payment in cash?

Failure as Pillar of Success

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I stand before you to shed light on a concept that is often misunderstood and feared: failure. Society tends to view failure as a stumbling block, a reason for discouragement and despair. But I firmly believe that failure, when embraced with the right mindset, can become the solid foundation upon which we build our success. Failure, my friends, can be the pillar of success.

Throughout history, countless renowned personalities have exemplified the power of failure in their own journeys. Take Thomas Edison, the brilliant inventor who gave us the incandescent light bulb. Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Despite experiencing repeated setbacks and failures, he saw each one as an opportunity to learn and grow. It was through his perseverance and ability to view failure as a stepping stone that he ultimately succeeded.

Another shining example is the visionary entrepreneur, Steve Jobs. He faced numerous obstacles and setbacks in his career, including being ousted from the company he co-founded. However, instead of succumbing to defeat, he used failure as a catalyst for growth. Jobs once said, “I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.” This setback led him to create another successful company, Pixar Animation Studios, and ultimately paved the way for his triumphant return to Apple, where he revolutionized the technology industry.

These inspiring individuals understood that failure is not a reflection of our abilities or worth but an opportunity to learn, adapt, and refine our strategies. Failure teaches us valuable lessons that success alone cannot provide. It strengthens our resilience, enhances our problem-solving skills, and fosters innovation.

Imagine a world without failure. A world where every endeavor succeeded on the first attempt. It would be a stagnant world devoid of progress and growth. Failure propels us forward, forcing us to reevaluate our methods, think outside the box, and push beyond our limits. It ignites our determination and fuels our hunger for success.

eption of failure from something to be avoided to something to be welcomed. Let us learn from the mistakes of others and ourselves, and let those mistakes become the catalyst for our growth.

Remember that failure does not define us. Our response to failure defines us. The greatest inventors, entrepreneurs, and leaders in history have stumbled and fallen along their paths, but they rose above their failures, stronger and more determined than ever.

As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, let us remember the words of J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author of the Harry Potter series, who once said, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

Embrace failure, my friends. Embrace it with open arms, for it is through failure that we discover our true potential and forge our path to success. Let it be the pillar that supports our dreams, and let our failures be the stepping stones towards a brighter future.

Thank you.