Walt Disney: An Example of Struggle and Success [Success & Celebration] - NEB English Class 10 Exercise

Walt Disney: An Example of Struggle and Success [Success & Celebration] - NEB English Class 10 Exercise
Walt Disney: An Example of Struggle and Success

1. Core Reading Text

Chapter Context: This biographical text explores the profound challenges and ultimate triumphs of Walt Disney, proving that success is rarely a straight line.

Walt Disney (1901-1966) was an American entrepreneur, animator, and film producer who co-founded The Walt Disney Company. He revolutionized animation, creating iconic characters like Mickey Mouse. Disney's vision led to the opening of Disneyland in 1955, the world's first theme park, and the subsequent development of Walt Disney World Resort.

His company produced successful films such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "The Lion King." Disney received numerous awards, including 22 Academy Awards. His enduring legacy is seen in the continued success of Disney media, franchises, and theme parks, shaping the entertainment industry for generations.


2. Vocabulary & Idioms Mastery

A. Use the Correct Words/Phrases

Instruction: Fill in the blanks using the following words:
(domineering, solace, apprentice, bankrupt, plotting, afloat, mounting, harness, perseverance, colossal)
a. Kisan had to sell his house to keep his business __________.

Answer: afloat

b. He was accused of __________ the robbery of the bank.

Answer: plotting

c. Scientists are trying to __________ the sun's rays as a new source of energy.

Answer: harness

d. Many companies went __________ during the economic depression.

Answer: bankrupt

e. Courage and __________ are the keys to success in life.

Answer: perseverance

f. The government had __________ pressure from the public to withdraw the bill.

Answer: mounting

g. After his graduation, he worked as an __________ electrician in a company.

Answer: apprentice

h. The government spent a __________ amount of money on the renovation of the historical buildings.

Answer: colossal

i. Kathy was brought up by an unkind __________ stepmother.

Answer: domineering

j. Patrick took __________ in the company of his mates.

Answer: solace

B. Phrases/Idioms — Meanings & Sentences

Idiom / Phrase Meaning Example Sentence
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.

3. Reading Comprehension

C. Chronological Order of Events

Task: Arrange the major events of Disney's life in the correct chronological sequence.

Correct Order:

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

D. Answer the Questions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

Read Sample Answer

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.


4. Pronunciation & Speaking Skills

Pronunciation Table

Word Pronunciation Parts of Speech No. of Syllables Stressed Syllable
extraordinarily/ɪkˈstrɔːdnrəli/adverbsixsecond
sibling/ˈsɪblɪŋ/nountwofirst
adversity/ədˈvɜːsəti/nounfoursecond
renegotiate/ˌriːnɪˈɡəʊʃieɪt/verbfivethird
venture/ˈventʃə(r)/noun/verbtwofirst
enterprise/ˈentəpraɪz/nounthreefirst
animation/ˌænɪˈmeɪʃn/nounfourthird

Speaking — Congratulating

Real-World English: Practice these common phrases used for congratulating someone on their success.
  1. “Congratulations! You got a GPA of 4.0. You really deserve this success.”
  2. “That’s wonderful news! Congratulations on the arrival of your baby girl.”
  3. “My warmest congratulations to you on your new job.”
  4. “Well done! You’ve been promoted. I’m so proud of you.”
  5. “Congratulations on your graduation! You did it.”
  6. “I commend you on your success. Winning that trophy is a big achievement.”

5. Grammar I (Prepositions)

A. Choose the correct prepositions and complete the sentences.

a. A: When did you reach school? B: I reached sometime _______ 9:00 to 9:15 am.

Answer: between (ii)

b. I usually stay in my office _______ 10 am to 4 pm.

Answer: from (iv)

c. You should finish your test _______ next 30 minutes.

Answer: in (iii)

d. Noor worked in the hotel _______ 2010.

Answer: in (ii)

e. I have been looking _______ my spectacles. I don't remember where I kept them.

Answer: for (iv)

f. Mr. Shahi has ten members working _______ him.

Answer: under (i)

g. There is a knock _______ the door. Who can be calling us now?

Answer: on (i)

h. Kritika is _______ her twenties.

Answer: in (ii)

i. There is a great deal _______ violence in some countries.

Answer: of (i)

j. Their discussion turned _______ an unpleasant quarrel.

Answer: into (ii)

B. Complete the following with in, on, or at.

a. _______ 100 degrees Celsius.

Answer: at

b. went _______ a trip.

Answer: on

c. sit _______ the dark.

Answer: in

d. married _______ the young age of 20.

Answer: at

e. developed _______ a great pace.

Answer: at

f. _______ my opinion.

Answer: In

g. news _______ the radio.

Answer: on

h. not _______ home _______ the moment.

Answer: at / at


6. Writing I

A. Message of Congratulations (School Notice Board)

Drafting Tip: Notices should be formal, concise, and clearly state who is issuing the message.
View Notice Example

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

View Letter Example

Dhapakhel, Lalitpur
September 1, 2026

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,
Ramji Acharya

About the author

Kathmandu University, School of Education

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