NCERT Class 9 English The World of Limitless Possibilities & Nine Gold Medals Solutions
Short Intro
This study material provides complete step-by-step solutions to all questions from the chapters “The World of Limitless Possibilities” and “Nine Gold Medals”. The answers are written in simple Unicode English for easy upload on educational portals like MyMockMate.
Quick Information Box
- Subject: English
- Topic: Paralympics and Special Olympics
- Book: Kaveri
- Chapters Covered:
- The World of Limitless Possibilities
- Nine Gold Medals
- Skills Covered: Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, Writing, Critical Thinking
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
- Reading Comprehension
- Fact and Opinion
- Cause and Effect
- Vocabulary Development
- Modal Auxiliaries
- Reported Speech
- Poetic Devices
- Tone and Mood
- Notice Writing
- Slogans and Poster Writing
- Inclusivity and Empathy
Important Formulas / Grammar Rules
Reported Speech Rules
- Remove quotation marks.
- Add reporting verbs such as said, told, says.
- Add linking word “that”.
- Pronouns change according to the speaker.
- Present tense generally changes to past tense.
Modal Auxiliary Functions
- Could → possibility, request, suggestion
- Should → advice, probability
- Would → past habit, request
- Couldn’t → inability
Chapter 1: The World of Limitless Possibilities
Reflect and Respond Solutions
1. Observations about Sheetal Devi
- She looks confident and determined.
- She is a para-archer with great talent.
- She inspires people with disabilities to follow their dreams.
2. Does this personality inspire you?
Yes, Sheetal Devi inspires me because she proves that determination and hard work can overcome physical limitations.
3. Caption
“Disability is not weakness; it is strength in another form.”
Reading for Meaning
Paralympics Table
| What I Know | What I Want to Know |
|---|---|
| Paralympics are games for athletes with disabilities. | How athletes are selected for Paralympics. |
| India participates in Paralympics. | History of Paralympic Games. |
Check Your Understanding
I. Fact Table Answers
- Diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of → 29 years
- Result of the surgery → Paralysed waist down and confined to wheelchair
- Named as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes globally by → International Paralympic Committee
- First successful Paralympic event → 2016 Rio Paralympic Games Shot-put Silver Medal
- List of firsts:
- First Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal
- First Indian female Paralympics medallist
- Awards won:
- Khel Ratna
- Arjuna Award
- Padma Shri
- Two things supported by her:
- Emotional health of persons with challenges
- Women empowerment through sports
II. Fact-Opinion or Cause-Effect
- Fact-Opinion
- Cause-Effect
III. Identify the Relationship
(i) Fact-Opinion → 2 (ii) Cause-Effect → 1
Critical Reflection
Extract 1 Solutions
(i)
The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly just like Dr. Malik transformed her difficult life into a successful and inspiring journey.
(ii)
She could switch comfortably because she already loved sports and had been a swimmer.
(iii)
The speaker calls it a breakthrough moment because she won a silver medal and changed people’s perceptions about disability.
(iv)
Correct Option: B. reflective
(v)
One perception changed was that disabled people are weak and incapable.
Extract 2 Solutions
(i)
Correct Option: (a) A and D
(ii)
preconceived notions : stereotypes
(iii)
True
(iv)
It tells us that the speaker became stronger and more confident.
(v)
“new lease of life”
Long Answer Solutions
1. How do Dr. Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions?
Dr. Deepa Malik’s achievements challenge the belief that people with disabilities cannot succeed in sports. She proved that determination and courage are more important than physical limitations.
2. Long-term impact of involving youth in advocacy
It can create awareness, empathy, and equality in society. Young people will learn to respect and support persons with disabilities.
3. Appropriateness of the title
The title is suitable because Dr. Malik transformed her struggles into opportunities and showed that life has limitless possibilities.
4. “Every setback is an opportunity…”
This teaches us that failures should motivate us to become stronger and work harder.
5. Contribution to gender equality
Her recognition encourages women, especially differently-abled women, to participate confidently in sports.
6. Meaning of “ability beyond disability”
It means a person’s talent and determination are greater than physical limitations.
7. Learnings from the interview
We learn the importance of confidence, determination, positivity, and hard work.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Match the Phrases
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| defy the odds | succeed despite difficulties |
| a new lease of life | become energetic again |
| in hindsight | understanding after event |
| breakthrough moment | important discovery or success |
| turn obstacles into stepping stones | use problems for growth |
Word Cline
crawl → creep → plod → amble → stroll → saunter → walk → jog → run → sprint → dart
Modal Auxiliary Answers
| Sentence | Function |
| could hear | past ability |
| couldn’t be helped | impossibility |
| should give | obligation/advice |
| would win | prediction |
Reported Speech Answers
Fill in the Changes
Dr. Malik Statement
- said added
- that added
- love → loved
- I → she
- had been unchanged
- decided → had decided
Interviewer Statement
- said added
- that added
- is → was
- your → her
Dr. Malik Statement
- says added
- that added
Conversation into Reported Speech
- had watched a documentary on para equestrian event on television the previous night
- it was very interesting to watch
- they also had to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse
- he would watch that documentary the following weekend
Writing Task Solution
Notice Writing
ABC School NOTICE 12 July 2026 Inter-School Athletic Meet Students interested in participating in the Inter-School Athletic Meet are requested to register their names for various events by 15 July 2026 in the Sports Room.
Riya Sharma Sports Captain
Practice MCQs
- Which medal did Dr. Deepa Malik win at Rio Paralympics? A. Gold B. Silver C. Bronze D. None Answer: B. Silver
- What does “resilience” mean? A. Weakness B. Courage to recover quickly C. Anger D. Fear Answer: B. Courage to recover quickly
- Which award was received by Dr. Malik? A. Bharat Ratna B. Nobel Prize C. Padma Shri D. Oscar Answer: C. Padma Shri
Common Mistakes
- Confusing fact with opinion.
- Incorrect tense changes in reported speech.
- Writing incomplete answers without explanation.
- Ignoring vocabulary meanings from context.
Exam Tips
- Read comprehension passages carefully.
- Highlight keywords before answering.
- Use proper grammar in reported speech.
- Write answers in simple and clear language.
Chapter 2: Nine Gold Medals
Short Intro
The poem “Nine Gold Medals” teaches the values of empathy, teamwork, kindness, and humanity through a touching incident during a race in the Special Olympics.
Check Your Understanding
I. Match the Words
| Word | Meaning |
| dashed in the dirt | destroyed |
| stumbled | almost fell |
| staggered | moved with difficulty |
| anguish | extreme pain |
| asphalt | road material |
II. Gist of Each Stanza
1 → Stanza 2 2 → Stanza 4 3 → Stanza 8 4 → Stanza 3 5 → Stanza 1 6 → Stanza 6 7 → Stanza 7 8 → Stanza 5
III. Appreciation of the Poem
1. Alliteration Examples
- “sound of the gun”
- “standing still”
2. Visual Imagery
- runners charging ahead
- athlete falling on asphalt
- contestants holding hands
3. Auditory Imagery
“the pistol exploded”
4. Importance of Imagery
Imagery makes the poem vivid and emotional.
5. Tone Change
The tone changes from excitement to sympathy and inspiration.
6. Overall Mood
The mood is emotional, inspiring, and compassionate.
7. Message of the Poem
Humanity and kindness are more important than winning.
Critical Reflection Solutions
Extract 1
(i)
Correct Option: B. stopped running
(ii)
Kindness
(iii)
Sympathetic and emotional
(iv)
He may have felt grateful and encouraged.
(v)
Yes, because it changed the race from competition to cooperation.
Extract 2
(i)
The contestants felt happy and proud.
(ii)
They were given gold medals because they showed true sportsmanship and humanity.
(iii)
unity and teamwork
(iv)
Correct Option: A. amazed
(v)
The last line means their actions expressed emotions more powerfully than words.
Long Answer Solutions
1. Atmosphere created in first two stanzas
The poet creates excitement and anticipation by describing athletes, spectators, and the final race.
2. Feelings of youngest athlete
He felt disappointed, hurt, and frustrated after falling.
3. Why were athletes eager?
They wanted to win medals after months of hard training.
4. Symbolism of race changing into walk
It symbolises cooperation, humanity, and empathy.
5. Difference if focus was individual achievement
The poem would lose its emotional impact and message of kindness.
6. Language and tone effect
Simple language and emotional tone make readers feel connected.
7. Poet’s purpose
The poet wanted to teach the importance of compassion and teamwork.
Vocabulary in Context
Adjective-Noun Collocations
- standing ovation
- young boy
- gold medals
Correct Adjectives
- youngest
- positive
- loud
- significant
- noisy
Speaking Activity Sample Answer
Personally, I believe that Special Olympics promote equality and confidence among differently-abled athletes. They encourage society to become more inclusive.
Writing Task – Slogans
- “Different Abilities, Same Dreams”
- “Together We Win”
- “Courage Beyond Limits”
FAQ Section
1. What is the main theme of “The World of Limitless Possibilities”?
The chapter focuses on determination, courage, and overcoming disability.
2. What is the message of “Nine Gold Medals”?
The poem teaches empathy, kindness, and teamwork.
3. Who is Dr. Deepa Malik?
She is India’s famous Paralympic athlete