The World of Limitless Possibilities
Exercise Question
Questions within the Lesson
Exercise Question
Check Your Understanding
I. Fill in the fact table given below based on the interviewwith Dr. Deepa Malik. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Ans:-
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| 1. Diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of | 29 years |
| 2. Result of the surgery | She became paralysed waist down and was bound to a wheelchair for life |
| 3. Named as one of the 10 most effective para-athletes by | International Paralympic Committee |
| 4. First successful Paralympic event | 2016 Rio Paralympic Games (won silver medal in shot-put) |
| 5. List of ‘firsts’ | (i) First Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics (ii) First Indian female Paralympics medallist across any sport |
| 6. Awards won | (i) Khel Ratna (ii) Arjuna Award (iii) Padma Shri |
| 7. Two things supported by her | (i) Emotional health and empowerment of persons with disabilities (ii) Support for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds by providing equipment |
II Read the two sets of sentences given below. Choose whether the given statements display: fact-opinion or cause-effect
(1)
(i) In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event.
(ii) I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions.
Answer: Fact–Opinion
(i) is a Fact (it can be proven)
(ii) is an Opinion (it shows personal feelings)
(2)
(i) I was diagnosed with a tumour in my spine.
(ii) I had a surgery and was told that I would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life.
Answer: Cause–Effect
(i) is the Cause
(ii) is the Effect
III Work in pairs to identify which of these pairs of sentences show:
1. Cause–Effect
2. Fact–Opinion
Write 1 or 2 in the boxes given.
(i) Dr. Deepa Malik was a member of the Working Group for the Formulation of Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012–17).
It is believed that she contributed greatly to create better sports policies for the persons with disabilities.
Answer: 2 (Fact–Opinion)
First sentence is a Fact
Second sentence is an Opinion (“It is believed…”)
(ii)Paralympics showcases incredible talent and determination of para-athletes.
The global perception on disabilities shifts, inspiring para-athletes to pursue their dreams.
Answer: 1 (Cause–Effect)
First sentence is the Cause
Second sentence is the Effect
Critical Reflection
Q. I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
I had two choices—squander my life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities. I love sports and had been a swimmer too, so I decided to switch to para-athletics. This is how my Paralympics journey began. My breakthrough moment came in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, when I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event. In hindsight, I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions.
(i) Give a reason for the following statement.
The speaker’s decision to transform her life can be likened to the concept of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
Answer: The speaker changed her life from a difficult situation to a successful one, just like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. It shows positive change, growth, and new possibilities.
(ii) Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics quite comfortably?
Answer: The speaker could switch to para-athletics comfortably because she already loved sports and had experience as a swimmer.
(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The speaker calls 2016 Rio Paralympic Games as a ‘breakthrough moment’ because she ________.
Answer: because she won a silver medal in the shot-put event.
(iv) Select the correct option to complete the sentence.
The phrase ‘in hindsight’ indicates the speaker is __________.
A. curious
B. reflective
C. determined
D. courageous
Answer: B. reflective
(v) The speaker uses the phrase ‘changing perceptions’. List one likely perception the speaker might have changed.
Answer: She may have changed the belief that persons with disabilities cannot succeed in sports.
Q. 2 Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:
Honestly, I feel sports, especially Paralympics, have the extraordinary ability to challenge stereotypes and change attitudes towards disability. When people witness the strength, skill, and competitive spirit of para-athletes, it breaks down preconceived notions. Paralympics has given me a new lease of life and helped me push boundaries.
(i) Choose the option that lists the words to describe the tone of the speaker.
A. appreciative
B. moralistic
C. sentimental
D. optimistic
E. defensive
Answer: (a) A and D (appreciative and optimistic)
(ii) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract.
ability : potential :: preconceived notions : ________
Answer: stereotypes
(iii) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Paralympics is a platform that not only showcases the remarkable abilities of para-athletes but also questions stereotypes.
Answer: True
(iv) What does ‘helped me push boundaries’ tell us about the speaker?
Answer: It tells us that the speaker did not limit herself and worked hard to achieve beyond expectations and overcome challenges.
(v) Which phrase from the extract suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life?
Answer: “given me a new lease of life”
II Answer the following questions:
1. Explain how Dr. Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions.
Answer: Dr. Malik’s achievements show that persons with disabilities can succeed in sports and life. Her success breaks the belief that they are weak or incapable and inspires others to think positively.
2. What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in schools and colleges in advocacy with respect to disability?
Answer: It can create awareness, reduce discrimination, and build a more inclusive society where people respect and support persons with disabilities.
3. Rationalise the appropriateness of the title of this text with reference to Dr. Deepa Malik’s attitude and achievements.
Answer: The title is appropriate because Dr. Deepa Malik turned her challenges into opportunities and achieved great success, showing that life has limitless possibilities with determination.
4. “Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength”. How might this be a life lesson for every individual, and not just sportspersons?
Answer: This means that difficulties can make a person stronger. Everyone can learn to face challenges positively and use them as opportunities to grow and succeed.
5. Examine how Dr. Deepa Malik’s recognition as one of the 10 most inspirational para-athletes globally contributes to the larger discourse on gender equality in sports.
Answer: Dr. Deepa Malik’s recognition shows that women, including those with disabilities, can achieve great success in sports. It promotes gender equality by proving that women are equally capable and deserve equal opportunities, respect, and recognition in sports.
6. How might Dr. Deepa Malik’s thought, ‘ability beyond disability’, serve as a guideline for success for all future para-athletes?
Answer: This thought teaches para-athletes to focus on their abilities instead of their disabilities. It encourages them to work hard, stay confident, and believe in themselves to achieve success despite challenges.
7. What have you learnt from this interview, and how can you implement these learnings in your life?
Answer: I have learnt to stay strong, positive, and never give up in difficult situations. I can implement these learnings by facing challenges bravely, working hard towards my goals, and believing in my abilities.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Q I. Work in pairs. Match the given phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Use the phrases in sentences of your own.
Ans:-
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. defy the odds | (iii) succeed in doing something when most people think it would result in failure |
| 2. a new lease of life | (v) an occasion when you become more energetic and active than earlier |
| 3. in hindsight | (iv) ability to understand something after it has happened |
| 4. breakthrough moment | (i) a time of significant development or discovery |
| 5. turn obstacles into stepping stones | (ii) overcome challenges and achieve goals |
Q II. A common word used in athletics is ‘sprinting’ which relates to movement. Read the words related to movement given in the box below.
Arrange them on the word cline in increasing order of pace from the slowest to the fastest. Some examples have been done for you.
Ans:-
Crawl → Creep → Plod → Amble → Saunter → Stroll → Walk → Jog → Run → Dart → Sprint
Q. III. Match the highlighted verbs in Column 1 with their functions in Column 2. There are two extra functions that you do not need.
The verbs in bold are called modal auxiliaries. Each of these modal verbs can perform various functions based on the situation in which they are used.
(1) I could hear the audience clapping.
Ans:- (v) past ability
(2) It couldn’t be helped.
Ans:- (vi) impossibility
(3) I should give it my best shot.
Ans:- (iv) obligation
(4) I knew if I tried, I would win.
Ans:- (iii) prediction
Extra options (not used):
(i) promise
(ii) possibility
Q.IV. Read the table which shows other functions of the modal auxiliaries.
Now, make sentences with the modal verbs given in the table above with each function of the modal verbs. Mention the function in brackets.
Answers:
You must finish your homework on time. (obligation)
She can solve this problem easily. (ability)
It may rain today. (possibility)
I will always support you. (promise)
He might come to the party. (possibility)
You should respect your elders. (advice/obligation)
We could see the mountains from our window. (past ability)
This cannot be true. (impossibility)
She would help anyone in need. (habit/past behaviour)
Shall we go for a walk? (suggestion)
Q.V.Read the following sentences.
Interviewer: You’ve been listed as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes globally by the International Paralympic Committee.
Dr. Malik: I love sports and had been a swimmer too, so I decided to switch to para-athletics.
(i) The sentences given above are in ______________________.
Answer: The sentences given above are in Direct Speech.
(ii) The sentences given above are ___________ sentences.
Answer: The sentences given above are declarative sentences.
Now, work in pairs. Observe the changes from Column 1 to Column 2. Note these changes in Column 3.One example has been done for you.
Ans:-
| Column 1 (Direct Speech) | Column 2 (Reported Speech) | Column 3 (Changes Noted) |
|---|---|---|
| Interviewer: You’ve been listed as one of the ten most inspirational women para-athletes globally by the International | The interviewer said that she had been listed as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes globally by the International Paralympic Committee. | 1. ‘said’ added 2. that—linking word added 3. have been → had been 4. you → she |
| Dr. Malik: I love sports and had been a swimmer too, and so I decided to switch to para-athletics. | Dr. Malik said that she loved sports and had been a swimmer too, and so she had decided to switch to para-athletics. | 1. ‘said’ added 2. that—linking word added 3. I → she 4. love → loved 5. I → she 6. decided → had decided |
| Interviewer: Your story is indeed a testament to the power of determination. | The interviewer said that her story was indeed a testament to the power of determination. | 1. ‘said’ added 2. that—linking word added 3. Your → her 4. is → was |
| Dr. Malik: I believe youth is the voice of tomorrow. | Dr. Malik says that she believes youth is the voice of tomorrow. | 1. ‘says’ added 2. that—linking word added 3. I → she |
Q. VI Read the conversation given below.
Siya: I watched a documentary on the para equestrian event on television last night.
Tarun: I didn’t know Paralympics has equestrian events.
Siya: It does. It was so interesting to watch.
Tarun: That’s wonderful. So, para equestrians must be training for months for this.
Siya: They also have to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse.
Tarun: I will watch this documentary the next weekend.
Change the conversation given above to reported speech.
Answer:–
Siya said that she had watched a documentary on the para equestrian event on television the previous night. Tarun replied that he hadn’t known that Paralympics had equestrian events. Siya added that it did and that it was very interesting to watch. Tarun remarked that it was wonderful and that para equestrians must be training for months for that. Siya replied that they also had to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse. Tarun said that he would watch that documentary the next weekend.
Writing Task
I. Read the details about a notice in the table given below.
II. The Sports Club of your school is organising an Inter-school Athletic Meet. As the Sports Captain, draft a notice in not more than 50 words asking interested students to register themselves for selection in different events. Add all necessary details. Do not forget to design your notice within a box.
Answer:-
————————————–
ABC SCHOOL
NOTICE
Date: 10 April 2026
INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEET
Students interested in participating in the Inter-school Athletic Meet are requested to register their names for selection in various events. Submit your names to the Sports Department by 15 April 2026.
Rohit Sharma
Sports Captain
————————————–
Questions within the Lesson
NCERT Intext Questions for Class 9 English – (Page no – 137 & 138)
Reflect and Respond
I. This is a picture of Sheetal Devi, a para-archer who was honoured with the Arjuna Award in January 2024.
1. Look at the picture carefully and share your observations with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: The picture shows Sheetal Devi, a para-archer, aiming her bow with full concentration. She looks confident and determined. Despite her physical challenges, she is performing her sport with great skill. The image shows courage, strength, and dedication.
2. Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.
Answer: Yes, this personality inspires me a lot. She proves that physical disabilities cannot stop a person from achieving success. Her hard work, confidence, and positive attitude motivate me to face difficulties in life bravely and never lose hope.
3. Give a caption for this picture.
Answer: “Courage Beyond Limits”
II Complete the table given below about Paralympics.Share your responses with your classmates and teacher.
Ans:-
| What I know | What I want to know |
|---|---|
| Paralympics is an international sports event for athletes with disabilities. | How are athletes selected for the Paralympics? |
| It includes different types of sports like athletics, swimming, etc. | What kind of training do Paralympic athletes undergo? |
| It shows the strength, talent, and determination of athletes. | How has the Paralympics changed people’s views about disability? |











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