NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5

Inclusivity means creating equal opportunities, respect, access, and participation for every person, regardless of ability, background, or limitation.

In Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5, inclusivity is explored through Dr Deepa Malik’s Paralympic journey and the poem “Nine Gold Medals”, where courage, empathy, teamwork, and dignity become more important than winning alone.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 help students answer textbook questions from The World of Limitless Possibilities and Nine Gold Medals by David Roth. The chapter focuses on Paralympics, disability rights, resilience, ability beyond disability, Special Olympics, empathy, sportsmanship, modal auxiliaries, reported speech, notice writing, slogans, and poster writing. These Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 solutions are written in a clear school-answer format for prose, poem, vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and writing tasks.

Key Takeaways

• Prose focus: “The World of Limitless Possibilities” presents Dr Deepa Malik’s journey of courage, self-belief, and advocacy.
• Main idea: Physical disability does not define a person’s potential or achievements.
• Poem focus: “Nine Gold Medals” shows that empathy and collective support can be greater than individual victory.
• Language skills: The chapter practises phrase meanings, movement words, modal auxiliaries, reported speech, notice writing, slogans, and poster writing.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 Structure 2026

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5: The World of Limitless Possibilities

Reflect and Respond

I. Observations on Sheetal Devi’s picture

Answer:
Sheetal Devi is shown as a determined para-archer. She inspires us because she proves that courage, discipline, practice, and self-belief can overcome physical challenges. Her success shows that ability is not limited by disability.

Caption:
“Aiming Beyond Limits”

II. Complete the table about Paralympics.

Check Your Understanding: The World of Limitless Possibilities

I. Fill in the fact table.

II. Fact-opinion or cause-effect

Explanation:
In Set 1, the silver medal win is a fact, while calling it a personal victory and a step towards changing perceptions is an opinion or reflection.

In Set 2, the tumour diagnosis is the cause, and surgery with wheelchair dependence is the effect.

III. Identify the sentence pairs.

Critical Reflection: The World of Limitless Possibilities

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. Why can the speaker’s decision be compared to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly?
   The comparison is suitable because Dr Deepa Malik transformed a painful setback into a powerful new life. Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, she moved from limitation and struggle to confidence, achievement, and inspiration.
2. Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics comfortably?
   She could switch comfortably because she loved sports and had been a swimmer earlier. Her interest in sports helped her begin a new journey in para-athletics.
3. Complete the sentence.
   The speaker calls the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games a “breakthrough moment” because she won a silver medal in shot-put and became India’s first female Paralympic medallist across any sport.
4. Select the correct option.
   The phrase “in hindsight” indicates the speaker is B. reflective.
5. List one perception she might have changed.
   She changed the perception that people with disabilities cannot compete at the highest level or achieve global sporting success.

Extract 2

1. Choose the speaker’s tone.
   The correct answer is (a) A and D: appreciative and optimistic.
2. Complete the analogy.
   ability : potential :: preconceived notions : stereotypes
3. State whether true or false.
   Paralympics is a platform that not only showcases the remarkable abilities of para-athletes but also questions stereotypes.
   Answer: True.
4. What does “helped me push boundaries” tell us about the speaker?
   It shows that Dr Deepa Malik challenged limits, tried harder, moved beyond social expectations, and refused to let disability define her life.
5. Which phrase suggests that she transformed her life?
   The phrase is “a new lease of life”.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. How do Dr Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions?

Answer:
Dr Malik’s achievements challenge the belief that disability limits talent, strength, or success. She became India’s first female Paralympic medallist and won several prestigious awards. Her success proves that people with disabilities can compete, lead, inspire, and create change.

2. What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in disability advocacy?

Answer:
Involving youth can create a more inclusive society. Students who learn about disability rights and para-sports may become more sensitive, respectful, and supportive. Over time, this can reduce stereotypes, improve accessibility, and encourage equal opportunities in schools, sports, and workplaces.

3. Justify the title “The World of Limitless Possibilities”.

Answer:
The title is appropriate because Dr Deepa Malik’s life shows that possibilities do not end with disability. After being paralysed waist down, she chose para-athletics and went on to win national and international recognition. Her attitude, achievements, and advocacy prove that courage and determination can open new paths.

4. How is “Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength” a life lesson?

Answer:
This line teaches that difficulties can become chances for growth. A setback may be failure, illness, loss, rejection, or disappointment. Instead of giving up, a person can use it to become stronger, learn new skills, and inspire others. This lesson applies to students, workers, sportspersons, and everyone facing challenges.

5. How does Dr Malik’s global recognition contribute to gender equality in sports?

Answer:
Her recognition shows that women para-athletes deserve equal visibility, respect, and support. It challenges both gender bias and disability bias. Her success encourages girls and women, especially those with disabilities, to enter sports and claim their space in national and international competitions.

6. How can “ability beyond disability” guide future para-athletes?

Answer:
“Ability beyond disability” teaches future para-athletes to focus on their strengths rather than limitations. It encourages self-belief, discipline, training, and resilience. It also reminds society to recognise talent before disability.

7. What have you learnt from this interview?

Answer:
I have learnt that determination, family support, mental strength, and self-belief can help a person overcome serious challenges. I can apply this by facing difficulties with courage, avoiding negative thinking, respecting people with disabilities, and supporting inclusion in school and society.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Match phrases with meanings and use in sentences.

Sentences:

1. Dr Malik managed to defy the odds through courage and training.
2. Sports gave her a new lease of life.
3. In hindsight, she saw Rio 2016 as a turning point.
4. Winning the medal was her breakthrough moment.
5. We should turn obstacles into stepping stones instead of giving up.

II. Movement word cline from slowest to fastest

Answer:

Creep → Crawl → Plod → Stroll → Saunter → Amble → Walk → Jog → Run → Dart → Sprint

III. Match modal auxiliaries with functions.

IV. Sentences using modal auxiliaries

V. Direct and reported speech

The sentences given in the textbook are in direct speech.
They are declarative sentences.

Changes from direct to reported speech

VI. Change the conversation 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 had been 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 following weekend.

Writing Task: Notice

ABC PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE
22 May 2026

Inter-school Athletic Meet Selection

The Sports Club is organising selections for the Inter-school Athletic Meet on 28 May 2026 at 8:00 a.m. on the school ground. Interested students from Classes 9-12 may register for sprint, relay, long jump, shot-put, and javelin events by 25 May.

Anirudh
Sports Captain

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5: Nine Gold Medals

Reflect and Respond

I. Difference between Olympics, Special Olympics, and Paralympics

II. Match empathy, sympathy, and compassion.

III. Words associated with empathy

Answer:
Understanding, kindness, patience, support, listening, care, respect, sensitivity, warmth, and compassion.

Check Your Understanding: Nine Gold Medals

I. Match words and phrases with meanings.

II. Identify the gist of each stanza.

III. Let us appreciate the poem.

1. Two examples of alliteration:
   (i) “sound of the gun”
   (ii) “standing ovation”
2. Three examples of visual imagery:
   (i) “The spectators gathered around the old field”
   (ii) “nine resolved athletes in the back of the starting line”
   (iii) “finish line holding hands still”
3. Example of auditory imagery:
   “The pistol exploded”
4. How does imagery make the poem appealing?
   Imagery helps readers see the race, hear the pistol, feel the tension, and imagine the athletes holding hands. It makes the poem emotional and vivid.
5. How does the poet’s tone change?
   The tone begins with excitement and anticipation. It becomes tense and sorrowful when the young athlete falls. It finally becomes warm, admiring, and celebratory when all nine athletes finish together.
6. What is the overall mood?
   The overall mood is inspiring, emotional, and uplifting.
7. What message does the poem convey?
   The poem conveys that empathy, teamwork, and human kindness are greater than individual victory. True sportsmanship means supporting others.

Critical Reflection: Nine Gold Medals

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. Select the correct option.
   The phrase “pulled up on their heels” means that the runners B. stopped running.
2. Mention one common character trait.
   All eight runners show compassion.
3. What is the tone of the poet?
   The tone is admiring and emotional.
4. How might the young athlete have felt?
   He might have felt comforted, grateful, surprised, and encouraged when the others helped him.
5. Is this a turning point in the poem?
   Yes, it is a turning point because the race changes from a competition for individual medals into an act of collective kindness and sportsmanship.

Extract 2

1. How did the nine contestants feel?
   They felt happy, proud, united, and satisfied because they finished the race together.
2. Why were all nine given gold medals?
   All nine were given gold medals because they chose compassion over competition. Their shared act of support represented the true spirit of the Special Olympics.
3. Complete the sentence.
   The holding of hands signifies a feeling of unity, empathy, and togetherness.
4. Choose the correct option.
   The spectators giving a “standing ovation” indicates that they were A. amazed.
5. Explain the last line.
   The last line means that the athletes’ smiles and actions expressed more than words could. Their kindness, unity, and joy were powerful enough to speak for themselves.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. How do the first two stanzas create atmosphere?

Answer:
The first two stanzas create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Athletes from different parts of the country have trained for months. Spectators gather and cheer around the field. This builds suspense before the final race begins.

2. How might the youngest athlete have felt when he fell?

Answer:
He might have felt shocked, disappointed, frustrated, and heartbroken. He had trained for a long time, and his dream of winning seemed destroyed when he fell.

3. Why were the athletes eager to begin the race?

Answer:
The athletes were eager because they had trained for weeks and months. They wanted to compete, do their best, and win medals.

4. What does the hundred-yard dash becoming a walk symbolise?

Answer:
It symbolises the victory of empathy over competition. The athletes no longer race against each other; they walk together to support the fallen runner. The event becomes a celebration of unity.

5. How would the poem differ if it focused only on individual achievement?

Answer:
If the poem focused only on individual achievement, it would become a simple sports poem about winning. Its emotional power would reduce. The message of compassion, inclusion, and shared victory would be lost.

6. How does language and tone engage the reader?

Answer:
The poet uses simple language, action words, visual imagery, and emotional contrast. The tone moves from excitement to sadness and then to admiration. This keeps readers involved and makes the ending powerful.

7. What might be the poet’s purpose?

Answer:
The poet’s purpose is to show that true victory lies in kindness, empathy, and human values. The poem encourages readers to value people over prizes.

Vocabulary in Context: Nine Gold Medals

I. Adjective-noun collocations from the poem

Two examples are:

• Final event
• Standing ovation

Another example:

• Young boy

II. Complete adjective-noun collocation table.

III. Choose the correct adjectives.

1. The littlest athlete was moving at a steady pace. youngest
2. The eight athletes had a smiling attitude. positive
3. When the athlete fell, he gave a huge cry of pain. loud
4. The spectators saw a terrible difference in the athletes who had only come to compete. significant
5. The gaudy crowd cheered the runners enthusiastically. noisy

Writing Task: Slogans on Special Olympics

Answer:

1. Special Olympics: Champions of Courage and Kindness
2. Different Abilities, One Winning Spirit
3. Together We Run, Together We Rise

Writing Task: Poster on Special Olympics

SPECIAL OLYMPICS AWARENESS DRIVE
Different Abilities, One Winning Spirit

Join us to celebrate courage, inclusion, and teamwork.

Highlights:

• Talk on Special Olympics
• Student awareness rally
• Inclusive games
• Poster and slogan display

Date: 28 May 2026
Venue: School Auditorium
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Let every athlete shine. Support inclusion. Celebrate ability.

Issued by: Sports Club

Topics Covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5

• The World of Limitless Possibilities Class 9
• Dr Deepa Malik Class 9 English
• Paralympics Class 9 English
• Disability rights and inclusion
• Ability beyond disability
• Resilience and fortitude
• Changing stereotypes through sports
• Advocacy and accessibility
• Fact-opinion and cause-effect
• Nine Gold Medals Class 9
• David Roth Nine Gold Medals
• Special Olympics Class 9 English
• Empathy, sympathy, and compassion
• Sportsmanship and teamwork
• Visual and auditory imagery
• Modal auxiliaries Class 9 English
• Reported speech Class 9 English
• Notice writing
• Slogan and poster writing

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Structure 2026