The newly introduced Class 9 English curriculum brings forth inspiring chapters that aim to build character, empathy, and critical thinking among students. Chapter 5, titled “The World of Limitless Possibilities,” is a stellar addition that highlights the extraordinary journeys of para-athletes who have shattered societal stereotypes and redefined human potential. To help students master this chapter and secure perfect scores in their school and board examinations, we present 100% complete, flawless, and textbook-accurate solutions. Designed by senior NCERT content architects and CBSE grading experts, these solutions strictly adhere to the official marking schemes, ensuring that every question from the textbook is comprehensively addressed.
NCERT Solutions for Reflect and Respond Section
The “Reflect and Respond” section of Class 9 English Chapter 5, “The World of Limitless Possibilities,” serves as an introductory gateway to sensitize students toward the achievements of differently-abled individuals. By focusing on real-life icons like Sheetal Devi, the curriculum aims to foster empathy, break stereotypes, and encourage students to reflect on the power of human resilience. This section lays the groundwork for understanding how determination can overcome physical challenges.
Reflect and Respond
Question 1
Look at the picture of Sheetal Devi (the para-archer who was honoured with the Arjuna Award in January 2024) carefully and share your observations with your classmates and teacher. (Page No. 138)
Answer:
Upon observing the picture of Sheetal Devi, we see an extraordinary young athlete who, despite having no arms, uses her feet, legs, and shoulder to operate her bow and arrow with unbelievable precision and focus. Her posture reflects immense concentration, physical strength, and an indomitable spirit. This visual representation highlights that physical limitations are not barriers to achieving world-class excellence when backed by sheer willpower and rigorous training.
Question 2 (Page No. 138) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.
Answer:
Yes, Sheetal Devi is deeply inspiring because she has redefined the boundaries of human capability. She teaches us that resilience and adaptability can turn any adversity into an opportunity. Her journey from a remote village to winning the prestigious Arjuna Award proves that mental fortitude and consistent hard work are the ultimate keys to success, motivating us to face our own daily challenges without giving excuses.
Question 3
Give a caption for this picture. (Page No. 138)
Answer:
An appropriate and powerful caption for this picture would be: “Aiming High: No Arms, Limitless Dreams” or “The Triumph of Will over Limitations.”
Question 4
Complete the table given below about Paralympics. Share your responses with your classmates and teacher. (Page No. 138)
Answer:
Under the “What I know” column, we can write: The Paralympics is a major international multi-sport event for athletes with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities, held immediately after the Olympic Games in the same host city. Under the “What I want to know” column, we can write: I want to know about the classification system used to ensure fair competition among athletes with different types of impairments, and the history of India’s participation and medal tallies in the Winter Paralympics.
Class 9 English Check Your Understanding Answers
The “Check Your Understanding” section is designed to evaluate students’ comprehension of the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik. It tests their ability to extract factual data, differentiate between objective facts and subjective opinions, and identify cause-and-effect relationships within the text. Mastering these exercises is crucial for developing analytical reading skills required in CBSE Class 9 English examinations.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
Fill in the fact table given below based on the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher. (Page No. 143)
- diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of
- result of the surgery
- named as one of the 10 most effective para-athletes by
- first successful Paralympic event
- list of ‘firsts’: (i) ____, (ii) ____, (iii) ____
- awards won: (i) ____, (ii) ____, (iii) ____
- two things supported by her: (i) ____, (ii) ____
Answer:
The completed Fact Table based on the textbook interview is as follows:
- Diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of: 29 years old.
- Result of the surgery: Paralysed waist down and bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
- Named as one of the 10 most effective para-athletes by: International Paralympic Committee.
- First successful Paralympic event: 2016 Rio Paralympic Games (secured silver medal in shot-put).
- List of ‘firsts’: (i) First ever Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics, (ii) First ever Indian female Paralympics medallist across any sport, (iii) First female para-athlete to receive the Khel Ratna.
- Awards won: (i) Khel Ratna, (ii) Arjuna Award, (iii) Padma Shri Award.
- Two things supported by her: (i) Empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure activities, (ii) Providing equipment to para sportspersons from lower socio-economic strata.
Question 2
Read the two sets of sentences given below. Choose whether the given statements display: fact-opinion or cause-effect. (Page No. 143)
(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.
(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:
Set (1) displays a fact-opinion relationship. Sentence (i) is a verifiable fact (securing the silver medal), while sentence (ii) is an opinion reflecting Dr. Malik’s personal feelings and perceptions. Set (2) displays a cause-effect relationship. Sentence (i) is the cause (diagnosis of spinal tumour), and sentence (ii) is the direct effect (undergoing surgery and being wheelchair-bound).
Question 3
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. (Page No. 144)
(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.
(ii) Paralympics showcases incredible talent and determination of para-athletes. / The global perception on disabilities shifts, inspiring para-athletes to pursue their dreams.
Answer (i):
This pair of sentences represents a fact-opinion relationship (Option 2). The first sentence is a historical fact regarding her membership in the Working Group, while the second sentence (“It is believed…”) represents a widely held opinion or perception about her contribution.
Answer (ii):
This pair of sentences represents a cause-effect relationship (Option 1). The showcase of incredible talent and determination at the Paralympics acts as the cause, which leads to the direct effect of shifting global perceptions and inspiring other para-athletes to pursue their dreams.
Critical Reflection Solved Questions and Answers
Critical Reflection
Question 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Page No. 144)
“I had two choices—squander my life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities… In hindsight, I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions.”
(i) Give a reason: The speaker’s decision to transform her life can be likened to the concept of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
(ii) Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics quite comfortably?
(iii) Complete: The speaker calls 2016 Rio Paralympic Games as a ‘breakthrough moment’ because ____.
(iv) Select the correct option: The phrase ‘in hindsight’ indicates the speaker is __. (A. curious, B. reflective, C. determined, D. courageous)
(v) List one likely perception the speaker might have changed.
Answer:
(i) The transformation is similar because she broke out of the confines of her physical limitations (the cocoon) to emerge as a strong, independent achiever (the butterfly) who spreads hope.
(ii) She could switch comfortably because she loved sports and had already been a swimmer before her diagnosis.
(iii) …because she secured the silver medal in shot-put, proving her potential on a global stage and changing societal perceptions.
(iv) The correct option is B. reflective.
(v) She changed the perception that wheelchair-bound individuals are dependent and cannot compete in high-level athletic events.
Question 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Page No. 145)
“Honestly, I feel sports, especially Paralympics, have the extraordinary ability to challenge stereotypes… 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. (a) A and D, (b) B, D, and E, (c) B and C, (d) A, C, and E.
(ii) Complete the analogy: ability : potential :: preconceived notions: __
(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.
(iv) What does ‘helped me push boundaries’ tell us about the speaker?
(v) Which phrase from the extract suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life?
Answer:
(i) The correct option is (a) A and D (appreciative and optimistic).
(ii) preconceived notions: stereotypes.
(iii) The statement is True.
(iv) It shows that she is highly determined, resilient, and constantly strives to exceed her own physical and mental limits.
(v) The phrase is “a new lease of life”.
Question 3 (Page No. 146) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer the following questions:
- Explain how Dr. Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions.
- What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in schools and colleges in advocacy with respect to disability?
- Rationalise the appropriateness of the title of this text with reference to Dr. Deepa Malik’s attitude and achievements.
Answer:
- Dr. Malik’s achievements challenge the stereotype that disabled individuals are passive recipients of charity. By winning global medals, she proved that they possess extraordinary athletic capabilities.
- Involving youth creates an inclusive, empathetic future society where disability is normalized, and accessibility becomes a standard design in public infrastructure rather than an afterthought.
- The title “The World of Limitless Possibilities” is highly appropriate because Dr. Malik refused to let her wheelchair define her. Her attitude of choosing “ability beyond disability” allowed her to conquer multiple sports, proving that human potential is infinite.
Question 4 (Page No. 146) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
Answer the following questions:
- “Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength”. How might this be a life lesson for every individual, and not just sportspersons?
- 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.
- How might Dr. Deepa Malik’s thought, ‘ability beyond disability’, serve as a guideline for success for all future para-athletes?
- What have you learnt from this interview, and how can you implement these learnings in your life?
Answer:
- This teaches us that failures are not dead ends but detours that test our resilience, helping us build character and discover hidden strengths.
- Her global recognition highlights that female para-athletes face double marginalization (gender and disability) yet can achieve pinnacle success, paving the way for equal funding, media coverage, and respect.
- It serves as a guiding light by shifting the focus from what is lost to what can be achieved, encouraging athletes to train their minds to overcome physical deficits.
- I learnt that mental resilience is stronger than physical limitations. I will implement this by stopping self-pity, embracing challenges positively, and advocating for the inclusion of differently-abled peers in my school.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context Solutions
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Question 1
Work in pairs. Match the given phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Use the phrases in sentences of your own. (Page No. 147)
Column 1: 1. defy the odds, 2. a new lease of life, 3. in hindsight, 4. breakthrough moment, 5. turn obstacles into stepping stones.
Column 2: (i) a time of significant development or discovery, (ii) overcome challenges and achieve goals, (iii) succeed in doing something when most people think it would result in failure, (iv) ability to understand something after it has happened, (v) an occasion when you become more energetic and active than earlier.
Answer:
The correct matches and their contextual sentences are:
- defy the odds – (iii) succeed in doing something when most people think it would result in failure. Sentence: Despite his poor background, Ramesh managed to defy the odds and clear the civil services exam.
- a new lease of life – (v) an occasion when you become more energetic and active than earlier. Sentence: Joining the sports club gave the retired soldier a new lease of life.
- in hindsight – (iv) ability to understand something after it has happened. Sentence: In hindsight, I realize that taking up science was the best decision of my life.
- breakthrough moment – (i) a time of significant development or discovery. Sentence: Winning the national championship was a breakthrough moment for the young tennis player.
- turn obstacles into stepping stones – (ii) overcome challenges and achieve goals. Sentence: Successful people always know how to turn obstacles into stepping stones.
Question 2
Arrange the words related to movement given in the box on the word cline in increasing order of pace from the slowest to the fastest: crawl, saunter, run, amble, dart, walk, jog, sprint, plod, creep, stroll. (Page No. 148)
Answer:
The correct arrangement on the word cline from the slowest to the fastest pace is:
crawl -> creep -> plod -> amble -> stroll -> saunter -> walk -> jog -> run -> dart -> sprint.
Question 3
Match the highlighted verbs in Column 1 with their functions in Column 2. (Page No. 148)
Column 1: 1. I could hear the audience clapping. 2. It couldn’t be helped. 3. I should give it my best shot. 4. I knew if I tried, I would win.
Column 2: (i) promise, (ii) possibility, (iii) prediction, (iv) obligation, (v) past ability, (vi) impossibility.
Answer:
The correct matches for the modal auxiliaries are:
- I could hear the audience clapping. -> (v) past ability
- It couldn’t be helped. -> (vi) impossibility
- I should give it my best shot. -> (iv) obligation
- I knew if I tried, I would win. -> (iii) prediction
Question 4
Make sentences with the modal verbs (could, couldn’t, should, would) based on their functions shown in the textbook table. Also, identify the speech and sentence types for the given sentences in Part V. (Page No. 149)
Answer:
Modal Sentences:
- could (possibility): It could rain later this evening.
- could (unreal ability): If I had wings, I could fly to the mountains.
- could (request): Could you please pass the salt?
- could (suggestion): We could try the new Italian restaurant down the street.
- couldn’t (inability): I couldn’t solve the last math problem.
- should (probability): The train should arrive by 8:00 PM.
- should (advice): You should sleep early to stay healthy.
- would (request): Would you mind closing the window?
- would (past habit): During summer, we would swim in the river every afternoon.
Part V Identification: The sentences are in Direct Speech and are declarative sentences.
Part VI Reported Speech:
Siya said that she (1) 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 (2) it did and it had been so interesting to watch. Tarun remarked that it was wonderful and that para equestrians must be training for months for that. Siya replied that (3) they also had to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse. Tarun said that (4) he would watch that documentary the following weekend.
Class 9 English Listen and Respond Solved Tasks
Listen and Respond
Question 1
You will listen to an announcement for special assembly in school. As you listen, fill in the blanks with one or two exact words. (Page No. 152)
- The venue for the special assembly is the __.
- A presentation on inclusion will be made by the __.
- The dance performance will focus on the themes of ___ and ____.
- A ___ will be conducted by experts who support inclusion.
- The celebration will end with a ___ to encourage team work.
Answer:
Based on the listening transcript, the completed blanks are:
- The venue for the special assembly is the school auditorium.
- A presentation on inclusion will be made by the Inclusion Club.
- The dance performance will focus on the themes of diversity and unity.
- A panel discussion will be conducted by experts who support inclusion.
- The celebration will end with a collaborative game to encourage teamwork.
Question 2
Interview the Sports Captain and the Sports Coach of your school. Work in pairs. One of you can be the interviewer and the other the interviewee in the informal interview. (Informal Interview with Sports Captain). (Page No. 152)
Answer:
Interviewer: Hello! I’m so glad that you agreed to meet me for this interview. Tell me about yourself and your love for sports.
Sports Captain: Hi! It’s my pleasure. I’ve been passionate about athletics since class 5. For me, sports is not just a game; it’s a way of life that teaches discipline.
Interviewer: Did you face any challenges? How did you deal with them?
Sports Captain: Yes, balancing academics and daily practice was tough. I dealt with it by creating a strict timetable and sticking to it.
Interviewer: What are some impressive achievements you’ve had? How do you feel about them?
Sports Captain: Winning the gold medal at the State Athletics Meet was incredible. It made me feel that all my hard work had finally paid off.
Interviewer: What would you like to say to your peers or juniors who are interested in sports?
Sports Captain: I would tell them to never give up, stay consistent, and remember that failure is just a stepping stone to success.
Question 3
Conduct the formal interview with the Sports Coach. Interchange your roles. (Page No. 153)
Answer:
Interviewer: Good morning, it is my privilege to get this opportunity to have this interaction with you. Could you tell me how your journey in sports began?
Sports Coach: Good morning. My journey began during my college days when I represented my university in football. That passion led me to pursue a degree in physical education.
Interviewer: Could you share something about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
Sports Coach: The biggest challenge was the lack of modern training facilities back then. We overcame it through innovative training methods and sheer dedication.
Interviewer: You’ve received many accolades. What do these accomplishments mean to you?
Sports Coach: These awards are a testimony to the collective effort of my students and coaching staff. They motivate me to train the next generation better.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for aspiring athletes?
Sports Coach: My advice is to maintain absolute discipline, focus on nutrition, and build mental resilience alongside physical strength.
Question 4
Learning Beyond the Text: Work in groups of four. Choose any one of the topics given below and make a presentation: (Page No. 155)
- Two lesser-known Paralympic sports (examples: para equestrian, para rowing, etc.)
- Two Paralympians from India
Answer:
For this presentation, we choose the topic: “Two Paralympians from India”.
- Slide 1 (Introduction): Title – “Unsung Heroes: India’s Paralympic Legends” featuring Devendra Jhajharia and Avani Lekhara.
- Slide 2 & 3 (History): Origin of Paralympics traced back to 1948 by Sir Ludwig Guttmann at Stoke Mandeville, evolving into the modern games in Rome (1960).
- Slide 4 & 5 (Devendra Jhajharia): Highlights his journey as the first Indian Paralympian to win two gold medals in Javelin Throw (Athens 2004, Rio 2016).
- Slide 6 & 7 (Avani Lekhara): Showcases her historic achievement as the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in shooting at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
- Slide 8 (Conclusion): Emphasizes how these athletes prove that determination can shatter any physical barrier, inspiring the entire nation.
CBSE Class 9 English Notice Writing Task Answers
Writing Task
Notice writing is an essential short writing skill in the CBSE Class 9 English curriculum. It is designed to convey formal information to a specific group of people in a clear, concise, and structured format. A standard notice must always be enclosed in a box and should not exceed the 50-word limit, focusing strictly on the 5 Ws: Who, What, Where, When, and Whom to contact.
Question 1 (Page No. 154) [BOARD EXAM FAVORITE]
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:
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| GOLDEN VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOL |
| NOTICE |
| |
| 15th October 2024 |
| |
| INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEET |
| |
| This is to inform all students that our school is hosting |
| the annual Inter-school Athletic Meet on 5th November |
| 2024 at the school playground. Selection trials for |
| various track and field events will be held on 22nd |
| October 2024 at 8:00 AM. Interested students must register|
| their names with the undersigned by 20th October 2024. |
| |
| Sports Captain |
| (Sports Club) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+According to the official CBSE marking scheme, the evaluation of a notice is divided into three key areas: Format (1 mark), which includes the box, heading, date, and designation; Content (2 marks), which covers all necessary details like date, time, venue, and contact person; and Expression (1 mark), which assesses grammatical accuracy, coherence, and adherence to the word limit.
To secure full marks in this section, students must ensure that the word “NOTICE” is written in bold capital letters at the center. The name of the issuing authority or school must be placed at the very top, and the date must be written in a formal format (e.g., 15th October 2024). Using passive voice and maintaining a formal, objective tone throughout the body of the notice is highly recommended.
Let us look at a high-probability practice question: “Your school is organizing a special awareness workshop on Paralympic Sports. As the Head Boy/Girl, draft a notice in about 50 words inviting students of Classes 9 to 12 to attend the workshop.” This question tests the student’s ability to apply the notice format to a theme-based school event.
Answer:
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| GOLDEN VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOL |
| NOTICE |
| |
| 18th October 2024 |
| |
| PARALYMPIC AWARENESS WORKSHOP |
| |
| A special workshop on 'Paralympic Sports and Inclusion' |
| will be conducted on 25th October 2024 in the school |
| auditorium from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Renowned para- |
| athletes will share their journeys. Attendance is |
| mandatory for students of Classes IX to XII. Please be |
| seated by 9:45 AM. |
| |
| Head Boy |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+In conclusion, mastering notice writing requires regular practice of different scenarios such as lost and found, sports events, and cultural celebrations. Students should always double-check that they have enclosed the notice in a neat box using a pencil and ruler, as failing to do so results in an automatic deduction of marks under the format category.
These textbook solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 5, “The World of Limitless Possibilities,” offer a comprehensive and structured approach to mastering the curriculum. By utilizing these detailed answers, students can build a solid foundation in both reading comprehension and writing skills. Each solution has been meticulously designed to align with the latest CBSE guidelines, ensuring that students are well-prepared to secure top marks in their examinations. Regular practice of these exercises will not only boost academic performance but also inspire students with the profound life lessons of resilience and determination showcased by our national para-athletes.