April 10, 2026
No Comments
Poem 5: Nine Gold Medals
Complete Poem Solutions | CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri
Reflect and Respond
R1DiscussionPage 156
Work in pairs. Discuss the difference between Olympics, Special Olympics, and Paralympics.
Suggested Answer:
| Event | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Olympics | An international sports event where athletes from different countries compete in various sports. |
| Paralympics | An international sports event for athletes with disabilities, held after the Olympic Games. |
| Special Olympics | A sports movement that provides training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. |
R2VocabularyPage 156
Work in pairs to match the words ‘empathy’, ‘sympathy’, and ‘compassion’ to the given sentences.
Answer:
Explanation: Sympathy means feeling sorry for someone. Empathy means understanding another person’s feelings. Compassion means understanding someone’s pain and acting kindly to help them.
| Sentence | Word |
|---|---|
| I am so sorry for what is happening to you. It is sad, do you want something to eat? | Sympathy |
| I can imagine how you feel. I understand that you are upset and why. | Empathy |
| I understand why you feel terribly low. I will spend some time with you, so that you don’t feel lonely. | Compassion |
Explanation: Sympathy means feeling sorry for someone. Empathy means understanding another person’s feelings. Compassion means understanding someone’s pain and acting kindly to help them.
R3Word WebPage 156
Work in pairs. List the words you associate with ‘empathy’.
Suggested Answer:
Words associated with empathy are kindness, understanding, sensitivity, care, support, patience, concern, listening, respect, compassion, fellow-feeling and emotional awareness.
Words associated with empathy are kindness, understanding, sensitivity, care, support, patience, concern, listening, respect, compassion, fellow-feeling and emotional awareness.
Check Your Understanding
1Word MeaningPage 159
Match the words and phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
Answer:
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| dashed in the dirt | destroyed |
| stumbled | stepped awkwardly, lost balance and almost fell |
| staggered | walked or moved with difficulty |
| anguish | extreme pain or suffering |
| asphalt | a hard black substance used to make roads and paths |
2Gist of StanzasPages 159–160
Identify the gist of each stanza. Write the number of the stanza in the boxes given.
Answer:
| Gist | Stanza Number |
|---|---|
| Spectators cheered participants of different events and waited enthusiastically for the final event to start. | 2 |
| All runners dashed ahead as soon as they heard the gunshot; suddenly, one of the athletes tripped and fell on the ground. | 4 |
| The race finished with nine athletes holding hands and winning the well-deserved gold medals; their smiles and spectators standing up to applaud conveyed everything. | 8 |
| Participants got ready at the starting line and nine determined athletes waited for the sound of the gun. | 3 |
| Athletes from various parts of the country had gone through months of training and had big dreams of winning a medal. | 1 |
| The eight athletes stopped to help the young fallen athlete stand up, forgetting that they were competing. | 6 |
| Nine athletes held the banner and walked hand in hand; this gesture represented the ethos of Special Olympics. | 7 |
| The young athlete felt his dreams were shattered and cried in pain and disappointment, but something unique happened. | 5 |
Poem Appreciation
A1AlliterationPage 160
Give two examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer:
Two examples of alliteration are:
1. “gold, for the silver, and bronze” — repetition of soft consonant sounds creates musicality.
2. “stumbled and staggered” — repetition of the s sound highlights the athlete’s unsteady movement.
Another example is “standing… story”, where the repeated sound adds rhythm to the line.
Two examples of alliteration are:
1. “gold, for the silver, and bronze” — repetition of soft consonant sounds creates musicality.
2. “stumbled and staggered” — repetition of the s sound highlights the athlete’s unsteady movement.
Another example is “standing… story”, where the repeated sound adds rhythm to the line.
A2ImageryPage 160
Give three examples of visual imagery from the poem.
Answer:
Three examples of visual imagery are:
1. “The spectators gathered around the old field”
2. “The blocks were all lined up”
3. “They came to the finish line holding hands still”
These images help the reader clearly imagine the race, the athletes and the emotional finish.
Three examples of visual imagery are:
1. “The spectators gathered around the old field”
2. “The blocks were all lined up”
3. “They came to the finish line holding hands still”
These images help the reader clearly imagine the race, the athletes and the emotional finish.
A3Auditory ImageryPage 160
Give an example of auditory imagery from the poem.
Answer:
An example of auditory imagery is “The signal was given, the pistol exploded”. The word “exploded” helps the reader imagine the loud sound that starts the race. Another example is the spectators cheering the athletes.
An example of auditory imagery is “The signal was given, the pistol exploded”. The word “exploded” helps the reader imagine the loud sound that starts the race. Another example is the spectators cheering the athletes.
A4ImageryPage 160
How does the use of imagery make the poem more appealing?
Answer:
Imagery makes the poem more appealing by helping readers visualise the sports field, the runners, the fall, the moment of help and the emotional finish. It turns the poem into a vivid scene and allows readers to feel the excitement, pain, compassion and joy of the event.
Imagery makes the poem more appealing by helping readers visualise the sports field, the runners, the fall, the moment of help and the emotional finish. It turns the poem into a vivid scene and allows readers to feel the excitement, pain, compassion and joy of the event.
A5TonePage 160
How does the poet’s tone change from the beginning to the end of the poem?
Answer:
At the beginning, the tone is energetic and competitive because the athletes are preparing to race for medals. In the middle, the tone becomes tense and sympathetic when the youngest athlete falls. Towards the end, the tone becomes warm, emotional and celebratory as all the runners choose compassion over competition and finish together.
At the beginning, the tone is energetic and competitive because the athletes are preparing to race for medals. In the middle, the tone becomes tense and sympathetic when the youngest athlete falls. Towards the end, the tone becomes warm, emotional and celebratory as all the runners choose compassion over competition and finish together.
A6MoodPage 160
What is the overall mood created by the poem?
Answer:
The overall mood of the poem is inspiring, emotional and heart-warming. It begins with excitement, moves through disappointment and ends with joy, unity and admiration for the athletes’ kindness.
The overall mood of the poem is inspiring, emotional and heart-warming. It begins with excitement, moves through disappointment and ends with joy, unity and admiration for the athletes’ kindness.
A7MessagePage 160
What is the message being conveyed by the poem?
Answer:
The poem conveys that true victory is not always about defeating others. Real success lies in empathy, kindness, teamwork and lifting others when they fall. The poem teaches that humanity is greater than competition.
The poem conveys that true victory is not always about defeating others. Real success lies in empathy, kindness, teamwork and lifting others when they fall. The poem teaches that humanity is greater than competition.
Critical Reflection
CR 1Extract BasedPage 161
Read the extract beginning “The eight other runners pulled up on their heels...” and answer the questions.
Answer:
(i) The phrase “pulled up on their heels” means that the runners B. stopped running.
(ii) One character trait common to all the eight other runners is compassion. They are also empathetic, selfless and kind-hearted.
(iii) The tone of the poet in these lines is admiring and emotional. The poet respects the athletes for choosing humanity over competition.
(iv) The young athlete might have felt surprised, grateful, comforted and encouraged when the others helped him. Their support would have reduced his pain and disappointment.
(v) Yes, this incident is a turning point in the poem because the race changes from a competition into an act of collective kindness. The athletes stop running to win individually and begin walking together as one team.
(i) The phrase “pulled up on their heels” means that the runners B. stopped running.
(ii) One character trait common to all the eight other runners is compassion. They are also empathetic, selfless and kind-hearted.
(iii) The tone of the poet in these lines is admiring and emotional. The poet respects the athletes for choosing humanity over competition.
(iv) The young athlete might have felt surprised, grateful, comforted and encouraged when the others helped him. Their support would have reduced his pain and disappointment.
(v) Yes, this incident is a turning point in the poem because the race changes from a competition into an act of collective kindness. The athletes stop running to win individually and begin walking together as one team.
CR 2Extract BasedPage 161
Read the extract beginning “That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals...” and answer the questions.
Answer:
(i) The nine contestants felt happy, proud, united and satisfied when they reached the finishing line together.
(ii) All the nine contestants were given gold medals because they all displayed the true spirit of sportsmanship. They chose empathy, teamwork and inclusion over individual victory.
(iii) The holding of hands signifies a feeling of unity, friendship and shared victory.
(iv) The spectators giving a standing ovation indicates that they were A. amazed.
(v) The last line means that the athletes’ smiling faces and their act of kindness communicated more powerfully than words. Their action showed the real meaning of humanity, inclusion and victory.
(i) The nine contestants felt happy, proud, united and satisfied when they reached the finishing line together.
(ii) All the nine contestants were given gold medals because they all displayed the true spirit of sportsmanship. They chose empathy, teamwork and inclusion over individual victory.
(iii) The holding of hands signifies a feeling of unity, friendship and shared victory.
(iv) The spectators giving a standing ovation indicates that they were A. amazed.
(v) The last line means that the athletes’ smiling faces and their act of kindness communicated more powerfully than words. Their action showed the real meaning of humanity, inclusion and victory.
CR 3Long AnswerPage 162
Answer the following questions.
1. Describe how the setting established in the first two stanzas of the poem creates a vivid atmosphere for the events that follow.
The first two stanzas create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Athletes have come from across the country after weeks and months of training. Spectators gather around the field to cheer them. The final event is about to begin, so the setting prepares readers for a serious and competitive race.
2. How do you think the youngest athlete might have felt when he fell?
The youngest athlete might have felt hurt, embarrassed and deeply disappointed. His dreams and efforts seemed destroyed when he fell on the asphalt. His cry of frustration and anguish shows both physical pain and emotional heartbreak.
3. Why were the athletes eager to begin the race?
The athletes were eager because they had trained for many weeks and months. They wanted to perform well and win medals. The hundred-yard dash was the final event, so excitement and expectation were high.
4. What does the transformation of the hundred-yard dash to a walk symbolise?
The transformation symbolises the victory of compassion over competition. The race no longer remains a test of speed; it becomes a display of unity, empathy and shared humanity. The athletes show that helping someone is greater than winning alone.
5. How might the poem be different if the focus was solely on individual achievement rather than collective support?
If the poem focused only on individual achievement, it would become a simple sports poem about winning a race. It would lose its emotional depth and moral value. The present focus on collective support makes it inspiring and memorable because it shows kindness as the highest form of victory.
6. How does the poet’s use of language and tone enhance the reader’s engagement with the poem?
The poet uses simple, direct and emotional language. Words such as “frustration”, “anguish”, “holding hands”, “standing ovation” and “beaming faces” create strong emotional impact. The tone moves from excitement to sympathy and finally to admiration, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
7. What might be the poet’s purpose of writing this poem?
The poet’s purpose is to show that true sportsmanship is rooted in empathy, inclusion and humanity. The poem reminds readers that helping others and sharing success can be more meaningful than winning individually.
The first two stanzas create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Athletes have come from across the country after weeks and months of training. Spectators gather around the field to cheer them. The final event is about to begin, so the setting prepares readers for a serious and competitive race.
2. How do you think the youngest athlete might have felt when he fell?
The youngest athlete might have felt hurt, embarrassed and deeply disappointed. His dreams and efforts seemed destroyed when he fell on the asphalt. His cry of frustration and anguish shows both physical pain and emotional heartbreak.
3. Why were the athletes eager to begin the race?
The athletes were eager because they had trained for many weeks and months. They wanted to perform well and win medals. The hundred-yard dash was the final event, so excitement and expectation were high.
4. What does the transformation of the hundred-yard dash to a walk symbolise?
The transformation symbolises the victory of compassion over competition. The race no longer remains a test of speed; it becomes a display of unity, empathy and shared humanity. The athletes show that helping someone is greater than winning alone.
5. How might the poem be different if the focus was solely on individual achievement rather than collective support?
If the poem focused only on individual achievement, it would become a simple sports poem about winning a race. It would lose its emotional depth and moral value. The present focus on collective support makes it inspiring and memorable because it shows kindness as the highest form of victory.
6. How does the poet’s use of language and tone enhance the reader’s engagement with the poem?
The poet uses simple, direct and emotional language. Words such as “frustration”, “anguish”, “holding hands”, “standing ovation” and “beaming faces” create strong emotional impact. The tone moves from excitement to sympathy and finally to admiration, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
7. What might be the poet’s purpose of writing this poem?
The poet’s purpose is to show that true sportsmanship is rooted in empathy, inclusion and humanity. The poem reminds readers that helping others and sharing success can be more meaningful than winning individually.
Vocabulary in Context
V1CollocationsPage 162
The phrase ‘standing ovation’ is an adjective–noun collocation. Identify two other similar examples from the poem.
Answer:
Two adjective–noun collocations from the poem are:
1. old field
2. young women and men
Other examples are young boy, gold medals, and beaming faces.
Two adjective–noun collocations from the poem are:
1. old field
2. young women and men
Other examples are young boy, gold medals, and beaming faces.
V2Collocation TablePages 162–163
Complete the table by writing four nouns that collocate with the adjectives in Column 1.
Answer:
| Adjective | Collocating Nouns |
|---|---|
| big | disappointment, failure, surprise, decision |
| heavy | rain, traffic, bag, responsibility |
| strong | belief, wind, team, argument |
| large | crowd, number, amount, area |
| great | effort, success, courage, achievement |
V3AdjectivesPage 163
Choose the correct adjectives from the box for the underlined words. Do not use the same adjective twice.
Answer:
| Sentence | Correct Adjective |
|---|---|
| The littlest athlete was moving at a steady pace. | youngest |
| The eight athletes had a smiling attitude. | positive |
| When the athlete fell, he gave a huge cry of pain. | loud |
| The spectators saw a terrible difference in the athletes who had only come to compete. | significant |
| The gaudy crowd cheered the runners enthusiastically. | noisy |
Listen and Respond
L1Audio BasedPage 163
Listen to a radio-talk about Patrick Gomes, a coach of special athletes. Write true or false for the statements given.
Answer:
This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be filled after listening to the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
Statements:
1. Patrick Gomes began his career in sports with track events.
2. Patrick Gomes has been coaching special athletes for 10 years.
3. Patrick Gomes does all the household work himself.
This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be filled after listening to the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
Statements:
1. Patrick Gomes began his career in sports with track events.
2. Patrick Gomes has been coaching special athletes for 10 years.
3. Patrick Gomes does all the household work himself.
L2Audio BasedPage 164
Listen to the radio-talk again and choose the correct option for each question.
Answer:
This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be checked against the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
1. When the speaker uses the phrase “push your boundaries”, he wants listeners to challenge themselves.
2. Patrick Gomes is a coach of special athletes at present.
3. Special Olympic Games held at Connecticut was a turning point for Patrick Gomes.
4. As a special athlete, Patrick Gomes mostly participated in track events.
5. Patrick Gomes believes that sports is essential because it encourages a positive outlook along with fitness.
This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be checked against the classroom audio or teacher transcript.
1. When the speaker uses the phrase “push your boundaries”, he wants listeners to challenge themselves.
2. Patrick Gomes is a coach of special athletes at present.
3. Special Olympic Games held at Connecticut was a turning point for Patrick Gomes.
4. As a special athlete, Patrick Gomes mostly participated in track events.
5. Patrick Gomes believes that sports is essential because it encourages a positive outlook along with fitness.
Speaking Activity
S1Pair DiscussionPages 164–165
Work in pairs. Take turns to express your points of view regarding Special Olympics using the key points and sentence starters.
Sample Conversation:
Student A: What is your opinion on the importance of Special Olympics?
Student B: Personally, I believe that Special Olympics is very important because it promotes inclusion and gives children and adults with intellectual disabilities a platform to participate in sports.
Student A: How do you feel about its impact on sportspersons with special abilities?
Student B: From my perspective, it builds confidence, discipline and friendship. It also helps athletes feel respected and valued by society.
Student A: What is your take on creating awareness about Special Olympics?
Student B: I hold the opinion that schools should organise talks, posters, sports events and social media campaigns to spread awareness. People should understand that inclusion is not charity; it is respect.
Student A: What is your opinion on the importance of Special Olympics?
Student B: Personally, I believe that Special Olympics is very important because it promotes inclusion and gives children and adults with intellectual disabilities a platform to participate in sports.
Student A: How do you feel about its impact on sportspersons with special abilities?
Student B: From my perspective, it builds confidence, discipline and friendship. It also helps athletes feel respected and valued by society.
Student A: What is your take on creating awareness about Special Olympics?
Student B: I hold the opinion that schools should organise talks, posters, sports events and social media campaigns to spread awareness. People should understand that inclusion is not charity; it is respect.
Writing Task
W1Slogan WritingPages 165–166
Work in pairs to write three creative slogans on Special Olympics.
Answer:
1. Special Olympics: Where Every Ability Shines
2. Run Together, Rise Together
3. Different Abilities, One Shared Victory
Given Example: Special Olympics: Igniting a Universe of Potential
1. Special Olympics: Where Every Ability Shines
2. Run Together, Rise Together
3. Different Abilities, One Shared Victory
Given Example: Special Olympics: Igniting a Universe of Potential
W2Poster WritingPage 166
Create a poster based on the inspiration you have drawn from the poem.
Sample Poster Content:
SPECIAL OLYMPICS AWARENESS DRIVE
Slogan: Run Together, Rise Together
Message:
True victory is not just about crossing the finish line first. It is about helping others rise, celebrating every ability and building a world where everyone belongs.
Key Ideas:
V Promote inclusion
V Respect every athlete
V Celebrate teamwork
V Choose empathy over competition
Call for Action:
Join hands. Support Special Olympics. Celebrate every ability.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS AWARENESS DRIVE
Slogan: Run Together, Rise Together
Message:
True victory is not just about crossing the finish line first. It is about helping others rise, celebrating every ability and building a world where everyone belongs.
Key Ideas:
V Promote inclusion
V Respect every athlete
V Celebrate teamwork
V Choose empathy over competition
Call for Action:
Join hands. Support Special Olympics. Celebrate every ability.
Learning Beyond the Text
LB 1Research ActivityPage 167
Find out more about other Indian achievers of Special Olympics.
Suggested Answer:
Students can research Indian achievers who participated in Special Olympics and prepare a short presentation. The textbook mentions athletes such as Ravimathi Arumugam, who won gold in the 400 metre Level C women’s race; Aanchal Goyal, who won gold in the 400 metre Level B women’s race; and Saket Kundu, who won silver in the Level B mini javelin event and bronze in the Level B 400 metre men’s race.
Students may include the athlete’s name, event, medal, training journey and the value their achievement teaches.
Students can research Indian achievers who participated in Special Olympics and prepare a short presentation. The textbook mentions athletes such as Ravimathi Arumugam, who won gold in the 400 metre Level C women’s race; Aanchal Goyal, who won gold in the 400 metre Level B women’s race; and Saket Kundu, who won silver in the Level B mini javelin event and bronze in the Level B 400 metre men’s race.
Students may include the athlete’s name, event, medal, training journey and the value their achievement teaches.
LB 2InfographicPage 168
Read the infographic and create an infographic on any sport. Present it in class.
Sample Infographic Content: Athletics
Poster Line: Athletics: Run with Courage, Finish with Honour.
| Heading | Content |
|---|---|
| Sport | Athletics |
| Meaning | A group of sports that includes running, jumping, throwing and walking events. |
| Popular Events | 100 metre race, 400 metre race, long jump, high jump, javelin throw, shot put and relay race. |
| Skills Needed | Speed, stamina, strength, balance, discipline and regular practice. |
| Values Taught | Sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience, fair play and self-confidence. |
| Inspirational Message | Every race teaches us to move forward with courage. |
Poster Line: Athletics: Run with Courage, Finish with Honour.
Study materials
- Refernce Books
- NCERT Solutions
- Syllabus
Send Us A Message
Latest posts
News
Navigating the Shift: A Comprehensive Guide to the Revised NCERT Class 9 Syllabus (2026-27)
Read More »
February 25, 2026
No Comments
Blog
January 24, 2026
No Comments
