April 10, 2026
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Chapter 5: The World of Limitless Possibilities
Complete Prose Solutions | CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri
Reflect and Respond
R1ActivityPage 137
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.
2. Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.
3. Give a caption for this picture.
1. Look at the picture carefully and share your observations with your classmates and teacher.
2. Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.
3. Give a caption for this picture.
Suggested Answer:
1. The picture shows Sheetal Devi, a para-archer, aiming confidently with her bow. Her posture shows focus, strength and determination.
2. Yes, she inspires me because she proves that physical challenges cannot stop a person from achieving greatness. Her success teaches courage, discipline and self-belief.
3. Caption: “Aiming Beyond Limits.”
1. The picture shows Sheetal Devi, a para-archer, aiming confidently with her bow. Her posture shows focus, strength and determination.
2. Yes, she inspires me because she proves that physical challenges cannot stop a person from achieving greatness. Her success teaches courage, discipline and self-belief.
3. Caption: “Aiming Beyond Limits.”
R2ActivityPage 138
Complete the table about Paralympics: What I know and What I want to know.
Suggested Answer:
| What I Know | What I Want to Know |
|---|---|
| Paralympics is an international sports event for athletes with disabilities. | How are athletes classified into different categories? |
| Indian para-athletes have won medals and brought honour to the country. | What kind of training facilities are available for para-athletes in India? |
| The Paralympics celebrates courage, talent and resilience. | How can schools support awareness about disability sports? |
Check Your Understanding
1Fact TablePage 143
Fill in the fact table based on the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik.
Answer:
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of | 29 |
| Result of the surgery | She was paralysed waist down and was declared bound to a wheelchair for life. |
| Named as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes by | International Paralympic Committee |
| First successful Paralympic event | 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, shot-put event |
| List of “firsts” | (i) First Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics (ii) India’s first female Paralympics medallist across any sport |
| Awards won | (i) Khel Ratna (ii) Arjuna Award (iii) Padma Shri |
| Two things supported by her | (i) Emotional health of persons with challenges (ii) Empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure activities |
2Fact / OpinionPages 143–144
Read the two sets of sentences and choose whether they display fact-opinion or cause-effect.
Answer:
Set 1:
“In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event.”
“I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions.”
Answer: Fact-opinion.
Set 2:
“I was diagnosed with a tumour in my spine.”
“I had a surgery and was told that I would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life.”
Answer: Cause-effect.
Set 1:
“In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event.”
“I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions.”
Answer: Fact-opinion.
Set 2:
“I was diagnosed with a tumour in my spine.”
“I had a surgery and was told that I would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life.”
Answer: Cause-effect.
3ClassificationPage 144
Identify which pairs of sentences show cause-effect or fact-opinion. Write 1 for cause-effect and 2 for fact-opinion.
Answer:
(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 persons with disabilities.
Answer: 2 — Fact-opinion.
(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.
(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 persons with disabilities.
Answer: 2 — Fact-opinion.
(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.
Critical Reflection
CR 1Extract BasedPages 144–145
Read the first extract beginning “I had two choices—squander my life in remorse…” and answer the questions.
Answer:
(i) The speaker’s decision can be compared to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly because she turned suffering and limitation into strength, confidence and new achievement.
(ii) She could switch to para-athletics quite comfortably because she loved sports and had earlier been a swimmer.
(iii) The speaker calls the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games a “breakthrough moment” because she won the silver medal in the shot-put event and changed perceptions about disability.
(iv) B. reflective.
(v) One likely perception she changed was that persons with disabilities are less capable than able-bodied people.
(i) The speaker’s decision can be compared to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly because she turned suffering and limitation into strength, confidence and new achievement.
(ii) She could switch to para-athletics quite comfortably because she loved sports and had earlier been a swimmer.
(iii) The speaker calls the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games a “breakthrough moment” because she won the silver medal in the shot-put event and changed perceptions about disability.
(iv) B. reflective.
(v) One likely perception she changed was that persons with disabilities are less capable than able-bodied people.
CR 2Extract BasedPages 145–146
Read the second extract beginning “Honestly, I feel sports, especially Paralympics…” and answer the questions.
Answer:
(i) (a) A and D — appreciative and optimistic.
(ii) Ability : potential :: preconceived notions : stereotypes.
(iii) True.
(iv) “Helped me push boundaries” tells us that the speaker went beyond limitations, challenged expectations and expanded what she believed was possible.
(v) The phrase is “a new lease of life”.
(i) (a) A and D — appreciative and optimistic.
(ii) Ability : potential :: preconceived notions : stereotypes.
(iii) True.
(iv) “Helped me push boundaries” tells us that the speaker went beyond limitations, challenged expectations and expanded what she believed was possible.
(v) The phrase is “a new lease of life”.
CR 3Long AnswerPages 146–147
Answer the following questions.
1. Explain how Dr. Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions.
Dr. Deepa Malik’s achievements challenge the belief that physical disability limits a person’s potential. Despite being paralysed waist down, she became a successful para-athlete, won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and received prestigious awards. Her success shows that determination, training and support can help a person overcome barriers.
2. What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in schools and colleges in advocacy with respect to disability?
Involving youth in disability advocacy can create a more inclusive society. Young people can learn empathy, respect and sensitivity towards persons with disabilities. Over time, this can reduce stereotypes, increase accessibility, and encourage equal opportunities in schools, sports, workplaces and public spaces.
3. Rationalise the appropriateness of the title with reference to Dr. Deepa Malik’s attitude and achievements.
The title “The World of Limitless Possibilities” is appropriate because Dr. Malik refuses to see disability as an end to life. She transforms a painful setback into a journey of achievement. Her attitude shows courage, optimism and resilience. Her medals, awards and advocacy prove that possibilities become limitless when one has determination and support.
4. “Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength”. How might this be a life lesson for every individual, and not just sportspersons?
This statement teaches that failures and difficulties can help us discover our inner strength. Students, workers, artists, sportspersons and ordinary people all face challenges. If they respond with courage and learning, setbacks can become stepping stones. This lesson applies to studies, relationships, careers and personal growth.
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.
Her recognition shows that women athletes, including women with disabilities, deserve equal visibility and respect. It challenges the idea that sports success belongs mainly to able-bodied men. Her achievements encourage girls and women to enter sports and demand equal opportunities, training, facilities and recognition.
6. How might Dr. Deepa Malik’s thought, “ability beyond disability”, serve as a guideline for success for all future para-athletes?
The thought “ability beyond disability” encourages para-athletes to focus on their strengths rather than limitations. It teaches them to train hard, believe in themselves, seek support and compete with confidence. It also reminds society to judge para-athletes by their talent, discipline and achievement.
7. What have you learnt from this interview, and how can you implement these learnings in your life?
I have learnt that determination, resilience and self-belief can help us overcome major challenges. I can implement these learnings by not giving up during difficulties, accepting help from my support system, respecting persons with disabilities, and treating every setback as a chance to grow.
Dr. Deepa Malik’s achievements challenge the belief that physical disability limits a person’s potential. Despite being paralysed waist down, she became a successful para-athlete, won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and received prestigious awards. Her success shows that determination, training and support can help a person overcome barriers.
2. What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in schools and colleges in advocacy with respect to disability?
Involving youth in disability advocacy can create a more inclusive society. Young people can learn empathy, respect and sensitivity towards persons with disabilities. Over time, this can reduce stereotypes, increase accessibility, and encourage equal opportunities in schools, sports, workplaces and public spaces.
3. Rationalise the appropriateness of the title with reference to Dr. Deepa Malik’s attitude and achievements.
The title “The World of Limitless Possibilities” is appropriate because Dr. Malik refuses to see disability as an end to life. She transforms a painful setback into a journey of achievement. Her attitude shows courage, optimism and resilience. Her medals, awards and advocacy prove that possibilities become limitless when one has determination and support.
4. “Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength”. How might this be a life lesson for every individual, and not just sportspersons?
This statement teaches that failures and difficulties can help us discover our inner strength. Students, workers, artists, sportspersons and ordinary people all face challenges. If they respond with courage and learning, setbacks can become stepping stones. This lesson applies to studies, relationships, careers and personal growth.
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.
Her recognition shows that women athletes, including women with disabilities, deserve equal visibility and respect. It challenges the idea that sports success belongs mainly to able-bodied men. Her achievements encourage girls and women to enter sports and demand equal opportunities, training, facilities and recognition.
6. How might Dr. Deepa Malik’s thought, “ability beyond disability”, serve as a guideline for success for all future para-athletes?
The thought “ability beyond disability” encourages para-athletes to focus on their strengths rather than limitations. It teaches them to train hard, believe in themselves, seek support and compete with confidence. It also reminds society to judge para-athletes by their talent, discipline and achievement.
7. What have you learnt from this interview, and how can you implement these learnings in your life?
I have learnt that determination, resilience and self-belief can help us overcome major challenges. I can implement these learnings by not giving up during difficulties, accepting help from my support system, respecting persons with disabilities, and treating every setback as a chance to grow.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
V1PhrasesPage 147
Match the phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Use the phrases in sentences.
Answer:
Sentences:
1. The young athlete managed to defy the odds and win the race.
2. The scholarship gave him a new lease of life.
3. In hindsight, I realised that failure had taught me patience.
4. Winning the first prize was a breakthrough moment for her.
5. We must learn to turn obstacles into stepping stones.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| defy the odds | succeed in doing something when most people think it would result in failure |
| a new lease of life | an occasion when you become more energetic and active than earlier |
| in hindsight | ability to understand something after it has happened |
| breakthrough moment | a time of significant development or discovery |
| turn obstacles into stepping stones | overcome challenges and achieve goals |
Sentences:
1. The young athlete managed to defy the odds and win the race.
2. The scholarship gave him a new lease of life.
3. In hindsight, I realised that failure had taught me patience.
4. Winning the first prize was a breakthrough moment for her.
5. We must learn to turn obstacles into stepping stones.
V2Word ClinePage 148
Arrange the movement words on the word cline in increasing order of pace from the slowest to the fastest.
Answer:
crawl → creep → plod → stroll → amble → saunter → walk → jog → run → dart → sprint
crawl → creep → plod → stroll → amble → saunter → walk → jog → run → dart → sprint
V3Modal AuxiliariesPage 148
Match the highlighted verbs in Column 1 with their functions in Column 2.
Answer:
| Sentence | Modal Verb | Function |
|---|---|---|
| I could hear the audience clapping. | could | past ability |
| It couldn’t be helped. | couldn’t | impossibility |
| I should give it my best shot. | should | obligation |
| I knew if I tried, I would win. | would | prediction |
V4Modal SentencesPage 149
Make sentences with the modal verbs and mention their functions in brackets.
Answer:
1. It could rain today. (possibility)
2. I could run faster when I was younger. (past ability)
3. Could you help me with this form? (request)
4. You could practise daily to improve your performance. (suggestion)
5. I couldn’t attend the meeting yesterday. (inability)
6. She should reach school by now. (probability)
7. You should respect everyone. (advice)
8. Would you please close the door? (request)
9. My grandfather would tell us stories every evening. (past habit)
1. It could rain today. (possibility)
2. I could run faster when I was younger. (past ability)
3. Could you help me with this form? (request)
4. You could practise daily to improve your performance. (suggestion)
5. I couldn’t attend the meeting yesterday. (inability)
6. She should reach school by now. (probability)
7. You should respect everyone. (advice)
8. Would you please close the door? (request)
9. My grandfather would tell us stories every evening. (past habit)
V5Direct and Reported SpeechPages 149–150
Read the given sentences and observe the changes from direct speech to reported speech.
Answer:
The given sentences are in Direct Speech.
The given sentences are declarative sentences.
Changes Noted:
1. Quotation marks are removed.
2. A reporting verb such as said or says is added.
3. The linking word that is added.
4. Pronouns change according to the context.
5. Tense changes when the reporting verb is in the past.
Examples:
Dr. Malik: I love sports and had been a swimmer too, and so I decided to switch to para-athletics.
Reported Speech: Dr. Malik said that she loved sports and had been a swimmer too, and so she had decided to switch to para-athletics.
Interviewer: Your story is indeed a testament to the power of determination.
Reported Speech: The interviewer said that her story was indeed a testament to the power of determination.
Dr. Malik: I believe youth is the voice of tomorrow.
Reported Speech: Dr. Malik says that she believes youth is the voice of tomorrow.
The given sentences are in Direct Speech.
The given sentences are declarative sentences.
Changes Noted:
1. Quotation marks are removed.
2. A reporting verb such as said or says is added.
3. The linking word that is added.
4. Pronouns change according to the context.
5. Tense changes when the reporting verb is in the past.
Examples:
Dr. Malik: I love sports and had been a swimmer too, and so I decided to switch to para-athletics.
Reported Speech: Dr. Malik said that she loved sports and had been a swimmer too, and so she had decided to switch to para-athletics.
Interviewer: Your story is indeed a testament to the power of determination.
Reported Speech: The interviewer said that her story was indeed a testament to the power of determination.
Dr. Malik: I believe youth is the voice of tomorrow.
Reported Speech: Dr. Malik says that she believes youth is the voice of tomorrow.
V6Reported SpeechPage 151
Change the given conversation between Siya and Tarun 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 so 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.
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 so 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.
Listen and Respond
L1Audio BasedPage 152
Listen to an announcement for special assembly in school and fill in the blanks with one or two exact words.
Answer: This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be filled after listening to the classroom audio/transcript. The activity is about a special assembly connected with inclusion, presentation, dance performance, workshop and celebration.
Speaking Activity
S1Discussion / PresentationPage 153
Speak about inclusion and accessibility using examples from sports, school or public life.
Suggested Answer:
Inclusion means giving every person equal respect, opportunity and participation. Accessibility means creating conditions in which everyone can use spaces, services and opportunities without difficulty. In sports, the Paralympics is a powerful example of inclusion because it gives para-athletes a global platform to display strength and skill. In schools, ramps, accessible washrooms, supportive classmates and inclusive classroom activities can help every learner participate with dignity.
Dr. Deepa Malik’s life shows that disability should not be seen as limitation. Instead, society must remove barriers and recognise ability, courage and talent.
Inclusion means giving every person equal respect, opportunity and participation. Accessibility means creating conditions in which everyone can use spaces, services and opportunities without difficulty. In sports, the Paralympics is a powerful example of inclusion because it gives para-athletes a global platform to display strength and skill. In schools, ramps, accessible washrooms, supportive classmates and inclusive classroom activities can help every learner participate with dignity.
Dr. Deepa Malik’s life shows that disability should not be seen as limitation. Instead, society must remove barriers and recognise ability, courage and talent.
Writing Task
W1Paragraph / SpeechPages 153–154
Write about the importance of inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunity.
Answer:
Inclusion and Equal Opportunity
Inclusion is the foundation of a fair society. It means that every person, irrespective of physical ability, gender, background or economic condition, should receive respect and equal opportunity. Accessibility is an important part of inclusion because people can participate fully only when schools, roads, sports facilities, transport and public spaces are designed for everyone.
The life of Dr. Deepa Malik teaches us that disability is not inability. Her achievements in para-athletics show that talent and determination can shine when society provides support and opportunities. Inclusion is not charity; it is justice. It allows every person to contribute to society with dignity.
Schools can promote inclusion by creating awareness, encouraging friendship, using respectful language and ensuring that no student feels excluded. A truly progressive society is one where everyone gets a fair chance to succeed.
Inclusion and Equal Opportunity
Inclusion is the foundation of a fair society. It means that every person, irrespective of physical ability, gender, background or economic condition, should receive respect and equal opportunity. Accessibility is an important part of inclusion because people can participate fully only when schools, roads, sports facilities, transport and public spaces are designed for everyone.
The life of Dr. Deepa Malik teaches us that disability is not inability. Her achievements in para-athletics show that talent and determination can shine when society provides support and opportunities. Inclusion is not charity; it is justice. It allows every person to contribute to society with dignity.
Schools can promote inclusion by creating awareness, encouraging friendship, using respectful language and ensuring that no student feels excluded. A truly progressive society is one where everyone gets a fair chance to succeed.
Learning Beyond the Text
LB 1Research ActivityPage 154
Find out more about Indian para-athletes and their achievements.
Suggested Answer:
Students can research Indian para-athletes such as Dr. Deepa Malik, Sheetal Devi, Avani Lekhara, Devendra Jhajharia, Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sumit Antil. They may collect information about the sport they play, medals won, challenges faced and the message their journey gives to society. The activity can be presented as a chart, report or slideshow.
Students can research Indian para-athletes such as Dr. Deepa Malik, Sheetal Devi, Avani Lekhara, Devendra Jhajharia, Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sumit Antil. They may collect information about the sport they play, medals won, challenges faced and the message their journey gives to society. The activity can be presented as a chart, report or slideshow.
LB 2Awareness ActivityPage 155
Prepare an awareness activity on inclusion and accessibility in your school or neighbourhood.
Suggested Answer:
Students can prepare posters, slogans, short talks and role-plays on inclusion and accessibility. They can observe whether their school has ramps, accessible washrooms, signboards, safe pathways and inclusive classroom practices. They may also interview teachers or students and suggest ways to make the school more inclusive.
Sample slogan: “Ability is everywhere—let opportunity be everywhere too.”
Students can prepare posters, slogans, short talks and role-plays on inclusion and accessibility. They can observe whether their school has ramps, accessible washrooms, signboards, safe pathways and inclusive classroom practices. They may also interview teachers or students and suggest ways to make the school more inclusive.
Sample slogan: “Ability is everywhere—let opportunity be everywhere too.”
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