Comprehensive Chapter Solutions

Part 1: The World of Limitless Possibilities

Reflect and Respond (Page 138)

I. Picture of Sheetal Devi:

1. Observations: The picture shows Sheetal Devi, a para-archer, aiming her bow using her legs and feet. It highlights her extraordinary skill and immense focus despite not having arms.
2. Does this personality inspire you? Explain: Yes, she is deeply inspiring. Her achievements prove that physical limitations cannot hinder success when one possesses unwavering determination and resilience.
3. Caption: “Aiming High: The Triumph of Determination.”

II. KWL Table (Paralympics):

What I know	What I want to know
Paralympics is a global sporting event for athletes with disabilities.	How do athletes qualify for these specific events?
It takes place shortly after the main Olympic Games.	What are the different disability categories and classifications?
Indian para-athletes have won numerous medals.	Which lesser-known sports are exclusive to the Paralympics?

Check Your Understanding (Page 143-144)

I. Fact Table based on the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik:

Parameter	Fact
1. Diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of	29.
2. Result of the surgery	She was paralysed waist down and told she would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
3. Named as one of the 10 most effective para-athletes by	The International Paralympic Committee.
4. First successful Paralympic event	2016 Rio Paralympic Games (secured the silver medal in the shot-put event).
5. List of ‘firsts’	First ever Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics, and India’s first ever female Paralympics medallist across any sport.
6. Awards won	Khel Ratna, Arjuna, and Padma Shri Award.
7. Two things supported by her	Strengthening the emotional health of persons with challenges and empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure activities.

II. Fact-Opinion & Cause-Effect (Page 143-144):

• (1) (i) is a Fact (evidence that can be proved true). (ii) is an Opinion (reflects the writer’s perception).
• (2) (i) is the Cause (the diagnosis). (ii) is the Effect (the surgical outcome and paralysis).

III. Identify Cause-Effect or Fact-Opinion (Page 144):

• (i) Dr. Deepa Malik was a member… / It is believed that she contributed… → Box: 2 (Fact-Opinion)
• (ii) Paralympics showcases incredible talent… / The global perception on disabilities shifts… → Box: 1 (Cause-Effect)

Critical Reflection – I (Extract-based Questions, Page 145)

1. Extract 1 Questions:
   • (i) Reason: Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly capable of flight, Dr. Malik overcame being bound to a wheelchair to transform her tragedy into a journey of limitless possibilities.
   • (ii) Comfort in switching: She could switch comfortably because she already loved sports and had been a swimmer, possessing a strong athletic mindset.
   • (iii) Completion: The speaker calls 2016 Rio Paralympic Games as a ‘breakthrough moment’ because it was a massive personal victory where she won a silver medal in shot-put, proving her capabilities on a global stage.
   • (iv) Correct Option: B. reflective.
   • (v) Changing perceptions: She likely changed the societal perception that physical limitations restrict a person’s true potential and ability.
2. Extract 2 Questions:
   • (i) Correct Option: (a) A and D (appreciative and optimistic).
   • (ii) Analogy: ability : potential :: preconceived notions : stereotypes.
   • (iii) True/False: True.
   • (iv) Pushing boundaries: It tells us that the speaker is highly determined and constantly strives to exceed limitations to achieve greatness.
   • (v) Phrase: “Paralympics has given me a new lease of life…”.

Critical Reflection – II (Short Answer Questions, Page 146)

1. Challenging societal perceptions: Dr. Malik’s monumental achievements shatter the assumption that disabled individuals are less capable. By competing and excelling globally, she proves that physical limitations do not define an individual’s true capacity.
2. Impact on youth: Involving the youth in advocacy creates a future generation that is more empathetic and inclusive. It ensures tomorrow’s society will treat everyone with dignity, providing fair chances regardless of physical ability.
3. Appropriateness of the title: The title “The World of Limitless Possibilities” perfectly captures Dr. Malik’s attitude. Faced with paralysis, instead of living in regret, she chose to view her situation as an opportunity to explore new sports, advocate for disability rights, and achieve unprecedented success.
4. Life lesson: This thought teaches resilience. Everyone faces failures or tragedies, but viewing them as opportunities to test our mental fortitude helps us grow, adapt, and turn obstacles into stepping stones.
5. Gender equality in sports: By being a female para-athlete excelling globally, she tackles a double barrier—gender and disability. Her success inspires countless women and proves that women can lead and excel at the highest levels.
6. Guideline for success: “Ability beyond disability” encourages future athletes to focus purely on their talents and hard work rather than physical constraints. It shifts the focus from what they cannot do to what they can conquer.
7. Personal learning: I have learnt the values of determination, resilience, and inclusivity. I can implement these by adopting a positive attitude towards setbacks and treating all individuals with equality and respect.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context (Page 147-151)

I. Match the Phrases:

• 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 sudden, dramatic, or important discovery or development.
• 5. turn obstacles into stepping stones – (ii) overcome challenges and achieve goals.

II. Word Cline (Increasing order of pace):

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

III. Match the Highlighted Verbs:

• 1. I could hear… – (v) past ability
• 2. It couldn’t be helped. – (vi) impossibility
• 3. I should give it my best shot. – (iv) obligation
• 4. I knew if I tried, I would win. – (iii) prediction

IV. Sentences with Modal Verbs:

• could:
  • (i) possibility: The weather could worsen by evening.
  • (ii) unreal ability: I could run a marathon if I practised every single day.
  • (iii) request: Could you please assist me with this project?
  • (iv) suggestion: We could organise a sports awareness programme tomorrow.
• couldn’t:
  • (i) inability: The young boy couldn’t stand up without assistance.
• should:
  • (i) probability: The chief guest should arrive at the venue by 10 AM.
  • (ii) advice: You should maintain a healthy diet to improve stamina.
• would:
  • (i) request: Would you mind closing the window?
  • (ii) past habit: During summer holidays, we would play cricket until sunset.

V. Reported Speech Exercise (Page 149-151):

• The sentences given above are in Direct Speech.
• The sentences given above are declarative sentences.

Column 1 (Direct Speech)	Column 2 (Reported Speech)	Column 3 (Changes Noted)
Interviewer: You’ve been listed…	The interviewer said that she had been listed…	1. ‘said’ added. 2. that-linking word added. 3. have been → had been. 4. you → she.
Interviewer: Your story is indeed a testament…	The interviewer said that her story was indeed a testament…	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. 4. Tense remains present due to reporting verb ‘says’.

VI. Read the Conversation (Page 151):

1. Siya said that she had watched a documentary on the para equestrian event on television the previous night.
2. Siya added that it did and it had been so interesting to watch.
3. Siya replied that they also had to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse.
4. Tarun said that he would watch that documentary the following weekend.

Listen and Respond (Page 152)

1. The venue for the special assembly is the school auditorium.
2. A presentation on inclusion will be made by the Principal.
3. The dance performance will focus on the themes of unity and diversity.
4. A panel discussion will be conducted by experts who support inclusion.
5. The celebration will end with a pledge to encourage team work.

Writing Task: Notice (Page 153)

---

Part 2: Nine Gold Medals (by David Roth)

Reflect and Respond (Page 156)

I. Differences between Olympics, Special Olympics, and Paralympics:

• Olympics: An international sporting event primarily for able-bodied athletes.
• Paralympics: An international event dedicated to athletes with physical (locomotor) or sensory disabilities.
• Special Olympics: An event focused on providing sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

II. Empathy, Sympathy, and Compassion Matching:

Sentence	Term
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

III. Words associated with Empathy:

Understanding, connection, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, consideration, relating, and emotional support.

Check Your Understanding (Page 158-159)

I. Matching Meanings:

• 1. dashed in the dirt – (ii) destroyed.
• 2. stumbled – (iv) step awkwardly, lose balance and almost fall.
• 3. staggered – (i) walk or move with difficulty.
• 4. anguish – (v) extreme pain or suffering.
• 5. asphalt – (iii) a hard black substance used to make roads and paths.

II. Gist of the Stanzas (Page 159):

• Stanza 1: (5) Athletes from various parts of the country had gone through months of training….
• Stanza 2: (1) Spectators cheered participants… waited enthusiastically for the final event to start.
• Stanza 3: (4) Participants got ready at the starting line and nine determined athletes waited….
• Stanza 4: (2) All runners dashed ahead… suddenly, one of the athletes tripped and fell.
• Stanza 5: (8) The young athlete felt his dreams were shattered and cried in pain….
• Stanza 6: (6) The eight athletes stopped to help the young fallen athlete stand up….
• Stanza 7: (7) Nine athletes held the banner and walked hand in hand….
• Stanza 8: (3) The race finished with nine athletes holding hands and winning gold medals….

Let Us Appreciate the Poem (Page 160)

1. Alliteration: (i) “stumbled and staggered”, and (ii) “dashed in the dirt”.
2. Visual Imagery: (i) “blocks were all lined up”, (ii) “brought the young boy to his feet”, (iii) “nine beaming faces”.
3. Auditory Imagery: (i) “pistol exploded”, (ii) “cry of frustration and anguish”.
4. Appeal of Imagery: Imagery makes the poem appealing by creating vivid mental pictures. Readers can mentally hear the pistol, feel the heartbreak of the fall, and clearly visualise the touching moment the athletes hold hands.
5. Change in Tone: The tone transitions from tense, competitive, and highly anticipated at the beginning to compassionate, heart-warming, and triumphant by the end.
6. Overall Mood: The mood is highly inspiring, emotional, and uplifting.
7. Message: The poem conveys that true human triumph lies in empathy, sportsmanship, and collective support, which are far more valuable than any individual gold medal.

Critical Reflection – I (Extract-based Questions, Page 160-161)

1. Extract 1 Questions:
   • (i) Correct Option: B. stopped running.
   • (ii) Character trait: Deep empathy, sportsmanship, and compassion.
   • (iii) Tone: Appreciative and admiring of their selfless act.
   • (iv) Feelings of the athlete: He might have felt overwhelmed, comforted, and deeply moved by the unexpected kindness of his competitors.
   • (v) Turning point: Yes, this is a major turning point. A highly competitive athletic race suddenly transforms into a profound display of human solidarity, changing the very nature of the event.
2. Extract 2 Questions:
   • (i) Contestants’ feelings: They felt a shared sense of immense pride, joy, and unity, indicated by their “beaming faces”.
   • (ii) Reason for gold medals: They were all given gold medals to honour their outstanding display of sportsmanship and humanity, which embodied the true spirit of the Special Olympics.
   • (iii) Completion: The holding of hands signifies a feeling of unity, equality, and collective victory.
   • (iv) Correct Option: A. amazed.
   • (v) Last line explanation: The powerful visual of nine happy athletes holding hands and the respectful applause of the audience conveyed the message of compassion much more effectively than spoken words ever could.

Critical Reflection – II (Short Answer Questions, Page 162)

1. Atmosphere: The first two stanzas create an atmosphere of high anticipation, rigorous preparation, and intense excitement, establishing the high stakes of the upcoming race.
2. Youngest athlete’s feelings: He must have felt a crushing sense of despair, “anguish,” and intense disappointment, thinking months of hard work were ruined in a single second.
3. Eagerness to begin: They were eager because they had trained rigorously for “many weeks and months,” and the ultimate moment to prove their abilities had arrived.
4. Symbolism of the walk: It symbolises a shift from individual rivalry to collective solidarity. It highlights that lifting up a fallen peer is more important than crossing the finish line first.
5. Different outcome: If the focus was solely on individual achievement, the eight runners would have ignored the fallen boy, leaving him in tears, and only one person would have won the gold.
6. Language and tone: The poet uses descriptive imagery and a tone that transitions from thrilling suspense to profound warmth, deeply touching the reader’s emotions and pulling them into the narrative.
7. Poet’s purpose: The poet’s main purpose is to highlight that human compassion and working together are far greater achievements than solitary athletic victories.

Vocabulary in Context (Page 162-163)

II. Collocations:

Column 1 (Adjective)	Column 2 (Noun)
1. big	disappointment, failure, surprise, decision.
2. heavy	rainfall, machinery, traffic, burden
3. strong	wind, feeling, coffee, evidence
4. large	crowd, amount, number, scale
5. great	success, importance, deal, opportunity

III. Appropriate Adjectives:

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

Listen and Respond (Page 163-164)

I. True or False:

1. Patrick Gomes began his career in sports with track events. → True
2. Patrick Gomes has been coaching special athletes for 10 years. → True
3. Patrick Gomes does all the household work himself. → False

II. MCQs:

1. When the speaker uses the phrase ‘push your boundaries’, he wants listeners to (i) challenge themselves.
2. Patrick Gomes is a (ii) coach of special athletes at present.
3. Special Olympic Games held at Connecticut was a (ii) turning point for Patrick Gomes.
4. As a special athlete, Patrick Gomes mostly participated in (i) track events.
5. Patrick Gomes believes that sports is essential because it encourages (i) a positive outlook along with fitness.

Writing Task: Slogans (Page 165)

Three creative slogans inspired by the Special Olympics and the poem:

• 1. “Special Olympics: Champions of Heart and Will.”
• 2. “Beyond the Finish Line: Celebrating Every Ability.”
• 3. “Special Olympics: Where Courage Meets Glory.”