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The World of Limitless Possibilities

NCERT Class 9 · English Based on NCERT Class 9 English textbook · Free CBSE study kit

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter explores the inspiring world of Paralympics and Special Olympics, focusing on the extraordinary resilience and achievements of para-athletes like Dr. Deepa Malik. It exists in the syllabus to challenge societal stereotypes about disability, promote inclusivity, and teach students about determination, empathy, and the power of sports. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that physical limitations do not define one's potential, and every setback is an opportunity to prove one's strength.
Key Concepts (30)
Paralympics
A thrilling celebration of resilience and extraordinary talent of athletes with locomotor, sensory, or intellectual disabilities, going beyond competition to quell stereotypes and redefine possibilities.
e.g. The Paralympic Games include events like para-archery and shot-put, where athletes like Sheetal Devi and Dr. Deepa Malik compete.
Resilience
The ability to recover quickly from difficult circumstances.
e.g. After her spinal tumour surgery, Dr. Deepa Malik showed resilience by choosing to transform her life rather than waste it in remorse.
Quell
To overcome.
e.g. Paralympics help quell stereotypes about disability by showcasing the strength and skill of para-athletes.
Locomotor
Related to bones, joints, or muscles.
e.g. Athletes with locomotor disabilities participate in Paralympic events like para-athletics.
Indelible
Enduring or permanent.
e.g. Dr. Deepa Malik has left an indelible mark on innumerable aspiring athletes.
Squander
To waste.
e.g. Dr. Deepa Malik had two choices: squander her life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities.
Remorse
Regret.
e.g. She chose not to live in remorse after her paralysis.
Trailblazer
A pioneer or leader.
e.g. Dr. Deepa Malik is a trailblazer as the first Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics.
Accolades
Praise and honours.
e.g. Dr. Deepa Malik has been showered with accolades like the Khel Ratna, Arjuna, and Padma Shri Awards.
Coveted
Strongly desired by many.
e.g. She has been bestowed with several coveted awards.
Proponent
A person who speaks in support of a particular idea or action.
e.g. Dr. Deepa Malik is a proponent of the school of thought 'ability beyond disability'.
Fortitude
Strength to face adversity or difficulty.
e.g. The support of her family, coupled with her fortitude, allowed her to turn obstacles into stepping stones.
Testament
Proof.
e.g. Her achievements are a testament to her belief that physical limitations don't define one's potential.
Preconceived notions
Opinions about something even before knowing the truth.
e.g. When people witness the strength of para-athletes, it breaks down preconceived notions about disability.
Inclusivity
Including everyone and their thoughts and treating them equally.
e.g. Dr. Deepa Malik has become vocal for inclusivity and accessibility.
Advocating
Supporting or suggesting an idea.
e.g. She is advocating for disability rights and inclusivity.
Unleashed
Release of something powerful that cannot be controlled.
e.g. Disability is not a limitation; it's a unique strength waiting to be unleashed.
Fact
Evidence/factual information that can be proved to be true.
e.g. In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event — this is a fact.
Opinion
Writer's beliefs/perception.
e.g. I feel it was a moment of personal victory — this is an opinion.
Cause-effect
Understanding the relationship between actions/events (cause) and outcomes (effect).
e.g. I was diagnosed with a tumour (cause) → I had a surgery and was told I would be bound to a wheelchair (effect).
Direct Speech
The exact words spoken by a person, enclosed in quotation marks.
e.g. Interviewer: 'You’ve been listed as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes globally.'
Reported Speech
Reporting what someone said without using their exact words, with changes in tense, pronouns, and time references.
e.g. The interviewer said that she had been listed as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes globally.
Modal auxiliaries
Verbs like could, couldn't, should, would that perform various functions such as expressing possibility, obligation, ability, or past habit.
e.g. I could hear the audience clapping (past ability). It couldn't be helped (impossibility).
Collocation
A pair or group of words that habitually appear together.
e.g. Standing ovation is an adjective-noun collocation.
Alliteration
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a line of poetry.
e.g. From the poem: 'nine gold medals' (repetition of 'n' sound).
Visual imagery
Descriptive language that appeals to the sense of sight.
e.g. From the poem: 'nine beaming faces', 'the blocks were all lined up'.
Auditory imagery
Descriptive language that appeals to the sense of hearing.
e.g. From the poem: 'the pistol exploded'.
Empathy
Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.
e.g. I can imagine how you feel. I understand that you are upset and why.
Sympathy
Feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
e.g. I am so sorry for what is happening to you. It is sad, do you want something to eat?
Compassion
Sympathetic concern for the suffering of others, often with a desire to help.
e.g. I understand why you feel terribly low. I will spend some time with you, so that you don’t feel lonely.
How It Works
Transforming Direct Speech to Reported Speech
  1. Use reporting verbs like 'said', 'told', or 'says'.
  2. Remove quotation marks.
  3. Add the linking word 'that' after the reporting verb.
  4. Change the tense of the verb (e.g., present to past, present perfect to past perfect).
  5. Change pronouns (e.g., 'you' to 'she', 'I' to 'she').
  6. Adjust time references if necessary.
💡 Students often forget to change the tense of the verb and the pronouns. Also, if the reporting verb is in the present tense (e.g., 'says'), the tense of the reported speech does not change.
Identifying Fact vs. Opinion
  1. Check if the statement can be proved to be true with evidence or factual information.
  2. If it can be proved, it is a fact.
  3. If it reflects the writer's beliefs, perception, or feelings, it is an opinion.
💡 Statements with phrases like 'I feel', 'I believe', or 'in my opinion' are almost always opinions, not facts.
Identifying Cause and Effect
  1. Identify the action or event that triggers something (cause).
  2. Identify the outcome or result that follows (effect).
  3. Look for linking words like 'because', 'so', 'therefore', 'as a result'.
💡 Students often confuse cause and effect. The cause happens first; the effect is the result.
Using Modal Auxiliaries
  1. Identify the modal verb (could, couldn't, should, would).
  2. Determine its function based on context: possibility, ability, obligation, advice, request, past habit, etc.
  3. Use the correct form of the main verb (base form) after the modal.
💡 Modal verbs do not change form for different subjects (e.g., 'he could', not 'he coulds'). Also, 'could' can indicate past ability or present possibility depending on context.
Writing a Notice
  1. Write the name of the organisation at the top.
  2. Write 'NOTICE' in bold or capital letters.
  3. Write the date.
  4. Write a heading that summarises the purpose.
  5. Write the details: event, date, time, venue, who is eligible, how to register, deadline.
  6. End with the signature, name, and designation of the issuing authority.
  7. Draw a box around the notice.
💡 The word limit is usually 50 words. Do not include unnecessary details. The notice must be concise and clear.
Writing a Slogan
  1. Understand the theme (e.g., Special Olympics).
  2. Brainstorm ideas and key words.
  3. Keep it brief and simple (8-10 words maximum).
  4. Make it catchy and memorable.
  5. Use techniques like alliteration, rhyme, or a play on words.
💡 A slogan is not a sentence; it is a short, punchy phrase. Avoid complex words.
Designing a Poster
  1. Include all vital information (event, date, time, venue).
  2. Place the slogan prominently.
  3. Use top, bottom, and sides for other important details.
  4. Include illustrations or images.
  5. Add a call for action if needed.
  6. Use colours and decorations to make it attractive.
  7. Present the poster as a box item.
💡 The poster must be visually appealing and easy to read. Do not overcrowd it with text.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing 'Fact' with 'Opinion' in the Interview
✗ Students write that 'I feel it was a moment of personal victory' is a fact because it is stated in the interview.
→ The statement begins with 'I feel', which clearly indicates it is the speaker's personal perception or belief, not an objective, provable fact.
✓ The correct classification is 'opinion' because it expresses the speaker's personal feeling, not a verifiable fact.
⚠ Incorrect Tense Change in Reported Speech
✗ Students write: 'Dr. Malik said that she loves sports.' (keeping the present tense)
→ In reported speech, when the reporting verb is in the past tense ('said'), the verb in the reported clause usually shifts back one tense (present to past).
✓ The correct sentence is: 'Dr. Malik said that she loved sports.'
⚠ Misinterpreting 'Pulled up on their heels'
✗ Students write that 'pulled up on their heels' means the runners ran faster or jumped ahead.
→ The phrase literally means they stopped running by pulling their heels up, as they turned back to help the fallen athlete.
✓ The correct meaning is that the runners stopped running.
⚠ Confusing 'Empathy', 'Sympathy', and 'Compassion'
✗ Students use these terms interchangeably, e.g., saying 'I feel sympathy for you' when they mean empathy.
→ Each word has a distinct meaning: empathy is understanding and sharing feelings; sympathy is feeling pity; compassion is sympathy with a desire to help.
✓ Use 'empathy' when you understand and share someone's feelings; 'sympathy' when you feel sorry for them; 'compassion' when you want to actively help.
⚠ Forgetting to Add 'that' in Reported Speech
✗ Students write: 'The interviewer said she had been listed...' (omitting 'that')
→ The linking word 'that' is a required step in converting direct speech to reported speech for declarative sentences.
✓ The correct sentence is: 'The interviewer said that she had been listed...'
⚠ Misidentifying the Tone of the Poem
✗ Students say the tone of the poem is competitive or sad throughout.
→ The tone changes: it starts with excitement and anticipation, shifts to anguish and frustration when the athlete falls, and ends with warmth, hope, and celebration of collective support.
✓ The tone is initially excited and anticipatory, then shifts to anguish and frustration, and finally becomes warm, hopeful, and celebratory.
Compare & Contrast
Target participants
Paralympics
Special Olympics
Paralympics are for athletes with locomotor, sensory, or intellectual disabilities, while Special Olympics are specifically for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Emotional response
Empathy
Sympathy
Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person ('I can imagine how you feel'), whereas sympathy involves feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune ('I am so sorry for what is happening to you').
Verifiability
Fact
Opinion
A fact is a statement that can be proved true with evidence (e.g., 'I secured the silver medal'), while an opinion is a personal belief or perception that cannot be objectively verified (e.g., 'I feel it was a moment of personal victory').
Form of reporting
Direct Speech
Reported Speech
Direct speech uses the exact words of the speaker enclosed in quotation marks (e.g., 'I love sports'), while reported speech paraphrases the speaker's words without quotation marks, with changes in tense, pronouns, and time references (e.g., 'She said that she loved sports').
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: This chapter typically appears in board exams as: 2-3 MCQs (1 mark each) on vocabulary, fact/opinion, and poem comprehension; 1 short answer question (2-3 marks) on Dr. Deepa Malik's interview or the poem's message; 1 long answer question (5 marks) on reported speech transformation or writing a notice; and 1 extract-based question (3-4 marks) from the poem or interview.
Most asked: Dr. Deepa Malik's achievements and her philosophy of 'ability beyond disability' · Transformation of direct speech to reported speech · Identifying fact vs. opinion and cause-effect relationships · Message and tone of the poem 'Nine Gold Medals' · Use of modal auxiliaries and their functions · Writing a notice
Don't skip: Long answer question on converting a conversation from direct to reported speech (5 marks); Extract-based question from the poem 'Nine Gold Medals' asking about tone, imagery, and message (4 marks); Question on how Dr. Deepa Malik's achievements challenge societal perceptions (3 marks)
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Paralympics are a celebration of resilience and talent of athletes with locomotor, sensory, or intellectual disabilities.
  2. Dr. Deepa Malik is a trailblazer who won India's first female Paralympic medal in shot-put at the 2016 Rio Games.
  3. Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficult circumstances.
  4. A fact can be proved true; an opinion is a personal belief.
  5. In reported speech, change the tense of the verb and pronouns, and add 'that' after the reporting verb.
  6. Modal auxiliaries like 'could' indicate past ability, and 'should' indicates obligation or advice.
  7. The poem 'Nine Gold Medals' teaches that empathy and collective support are more valuable than individual victory.
  8. Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds, e.g., 'nine gold medals'.
  9. Visual imagery appeals to sight; auditory imagery appeals to hearing.
  10. Empathy is understanding someone's feelings; sympathy is feeling pity; compassion is helping.
  11. A notice must include the name of the organisation, 'NOTICE', date, heading, details, and signature.
  12. A slogan should be brief, catchy, and no more than 8-10 words.
  13. Dr. Deepa Malik believes in 'ability beyond disability' and advocates for inclusivity.
  14. The Special Olympics banner in the poem symbolises the spirit of inclusion and teamwork.
  15. The tone of the poem shifts from excitement to anguish to hope and celebration.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. At what age was Dr. Deepa Malik diagnosed with a spinal tumour?

  • A. 29 years old ✓
  • B. 32 years old
  • C. 25 years old
  • D. 35 years old

Answer: A — The interview clearly states that Dr. Malik was 29 when she was diagnosed with a spinal tumour.

Q2. What does the term 'resilience' mean in the context of the Paralympic Games?

  • A. The ability to compete against others
  • B. The ability to recover quickly from difficult circumstances ✓
  • C. The strength to lift heavy weights
  • D. The skill to win medals in sports

Answer: B — Resilience is defined in the text as the ability to recover quickly from difficult circumstances.

Q3. Which sporting event did Dr. Deepa Malik win a silver medal in at the 2016 Rio Paralympics?

  • A. Swimming
  • B. Shot-put ✓
  • C. Javelin throw
  • D. Running

Answer: B — Dr. Malik's breakthrough moment came in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games when she secured a silver medal in the shot-put event.

Q4. Which of the following statements is a FACT rather than an OPINION based on Dr. Malik's interview?

  • A. I feel it was a moment of personal victory
  • B. In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event ✓
  • C. It was a step forward in changing perceptions
  • D. These achievements are a testimony to my belief that physical limitations don't define potential

Answer: B — Option B is a factual statement that can be verified; options A, C, and D all contain the speaker's personal interpretation or belief.

Q5. What is the relationship between Dr. Malik's spinal tumour surgery and her wheelchair use?

  • A. Surgery caused her paralysis and wheelchair dependence ✓
  • B. Wheelchair use led to the need for surgery
  • C. Surgery was successful and she could walk normally
  • D. Paralysis and wheelchair use were unrelated to surgery

Answer: A — The text shows cause-effect: the surgery for the spinal tumour resulted in paralysis waist-down, which led to wheelchair use.

Q6. According to Dr. Malik, what is the core philosophy she advocates for individuals with disabilities?

  • A. Disability should prevent participation in sports
  • B. Ability beyond disability — physical limitations don't define potential ✓
  • C. Disabilities require constant sympathy and support
  • D. Disabled individuals cannot compete with able-bodied athletes

Answer: B — Dr. Malik explicitly states she is a proponent of 'ability beyond disability,' meaning physical limitations do not define one's potential.

Q7. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of Dr. Deepa Malik's major challenges during her Paralympic journey?

  • A. Societal perceptions and underestimation
  • B. Need for mental resilience alongside physical strength
  • C. Lack of support from family members ✓
  • D. Overcoming preconceived notions about disability

Answer: C — Dr. Malik states that her family's support was crucial in helping her overcome obstacles; lack of family support was NOT mentioned as a challenge.

Q8. Ramesh reads that Dr. Malik switched from swimming to para-athletics after her diagnosis. Which concept best explains why this was a turning point in her life?

  • A. Changing careers always leads to success
  • B. Finding a new pursuit that aligns with your passion transforms limitation into opportunity ✓
  • C. Athletes with disabilities cannot participate in competitive sports
  • D. Swimming is easier than para-athletics for disabled athletes

Answer: B — Dr. Malik's choice to switch to para-athletics while maintaining her love for sports demonstrates how finding a suitable outlet for passion can transform disability from a limitation into an opportunity for excellence.

Q9. In her advocacy work, Dr. Malik focuses on which of the following groups?

  • A. Only wealthy para-athletes
  • B. Only male athletes with disabilities
  • C. Youth, women, and persons from lower socio-economic strata through disability awareness ✓
  • D. Professional international athletes only

Answer: C — Dr. Malik mentions empowering women, supporting lower socio-economic groups, and organising awareness sessions at schools and colleges to reach youth.

Q10. What is the primary message Dr. Deepa Malik conveys through her statement 'disability is not a limitation; it's a unique strength waiting to be unleashed'?

  • A. Disabilities make people more talented than able-bodied individuals
  • B. Disability prevents people from achieving their goals
  • C. How we perceive and use our challenges determines our success and potential ✓
  • D. Only athletes with disabilities can compete in Paralympic Games

Answer: C — This statement reflects Dr. Malik's broader message that perspective and resilience can transform disability from perceived limitation into source of unique strength and capability.

Flashcards

At what age was Dr. Deepa Malik diagnosed with a spinal tumour?

Dr. Deepa Malik was diagnosed with a spinal tumour at the age of 29.

What does 'resilience' mean in the context of the Paralympic Games?

Resilience means the ability to recover quickly from difficult circumstances and setbacks.

Which event did Dr. Deepa Malik win a silver medal in at the 2016 Rio Paralympics?

Dr. Deepa Malik won a silver medal in the shot-put event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

What is the main philosophy Dr. Deepa Malik advocates for regarding disability?

Dr. Malik advocates the philosophy of 'ability beyond disability,' meaning physical limitations do not define one's potential.

Name one major challenge Dr. Deepa Malik faced during her Paralympic journey.

One major challenge was societal perceptions and people underestimating her abilities despite her physical disability.

What does 'inclusivity' mean according to the chapter?

Inclusivity means including everyone and their thoughts and treating them equally regardless of their abilities or background.

How has Paralympics impacted Dr. Deepa Malik's life personally?

Paralympics gave her a new lease of life, helped her push boundaries, and made her realise that persons with disabilities can be as capable as able-bodied individuals.

What are the three main types of disabilities mentioned for Paralympic athletes?

The three main types are locomotor disabilities (bones, joints, muscles), sensory disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.

When did India debut in the Paralympic Games?

India debuted in the Paralympic Games in 1968, and won its first medal in swimming in 1972.

What advice does Dr. Deepa Malik give to individuals facing challenges or setbacks?

She advises to treat every setback as an opportunity to prove strength, surround yourself with a support system, believe in yourself, and remember that disability is a unique strength waiting to be unleashed.

Important Board Questions

Based on the interview, define 'resilience' and give one example from Dr. Deepa Malik's life that shows how she demonstrated resilience. [2 marks]

Resilience = ability to recover from difficulties. Example: faced societal underestimation, mental and physical challenges, yet overcame them through determination and support system.

Dr. Malik had two choices after her diagnosis: 'squander life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities.' Explain how her choice led to her success in Paralympic sports. [3 marks]

Explain cause-effect: choosing transformation → switching to para-athletics (aligned with passion) → 2016 Rio silver medal → changed perceptions about disability. Show how mindset shift enabled achievement.

How does Dr. Deepa Malik believe that Paralympic Games and sports can challenge societal stereotypes about disability? Explain with reference to her personal journey and advocacy work. [5 marks]

Address: (1) How witnessing para-athlete skill breaks preconceived notions, (2) her specific achievements proving capability, (3) her advocacy through awareness sessions at schools/colleges, (4) her mission of inclusivity and treating disabled individuals with dignity equal to able-bodied counterparts.

Assertion-Reason Questions for The World of Limitless Possibilities

Q1. Assertion (A):

Dr. Deepa Malik was awarded the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and Khel Ratna for her outstanding contributions to Paralympic sports.

Reason (R):

These awards are given to recognize exceptional achievements and contributions that bring honour to the nation.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — The assertion is true—Dr. Malik received these awards as stated in the passage. The reason is also true—these awards recognize exceptional contributions. However, the reason is not the specific cause for her awards; the direct cause was her specific Paralympic achievements and advocacy work, not the general purpose of awards.

Q2. Assertion (A):

Societal perceptions about disability were one of the significant challenges Dr. Malik faced in her Paralympic journey.

Reason (R):

People often underestimated her abilities due to stereotypes, and overcoming this required both physical strength and mental resilience.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true and directly related. Dr. Malik explicitly identifies societal perceptions as a significant challenge and explains that people underestimated her abilities, requiring mental resilience to overcome. The reason correctly explains why this was a challenge.

Q3. Assertion (A):

Paralympics has helped challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities through showcasing their exceptional skills and talent.

Reason (R):

Para-athletes participate in Paralympics to earn medals and compete against other athletes.

Answer: C — A is true but R is false — The assertion is true—Dr. Malik confirms that Paralympics challenges stereotypes by demonstrating strength and skill. However, the reason is false. While winning medals is part of it, the primary purpose emphasized in the passage is to challenge stereotypes and redefine possibilities, not simply to compete. The reason presents a limited view that misses the broader social impact.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for The World of Limitless Possibilities

Case Study:

Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old para-archer, became the first Indian to win two gold medals at the Asian Para Games in 2023 before receiving the Arjuna Award in January 2024. Her achievement came despite losing both arms in an accident at age 11. Through determination and the support of her family and coaches, Sheetal learned to use her feet and mouth to operate her bow and arrows. Her story inspired many young athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams. Schools across India began organizing sessions on disability sports awareness following her achievements.

Q1. What was the main factor that enabled Sheetal Devi to participate in archery despite her physical disability?

  • A. She received a special bow designed only for her
  • B. She had natural talent that overcome her disability
  • C. Her determination and support system led her to adapt and develop new skills using her feet and mouth ✓
  • D. The government provided her with free training facilities

Answer: C

Q2. How did Sheetal Devi's achievement contribute to changing societal perspectives on disability, similar to Dr. Malik's impact?

  • A. By winning medals and inspiring disability sports awareness sessions in schools ✓
  • B. By proving that people with disabilities need special treatment
  • C. By competing only against other para-athletes
  • D. By receiving government awards and recognition

Answer: A

Q3. What does Sheetal Devi's achievement at age 17 suggest about the concept 'ability beyond disability'?

  • A. Young people with disabilities should retire from sports
  • B. Physical disability prevents success in competitive sports
  • C. Physical limitations do not define a person's potential to achieve excellence ✓
  • D. Disability is an excuse for not participating in sports

Answer: C

Q4. According to the passage, which groups were positively influenced by Sheetal's story?

  • A. Only professional athletes
  • B. Young athletes with disabilities and students in schools through awareness sessions ✓
  • C. Only her family members
  • D. Government officials and award committees

Answer: B

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