The World of Limitless Possibilities Class 9 NCERT Solutions provide accurate, step-by-step, and easy-to-understand answers to all the questions from the latest NCERT English Kaveri textbook. These solutions are prepared according to the latest CBSE syllabus and help students understand the chapter’s main ideas, important concepts, vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking questions.
The World of Limitless Possibilities Class 9 NCERT Solutions
I. 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.
Answer: In the picture, Sheetal Devi is shown as a confident para‑archer. She holds her bow with focus and determination. Her posture reflects strength and discipline.
2. Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.
Answer: Yes, this personality inspires me because she proves that disability is not a barrier to success. Her achievements show resilience, courage, and the power of hard work.
3. Give a caption for this picture.
Answer: “Strength Beyond Limits”
II. Complete the table given below about Paralympics. Share your responses with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: Paralympics Table
| What I Know | What I Want to Know |
|---|---|
| Paralympics are international sports events for athletes with locomotor, sensory, or intellectual disabilities. | How are athletes selected and trained for Paralympics in India? |
| India first took part in 1968. | What facilities and support systems are provided to para‑athletes today? |
| India won its first medal in 1972 (swimming). | How do Paralympics help in changing public attitudes towards disability? |
| Famous Indian Paralympians include Dr. Deepa Malik (silver medal in Rio 2016) and Sheetal Devi (Arjuna Awardee). | What are some lesser‑known Paralympic sports played in India? |
| Paralympics break stereotypes and show “ability beyond disability.” | What role can schools and colleges play in promoting awareness about Paralympics? |
Check Your Understanding
I. Fill in the fact table given below based on the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
| Diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of | 29 |
| Result of the surgery | Paralysed waist down, bound to wheelchair |
| Named as one of the 10 most inspirational para‑athletes by | International Paralympic Committee |
| First successful Paralympic event | 2016 Rio Paralympics – Silver medal in shot put |
| List of ‘firsts’ | First Indian female para‑athlete to win Asian Games medal in athletics; First Indian woman Paralympics medallist across any sport |
| Awards won | Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri |
| Two things supported by her | (i) Inclusivity & accessibility for persons with disabilities (ii) Empowering women and youth through sports & advocacy |
II. Read the two sets of sentences given below. Choose whether the given statements display: fact-opinion or cause-effect.
(1)
- (i) In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event.
- (ii) I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions.
Answer:
- (i) In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot‑put event. → Fact
- (ii) I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions. → Opinion
This pair shows Fact–Opinion.
(2)
- (i) I was diagnosed with a tumour in my spine.
- (ii) I had a surgery and was told that I would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life.
| Knowing the difference between fact (evidence/factual information that can be proved to be true) and opinion (writer’s beliefs/perception) helps us understand the text better. Understanding the relationship between cause (actions/events) and effect (outcomes) is also helpful in deeper analysis of the text. |
Answer:
- (i) I was diagnosed with a tumour in my spine. → Cause
- (ii) I had a surgery and was told that I would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. → Effect
This pair shows Cause–Effect.
III. Work in pairs to identify which of these pairs of sentences show:
- cause-effect
- fact-opinion
Write 1 or 2 in the boxes given.
(i) Dr. Deepa Malik was a member of the Working Group for the Formulation of Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012–17). It is believed that she contributed greatly to create better sports policies for the persons with disabilities. [ ]
Answer:
- Dr. Deepa Malik was a member of the Working Group for the Formulation of Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012–17). → Fact
- It is believed that she contributed greatly to create better sports policies for the persons with disabilities. → Opinion
This pair shows Fact–Opinion (2)
(ii) Paralympics showcases incredible talent and determination of para-athletes. The global perception on disabilities shifts, inspiring para-athletes to pursue their dreams. [ ]
Answer:
- Paralympics showcases incredible talent and determination of para‑athletes. → Cause
- The global perception on disabilities shifts, inspiring para‑athletes to pursue their dreams. → Effect
This pair shows Cause–Effect (1)
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. I had two choices—squander my life in remorse or transform it to a world of limitless possibilities.
I love sports and had been a swimmer too, so I decided to switch to para-athletics. This is how my Paralympics journey began. My breakthrough moment came in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, when I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event. In hindsight, I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions.
(i) Give a reason for the following statement. The speaker’s decision to transform her life can be likened to the concept of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
Answer: The speaker’s decision is like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly because she changed her painful life into something beautiful and full of new possibilities.
(ii) Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics quite comfortably?
Answer: She could switch easily because she already loved sports and had been a swimmer before.
(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. The speaker calls 2016 Rio Paralympic Games as a ‘breakthrough moment’ because __.
Answer: The speaker calls the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games a breakthrough moment because she won a silver medal and proved her strength to the world.
(iv) Select the correct option to complete the sentence. The phrase ‘in hindsight’ indicates the speaker is __.
A. curious
B. reflective
C. determined
D. courageous
Answer: The phrase “in hindsight” indicates the speaker is reflective.
(v) The speaker uses the phrase ‘changing perceptions’. List one likely perception the speaker might have changed.
Answer: One likely perception she changed is that people with disabilities are weak or incapable. She showed they can achieve great success.
2. Honestly, I feel sports, especially Paralympics, have the extraordinary ability to challenge stereotypes and change attitudes towards disability. When people witness the strength, skill, and competitive spirit of para-athletes, it breaks down preconceived notions. Paralympics has given me a new lease of life and helped me push boundaries.
(i) Choose the option that lists the words to describe the tone of the speaker.
A. appreciative
B. moralistic
C. sentimental
D. optimistic
E. defensive
(a) A and D
(b) B, D, and E
(c) B and C
(d) A, C, and E
Answer: (a) A and D
The speaker is appreciative (grateful for sports and Paralympics) and optimistic (positive about changing stereotypes).
(ii) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract. ability : potential :: preconceived notions: __
Answer: ability : potential :: preconceived notions : opinions
(iii) State whether the following sentence is true or false. Paralympics is a platform that not only showcases the remarkable abilities of para-athletes but also questions stereotypes.
Answer: Paralympics is a platform that not only showcases the remarkable abilities of para‑athletes but also questions stereotypes → True
(iv) What does ‘helped me push boundaries’ tell us about the speaker?
Answer: This tells us the speaker went beyond limits, overcame challenges, and achieved more than expected.
(v) Which phrase from the extract suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life?
Answer: The phrase “a new lease of life” suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life.
Answer the following questions.
1. Explain how Dr. Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions.
Answer: She proved that disability does not mean inability. By winning medals and awards, she showed that para‑athletes can be as strong and successful as anyone else.
2. What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in schools and colleges in advocacy with respect to disability?
Answer: It will build awareness, remove stereotypes, and create a more inclusive society. Young people will grow up respecting abilities rather than focusing on disabilities.
3. Rationalise the appropriateness of the title of this text with reference to Dr. Deepa Malik’s attitude and achievements.
Answer: The title fits because Dr. Malik turned her challenges into opportunities. Her attitude shows that life has no limits if we have courage and determination.
4. “Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength”. How might this be a life lesson for every individual, and not just sportspersons?
Answer: This is a life lesson for everyone. Failures or problems can make us stronger, teach us resilience, and help us achieve success in any field, not just sports.
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.
Answer: Being listed among the 10 most inspirational para‑athletes globally highlights women’s strength in sports. It encourages gender equality by showing that women athletes can achieve at the highest level.
6. How might Dr. Deepa Malik’s thought, ‘ability beyond disability’, serve as a guideline for success for all future para-athletes?
Answer: This thought inspires future para‑athletes to focus on their skills, not their limitations. It motivates them to believe in themselves and aim for success.
7. What have you learnt from this interview, and how can you implement these learnings in your life?
Answer: I learnt that courage, resilience, and self‑belief can change life. I can implement this by staying positive during challenges, working hard, and never giving up.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I. Work in pairs. Match the given phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Use the phrases in sentences of your own.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. defy the odds | (i) a time of significant development or discovery |
| 2. a new lease of life | (ii) overcome challenges and achieve goals |
| 3. in hindsight | (iii) succeed in doing something when most people think it would result in failure |
| 4. breakthrough moment | (iv) ability to understand something after it has happened |
| 5. turn obstacles into stepping stones | (v) an occasion when you become more energetic and active than earlier |
Answer:
| Column 1 (Phrase) | Column 2 (Meaning) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1. defy the odds | (iii) succeed in doing something when most people think it would result in failure | She defied the odds by winning a medal despite her disability. |
| 2. a new lease of life | (v) an occasion when you become more energetic and active than earlier | Sports gave her a new lease of life after her illness. |
| 3. in hindsight | (iv) ability to understand something after it has happened | In hindsight, I realise that the struggle made me stronger. |
| 4. breakthrough moment | (i) a time of significant development or discovery | Winning the silver medal was her breakthrough moment. |
| 5. turn obstacles into stepping stones | (ii) overcome challenges and achieve goals | She turned obstacles into stepping stones by using setbacks as motivation. |
II. A common word used in athletics is ‘sprinting’ which relates to movement. Read the words related to movement given in the box below.
Arrange them on the word cline in increasing order of pace from the slowest to the fastest. Some examples have been done for you.
Answer:
Creep → Crawl → Plod → Saunter → Amble → Stroll → Walk → Jog → Run → Dart → Sprint
Explanation
- Creep → very slow, secret movement.
- Crawl → slow movement on hands/knees.
- Plod → heavy, dragging steps.
- Saunter / Amble / Stroll → relaxed walking styles.
- Walk → normal pace.
- Jog → light running.
- Run → faster than jogging.
- Dart → sudden quick movement.
- Sprint → fastest, short burst of speed.
III. Match the highlighted verbs in Column 1 with their functions in Column 2. There are two extra functions that you do not need.
The verbs in bold are called modal auxiliaries. Each of these modal verbs can perform various functions based on the situation in which they are used.
Answer: Match the Verbs
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| I could hear the audience clapping. | Past ability |
| It couldn’t be helped. | Impossibility |
| I should give it my best shot. | Obligation |
| I knew if I tried, I would win. | Prediction |
Explanation
- Could: shows something possible in the past (past ability).
- Couldn’t: shows something that was not possible (impossibility).
- Should: shows duty or responsibility (obligation).
- Would: shows what is likely to happen (prediction).
IV. Read the table which shows other functions of the modal auxiliaries.
Now, make sentences with the modal verbs given in the table above with each function of the modal verbs. Mention the function in brackets.
Answer: Sentences with Modal Verbs
- Could
- Possibility: I could join the team if I practice more. (possibility)
- Unreal ability: If I were taller, I could play basketball better. (unreal ability)
- Request: Could you help me with my homework? (request)
- Couldn’t
- Inability: I couldn’t lift the heavy box yesterday. (inability)
- Should
- Probability: The train should arrive in ten minutes. (probability)
- Advice: You should eat healthy food every day. (advice)
- Would
- Request: Would you please lend me your pen? (request)
- Past habit: When I was young, I would play outside every evening. (past habit)
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