Here is the complete The World of Limitless Possibilities Class 9 NCERT Solution
Reflect and Respond (Page 138)
Q1. Look at the picture carefully and share your observations with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: The picture shows Sheetal Devi, a highly skilled para-archer. What is remarkable is that she does not have arms; instead, she uses her feet and legs with incredible flexibility and balance to hold the compound bow, aim, and shoot the arrow. It highlights her extreme focus and adaptability.
Q2. Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.
Answer: Yes, this personality is deeply inspiring. She proves that physical barriers cannot stop a person from achieving greatness. Winning the prestigious Arjuna Award by developing an entirely unique way to shoot arrows shows that true strength lies in mental resilience and determination.
Q3. Give a caption for this picture.
Answer: “Aiming Beyond Limits” or “The Power of True Will.”
Q4. Complete the table given below about Paralympics. Share your responses with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
What I know: The Paralympics is a major international multi-sport event involving athletes with a range of disabilities, including locomotor, sensory, or intellectual impairments.
What I want to know: How are athletes classified into different competition categories to ensure fairness, and what are the specific rules for unique Paralympic sports like Goalball or Boccia?
Check Your Understanding (Page 143)
Q 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; declared bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
named as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes globally by: The International Paralympic Committee.
first successful Paralympic event: Secured the silver medal in the shot-put event at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.
list of ‘firsts’:(i) First ever Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics.(ii) India’s first ever female Paralympics medallist across any sport.
awards won:(i) Khel Ratna(ii) Arjuna Award(iii) Padma Shri Award
two things supported by her:(i) Strengthening the emotional health of persons with challenges.(ii) Empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure activities.
Q II & III. Read the two sets of sentences given below. Choose whether the given statements display: fact-opinion or cause-effect. Work in pairs to identify which of these pairs of sentences show: 1. cause-effect 2. fact-opinion. Write 1 or 2 in the boxes given.
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 the persons with disabilities. ➔ 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. ➔ 1 (cause-effect)
Critical Reflection
Q I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Extract 1 Questions & Answers:
1. (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: Just as a caterpillar undergoes a complete physical metamorphosis to become a free-flying butterfly, Dr. Malik refused to remain restricted by her paralysis. She transformed her life from a state of tragedy and physical limitation into a dynamic journey of limitless possibilities and global achievements.
1. (ii) Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics quite comfortably?
Answer: The speaker could switch quite comfortably because she already loved sports and had been a swimmer before her diagnosis.
1. (iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. The speaker calls 2016 Rio Paralympic Games as a ‘breakthrough moment’ because…
Answer: …it was there that she secured the silver medal in the shot-put event, marking a major personal victory and a crucial step forward in changing societal perceptions about disabilities.
1. (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: B. reflective
1. (v) The speaker uses the phrase ‘changing perceptions’. List one likely perception the speaker might have changed.
Answer: She changed the societal perception that individuals bound to a wheelchair are physically frail and incapable of competing in high-intensity, global athletic competitions.
Extract 2 Questions & Answers:
2. (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
Answer: (a) A and D (appreciative and optimistic)
2. (ii) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract.
ability : potential :: preconceived notions : _______________
Answer: stereotypes
2. (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: True
2. (iv) What does ‘helped me push boundaries’ tell us about the speaker?
Answer: It tells us that the speaker is highly driven and constantly strives to exceed her physical limits, refusing to accept the conventional boundaries set by society for differently-abled individuals.
2. (v) Which phrase from the extract suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life?
Answer: “a new lease of life”
Q II. Answer the following questions.
1. Explain how Dr. Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions.
Answer: Dr. Malik’s achievements at the highest level of global sports prove that physical disabilities do not dictate a person’s potential. By winning prestigious medals and awards, she dismantles the stereotype that differently-abled people are helpless, proving instead that they are powerful, capable, and highly competitive.
2. What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in schools and colleges in advocacy with respect to disability?
Answer: Involving youth ensures that the next generation grows up with a naturally inclusive mindset. The long-term impact is the creation of a prejudice-free society where differently-abled individuals are treated with dignity, and systems, infrastructure, and policies are inherently designed for equal accessibility.
3. Rationalise the appropriateness of the title of this text with reference to Dr. Deepa Malik’s attitude and achievements.
Answer: The title “The World of Limitless Possibilities” perfectly captures Dr. Malik’s mindset. When paralyzed, she could have squandered her life in remorse. Instead, she viewed her new reality as a world full of opportunities, becoming a champion athlete, an advocate, and a symbol of ability beyond disability.
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: Everyone faces failures, rejections, or personal tragedies. Viewing these setbacks not as an end, but as a test of resilience, helps individuals develop mental fortitude. It teaches us that true success in life is determined by how well we adapt and bounce back from adversity.
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: Her recognition shatters a double stereotype: the bias against women in sports and the bias against people with disabilities. It highlights that women, even with extreme physical challenges, can reach the pinnacle of athletic achievement, inspiring more females to pursue sports and demand equal platforms.
6. How might Dr. Deepa Malik’s thought, ‘ability beyond disability’, serve as a guideline for success for all future para-athletes?
Answer: It acts as a powerful psychological tool. It encourages future para-athletes to stop comparing themselves to able-bodied standards and instead focus entirely on maximizing their unique strengths, thereby unleashing their true potential without mental limitations.
7. What have you learnt from this interview, and how can you implement these learnings in your life?
Answer: I have learnt that resilience, a positive attitude, and family support can help overcome the darkest tragedies. I can implement this by maintaining a strong will when facing academic or personal challenges, and by treating everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, with absolute equality and respect.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context (Page 147-151)
Q 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.
Answer:
- defy the odds ➔ (iii) succeed in doing something when most people think it would result in failure.Sentence: The small local team managed to defy the odds and win the national championship.
- a new lease of life ➔ (v) an occasion when you become more energetic and active than earlier.Sentence: Taking up yoga after his retirement gave my grandfather a new lease of life.
- in hindsight ➔ (iv) ability to understand something after it has happened.Sentence: In hindsight, I realise I should have started studying for the final exams a month earlier.
- breakthrough moment ➔ (i) a time of significant development or discovery.Sentence: The scientist’s breakthrough moment came when he finally found the correct formula for the medicine.
- turn obstacles into stepping stones ➔ (ii) overcome challenges and achieve goals.Sentence: With immense hard work, she was able to turn her financial obstacles into stepping stones for a successful business.
Q 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.
Answer:
Crawl ➔ Creep ➔ Plod ➔ Saunter ➔ Amble ➔ Stroll ➔ Walk ➔ Jog ➔ Run ➔ Dart ➔ Sprint
Q III. Match the highlighted verbs in Column 1 with their functions in Column 2.
Answer:
I could hear the audience clapping. ➔ (v) past ability
It couldn’t be helped. ➔ (vi) impossibility
I should give it my best shot. ➔ (iv) obligation
I knew if I tried, I would win. ➔ (ii) possibility
Q IV. 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:
could
(possibility): The weather is cloudy; it could rain later this evening.
(unreal ability): I am so tired that I could sleep for a thousand years.
(request): Could you please pass me the textbook?
(suggestion): We could go to the museum tomorrow if you are free.
couldn’t
(inability): He couldn’t lift the heavy suitcase by himself.
should
(probability): The school bus left early, so it should arrive by 5:00 PM.
(advice): You should drink plenty of water during the summer months.
would
(request): Would you mind opening the window for some fresh air?
(past habit): When we were children, we would play cricket in the park every Sunday.
Q V. Read the following sentences… The sentences given above are in (Direct Speech/Reported Speech). The sentences given above are (declarative/interrogative/exclamatory/imperative) sentences.
Answer: The sentences given above are in Direct Speech. The sentences given above are declarative sentences.
Q V (Table). Observe the changes from Column 1 to Column 2. Note these changes in Column 3.
Answer:
Dr. Malik: 1. ‘said’ added 2. ‘that’ linking word added 3. I ➔ she 4. love ➔ loved 5. have been ➔ had been 6. decided ➔ had decided.
Interviewer: 1. ‘said’ added 2. ‘that’ linking word added 3. Your ➔ her 4. is ➔ was.
Dr. Malik (Youth): 1. ‘says’ added 2. ‘that’ linking word added 3. I ➔ she 4. believe ➔ believes.
Q VI. Change the conversation given above to reported speech.
Answer:
Siya said that she (1) 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 (2) it did, and 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 (3) they also had to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse.
Tarun said that (4) he would watch that documentary the following weekend.
Listen and Respond (Page 152)
Q I. You will listen to an announcement for special assembly in school. As you listen, fill in the blanks with one or two exact words. (Note: Derived from standard inclusivity assembly contexts)
Answer:
The venue for the special assembly is the school auditorium.
A presentation on inclusion will be made by the school principal.
The dance performance will focus on the themes of unity and diversity.
A workshop and seminar will be conducted by experts who support inclusion.
The celebration will end with a group activity to encourage team work.
Speaking Activity (Page 152-153)
Q I. Interview the Sports Captain and the Sports Coach of your school. Note that the interview of the Sports Captain is informal, and that of the Sports Coach is formal.
Answer:
(Write these dialogues in your notebook)
Informal Interview (With Sports Captain)
Interviewer: Hello! I’m so glad that you agreed to meet me for this interview.
Sports Captain: Hi! No problem at all, I’m happy to chat.
Interviewer: Tell me about yourself and your love for sports.
Sports Captain: Well, I’ve been playing football since I was young. I just love the energy and teamwork on the field.
Interviewer: Did you face any challenges? How did you deal with them?
Sports Captain: Dealing with ankle injuries was tough. I had to rest, do my physiotherapy, and learn patience to bounce back.
Interviewer: What are some impressive achievements you’ve had? How do you feel about them?
Sports Captain: Winning the inter-school cup last year was amazing. It felt like all our early morning practices finally paid off.
Interviewer: What would you like to say to your peers or juniors who are interested in sports?
Sports Captain: Stay consistent! Talent is great, but showing up for practice every single day is what makes you a champion.
Formal Interview (With Sports Coach)
Interviewer: Good morning, it is my privilege to get this opportunity to have this interaction with you.
Sports Coach: Good morning. Thank you, the pleasure is mine.
Interviewer: Could you tell me how your journey in sports began?
Sports Coach: I began as a track and field athlete during my university days. Eventually, my passion shifted from competing to mentoring young talent.
Interviewer: Could you share something about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
Sports Coach: Funding and proper equipment were scarce early in my career. I overcame this by focusing heavily on core fitness and utilizing whatever local resources we had available.
Interviewer: You’ve received many accolades. What do these accomplishments mean to you?
Sports Coach: They are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students I train. My true award is seeing a student reach their full potential.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for aspiring athletes?
Sports Coach: Discipline is non-negotiable. Respect your body, listen to your mentors, and never let a single defeat break your spirit.
Writing Task (Page 154)
Q II. The Sports Club of your school is organising an Inter-school Athletic Meet. As the Sports Captain, draft a notice in not more than 50 words asking interested students to register themselves for selection in different events. Add all necessary details. Do not forget to design your notice within a box.
Answer:
Learning Beyond the Text (Page 155)
Q II. Work in groups of four. Choose any one of the topics given below and make a presentation. (Topic: Two Paralympians from India)
Answer:
(Guideline/Outline for the Presentation task in the notebook)
Slide 1 (Introduction):
Topic: Inspiring Indian Paralympians
Sub-heading: A tribute to willpower and limitlessness.
Slide 2 (Origin of Paralympics):
Started in 1948 by Sir Ludwig Guttmann.
Initially known as the Stoke Mandeville Games for war veterans with spinal injuries.
Slide 3 (Brief History):
First official Paralympic Games held in Rome in 1960.
Now held in the same host city shortly after the Olympic Games.
Slide 4 (Paralympian 1 – Sumit Antil):
Sport: Javelin Throw.
Achievement: Won the Gold medal and set multiple world records at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Slide 5 (Paralympian 2 – Avani Lekhara):
Sport: Rifle Shooting.
Achievement: First Indian woman to win a Gold medal and multiple medals at a single Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020).
Slide 6 (Conclusion):
Physical limitations cannot bind the human spirit. These athletes are living proof of “ability beyond disability.”
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