NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 The World of Limitless Possibilities (2026-27)

Reflect and Respond (Pages 137-138)

I. This is a picture of Sheetal Devi, a para-archer who was honoured with the Arjuna Award in January 2024.

Image 1

Question 1: Look at the picture carefully and share your observations with your classmates and teacher.

Answer: The picture shows Sheetal Devi, a para-archer, aiming with great focus and confidence. She uses her legs and feet to hold and operate the bow because she was born without arms. Her posture, concentration, and calm expression show her determination, discipline, and courage.

Question 2: Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.

Answer: Yes, Sheetal Devi’s personality inspires me greatly. She did not allow her physical disability to stop her from achieving success in sports. Her hard work, confidence, and determination helped her become a successful para-archer and receive the Arjuna Award in January 2024. Her journey teaches us that strong willpower and dedication can help us overcome challenges and achieve our goals.

Question 3: Give a caption for this picture.

Answer: “Aiming High with Courage and Confidence.”

II. Complete the table given below about Paralympics. Share your responses with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:

Check Your Understanding (Pages 143-144)

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:

II. Read the two sets of sentences given below.

Choose whether the given statements display: fact-opinion or cause-effect.
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 a deeper analysis of the text.

(1)

(i) In the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, I secured the silver medal in the shot-put event.

Answer: Fact. This is a verifiable event that actually took place.

(ii) I feel it was a moment of personal victory and a step forward in changing perceptions.

Answer: Opinion. The words “I feel” show the speaker’s personal view and interpretation of the event.

(2)

(i) I was diagnosed with a tumour in my spine.

Answer: Cause. The diagnosis was the reason that led to further medical treatment and life changes.

(ii) I had a surgery and was told that I would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life.

Answer: Effect. This was the result of the medical condition and surgery.

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

Answer:

1. Dr Deepa Malik was a member of the Working Group for the Formulation of the Twelfth Five-Year Plan (2012-17).
It is believed that she contributed greatly to creating better sports policies for people with disabilities.
Answer: 2

2. The Paralympics showcase the incredible talent and determination of para-athletes.
The global perception of disabilities shifts, inspiring para-athletes to pursue their dreams.
Answer: 1

Critical Reflection (Pages 144-147)

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 can be compared to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly because both represent complete change and growth. Dr Deepa Malik chose not to remain trapped in sorrow after her paralysis. Instead, she transformed her life through sports and entered a world of limitless possibilities, just as a caterpillar becomes a butterfly after transformation.

(ii) Why could the speaker switch to paraathletics quite comfortably?

Answer: The speaker could switch to para-athletics comfortably because she already loved sports and had been a swimmer earlier. Her previous connection with sports helped her understand discipline, training, and competition, making it easier for her to begin her Paralympic journey.

(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 in the shot-put event, marking a major personal victory and an important achievement for Indian para-athletics.

(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

(v) The speaker uses the phrase ‘changing perceptions’. List one likely perception the speaker might have changed.

Answer: One likely perception she changed is the belief that people with disabilities cannot succeed in competitive sports. Her achievement proved that physical challenges do not limit talent, strength, or determination.

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 of the Paralympics and optimistic about its power to change attitudes towards disability.

(ii) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract.

ability : potential :: preconceived notions:

Answer: stereotypes

(iii) State whether the following sentence is true or false.

Paralympics is a platform that not only showcases the remarkable abilities of paraathletes but also questions stereotypes.

Answer: True. The Paralympics showcases the abilities of para-athletes and challenges stereotypes about disability.

(iv) What does ‘helped me push boundaries’ tell us about the speaker?

Answer:
The phrase ‘helped me push boundaries’ shows that the speaker is determined, courageous, and willing to go beyond physical and social limitations. It tells us that she does not accept limits easily and continues to challenge herself.

(v) Which phrase from the extract suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life?

Answer:
The phrase “Paralympics has given me a new lease of life” suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life.

II. Answer the following questions.

Question 1: Explain how Dr. Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions.

Answer: Dr. Deepa Malik’s achievements challenge societal perceptions by proving that disability does not define a person’s ability or potential. Many people wrongly believe that people with disabilities cannot succeed in physically demanding fields like sports. Dr Malik broke this stereotype by winning a silver medal in shot put at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Her success changed the way people look at para-athletes. Instead of being seen with sympathy, they are now recognised for their strength, skill, confidence, and competitive spirit. Her journey shows that determination and resilience can help a person achieve extraordinary success.

Question 2: What can be the long-term impact of involving youth in schools and colleges in advocacy with respect to disability?

Answer: Involving youth in schools and colleges in disability advocacy can create a more inclusive and respectful society. When young people learn about disability, accessibility, and equal opportunities, they become more sensitive towards the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.

This awareness can help break stereotypes from an early age. Students may grow into responsible citizens who support inclusion in education, sports, workplaces, and public spaces. In the long term, such advocacy can help persons with disabilities receive dignity, equal opportunities, and fair treatment.

Question 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” is appropriate because it reflects Dr Deepa Malik’s inspiring attitude towards life. After being paralysed waist down, she could have lived in sadness and regret. Instead, she chose to transform her life through sports.

Her achievements, including winning a silver medal at the Rio Paralympic Games and becoming India’s first female Paralympic medallist, show that possibilities are not limited by physical challenges. Her courage, mental resilience, and determination prove that people can rise above difficulties and create new paths for themselves.

Question 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: The statement “Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength” is a life lesson for everyone because difficulties are a part of every person’s life. A setback may come in the form of failure in exams, illness, loss, rejection, or personal struggle.

Instead of giving up, one can use such moments to learn, improve, and become stronger. Dr Deepa Malik’s life shows that challenges can become stepping stones if we face them with courage and determination. This lesson applies not only to sportspersons but to all individuals who want to grow through difficulties.

Question 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: Dr. Deepa Malik’s recognition as one of the 10 most inspirational para-athletes globally contributes strongly to the discussion on gender equality in sports. Her success shows that women, including women with disabilities, can excel at the highest levels of international competition.

As India’s first female Paralympic medallist, she broke barriers related to both gender and disability. Her recognition gives visibility to female athletes and encourages more girls and women to participate in sports. It also sends a message that talent, hard work, and determination matter more than gender or physical condition.

Question 6: How might Dr. Deepa Malik’s thought, ‘ability beyond disability’, serve as a guideline for success for all future para-athletes?

Answer: Dr Deepa Malik’s thought, “ability beyond disability”, can guide future para-athletes by encouraging them to focus on their strengths rather than their limitations. It reminds them that disability does not reduce their talent, courage, or potential.

This belief can help para-athletes build confidence, train harder, and face challenges with determination. It also encourages society to recognise their abilities instead of judging them by their physical condition. Her thought inspires future athletes to prove themselves through resilience, discipline, and performance.

Question 7: What have you learnt from this interview, and how can you implement these learnings in your life?

Answer: From this interview with Dr Deepa Malik, I have learned that setbacks should not be seen as the end of life. They can become opportunities to discover new strengths and possibilities. Her journey teaches the importance of courage, mental resilience, hard work, and positive thinking.

I can implement these learnings in my life by not giving up when I face difficulties. I can treat failures as chances to improve and continue working towards my goals. I can also be more inclusive by respecting people with disabilities and recognising their abilities, dignity, and potential.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context (Pages 147-151)

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:

Sentences using the above phrases:

1. Defy the odds: She worked hard and defied the odds to achieve success.

2. A new lease of life: The new job gave him a new lease of life.

3. In hindsight: In hindsight, I realise I should have prepared better.

4. Breakthrough moment: Winning the competition was a breakthrough moment in her career.

5. Turn obstacles into stepping stones: He learned to turn obstacles into stepping stones on the path to success.

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.

Image 2

Answer:

Image 3

Students can arrange the given movement words in increasing order of pace by placing the slowest action first and the fastest action last. They may refer to the examples given in the textbook and discuss the order with their classmates and teacher.

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:

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:

1. Could

• It could rain today. (Possibility)

• He could have won if he had tried harder. (Unreal ability)

• Could you help me with this task? (Request)

• We could go to the library after school. (Suggestion)

2. Couldn’t

• I couldn’t attend the meeting yesterday. (Inability)

3. Should

• The train should arrive by 6 p.m. (Probability)

• You should revise your lessons regularly. (Advice)

4. Would

• Would you please open the window? (Request)

• When we were children, we would play in the park every evening. (Past habit)

V. Read the following sentences.

Interviewer: You’ve been listed as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes globally by the International Paralympic Committee.
Dr. Malik: I love sports and had been a swimmer too, so I decided to switch to paraathletics.

The sentences given above are in _________ . (Direct Speech/Reported Speech)
The sentences given above are _________ sentences. (declarative/interrogative/ exclamatory/imperative)

Answer:
The sentences given above are in Direct Speech.
The sentences given above are declarative sentences.

A declarative sentence makes a statement or gives information. It usually ends with a full stop.

Examples:

• She is reading a book.

• The sun rises in the east.

• We have completed our homework.

An imperative sentence gives a command, request, advice, or instruction.

Examples:

• Close the door.

• Please help me.

• Work hard for your exams.

An exclamatory sentence expresses strong feelings or emotions.

Examples:

• What a beautiful day it is!

• How fast he runs!

• Oh no! We missed the bus!

An interrogative sentence asks a question.

Examples:

• What is your name?

• Where are you going?

• Did you complete your homework?

Now, work in pairs. Observe the changes from Column 1 to Column 2. Note these changes in Column 3. One example has been done for you.

Answer:

VI. Read the conversation given below.

SIYA: I WATCHED A DOCUMENTARY ON THE PARA EQUESTRIAN EVENT ON TELEVISION LAST NIGHT.
TARUN: I DIDN’T KNOW PARALYMPICS HAS EQUESTRIAN EVENTS.

Image 4

SIYA: It does. It was so interesting to watch.
TARUN: That’s wonderful. So para equestrians must be training for months for this.
SIYA: They also have to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse.
TARUN: I will watch this documentary the next weekend.

Change the conversation given above to reported speech.
Siya said that she 1 _________ . Tarun replied that he hadn’t known that Paralympics had equestrian events. Siya added that 2. _____________ . Tarun remarked that it was wonderful and that para equestrians must be training for months for that. Siya replied that 3. ____________ . Tarun said that 4. _________ .

Answer:

1. had watched a documentary on the para equestrian event on television the previous night

2. It did, and that it had been very interesting to watch

3. They also had to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse

4. He would watch that documentary the following weekend

Listen and Respond (Page 152)

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. (Transcript for teacher on page 268 of NCERT Textbook Kaveri)

1. The venue for the special assembly is the _________ .

Answer: School auditorium

2. A presentation on inclusion will be made by the _________ .

Answer: Interact Club

3. The dance performance will focus on the themes of _________ and _________ .

Answer: diversity, acceptance

4. A _________ will be conducted by experts who support inclusion.

Answer: panel discussion

5. The celebration will end with a _________ to encourage team work.

Answer: Song

Speaking Activity (Pages 152-153)

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.
Work in pairs. One of you can be the interviewer and the other the interviewee in the informal interview. Interchange your role for the formal one.

Answer: Students can perform this speaking activity in pairs by preparing one informal interview with the Sports Captain and one formal interview with the Sports Coach. They should use polite questions, a suitable tone, and appropriate language for each role.

Writing Task (Pages 153-154)

I. Read the details about a notice in the table given below.

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:

ST. MARY’S PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE

12 October, 2027

INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEET

The Sports Club is organising an Inter-school Athletic Meet on 30 October 2027, at the School Stadium. Interested students must report for selection trials on 18 October at 3:00 p.m. at the Assembly Ground. Register with the undersigned by 16 October.

Arjun Mehta
Sports Captain

Learning Beyond the Text (Pages 154-155)

I. Did you know?

The origin of Paralympics can be traced back to the year 1948, when Sir Ludwig Guttmann, organised a sports competition for war veterans with spinal cord-related injuries in England. The Stoke Mandeville Games was the Olympic-style games for differently-abled athletes. It was organised for the first time in Rome in 1960, and since then the game has evolved.

The Paralympics are split into Winter Games and Summer Games, which alternately occur every two years. Since the late twentieth century, the Paralympics have been held in the same city, which hosts the corresponding Olympic Games; the Paralympics follow shortly after the Olympics.

II. Work in groups of four. Choose any one of the topics given below and make a presentation.

Two lesser-known Paralympic sports (examples: para equestrian, para rowing, etc.)
Two Paralympians from India

Steps to be followed:

Do research on the topic of your choice. Refer to magazines, newspapers, and the internet.
Prepare the presentation based on the following guidelines:
One introductory slide (mentioning topic chosen)
Two slides on origin and brief history of Paralympics
Four to five slides about lesser-known Paralympic sports or Indian Paralympians
One concluding slide
Choose appropriate slide design, colour schemes, and images.
Ensure there is a good balance between text and images.
Share your presentation in class.
Each member of the group to take turns to present.

Answer: Students can prepare the presentation in groups by choosing one topic from the options given. A sample structure is given below:

Slide 1: Introduction
Mention the topic chosen, such as “Indian Paralympians” or “Lesser-Known Paralympic Sports”, along with the group members’ names.

Slide 2: Origin of the Paralympics
Explain that the Paralympic movement began in 1948 at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England, where Sir Ludwig Guttmann organised sports competitions for injured war veterans.

Slide 3: Growth of the Paralympics
Mention that the first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960 and later developed into a major international sporting event.

Slides 4-6: Main Topic
Students may present either two lesser-known Paralympic sports, such as boccia and goalball, or two Indian Paralympians, such as Devendra Jhajharia and Avani Lekhara.

Slide 7: Conclusion
Conclude by highlighting courage, inclusion, equality, and the limitless possibilities of athletes with disabilities.

Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 The World of Limitless Possibilities Solutions

Vedantu provides NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 The World of Limitless Possibilities for the 2026-27 academic session. The chapter presents the powerful journey of Dr. Deepa Malik, who transformed a life-changing setback into a path of achievement, courage, and national pride. It helps students understand how determination and self-belief can break social stereotypes and open new possibilities.

The solutions include clear answers for extract-based questions, short-answer questions, vocabulary exercises, modal auxiliary practice, direct and reported speech, listening tasks, speaking activities, notice writing, and learning-beyond-the-text activities. Students can use these solutions for classroom learning, homework support, quick revision, and exam preparation. The downloadable FREE PDF also helps students revise the complete chapter offline.

CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 5 Study Materials

Students can use the Chapter 5 study materials below to revise the lesson, practise extra questions, and strengthen their understanding of the chapter’s message, characters, themes, and language exercises.

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