English Class 9 — Kaveri
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Unit 5 Exercises — Olympics, Paralympics & Special Olympics

🎓 Class 9 English CBSE Theory Ch 5 — The World of Limitless Possibilities ⏱ ~30 min
🌐 Language: [gtranslate]

This MCQ module is based on: Unit 5 Exercises — Olympics, Paralympics & Special Olympics

This assessment will be based on: Unit 5 Exercises — Olympics, Paralympics & Special Olympics

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Unit 5 — Consolidation & Extension

Learning Beyond the Text | Exercises | Speaking & Writing Tasks

Quick Recall

Can you trace the origin of the Paralympic Games to its founding year and founder?

The Paralympic movement traces its origins to 1948, when Sir Ludwig Guttmann organised a sports competition in England for war veterans with spinal cord injuries. This event — the Stoke Mandeville Games — eventually became the Paralympic Games, first held officially in Rome in 1960.
Word Association

What words do you associate with the Olympic motto "Citius-Altius-Fortius-Communiter"?

The motto translates from Latin as "Faster – Higher – Stronger – Together". The word "Communiter" (Together) was added in 2021 to reflect the collective spirit of sport and humanity — directly connecting Olympic values to the themes of Unit 5.
Movement Vocabulary

Can you arrange these words from slowest to fastest pace: sprint, walk, jog, run, crawl, stroll, dart?

Slowest → Fastest: crawl → creep → plod → amble → saunter → stroll → walk → jog → run → sprint → dart
(A word cline arranges words by degree — a powerful vocabulary strategy for Class 9 CBSE.)
Think & Connect

How does the story of Ravimathai Rumugam, Aanchal Goyal, and Saket Kundu at Special Olympics 2023 connect to the themes of Unit 5?

These three Indian athletes at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 (Berlin) demonstrate in real life what Unit 5 argues in theory: that individuals with intellectual disabilities can compete, win medals, and bring pride to their nation. Their stories reinforce Dr. Malik's philosophy of "ability beyond disability."

Learning Beyond the Text — The Three Sporting Events

Infographic — Origins & Symbols
1 The ancient Olympic Games began as a religious festival in Greece, dedicated to Zeus, the Greek deity of sky and weather. This tradition, dating back to 776 BC, was revived in modern form and is now held every four years, alternating between summer and winter editions. The motto that drives every Olympian is Citius-Altius-Fortius-Communiter — Symbolism a Latin declaration meaning "Faster-Higher-Stronger-Together." Alliteration in the motto's rhythm reinforces the progressive, aspirational spirit of the movement.
2 The Olympic Torch serves as a living link between the Games and their Greek origins, representing peace and friendship between nations. Several months before each Games, a flame is kindled at Olympia in Greece, carried across many countries over weeks, and used to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony — signalling that the Games have begun. Symbolism The five interlocking Olympic Rings, designed in 1913, represent the union of the five inhabited continents and the meeting of athletes from every corner of the world. Imagery
3 The Paralympics are held for athletes living with disabilities, immediately following the Olympic Games in the same host city. The Paralympic symbol — the Agitos, from the Latin word meaning "I move" — reflects the dynamic, forward-moving spirit of para-athletes worldwide. India made its Paralympic debut in 1968 and has since built a proud tradition of Paralympians who have earned global recognition. Metaphor The Agitos visually captures the relentless motion that defines para-sport.
4 The Special Olympics caters to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing sports training and competitive opportunities in a variety of Olympic-type disciplines. Unlike the Paralympics (which focuses on physical/sensory disabilities), the Special Olympics specifically serves those with intellectual disabilities. Its fundamental purpose extends beyond competition: to foster acceptance, inclusion, and the belief that every individual — regardless of cognitive ability — deserves the joy of sport and the dignity of participation. Imagery

At a Glance — Olympics, Paralympics & Special Olympics

Founded 776 BC (Ancient) / 1896 (Modern)

Olympics

Who: Able-bodied athletes from all nations.
When: Every 4 years (Summer & Winter editions alternating).
Symbol: Five interlocking rings — five inhabited continents.
Motto: Citius-Altius-Fortius-Communiter (Faster-Higher-Stronger-Together).
Torch: Lit at Olympia, Greece — symbolises peace and friendship.

First held in Rome, 1960

Paralympics

Who: Athletes with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities.
When: Immediately after the Olympics, in the same host city.
Symbol: Agitos (Latin: "I move") — three curved shapes in motion.
India's debut: 1968 | First medal: 1972 (swimming).
Split into: Summer Games and Winter Games, alternating every 2 years.

Founded 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Special Olympics

Who: Children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Purpose: Sports training + athletic competition + social inclusion.
Mission: Fostering acceptance and inclusion of all people in society.
2023 Games: Held in Berlin, Germany — Indian athletes won multiple medals.
Poem connection: "Nine Gold Medals" is set at a Special Olympics race.

Indian Achievers — Special Olympics World Games 2023, Berlin

Click each athlete's node to learn about their achievement

Special Olympics Berlin 2023 Indian Achievers Ravimathai Rumugam Click to explore Aanchal Goyal Saket Kundu Double Medal Click to explore Dr. Deepa Malik
Ravimathai Rumugam — Special Olympics Berlin 2023
Ravimathai Rumugam made India proud by winning the Gold Medal in the 400-metre Level C women's race at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 held in Berlin, Germany. Her achievement is a powerful illustration of the unit's central theme: that athletes with intellectual disabilities possess the same competitive spirit, dedication, and capacity for excellence as any other sportsperson.
Aanchal Goyal — Special Olympics Berlin 2023
Aanchal Goyal brought home a Gold Medal in the 400-metre Level B women's race from the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, Germany. Her victory demonstrates that with the right support, training environment, and opportunity, athletes with special needs can compete and excel at the highest international level.
Saket Kundu — Special Olympics Berlin 2023 — Double Medallist
Saket Kundu achieved a remarkable double medal performance: a Silver Medal in the Level B mini-javelin event and a Bronze Medal in the Level B 400-metre men's race. This dual achievement in two entirely different athletic disciplines makes Saket's performance particularly exceptional, showcasing athletic versatility alongside the determination that defines Special Olympics athletes.
Dr. Deepa Malik — Connection to Unit 5
Dr. Deepa Malik is the central figure of the Unit 5 main text — India's first female Paralympic medallist (silver, shot-put, Rio 2016). While the Special Olympics 2023 athletes above compete in a different category (intellectual disabilities), they all share the same philosophy Dr. Malik embodies: "ability beyond disability." Together, these athletes form a constellation of Indian sporting achievement that transcends every conventional limitation.

Vocabulary & Structures — Movement Word Cline

A word cline arranges related words in order of degree or intensity. Here are words related to movement arranged from the slowest to the fastest pace:

crawl
slowest
→
creep
→
plod
→
amble
→
saunter
→
stroll
→
walk
→
jog
→
run
→
sprint
→
dart
fastest
plod
verb
To walk slowly and heavily, with effort — suggesting weariness
"After the long race, the exhausted athlete plodded back to the changing room."
saunter
verb
To walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without any particular hurry
"He sauntered onto the field, apparently unconcerned about the time pressure."
dart
verb
To move very suddenly and rapidly in a particular direction — the fastest form of movement
"She darted forward the moment the starting gun fired, quickly taking the lead."
Agitos
noun (proper)
The symbol of the Paralympic Movement — three curved shapes representing motion. From Latin 'agito': I move
"The Agitos emblem on the jersey reminded everyone that this was a celebration of movement and possibility."

Grammar Workshop — Reported Speech: Full Conversation

Convert the following conversation between Siya and Tarun (about the Paralympic equestrian event) into reported speech. Use the reporting verbs and changes given in the column guidelines from the unit.

The Direct Speech Conversation
Siya: "I watched a documentary on the para equestrian event on television last night."
Tarun: "I didn't know Paralympics had equestrian events."
Siya: "It does. It was so interesting to watch."
Tarun: "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."
Fill in the Blanks — Reported Speech Version

Siya said that she 1. ___________ [watched a documentary / had watched a documentary / watches a documentary]

had watched a documentary on the para equestrian event on television the previous night.
Changes: I → she | watched → had watched | last night → the previous night

Siya added that 2. ___________

it did (have equestrian events) and that it had been very interesting to watch.
Changes: does → did | was → had been

Siya replied that 3. ___________

they also had to find and develop their own style of communication with their horse.
Changes: have → had | their (no change — already third person)

Tarun said that 4. ___________

he would watch that documentary the following weekend.
Changes: I → he | will → would | next → following | this → that
Modal Auxiliary Practice — Make Sentences

Using each modal verb and its function, write original sentences inspired by the unit's themes:

could (suggestion)
Example: She could try para-swimming to utilise her athletic background.
should (advice)
Example: Aspiring para-athletes should join a recognised training programme early.
would (past habit)
Example: Before her injury, she would train for four hours every morning.
couldn't (inability)
Example: Despite trying, the doctors couldn't prevent the paralysis after surgery.

Extract-Based Questions (CBSE Format)

Extract — Paralympic and Special Olympics Origins

"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."
(i) L2 What was the Stoke Mandeville Games, and what was its significance?
The Stoke Mandeville Games was an Olympic-style sporting competition organised by Sir Ludwig Guttmann in England in 1948, specifically designed for war veterans who had suffered spinal cord injuries. Its significance lies in the fact that it was the direct precursor to the modern Paralympic Games — it established the principle that athletes with physical disabilities deserve organised, competitive international sport at the highest level.
(ii) L1 In which city were the first official Paralympic Games held, and in which year?
The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in the year 1960.
(iii) L4 Why do you think Sir Ludwig Guttmann chose to organise sports for war veterans specifically? What does this tell us about the relationship between sport and recovery?
Sir Ludwig Guttmann likely recognised that sport had a unique therapeutic and psychological power that conventional medical treatment could not replicate. For war veterans who had experienced the trauma of conflict and injury, competitive sport offered a path to reclaim agency, dignity, and physical identity. The fact that the Stoke Mandeville Games eventually grew into the global Paralympic movement suggests that Guttmann's instinct was correct: sport for differently-abled individuals is not a consolation — it is a genuine form of human excellence in its own right.
(iv) L5 The text says the Paralympics "have evolved" since 1960. What kinds of evolution do you think have taken place? Use evidence from the unit to support your answer.
The evolution has been multi-dimensional. First, the number of participating nations, athletes, and sports has grown dramatically. Second, the Paralympic Games now share the same host city as the Olympics (since the late twentieth century), signifying a symbolic parity between the two movements. Third, the cultural attitude toward para-athletes has shifted: figures like Dr. Deepa Malik earn national honours (Khel Ratna, Padma Shri) equivalent to those of any Olympic champion. Fourth, the range of events has expanded to include aquatics, archery, para-equestrian, and dozens of other disciplines — reflecting the diversity of ability within the para-sports community.
(v) L4 What does the word "alternately" tell us about the structure of the Paralympic calendar?
"Alternately" tells us that the Summer Paralympic Games and the Winter Paralympic Games do not happen in the same year; instead, they take turns — one follows the other every two years. This means there is always a Paralympic event on the horizon every two years, providing para-athletes with regular, structured targets for their training and competitive ambitions.

Unit 5 — Comprehensive Review Questions

Short Answer Questions

L2 What does the Olympic motto "Citius-Altius-Fortius-Communiter" mean, and why was "Communiter" added in 2021?
The motto means "Faster-Higher-Stronger-Together." The word "Communiter" (Together) was added in 2021 to reflect the collective spirit of sport — acknowledging that athletic excellence is not purely individual but is built on community, support, and shared humanity. This addition aligns perfectly with the themes of Unit 5, where the greatest achievements (Dr. Malik's advocacy, the nine athletes' solidarity) are rooted in togetherness.
L4 Compare the purpose of the Paralympics with the purpose of the Special Olympics. How are they different in their aims?
The Paralympics focuses on elite athletic competition for athletes with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities — it emphasises peak performance, world records, and national medals. The Special Olympics, by contrast, prioritises inclusion, personal growth, and the joy of sport for individuals with intellectual disabilities. While both celebrate the abilities of differently-abled individuals, the Paralympics is more performance-focused whereas the Special Olympics is more community and inclusion-focused. Both, however, share the goal of challenging stereotypes and affirming human dignity.
L5 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. (100–120 words)
Dr. Malik's global recognition operates on two levels simultaneously. At the level of disability, she proves that physical limitations do not define capability. At the level of gender, she proves that women in para-sport can achieve at the highest level and receive the same international visibility as their male counterparts. In a sporting landscape that frequently prioritises male athletes — both in media coverage and institutional support — her recognition by the International Paralympic Committee as one of ten global leaders (across all genders) challenges gender-based marginalisation. Her awards (Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Padma Shri) also signal that Indian sporting institutions recognise and honour women's para-athletic achievement equally, setting an important precedent for future generations of women in sport.
L6 The unit's title is "The World of Limitless Possibilities." Justify this title with reference to all three texts studied: the Dr. Deepa Malik interview, the poem "Nine Gold Medals," and the infographic on the Olympics. (100–120 words)
The title functions as a unifying philosophy across all three texts. In the interview, Dr. Malik literally transforms her paralysis into "a world of limitless possibilities" — her life is the title made flesh. In "Nine Gold Medals," David Roth shows that possibilities are limitless when human compassion transcends competitive instinct — the race becomes something greater than a race. The infographic reveals that the Paralympic and Special Olympics movements have evolved over six decades precisely because the world chose to expand its definition of what athletes can be. Together, the three texts argue that physical condition, competitive circumstance, and historical precedent are never final limits — they are only the starting point for redefinition.

Writing Task — Article Writing

Task: Write an article (150–200 words) for your school magazine titled "Sport Beyond Limits: What the Paralympics Teaches Us All." You may draw on any of the texts, athletes, or ideas from Unit 5.

Format of an Article for a School Magazine

Title: Bold, attention-grabbing, reflects the theme
By-line: "By [Your Name], Class IX-A"
Introduction: Hook the reader — start with a question, fact, or striking image
Body (2–3 para): Key argument, examples from the unit, personal reflection
Conclusion: Call to action or thought-provoking closing statement
Word limit: 150–200 words

Useful Expressions for Article Writing

Have you ever asked yourself what true courage looks like?
It is worth reflecting on the extraordinary lessons that…
At the heart of every Paralympic achievement lies a story of…
Perhaps the most profound lesson is that…
As Dr. Deepa Malik wisely reminds us,…
Let us therefore commit ourselves to building a world where…

Sport Beyond Limits: What the Paralympics Teaches Us All

By Aryan Mehta, Class IX-A

What does it mean to win? For most of us, winning is defined by a podium finish, a gold medal, or a record-breaking time. But the world of Paralympic sport challenges us to think far deeper.

Consider Dr. Deepa Malik — diagnosed with a spinal tumour at 29 and told she would never walk again. She chose, instead, to transform her life into what she calls "a world of limitless possibilities." At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, she won India's first female Paralympic medal. Her story is not simply one of sporting achievement; it is a declaration that the human spirit is impossible to contain.

The poem "Nine Gold Medals" offers a different but equally powerful lesson: that the greatest victory is choosing to lift someone else up, even at the cost of your own competition.

As students, we must become champions of inclusion — in our classrooms, on our sports fields, and in our communities. Because a world where every person has the chance to participate fully is not a dream. It is a world of limitless possibilities.

Speaking Activity — Expressing Points of View

Formal vs Informal Register in Interviews

L3 Compare these two interview openings. Which is formal and which is informal? What makes them different?
A: "Hello! I'm so glad you agreed to meet me for this interview."
B: "Good morning. It is my privilege to have this opportunity to speak with you."
A is informal — uses casual greeting ("Hello!"), expresses personal emotion ("I'm so glad"), and colloquial phrasing.
B is formal — uses a time-appropriate greeting ("Good morning"), impersonal structure ("It is my privilege"), polite distancing, and no contractions.
Key differences: vocabulary level, sentence structure, use of contractions, and degree of emotional expression.
L3 Using the sentence starters below, express your point of view: "Should Special Olympics receive the same media coverage and funding as the Olympics?"
Starters: "Personally, I believe that…" / "From my perspective…" / "I hold the opinion that…"
Sample Response (For): "Personally, I believe that Special Olympics deserves equal media coverage and funding. From my perspective, when we prioritise one form of athletic achievement over another, we reinforce the very stereotypes that Unit 5 asks us to challenge. I hold the opinion that media attention is itself a form of validation — and withholding it from athletes with intellectual disabilities sends the message that their achievements matter less. This is precisely the preconceived notion that Dr. Deepa Malik and the poem 'Nine Gold Medals' ask us to dismantle."

Frequently Asked Questions — Unit 5

What is the Agitos symbol of the Paralympics?
The Agitos is the official symbol of the Paralympic Movement. The word "Agitos" comes from Latin meaning "I move." The symbol consists of three curved shapes — red, blue, and green — arranged around a central point, representing the motion and dynamism of para-athletes. It was adopted in 2003 and replaced the earlier wheelchair symbol to represent a broader vision of athletic movement across all Paralympic disciplines.
Who are the Indian achievers at Special Olympics 2023 mentioned in Class 9 Kaveri?
Three Indian athletes are mentioned: (1) Ravimathai Rumugam — Gold Medal in 400m Level C women's race; (2) Aanchal Goyal — Gold Medal in 400m Level B women's race; (3) Saket Kundu — Silver Medal in Level B mini-javelin and Bronze Medal in Level B 400m men's race. All competed at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 held in Berlin, Germany.
What is a word cline and how is it used in Class 9 English?
A word cline is a vocabulary learning strategy that arranges synonymous or related words in order of degree, intensity, or gradation. In Unit 5 Kaveri, movement words are arranged from slowest (crawl, creep, plod) to fastest (sprint, dart). Word clines help students understand nuanced differences in meaning and choose more precise vocabulary in their own writing.
What are the steps for converting direct speech to reported speech in Class 9?
Key steps: (1) Use a reporting verb (said, told, says, replied, added, remarked); (2) Remove quotation marks; (3) Add the linking word 'that'; (4) Shift tense backward (present → past; past → past perfect); (5) Change pronouns (I → he/she; you → he/she; we → they); (6) Change time expressions (last night → the previous night; tomorrow → the following day; next → following).
What is the difference between Paralympics and Special Olympics?
The Paralympics is for athletes with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities — it is an elite competitive event held immediately after the Olympics in the same host city, governed by the International Paralympic Committee. The Special Olympics specifically serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities, with a mission focused on inclusion, personal development, and community — not just elite competition. Both movements celebrate ability beyond disability, but serve different populations and have different organisational mandates.
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