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🚀 Chapter 5: The World of Limitless Possibilities

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Check Your Understanding 2Critical Reflection 2Answer the Following Questions 7All Exercises 11
Q1

I Fill in the fact table given below based on the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik. Discuss your answers with your classmates and teacher.

  • 1. diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of: ________________
  • 2. result of the surgery: ________________
  • 3. named as one of the 10 most effective para-athletes by: ________________
  • 4. first successful Paralympic event: ________________
  • 5. list of 'firsts': ________________
  • 6. awards won: ________________
  • 7. two things supported by her: ________________
  • 1. Diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of: 29 years
  • 2. Result of the surgery: Paralysed waist down and bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life
  • 3. Named as one of the 10 most inspirational para-athletes globally by: International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
  • 4. First successful Paralympic event: 2016 Rio Paralympic Games (secured the silver medal in the shot-put event)
  • 5. List of 'firsts': First ever Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics, and India's first ever female Paralympics medallist across any sport
  • 6. Awards won: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and Padma Shri
  • 7. Two things supported by her:
    • Empowering women through outdoor sports and adventure activities
    • Supporting persons from lower socio-economic strata and providing equipment to para sportspersons
Q2

II & III Identify whether the statements display fact-opinion or cause-effect.

Set (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.
Set (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.
III Pairs:
(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...
(ii) Paralympics showcases incredible talent and determination of para-athletes / The global perception on disabilities shifts...
  • Set (1): Fact-Opinion ((i) is a verifiable historical fact; (ii) expresses personal feeling and belief).
  • Set (2): Cause-Effect (The spine tumour was the medical cause; the subsequent surgery and paralysis resulting in wheelchair dependence was the effect).
  • III (i): 2 (Fact-Opinion) (Serving on the committee is a factual event; the belief regarding her contribution is an opinion).
  • III (ii): 1 (Cause-Effect) (Witnessing the talent of para-athletes causes global societal perceptions to shift).
Q3

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.
  • (ii) Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics quite comfortably?
  • (iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
    The speaker calls 2016 Rio Paralympic Games as a 'breakthrough moment' because ________________.
  • (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
  • (v) The speaker uses the phrase 'changing perceptions'. List one likely perception the speaker might have changed.
  • (i) Answer: Just as a caterpillar breaks out of its restricted cocoon to emerge as a winged butterfly, Dr. Malik broke free from the limitations of grief and physical paralysis to evolve into a world-class champion.
  • (ii) Answer: She had an inherent passion for sports and had already developed athletic discipline and physical stamina as a swimmer prior to her paralysis.
  • (iii) Answer: winning the silver medal in the shot-put event brought her worldwide recognition, validated her athletic struggle, and marked a milestone for Indian women in para-sports.
  • (iv) Answer: B. reflective
  • (v) Answer: The misconception that persons bound to wheelchairs are helpless, dependent, and incapable of competing at elite athletic levels.
Q4

2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

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
  • (ii) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract.
    ability: potential :: preconceived notions: ________________
  • (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.
  • (iv) What does 'helped me push boundaries' tell us about the speaker?
  • (v) Which phrase from the extract suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life?
  • (i) Answer: (a) A and D
  • (ii) Answer: stereotypes
  • (iii) Answer: True
  • (iv) Answer: It reveals that she is determined, ambitious, and refuses to let physical limitations or societal doubts cap her capabilities.
  • (v) Answer: 'a new lease of life'
Q5

1. Explain how Dr. Malik's achievements challenge societal perceptions.

1. Answer: By winning medals at the Paralympic Games and Asian Games despite being paralysed waist down, Dr. Malik broke the prevailing stereotype that disability equals weakness or helplessness. Her success demonstrated that para-athletes possess world-class caliber and that physical limitations do not define one's true potential.

Q6

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

2. Answer: Since youth are the voice and leaders of tomorrow, educating them about disability sports creates an empathetic, inclusive society free of prejudice. It fosters accessible infrastructure and ensures that future policymakers uphold dignity and equal opportunities for all.

Q7

3. Rationalise the appropriateness of the title of this text with reference to Dr. Deepa Malik's attitude and achievements.

3. Answer: The title 'The World of Limitless Possibilities' is highly appropriate because Dr. Malik rejected despair and chose to view life as open and boundless. Her transition from a wheelchair-bound patient to a decorated international champion, adventurer, and social reformer proves that determination can overcome any physical boundary.

Q8

4. "Every setback is an opportunity to prove your strength". How might this be a life lesson for every individual, and not just sportspersons?

4. Answer: Setbacks, failures, and hardships are inevitable in every walk of life. Instead of succumbing to grief or defeat, approaching difficulties with mental fortitude transforms obstacles into valuable learning experiences that build character, resilience, and personal growth.

Q9

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.

5. Answer: Her global recognition dismantles dual barriers: the marginalization of disabled athletes and the underrepresentation of women in competitive sports. As India's first female Paralympic medalist, she opened pathways for young female athletes, inspiring greater funding, visibility, and respect for women in sports.

Q10

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

6. Answer: It encourages athletes to shift focus away from what their bodies cannot do toward refining the immense talents, skills, and strengths they do possess. It establishes self-belief and positive cultivation of talent as the foundation for athletic excellence.

Q11

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

7. Answer: I learnt that resilience, mental fortitude, and a strong support system can turn devastating crises into victories. I can implement this by staying positive during academic or personal setbacks, working consistently toward my goals, and actively championing inclusivity and kindness toward everyone.