🌐 All Subjects 🔬 Science 🌍 Social Science 📐 Mathematics 📖 English 🪶 हिन्दी
← Back to Chapter 5 Exercises

🚀 Chapter 5: The World of Limitless Possibilities • Critical Reflection

Verified step-by-step solutions for your class notes.

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

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.
Q2

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'