Students can find accurate Class 9 English Extra Questions and Class 9 English Kaveri Poem 5 Nine Gold Medals Extra Questions and Answers for better understanding.
Nine Gold Medals Poem Extra Question Answer
Nine Gold Medals Class 9 Extra Question Answer
Nine Gold Medals Short Question Answer
Question 1.
How does the poet create sympathy for the smallest athlete without directly describing his feelings in detail?
Answer:
The poet creates sympathy by describing the athlete stumbling, staggering and falling to the asphalt. The phrases ‘cry of frustration and anguish’ and ‘dreams dashed in the dirt’ show his pain and disappointment. These vivid images help readers understand his suffering without lengthy emotional explanation.
Question 2.
How does the fall of the smallest athlete change the direction of the poem?
Answer:
The fall changes the poem from a story about competition to one about compassion. After the athlete falls, the focus shifts from winning the race to helping a fellow runner. This moment transforms the theme into one of unity, empathy and true sportsmanship.
Question 3.
Describe the reaction of the eight runners when one athlete falls. What does this reveal about their character?
Answer:
When one athlete falls, the eight runners stop immediately and turn back to help him. They lift him to his feet and continue the race together. Their reaction reveals compassion, empathy and moral strength. It shows they value humanity more than personal victory.
Question 4.
How does the poem redefine the idea of ‘winning’ in sports?
Answer:
The poem redefines winning as an act of unity and kindness rather than individual success. Instead of competing selfishly, the runners choose to finish together. True victory is shown through empathy and support, proving that character and compassion matter more than medals.
Question 5.
Explain the significance of the phrase ‘dreams and efforts dashed in the dirt’.
Answer:
The phrase emphasises the sudden collapse of the athlete’s hopes. After months of dedication and hard work, his fall appears to destroy his dreams instantly. It symbolises how unexpected setbacks can interrupt success and highlights the emotional pain caused by failure.
Question 6.
How does the transformation of the race from a dash to a walk enhance the central message of the poem?
Answer:
The transformation of the race from a fast dash to a slow walk shifts the focus from competition to compassion. It shows that winning is not about speed or medals, but about unity and kindness. This change strongly reinforces the poem’s central message that humanity is greater than victory.
Question 7.
Describe the importance of the banner reading ‘Special Olympics’ in the context of the poem.
Answer:
The banner reading ‘Special Olympics’ highlights the true spirit of the event. It emphasises inclusion, courage and participation over competition. The runners’ act of joining hands perfectly reflects these values, showing that the ideals of the Special Olympics are about unity and compassion rather than individual victory.
Question 8.
How does the poet use simple language to create a strong emotional impact?
Answer:
The poet uses clear and simple words to describe actions like stumbling, falling and holding hands. These straightforward expressions make the scene easy to imagine and emotionally powerful. The simplicity of language allows readers to connect deeply with the feelings of compassion and unity.
Question 9.
Explain how unity is portrayed as more powerful than competition in the poem.
Answer:
Unity is portrayed as more powerful when the runners stop competing and choose to help their fallen teammate.
Instead of racing ahead for medals, they finish together. Their collective action shows that standing together and supporting one another is greater than individual success.
Question 10.
Describe the change in the spectators’ attitude from the beginning to the end of the race.
Answer:
At the beginning of the race, the spectators are excited and cheer enthusiastically for competition and victory. By the end, their attitude changes to admiration and respect. They give a standing ovation, appreciating the runners’ unity and kindness rather than their speed or individual success.
Question 11.
How does the poem highlight the values of empathy and compassion?
Answer:
The poem highlights empathy and compassion when the eight runners stop and return to help the fallen athlete. Instead of continuing the race, they choose kindness over competition. Their decision to finish together demonstrates that caring for others is more important than personal achievement.
Question 12.
Explain the symbolic meaning of the nine athletes holding hands at the finish line.
Answer:
The nine athletes holding hands at the finish line symbolises unity, equality and shared victory. Their gesture represents collective strength and mutual support. It shows that true achievement lies in togetherness, proving that compassion and solidarity are more meaningful than individual success.
Question 13.
How does the poet create suspense before the turning point in the poem?
Answer:
The poet creates suspense by describing the fallen athlete’s cry and his ‘dreams dashed in the dirt’. The line hinting that something important is about to happen builds anticipation. This pause before revealing the runners’ reaction keeps readers curious about what will follow.
Question 14.
What lesson does the poem teach about humanity and true sportsmanship?
Answer:
The poem teaches that true sportsmanship is rooted in humanity and kindness. It shows that helping others and standing together matter more than winning medals. Real success is defined by empathy, unity, and moral strength rather than individual achievement.
Nine Gold Medals Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Examine how the poem challenges the traditional idea of competition and success. In your answer, discuss how the runners’ actions redefine victory.
Answer:
The poem challenges the traditional idea that competition is only about speed and individual triumph. At first, the race appears to follow the usual pattern of athletes striving for medals. However, when the smallest runner falls, the others choose compassion over rivalry. Instead of chasing personal glory, they stop and help him, transforming the race into an act of unity.
This decision redefines success as moral strength rather than physical achievement. Victory is no longer about crossing the finish line first but about standing together.
Through this powerful act of empathy and shared purpose, the poem shows that true sportsmanship lies in uplifting others, proving that humanity is greater than winning.
Question 2.
Evaluate the significance of the title ‘Nine Gold Medals’. Why do you think the poet chose this title instead of focusing on a single winner?
Answer:
The title ‘Nine Gold Medals’ is significant because it shifts attention from individual achievement to collective honour. Instead of celebrating one champion, the poem recognises all nine athletes equally. The shared medals symbolise equality, unity and collective victory.
By choosing this title, the poet emphasises that true achievement lies in compassion rather than competition. It highlights the idea that moral courage and empathy deserve recognition just as much as physical skill.
The title also reinforces the theme of inclusion, which reflects the spirit of the Special Olympics. Through this choice, the poet reminds readers that real victory belongs to those who act with kindness and integrity.
Question 3.
Imagine you are one of the eight runners. Justify your decision to stop and help the fallen athlete instead of continuing the race. Support your response with values and reasoning from the poem.
Competency Based
Answer:
If I were one of the eight runners, I would stop because humanity matters more than a medal. The poem shows that the fallen boy’s dreams and hard work were suddenly ‘dashed in the dirt’, and leaving him would be unfair and heartless.
By turning back, I would show empathy and compassion, values that make a person truly strong. The Special Olympics stands for inclusion and supporting each other, so helping him would match the real spirit of the event.
Also, winning alone would feel meaningless if someone is hurt and crying behind me. When we all join hands and finish together, it becomes a shared victory that earns respect from everyone, including the spectators.
Question 4.
Assess how the actions of the nine athletes demonstrate emotional intelligence. How can such qualities be applied in real-life situations beyond sports?
Competency Based
Answer:
The nine athletes show strong emotional intelligence because they notice the fallen runner’s pain and respond with care. They control their urge to win, showing self-regulation, and choose empathy by understanding his situation. Their decision to help reflects compassion, teamwork and responsible decision-making.
In real life, these qualities matter in classrooms, families and workplaces. For example, if a classmate fails or feels left out, we can support them instead of mocking them. In group projects, we can practice cooperation by helping weaker members so everyone succeeds.
Even in daily life, emotional intelligence helps us handle conflicts calmiy, listen to others and build stronger relationships. Like the poem, it teaches that kindness creates the greatest success.
Question 5.
Compare the message of ‘Nine Gold Medals’ with the chapter ‘The World of Possibilities’. How do both texts highlight the importance of inclusion, courage, and believing in human potential?
Answer:
Both ‘Nine Gold Medals’ and ‘The World of Possibilities’ highlight the values of inclusion, courage and faith in human potential. In ‘Nine Gold Medals’, the runners choose compassion over competition and finish the race together, showing that true success lies in unity and empathy.
In ‘The World of Possibilities’, the focus is on recognising the abilities of individuals with special needs and encouraging them to overcome limitations through confidence and support.
Both texts emphasise that every person deserves respect and equal opportunity. They inspire readers to believe that with determination, encouragement, and collective support, individuals can rise above challenges and achieve meaningful success.
Nine Gold Medals Extract Based Questions and Answers
Extract 1
The athletes had come from all over the country
To run for the gold, for the silver, and bronze
Many weeks and months of training
All coming down to these games.
I. What emotions are most appropriately conveyed by the phrases ‘many weeks and months of training’ and ‘run for the gold’?
(i) determination
(ii) excitement
(iii) jealousy
(iv) ambition
(v) fear
Select the correct option.
A. i, ii, iv
B. ii, iii, v
C. i, iii, iv
D. ii, iv, v
Answer:
A. i,ii, iv
II. What does the phrase ‘many weeks and months of training ‘suggest about the athletes’ preparation?
Answer:
The phrase suggests dedication, perseverance and hard work. It shows that success does not come easily but requires continuous effort, discipline and commitment over a long period of time.
III. Which phrase from the extract conveys the idea of national unity and diversity?
Answer:
The phrase ‘from all over the country’ conveys the idea of national unity and diversity.
IV. Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase.
The athletes’ hard work and preparation symbolise __________ .
Answer:
the importance of perseverance and commitment
Extract 2
The spectators gathered around the old field
To cheer on all the young women and men
The final event of the day was approaching
Excitement was high to begin.
I. What does the poet suggest by describing spectators gathering and cheering before the final event?
A. The event was ordinary and unimportant.
B. The race was the most awaited and significant moment.
C. The spectators were confused about the event.
D. The athletes were not prepared for the race.
Answer:
B. The race was the most awaited and significant moment.
II. Complete the following suitably.
The phrase ‘Excitement was high to begin’ symbolises __________ and __________ before the competition.
Answer:
anticipation; enthusiasm
III. How does the poet create a lively and energetic atmosphere in these lines?
Answer:
The poet creates a lively atmosphere by describing the spectators gathering around the field and cheering loudly. The mention of the final event and rising excitement builds a sense of anticipation and energy before the race begins.
IV. Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests unity and inclusiveness among participants.
Answer:
The phrase ‘all the young women and men’ suggests unity and inclusiveness among participants.
Extract 3
The blocks were all lined up for those who would
use them
The hundred-yard dash and the race to be run
These were nine resolved athletes in the back of
the starting line
Poised for the sound of the gun.
I. What emotions are most appropriately conveyed by the phrases ‘nine resolved athletes’ and ‘poised for the sound of the gun’?
(i) Determination
(ii) Nervousness
(iii) Excitement
(iv) Boredom
(v) Confidence
Select the correct option.
A. i, iii, v
B. ii, iv
C. iii, iv, v
D. i, ii
Answer:
A. i, iii, v
II. Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase.
The image of athletes standing at the starting line symbolises __________ before a major challenge.
Answer:
focused preparation and mental strength
III. How does the poet create a sense of anticipation and readiness in these lines?
Answer:
The poet creates anticipation by describing the athletes lined up at the starting blocks, ready and waiting. Words like ‘resolved’ and ‘poised’ highlight their determination and build tension before the race begins.
IV. What does the phrase ‘poised for the sound of the gun’ reveal about the athletes’ mental state?
Answer:
The phrase shows that the athletes are alert, disciplined, and mentally prepared. They are fully focused and ready to give their best effort as soon as the race starts.
Extract 4
The signal was given, the pistol exploded
And so did the runners all charging ahead
But the smallest among them, he stumbled and
staggered
And fell to the asphalt instead.
I. What happened to the smallest athlete during the race?
Answer:
The smallest athlete stumbled and staggered while running and fell to the asphalt during the race.
II. Describe the change in mood from the beginning of the extract to the end.
Answer:
At the beginning, the mood is energetic and intense as the race starts with excitement and speed. By the end, the mood changes to shock and tension when the smallest athlete suddenly falls.
III. Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase.
The fall of the smallest athlete symbolises __________ that can suddenly interrupt one’s dreams.
Answer:
unexpected obstacles in life
IV. Which literary device is used in the line ‘the pistol exploded’?
(i) Metaphor
(ii) Personification
(iii) Imagery
(iv) Hyperbole
(v) Alliteration
Select the correct option.
A. iii
B. i and ii
C. iv
D. v
Answer:
A. iii
Extract 5
He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I’m standing here telling this story
The same goes for what next occurred.
I. What does the poet suggest by describing the athlete’s ‘dreams and efforts dashed in the dirt’?
A. The athlete was careless during the race.
B. The athlete’s hopes were suddenly shattered.
C. The race was unfair to all participants.
D. The athlete decided to quit sports forever.
Answer:
B. The athlete’s hopes were suddenly shattered.
II. Complete the following suitably.
The phrase ‘cry of frustration and anguish’ symbolises after an unexpected failure.
Answer:
disappointment and helplessness
III. How does the poet build suspense in these lines?
Answer:
The poet builds suspense by hinting that something important is about to happen. The line ‘The same goes for what next occurred’ makes the reader curious about the upcoming event, creating anticipation and tension.
IV. Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests the incident is a turning point in the poem.
Answer:
The phrase ‘The same goes for what next occurred’ suggests that the incident is a turning point in the poem.
Extract 6
The eight other runners pulled up on their heels
The ones who had trained for so long to compete
One by one they all turned around and went back
to help him
And brought the young boy to his feet.
I. What does the poet suggest by describing the runners who ‘turned around and went back to help him’?
A. The runners were confused about the race.
B. The runners valued kindness over competition.
C. The runners were tired and stopped running.
D. The runners wanted to restart the race.
Answer:
B. The runners valued kindness over competition.
II. Complete the following suitably.
The act of turning back to help the fallen athlete symbolises __________ in true sportsmanship.
Answer:
compassion and empathy
III. How does the poet highlight the importance of unity in these lines?
Answer:
The poet highlights unity by describing how the runners stopped competing and went back together to help the fallen athlete. Their action shows that supporting one another is more important than winning.
IV. Identify the phrase from the extract that shows the runners sacrificed their chance of winning.
Answer:
The phrase ‘pulled up on their heels’ shows that the runners sacrificed their chance of winning.
Extract 7
Then all the nine runners joined hands and
continued
The hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk
And a banner above that said Special Olympics
Could not have been more on the mark.
I. What ideas are most appropriately conveyed by the phrases ‘joined hands’ and ‘reduced to a walk’?
(i) Unity
(ii) Competition
(iii) Cooperation
(iv) Selfish ambition
(v) Inclusiveness
Select the correct option.
A. i, iii, v
B. ii, iv
C. i, ii, iv
D. iii, iv
Answer:
A. i, iii, v
II. Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase.
The act of the runners joining hands symbolises _________ that defines true sportsmanship.
Answer:
unity and collective support
III. How does the poet show that the meaning of the race changes in this extract?
Answer:
The poet shows the change by describing how the fast-paced dash turns into a slow walk. Instead of competing, the runners move together, highlighting compassion over rivalry.
IV. What does the banner reading ‘Special Olympics’ reveal about the spirit of the event?
Answer:
The banner reveals that the event values inclusion, empathy and togetherness. It shows that the true spirit of the Special Olympics lies in unity rather than individual victory.
Extract 8
That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals
They came to the finish line holding hands still
And standing ovation and nine beaming faces
Said more than these words ever will.
I. What does the poet suggest by describing the runners finishing the race ‘holding hands still’?
A. The runners were too tired to run.
B. The runners valued unity over individual victory.
C. The runners wanted to delay the race.
D. The runners were unsure about the results.
Answer:
B. The runners valued unity over individual victory.
II. Complete the following suitably.
The act of finishing the race together symbolises __________ in true sportsmanship.
Answer:
unity and collective triumph
III. How does the poet emphasise the emotional impact of the event in these lines?
Answer:
The poet emphasises the emotional impact by mentioning the ‘standing ovation’ and ‘nine beaming faces’. These images show that the moment was powerful and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
IV. Identify the phrase from the extract that shows the spectators deeply appreciated the runners’ act.
Answer:
The phrase ‘standing ovation’ shows that the spectators deeply appreciated the runners’ act.
Extra Questions of Nine Gold Medals for Practice
Extract Based Questions
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The signal was given, the pistol exploded
And so did the runners all charging ahead
But the smallest among them, he stumbled and
staggered
And fell to the asphalt instead.
He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish
His dreams and his efforts dashed in the dirt
But as sure as I’m standing here telling this story
The same goes for what next occurred.
I. What emotions are most appropriately conveyed by the phrases ‘stumbled and staggered’ and ‘dreams dashed in the dirt’?
(i) Disappointment
(ii) Shock
(iii) Triumph
(iv) Helplessness
(v) Pride
Select the correct option.
A. i, ii, iv
B. ii, iii
C. iii, v
D. iv, v
II. What does the phrase ‘the pistol exploded’ suggest about the beginning of the race?
III. Which phrase from the extract conveys the sudden destruction of hope?
IV. Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase.
The fallen athlete’s experience symbolises __________ that may arise unexpectedly in life.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What does the phrase ‘charging ahead’ suggest about the spirit of competition at the beginning of the race?
Question 2.
How does the poet use contrast to highlight the difference between individual ambition and collective action?
Question 3.
What does the phrase ‘brought the young boy to his feet’ symbolise beyond physical help?
Question 4.
How does the poem portray inclusion as a core value of the Special Olympics?
Question 5.
Why do you think the poet ends the poem with the line ‘Said more than these words ever will’?
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1
Describe the final scene of the race as presented in the poem ‘Nine Gold Medals’. In your paragraph, focus on the actions of the runners, the reaction of the spectators, and the emotions conveyed through the moment of unity at the finish line.
Question 2
Analyse the role of the spectators in shaping the impact of the final scene.
How does their reaction strengthen the overall message of the poem?