In this page you can find Class 9 English Extra Questions and Class 9 English Kaveri Nine Gold Medals Poem Extra Questions and Answers will make your practice complete.
Nine Gold Medals Poem Extra Question Answer
Nine Gold Medals Class 9 Extra Question Answer
Nine Gold Medals Class 9 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What does the image of the runners holding hands signify in the poem?
Answer:
The runners holding hands symbolise unity, compassion, and equality. It shows that cooperation and humanity are more important than competition, reinforcing the spirit of the Special Olympics where everyone supports one another instead of striving for individual victory.
Question 2.
How does the poet build tension before the race begins?
Answer:
The poet describes months of training, the eager spectators, and the athletes poised at the starting line. This gradual buildup creates suspense and excitement, making the sudden fall during the race more impactful and emotionally engaging for the reader.
Question 3.
What can be inferred about the values of the eight runners from their actions?
Answer:
The eight runners value kindness, teamwork, and humanity above personal achievement. Their decision to stop and help suggests strong moral values and a deep understanding of true sportsmanship beyond medals and rankings.
Question 4.
How might the spectators’ reaction reflect the impact of the runners’ actions?
Answer:
The standing ovation suggests that the spectators were deeply moved and inspired. It shows that acts of kindness and unity can leave a stronger impression than competitive success, earning respect and admiration from everyone present.
Question 5.
Do you think the title “Nine Gold Medals” is appropriate? Give reasons.
Answer:
Yes, the title is appropriate because all nine athletes emerge as winners through their compassion and unity. The gold medals symbolise moral victory rather than athletic triumph, reinforcing the poem’s powerful message of humanity.
Question 6.
Analyse the significance of the race changing from a dash to a walk.
Answer:
The transformation highlights a shift from competition to compassion. It signifies that the athletes value helping a fellow runner over winning, emphasizing the poem’s central idea that true success lies in empathy and collective support.
Question 7.
What does the banner “Special Olympics” symbolize in the poem? [Inference]
Answer:
The banner symbolizes the true spirit of the Special Olympics-unity, compassion, and inclusion. It highlights that the event is not just about winning but about supporting one another and celebrating human kindness, showing that empathy is greater than competition.
Question 8.
Why did the spectators give a standing ovation at the end of the race? [Interpretation]
Answer:
The spectators were likely moved by the runners’ extraordinary display of unity and kindness. Instead of witnessing a typical race, they saw an inspiring act of humanity, prompting admiration and respect for the athletes’ choice to finish together.
Question 9.
Why is the moment when the runners return to help the fallen boy significant? [Analysis]
Answer:
This moment marks a turning point in the poem. Instead of focusing on victory, the athletes choose kindness over competition. Their action emphasizes teamwork, humanity, and selflessness, revealing that true success lies in uplifting others rather than finishing first.
Question 10.
What can we infer about the character of the athletes from their actions? [Inference]
Answer:
The athletes appear compassionate, understanding, and morally strong. Despite their hard training, they prioritize helping a fellow runner. This suggests they value friendship and fairness more than personal achievement, reflecting the deeper ideals of sportsmanship.
Question 11.
What can be inferred about the runners’ priorities from their decision to stay together? [Inference]
Answer:
It can be inferred that the runners prioritized humanity over personal achievement. They chose teamwork and compassion instead of individual victory, showing strong moral values and a deep sense of responsibility toward their fellow participant.
Question 12.
Do you think the runners made the right decision by helping their fellow athlete? Give a reason. [Evaluation]
Answer:
Yes, the runners made the right decision because their action demonstrated empathy and true sportsmanship. Winning is meaningful, but supporting someone in need shows stronger character. Their choice teaches that compassion and cooperation are more valuable than individual success.
Nine Gold Medals Class 9 Long Question Answer
Question 1.
What can be inferred about the upbringing and values of the eight runners from their actions?
Answer:
The actions of the eight runners suggest that they have been guided by strong moral values and a sense of empathy. Despite months of training and their desire to win, they instinctively choose to help a fallen competitor. This implies that they value kindness, fairness, and teamwork over personal success. Their behaviour reflects an upbringing that emphasises humanity and mutual respect. The runners understand that victory achieved at the cost of another’s suffering is meaningless. Through inference, the poet suggests that true athletes are not defined only by physical strength but also by emotional intelligence and moral integrity, qualities that elevate sports from competition to a celebration of human spirit.
Question 2.
Examine how the transformation of the race reflects the theme of the poem.
Answer:
The transformation of the hundred-yard dash into a walk reflects the poem’s central theme of empathy over competition. A race usually symbolises speed, ambition, and personal achievement. However, when the athletes slow down to help their fallen companion, the meaning of the race changes entirely. It becomes a journey of support and unity rather than a contest of strength. This shift emphasises the values upheld by the Special Olympics-acceptance, inclusion, and mutual respect. By choosing to walk together, the runners reject selfish ambition and embrace collective progress. The poet uses this transformation to show that moral courage and compassion define true sportsmanship more than medals or records ever could.
Question 3.
Interpret the symbolic meaning of the race ending with nine gold medals instead of one winner.
Answer:
The race ending with nine gold medals symbolises that true victory lies in humanity rather than competition. Though athletics usually rewards individual excellence, the poet redefines success through collective compassion. When the athletes choose to help the fallen boy, the race ceases to be about speed and medals and becomes a moral triumph. The nine gold medals represent shared achievement, equality, and empathy, which are core values of the Special Olympics. This symbolic ending suggests that when people act with kindness and unity, everyone becomes a winner. The poet highlights that such moral victories leave a deeper and more lasting impact than physical accomplishments, conveying that compassion is the highest form of success.
Question 4.
Analyse how the poet creates excitement and tension before the turning point of the poem.
Answer:
The poet carefully builds excitement by describing athletes arriving from across the country after months of rigorous training. The spectators gathered at the field and the anticipation of the final event heighten the atmosphere. The image of nine determined athletes poised at the starting line creates suspense. The sudden firing of the pistol releases this tension, only to replace it with shock when the youngest runner falls. This unexpected incident serves as the turning point of the poem. By structuring the poem this way, the poet ensures that the reader is emotionally invested in the race before shifting focus to compassion and humanity. This contrast makes the runners’ selfless act even more powerful.
Question 5.
How do the spectators’ reactions help reinforce the poem’s message?
Answer:
The spectators’ standing ovation indicates deep admiration and emotional connection to the runners’ actions. From this response, we can infer that the audience recognises the importance of compassion over competition. Their applause is not merely for athletic performance but for the values demonstrated on the track. This reaction reinforces the poem’s message that acts of kindness inspire and unite people more than individual victories. The spectators’ response also shows how selfless behaviour has the power to influence society positively. By acknowledging the runners’ moral courage, the audience validates the idea that humanity and unity deserve greater celebration than medals alone.
Question 6.
Evaluate the relevance of the poem “Nine Gold Medals” in today’s competitive world.
Answer:
In today’s highly competitive world, where success is often measured by ranks and rewards, “Nine Gold Medals” remains deeply relevant. The poem challenges the obsession with individual achievement and reminds readers of the importance of compassion and inclusivity. It highlights how cooperation can create stronger communities and lasting impact. The values presented in the poem align with modern ideals of inclusion, especially in sports and education. By focusing on the Special Olympics, the poet also promotes respect for people with special abilities. The poem encourages readers to redefine success, making it not just about winning but about uplifting others, a lesson crucial in contemporary society.
Question 7.
What does the reaction of the spectators reveal about human nature? [Interpretation]
Answer:
The spectators’ standing ovation reveals that people naturally admire acts of kindness and selflessness. Although they had gathered to watch a competitive race, they were deeply touched by the athletes’ decision to support their fellow runner. Their reaction suggests that society respects moral courage more than mere victory. It also shows that witnessing compassion can inspire hope and positivity among people. The applause was not just for finishing the race but for demonstrating the highest ideals of humanity. This response implies that, despite living in a competitive world, individuals still value cooperation and empathy. The poet uses this moment to remind readers that goodness often leaves a stronger impression than achievement alone.
Question 8.
How does the poet create a contrast between competition and cooperation in the poem? [Analysis]
Answer:
The poet begins by emphasizing the competitive atmosphere of the race. The athletes had trained for months and were determined to win gold, silver, or bronze medals. The excitement of the spectators and the readiness of the runners highlight the importance of victory. However, this mood changes dramatically when one runner falls. Instead of continuing toward the finish line, the other athletes stop and return to help him. This shift from rivalry to cooperation creates a powerful contrast that draws attention to the poem’s central message. By choosing teamwork over personal success, the runners demonstrate that sports are not only about competition but also about respect, care, and solidarity.
Question 9.
Do the runners deserve to be called real champions? Justify your answer. [Evaluation]
Answer:
Yes, the runners truly deserve to be called real champions because they displayed qualities that go beyond physical strength and speed. A champion is someone who shows integrity, compassion, and respect for others, and these athletes embodied all these traits. By stopping to help the fallen boy, they sacrificed their chance to win individually, proving that humanity matters more than medals. Their decision reflects excellent sportsmanship and strong moral values. Moreover, their action inspired everyone present, showing that small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact. The nine gold medals symbolize recognition of their character and unity. Therefore, their behaviour defines true greatness and sets an example for others to follow.
Question 10.
What can we infer about the values promoted by the Special Olympics from the events of the race? [Inference]
Answer:
From the events of the race, we can infer that the Special Olympics promotes values such as inclusion, encouragement, perseverance, and respect for every participant. The athletes’ decision to help the fallen boy suggests that they were taught to care for one another rather than focus solely on winning. The banner mentioned in the poem reinforces the idea that the event celebrates effort and participation as much as achievement. It encourages athletes to display courage and kindness, regardless of the outcome. These values make the competition meaningful because they focus on personal growth and mutual support. The poem suggests that the Special Olympics is not just a sporting event but a celebration of human dignity and togetherness.
Question 12.
How does the ending of the poem reflect the true meaning of success?[Interpretation]
Answer:
The ending of the poem presents success as something deeper than winning a race. When the nine athletes cross the finish line together holding hands, they show that compassion, unity, and humanity are more important than individual achievement. The nine gold medals symbolize that every runner is a winner because they chose kindness over competition. Their actions redefine victory as helping others and standing together in difficult moments. The standing ovation from the spectators further reinforces that society values empathy and teamwork more than personal glory. Through this ending, the poet conveys that true success lies in good character, mutual support, and the ability to uplift others rather than focusing only on coming first.
Question 13.
Explain how the poet builds emotional impact after the boy falls during the race. [Evaluation]
Answer:
The poet intensifies the emotional impact by describing the boy’s cry of frustration and anguish, which reflects his shattered hopes after months of preparation. Readers can sense his disappointment and pain, making the situation deeply moving. The tone then changes from sadness to inspiration as the other runners stop and turn back to help him. This unexpected act of kindness surprises the readers and strengthens the emotional appeal of the poem. The image of all nine athletes walking hand in hand toward the finish line creates a heartwarming scene that stays with the reader. By guiding emotions from sympathy to admiration, the poet effectively highlights the power of empathy and collective strength.
Nine Gold Medals Poem Extract Based Questions and Answers
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
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. (Page 156)
(i) What can be inferred from the line “Many weeks and months of training”?
(a) The athletes trained only for a short time.
(b) The competition was informal.
(c) The athletes showed dedication and perseverance.
(d) The event was not very important.
Answer:
(c) The athletes showed dedication and perseverance.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with an appropriate reason.
The athletes’ preparation justifies the importance of the event because _______ .
Answer:
months of training show the event holds great importance for the athletes.
(iii) What does the phrase ‘all coming down to these games’ suggest?
Answer:
The phrase ‘all coming down to these games’ suggests that all the athletes’ efforts were focused on this final moment of competition.
(iv) State whether the following sentence is True or False.
In this extract, the poet conveys a message that one should be a winner at all costs.
Answer:
False
(v) Which word in the extract means ‘competitors who take part in sports events’?
Answer:
athletes
2. 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. (Page 157)
(i) What does the word ‘resolved’ suggest about the athletes?
(a) They were confused.
(b) They were determined to perform well.
(c) They were unwilling to race.
(d) They were nervous and unprepared.
(e) They were determined to perform well.
Answer:
(b) They were determined to perform well.
(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False.
Mental readiness is as important as physical training in a race.
Answer:
True
(iii) What does ‘poised for the sound of the gun’ indicate about the athletes’ condition before the race?
Answer:
It indicates that the athletes were alert, prepared, and ready to start the race.
(iv) The value most strongly reflected by the athletes waiting at the starting line is _______ .
Answer:
Discipline
(v) Which phrase from the extract means ‘ready and in position’?
Answer:
Poised for the sound of the gun.
3. 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. (Page 157)
(i) What can be inferred from the phrase ‘a cry of frustration and anguish’?
(a) The athlete was injured seriously.
(b) The athlete had lost all interest in the race.
(c) The athlete felt deep disappointment after failing.
(d) The athlete was angry with others.
Answer:
(c) The athlete felt deep disappointment after failing.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with an appropriate reason.
Failure can deeply affect an athlete’s emotions because _______.
Answer:
athletes invest their hopes and hard work into success.
(iii) What does the line ‘dreams and efforts dashed in the dirt’ mean?
Answer:
The line ‘dreams and efforts dashed in the dirt’ means the athlete’s hopes and hard work seemed wasted due to failure.
(iv) What human value is highlighted by the athlete’s reaction in this extract?
Answer:
In this extract, the athlete’s reaction highlights sensitivity to failure.
(v) Which phrase in the extract means ‘completely ruined’?
Answer:
‘dashed in the dirt’
4. 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. (Page 157)
(i) What can be inferred from the spectators gathering around the old field?
(a) They were forced to attend the event
(b) They were uninterested in the race
(c) They were eagerly waiting for the final event
(d) They wanted the field to be cleared
Answer:
(c) They were eagerly waiting for the final event
(ii) Complete the following sentence with an appropriate reason.
The presence of spectators added value to the event because _______.
Answer:
their cheering encouraged the athletes and created excitement.
(iii) What does the phrase ‘Excitement was high’ suggest about the atmosphere? [Interpretation]
Answer:
The phrase ‘Excitement was high’ suggests an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation.
(iv) What quality of the spectators is highlighted in these lines?
Answer:
In these lines, spectators’ enthusiasm and supportive nature are highlighted.
(v) What does the phrase ‘cheer on’ mean?
(a) to criticize
(b) to support or encourage
(c) to ignore
(d) to compete
Answer:
(b) to support or encourage
5. 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. (Page 157)
(i) Why did the runners charge ahead as soon as the pistol exploded?
(a) They were afraid of the noise.
(b) It signaled the start of the race.
(c) They wanted to leave the field.
(d) They were asked to stop.
Answer:
(b) It signaled the start of the race.
(ii) What does this moment suggest about the athletes’ preparation?
Answer:
This moment suggests that the athletes were alert, focused, and ready to give their best.
(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately. The phrase ‘pistol exploded’ implies _______.
Answer:
the loud firing of the starting gun, marking the beginning of the race.
(iv) How does the fall of the smallest runner affect the race?
Answer:
It creates a sudden shift from excitement to concern, introducing an unexpected challenge in the race.
(v) Find the phrase that means ‘moving forward quickly with determination’.
Answer:
charging ahead
Extra Questions of Nine Gold Medals for Practice
I. Reference to Context
Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow:
1. 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 round and went back to help him
And brought the young boy to his feet. (Page 158)
(i) What does the action of the eight runners suggest about their character?
(a) They were afraid of losing the race.
(b) They valued kindness more than winning.
(c) They were tired and wanted to stop running.
(d) They did not understand the rules.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with an appropriate reason.
We can say that the runners made the right choice by helping the boy because
(iii) What is the deeper meaning of the phrase ‘brought the young boy to his feet’?
(iv) State whether the following statement is True or False.
The runners’ behavior teaches the readers that compassion, teamwork, and humanity are greater than competition.
(v) What does the phrase ‘pulled up on their heels’ most nearly mean?
(a) Ran faster
(b) Stopped suddenly
(c) Fell down
(d) Changed direction
2. 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. (Page 158)
(i) Why was the banner ‘Special Olympics’ described as ‘on the mark’?
(a) It showed where the runners should stop.
(b) It perfectly matched the spirit of unity and compassion shown by the athletes.
(c) It was brightly coloured and easy to see.
(d) It announced the winner of the race.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with an appropriate reason. Reducing the race to a walk was a good decision because
(iii) What does ‘joined hands’ symbolize in the extract?
(iv) What value is highlighted by the runners finishing the race together?
(v) What does the phrase ‘on the mark’ most nearly mean?
II. Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What does the act of the runners joining hands suggest in the extract?
Question 2.
How does the change from a race to a walk contribute to the poem’s message?
Question 3.
What might this moment teach the spectators watching the race?
Question 4.
Do you think the runners’ action was more inspiring than winning the race? Why?
Question 5.
Why is the banner described as being “on the mark”?
III. Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is the symbolic meaning of the runners’ joining hands and finishing the race together?
Question 2.
How does the reference to the “Special Olympics” strengthen the message of the extract?
Question 3.
What does the runners’ behavior suggest about the definition of true sportsmanship?
Question 4.
Do you think the runners’ decision to finish the race together was more meaningful than competing individually? Give reasons.
Question 5.
Analyze how the poet uses the shift from a race to a walk to emphasize the poem’s theme.