Kaveri | CBSE | Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers By David Roth | NCERT Solutions For Class 9 English Literature Chapter 10 | Unit 5 | Kaveri | Class IX | Best Guide 2026. It is required for Grade 9 students to build a strong foundation in the subject, and NCERT Solutions For Class 9 English Literature Chapter 10. Understanding the chapter thoroughly helps students grasp key concepts, improve comprehension, and perform well in exams.
In this article, Kaveri | CBSE | Nine Gold Medals Poem Questions And Answers By David Roth | NCERT Solutions For Class 9 English Literature Chapter 10 | Unit 5 | Kaveri | Class IX | Best Guide 2026, we (ThinkSphereEdu.com) provide a detailed Nine Gold Medals summary to make learning easier and more effective. Whether you are a student looking for well-explained solutions or a parent guiding your child, this guide will be a helpful resource for mastering the chapter with confidence.
- Nine Gold Medals Summary In English: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers)
- Nine Gold Medals Summary In Hindi: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers)
- Nine Gold Medals Summary In Bengali: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers)
- Nine Gold Medals Analysis: (Nine Gold Medals Poem Questions And Answers)
- Reflect and Respond: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 156
- Check Your Understanding: (Nine Gold Medals by david roth Questions And Answers) Page – 158
- Critical Reflection: (Nine Gold Medals Question Answer) Page – 160
- Vocabulary in Context: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 162
- Listen and Respond: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 163
- Speaking Activity: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 163
- Writing Task: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 165
CBSE | Kaveri | Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers Solved | Class 9 | English Literature | Must Read
Nine Gold Medals Summary In English: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers)
The poem describes a race in a Special Olympics event where athletes from across the country gather to compete. During the 100-yard race, one runner falls and cries in pain. Instead of continuing to win, the other eight runners stop, go back, and help him stand. Then all nine runners join hands and walk together to the finish line. In the end, they all receive gold medals, and the audience gives them a standing ovation. The poem shows that kindness and teamwork are more important than winning.
Nine Gold Medals Summary In Hindi: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers)
यह कविता स्पेशल ओलंपिक्स के एक इवेंट में होने वाली दौड़ का वर्णन करती है, जहाँ पूरे देश से एथलीट मुकाबला करने के लिए इकट्ठा होते हैं। 100-यार्ड की दौड़ के दौरान, एक धावक गिर जाता है और दर्द से रोने लगता है। जीतने के लिए आगे बढ़ने के बजाय, बाकी आठों धावक रुक जाते हैं, पीछे मुड़ते हैं, और उसे उठने में मदद करते हैं। फिर, वे सभी नौ धावक एक-दूसरे का हाथ थामते हैं और साथ मिलकर फिनिश लाइन तक चलते हैं। आखिर में, उन सभी को गोल्ड मेडल मिलते हैं, और दर्शक खड़े होकर उनका ज़ोरदार स्वागत करते हैं। यह कविता दिखाती है कि जीतने से कहीं ज़्यादा ज़रूरी दयालुता और टीम वर्क है।
Nine Gold Medals Summary In Bengali: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers)
কবিতাটিতে স্পেশাল অলিম্পিকের একটি দৌড় প্রতিযোগিতার বর্ণনা দেওয়া হয়েছে, যেখানে সারা দেশ থেকে অ্যাথলিটরা একত্রিত হয়ে অংশ নেয়। ১০০-গজের সেই দৌড় চলাকালীন, একজন দৌড়বিদ পড়ে যায় এবং যন্ত্রণায় কেঁদে ওঠে। জয়ের লক্ষ্যে দৌড় চালিয়ে যাওয়ার পরিবর্তে, বাকি আটজন দৌড়বিদ থেমে যায়, পিছিয়ে আসে এবং তাকে উঠে দাঁড়াতে সাহায্য করে। এরপর সেই নয়জন দৌড়বিদ একে অপরের হাত ধরে একসঙ্গে দৌড়ের শেষ সীমানার দিকে এগিয়ে যায়। পরিশেষে, তারা সবাই স্বর্ণপদক লাভ করে এবং দর্শকরা দাঁড়িয়ে উঠে তাদের প্রতি সম্মান জানায়। কবিতাটি এই বার্তাই তুলে ধরে যে, বিজয়ের চেয়েও দয়া ও দলগত প্রচেষ্টা অনেক বেশি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ।
Nine Gold Medals Analysis: (Nine Gold Medals Poem Questions And Answers)
The poem demonstrates genuine athletic sportsmanship through its presentation. The race only exists to determine which runner achieves the fastest time until the runners demonstrate their human and compassionate nature. The other runners in the race decide to assist the fallen runner instead of pursuing their own victory. The race acquires a different meaning through this particular development.
The line about the “Special Olympics” shows that athletes choose to work together with others while competing against each other. The ending, where all nine get gold medals, shows that success is not just about coming first, but about doing the right thing.
The main message of the poem shows that helping others through kindness and unity works better than achieving personal success. The lesson of this work shows that true victory belongs to those who demonstrate empathy while helping others during their struggles.
Nine Gold Medals by David Roth | Exam Preparation | 2026-27
Reflect and Respond: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 156
I. Work in pairs. Discuss the difference between Olympics, Special Olympics, and Paralympics.
Answer:
Olympics: The Olympics are international sports events where athletes from all over the world compete. These athletes are usually physically fit (able-bodied) and compete at a very high level to win gold, silver, and bronze medals. The Olympics are held every four years.
Paralympics: The Paralympics are also international competitions like the Olympics, but they are for athletes with physical disabilities (such as blindness, amputations, etc.). These athletes compete at a very high and professional level. The Paralympics are usually held just after the Olympics in the same host city.
Special Olympics: The Special Olympics are meant for people with intellectual disabilities. The main aim here is not only winning but participation, enjoyment, and building confidence. Events are held throughout the year at different levels (local, national, and international).
II. Work in pairs to match the words ‘empathy’, ‘sympathy’, and ‘compassion’ to the sentences given in the table below.
Answer:
| Compassion | Empathy | Sympathy |
III. Work in pairs. List the words you associate with ‘empathy’. Share your responses with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
- understanding
- kindness
- care
- support
- listening
- sharing
Check Your Understanding: (Nine Gold Medals by david roth Questions And Answers) Page – 158
I. Work in pairs. Match the words and phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may read the poem again and infer the contextual meaning. Check your answers with the teacher.
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. dashed in the dirt | (ii) destroyed |
| 2. stumbled | (iv) step awkwardly, lose balance and almost fall |
| 3. staggered | (i) walk or move with difficulty |
| 4. anguish | (v) extreme pain or suffering |
| 5. asphalt | (iii) a hard black substance used to make roads and paths |
II. Identify the gist of each stanza. Write the number of the stanza in the boxes given.
1. Spectators cheered participants of different events and waited enthusiastically for the final event to start. [ ]
Answer: Stanza 2
2. All runners dashed ahead as soon as they heard the gun shot; suddenly, one of the athletes tripped and fell on the ground. [ ]
Answer: Stanza 4
3. The race finished with nine athletes holding hands and winning the well-deserved gold medals; their smiles, and spectators standing up to applaud, conveyed everything. [ ]
Answer: Stanza 8
4. Participants got ready at the starting line and nine determined athletes waited for the sound of the gun.[ ]
Answer: Stanza 3
5. Athletes from various parts of the country had gone through months of training; had big dreams of winning a medal. [ ]
Answer: Stanza 1
6. The eight athletes stopped to help the young fallen athlete stand up, forgetting that they were competing. [ ]
Answer: Stanza 6
7. Nine athletes held the banner and walked hand in hand; this gesture represented the ethos of Special Olympics. [ ]
Answer: Stanza 7
8. The young athlete felt his dreams were shattered and cried in pain and disappointment, but something unique happened.
Answer: Stanza 5
III. Let us appreciate the poem.
1. Two examples of alliteration from the poem are (i) _______ and (ii) _______.
Answer: (i) “stumbled and staggered” (ii) “sound of the gun”
2. Give three examples of visual imagery from the poem. (i) __________ (ii) _________ (iii) __________
Answer: (i) “fell to the asphalt instead” (ii) “nine runners joined hands” (iii) “came to the finish line holding hands”
3. Give an example of auditory imagery from the poem (i) ____________
Answer: (i) “the pistol exploded”
4. How does the use of imagery make the poem more appealing?
Answer: Imagery helps the reader clearly imagine the race and the events happening. It makes the poem more lively and emotional, as we can see and hear the actions in our mind. This makes the story more interesting and meaningful.
5. How does the poet’s tone change from the beginning to the end of the poem?
Answer: At the beginning, the tone is exciting and competitive. In the middle, it becomes sad when the boy falls. By the end, the tone becomes warm, inspiring, and emotional as the runners show kindness and unity.
6. What is the overall mood created by the poem?
Answer: The overall mood is inspiring and emotional. It fills the reader with feelings of kindness, hope, and respect for true sportsmanship.
7. What is the message being conveyed by the poem?
Answer: The poem teaches that helping others and showing kindness is more important than winning. True success comes from unity, compassion, and supporting one another.
Critical Reflection: (Nine Gold Medals Question Answer) Page – 160
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions
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.
(i) Select the correct option to complete the sentence
The phrase ‘pulled up on their heels’ means that the runners _______.
- moved aside
- stopped running
- tried to run faster
- jumped ahead
Answer: B. stopped running
(ii) Mention one character trait common to all the eight other runners.
Answer: Kindness (or compassion)
(iii) What is the tone of the poet in these lines?
Answer: The tone is caring and compassionate.
(iv) How might the young athlete have felt on being helped by the others?
Answer: He might have felt relieved, grateful, and happy. He may also have felt encouraged and supported.
(v) Would you consider this incident as a turning point in the poem? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, this is a turning point because the race changes from a competition into an act of kindness and unity. The focus shifts from winning to helping others.
2. That’s how the race ended, with nine gold medals They came to the nish line holding hands still And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces Said more than these words ever will.
(i) How did the nine contestants feel when they reached the finishing line together?
Answer: They felt happy, proud, and satisfied.
(ii) Why do you think all the nine contestants were given gold medals?
Answer: They were given gold medals because they showed true sportsmanship, kindness, and teamwork instead of selfish competition.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The holding of hands signifies a feeling of _________.
Answer: unity and togetherness
(iv) Choose the correct option to complete the sentence.
The spectators giving a ‘standing ovation’ indicates that they were _________.
- amazed
- speechless
- distracted
- thoughtful
Answer: amazed
(v) Explain the last line of the extract.
Answer: The last line means that the expressions of happiness on the runners’ faces and the applause of the crowd showed their feelings more clearly than words ever could. It highlights the deep emotional impact of their act.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. Describe how the setting established in the first two stanzas of the poem create a vivid atmosphere for the events that follow.
Answer: The first two stanzas describe athletes coming from all over the country and spectators gathering around the field. This creates an exciting and energetic atmosphere. It shows that the event is important and builds anticipation for the race, making the later incident more meaningful.
2. How do you think the youngest athlete might have felt when he fell?
Answer: He probably felt upset, hurt, and disappointed. His dreams of winning were suddenly broken, and he may have felt embarrassed and frustrated.
3. Why were the athletes eager to begin the race?
Answer: The athletes were eager because they had trained for many weeks and months. They wanted to prove themselves and win medals, so they were excited and ready to compete.
4. What does the transformation of the hundred-yard dash to a walk symbolise?
Answer: It symbolises unity, kindness, and teamwork. Instead of competing, the athletes chose to support one another, showing that helping others is more important than winning.
5. How might the poem be different if the focus was solely on individual achievement rather than collective support?
Answer: If the poem focused only on individual achievement, the runners would have continued the race without helping the fallen boy. It would become a story about winning and competition, and the emotional and moral message of kindness would be lost.
6. How does the poet’s use of language and tone enhance the reader’s engagement with the poem?
Answer: The poet uses simple and clear language with strong images, making it easy to understand and imagine. The changing tone—from excitement to sadness to inspiration—keeps the reader interested and emotionally connected to the story.
7. What might be the poet’s purpose of writing this poem?
Answer: The poet’s purpose is to teach a moral lesson about kindness, teamwork, and true sportsmanship. The poem encourages readers to value helping others over personal success.
Vocabulary in Context: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 162
I. The phrase ‘standing ovation’ is an example of an adjective–noun collocation. Identify two other similar examples from the poem.
Answer: (i) “final event” (ii) “young boy”
II. Complete the table given below by writing four nouns in Column 2 that collocate with the adjectives in Column 1. One example has been done for you. You may take the help of a dictionary.
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. big | disappointment, failure, surprise, decision (given) |
| 2. heavy | rain, traffic, load, bag |
| 3. strong | wind, feeling, argument, support |
| 4. large | number, amount, crowd, area |
| 5. great | success, effort, importance, achievement |
III. Choose the correct adjectives from those given in the box for the underlined words given in the sentences below. Ensure you do not use the same adjective twice.
Positive, significant, youngest, noisy, loud
1. The littlest athlete was moving at a steady pace.
Answer: The youngest athlete was moving at a steady pace.
2. The eight athletes had a smiling attitude.
Answer: The eight athletes had a positive attitude.
3. When the athlete fell, he gave a huge cry of pain.
Answer: When the athlete fell, he gave a loud cry of pain.
4. The spectators saw a terrible difference in the athletes who had only come to compete.
Answer: The spectators saw a significant difference in the athletes who had only come to compete.
5. The gaudy crowd cheered the runners enthusiastically.
Answer: The noisy crowd cheered the runners enthusiastically.
Listen and Respond: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 163
I. You will listen to a radio-talk about Patrick Gomes, a coach of special athletes. As you listen, write true or false for the statements given. (Transcript for teacher on page 268)
1. Patrick Gomes began his career in sports with track events.
Answer: True
2. Patrick Gomes has been coaching special athletes for 10 years.
Answer: False (He has been coaching for over 15 years.)
3. Patrick Gomes does all the household work himself.
Answer: True
I. You will listen to the radio-talk once again. As you) listen, choose the correct option for each question.
1. When the speaker uses the phrase ‘push your boundaries’, he wants listeners to _______.
- challenge themselves
- meet new people
- be open-minded
Answer: When the speaker uses the phrase ‘push your boundaries’, he wants listeners to challenge themselves.
2. Patrick Gomes is a _____ at present.
- special athlete
- coach of special athletes
- value education teacher
Answer: At present, Patrick Gomes is a coach of special athletes.
3. Special Olympic Games held at Connecticut was a ______for Patrick Gomes.
- motivational year
- turning point
- gradual change
Answer: The Special Olympic Games held at Connecticut was a turning point for Patrick Gomes.
4. As a special athlete, Patrick Gomes mostly participated in ______
- track events
- jogging
- football
Answer: As a special athlete, Patrick Gomes mostly participated in football.
5. Patrick Gomes believes that sports is essential because it encourages ________ along with fitness.
- a positive outlook
- a peaceful mind
- an active life
Answer: Patrick Gomes believes that sports is essential because it encourages a positive outlook along with fitness.
Speaking Activity: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 163
I. Work in pairs. Take turns to express your points of view regarding Special Olympics.
Use the key points given below to develop the conversation.
Key Points:
- Importance of Special Olympics (promotes inclusion)
- Impact of Special Olympics on sportspersons with special abilities
- How to create awareness regarding Special Olympics
Use the sentence starters given in the table below when you speak.
Answer:
Conversation:
A: What is your opinion on the importance of Special Olympics?
B: Personally, I believe that it promotes inclusion and gives equal opportunities to people with special abilities.
A: How do you feel about its impact on sportspersons?
B: I hold the opinion that it boosts their confidence and helps them develop skills and independence.
A: In your view, is it important for society?
B: It’s my belief that Special Olympics changes society’s mindset and encourages respect for everyone.
A: What is your take on creating awareness about it?
B: I have a strong feeling that awareness can be created through social media, school programs, and community events.
A: Do you think more people should support it?
B: From my perspective, everyone should support Special Olympics to build a more inclusive and understanding society.
Writing Task: (Nine Gold Medals Questions And Answers) Page – 165
I. Work in pairs to write three creative slogans on Special Olympics.
One example of a slogan on Special Olympics has been given below.
Special Olympics: Igniting a Universe of Potential Present your slogans in a creative manner and share
with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: “Champions are made of courage, not perfection!”