Lesson - 5. The World OF Limitless Possibilities

                  L- THE  WORLD OF LIMITLESS  POSSIBILITIES 

Reflect  and  Respond 

1- This is a picture  of Sheetal Devi, a para- archer's was honored  with the Arjuna Award in January  2024.

1- Look at the picture   carefully  and share your observation  with your classmates  and  teacher. 

Ans - Unique  Techniques- The image show Sheetal  Devi using her legs and feet to operate the bow, as she was born without arm.

Focus and Determination- Her facial expression demonstrates intense concentration  and composure while aiming at the target.

2- Does this personality inspire you? Explain how.

Ans - Yes, her personality  inspires  me she is fully  determined  and never let her physical  disability stop her from reaching the top of her sport. Being honored  with the Arjuna Award in January  2024 shows that through  hard work,  one can achieve  national recognition  and overcome  any obstacle. 

3- Give a caption  for this picture. 

Ans - " Aiming high: The limitless Spirit of Sheetal Devi.

2 - Complete the table given  below  about  Paralympics. Share your response  with your classmates  and teacher. 

What I know: Paralympics are international games for athletes with disabilities; athletes compete in many sports; it promotes inclusion and excellence.
What I want to know: How classification works; India’s top Paralympic achievements; what support/facilities para-athletes receive.

CHECK  YOUR  UNDERSTANDING 

Q -1 Fill in the fact table based on the interview with Dr. Deepa Malik.
Answer
1 - Diagnosed with spinal tumour at the age of  -  29
2 - Result of the surgery  -   Paralysed waist down / bound to a wheelchair
3 - Named as one of the 10 most inspirational women para-athletes by -- International Paralympic Committee
 4 - First successful Paralympic event.   - 2016 Rio Paralympic Games – shot put (silver)
5 - List of ‘firsts’:
(i) First Indian female para-athlete to win an Asian Games medal in athletics
(ii) India’s first female Paralympics medallist across any sport
6 - Awards won. -  Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri
7 - Two things supported by her:
(i) Empowering women through outdoor sports/adventure activities
(ii) Supporting people from lower socio-economic strata / providing equipment to para sportspersons

CRITICAL  REFLECTION 

Q - Read the extracts  given  below  and  answer  the  questions that follow. 

1- I had two choices --------------------------- forward in changing  perceptions

1-  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.

Answer: Just as a caterpillar undergoes a complete physical metamorphosis to become a free-flying butterfly, Dr. Malik  transformed her life from a state of tragedy and physical limitation into a dynamic journey of limitless possibilities and global achievements.

2 - Why could the speaker switch to para-athletics quite comfortably?

Answer: The speaker could switch  to para - athletes quite comfortably because she already loved sports and had been a swimmer before her diagnosis.

 3 - Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. The speaker calls 2016 Rio Paralympic Games as a ‘breakthrough moment’ because…

Answer: …it was there that she secured the silver medal in the shot-put event, marking a major personal victory and a crucial step forward in changing societal perceptions about disabilities.

1. (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

Answer: B. reflective

1. (v) The speaker uses the phrase ‘changing perceptions’. List one likely perception the speaker might have changed.

Answer: She changed the societal perception that individuals bound to a wheelchair are physically frail and incapable of competing in high-intensity, global athletic competitions.

2 - Extract 

Honestly,  I feel sport ------------------------ me push boundaries. 

2. (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

Answer: (a) A and D 

Reason  - The speaker  is appreciative  of the strength  and Spirit  of para- athletes  and optimistic  about how sports can change attitude  and push boundaries. 

2. (ii) Complete the analogy given below with a word from the extract.

ability : potential :: preconceived notions : _______________

Answer: stereotypes

2. (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.

Answer: True

2. (iv) What does ‘helped me push boundaries’ tell us about the speaker?

Answer: The phrase' helped me push the boundaries ' indicates  that the speaker  is determined  and ambitious,  constantly  striving  to exceed the limits- both physical  and societal  that were placed  upon her.

2. (v) Which phrase from the extract suggests that the speaker was able to transform her life?

Answer: “a new lease of life”

ANSWER  THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS