Nine Gold Medals Class 9 Extra Questions and Answers English Poem 5

Nine Gold Medals Poem Extra Question Answer

Question 1.

What event were the athletes preparing for in the poem?

Answer:

The athletes were preparing for the final event of the day, which was the hundred-yard dash at the Special Olympics.

Question 2.

How long had the athletes prepared for these games?

Answer:

The athletes had undergone "many weeks and months of training" to prepare themselves to compete for the gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Nine Gold Medals Short Question Answer

Question 3.

What happened immediately after the pistol exploded to start the race?

Answer:

As soon as the pistol sounded, all the runners charged ahead, but the smallest athlete among them stumbled, staggered, and fell to the asphalt track.

Question 4.

How did the fallen athlete react to his fall?

Answer:

He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish because all his dreams, efforts, and months of hard work were instantly destroyed.

Question 5.

What did the other eight runners do when they saw the youngest boy fall?

Answer:

Instead of continuing the race to win, the other eight runners pulled up on their heels, turned around, and went back one by one to help the young boy to his feet.

Question 6.

What does the phrase 'pulled up on their heels' mean in the context of the poem?

Answer:

It means that the eight athletes abruptly stopped running their race to assess what had happened to their fellow competitor.

Question 7.

Why was the banner that read "Special Olympics" so appropriate ?

Answer:

It was "on the mark" because the athletes displayed a highly special and extraordinary level of empathy and human compassion that went far beyond a standard sporting event.

Nine Gold Medals Class 9 Extra Question Answer

Question 8.

How did the hundred-yard dash eventually conclude?

Answer:

The dash was reduced to a walk, and it concluded with all nine athletes crossing the finish line together, holding hands.

Question 9.

How did the spectators react to the end of the race?

Answer:

The spectators were deeply moved and gave the athletes a "standing ovation," showing their immense respect and appreciation for the display of sportsmanship.

Question 10.

Why did the poet say that the nine beaming faces "said more than these words ever will"?

Answer:

The joy, unity, and pride visible on the faces of the athletes conveyed the true spirit of humanity so powerfully that mere words in a poem could not fully capture its depth.

Nine Gold Medals Long Question Answer

Question 1.

Describe the central theme of the poem "Nine Gold Medals."

Answer:

The central theme of the poem is the triumph of human compassion and empathy over the competitive spirit. While sports are usually about individual achievement and winning medals, this poem highlights that true victory lies in helping those who have fallen. The athletes sacrifice their personal dreams of winning to support a fellow competitor, demonstrating that kindness and solidarity are the highest forms of achievement.

Question 2.

Compare the atmosphere at the beginning of the race with its conclusion. How does the poet create this contrast?

Answer:

The poem begins with an atmosphere of high tension, excitement, and fierce competition. The spectators are cheering, and the athletes are "poised for the sound of the gun," representing months of intense physical training. However, the conclusion completely transforms this atmosphere into one of serene unity and emotional triumph. The fast "dash" slows down to a collective "walk," and the loud cheers turn into a respectful, emotional "standing ovation," shifting the focus from physical speed to spiritual strength.

Question 3.

"The banner above that said (Special Olympics) / Could not have been more on the mark." Justify this statement with reference to the athletes' actions.

Answer:

The Special Olympics are designed for athletes with special needs, but the poet uses the word "Special" to describe the extraordinary nature of their souls. When the eight athletes abandoned their chance at a medal to help a fallen rival, they proved that their sportsmanship was truly "special" and rare. Their actions perfectly embodied the true, inclusive spirit of the games, making the banner highly symbolic and accurate.

Question 4.

Why do you think the authorities awarded nine gold medals instead of the usual gold, silver, and bronze?

Answer:

The authorities awarded nine gold medals to honour the collective victory of the athletes. By holding hands and crossing the finish line together, there was no first, second, or third place. Every single athlete demonstrated the highest standard of humanity, empathy, and sportsmanship. The nine gold medals were a recognition that their collective act of kindness made them all champions.

Question 5.

How does the poet use the spectators' reaction to emphasize the impact of the athletes' actions?

Answer:

Initially, the spectators gathered to cheer for a fast, competitive race. However, when the athletes chose to walk hand-in-hand to the finish line, the crowd responded with a "standing ovation". This reaction highlights that the spectators recognized they were witnessing something far greater than a physical record being broken; they were witnessing a triumph of the human spirit. It validates the athletes' choice and emphasizes that the world values compassion over mere competition.

Nine Gold Medals Extract Based Questions and Answers

Extract 1.

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.

Question 1.

What did the explosion of the pistol signify?

Answer:

It signified the start of the highly anticipated hundred-yard dash.

Question 2.

Identify two words from the extract that describe the young athlete's loss of balance.

Answer:

The words are "stumbled" and "staggered".

Question 3.

What is "asphalt" in the context of this extract?

Answer:

Asphalt refers to the hard black substance used to make the surface of the racing track.

Question 4.

What literary device is used in "pistol exploded / And so did the runners"?

Answer:

The poet uses a metaphor, comparing the sudden, bursting forward motion of the runners to the explosion of the pistol.

Extract 2.

That's how the race ended, with nine gold medals

They came to the finish line holding hands still

And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces

Said more than these words ever will.

Question 1.

How did the athletes physically cross the finish line?

Answer:

They crossed the finish line "holding hands still," walking together as a united group.

Question 2.

Why are the faces described as "beaming"?

Answer:

The faces are beaming (radiating joy) because they experienced the profound happiness and satisfaction of finishing together and helping a friend, rather than the isolated joy of individual victory.

Question 3.

What does the phrase "standing ovation" indicate about the audience?

Answer:

It indicates that the audience was deeply moved and stood up to applaud the athletes' extraordinary display of empathy and sportsmanship.

Match the word from the poem to its correct meaning:

Answer:

True or False

Question 1.

The athletes had only trained for a few days before the event. (True / False)

Answer:

False (They trained for "many weeks and months").

Question 2.

The youngest athlete fell because another runner pushed him. (True / False)

Answer:

False (He stumbled and lost his balance on his own).

Question 3.

The hundred-yard dash was eventually reduced to a walk. (True / False)

Answer:

True (They linked hands and walked the rest of the way).

Multiple Choice

Question 1.

What does the action of the eight runners turning back demonstrate?

(a) Confusion about the rules

(b) Empathy and true sportsmanship

(c) A desire to restart the race

Answer:

(b) Empathy and true sportsmanship

Question 2.

How many athletes were participating in this specific race?

(a) Eight

(b) Nine

(c) Ten

Answer:

(b) Nine

Question.

If you were a spectator in the stands during this race, how you would have felt witnessing this event? Write two sentences describing your emotions.

Answer:

Example: I would have felt incredibly moved and tearful witnessing such kindness. It would remind me that being a good human being is more important than winning any competition.)

Question.

Design a poster spreading the message of 'Saving Water'.

Class 9 English Extra Questions