Very Short Answer Questions
Q1: Where had the athletes come from to participate in the race?
Ans: The athletes had come from all over the country to compete.
Q2: What were the athletes competing for in the race?
Ans: The athletes were competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals in the race.
Q3: How long had the athletes trained before the event?
Ans: The athletes had trained for many weeks and months before the games.
Q4: Where did the spectators gather to watch the race?
Ans: The spectators gathered around the old field to cheer the participants.
Q5: What was the final event of the day?
Ans: The final event of the day was the hundred-yard dash race.
Q6: How were the athletes positioned before the race began?
Ans: The athletes stood at the starting line, ready and waiting for the signal.
Q7: What signalled the start of the race?
Ans: The pistol explosion signalled the start, and runners immediately charged ahead.
Q8: What happened to the smallest athlete during the race?
Ans: The smallest athlete stumbled, staggered, and fell down onto the asphalt track.
Q9: How did the fallen athlete react after falling?
Ans: The fallen athlete cried out in frustration and anguish after losing balance.
Q10: What happened to the athlete’s dreams after he fell?
Ans: His dreams and efforts were dashed in the dirt after falling.
Q11: What did the other eight runners do after the boy fell?
Ans: The eight runners stopped running and turned back to help the fallen boy.
Q12: How did the runners help the fallen athlete?
Ans: They helped the young boy stand up and brought him back on his feet.
Q13: What did all the nine runners do after helping him?
Ans: All nine runners joined hands and continued the race together slowly.
Q14: How did the race change after the runners joined hands?
Ans: The hundred-yard dash was reduced to a walk as runners moved together.
Q15: What was written on the banner above the runners?
Ans: A banner above them displayed the words Special Olympics during the race.
Q16: How did the race finally end?
Ans: The race ended with all nine athletes finishing together holding hands.
Q17: How many gold medals were given at the end?
Ans: All nine athletes were awarded gold medals at the end of the race.
Q18: How did the spectators react to the runners’ actions?
Ans: The spectators gave a standing ovation, showing great appreciation for their gesture.
Q19: What did the runners’ beaming faces show?
Ans: The nine beaming faces expressed happiness and conveyed emotions beyond words.
Q20: What does the word ‘anguish’ mean in the poem?
Ans: The word anguish means extreme pain or suffering experienced by the athlete.
Q21: What does the word ‘asphalt’ refer to?
Ans: Asphalt refers to a hard black substance used to make roads and paths.
Q22: What does the phrase ‘stumbled’ mean?
Ans: Stumbled means to step awkwardly, lose balance, and almost fall down.
Q23: Identify an example of alliteration used in the poem.
Ans: The phrase “stumbled and staggered” shows alliteration through the repetition of the initial ‘s’ sound.
Q24: Describe the tone of the poem.
Ans: The tone shifts from excitement and tension at the beginning to warmth, empathy, and joy towards the end.
Q25: How is repetition used in the poem?
Ans: The word “Nine” is repeated to emphasise unity and highlight the idea of collective success.