Question

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

For they came to the finish line holding hands

And the standing ovation and nine beaming faces

Said more than these words will ever will.

i) Which race is referred to in the extract above? How did it end with nine gold medals?

[3]

ii) How did the nine men come together to the finishing line? What does it tell us about

their character? [3]

iii) How did the race end? In what way was the ending appropriate? [3]

iv) How did the contestants feel when they crossed the finish line together? Which words

in the extract indicate their mood? How did the spectators react? [4]

v) How does the poem portray the theme of true spirit of sportsmanship?​

Answer 1

Answer:

1. the race addressed here was the 100 meter dash. All the athletes crossed the finishing line together and won the gold.

2. they nine men crossed the finishing line with their hands held. it shows their helpful nature and lack of competitiveness among them.

3. the race ended with all the 9 men getting a gold medal.

4. the men were very happy and beaming. the spectators too gave them a standing ovation

5. the poem shows that winning is not everything, but one should hold on to the human values. the men didn't care for individual glory but held on to the spirit of sportsmanship and helped the fallen man to cross the finishing line with them