Say the Right Thing is a chapter in the CBSE Class 7 English syllabus from Poorvi. This chapter hub brings together revision notes, practice questions, worksheets, flashcards to help students learn, practice, and revise Say the Right Thing effectively.

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Say the Right Thing

NCERT Class 7 English Chapter 6: Say the Right Thing (Pages 70–90)

Class 7 CBSE hub English chapters Poorvi

Summary of Say the Right Thing

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Say the Right Thing at a Glance

Board

CBSE

Class

Class 7

Subject

English

Book

Poorvi

Chapter

Pages

70–90

Resources

6 study resources

Say the Right Thing Summary

The play unfolds in a domestic setting, with Mary Shaw, a spirited young girl, under the guidance of her mother, Mrs. Shaw, as she prepares for a visit from two guests, Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee. Mrs. Shaw emphasizes the importance of saying the right thing at the right time, instructing Mary on how to behave when guests arrive. She advises her daughter to be kind, make others laugh, and express regret when guests are about to leave, indicating that it is essential to make visitors feel welcome. As the guests arrive, tension and humor intertwine. Mary, eager to engage, mistakenly claims that Mrs. Harding has children, causing an awkward moment when Mrs. Harding asserts she has none. This blunder marks the beginning of a series of comedic interactions, where Mary inadvertently critiques their acquaintances, commenting on Mrs. Best’s fashion sense and suggesting a negative opinion about bankers. Each remark leads to silent discomfort as the guests navigate Mary’s candid but inappropriate comments. The humor escalates as Mary openly questions the habits of those in her neighborhood, revealing a lack of social awareness. For instance, she expresses confusion over why people would stay in bed all morning or keep a dog that looks dirty, not realizing that one of the guests, Mrs. Harding, owns that very dog. As the visit progresses, Mrs. Shaw attempts to steer Mary back to polite conversation, but Mary continues to stumble with her words. The moment culminates when, as the visit concludes, Mary mistakenly urges the guests to leave instead of expressing a wish for them to stay longer, summing up her inability to follow her mother's advice. This interaction underscores the play’s comedic theme, highlighting the trials of social etiquette in a relatable and amusing manner. Through these blunders, the story conveys the message that good intentions can lead to awkward situations, but with patience and practice, one can learn to navigate social dynamics more smoothly.

Say the Right Thing Revision Guide

Download the Say the Right Thing revision guide with key points, summaries, and quick revision notes for CBSE Class 7 English.

Key Points

'Athithi Devo Bhava' means guests are like gods.

This Indian saying emphasizes the importance of treating guests with utmost respect and kindness, reflecting cultural values.

Politeness is key when hosting guests.

Being polite helps create a welcoming environment, which encourages positive interactions during visits.

Mary Shaw is the main character.

Mary is a young girl who struggles to follow her mother's advice about polite conversation, leading to humorous situations.

Mrs. Shaw gives Mary guidance.

Mrs. Shaw advises Mary to say kind things and to be attentively polite during visits, setting the stage for the narrative.

Mary is overly confident.

She believes she can handle the guests well, demonstrating youthful naivety and a misunderstanding of social cues.

Humour arises from blunders.

The play's comedy stems from Mary’s careless comments, which embarrass both the guests and her mother.

Use laughter to ease awkwardness.

Mrs. Shaw recommends making guests laugh, which can lighten the mood and foster good relationships.

Acknowledging common ground is helpful.

Finding shared topics can spark engaging conversations, but Mary fails to do this effectively.

Mary makes several social mistakes.

Her inappropriate comments about guests, such as their appearance and habits, showcase her lack of awareness.

Empathy is crucial in conversation.

Mary needs to understand and respect the feelings of others, a lesson learned through her interactions.

Mrs. Harding's reaction to Mary’s remarks.

Mrs. Harding's discomfort highlights the impact of careless words on social interactions.

Ending interaction is delicate.

Mrs. Shaw advises Mary to express regret when guests leave, maintaining a courteous tone to foster relationships.

Mary's multiple apologies highlight her blunders.

Her repeated apologies reflect her realization of her social missteps during the visit.

Importance of body language.

Mary’s actions, such as her eagerness to see guests leave, contradict her mother’s advice about polite demeanor.

Conversations often need a facilitator.

When silence falls, it's vital to engage others; Mary fails in this, resulting in awkwardness.

Communication requires attentiveness.

Mary learns that simply speaking is not enough; listening and responding are equally important.

Insight into social hierarchies.

The characters reflect societal values, such as wealth influencing social status and interactions.

Mary's mistakes are learning opportunities.

Despite her blunders, each encounter teaches a broader lesson about politeness and conversation.

Misunderstandings create conflict.

Mary’s incorrect assumptions about people lead to uncomfortable exchanges and highlight social learning.

Reflecting on one's behavior is essential.

Mary’s reflection post-visit shows growth, allowing her to understand the importance of respectful dialogue.

Story emphasizes the role of guidance.

The underlying theme is that parental advice is crucial for navigating social situations successfully.

Say the Right Thing Practice Questions & Answers

Practice important questions and exam-style problems from Say the Right Thing. These questions cover key topics from the CBSE Class 7 English syllabus.

How to practice: Start with the questions below to test your understanding of Say the Right Thing. Use the revision guide to review concepts you find difficult, then come back and retry the questions for better retention.

What is the main purpose of being polite?

Single Answer MCQ

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Which of the following is a polite request?

Single Answer MCQ

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Why is it important to listen while others speak?

Single Answer MCQ

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Which phrase is an example of a polite greeting?

Single Answer MCQ

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How can body language affect politeness?

Single Answer MCQ

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Which of the following can be considered impolite behavior?

Single Answer MCQ

Q-00122761

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In which situation would it be important to be polite?

Single Answer MCQ

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Which of the following is a common way to show appreciation?

Single Answer MCQ

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View all 87 Say the Right Thing questions

How should one respond to a compliment politely?

What is an example of a polite refusal?

Which action can make an apology more polite?

What is a polite way to ask for help?

What does it mean to show empathy?

How can humor contribute to politeness in a conversation?

What should you do if someone accidentally bumps into you?

What does 'Athithi Devo Bhava' encourage regarding guests?

Which action is considered polite when hosting guests according to Mrs. Shaw?

How does Mary display a lack of social awareness during the visitors' arrival?

What is the main advice Mrs. Shaw gives Mary about conversation?

Which statement best reflects Mrs. Shaw's feelings about the visit?

What does Mary first mistakenly think about Mrs. Harding?

When Mrs. Shaw asks Mary to be kind, what is she emphasizing?

Why does Mrs. Shaw want Mary to avoid expressing joy when guests are leaving?

How does Mary ultimately embarrass her mother?

What approach does Mrs. Shaw suggest for conversations?

Which social skill does Mary lack during the play?

How does Mary respond when her mother asks her to be careful with words?

What indicates Mary’s eagerness to engage with guests initially?

What lesson about social behavior does Mary need to learn?

What is the primary emotion Mary feels when her mother gives her instructions?

How does Mary demonstrate her confidence during the guests' visit?

Which instruction from Mrs. Shaw does Mary find particularly challenging?

What is the reaction of the guests to Mary's comments?

How does the setting contribute to the story's theme of confidence?

Which character serves as a contrast to Mary in terms of confidence?

What lesson does Mary learn by the end of the visit?

Why does Mary feel proud at the end of the visit?

Which phrase best captures Mary's approach to conversation during the visit?

What does Mrs. Shaw expect from Mary regarding the guests?

What type of humor does Mary employ during the visit?

Which aspect of her character does Mary struggle with the most when interacting with guests?

How does Mary's mother perceive her confidence during the visit?

What do Mary's interactions with the guests reveal about her character?

What is the significance of humor in Mary's strategy when interacting with adults?

Why does Mary appear surprised about Mrs. Cotter's behavior?

What does Mary's repeated questioning of Mrs. Cotter's need for a doctor imply?

What can be inferred from Mary never having visited a doctor?

How does Mary inadvertently offend Mrs. Harding?

What does the stage direction 'no one speaks' indicate about the atmosphere?

What does Mary's comment about bankers suggest about her perspective?

What might Mary's interactions reveal about her understanding of social norms?

How can Mary's change in attitude during the visit be characterized?

In what way do Mrs. Harding's reactions shape the unfolding drama?

What aspect of polite conversation is highlighted through Mary's errors?

What is the primary theme of Mary's comments throughout the visit?

Why might the author depict Mary in this light during the visit?

How do Mary's comments reflect her character development by the end of the play?

What role does humor play in Mary's interactions with others?

What does 'Athithi Devo Bhava' mean?

What does Mrs. Shaw emphasize about keeping the room tidy?

Which action is considered polite behavior towards guests?

What is a key reason to be polite to guests?

How does Mary react to her mother's instructions?

Why does Mrs. Shaw mention visiting other houses?

According to the text, how should you respond to rude behavior from classmates?

What does Mary believe about her mother's advice?

What does Mrs. Shaw imply about Mary's future responsibilities?

What is the primary reason for Mrs. Shaw's focus on social skills?

Which action demonstrates the opposite of being polite to guests?

What does Mary’s comment about not being a child suggest?

Why is it essential to accompany guests to the door when they leave?

How should one interpret the comedic elements in Mary’s interactions with the guests?

What can be a result of not being polite to guests?

What is the ultimate outcome of the visit by Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee?

Which phrase best describes the importance of kindness as indicated in the chapter?

What lesson does Mrs. Shaw hope Mary will take away from hosting guests?

What does the phrase 'put that coat away in your bedroom' imply about Mary’s responsibility?

Why is the phrase 'Say the Right Thing' significant in the context of the play?

What behavior should be avoided when having guests at home?

What distinguishes 'present perfect continuous' from simple past tense in the text?

What can Mary do to ensure she speaks appropriately when guests arrive?

What characterizes Mary’s preparation for the guests?

Which of the following is NOT a polite action toward guests?

What underlying message is conveyed through the humorous situations?

What is a consequence of being rude in conversations?

How does the visit impact Mary’s understanding of social etiquette?

Why should you inquire about a guest's well-being?

Single Answer MCQ

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Say the Right Thing Practice Worksheets

Download and practice Say the Right Thing worksheets to improve problem-solving accuracy and speed for CBSE Class 7 English exams.

Say the Right Thing - Practice Worksheet

This worksheet covers essential long-answer questions to help you build confidence in Say the Right Thing from Poorvi for Class 7 (English).

Practice

Questions

What does 'Athithi Devo Bhava' mean and why is it significant in fostering polite behavior towards guests?

Athithi Devo Bhava translates to 'The guest is like God.' This concept emphasizes respect and kindness towards guests, highlighting the importance of hospitality in cultures worldwide. By treating guests with respect, we create a welcoming environment, encouraging positive interactions and fostering goodwill. Such behavior reflects our cultural values and commitment to kindness. For example, when we offer food and drinks or inquire about their comfort, we honor this phrase. Understanding and applying this principle can enhance social relationships and create a sense of community.

Describe the misunderstanding that occurs when Mary talks about Mrs. Harding's children. What does this reveal about her character?

Mary mistakenly believes that Mrs. Harding has children when she doesn’t. This misunderstanding showcases Mary's innocence and lack of social awareness. It reflects her eagerness to engage, but also her inexperience in social interactions. Her comment makes Mrs. Harding uncomfortable, indicating a failure to grasp the context. This reveals a humorous aspect of her character, as she often speaks without fully understanding the implications of her words. Mary’s comments, while straightforward, show she lacks the nuance needed for polite conversations. The blunder is significant as it illustrates the theme of learning the right things to say at the right time.

Analyze Mrs. Shaw’s approach to teaching Mary about polite conversation. How does she try to guide her?

Mrs. Shaw gives Mary practical advice about engaging politely with guests. She emphasizes kindness, suggesting that Mary should say things that please others and make them laugh. Mrs. Shaw's method includes instructing Mary on what to say when guests arrive and how to respond if conversations stall. By advising Mary to express regret when guests want to leave, she illustrates an understanding of social dynamics. This guidance indicates a nurturing approach, focusing on the development of Mary’s social skills. Mrs. Shaw’s instructions also reflect her desire for Mary to fit into society and build relationships, emphasizing the importance of being considerate and attentive in social settings.

Discuss how Mary's interactions with guests illustrate the importance of knowing what to say in social situations.

Mary's interactions with guests highlight the essential role that appropriate speech plays in social contexts. Her constant missteps—such as commenting on Mrs. Harding's 'children' when they do not exist and criticizing a guest's clothing—demonstrate how words can significantly impact social dynamics. These blunders not only create awkward moments but also impact how guests perceive her and her family. Therefore, knowing the right thing to say is crucial for maintaining a friendly atmosphere and mutual respect. Mary's failures underline the play's message: learning proper etiquette can prevent misunderstandings and foster healthy relationships within our communities.

What lessons can one learn about polite behavior from the scene where Mary talks about different acquaintances?

From the scene where Mary discusses various acquaintances, one learns that polite behavior involves sensitivity to others' feelings and circumstances. Mary's comments about people like Mrs. Cotter and Mr. Best show a lack of awareness about how her words may affect others. The lesson is the importance of thinking before speaking and considering how our comments might come across to those we are engaging with. This scene illustrates that being polite means respecting others' backgrounds and experiences, highlighting the need for empathy. The lesson emphasizes that we should be careful with our language to avoid offending or embarrassing others, thus fostering a more respectful discourse.

Examine how humor is used in the play to convey lessons about communication and social interactions.

Humor in the play often arises from Mary's misunderstandings and awkward social interactions. Her innocent comments create comedic situations that simultaneously serve as lessons in communication. For example, when Mary insists on understanding social norms but constantly fails, it showcases the gap between intention and execution. This humor disarms the audience, making it easier to digest the more serious underlying message of the importance of learning social cues. The use of humor serves to engage the audience while driving home the idea that communication requires practice and awareness to navigate effectively.

Analyze how Mary's character reflects themes of growth and learning within the context of social etiquette.

Mary's character embodies the theme of growth and learning through her experiences during the visit with guests. Initially portrayed as confident but naïve, she demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of social etiquette. Her repeated blunders contrast with her eagerness to engage, depicting a common childhood experience of learning from mistakes. As the scenario unfolds, the audience sees her character evolve, suggesting that social skills are not innate but acquired through experience and guidance. The journey highlights that embarrassment can serve as a powerful teacher, motivating individuals to strive for improvement in their social interactions.

What role does Mrs. Shaw play in shaping Mary's understanding of social interactions and etiquette?

Mrs. Shaw plays a crucial role in shaping Mary's understanding of social interactions through her guidance and instructions. She represents the voice of experience, emphasizing the importance of politeness and attentiveness when engaging with guests. Her teachings prepare Mary for the nuances of social etiquette, from greeting guests to maintaining ongoing conversation. Additionally, Mrs. Shaw’s attempt to model polite behavior contrasts sharply with Mary’s blunders, underscoring the challenges of mastering these skills. Through Mrs. Shaw's efforts, the audience sees the significant impact a mentor can have on a young person's social development, highlighting the essential nature of guidance in learning social norms.

Evaluate the significance of the phrase 'Must you go? Can't you stay?' in the context of the play's broader themes.

The phrase 'Must you go? Can't you stay?' is significant as it encapsulates the themes of hospitality, connection, and the desire for companionship. These words are intended to convey warmth and a wish for continuance in social interaction, reflecting Mrs. Shaw's teachings on politeness. However, when Mary misuses this phrase, it highlights her misunderstanding of social context and the complexities of human interactions. This contrast reveals how thematic elements of desire for friendship and the nuances of polite conversation are often intertwined with individual experiences. Ultimately, the phrase symbolizes both the ideal of graciousness and the comedic shortcomings of social interactions, suggesting the importance of ongoing learning in communication.

Say the Right Thing - Mastery Worksheet

This worksheet challenges you with deeper, multi-concept long-answer questions from Say the Right Thing to prepare for higher-weightage questions in Class 7.

Mastery

Questions

Analyze the theme of politeness in 'Say the Right Thing.' How does Mary’s understanding of polite conversation evolve throughout the play? Provide examples to support your answer.

The theme of politeness is central to the play. Initially, Mary lacks awareness of social norms, resulting in her tactless comments. As the narrative unfolds, her mother's instructions highlight the importance of being considerate. For example, Mary embarrasses Mrs. Harding by mistakenly claiming she has children. As she interacts with different characters, her failures and realizations illustrate her evolving comprehension of social etiquette.

Discuss the role of humor in the interactions between Mary and her guests. How do these humorous moments enhance the overall message of the play?

Humor serves as both a device to engage the audience and a vehicle for delivering the play's message. Mary’s innocent yet inappropriate remarks create a comedic atmosphere, which contrasts with the discomfort of the guests. By highlighting these blunders, the play suggests that understanding social cues is vital. The humor softens Mary's missteps, making the audience reflect on the importance of kindness in conversation.

Evaluate Mrs. Shaw’s parenting style. How do her instructions to Mary illustrate the complexities of teaching social behavior?

Mrs. Shaw adopts an instructive yet somewhat cautious approach in her parenting. She provides Mary with specific guidelines about politeness while expressing doubt in Mary’s ability to follow through. This tension reveals the complexities of teaching social behavior, as parents must balance guidance with allowing children to learn from their mistakes. The narrative illustrates that while instructions are essential, real-life experiences are equally valuable in social development.

Compare Mary’s response to Mrs. Harding’s and Mrs. Lee’s reactions with the cultural expectations of politeness. What does this reveal about intercultural communication?

Mary's interactions with her guests often disregard the customary politeness expected in social settings. Her remarks about children and visual observations about clothing highlight a lack of awareness regarding intercultural nuances. The contrasting responses from Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee illustrate varying tolerances for straightforwardness and humor. This showcases the importance of understanding cultural contexts in communication and the potential for misunderstandings arising from differing social norms.

Critically analyze the significance of the repeated phrase, 'Must you go? Can’t you stay?' What underlying message does this convey about Mary's character growth?

The phrase encapsulates Mary’s initial misunderstanding of social cues, revealing her youthful naivety and desire for connection. As her character grows, this repetition underscores her conflicting feelings about hosting and her genuine fondness for guests. This development signifies a deeper realization of social dynamics, shifting from a focus on mere words to an understanding of emotional implications in conversations.

In what ways do misunderstandings during the visit highlight the importance of effective communication skills? Provide examples from the text.

Misunderstandings, such as Mary's confusion about the children and her comments on clothing, underline the critical role of effective communication. Each blunder emphasizes the need for clarity and intentionality in conversation. These scenes demonstrate how important it is to tailor communication to the audience, suggesting that successful social interactions require both verbal and non-verbal awareness.

Investigate the character growth of Mrs. Shaw throughout the play as she navigates the challenges posed by Mary's antics. How does this reflect the expectations placed on parents?

Mrs. Shaw's character transitions from hopefulness to frustration as she grapples with Mary's blunders. Her journey reflects the challenges that parents face in instilling values while allowing their children to express themselves. Mrs. Shaw's strategic responses reveal her efforts to model appropriate behavior, demonstrating that teaching social skills requires patience and adaptability from parents.

Explore the contrast between Mary’s intentions and her execution in conversations. How does this duality contribute to the comedic elements of the play?

Mary's good intentions are often overshadowed by her clumsy execution, creating a humorous duality. For instance, she aims to compliment but instead insults. This juxtaposition generates comedic tension, as the audience witnesses her innocence collide with social norms, further amplifying the message that good intentions alone are insufficient in effective communication.

Analyze how the relationships between characters evolve throughout the play and what this indicates about social dynamics in interpersonal relationships.

The relationships initially appear strained due to misunderstandings, but as the scenes progress, they reveal layers of social dynamics. Mrs. Shaw’s efforts to maintain etiquette contrast sharply with Mary’s naive commentary, ultimately leading to an exploration of acceptance and understanding. This evolution indicates that social dynamics are fluid, influenced by ongoing interactions and unexpected moments.

Reflect on the societal norms depicted in the play. How do they relate to real-world expectations around hosting and hospitality?

The play emphasizes traditional norms of politeness and hospitality, showcasing expectations such as offering refreshments and maintaining respectful dialogue. These norms reflect broader societal values surrounding guest treatment, highlighting that while contexts may change, the essence of being considerate remains paramount in social interactions.

Say the Right Thing - Challenge Worksheet

The final worksheet presents challenging long-answer questions that test your depth of understanding and exam-readiness for Say the Right Thing in Class 7.

Challenge

Questions

Evaluate the implications of saying the wrong thing in polite conversation. How might this affect personal relationships?

Consider the consequences of careless remarks. Discuss how misunderstandings can arise and the potential for damage to relationships. Provide examples from the text and real life.

Analyze Mary’s character development throughout the play. What can be inferred about her understanding of social etiquette by the end?

Explore the contrast between her initial confidence and her final blunders. Discuss her growth or lack thereof, using specific examples.

Discuss the role of Mrs. Shaw’s guidance in Mary’s behavior. In what ways could her advice have been more effective?

Evaluate Mrs. Shaw's strategies and their effectiveness. Suggest alternative approaches she could have used to prepare Mary.

Evaluate the importance of kindness in conversation as portrayed in the play. How does it contribute to social interactions?

Discuss the theme of kindness and its effects on dialogue, using quotes and scenarios from the text. Analyze its necessity in maintaining relationships.

Consider the phrase 'Athithi Devo Bhava' in the context of the play. How does it guide Mary’s actions or failings as a host?

Analyze how this cultural value is represented and its impact on the expectations of hosts versus guests.

Reflect on the theme of social class and privilege as depicted through the characters’ interactions. How does this influence Mary’s comments?

Explore how social dynamics play a role in misunderstandings and how characters’ backgrounds affect their dialogue.

Assess how humor is used in the play to address social faux pas. What purpose does it serve?

Identify instances of humor resulting from Mary’s blunders and how they serve to lighten the tension or reveal character traits.

Debate the outcomes of Mary’s interactions. What could have happened differently if she had heeded her mother’s advice more closely?

Speculate on alternate endings and how Mary’s adherence to her mother’s guidance might have changed the dynamics of the visit.

Evaluate how the use of silence in conversations reflects the discomfort of social interactions within the play.

Examine the significance of pauses and silences following Mary’s remarks and what these moments reveal about social dynamics.

Analyze the effects of peer influence on Mary’s attitude towards politeness. How might her friends’ behaviors impact her social skills?

Consider how interactions with her peers shape her understanding of etiquette and her self-perception.

Say the Right Thing Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the humorous lessons on politeness and social etiquette in 'Say the Right Thing' from the English book 'Poorvi' for Class 7. Learn the importance of saying the right thing during social interactions.

QWhat does 'Athithi Devo Bhava' mean?

'Athithi Devo Bhava' is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to 'The guest is God.' This ancient concept emphasizes the importance of treating guests with utmost respect and hospitality.

QWhy is being polite to guests important?

Being polite to guests fosters a welcoming atmosphere, shows respect, and can strengthen relationships. Politeness also reflects well on the host, creating a positive impression.

QWhat is the significance of Mary’s character in the play?

Mary represents youthful exuberance and innocence but also embodies the challenges of learning social etiquette. Her humorous blunders highlight the complexities of communication and the importance of preparation.

QWhat advice does Mrs. Shaw give to Mary about handling guests?

Mrs. Shaw advises Mary to be kind, make guests feel comfortable, and say things that please them. She emphasizes the importance of active engagement in conversation and expressing a desire for guests to stay longer.

QHow does Mary’s confidence contrast with her actual behavior?

While Mary believes she can handle social interactions effectively, her behavior during the visit reveals her naivety and lack of understanding of social cues, leading to comical blunders.

QWhat role does humor play in this chapter?

Humor is central to the chapter, as Mary's unintended faux pas create a light-hearted atmosphere. It serves to entertain while conveying important lessons about the nuances of social interaction.

QHow does the play depict the reactions of the guests?

The guests, particularly Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee, respond to Mary’s blunders with surprise and discomfort, showcasing the impact of poor communication and the challenges of maintaining social niceties.

QWhat lessons can be learned from Mary’s mistakes?

Mary’s mistakes illustrate the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and the potential consequences of careless remarks, teaching readers about the value of tact in communication.

QWhat is the tone of the play?

The tone of the play is humorous and lighthearted, providing a comedic examination of social etiquette and the often awkward experiences that accompany it.

QHow does Mrs. Shaw guide Mary throughout the chapter?

Mrs. Shaw provides Mary with practical advice on how to engage with guests politely, underscoring the necessity of kindness and understanding in social contexts.

QWhat does Mary say when she sees the dog?

Mary comments on the dog, expressing her dislike by saying it looks dirty and questioning why people keep dogs, which turns out to be the hosts' pet, leading to an embarrassing moment.

QWhy does the atmosphere become tense during the visit?

The atmosphere becomes tense due to Mary’s frequent inappropriate remarks, which create awkward silences and leave guests feeling uncomfortable, highlighting the importance of suitable conversation.

QWhat is the underlying message of 'Say the Right Thing'?

The underlying message emphasizes the significance of polite communication and the impact of our words on others, advocating for kindness and awareness in social interactions.

QHow do the guests feel about Mary’s comments?

The guests often feel uncomfortable and surprised by Mary's comments, showcasing their dissatisfaction and illustrating the repercussions of thoughtless speech.

QWhat might be a positive outcome of Mary’s mistakes?

Mary's blunders, while embarrassing, ultimately provide her with a valuable learning experience about social interaction, teaching her the importance of sensitivity in communication.

QWhat qualities does Mrs. Shaw exhibit as a mother?

Mrs. Shaw exhibits qualities of care and concern, demonstrating a desire to prepare Mary for social interactions while also displaying patience amidst Mary’s confidence and mistakes.

QWhy does Mary insist on staying with her mother during the visit?

Mary insists on staying because she feels capable of handling the conversation, showing her eagerness to prove she can follow her mother's guidance despite her lack of experience.

QWhat inadvertently amusing situation does Mary create?

Mary creates amusing situations through her unintentional faux pas, such as assuming Mrs. Harding has children and making critical remarks about other residents, which backfire humorously.

QHow does the ending of the visit encapsulate the theme of the play?

The ending of the visit underscores the theme of the play, as it emphasizes the importance of knowing when to speak and when to hold back, ultimately reinforcing the idea of polite communication.

QWhat does the play suggest about growing up?

The play suggests that growing up involves learning from mistakes and developing social skills, highlighting that confidence needs to be combined with awareness to navigate social scenarios successfully.

QWhat is the impact of Mary’s final comment?

Mary's final comment, asking if the guests must leave, humorously illustrates her inability to understand social cues, ultimately leading to a comedic and awkward farewell.

QHow does language play a role in social interactions as depicted in the play?

Language plays a crucial role in establishing relationships and conveying respect. The play illustrates that the choice of words can significantly influence the tone and outcome of interactions.

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Say the Right Thing PDF Downloads

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Say the Right Thing Official Textbook PDF

Download the official NCERT/CBSE textbook PDF for Class 7 English.

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Say the Right Thing Revision Guide

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Say the Right Thing Practice Worksheet

Solve basic and application-based questions from Say the Right Thing.

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Say the Right Thing Mastery Worksheet

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Say the Right Thing Challenge Worksheet

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Say the Right Thing Question Bank

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Say the Right Thing Flashcards

Revise key terms and definitions from Say the Right Thing with interactive flashcards. Quick recall practice for CBSE Class 7 English.

These flash cards cover important concepts from Say the Right Thing in Poorvi for Class 7 (English).

1/20

What does 'Athithi Devo Bhava' mean?

1/20

'Athithi Devo Bhava' means 'The guest is like God,' emphasizing the importance of hospitality.

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2/20

What are examples of polite behavior towards guests?

2/20

Examples include offering a drink, asking about their well-being, and accompanying them to the door.

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Active

3/20

What advice does Mrs. Shaw give Mary?

Active

3/20

Mrs. Shaw advises Mary to be kind, say pleasing things, and make guests feel welcome.

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4/20

Why is it important to be polite to guests?

4/20

Politeness creates a pleasant atmosphere and fosters good relationships.

5/20

What blunders does Mary make when guests arrive?

5/20

Mary mistakenly comments on Mrs. Harding's supposed children and criticizes others.

6/20

What is Mrs. Shaw's role?

6/20

Mrs. Shaw is Mary’s mother who teaches her the importance of politeness.

7/20

What makes the play humorous?

7/20

Mary’s awkward comments and misunderstandings lead to funny situations.

8/20

What does Mary do to embarrass herself?

8/20

She makes inappropriate remarks about her guests and their families.

9/20

How do the guests react to Mary's comments?

9/20

The guests often feel uncomfortable and surprised by Mary's remarks.

10/20

Where does the play 'Say the Right Thing' take place?

10/20

The play takes place in the Shaw family home as they host guests.

11/20

How does Mary feel about speaking with guests?

11/20

Mary feels confident that she can engage in conversation, even when she struggles.

12/20

Who is Mrs. Harding?

12/20

Mrs. Harding is the wife of a wealthy man, Mr. Harding, and a guest at the Shaws'.

13/20

What is a key theme of the play?

13/20

The importance of polite conversation and social etiquette.

14/20

What does Mary learn by the end of the play?

14/20

Mary learns the value of saying the right thing and being considerate of others.

15/20

What is a common mistake Mary makes?

15/20

Mary often makes comments that could hurt feelings, showing her naivety.

16/20

How does Mary compare to Mrs. Shaw?

16/20

Mary is inexperienced and overly candid, while Mrs. Shaw is cautious and diplomatic.

17/20

What does Mrs. Shaw say is important when speaking with guests?

17/20

She emphasizes that being kind and cheerful helps in polite conversation.

18/20

How does the visit conclude?

18/20

The visit ends awkwardly due to Mary's inability to express polite sentiments.

19/20

What societal expectation is highlighted in the play?

19/20

The expectation to be gracious and kind during social interactions.

20/20

What role does humor play in the play?

20/20

Humor makes the lessons in politeness memorable and engaging.

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