---
type: "Chapter"
knowledge_type: "chapter"
entity_type: "chapter"
id: "69c372f9985e4507b102f40d"
title: "Say the Right Thing"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 7"
subject: "English"
book: "Poorvi"
chapter: "Say the Right Thing"
chapter_slug: "say-the-right-thing"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-7-english-poorvi-say-the-right-thing"
markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-7-english-poorvi-say-the-right-thing.md"
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source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Say the Right Thing
This chapter presents a humorous play where a mother advises her daughter, Mary, on how to behave politely when guests arrive. The story unfolds as Mary hilariously forgets her mother's teachings, leading to a series of blunders that embarrass both her and the guests.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot
| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Poorvi |
| Chapter | Say the Right Thing |
| Pages | 70-90 |

---

## Chapter Summary
### Short Summary
Mary Shaw is advised by her mother, Mrs. Shaw, on how to effectively engage with guests. However, when guests arrive, Mary forgets her mother’s advice and finds herself making awkward comments.

### Detailed Summary
In scene I, Mrs. Shaw prepares for the arrival of Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee, reminding Mary to be polite and kind. She instructs Mary on what to say and how to act. Despite Mary's confidence, she ultimately struggles to follow her mother's guidance. In scene II, when the guests arrive, Mary makes several blunders, mistakenly refers to Mrs. Harding's children, comments on their clothing, and makes inappropriate remarks about other acquaintances. Despite her mother's efforts to redirect the conversation, Mary continues to embarrass both herself and the guests until the visit comes to an awkward close.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation
### Introduction to Politeness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of politeness and suggests that being kind and considerate is key to successful social interactions.

### Parental Guidance in Social Interactions
Mrs. Shaw provides Mary with instructions on how to behave when guests arrive, highlighting the need for courtesy and attentiveness.

### Mary's Confidence and Intentions
Mary feels confident about her social skills and believes she can successfully engage in conversation with the guests.

### Blunders During the Visit
Mary's attempts to make conversation lead to several embarrassing moments where she misidentifies and critiques aspects related to the guests.

### Observations of Guests
The reactions of Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee to Mary's comments reveal their discomfort and the social faux pas committed by Mary.

### Conclusion of the Visit
The chapter concludes with an uncomfortable farewell, illustrating the consequences of Mary's inability to adhere to her mother's advice.

---

## Core Ideas
| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Importance of Politeness | Politeness helps in making social interactions pleasant and respectful. |
| Influence of Parental Guidance | A mother's guidance shapes a child's social behavior and etiquette. |

---

## Key Concepts
| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Politeness | The act of being respectful and considerate in social interactions. |
| Blunders | Careless mistakes that lead to embarrassment or social awkwardness. |

---

## Important Points for Revision
* Politeness is crucial when interacting with guests.
* Mrs. Shaw continually emphasizes kindness as a key element of conversation.
* Mary struggles to remember her mother’s advice when the guests arrive.
* Embarrassing comments can arise from misunderstandings or lack of knowledge.
* The importance of first impressions in social settings is highlighted.
* The responses of the guests can indicate how well conversations are received.
* Mary’s youthful confidence contrasts with her failure to navigate adult social situations.
* Conducting oneself well among guests can foster new friendships.

---

## Vocabulary and Glossary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Athithi Devo Bhava | A Sanskrit phrase meaning 'The guest is God,' highlighting the importance of hospitality. |
| Blunders | Careless mistakes or errors. |
| Embarrasses | Makes someone feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. |

---

## Practice Questions
### Short Answer Questions
1. What does Mrs. Shaw advise Mary to do when the guests arrive?
2. How does Mary react to her mother’s instructions?
3. What blunder does Mary commit regarding Mrs. Harding's children?
4. Why does Mrs. Shaw want to befriend Mrs. Harding?
5. What does Mary say about Mr. Best?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the role of parental guidance in social interactions as depicted in the play.
2. Analyze how humor is used in the chapter to portray social etiquette.
3. Reflect on Mary’s character development throughout the play. What does her experience teach about social behavior?

---

## Related Concepts
* Social Etiquette
* Communication Skills

---

## Source Attribution
| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 69c372f9985e4507b102f40d |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-7-english-poorvi-say-the-right-thing |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-7-english-poorvi-say-the-right-thing.md |