Students rely on Class 7 English Extra Questions and Class 7 English Chapter 6 Say the Right Thing Extra Questions and Answers to improve their grades.
Say the Right Thing Extra Question Answer Class 7 English Chapter 6
Say the Right Thing Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Why does Mrs. Shaw ask Mary to put the coat away?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw asks Mary to put the coat away to keep the room tidy and organized, reflecting her values of maintaining cleanliness and order.
Question 2.
What does Mary’s reaction to her mother’s constant reminders reveal about her feelings?
Answer:
Mary feels frustrated and annoyed because she perceives her mother’s reminders as treating her like a child, despite her desire for independence.
Question 3.
Why does Mrs. Shaw emphasize politeness when speaking to guests?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw wants Mary to understand that being polite and light-hearted is important for creating a positive impression on guests like Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee.
Question 4.
How does Mary’s response to her mother’s suggestion about making the guests laugh show about Mary’ character?
Answer:
Mary’s response reveals that she values authenticity and dislikes being forced into behavior that feels unnatural or artificial, like pretending to make guests laugh.
Question 5.
What does Mrs. Shaw mean when she says, “You’ll learn to behave well”?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw is expecting that Mary needs to understand and practice proper behavior in social settings, especially when interacting with guests who have certain expectations.
Question 6.
How does Mary’s internal conflict between wanting to be herself and meeting her mother’s expectations reflect her character development?
Answer:
Mary’s internal conflict shows her desire for self-expression while also feeling the pressure to conform to societal expectations, highlighting her struggle for independence.
Question 7.
What does Mrs. Shaw mean when she advises Mary to “say something to make them talk again”?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw suggests that Mary should take an active role in social conversations, helping to maintain a lively and engaging atmosphere, rather than allowing awkward silences to occur.
Question 8.
Why does Mary react negatively when Mrs. Shaw expects her to be charming and polite?
Answer:
Mary feels uncomfortable with the expectation to be charming and polite because she values authenticity and does not want to pretend or act in a way that doesn’t reflect her true self.
Question 9.
How does Mrs. Shaw explain the importance of being polite and light-hearted during a social visit?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw believes that maintaining a polite and cheerful demeanor during social interactions helps to create a positive environment and ensures that guests feel comfortable and welcome.
Question 10.
How does Mary’s discomfort with social expectations represent her maturation process?
Answer:
Mary’s discomfort indicates that she is in the process of developing her own sense of identity, grappling with the balance between self-expression and the need to meet societal norms and expectations.
Say the Right Thing Long Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Discuss the significance of Mrs. Shaw’s insistence on maintaining cleanliness and order in the house. How does this reflect her personality?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw’s insistence on cleanliness and order reflects her desire for control, structure, and harmony in the home. She believes that a tidy environment contributes to a peaceful and well-functioning household. It also illustrates her nurturing and disciplined character, as she wants her daughter, Mary, to adopt similar values.
Question 2.
In what ways does Mary’s reaction to her mother’s requests reveal her struggle for independence? Discuss how this contributes to the theme of maturity in the play.
Answer:
Mary’s frustration with her mother’s constant reminders and her desire not to be treated like a child demonstrate her struggle for independence. She wants to make her own decisions and express herself freely, yet her mother’s requests reflect her perception of Mary as still needing guidance. This internal conflict emphasizes the theme of maturity, where Mary’s journey of growing up involves reconciling her desire for autonomy with societal expectations.
Question 3.
How does Mrs. Shaw’s advice to Mary about making guests laugh illustrate the social expectations placed on individuals in the play?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw’s advice illustrates the social expectation that individuals should maintain an entertaining and pleasant demeanor during social interactions. By encouraging Mary to make guests laugh, Mrs. Shaw reinforces the idea that one must conform to the roles set by society-being charming, polite, and engaging to be accepted. It reflects the pressures of social behavior and the importance of leaving a good impression.
Question 4.
Explain the emotional tension between Mary and Mrs. Shaw as depicted in the extract. How does this tension reflect generational differences in their views on behavior?
Answer:
The emotional tension between Mary and Mrs. Shaw is rooted in their differing perspectives on behavior. Mrs. Shaw’s emphasis on politeness, tidiness, and social expectations clashes with Mary’s desire for independence and authenticity. This tension reflects a generational divide: Mrs. Shaw represents the older, more traditional view that social norms should be followed, while Mary seeks to assert her individuality and autonomy, highlighting the clash between conformity and self-expression.
Question 5.
What does Mrs. Shaw mean when she says that Mary should “say something to make them talk again”? Discuss the significance of this advice in the context of social interactions.
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw’s advice highlights the importance of being an active participant in conversations and social gatherings. It reflects her belief that a good host or guest should take initiative, ensuring that the conversation remains fluid and engaging. The advice underlines the notion that social interactions require effort and a level of responsibility to maintain comfort and connection among individuals, which Mrs. Shaw believes is essential for making a positive impression.
Question 6.
Discuss the underlying tension in Mary’s reluctance to conform to her mother’s expectations of politeness and charm. How does this reveal her internal conflict?
Answer:
Mary’s reluctance to conform to her mother’s expectations of politeness reveals her internal conflict between the desire to please her mother and the wish to assert her own personality. She feels pressured by her mother’s insistence on charm and politeness, which she perceives as inauthentic. This tension represents the larger struggle of adolescence, where the desire for independence and authenticity often conflicts with societal expectations and parental pressures.
Question 7.
How does Mrs. Shaw’s explanation of social behavior as “not about being perfect” help Mary understand her role in social situations?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw’s expląnation helps Mary understand that social behavior is more about being appropriate and considerate than achieving perfection. By downplaying the importance of being flawless, Mrs. Shaw reassures Mary that it’s okay to be herself, as long as she remains respectful and courteous. This advice helps Mary navigate social interactions without feeling the burden of unrealistic expectations.
Question 8.
What does Mary’s desire to “be myself” tell us about her character development in the play? Discuss how this desire reflects the broader theme of self-identity.
Answer:
Mary’s desire to be herself reveals her ongoing process of self-discovery and the importance of individuality in her character development. Her rejection of the notion of perfection reflects her struggle to assert her identity in a world that often demands conformity. This desire to be authentic connects to the broader theme of self-identity, where Mary seeks to balance her personal values with the expectations placed upon her.
Question 9.
In what way does Mrs. Shaw’s belief that Mary will “learn to behave well” demonstrate the concept of socialization in the play?
Answer:
Mrs.Shaw’s belief that Mary will “learn to behave well” illustrates the concept of socialization, where individuals are taught the norms, values, and behaviors expected by society. Mrs. Shaw is not only preparing Mary to meet her mother’s expectations but also guiding her through the process of learning how to interact appropriately with others, reinforcing the societal standards that define acceptable behavior.
Question 10.
How does Mrs. Shaw’s advice about being polite and making guests feel comfortable highlight her values of hospitality and social grace?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw’s advice underscores her strong values of hospitality and social grace. She believes that a good host must be attentive and considerate, ensuring that guests feel welcome and at ease. Her advice reflects her belief in the importance of maintaining social harmony through polite and graceful interactions, which she views as essential in upholding the family’s reputation and relationships.
Question 11.
How does Mrs. Shaw’s approach to social behavior differ from Mary’s perspective?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw’s approach emphasizes the importance of politeness, charm, and maintaining social norms, believing that these traits are essential for making a positive impression. In contrast, Mary values authenticity and feels frustrated by the pressure to behave in a manner she perceives as insincere. This difference highlights the generational divide in how they view social expectations.
Question 12.
What role do social expectations play in the tension between Mary and Mrs. Shaw? Discuss how this shapes their relationship.
Answer:
Social expectations play a significant role in the tension between Mary and Mrs. Shaw, as they represent the clash between indiyidual desires and societal pressures. Mrs. Shaw’s insistence on proper behavior contrasts with Mary’s desire for authenticity, creating conflict. This tension shapes their relationship, as Mary feels misunderstood and constrained, while Mrs. Shaw struggles to balance her nurturing role with the need to instill social values.
Say the Right Thing Extract Based Questions and Answers
Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow:
1. Mrs. Shaw : The room looks cleaner now. Put that coat away in your bedroom. This room isn’t the place for coats. Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee will soon be here, and they don’t want to see that.
Mary : You’re always telling me to put things away.
Mrs. Shaw : Yes, I am. You leave your clothes all over the house.
Mary : I’m not a child!
Mrs. Shaw : No, you’re not. So please keep your clothes in your own room.
Mary : Why are those two women coming here? Who’s Mrs. Harding?
Mrs. Shaw : She’s the wife of a wealthy man, Mr. Harding. He has just bought a big house in Lanfield. They lived in London before. She’s coming to have a talk. I met her in a shop and asked her to come.
Mary : Oh, I’ve seen her children. They often come along the road. Who’s Mrs. Lee?
Mrs. Shaw : She’s Mr. Harding’s sister. She has been staying with them for a while.
Question i.
Why is Mrs. Shaw asking Mary to put the coat away?
(a) She wants Mary to go to her room.
(b) She is planning to wash the coat.
(c) She wants the room to look tidy before the guests arrive.
(d) Mary is leaving the house soon.
Answer:
(c) She wants the room to look tidy before the guests arrive.
Question ii.
Complete the sentence with the correct option from brackets.
Mrs. Shaw invited Mrs. Harding to her house because they ……………. . (used to be neighbours, met in a shop, are old friends, live nearby)
Answer:
met in a shop
Question iii.
Who is Mrs. Lee in relation to Mr. Harding?
Answer:
Mrs. Lee is Mr. Harding’s sister.
Question iv.
Match the following character traits to characters:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| (a) Tidy and responsible | (i) Mrs. Shaw |
| (b) Rebellious or careless | (ii) Mrs. Lee |
| (c) Wealthy background | (iii) Mrs. Har-ding |
| (d) Guest staying over | (iv) Mary |
Answer:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| (a) Tidy and responsible | (i) Mrs. Shaw |
| (b) Rebellious or careless | (iv) Mary |
| (c) Wealthy background | (iii) Mrs. Har-ding |
| (d) Guest staying over | (ii) Mrs. Lee |
2. Mary : What are you going to talk about?
Mrs. Shaw : I don’t’know. All kinds of things. One day you’ll have to go to some of these houses yourself and talk to people there.
Mary : I can talk now. I’ve been able to talk for a long time.
Mrs. Shaw : Yes, that’s true. You always talk too much. But does anyone want to hear the things that you say?
Mary : I can talk very well when I like. I’ll stay with you today and talk to them when they come.
Mrs. Shaw : Oh, I don’t think so. You can go out for a walk. It will be better if you do that.
Mary : Why?
Mrs. Shaw : If you stay with me, you may not say the right thing.
Mary : I know the right things to say: “Good afternoon”, “How are you?” and things like that. Let me stay today. I can do it very well. I’ll show you. Anyone can talk.
Question i.
What is Mrs. Shaw most concerned about if Mary stays to talk with the visitors?
(a) That Mary will reveal family secrets.
(b) That Mary might not say the right thing.
(c) That Mary will be too quiet.
(d) That Mary will forget the guests’ names.
Answer:
(b) That Mary might not say the right thing.
Question ii.
Complete the sentence with the correct option from brackets.
Mrs. Shaw suggests that Mary should go out for a walk because _______ (she might say something inappropriate, it is a beautiful day, she needs some exercise, it is healthier for her)
Answer:
she might say something inappropriate
Question iii.
What does Mary claim about her conversational skills?
Answer:
Mary claims that she can talk very well and knows the right things to say.
Question iv.
Match the following character traits to characters:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| a. Overly confident in her ability to converse | i. Mary |
| b. Concerned with proper social behavior | ii. Mrs. Shaw |
Answer:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| a. Overly confident in her ability to converse | i. Mary |
| b. Concerned with proper social behavior | ii. Mrs. Shaw |
3. Mrs. Shaw : When they are ready to leave, don’t jump out of your chair and look gladly at the door. You must look sorry when they want to leave.
Mary : What shall I do when they want to go?
MRS. SHAW : Ask them to stay a little while longer. Just say, “Must you go? Can’t you stay?” or something like that. You like them and you want them to stay, and you must let them understand that.
Mary : That’s not very hard, is it? I’ll remember that. “Must you go? Can’t you stay? Must you go? Can’t you stay?”
MRS. SHAW : That’s right. Now take your coat to your room and change into a clean dress. You must look nice when they come. And if everyone stops talking, say something kind to make them talk again. And don’t say anything that will make them angry.
Mary : I will remember. I’ve often done harder things than this.
Question i.
What does Mrs. Shaw emphasize about Mary’s behavior when the guests are leaving?
(a) To jump out of her chair excitedly
(b) To look regretful and invite them to stay
(c) To remain silent and leave immediately
(d) To ignore their departure
Answer:
(b) To look regretful and invite them to stay
Question ii.
Complete the sentence with the correct option from brackets.
Mrs. Shaw advises Mary to change into a clean dress and act pleasantly because she wants the guests to feel _______ (welcome, indifferent, rushed, unwelcome)
Answer:
welcome
Question iii.
What does Mrs. Shaw instruct Mary to say if the guests want to leave?
Answer:
Mrs. Shaw instructs Mary to ask, “Must you go? Can’t you stay?”
Question iv.
Match the following character traits to characters:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| a. Cautious and socially tactful | i. Mary |
| b. Confident and ready to follow instructions | ii. Mrs. Shaw |
Answer:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| a. Cautious and socially tactful | i. Mary |
| b. Confident and ready to follow instructions | ii. Mrs. Shaw |
4. Mrs. Shaw : So you like Lanfield, Mrs. Harding! I’m very glad.
Mrs. Harding : Yes, we like it very much. It’s not the same as London, but there are some very nice people here, and we’ve found a good house. (No one says anything more, and Mrs. Shaw looks at Mary.)
Mary : What beautiful children you have, Mrs. Harding! I’ve often seen them walking along the road.
Mrs. Harding : Oh, I haven’t any children.
Mary : Oh, yes, you have! I’ve seen them: a little boy and a little girl.
Mrs. Harding : (not very pleased) I have no children; believe me.
Mary : Oh!
Mrs. Harding : (quietly) They must be someone else’s children. Have you met Mr. Best? He’s a nice man. He lives near you.
Mary : Oh, Mr. Best! He lives here and he works in London. He goes all the way to London by train every morning, and then he comes all the way back by train every night. He lives in trains! (she laughs) What kind of life is that? Why do people do things like that? They do not know how to live. And he reads two newspapers in the train every day. He never reads a book. But he’s only a banker, and bankers can’t think.
Mrs. LeE : My brother’s a banker. He goes to London by train every morning and comes back every night. He reads two newspapers in the train in the morning, and another every night.
Mary : Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.
Mrs. Shaw : Bankers always have to read a lot of newspapers. Do you know Mrs. Best? She’s a nice woman. I like her.
Mary : But have you seen her clothes? She goes out in a blue dress with a red coat over it. (she laughs)
Question i.
What does Mary’s remark that “He lives in trains!” suggest about her attitude toward Mr. Best’s lifestyle?
(a) She admires his dedication to work.
(b) She finds his lifestyle humorous and impractical.
(c) She is curious about train travel.
(d) She believes he is wealthy and sophisticated.
Answer:
(b) She finds his lifestyle humorous and impractical.
Question ii.
Complete the sentence with the correct option from brackets.
Mary’s comment about bankers, “bankers can’t think,” suggests that she (admires them, values independent thought, respects their intelligence, finds them inspiring)
Answer:
values independent thought
Question iii.
What does Mary’s mistaken remark about Mrs. Harding having children reveal about her?
Answer:
It reveals that Mary is impulsive and quick to form assumptions without knowing the full truth.
Question iv.
Match the following character traits to characters:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| (a) Tactful and socially strategic | i. Mary |
| (b) Private and reserved about personal matters | ii. Mrs. Harding |
| (c) Outspoken, impulsive, and humorous | iii. Mrs. Shaw |
Answer:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| (a) Tactful and socially strategic | ii. Mrs. Harding |
| (b) Private and reserved about personal matters | iii. Mrs. Shaw |
| (c) Outspoken, impulsive, and humorous | i. Mary |
5. Mrs. Harding : I have a blue dress, and I often put on my red coat at the same time.
Mrs. Shaw : (quickly) I like blue dresses and red coats. (No one says anything.)
Mary : I saw Mrs. Cotter this afternoon. I met her in the street. No one sees her in the morning because she always stays in bed then. And she’s always asking the doctor to go to see her. I can’t understand women who stay in bed in the morning. And must she always ask for the doctor? I’ve never been to a doctor in my life.
Mrs. Harding : I stay in bed in the morning myself.
MRS. LeE : I often go to the doctor. Oh, I’m sorry. (No one speaks.)
Mrs. Shaw : Do you know Mrs. Grantley? She’s one of my best friends.
Mary : But she’s so talkativel Talkative women aren’t very interesting, are they?
MRS. LeE : My mother’s a very talkative woman.
Mary : Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know. (No one says anything.)
Mary : (looking out of the window): Oh, there’s that dog again! It always looks very dirty. I don’t like dogs, do you? Who wants a dog? That dog’s always near our house. Why do people keep dogs? Who wants a dog? Why doesn’t its owner keep it clean? Have you seen it?
Mrs. Harding : (looking out of the window) Yes, I’ve seen it. That’s Towzer. It’s our dog.
Question i.
What does Mary’s comment about Mrs. Cotter and the doctor suggest about her view on other people’s routines?
(a) She admires those who follow a strict routine.
(b) She finds it odd that some people are so dependent on routine and medical visits.
(c) She is curious to try staying in bed all morning.
(d) She thinks that visiting the doctor is a sign of good health.
Answer:
(b) She finds it odd that some people*are so dependent on routine and medical visits.
Question ii.
Complete the sentence with the correct option from brackets.
Mary’s sarcastic remark about the dog implies that she believes _______ (people should keep their pets clean, dogs are the best companions, animals make life interesting, pets are not necessary)
Answer:
people should keep their pets clean
Question iii.
What does Mary’s reaction to the conversation reveal about her character?
Answer:
Mary’s remarks reveal that she is impulsive and unafraid to express her candid, often humorous opinions.
Question iv.
Match the following character traits to characters:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| (a) Socially astute and controlling | i. Mary |
| (b) Impulsive, opinionated, and humorous | ii. Mrs. Lee |
| (c) Proud and straightforward | iii. Mrs.Shaw |
| (d) Timid and selfeffacing | iv.Mrs.Harding |
Answer:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| (a) Socially astute and controlling | iii. Mrs. Shaw |
| (b) Impulsive, opinionated, and humorous | i. Mary |
| (c) Proud and straightforward | iv. Mrs. Harding |
| (d) Timid and selfeffacing | ii. Mrs. Lee |
6. Mary :(with a red face) Oh, I didn’t know! (No one speaks.)
Mary : (still looking out of the window) There’s Mr. Pomeroy on his horse. He’s always talking about horses. He rides a horse every day, and practises shooting. Why must he do that? What have they done to Mr. Pomeroy? Why do some men like horses more than they like people? It’s hard to understand men.
Mrs. LeE : My brother practises shooting when he has the time, and he rides his horse when he can. He sold his house in London and bought a house here because he wanted to ride and practise shooting.
Mrs. Harding : (looking at Mrs. Lee) It’s getting a little late. We must go now, Mrs. Shaw. It has been very nice to have a little talk. (She looks at Mary.)
Mrs. Lee : Very nice. (She looks at Mary.)
Mrs. Shaw : It was very good of you to come to see us. Please stay a little longer.
Mary : (unable to say the right thing even now) Oh, must you stay? Can’t you go?
Question i.
What does Mary’s repeated question, “Oh, must you stay? Can’t you go?” suggest about her feelings at that moment?
(a) She is excited to have more visitors.
(b) She feels awkward and unsure of how to respond.
(c) She wants to impress everyone with her wit.
(d) She is indifferent about their departure.
Answer:
(b) She feels awkward and unsure of how to respond.
Question ii.
Complete the sentence with the correct option from brackets.
Mary’s difficulty in finding the right words when addressing the guests reveals her (nervousness, confidence, indifference, decisiveness)
Answer:
nervousness
Question iii.
What does Mary’s comment about Mr. Pomeroy’s love for horses reveal about her view on men’s behavior?
Answer:
It reveals that Mary is puzzled and critical of men’s priorities, as she finds their preference for horses over people hard to understand.
Question iv.
Match the following character traits to characters:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| (a) Easily embarrassed and unsure in social settings | i. Mrs. Shaw |
| (b) Hospitable and eager to manage social interactions | ii. Mrs. Lee |
| (c) Practical and focused on punctuality | iii. Mary |
| (d) Rational and matter-of-fact about lifestyle choices | iv. Mrs.Harding |
Answer:
| Character Traits | Characters |
| (a) Easily embarrassed and unsure in social settings | iii. Mary |
| (b) Hospitable and eager to manage social interactions | i. Mrs. Shaw |
| (c) Practical and focused on punctuality | iv. Mrs. Harding |
| (d) Rational and matter-of-fact about lifestyle choices | ii. Mrs. Lee |
Say the Right Thing Extra Questions for Practice
Passages for Comprehension
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
1. Mrs. Shaw : You may stay if you like. But take care. I want to know Mrs. Harding well. I want her to ask me to go to their house. There isn’t much to do here in Lanfield, and I want to know some more people. I want some more friends here. So take care when you say anything.
Mary : Tell me what to say.
Mrs. Shaw : I can’t tell you everything, but you’ll always be right if you’re kind to people. Say things that will please them. Then they’ll like you. Laugh a lot, and try to make them laugh too. And if everyone stops talking, say something to make them talk again. They don’t want to sit here and look at the floor without speaking. Think of something to say.
Mary : I can do that. There’s always something to say. Must I do anything else?
Question i.
What is Mrs. Shaw’s main reason for advising Mary on what to say?
(a) To ensure Mary does not embarrass herself
(b) To help Mary make a good impression on Mrs. Harding and others
(c) To teach Mary proper grammar
(d) To encourage Mary to talk less
Question ii.
Complete the sentence with the correct option from brackets.
Mrs. Shaw advises Mary to speak kindly and say things that _______ (will please them, are humorous, are interesting, sound impressive)
Question iii.
What is Mrs. Shaw’s purpose in giving Mary advice about conversation?
Question iv.
Match the following character traits to characters:
| Character Trait | Character |
| (a) Concerned with social reputation and making friends | i. Mary |
| (b) Confident in her conversational ability and self-assured | ii. Mrs. Shaw |
Short Answer type Questions
Question 1.
Why does Mrs. Shaw insist that Mary should not worry about being perfect?
Question 2.
How does Mary’s resistance to being perfect reflect a deeper concern about her identity?
Question 3.
What does Mrs. Shaw hope to achieve by teaching Mary how to interact with guests?
Question 4.
How does Mrs. Shaw’s approach to teaching Mary about social behavior differ from Mary’s viewpoint?
Question 5.
What is the underlying message Mrs. Shaw tries to convey to Mary about social behavior?
Long Answer type Questions
Question 1.
Discuss the significance of Mrs. Shaw’s role as a mother who teaches social etiquettes. What does this reveal about her character?
Question 2.
How does Mary’s reaction to her mother’s expectations reveal her evolving sense of self?
Question 3.
In your opinion, what does Mrs. Shaw hope to achieve by teaching Mary the importance of social behavior?