Say the Right Thing Questions Answers Class 7 English NCERT

Say the Right Thing Questions Answers Class 7 English NCERT guide provides simple and clear solutions for students. It covers POORVI Class 7 UNIT II Chapter 3, helping learners understand Mary’s interactions, humorous moments, and key lessons in the story. The guide explains character emotions, dialogues, and stage directions in an easy-to-follow manner. Ideal for exam preparation and improving comprehension skills.

Let us do these activities before we read. (Page 70)

I Work in pairs and discuss.

1. What does ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ mean?
Ans:  It means “The guest is equivalent to God”. It teaches us to respect and treat guests with kindness and honor.

POORVI: Textbook of English for Grade 7 Solution

2. Why is it important to be polite to guests?
Ans:  Being polite to guests makes them feel respected and comfortable. It creates a friendly and welcoming environment, shows good manners, and strengthens relationships.

II Choose the statements that display polite behaviour when you have guests at home.

Ans: 

Correct statements:

1. Offer the guests a glass of water. ✔
2. Enquire about the well-being of the guests. ✔
3. Accompany the guests to the door when they leave. ✔

Incorrect statements:
3. Ask the guests when they would leave. ✖ (This is impolite.)
4. Comment critically about the habits of guests. ✖ (This is rude.)

III Sometimes you find that a few friends in class are rude while disagreeing with each other on certain issues. Work in groups. How would you deal with such a situation? Share at least three ways in which you can do this.

Ans:

Three ways to handle the situation politely:

1. Listen patiently to their points without interrupting.
2. Stay calm and respectful while sharing your own opinion.
3. Find common ground or agree to disagree politely to avoid arguments.

 SCENE I

Summary:

Mary Shaw was a talkative young girl who lived with her mother, Mrs. Shaw. One day, Mrs. Shaw prepared the house for two visitors, Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee. She asked Mary to keep the room tidy and put away her coat. Mary, confident in her talking skills, insisted she could speak well and wanted to stay to welcome the guests. Mrs. Shaw, however, advised her that she might not say the right things and suggested she go out for a walk. She explained that polite conversation is important for making friends and leaving a good impression. Mrs. Shaw told Mary to be kind, say pleasing things, make the guests laugh, and keep the conversation going if it stopped. She also instructed Mary on how to behave when the guests were leaving—she should ask them to stay a little longer and appear slightly sorry to see them go. Mary listened carefully, repeated the phrases, and promised to follow her mother’s advice. She even confidently claimed that she had done harder things before, showing her determination. The scene highlights Mary’s innocence, eagerness to help, and her mother’s guidance in teaching social manners, setting the stage for humorous interactions with the guests.

Word Notes

1. Wealthy : rich : अमीर
2. Tidy : clean : साफ-सुथरा
3. Confident : self-assured : आत्मविश्वासी
4. Pleasing : agreeable : सुखद
5. Polite : courteous : विनम्र
6. Instructed : guided : निर्देशित किया
7. Impression : impact : प्रभाव
8. Eager : enthusiastic : उत्सुक
9. Conversation : talk : बातचीत
10. Determination : resolve : दृढ़ निश्चय

Let us discuss (Page 74)

I Complete the table given below based on Scene I of the play. An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

Ans: 

II. Do you think Mary will be able to follow her mother’s advice successfully? Why/Why not?

Answer:
No, it does not seem likely that Mary will follow her mother’s advice successfully because she talks too much and often says things without thinking. Her mother is worried that Mary may not say the right things to the guests, and Mary herself keeps insisting that talking is easy—this shows she is overconfident and may make blunders during the visit.

SCENE II

Summary:

In Scene II of Say the Right Thing, Mrs. Shaw welcomes her guests, Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee, to her home in Lanfield. She is pleased to know that they like the town. Mary, eager to impress, starts commenting on the guests’ children, not realizing that Mrs. Harding has none. This creates an awkward moment, and Mrs. Shaw quietly explains the mistake. Mary then talks about Mr. Best, his daily train routine, and criticizes bankers, unaware that Mrs. Lee’s brother is a banker. She also comments on Mrs. Best’s clothes, Mrs. Cotter’s habits, and a dog near their house, making several humorous yet embarrassing remarks. The guests respond politely, correcting Mary without showing annoyance. Mary continues questioning people’s routines, such as Mr. Pomeroy’s love for horses and shooting, causing further awkwardness. Despite her mother’s guidance, Mary struggles to say the right thing and ends the visit by asking the guests to leave, instead of inviting them to stay longer. The scene highlights Mary’s innocence, curiosity, and tendency to speak without thinking, while also showing the guests’ patience and the humorous tension created by her blunders.

Word Notes:

1. Wealthy : rich : अमीर
2. Eager : enthusiastic : उत्सुक
3. Embarrassing : awkward : शर्मिंदगी भरा
4. Innocence : naivety : भोली-भाली स्थिति
5. Polite : courteous : विनम्र
6. Curiosity : inquisitiveness : जिज्ञासा
7. Blunder : mistake : गलती
8. Routine : habit : दिनचर्या
9. Awkwardness : discomfort : असहजता
10. Humorous : funny : हास्यास्पद

Let us discuss (Page 77)

I Rectify the false statements given below from Scene II of the play. An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.

Ans: 

1. Mrs. Harding was pleased to know that Mary was familiar with her children.
Rectification: Mrs. Harding was not pleased because she said she had no children.

2. Mrs. Shaw shared that she liked Mrs. Best as she read a lot of newspapers.
Rectification: Mrs. Shaw shared that she liked Mrs. Best because she thought she was a nice woman — not because she read newspapers.

3. Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Shaw agree that wearing a blue dress with a red coat is unfashionable.
Rectification: Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Shaw do not agree it is unfashionable. Mrs. Harding says she often wears a blue dress with a red coat, and Mrs. Shaw quickly says that she likes blue dresses and red coats.

4. Mary shares that she finds the dog outside the window cute.
Rectification: Mary says the dog looks very dirty and that she doesn’t like dogs.

Let us think and reflect (Page 78)

I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. 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 the 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.

(i) What does Mrs. Shaw imply when she says, “One day you’ll have to go to some of these houses yourself and talk to the people there”?

A. She believes Mary should start learning about hosting guests then.

B. She thinks Mary is ready to visit these houses independently.

C. She wants Mary to develop social skills for the future.

D. She hopes Mary will avoid these social interactions entirely.

(ii) Complete the following sentence with the correct option from the brackets.

Mrs. Shaw and Mary are discussing how to _____________________. (have a polite conversation/ get to know people better)

(iii) Why did Mary insist on staying with her mother when the guests arrived?

(iv) Match the following character traits to the characters in the extract:

A. eager B. inexperienced C. cautious

Mary Mrs. Shaw

Ans: 

(i) Answer: C. She wants Mary to develop social skills for the future.

(ii)  Mrs. Shaw and Mary are discussing how to have a polite conversation.

(iii)  Answer: Mary insisted on staying because she wanted to prove that she could talk well and handle a proper conversation with the guests.

(iv) Match the character traits:

2. 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 why 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.

(i) Complete the following sentence suitably. Mary could spot Mrs. Cotter in the street because _________.

(ii) What does Mary’s comment about Mrs. Cotter staying in bed and calling the doctor suggest about her understanding?

A. She is worried about why Mrs. Cotter stays in bed all morning.

B. She is unable to understand why people need medical help.

C. She thinks Mrs. Cotter is scared and lonely for staying in bed.

D. She believes Mrs. Cotter is right to rest and take care of herself.

(iii) How can we say that Mary enjoyed good health?

(iv) Identify whether the following statement is true or false. 

Mary might have unintentionally offended Mrs. Harding.

Ans: 

(i)  Mary could spot Mrs. Cotter in the street because she met her there in the afternoon.

(ii)  Answer: B. She is unable to understand why people need medical help.

(iii) Answer: Mary says, “I’ve never been to a doctor in my life,” which shows that she has always been healthy and never needed medical attention.

(iv) Identify whether the statement is true or false:
Mary might have unintentionally offended Mrs. Harding.
Answer: True — because Mrs. Harding said she stays in bed in the morning, which is exactly what Mary had criticised Mrs. Cotter for.

II Answer the following questions.

1. What does Mary’s comment about Mr. Best’s routine and profession reveal about her viewpoint on bankers and their way of life?
Ans:  Mary laughs and says, “He lives in trains!…Why do people do things like that?…But he’s only a banker, and bankers can’t think.” This shows she thinks bankers have a strange life, working too much and not enjoying life. She also believes that their work is not very important or thoughtful, showing her critical and naive viewpoint about people who follow strict routines.

2. What can we infer about Mary’s understanding of polite conversation based on her interactions with the guests?
Ans:  Mary tries to speak, but she often says things that upset or confuse the guests. She comments on children, dresses, and dogs without knowing the facts. This shows that Mary does not fully understand polite conversation yet. She speaks without thinking about the feelings of others, despite her mother’s advice to be kind and pleasing. Her understanding is limited, and she struggles to follow social norms.

3. What do you think the repeated stage direction ‘no one speaks’ indicates about the atmosphere in the room when Mary speaks?
Ans: The stage direction “No one speaks” appears after Mary makes several comments. It shows that the guests are shocked, uncomfortable, or do not know how to respond. The atmosphere becomes silent and awkward, highlighting Mary’s blunders. Her words stop the conversation instead of keeping it polite and lively. This emphasizes her failure to follow her mother’s advice and the tension her remarks create in social situations.

4. How does Mary’s attitude towards the guests change throughout the play?
Ans:  At first, Mary is confident and eager to show she can talk well. She insists on staying and speaking to the guests. But as the conversation continues, she makes mistakes about children, bankers, dresses, and dogs, which embarrass her. By the end, she becomes surprised and embarrassed, as seen when she says, “Oh, I didn’t know!” Her attitude shifts from confident to flustered and self-conscious, showing her inexperience in social conversation.

5. What do Mrs. Harding’s and Mrs. Lee’s responses to Mary’s blunders during their visit reveal about their characters?
Ans:  Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee respond politely, often correcting Mary gently or sharing facts calmly. For example, Mrs. Harding says, “I have no children; believe me,” and Mrs. Lee explains her brother’s habits. Their responses show they are patient, understanding, and tolerant. They do not scold Mary, which reflects their kind and polite nature. They handle the situation with composure, maintaining social courtesy despite Mary’s mistakes.

6. In what way does the play show the importance of knowing how to engage in polite conversation?
Ans:  The play shows that polite conversation requires kindness, thoughtfulness, and knowledge of facts. Mrs. Shaw advises Mary to “say things that will please them…laugh a lot…say something to make them talk again.” Mary’s failures, like commenting wrongly on children, bankers, and dogs, create awkward silences and embarrassment. The play emphasizes that social skills are important to avoid misunderstandings, make friends, and communicate effectively, highlighting the value of listening and speaking considerately.

Let us learn (Page 80)

I Study the following words taken from the text.

Now, divide the following words from the text as root words and suffixes. Check your answer with the teacher.

Ans: 

1. Study the words in Column 1. Match the suffixes in Column 2 with their meanings or purpose in Column 3. Write a few examples for each in Column 4. Share your answers with the teacher.

Ans: 

2. Fill in the blanks using words given in the brackets by adding suitable suffixes.

Ans: 

(i) effectively (effective + -ly) – to show how to communicate in a good way
(ii) wisely (wise + -ly) – to choose words and topics carefully
(iii) undiscussed or undiscussable is not in text; but standard: undiscussed (discuss + -ed) – avoid discussing unknown or upsetting things
(iv) respectfully (respect + -ful + -ly) – to show respect towards others
(v) appreciation (appreciate + -ion) – express your gratitude or appreciation
(vi) responsive (respond + -ive) – reply promptly and be attentive

Completed sentence:

To communicate effectively, choose your words and topics wisely. Avoid discussing things you don’t know much about or that could upset someone. Remember to be respectful towards others, including yourself, and express your appreciation. Finally, always be responsive by replying promptly to communicate.

II Read the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.

1. Fill in the blanks with suitable words from the sets of words given in the box below. Make changes in the verb forms (tense), if necessary.

Ans:

(i) I looked at the photo, but I didn’t see anyone familiar.

(ii) I’d better go and fetch my mother from the station, and then bring her home.

(iii) I need to study for my mathematics exam this weekend, so I hope to learn new concepts along the way.

(iv) I can hear the music from my neighbour’s house, but I need to listen to it carefully to understand the lyrics.

(v) “Could I talk to Mrs. Kalpana, who is going to speak to us about gardening,” said Ritu.

(vi) I live in a small town, but I often stay with my relatives in the city.

III Read the following sentences from the text and underline the verbs.

Ans: 

• They lived in London before.

• I met her in a shop and asked her to come.

IV Read the explanation about the kinds of sentences given in the table below.

1. Identify the kinds of sentences and punctuate them appropriately.

Ans: 

Let us listen (Page 84)

I Mrs. Shaw wanted Mary to learn to say the right thing. You will listen to a conversation between a mother and her son about basic manners. As you listen, fill in the blanks given below by selecting the correct option. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 89 )

Ans: 

1. How did the son behave in the grocery queue?
Answer: (ii) impatiently

2. The mother finally refers to her son as a __________________.
Answer: (i) polite young man

II You will once again listen to the conversation. As you listen, select four true statements from 1–7 given below.

Ans: 

1. The mother uses the grocery store incident as an opportunity to teach her son about patience and fairness. — True

2. The son recognises the value of apologising and understands that it shows he notices others. — True

3. The son is gradually learning the importance of polite words and actions from his mother’s guidance. — True

4. The mother discourages her son from speaking softly in public, suggesting that people should adjust to his voice level. — False

5. The son feels that covering his mouth when coughing is only important when he’s at home. — False

6. The son receives all advice readily while understanding its importance. — False

7. The mother uses praise to support the polite behaviours she wants her son to continue practising. — True

Let us write (Page 86)

Rewrite the play ‘Say the Right Thing’ as a short story, focusing on Mary’s interactions with her mother and the guests.

• Ensure the story captures the main events, character emotions, and humorous moments effectively.

• Use paragraphs to organise your story and include descriptive language to bring the characters and events to life.

Ans: 

Mary Shaw was a lively young girl who loved to talk. She lived with her mother, Mrs. Shaw, a caring woman who wanted Mary to learn the right ways to speak politely to guests. One sunny afternoon, their home in Lanfield was buzzing with anticipation, as Mrs. Shaw expected two visitors, Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee, who had recently moved from London. Mrs. Shaw wanted Mary to make a good impression, so she decided to guide her daughter carefully.

Before the guests arrived, Mrs. Shaw explained to Mary how to behave. She advised her daughter to be kind, say things that would please the guests, make them laugh, and always keep the conversation flowing. Mary listened attentively, nodding confidently. She promised to greet the visitors with polite words like “Good afternoon” and “How are you?” and even memorized phrases to ask them to stay a little longer when they wanted to leave. Mary felt certain that she could handle the situation with ease.

When Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee arrived, Mary eagerly joined the conversation. Her first remark, about Mrs. Harding’s children, immediately caused confusion, as the lady had no children. Mrs. Shaw tried quietly to correct her, but Mary, brimming with curiosity, continued to comment on people she knew in the town. She described Mr. Best’s routine, laughed at Mrs. Best’s clothing, and even critiqued Mrs. Cotter for staying in bed too long. Each time, her words left the guests momentarily silent, creating awkward pauses that only Mrs. Shaw’s quick interventions could smooth over.

Despite her mother’s careful instructions, Mary’s remarks about the family dog and Mr. Pomeroy’s love for horses added to the humour. The guests listened politely, smiling at Mary’s innocence but clearly surprised by her blunt observations. Every attempt to keep the conversation pleasant was unintentionally twisted by Mary’s literal and honest comments. Her excitement and candidness made the visit both entertaining and awkward, revealing her lack of experience in social niceties.

By the end of the visit, Mrs. Shaw realized that Mary’s charm, though unpolished, had kept the guests engaged in an unusual way. Though Mary had forgotten many of her mother’s lessons, the day ended with laughter and some gentle forgiveness from the visitors. Mary, flushed with pride and embarrassment, had certainly made a memorable impression. The experience showed her that saying the right thing was not always easy, but it was an important skill to learn.