English Notes Chapter 2.4 – Excuses ! (A Skit) Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – English Class 8

Introduction

This is a humorous skit that highlights how students make creative and funny excuses for coming late to school. The story revolves around a conversation between a student, Ritesh, and his teacher, Mrs. Sen, where Ritesh gives a series of exaggerated and unbelievable excuses for being late.

Characters

Ritesh – A school student who arrives late and gives amusing excuses.
Mrs. Sen – Ritesh’s class teacher who listens to his excuses.

Summary of the Skit

Ritesh arrives late to school and asks for permission to enter the class. His teacher, Mrs. Sen, sarcastically remarks that he is “early” for the second period. Ritesh apologizes and begins narrating a series of unexpected events that led to his delay.

Ritesh’s Excuses for Being Late

Hearing a scream from the main road

While walking to school, Ritesh hears a loud scream from the main road.
He goes to investigate and finds a man groaning in pain near the pavement.

Chasing a thief

Suddenly, another man comes running out of a shop with a packet in his hand, and the shopkeeper starts shouting “Chor! Chor! (Thief! Thief!)”
Surprisingly, the groaning man also gets up and runs with the thief!
Ritesh runs after them but they vanish around the corner.

Forgetting his school bag

In the rush of chasing the thief, Ritesh forgets his school bag at the shop.
When he goes back to get it, he finds a huge, hairy, brown dog sitting on it.

Struggle with the dog

The dog refuses to move even when Ritesh whistles, claps, and waves a stick.
Finally, the shopkeeper gives Ritesh some biscuits, which he uses to lure the dog away from the bag.

The dog follows Ritesh

As Ritesh leaves, the dog starts following him to school.
He describes the dog as “poor and lonely and small,” but later corrects himself, saying it was actually big but “only a puppy.”
Ritesh tries to find its owner, but the dog itself finds its owner by running toward someone.

Teacher’s Reaction

Mrs. Sen listens to Ritesh’s exaggerated excuses with amusement and sarcasm.
She finds his storytelling skills impressive and suggests he should participate in a story-writing competition.
However, Ritesh makes another excuse, saying he is “not good at making up stories!”

Important Vocabulary & Meanings

Investigate – To carry out a search or inquiry.
Pavement – A footpath beside the road.
Groaning – Making painful sounds.
Budge – To move slightly.
Lured – Attracted or tricked into doing something.
Vanished – Disappeared suddenly.
Relieved – No longer worried or stressed.

Grammar Concept – Direct & Indirect Speech

The skit contains many examples of direct and indirect speech.

Direct Speech: The exact words spoken by a person are used. Example:Ritesh said, “May I come in, Madam?”
Indirect Speech: The words are reported without quoting them exactly. Example:Ritesh asked Madam if he might come in.

Moral / Message of the Skit

Punctuality is important – Being on time is a sign of responsibility and discipline.
Honesty is the best policy – Instead of making up excuses, it is better to be truthful.
Creativity can be used positively – Instead of making excuses, students should use their imagination in writing and storytelling.

Conclusion

This skit is a light-hearted way of showing how students make up excuses to cover their mistakes. The humor in the conversation keeps the readers entertained while delivering an important message about honesty, punctuality, and creativity.