English Poorvi Class 7 Say the Right Thing Question & Answers

Let us discuss

Page No. 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.

Answer: 

II. Do you think Mary will be able to follow her mother’s advice successfully when Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee visit? Why or why not?

Answer: No, Mary will likely not follow her mother’s advice successfully. Despite her confidence, Scene I shows her tendency to talk too much and her lack of awareness about appropriate conversation, which suggests she may struggle to be kind and say the right things when Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee visit.

Let us discuss

Page No. 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.

1. Mrs. Harding states that they do not like London as it is not the same as Lanfield.

Rectification: Mrs. Harding states that they like Lanfield very much even though it is not the same as London.

2. Mrs. Harding was pleased to know that Mary was familiar with her children.

Rectification: Mrs. Harding was not pleased because she has no children, and Mary’s assumption made her uncomfortable.

3. 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’s a nice woman, not because she read a lot of newspapers.

4. Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Shaw agree that wearing a blue dress with a red coat is unfashionable.

Rectification: Mrs. Shaw disagrees with Mary and says she likes blue dresses and red coats, while Mrs. Harding mentions she wears them together.

5. Mary shares that she finds the dog outside the window cute.

Rectification: Mary shares that she finds the dog outside the window dirty and expresses her dislike for dogs.

Let us think and reflect

Page No. 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.

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

(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)

Answer: have a polite conversation.

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

Answer: Mary insisted on staying because she believed she could talk well and wanted to prove she could handle the conversation with the guests.

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

A. eager B. inexperienced C. cautious
Mary Mrs. Shaw

Answer:

Mary: A. eager
Mrs. Shaw: C. cautious

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 _________.

Answer:it was the afternoon, when Mrs. Cotter is usually out, as she stays in bed in the morning.

(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.

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

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

Answer: We can say Mary enjoyed good health because she states, “I’ve never been to a doctor in my life,” indicating she hasn’t needed medical attention.

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

Mary might have unintentionally offended Mrs. Harding.

Answer: True. Mary might have unintentionally offended Mrs. Harding by criticizing the habit of staying in bed in the morning, which Mrs. Harding admitted to doing.

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?

Answer: Mary’s comment that Mr. Best “lives in trains” and that “bankers can’t think” because he reads newspapers instead of books reveals her dismissive and judgmental attitude toward bankers. She views their lifestyle as monotonous and unfulfilling, showing a lack of understanding or appreciation for their profession and choices.

2. What can we infer about Mary’s understanding of polite conversation based on her interactions with the guests?

Answer: Mary’s interactions show she lacks understanding of polite conversation. She makes insensitive remarks about the guests’ habits, like criticizing staying in bed or disliking dogs, without considering their feelings. Her inability to filter her thoughts and her repeated blunders indicate she doesn’t grasp the importance of kindness and tact in social settings.

3. What do you think the repeated stage direction ‘no one speaks’ indicates about the atmosphere in the room when Mary speaks?

Answer: The repeated stage direction ‘no one speaks’ indicates an awkward and tense atmosphere. Mary’s inappropriate comments create discomfort, leaving the guests and Mrs. Shaw speechless, as they are likely embarrassed or unsure how to respond to her blunders.

4. How does Mary’s attitude towards the guests change throughout the play?

Answer: Initially, Mary is eager and confident, believing she can handle the guests well. However, as the visit progresses and she makes multiple blunders, she becomes apologetic (“Oh, I’m sorry”) and flustered (“with a red face”). By the end, her confidence wanes, and she fails to say the right thing, even mistakenly asking the guests to leave instead of stay.

5. What do Mrs. Harding’s and Mrs. Lee’s responses to Mary’s blunders during their visit reveal about their characters?

Answer: Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee remain polite despite Mary’s blunders, revealing their composure and maturity. Mrs. Harding corrects Mary calmly about her children and later mentions her own habits (like staying in bed) without hostility. Mrs. Lee similarly responds with restraint, noting her brother’s banking habits and her mother’s talkativeness. Their reserved reactions show they are gracious but likely offended, choosing to maintain decorum.

6. In what way does the play show the importance of knowing how to engage in polite conversation?

Answer: The play highlights the importance of polite conversation by showing the consequences of Mary’s lack of tact. Her insensitive remarks create awkwardness, embarrass her mother, and strain the social interaction, demonstrating that kindness, awareness, and appropriate speech are crucial for maintaining harmony and building relationships in social settings.

Let us learn

Page No. 80

I. Study the following words taken from the text.

humorous, hilariously, coming, beautiful

The given words are made by adding word endings like -ous, -ly, -ing, and -ful to the root words humour, hilarious, come, and beauty. Such word endings are called suffixes.

• humour + -ous
• hilarious + -ly
• come + -ing
• beauty + -ful

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

• gladly: Root word: glad Suffix: -ly (indicates an adverb, meaning “in a glad manner”)
• banker: Root word: bank Suffix: -er (indicates a person who does something, in this case, someone who works at a bank)
• guidance: Root word: guide Suffix: -ance (indicates a noun, meaning the act of guiding)
• quietly: Root word: quiet Suffix: -ly (indicates an adverb, meaning “in a quiet manner”)
• walking: Root word: walk Suffix: -ing (indicates a present participle or gerund, meaning the act of walking)

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.

Answer:

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

To communicate (i) ___________ (effective), choose your words and topics (ii) ___________ (wise). Avoid (iii) ___________ (discuss) things you don’t know much about or that could upset someone. Remember to be (iv) ___________ (respect) towards others, including yourself, and express your (v) ___________ (appreciate). Finally, always be (vi) ___________ (response) by replying promptly to communicate.

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

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

• But does anyone want to hear the things that you say?
• I can’t tell you everything.

Select the correct answer.

Is there a difference in the meanings of ‘say’ and ‘tell’? (Yes/ No)

• ‘Say’ focuses on the message and does not always require a listener.
• ‘Tell’ focuses on who receives the message and always needs a listener.

Answer: Yes

The definitions clearly indicate a difference: ‘say’ is about the message itself and doesn’t necessarily need a listener (e.g., “She said something”), while ‘tell’ requires a listener and focuses on who receives the message (e.g., “She told me something”).

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.

(i) I _________ at the photo, but I didn’t _________ anyone familiar.
(ii) I’d better go and _________ my mother from the station, and then _________ her home.
(iii) I need to _________ for my mathematics exam this weekend, so I hope to _________ new concepts along the way.
(iv) I can _________ the music from my neighbour’s house, but I need to _________ to it carefully to understand the lyrics.
(v) “Could I _________ to Mrs. Kalpana, who is going to _________ to us about gardening,” said Ritu.
(vi) I _________ in a small town, but I often _________ with my relatives in the city.

Answer:

(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 speak to Mrs. Kalpana, who is going to talk 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.

• They lived in London before.
• I met her in a shop and asked her to come.

As you know, the verbs you have underlined are in simple past tense.
(actions that happened in the past or distant past)

Read the following sentence from the text and underline the verb.
She has been staying with them for a while.
The verb you have underlined is in present perfect continuous tense.

1. Fill in the blanks using the verbs given in brackets in present continuous or present perfect continuous tense.

The students (i) ______________ (organise) a play and setting up the stage. They (ii) ______________ (prepare) for weeks to make everything perfect. The performers (iii) ______________ (rehearse) every day, and their excitement (iv) ______________ (grow). The sound in-charge (v) ______________ (test) the microphones to check the sound quality. Everyone (vi) ______________ (work) hard, and now the place (vii)
______________ (buzz) with energy and excitement.

Answer: The students (i) are organising a play and setting up the stage. They (ii) have been preparing for weeks to make everything perfect. The performers (iii) are rehearsing every day, and their excitement (iv) is growing. The sound in-charge (v) is testing the microphones to check the sound quality. Everyone (vi) has been working hard, and now the place (vii) is buzzing with energy and excitement.

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

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

(i) the meeting starts at 10.00 a.m. in the conference room
(ii) what an exciting adventure it was
(iii) how did you solve the problem so quickly
(iv) what is the weather forecast today
(v) how beautiful is the rainbow
(vi) clean up your room before dinner
(vii) the children are planning a surprise party for their mom
(viii) turn off the music

Answer:

(i) Declarative: The meeting starts at 10.00 a.m. in the conference room.

(ii) Exclamatory: What an exciting adventure it was!

(iii) Interrogative: How did you solve the problem so quickly?

(iv) Interrogative: What is the weather forecast today?

(v) Exclamatory: How beautiful is the rainbow!

(vi) Imperative: Clean up your room before dinner.

(vii) Declarative: The children are planning a surprise party for their mom.

(viii) Imperative: Turn off the music.

Let us listen

Page No. 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 )

1. How did the son behave in the grocery queue?

(i) strangely (ii) impatiently (iii) politely

Answer: (iii) politely

2. The mother finally refers to her son as a __________________.

(i) polite young man (ii) responsible son (iii) grateful person

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. True.
2. True.
3. True.
4. False.
5. False.
6. False.
7. True.

Let us explore

Page No. 86

II. Find out how people greet guests who visit their homes in different languages. Share it with your classmates and the teacher.

Answer: This task requires research into greetings in different languages, which aligns with the play’s theme of hospitality and politeness toward guests (e.g., Mrs. Shaw hosting Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee). I’ll provide a list of greetings in various languages that people might use when welcoming guests into their homes, based on common cultural practices.

1. Hindi (India):
   • Greeting: “Namaste” or “Aap ka swagat hai”
   • Meaning: “Hello” or “Welcome to our home.”
   • Usage: Spoken while pressing palms together in a prayer-like gesture, often accompanied by a slight bow, to show respect.
2. Spanish (Spain/Latin America):
   • Greeting: “¡Bienvenidos!” (to a group) or “¡Bienvenido!” (to a male) / “¡Bienvenida!” (to a female)
   • Meaning: “Welcome!”
   • Usage: Said warmly at the door, often followed by offering a drink or a seat.
3. French (France):
   • Greeting: “Bienvenue chez nous!”
   • Meaning: “Welcome to our home!”
   • Usage: Spoken with a smile, often while gesturing to invite the guest inside.
4. Arabic (Middle East):
   • Greeting: “Ahlan wa sahlan”
   • Meaning: “Welcome” (literally “You’re like family, and it’s easy for you here”).
   • Usage: Said with hospitality, often followed by offering tea or coffee, a common tradition in Arab cultures.
5. Japanese (Japan):
   • Greeting: “Irasshaimase” (more formal) or “Douzo, o-agari kudasai”
   • Meaning: “Welcome” or “Please, come in.”
   • Usage: Said at the entrance, often while bowing, and guests may be asked to remove shoes before entering.
6. Swahili (East Africa):
   • Greeting: “Karibu nyumbani”
   • Meaning: “Welcome to my home.”
   • Usage: Spoken warmly, often accompanied by offering food or a drink, reflecting the region’s hospitality culture.

How to Share:

• Write these greetings on a chart or poster, including the language, greeting, meaning, and a note on cultural usage.
• Present them to your classmates and teacher, perhaps by role-playing a scenario where you welcome a guest in each language, showing the appropriate gesture (e.g., Namaste with a bow, a Japanese bow, etc.).

III ‘Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakaṁ’ (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम) is a Sanskrit phrase which means the world is one family. Vasudha (वसुधा) means Earth; eva (ईवा) translates to ‘is thus’ and Kuṭumbakaṁ (कुटुम्बकम) means ‘family’. The phrase originates from ancient Indian texts like the Maha Upanishad and the Hitopadesha.

This saying highlights the interconnectedness of all people, suggesting that humanity is part of a single global family. It encourages unity, cooperation, and treating others with kindness and empathy, regardless of differences in nationality, race, or religion. The message is often used to promote global peace and mutual understanding among diverse cultures and nations. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ was chosen as the theme for the G20 Summit which captured the essence of global unity, common bonds, and shared aspirations for a better future.

Answer: This section doesn’t require a direct response since it’s informational, but if you’re asked to discuss or reflect on it, you could say:

• The phrase “Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakaṁ” connects to the play’s theme of hospitality and kindness, as Mrs. Shaw wants Mary to treat guests politely, reflecting the idea of treating everyone like family. This Sanskrit saying encourages us to extend that kindness to all people, promoting unity and empathy across cultures, as seen in its use as the G20 Summit theme.