SAY THE RIGHT THING – Class 7 - English
SUMMARY
The story focuses on the importance of speaking wisely and politely.
It shows how saying the right words at the right time can solve problems or make situations better.
P.G. Wodehouse uses humor to show how people sometimes say the wrong thing and create misunderstandings.
The lesson of the story is that thoughtful, polite, and timely words can lead to happiness and prevent trouble.
It encourages readers to think before speaking and choose words carefully.
WORD MEANINGS
Polite – showing good manners
Wise – having good judgment
Misunderstanding – confusion due to wrong interpretation
Situation – condition or state of affairs
Timely – at the right time
Encourage – give confidence or support
Problem – difficulty or issue
Advice – guidance or recommendation
Observe – notice or pay attention
Respect – consideration and honor
SHORT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: Who is the author of Say the Right Thing?
A: P.G. Wodehouse
Q: What is the main lesson of the story?
A: Think before speaking and choose words carefully.
Q: Why is speaking the right thing important?
A: It can prevent misunderstandings and solve problems.
Q: What can happen if we say the wrong thing?
A: It can create confusion or hurt feelings.
Q: Who is the main character?
A: A person who learns the value of speaking wisely (the story focuses on ordinary people in humorous situations).
Q: How does humor appear in the story?
A: Through misunderstandings caused by saying the wrong thing.
Q: What should we do before speaking?
A: Think carefully about our words.
Q: Can saying the right words make people happy?
A: Yes, it can lead to happiness and better relations.
Q: Does the story teach respect?
A: Yes, respecting others’ feelings through words.
Q: What is a misunderstanding?
A: Confusion due to wrong interpretation.
Q: What does ‘timely words’ mean?
A: Words spoken at the right moment.
Q: Why is politeness important in speech?
A: It prevents hurting others and builds good relationships.
Q: What happens when we speak wisely?
A: Problems are solved easily.
Q: What is the moral of the story?
A: Think before speaking; speak politely and wisely.
Q: What kind of people are shown in the story?
A: Ordinary people who make mistakes in speaking.
Q: How can words influence others?
A: They can create happiness or cause misunderstandings.
Q: Should we always speak our mind?
A: Only if it is polite and thoughtful.
Q: What does it mean to choose words carefully?
A: To select words that are appropriate and kind.
Q: Can humor teach a lesson?
A: Yes, it makes learning about mistakes enjoyable.
Q: What is the effect of saying the right thing at the right time?
A: It solves problems and prevents conflicts.
Q: How does Wodehouse show mistakes in speech?
A: Through funny situations and misunderstandings.
Q: Why do people often say the wrong thing?
A: Without thinking or in hurry.
Q: What is the benefit of careful speech?
A: Good relations and respect from others.
Q: What is the main conflict in the story?
A: Misunderstandings caused by careless words.
Q: Who benefits from speaking wisely?
A: Everyone in the conversation.
Q: What should we avoid in speech?
A: Rudeness, hasty words, and jokes at the wrong time.
Q: What is the importance of observing others before speaking?
A: It helps us understand their feelings and respond appropriately.
Q: How does the story relate to everyday life?
A: It shows that polite and timely speech helps in school, home, and society.
Q: Can words change situations?
A: Yes, the right words can improve situations.
Q: Why is respect connected to speech?
A: Polite speech shows respect for others.
Q: Does humor always mean telling jokes?
A: No, it can also be shown through situations and irony.
Q: How does the story teach responsibility in speaking?
A: By showing the results of careless words.
Q: Should we correct our mistakes in speech?
A: Yes, acknowledging and correcting errors is important.
Q: What kind of expressions does Wodehouse use?
A: Funny, witty, and ironic expressions.
Q: Can silence sometimes be better than words?
A: Yes, when words may cause trouble.
Q: How can we make people feel valued in conversation?
A: By listening and speaking politely.
Q: What is the connection between humor and lessons in the story?
A: Humor makes the lesson memorable and entertaining.
Q: Why do we remember funny mistakes in speech?
A: Because they are amusing and teach lessons simultaneously.
Q: How does the story encourage careful speaking?
A: By showing consequences of saying the wrong thing.
Q: What is the key takeaway from Say the Right Thing?
A: Speak politely, wisely, and at the right time to avoid trouble and bring happiness.
LONG QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: What is the central theme of the story Say the Right Thing?
A: The story highlights the importance of speaking wisely and politely. It shows that saying the right words at the right time can prevent misunderstandings, solve problems, and bring happiness, while careless or rude words can create confusion and hurt feelings.
Q: How does P.G. Wodehouse use humor in the story?
A: Wodehouse uses humor through funny situations where characters say the wrong thing at the wrong time. These humorous mistakes entertain readers while also teaching the lesson that words should be chosen carefully.
Q: Why is it important to think before speaking?
A: Thinking before speaking helps avoid misunderstandings, prevents hurting others’ feelings, and allows us to speak wisely. Words once spoken cannot be taken back, so careful speech is necessary to maintain respect and peace.
Q: How does the story teach us about respect in communication?
A: The story shows that polite words reflect respect for others. When we speak kindly and thoughtfully, people feel valued. On the other hand, careless or rude words show disrespect and can damage relationships.
Q: What lesson can students learn from this story?
A: Students learn that polite and timely words can improve situations at home, in school, and in society. Speaking wisely helps in making friends, solving conflicts, and gaining respect.
Q: How can saying the wrong thing affect relationships?
A: Saying the wrong thing can cause misunderstandings, create arguments, and hurt people’s feelings. It may even break trust and friendships. That is why careful speech is essential.
Q: What role does politeness play in daily life according to the story?
A: Politeness helps maintain peace and harmony in daily life. It shows good manners, prevents quarrels, and ensures that conversations remain respectful and positive.
Q: Why does the author repeat the idea of speaking the right thing at the right time?
A: The repetition emphasizes the importance of timing in speech. Even good words, if spoken at the wrong time, may not have the desired effect. Speaking at the right moment is as important as choosing the right words.
Q: How does the story connect humor with real-life lessons?
A: The humorous situations in the story make readers laugh, but they also remind us of real-life experiences where careless words caused trouble. This blend of humor and lesson makes the story memorable.
Q: What is the significance of misunderstandings in the story?
A: Misunderstandings in the story are created by careless words. They serve as examples of what happens when people do not think before speaking. These situations make the story funny but also meaningful.
Q: Can silence sometimes be better than speaking? How?
A: Yes, silence can be better when speaking may hurt or cause unnecessary trouble. In such cases, keeping quiet shows wisdom and self-control.
Q: What does the story teach about responsibility in communication?
A: The story teaches that every individual has a responsibility to use words carefully. Our words have the power to affect others, so we should be responsible for making them positive and respectful.
Q: How does the story apply to modern life?
A: In modern life, where communication happens quickly (face-to-face, online, or through messages), saying the right thing becomes even more important. The story reminds us to think before we speak or write.
Q: What is the moral of Say the Right Thing?
A: The moral is: “Think before you speak. Choose polite and wise words, and say them at the right time.”
Q: Why is this story suitable for children to read?
A: The story is simple, humorous, and easy to understand. Children can relate to the mistakes of the characters and learn an important life lesson in a fun way.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQS)
Who is the author of Say the Right Thing?
a) Ruskin Bond
b) P.G. Wodehouse ✅
c) R.K. Narayan
d) William Blake
What is the central idea of the story?
a) Importance of wealth
b) Importance of polite and wise speech ✅
c) Importance of study
d) Importance of travel
What can the wrong words cause?
a) Happiness
b) Misunderstandings ✅
c) Respect
d) Friendship
What does “timely words” mean?
a) Words spoken at the wrong time
b) Words spoken at the right time ✅
c) Rude words
d) Funny words
What is shown through humor in the story?
a) Anger
b) Misunderstandings ✅
c) Silence
d) Adventure
What should we do before speaking?
a) Nothing
b) Think carefully ✅
c) Argue
d) Laugh
Politeness in speech shows ______.
a) Anger
b) Respect ✅
c) Laziness
d) Weakness
What happens when we speak wisely?
a) Problems are solved ✅
b) More problems arise
c) People get angry
d) None
Who benefits from polite speech?
a) Only speaker
b) Everyone ✅
c) Only listener
d) Nobody
What does the story highlight?
a) Respect through speech ✅
b) Wealth
c) Adventure
d) Anger
Wrong words may lead to _____.
a) Happiness
b) Misunderstanding ✅
c) Joy
d) Progress
What is the moral of the story?
a) Think before you speak ✅
b) Fight for respect
c) Speak loudly
d) Joke always
What does humor make in the story?
a) Anger
b) Lesson easy ✅
c) Confusion
d) Sadness
What do respectful words bring?
a) Peace ✅
b) War
c) Anger
d) Money
Silence is better than ______.
a) Good words
b) Hurtful words ✅
c) Polite words
d) Respect
Who makes mistakes in the story?
a) Kings
b) Ordinary people ✅
c) Animals
d) Teachers
What do wise words prevent?
a) Respect
b) Quarrels ✅
c) Happiness
d) Silence
What is the story’s tone?
a) Serious
b) Humorous ✅
c) Sad
d) Angry
What is the meaning of “observe”?
a) Argue
b) Notice ✅
c) Ignore
d) Run
What can improve situations?
a) Polite words ✅
b) Wrong words
c) Anger
d) Silence
How are misunderstandings shown?
a) Through humor ✅
b) Through fights
c) Through silence
d) Through adventure
What do polite words show?
a) Weakness
b) Good manners ✅
c) Laziness
d) Anger
Why should we correct speech mistakes?
a) To hide them
b) To improve relationships ✅
c) To argue
d) To forget
What is better than rude speech?
a) Silence ✅
b) Anger
c) Shouting
d) Arguing
What kind of story is this?
a) Motivational
b) Humorous ✅
c) Tragic
d) Historical
What is the lesson for students?
a) Speak politely ✅
b) Fight with others
c) Remain silent always
d) Joke always
What does the word “wise” mean?
a) Foolish
b) Having good judgment ✅
c) Angry
d) Lazy
Who feels happy with polite words?
a) Only speaker
b) Everyone ✅
c) Nobody
d) Only listener
What should we avoid in speech?
a) Rudeness ✅
b) Respect
c) Care
d) Politeness
Why are words powerful?
a) They create wealth
b) They affect others’ feelings ✅
c) They change nature
d) They make people weak
What is the best way to speak?
a) Thoughtful and polite ✅
b) Loud
c) Rude
d) Angry
What is humor used for?
a) Fighting
b) Teaching ✅
c) Arguing
d) Ignoring
Which word means “confusion due to wrong interpretation”?
a) Respect
b) Misunderstanding ✅
c) Silence
d) Advice
When is silence golden?
a) When words may hurt ✅
b) Always
c) Never
d) Only in class
What is the author famous for?
a) Sad stories
b) Humorous writing ✅
c) Adventure writing
d) Poems
Why do people laugh in the story?
a) At funny speech mistakes ✅
b) At fights
c) At silence
d) At anger
What do polite words bring in school?
a) Peace and friendship ✅
b) Anger
c) Punishment
d) Confusion
Who needs to say the right thing?
a) Everyone ✅
b) Only teachers
c) Only children
d) Only leaders
How does humor help the story?
a) Makes it interesting ✅
b) Makes it boring
c) Makes it sad
d) Makes it serious
What is the final takeaway from the story?
a) Think before you speak ✅
b) Speak loudly
c) Joke always
d) Be silent always
