Question 30 of 33intermediate✨ CreateEssay10 marks

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.

Correct Answer

A short story retelling should include an introduction describing Mary and Mrs. Shaw's relationship and the setting — Mrs. Shaw preparing for guests while instructing Mary about proper behavior.

Mrs. Shaw's detailed advice includes being kind, saying pleasing things, making guests laugh, and asking them to stay longer when leaving.

Mary's overconfidence in her ability to handle the social situation is evident despite her mother's concerns.

The arrival of Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee triggers Mary's series of blunders: commenting on children Mrs. Harding doesn't have, criticizing Mr. Best's lifestyle (offending Mrs. Lee whose brother is a banker), mocking Mrs. Best's clothing (which Mrs. Harding also wears), criticizing people who stay in bed and visit doctors (both guests do these things), calling Mrs. Grantley talkative (Mrs. Lee's mother is talkative), and insulting the dirty dog (which belongs to Mrs. Harding).

The awkward silences after each blunder and the guests' polite but uncomfortable responses add to the tension.

The humorous ending features Mary saying 'Must you stay? Can't you go?' instead of 'Must you go? Can't you stay?'

A conclusion reflects on the importance of thinking before speaking.

Exercise: Let us write | Q: 1 | (Page Page 17)
For More Understanding

Explanation

This creative writing task requires students to transform a play into narrative prose. Students should maintain the humor and character development while using descriptive language, proper paragraphing, and dialogue to bring the story to life. The hints provided guide students through the key elements to include.

Solution Steps

  1. Introduction describing Mary and Mrs. Shaw's relationship and the setting

  2. Mrs. Shaw's detailed advice about being kind and saying pleasing things

  3. Mary's overconfidence despite her mother's concerns

  4. The arrival of Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Lee and Mary's series of blunders

  5. The awkward silences and guests' uncomfortable responses

  6. The humorous ending with Mary's reversed farewell

  7. A conclusion reflecting on thinking before speaking

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