Mother's Day Questions & Answers | Class 11 English | CBSE NCERT

1 marks · mcq

1. Q1. What has Mrs Fitzgerald been doing just before this conversation? (a) Playing a game of patience (b) Telling Mrs Pearson's fortune with cards (c) Teaching Mrs Pearson card tricks (d) Writing a letter to her husband

Mrs Fitzgerald: [collecting up the cards] And that's all I can tell you, Mrs Pearson. Could be a good fortune. Could be a bad one. All depends on yourself now. Make up your mind — and there it is.

Mrs Pearson: Yes, thank you, Mrs Fitzgerald. I'm much obliged, I'm sure. It's wonderful having a real fortune-teller living next door. Did you learn that out East, too?

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. Twelve years I had of it, with my old man rising to be Lieutenant Quartermaster. He learnt a lot, and I learnt a lot more. But will you make up your mind now, Mrs Pearson dear? Put your foot down, once an' for all, an' be the mistress of your own house an' the boss of your own family.

Mrs Pearson: [smiling apologetically] That's easier said than done. Besides I'm so fond of them even if they are so thoughtless and selfish. They don't mean to be...

1 marks · mcq

2. Q2. What does the idiom "put your foot down" mean in this extract? (a) To stamp in anger (b) To walk out of the house (c) To insist firmly and assert oneself (d) To take rest after work

Mrs Fitzgerald: [collecting up the cards] And that's all I can tell you, Mrs Pearson. Could be a good fortune. Could be a bad one. All depends on yourself now. Make up your mind — and there it is.

Mrs Pearson: Yes, thank you, Mrs Fitzgerald. I'm much obliged, I'm sure. It's wonderful having a real fortune-teller living next door. Did you learn that out East, too?

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. Twelve years I had of it, with my old man rising to be Lieutenant Quartermaster. He learnt a lot, and I learnt a lot more. But will you make up your mind now, Mrs Pearson dear? Put your foot down, once an' for all, an' be the mistress of your own house an' the boss of your own family.

Mrs Pearson: [smiling apologetically] That's easier said than done. Besides I'm so fond of them even if they are so thoughtless and selfish. They don't mean to be...

1 marks · mcq

3. Q3. "Could be a good fortune. Could be a bad one. All depends on yourself now." These lines suggest that Mrs Pearson's future (a) lies in her own hands (b) is fixed by the cards (c) depends on Mrs Fitzgerald (d) will certainly be unhappy

Mrs Fitzgerald: [collecting up the cards] And that's all I can tell you, Mrs Pearson. Could be a good fortune. Could be a bad one. All depends on yourself now. Make up your mind — and there it is.

Mrs Pearson: Yes, thank you, Mrs Fitzgerald. I'm much obliged, I'm sure. It's wonderful having a real fortune-teller living next door. Did you learn that out East, too?

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. Twelve years I had of it, with my old man rising to be Lieutenant Quartermaster. He learnt a lot, and I learnt a lot more. But will you make up your mind now, Mrs Pearson dear? Put your foot down, once an' for all, an' be the mistress of your own house an' the boss of your own family.

Mrs Pearson: [smiling apologetically] That's easier said than done. Besides I'm so fond of them even if they are so thoughtless and selfish. They don't mean to be...

1 marks · mcq

4. Q4. In "They don't mean to be...", the pronoun "They" refers to (a) the fortune-tellers (b) the neighbours (c) the cards (d) Mrs Pearson's husband and children

Mrs Fitzgerald: [collecting up the cards] And that's all I can tell you, Mrs Pearson. Could be a good fortune. Could be a bad one. All depends on yourself now. Make up your mind — and there it is.

Mrs Pearson: Yes, thank you, Mrs Fitzgerald. I'm much obliged, I'm sure. It's wonderful having a real fortune-teller living next door. Did you learn that out East, too?

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. Twelve years I had of it, with my old man rising to be Lieutenant Quartermaster. He learnt a lot, and I learnt a lot more. But will you make up your mind now, Mrs Pearson dear? Put your foot down, once an' for all, an' be the mistress of your own house an' the boss of your own family.

Mrs Pearson: [smiling apologetically] That's easier said than done. Besides I'm so fond of them even if they are so thoughtless and selfish. They don't mean to be...

1 marks · mcq

5. Q5. Mrs Pearson's reply "That's easier said than done", delivered while smiling apologetically, shows that she is (a) defiant and bold (b) rude and dismissive (c) indifferent to advice (d) gentle and unable to assert herself

Mrs Fitzgerald: [collecting up the cards] And that's all I can tell you, Mrs Pearson. Could be a good fortune. Could be a bad one. All depends on yourself now. Make up your mind — and there it is.

Mrs Pearson: Yes, thank you, Mrs Fitzgerald. I'm much obliged, I'm sure. It's wonderful having a real fortune-teller living next door. Did you learn that out East, too?

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. Twelve years I had of it, with my old man rising to be Lieutenant Quartermaster. He learnt a lot, and I learnt a lot more. But will you make up your mind now, Mrs Pearson dear? Put your foot down, once an' for all, an' be the mistress of your own house an' the boss of your own family.

Mrs Pearson: [smiling apologetically] That's easier said than done. Besides I'm so fond of them even if they are so thoughtless and selfish. They don't mean to be...

1 marks · mcq

6. Q1. According to Mrs Fitzgerald, who is the better for being spoilt? (a) The person who is spoilt (b) The one who does the spoiling (c) Only the grown men (d) Nobody at all

Mrs Fitzgerald: [cutting in] Maybe not. But it'ud be better for them if they learnt to treat you properly...

Mrs Pearson: Yes, I suppose it would, in a way.

Mrs Fitzgerald: No doubt about it at all. Who's the better for being spoilt — grown man, lad or girl? Nobody. You think it does 'em good when you run after them all the time, take their orders as if you were the servant in the house, stay at home every night while they go out enjoying themselves? Never in all your life. It's the ruin of them as well as you. Husbands, sons, daughters should be taking notice of wives an' mothers, not giving 'em orders an' treating 'em like dirt. An' don't tell me you don't know what I mean, for I know more than you've told me.

1 marks · mcq

7. Q2. What picture of Mrs Pearson's daily life emerges from this extract? (a) She orders the family about like a queen (b) She lives a life of leisure (c) She waits on her family like a servant while they enjoy themselves (d) She works in an office all day

Mrs Fitzgerald: [cutting in] Maybe not. But it'ud be better for them if they learnt to treat you properly...

Mrs Pearson: Yes, I suppose it would, in a way.

Mrs Fitzgerald: No doubt about it at all. Who's the better for being spoilt — grown man, lad or girl? Nobody. You think it does 'em good when you run after them all the time, take their orders as if you were the servant in the house, stay at home every night while they go out enjoying themselves? Never in all your life. It's the ruin of them as well as you. Husbands, sons, daughters should be taking notice of wives an' mothers, not giving 'em orders an' treating 'em like dirt. An' don't tell me you don't know what I mean, for I know more than you've told me.

1 marks · mcq

8. Q3. The expression "treating 'em like dirt" means treating someone (a) with utter disrespect and contempt (b) after cleaning them (c) with great kindness (d) like a close relative

Mrs Fitzgerald: [cutting in] Maybe not. But it'ud be better for them if they learnt to treat you properly...

Mrs Pearson: Yes, I suppose it would, in a way.

Mrs Fitzgerald: No doubt about it at all. Who's the better for being spoilt — grown man, lad or girl? Nobody. You think it does 'em good when you run after them all the time, take their orders as if you were the servant in the house, stay at home every night while they go out enjoying themselves? Never in all your life. It's the ruin of them as well as you. Husbands, sons, daughters should be taking notice of wives an' mothers, not giving 'em orders an' treating 'em like dirt. An' don't tell me you don't know what I mean, for I know more than you've told me.

1 marks · mcq

9. Q4. The tone of Mrs Fitzgerald in this extract can best be described as (a) apologetic and hesitant (b) blunt, forceful and indignant (c) gentle and soothing (d) sarcastic and mocking

Mrs Fitzgerald: [cutting in] Maybe not. But it'ud be better for them if they learnt to treat you properly...

Mrs Pearson: Yes, I suppose it would, in a way.

Mrs Fitzgerald: No doubt about it at all. Who's the better for being spoilt — grown man, lad or girl? Nobody. You think it does 'em good when you run after them all the time, take their orders as if you were the servant in the house, stay at home every night while they go out enjoying themselves? Never in all your life. It's the ruin of them as well as you. Husbands, sons, daughters should be taking notice of wives an' mothers, not giving 'em orders an' treating 'em like dirt. An' don't tell me you don't know what I mean, for I know more than you've told me.

1 marks · mcq

10. Q5. "It's the ruin of them as well as you." The inference Mrs Fitzgerald draws here is that (a) only the mother suffers from her indulgence (b) the family will become rich (c) spoiling harms the spoilt as much as the spoiler (d) the neighbours will suffer too

Mrs Fitzgerald: [cutting in] Maybe not. But it'ud be better for them if they learnt to treat you properly...

Mrs Pearson: Yes, I suppose it would, in a way.

Mrs Fitzgerald: No doubt about it at all. Who's the better for being spoilt — grown man, lad or girl? Nobody. You think it does 'em good when you run after them all the time, take their orders as if you were the servant in the house, stay at home every night while they go out enjoying themselves? Never in all your life. It's the ruin of them as well as you. Husbands, sons, daughters should be taking notice of wives an' mothers, not giving 'em orders an' treating 'em like dirt. An' don't tell me you don't know what I mean, for I know more than you've told me.

1 marks · mcq

11. Q1. Why has Mrs Pearson never managed to "have it out" with her family? (a) She does not love them (b) She hates unpleasantness and does not know how to begin (c) Mrs Fitzgerald advised her against it (d) She is waiting for the family to change first

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I — keep dropping a hint...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hint? It's more than hints your family needs, Mrs Pearson.

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I suppose it is. But I do hate any unpleasantness. And it's so hard to know where to start. I keep making up my mind to have it out with them but somehow I don't know how to begin. [She glances at her watch or at a clock] Oh — good gracious! Look at the time. Nothing ready and they'll be home any minute and probably all in a hurry to go out again. [As she is about to rise, Mrs Fitzgerald reaches out across the table and pulls her down.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Let 'em wait or look after themselves for once. This is where your foot goes down. Start now. [She lights a cigarette from the one she has just finished.]

1 marks · mcq

12. Q2. Her sudden cry "Look at the time. Nothing ready..." shows that (a) she is late for an appointment (b) she dislikes her family (c) she has forgotten the spell (d) even while discussing her rights her thoughts fly to her family's comfort

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I — keep dropping a hint...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hint? It's more than hints your family needs, Mrs Pearson.

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I suppose it is. But I do hate any unpleasantness. And it's so hard to know where to start. I keep making up my mind to have it out with them but somehow I don't know how to begin. [She glances at her watch or at a clock] Oh — good gracious! Look at the time. Nothing ready and they'll be home any minute and probably all in a hurry to go out again. [As she is about to rise, Mrs Fitzgerald reaches out across the table and pulls her down.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Let 'em wait or look after themselves for once. This is where your foot goes down. Start now. [She lights a cigarette from the one she has just finished.]

1 marks · mcq

13. Q3. Why does Mrs Fitzgerald pull Mrs Pearson back into her seat? (a) To stop her rushing off to prepare tea and make her assert herself now (b) To show her a card trick (c) To prevent her from meeting the family (d) To offer her a drink

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I — keep dropping a hint...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hint? It's more than hints your family needs, Mrs Pearson.

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I suppose it is. But I do hate any unpleasantness. And it's so hard to know where to start. I keep making up my mind to have it out with them but somehow I don't know how to begin. [She glances at her watch or at a clock] Oh — good gracious! Look at the time. Nothing ready and they'll be home any minute and probably all in a hurry to go out again. [As she is about to rise, Mrs Fitzgerald reaches out across the table and pulls her down.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Let 'em wait or look after themselves for once. This is where your foot goes down. Start now. [She lights a cigarette from the one she has just finished.]

1 marks · mcq

14. Q4. The stage direction [dubiously] indicates that Mrs Pearson speaks (a) angrily (b) joyfully (c) doubtfully and hesitantly (d) loudly

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I — keep dropping a hint...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hint? It's more than hints your family needs, Mrs Pearson.

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I suppose it is. But I do hate any unpleasantness. And it's so hard to know where to start. I keep making up my mind to have it out with them but somehow I don't know how to begin. [She glances at her watch or at a clock] Oh — good gracious! Look at the time. Nothing ready and they'll be home any minute and probably all in a hurry to go out again. [As she is about to rise, Mrs Fitzgerald reaches out across the table and pulls her down.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Let 'em wait or look after themselves for once. This is where your foot goes down. Start now. [She lights a cigarette from the one she has just finished.]

1 marks · mcq

15. Q5. The advice "This is where your foot goes down. Start now." links this extract to the central theme of the play, which is (a) fortune-telling (b) a wife and mother claiming her rightful place in the home (c) the supernatural (d) rivalry between neighbours

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I — keep dropping a hint...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hint? It's more than hints your family needs, Mrs Pearson.

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I suppose it is. But I do hate any unpleasantness. And it's so hard to know where to start. I keep making up my mind to have it out with them but somehow I don't know how to begin. [She glances at her watch or at a clock] Oh — good gracious! Look at the time. Nothing ready and they'll be home any minute and probably all in a hurry to go out again. [As she is about to rise, Mrs Fitzgerald reaches out across the table and pulls her down.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Let 'em wait or look after themselves for once. This is where your foot goes down. Start now. [She lights a cigarette from the one she has just finished.]

1 marks · mcq

16. Q1. Why does Mrs Pearson feel that a third person could not confront her family? (a) The family would resent the interference at once and would not listen (b) Neighbours are forbidden in the house (c) Mrs Fitzgerald is too timid (d) The family never meets anyone

Mrs Pearson: [embarrassed] Mrs Fitzgerald — I know you mean well — in fact, I agree with you — but I just can't — and it's no use you trying to make me. If I promise you I'd really have it out with them, I know I wouldn't be able to keep my promise.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Then let me do it.

Mrs Pearson: [flustered] Oh no — thank you very much, Mrs Fitzgerald — but that wouldn't do at all. It couldn't possibly be somebody else — they'd resent it at once and wouldn't listen — and really I couldn't blame them. I know I ought to do it — but you see how it is? [She looks apologetically across the table, smiling rather miserably.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] You haven't got the idea.

1 marks · mcq

17. Q2. Mrs Pearson's smiling "rather miserably" suggests that she is (a) secretly amused (b) helpless and torn between what she ought to do and what she can do (c) angry with her friend (d) planning a trick

Mrs Pearson: [embarrassed] Mrs Fitzgerald — I know you mean well — in fact, I agree with you — but I just can't — and it's no use you trying to make me. If I promise you I'd really have it out with them, I know I wouldn't be able to keep my promise.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Then let me do it.

Mrs Pearson: [flustered] Oh no — thank you very much, Mrs Fitzgerald — but that wouldn't do at all. It couldn't possibly be somebody else — they'd resent it at once and wouldn't listen — and really I couldn't blame them. I know I ought to do it — but you see how it is? [She looks apologetically across the table, smiling rather miserably.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] You haven't got the idea.

1 marks · mcq

18. Q3. When Mrs Fitzgerald says "You haven't got the idea", she means that Mrs Pearson has (a) understood her plan perfectly (b) agreed to her suggestion (c) refused to listen (d) mistaken the nature of her proposal

Mrs Pearson: [embarrassed] Mrs Fitzgerald — I know you mean well — in fact, I agree with you — but I just can't — and it's no use you trying to make me. If I promise you I'd really have it out with them, I know I wouldn't be able to keep my promise.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Then let me do it.

Mrs Pearson: [flustered] Oh no — thank you very much, Mrs Fitzgerald — but that wouldn't do at all. It couldn't possibly be somebody else — they'd resent it at once and wouldn't listen — and really I couldn't blame them. I know I ought to do it — but you see how it is? [She looks apologetically across the table, smiling rather miserably.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] You haven't got the idea.

1 marks · mcq

19. Q4. Mrs Pearson's fear that she "wouldn't be able to keep" a promise reveals that she is (a) dishonest (b) honest about her own weakness (c) clever and calculating (d) indifferent to her friend

Mrs Pearson: [embarrassed] Mrs Fitzgerald — I know you mean well — in fact, I agree with you — but I just can't — and it's no use you trying to make me. If I promise you I'd really have it out with them, I know I wouldn't be able to keep my promise.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Then let me do it.

Mrs Pearson: [flustered] Oh no — thank you very much, Mrs Fitzgerald — but that wouldn't do at all. It couldn't possibly be somebody else — they'd resent it at once and wouldn't listen — and really I couldn't blame them. I know I ought to do it — but you see how it is? [She looks apologetically across the table, smiling rather miserably.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] You haven't got the idea.

1 marks · mcq

20. Q5. The stage direction [coolly], applied to Mrs Fitzgerald, suggests her (a) nervousness (b) anger (c) calm, unruffled confidence (d) politeness

Mrs Pearson: [embarrassed] Mrs Fitzgerald — I know you mean well — in fact, I agree with you — but I just can't — and it's no use you trying to make me. If I promise you I'd really have it out with them, I know I wouldn't be able to keep my promise.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Then let me do it.

Mrs Pearson: [flustered] Oh no — thank you very much, Mrs Fitzgerald — but that wouldn't do at all. It couldn't possibly be somebody else — they'd resent it at once and wouldn't listen — and really I couldn't blame them. I know I ought to do it — but you see how it is? [She looks apologetically across the table, smiling rather miserably.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] You haven't got the idea.

1 marks · mcq

21. Q1. What startling proposal does Mrs Fitzgerald make in this extract? (a) That they exchange houses for a week (b) That they exchange bodies (c) That they both confront the family together (d) That Mrs Pearson leave home

Mrs Pearson: [bewildered] Oh — I'm sorry — I thought you asked me to let you do it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. But not as me — as you.

Mrs Pearson: But — I don't understand. You couldn't be me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] We change places. Or — really — bodies. You look like me. I look like you.

Mrs Pearson: But that's impossible.

Mrs Fitzgerald: How do you know? Ever tried it?

Mrs Pearson: No, of course not...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] I have. Not for some time but it still ought to work. Won't last long, but long enough for what we want to do. Learnt it out East, of course, where they're up to all these tricks. [She holds her hand out across the table, keeping the cigarette in her mouth] Gimme your hands, dear.

1 marks · mcq

22. Q2. The retorts "How do you know? Ever tried it?" reveal Mrs Fitzgerald's (a) fear of the unknown (b) respect for tradition (c) rudeness towards friends (d) bold, matter-of-fact confidence

Mrs Pearson: [bewildered] Oh — I'm sorry — I thought you asked me to let you do it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. But not as me — as you.

Mrs Pearson: But — I don't understand. You couldn't be me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] We change places. Or — really — bodies. You look like me. I look like you.

Mrs Pearson: But that's impossible.

Mrs Fitzgerald: How do you know? Ever tried it?

Mrs Pearson: No, of course not...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] I have. Not for some time but it still ought to work. Won't last long, but long enough for what we want to do. Learnt it out East, of course, where they're up to all these tricks. [She holds her hand out across the table, keeping the cigarette in her mouth] Gimme your hands, dear.

1 marks · mcq

23. Q3. Where did Mrs Fitzgerald learn her strange power? (a) Out East, during the twelve years she spent there (b) From her grandmother (c) At a school of magic (d) From a book of spells

Mrs Pearson: [bewildered] Oh — I'm sorry — I thought you asked me to let you do it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. But not as me — as you.

Mrs Pearson: But — I don't understand. You couldn't be me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] We change places. Or — really — bodies. You look like me. I look like you.

Mrs Pearson: But that's impossible.

Mrs Fitzgerald: How do you know? Ever tried it?

Mrs Pearson: No, of course not...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] I have. Not for some time but it still ought to work. Won't last long, but long enough for what we want to do. Learnt it out East, of course, where they're up to all these tricks. [She holds her hand out across the table, keeping the cigarette in her mouth] Gimme your hands, dear.

1 marks · mcq

24. Q4. "Won't last long, but long enough for what we want to do." This tells us that the exchange will be (a) permanent (b) dangerous (c) temporary but sufficient (d) painful

Mrs Pearson: [bewildered] Oh — I'm sorry — I thought you asked me to let you do it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. But not as me — as you.

Mrs Pearson: But — I don't understand. You couldn't be me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] We change places. Or — really — bodies. You look like me. I look like you.

Mrs Pearson: But that's impossible.

Mrs Fitzgerald: How do you know? Ever tried it?

Mrs Pearson: No, of course not...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] I have. Not for some time but it still ought to work. Won't last long, but long enough for what we want to do. Learnt it out East, of course, where they're up to all these tricks. [She holds her hand out across the table, keeping the cigarette in her mouth] Gimme your hands, dear.

1 marks · mcq

25. Q5. Mrs Pearson's reactions "But — I don't understand" and "But that's impossible" show her (a) excitement (b) disbelief and bewilderment (c) eagerness (d) anger

Mrs Pearson: [bewildered] Oh — I'm sorry — I thought you asked me to let you do it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: I did. But not as me — as you.

Mrs Pearson: But — I don't understand. You couldn't be me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] We change places. Or — really — bodies. You look like me. I look like you.

Mrs Pearson: But that's impossible.

Mrs Fitzgerald: How do you know? Ever tried it?

Mrs Pearson: No, of course not...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] I have. Not for some time but it still ought to work. Won't last long, but long enough for what we want to do. Learnt it out East, of course, where they're up to all these tricks. [She holds her hand out across the table, keeping the cigarette in her mouth] Gimme your hands, dear.

1 marks · mcq

26. Q1. What happens immediately after the spell is spoken? (a) Both women faint with fright (b) The family returns home (c) Mrs Fitzgerald runs out (d) Their personalities change bodies

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] Well — I don't know — is it right?

Mrs Fitzgerald: It's your only chance. Give me your hands an' keep quiet a minute. Just don't think about anything. [Taking her hands] Now look at me. [They stare at each other. Muttering] Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona...

[We are to assume that the personalities change bodies. After the spell has been spoken, both women, still grasping hands, go lax, as if the life were out of them. Then both come to life, but with the personality of the other.]

Mrs Pearson: [now with Mrs Fitzgerald's personality] See what I mean, dear? [She notices the cigarette] Here — you don't want that. [She snatches it and puts it in her own mouth, puffing contentedly.]

[Mrs Fitzgerald, now with Mrs Pearson's personality, looks down at herself and sees that her body has changed and gives a scream of fright.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [with Mrs Pearson's personality] Oh — it's happened.

1 marks · mcq

27. Q2. The detail of the woman in Mrs Pearson's body snatching the cigarette and puffing contentedly signals that (a) she has given up smoking (b) the real Mrs Pearson is a secret smoker (c) a bold new spirit now occupies the body (d) she is nervous

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] Well — I don't know — is it right?

Mrs Fitzgerald: It's your only chance. Give me your hands an' keep quiet a minute. Just don't think about anything. [Taking her hands] Now look at me. [They stare at each other. Muttering] Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona...

[We are to assume that the personalities change bodies. After the spell has been spoken, both women, still grasping hands, go lax, as if the life were out of them. Then both come to life, but with the personality of the other.]

Mrs Pearson: [now with Mrs Fitzgerald's personality] See what I mean, dear? [She notices the cigarette] Here — you don't want that. [She snatches it and puts it in her own mouth, puffing contentedly.]

[Mrs Fitzgerald, now with Mrs Pearson's personality, looks down at herself and sees that her body has changed and gives a scream of fright.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [with Mrs Pearson's personality] Oh — it's happened.

1 marks · mcq

28. Q3. Why does the woman in Mrs Fitzgerald's body scream with fright? (a) She is the timid Mrs Pearson, terrified to find herself in another body (b) She sees a ghost (c) She is hurt by the spell (d) She is frightened of cigarettes

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] Well — I don't know — is it right?

Mrs Fitzgerald: It's your only chance. Give me your hands an' keep quiet a minute. Just don't think about anything. [Taking her hands] Now look at me. [They stare at each other. Muttering] Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona...

[We are to assume that the personalities change bodies. After the spell has been spoken, both women, still grasping hands, go lax, as if the life were out of them. Then both come to life, but with the personality of the other.]

Mrs Pearson: [now with Mrs Fitzgerald's personality] See what I mean, dear? [She notices the cigarette] Here — you don't want that. [She snatches it and puts it in her own mouth, puffing contentedly.]

[Mrs Fitzgerald, now with Mrs Pearson's personality, looks down at herself and sees that her body has changed and gives a scream of fright.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [with Mrs Pearson's personality] Oh — it's happened.

1 marks · mcq

29. Q4. The muttered words "Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona" contribute to the play mainly by creating (a) a romantic atmosphere (b) a supernatural effect (c) pure comedy (d) a musical interlude

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] Well — I don't know — is it right?

Mrs Fitzgerald: It's your only chance. Give me your hands an' keep quiet a minute. Just don't think about anything. [Taking her hands] Now look at me. [They stare at each other. Muttering] Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona...

[We are to assume that the personalities change bodies. After the spell has been spoken, both women, still grasping hands, go lax, as if the life were out of them. Then both come to life, but with the personality of the other.]

Mrs Pearson: [now with Mrs Fitzgerald's personality] See what I mean, dear? [She notices the cigarette] Here — you don't want that. [She snatches it and puts it in her own mouth, puffing contentedly.]

[Mrs Fitzgerald, now with Mrs Pearson's personality, looks down at herself and sees that her body has changed and gives a scream of fright.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [with Mrs Pearson's personality] Oh — it's happened.

1 marks · mcq

30. Q5. Who says "See what I mean, dear?" after the change? (a) The real Mrs Pearson (b) George Pearson (c) The woman in Mrs Fitzgerald's body (d) The woman in Mrs Pearson's body, now bearing Mrs Fitzgerald's personality

Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] Well — I don't know — is it right?

Mrs Fitzgerald: It's your only chance. Give me your hands an' keep quiet a minute. Just don't think about anything. [Taking her hands] Now look at me. [They stare at each other. Muttering] Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona...

[We are to assume that the personalities change bodies. After the spell has been spoken, both women, still grasping hands, go lax, as if the life were out of them. Then both come to life, but with the personality of the other.]

Mrs Pearson: [now with Mrs Fitzgerald's personality] See what I mean, dear? [She notices the cigarette] Here — you don't want that. [She snatches it and puts it in her own mouth, puffing contentedly.]

[Mrs Fitzgerald, now with Mrs Pearson's personality, looks down at herself and sees that her body has changed and gives a scream of fright.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [with Mrs Pearson's personality] Oh — it's happened.

1 marks · mcq

31. Q1. What reassurance does the bold woman give about changing back? (a) That it can never be done (b) That it will need a new spell from the East (c) That it is easier and can be done any time they want (d) That it will happen automatically at midnight

Mrs Pearson: [complacently] Of course it's happened. Very neat. Didn't know I had it in me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [alarmed] But whatever shall I do, Mrs Fitzgerald? George and the children can't see me like this.

Mrs Pearson: [grimly] They aren't going to — that's the point. They'll have me to deal with — only they won't know it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [still alarmed] But what if we can't change back? It'ud be terrible.

Mrs Pearson: Here — steady, Mrs Pearson — if you had to live my life it wouldn't be so bad. You'd have more fun as me than you've had as you.

Mrs Pearson: Now — stop worrying. It's easier changing back — I can do it any time we want...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well — do it now...

Mrs Pearson: Not likely. I've got to deal with your family first. That's the idea, isn't it? Didn't know how to begin with 'em, you said. Well. I'll show you.

1 marks · mcq

32. Q2. Why does she refuse to change back immediately? (a) She must first deal with the Pearson family (b) She is too tired (c) The family has gone out (d) Mrs Pearson asks her to wait

Mrs Pearson: [complacently] Of course it's happened. Very neat. Didn't know I had it in me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [alarmed] But whatever shall I do, Mrs Fitzgerald? George and the children can't see me like this.

Mrs Pearson: [grimly] They aren't going to — that's the point. They'll have me to deal with — only they won't know it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [still alarmed] But what if we can't change back? It'ud be terrible.

Mrs Pearson: Here — steady, Mrs Pearson — if you had to live my life it wouldn't be so bad. You'd have more fun as me than you've had as you.

Mrs Pearson: Now — stop worrying. It's easier changing back — I can do it any time we want...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well — do it now...

Mrs Pearson: Not likely. I've got to deal with your family first. That's the idea, isn't it? Didn't know how to begin with 'em, you said. Well. I'll show you.

1 marks · mcq

33. Q3. "Didn't know I had it in me", said complacently, means the speaker is (a) apologetic about her powers (b) surprised and pleased at her own ability (c) complaining of failure (d) describing her illness

Mrs Pearson: [complacently] Of course it's happened. Very neat. Didn't know I had it in me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [alarmed] But whatever shall I do, Mrs Fitzgerald? George and the children can't see me like this.

Mrs Pearson: [grimly] They aren't going to — that's the point. They'll have me to deal with — only they won't know it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [still alarmed] But what if we can't change back? It'ud be terrible.

Mrs Pearson: Here — steady, Mrs Pearson — if you had to live my life it wouldn't be so bad. You'd have more fun as me than you've had as you.

Mrs Pearson: Now — stop worrying. It's easier changing back — I can do it any time we want...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well — do it now...

Mrs Pearson: Not likely. I've got to deal with your family first. That's the idea, isn't it? Didn't know how to begin with 'em, you said. Well. I'll show you.

1 marks · mcq

34. Q4. "They'll have me to deal with — only they won't know it." The audience knows what the family does not, which creates (a) dramatic irony (b) a simile (c) an allusion (d) personification

Mrs Pearson: [complacently] Of course it's happened. Very neat. Didn't know I had it in me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [alarmed] But whatever shall I do, Mrs Fitzgerald? George and the children can't see me like this.

Mrs Pearson: [grimly] They aren't going to — that's the point. They'll have me to deal with — only they won't know it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [still alarmed] But what if we can't change back? It'ud be terrible.

Mrs Pearson: Here — steady, Mrs Pearson — if you had to live my life it wouldn't be so bad. You'd have more fun as me than you've had as you.

Mrs Pearson: Now — stop worrying. It's easier changing back — I can do it any time we want...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well — do it now...

Mrs Pearson: Not likely. I've got to deal with your family first. That's the idea, isn't it? Didn't know how to begin with 'em, you said. Well. I'll show you.

1 marks · mcq

35. Q5. The stage direction [grimly] for "They aren't going to — that's the point" suggests (a) cheerfulness (b) playful humour (c) sorrow (d) stern determination

Mrs Pearson: [complacently] Of course it's happened. Very neat. Didn't know I had it in me.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [alarmed] But whatever shall I do, Mrs Fitzgerald? George and the children can't see me like this.

Mrs Pearson: [grimly] They aren't going to — that's the point. They'll have me to deal with — only they won't know it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [still alarmed] But what if we can't change back? It'ud be terrible.

Mrs Pearson: Here — steady, Mrs Pearson — if you had to live my life it wouldn't be so bad. You'd have more fun as me than you've had as you.

Mrs Pearson: Now — stop worrying. It's easier changing back — I can do it any time we want...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well — do it now...

Mrs Pearson: Not likely. I've got to deal with your family first. That's the idea, isn't it? Didn't know how to begin with 'em, you said. Well. I'll show you.

1 marks · mcq

36. Q1. What is Doris's very first demand on entering the house? (a) To have tea served at once (b) To have her yellow silk ironed (c) To be given money (d) To be driven to the club

Mrs Fitzgerald: But what am I going to do?

Mrs Pearson: Go into my house for a bit — there's nobody there — then pop back and see how we're doing. You ought to enjoy it. Better get off now before one of 'em comes.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously rising] Yes — I suppose that's best. You're sure it'll be all right?

Mrs Pearson: [chuckling] It'll be wonderful. Now off you go, dear.

[Mrs Fitzgerald crosses and hurries out through the door right. Left to herself, Mrs Pearson smokes away — lighting another cigarette — and begins laying out the cards for patience on the table.]

[After a few moments Doris Pearson comes bursting in left. She is a pretty girl in her early twenties, who would be pleasant enough if she had not been spoilt.]

Doris: [before she has taken anything in] Mum — you'll have to iron my yellow silk. I must wear it tonight. [She now sees what is happening, and is astounded.] What are you doing?

1 marks · mcq

37. Q2. The direction that Doris speaks "before she has taken anything in" shows that (a) she is very observant (b) she is polite to guests (c) ordering her mother about is a reflex with her (d) she cannot see well

Mrs Fitzgerald: But what am I going to do?

Mrs Pearson: Go into my house for a bit — there's nobody there — then pop back and see how we're doing. You ought to enjoy it. Better get off now before one of 'em comes.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously rising] Yes — I suppose that's best. You're sure it'll be all right?

Mrs Pearson: [chuckling] It'll be wonderful. Now off you go, dear.

[Mrs Fitzgerald crosses and hurries out through the door right. Left to herself, Mrs Pearson smokes away — lighting another cigarette — and begins laying out the cards for patience on the table.]

[After a few moments Doris Pearson comes bursting in left. She is a pretty girl in her early twenties, who would be pleasant enough if she had not been spoilt.]

Doris: [before she has taken anything in] Mum — you'll have to iron my yellow silk. I must wear it tonight. [She now sees what is happening, and is astounded.] What are you doing?

1 marks · mcq

38. Q3. Doris is "astounded" because she sees her mother (a) cooking dinner (b) talking to a neighbour (c) crying (d) smoking and laying out cards for patience

Mrs Fitzgerald: But what am I going to do?

Mrs Pearson: Go into my house for a bit — there's nobody there — then pop back and see how we're doing. You ought to enjoy it. Better get off now before one of 'em comes.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously rising] Yes — I suppose that's best. You're sure it'll be all right?

Mrs Pearson: [chuckling] It'll be wonderful. Now off you go, dear.

[Mrs Fitzgerald crosses and hurries out through the door right. Left to herself, Mrs Pearson smokes away — lighting another cigarette — and begins laying out the cards for patience on the table.]

[After a few moments Doris Pearson comes bursting in left. She is a pretty girl in her early twenties, who would be pleasant enough if she had not been spoilt.]

Doris: [before she has taken anything in] Mum — you'll have to iron my yellow silk. I must wear it tonight. [She now sees what is happening, and is astounded.] What are you doing?

1 marks · mcq

39. Q4. From the description of Doris as "a pretty girl in her early twenties, who would be pleasant enough if she had not been spoilt", we infer that (a) she is ugly by nature (b) spoiling has spoiled her character (c) she is unwell (d) she is much older than Cyril

Mrs Fitzgerald: But what am I going to do?

Mrs Pearson: Go into my house for a bit — there's nobody there — then pop back and see how we're doing. You ought to enjoy it. Better get off now before one of 'em comes.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously rising] Yes — I suppose that's best. You're sure it'll be all right?

Mrs Pearson: [chuckling] It'll be wonderful. Now off you go, dear.

[Mrs Fitzgerald crosses and hurries out through the door right. Left to herself, Mrs Pearson smokes away — lighting another cigarette — and begins laying out the cards for patience on the table.]

[After a few moments Doris Pearson comes bursting in left. She is a pretty girl in her early twenties, who would be pleasant enough if she had not been spoilt.]

Doris: [before she has taken anything in] Mum — you'll have to iron my yellow silk. I must wear it tonight. [She now sees what is happening, and is astounded.] What are you doing?

1 marks · mcq

40. Q5. The woman left alone, who "smokes away" and lays out cards for patience, is behaving in a way natural to (a) the real Mrs Pearson (b) Doris (c) Mrs Fitzgerald, whose personality now occupies Mrs Pearson's body (d) the midwife

Mrs Fitzgerald: But what am I going to do?

Mrs Pearson: Go into my house for a bit — there's nobody there — then pop back and see how we're doing. You ought to enjoy it. Better get off now before one of 'em comes.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously rising] Yes — I suppose that's best. You're sure it'll be all right?

Mrs Pearson: [chuckling] It'll be wonderful. Now off you go, dear.

[Mrs Fitzgerald crosses and hurries out through the door right. Left to herself, Mrs Pearson smokes away — lighting another cigarette — and begins laying out the cards for patience on the table.]

[After a few moments Doris Pearson comes bursting in left. She is a pretty girl in her early twenties, who would be pleasant enough if she had not been spoilt.]

Doris: [before she has taken anything in] Mum — you'll have to iron my yellow silk. I must wear it tonight. [She now sees what is happening, and is astounded.] What are you doing?

1 marks · mcq

41. Q1. How has Mrs Pearson's manner changed after the exchange of personalities? (a) It is fluttering and apologetic (b) It is cool and incisive (c) It is rude and vulgar (d) It is silent and sulky

[Mrs Pearson now uses her ordinary voice, but her manner is not fluttering and apologetic but cool and incisive.]

Mrs Pearson: [not even looking up] What d'you think I'm doing — whitewashing the ceiling?

Doris: [still astounded] But you're smoking!

Mrs Pearson: That's right, dear. No law against it, is there?

Doris: But I thought you didn't smoke.

Mrs Pearson: Then you thought wrong.

Doris: Are we having tea in the kitchen?

Mrs Pearson: Have it where you like, dear.

Doris: [angrily] Do you mean it isn't ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yours isn't. I've had all I want. Might go out later and get a square meal at the Clarendon.

Doris: [hardly believing her ears] Who might?

Mrs Pearson: I might. Who d'you think?

Doris: [staring at her] Mum — what's the matter with you?

Mrs Pearson: Don't be silly.

1 marks · mcq

42. Q2. The tone of "What d'you think I'm doing — whitewashing the ceiling?" is (a) dry and sarcastic (b) gentle and kind (c) frightened (d) formal

[Mrs Pearson now uses her ordinary voice, but her manner is not fluttering and apologetic but cool and incisive.]

Mrs Pearson: [not even looking up] What d'you think I'm doing — whitewashing the ceiling?

Doris: [still astounded] But you're smoking!

Mrs Pearson: That's right, dear. No law against it, is there?

Doris: But I thought you didn't smoke.

Mrs Pearson: Then you thought wrong.

Doris: Are we having tea in the kitchen?

Mrs Pearson: Have it where you like, dear.

Doris: [angrily] Do you mean it isn't ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yours isn't. I've had all I want. Might go out later and get a square meal at the Clarendon.

Doris: [hardly believing her ears] Who might?

Mrs Pearson: I might. Who d'you think?

Doris: [staring at her] Mum — what's the matter with you?

Mrs Pearson: Don't be silly.

1 marks · mcq

43. Q3. "Might go out later and get a square meal at the Clarendon." The Clarendon is evidently (a) a hotel or restaurant (b) a school (c) a hospital (d) a railway station

[Mrs Pearson now uses her ordinary voice, but her manner is not fluttering and apologetic but cool and incisive.]

Mrs Pearson: [not even looking up] What d'you think I'm doing — whitewashing the ceiling?

Doris: [still astounded] But you're smoking!

Mrs Pearson: That's right, dear. No law against it, is there?

Doris: But I thought you didn't smoke.

Mrs Pearson: Then you thought wrong.

Doris: Are we having tea in the kitchen?

Mrs Pearson: Have it where you like, dear.

Doris: [angrily] Do you mean it isn't ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yours isn't. I've had all I want. Might go out later and get a square meal at the Clarendon.

Doris: [hardly believing her ears] Who might?

Mrs Pearson: I might. Who d'you think?

Doris: [staring at her] Mum — what's the matter with you?

Mrs Pearson: Don't be silly.

1 marks · mcq

44. Q4. "Then you thought wrong." This crisp reply shows that the new Mrs Pearson (a) is willing to explain herself (b) feels guilty about smoking (c) will no longer explain or apologise (d) dislikes Doris personally

[Mrs Pearson now uses her ordinary voice, but her manner is not fluttering and apologetic but cool and incisive.]

Mrs Pearson: [not even looking up] What d'you think I'm doing — whitewashing the ceiling?

Doris: [still astounded] But you're smoking!

Mrs Pearson: That's right, dear. No law against it, is there?

Doris: But I thought you didn't smoke.

Mrs Pearson: Then you thought wrong.

Doris: Are we having tea in the kitchen?

Mrs Pearson: Have it where you like, dear.

Doris: [angrily] Do you mean it isn't ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yours isn't. I've had all I want. Might go out later and get a square meal at the Clarendon.

Doris: [hardly believing her ears] Who might?

Mrs Pearson: I might. Who d'you think?

Doris: [staring at her] Mum — what's the matter with you?

Mrs Pearson: Don't be silly.

1 marks · mcq

45. Q5. Doris's "hardly believing her ears" and "staring at her" reflect (a) her bad eyesight (b) the complete novelty of her mother standing up for herself (c) her fear of thunder (d) her hunger

[Mrs Pearson now uses her ordinary voice, but her manner is not fluttering and apologetic but cool and incisive.]

Mrs Pearson: [not even looking up] What d'you think I'm doing — whitewashing the ceiling?

Doris: [still astounded] But you're smoking!

Mrs Pearson: That's right, dear. No law against it, is there?

Doris: But I thought you didn't smoke.

Mrs Pearson: Then you thought wrong.

Doris: Are we having tea in the kitchen?

Mrs Pearson: Have it where you like, dear.

Doris: [angrily] Do you mean it isn't ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yours isn't. I've had all I want. Might go out later and get a square meal at the Clarendon.

Doris: [hardly believing her ears] Who might?

Mrs Pearson: I might. Who d'you think?

Doris: [staring at her] Mum — what's the matter with you?

Mrs Pearson: Don't be silly.

1 marks · mcq

46. Q1. Why does Doris want her yellow silk ironed? (a) She is going out with Charlie Spence that night (b) She is attending a school function (c) She has a job interview (d) She is going to the club with her father

Doris: [indignantly] It's not me that's being silly — and I must say it's a bit much when I've been working hard all day and you can't even bother to get my tea ready. Did you hear what I said about my yellow silk?

Mrs Pearson: No. Don't you like it now? I never did.

Doris: [indignantly] Of course I like it. And I'm going to wear it tonight. So I want it ironed.

Mrs Pearson: Want it ironed? What d'you think it's going to do — iron itself?

Doris: No, you're going to iron it for me... You always do.

Mrs Pearson: Well, this time I don't. And don't talk rubbish to me about working hard. I've a good idea how much you do, Doris Pearson. I put in twice the hours you do, and get no wages nor thanks for it. Why are you going to wear your yellow silk? Where are you going?

Doris: [sulkily] Out with Charlie Spence.

Mrs Pearson: Why?

1 marks · mcq

47. Q2. Doris's "You always do", in reply to the suggestion that she iron it herself, reveals that (a) the mother loves ironing (b) Doris offers to help (c) the family takes the mother's service entirely for granted (d) the dress cannot be ironed

Doris: [indignantly] It's not me that's being silly — and I must say it's a bit much when I've been working hard all day and you can't even bother to get my tea ready. Did you hear what I said about my yellow silk?

Mrs Pearson: No. Don't you like it now? I never did.

Doris: [indignantly] Of course I like it. And I'm going to wear it tonight. So I want it ironed.

Mrs Pearson: Want it ironed? What d'you think it's going to do — iron itself?

Doris: No, you're going to iron it for me... You always do.

Mrs Pearson: Well, this time I don't. And don't talk rubbish to me about working hard. I've a good idea how much you do, Doris Pearson. I put in twice the hours you do, and get no wages nor thanks for it. Why are you going to wear your yellow silk? Where are you going?

Doris: [sulkily] Out with Charlie Spence.

Mrs Pearson: Why?

1 marks · mcq

48. Q3. How does Mrs Pearson demolish Doris's complaint of "working hard all day"? (a) By sending her to bed (b) By saying she puts in twice the hours Doris does, with no wages nor thanks (c) By calling her lazy (d) By asking George to judge

Doris: [indignantly] It's not me that's being silly — and I must say it's a bit much when I've been working hard all day and you can't even bother to get my tea ready. Did you hear what I said about my yellow silk?

Mrs Pearson: No. Don't you like it now? I never did.

Doris: [indignantly] Of course I like it. And I'm going to wear it tonight. So I want it ironed.

Mrs Pearson: Want it ironed? What d'you think it's going to do — iron itself?

Doris: No, you're going to iron it for me... You always do.

Mrs Pearson: Well, this time I don't. And don't talk rubbish to me about working hard. I've a good idea how much you do, Doris Pearson. I put in twice the hours you do, and get no wages nor thanks for it. Why are you going to wear your yellow silk? Where are you going?

Doris: [sulkily] Out with Charlie Spence.

Mrs Pearson: Why?

1 marks · mcq

49. Q4. The tone of "Want it ironed? What d'you think it's going to do — iron itself?" is (a) mocking and sarcastic (b) sympathetic (c) curious (d) apologetic

Doris: [indignantly] It's not me that's being silly — and I must say it's a bit much when I've been working hard all day and you can't even bother to get my tea ready. Did you hear what I said about my yellow silk?

Mrs Pearson: No. Don't you like it now? I never did.

Doris: [indignantly] Of course I like it. And I'm going to wear it tonight. So I want it ironed.

Mrs Pearson: Want it ironed? What d'you think it's going to do — iron itself?

Doris: No, you're going to iron it for me... You always do.

Mrs Pearson: Well, this time I don't. And don't talk rubbish to me about working hard. I've a good idea how much you do, Doris Pearson. I put in twice the hours you do, and get no wages nor thanks for it. Why are you going to wear your yellow silk? Where are you going?

Doris: [sulkily] Out with Charlie Spence.

Mrs Pearson: Why?

1 marks · mcq

50. Q5. Mrs Pearson's short question "Why?", after hearing of Doris's outing, shows that she (a) is interested in the outing (b) intends to question and challenge Doris's choices (c) has gone deaf (d) wants to join them

Doris: [indignantly] It's not me that's being silly — and I must say it's a bit much when I've been working hard all day and you can't even bother to get my tea ready. Did you hear what I said about my yellow silk?

Mrs Pearson: No. Don't you like it now? I never did.

Doris: [indignantly] Of course I like it. And I'm going to wear it tonight. So I want it ironed.

Mrs Pearson: Want it ironed? What d'you think it's going to do — iron itself?

Doris: No, you're going to iron it for me... You always do.

Mrs Pearson: Well, this time I don't. And don't talk rubbish to me about working hard. I've a good idea how much you do, Doris Pearson. I put in twice the hours you do, and get no wages nor thanks for it. Why are you going to wear your yellow silk? Where are you going?

Doris: [sulkily] Out with Charlie Spence.

Mrs Pearson: Why?

1 marks · mcq

51. Q1. What is Mrs Pearson's blunt opinion of Charlie Spence? (a) He is handsome and clever (b) He is too poor for Doris (c) He has buck teeth and is half-witted (d) He is a fine match

Doris: [wildly] Why? Why? What's the matter with you? Why shouldn't I go out with Charlie Spence if he asks me and I want to? Any objections? Go on — you might as well tell me...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Can't you find anybody better? I wouldn't be seen dead with Charlie Spence. Buck teeth and half-witted...

Doris: He isn't...

Mrs Pearson: When I was your age I'd have found somebody better than Charlie Spence — or given myself up as a bad job.

Doris: [nearly in tears] Oh — shut up!

[Doris runs out left. Mrs Pearson chuckles and begins putting the cards together.]

[After a moment Cyril Pearson enters left. He is the masculine counterpart of Doris.]

Cyril: [briskly] Hello — Mum. Tea ready?

Mrs Pearson: No.

Cyril: [moving to the table; annoyed] Why not?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] I couldn't bother.

1 marks · mcq

52. Q2. Doris leaves the room "nearly in tears" because (a) she has lost her dress (b) her father scolded her (c) she is unwell (d) she is never contradicted and cannot take being answered back

Doris: [wildly] Why? Why? What's the matter with you? Why shouldn't I go out with Charlie Spence if he asks me and I want to? Any objections? Go on — you might as well tell me...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Can't you find anybody better? I wouldn't be seen dead with Charlie Spence. Buck teeth and half-witted...

Doris: He isn't...

Mrs Pearson: When I was your age I'd have found somebody better than Charlie Spence — or given myself up as a bad job.

Doris: [nearly in tears] Oh — shut up!

[Doris runs out left. Mrs Pearson chuckles and begins putting the cards together.]

[After a moment Cyril Pearson enters left. He is the masculine counterpart of Doris.]

Cyril: [briskly] Hello — Mum. Tea ready?

Mrs Pearson: No.

Cyril: [moving to the table; annoyed] Why not?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] I couldn't bother.

1 marks · mcq

53. Q3. Cyril is introduced as "the masculine counterpart of Doris." This tells us that Cyril is (a) tall and handsome (b) older than George (c) a stranger to the family (d) as spoilt and self-centred as his sister

Doris: [wildly] Why? Why? What's the matter with you? Why shouldn't I go out with Charlie Spence if he asks me and I want to? Any objections? Go on — you might as well tell me...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Can't you find anybody better? I wouldn't be seen dead with Charlie Spence. Buck teeth and half-witted...

Doris: He isn't...

Mrs Pearson: When I was your age I'd have found somebody better than Charlie Spence — or given myself up as a bad job.

Doris: [nearly in tears] Oh — shut up!

[Doris runs out left. Mrs Pearson chuckles and begins putting the cards together.]

[After a moment Cyril Pearson enters left. He is the masculine counterpart of Doris.]

Cyril: [briskly] Hello — Mum. Tea ready?

Mrs Pearson: No.

Cyril: [moving to the table; annoyed] Why not?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] I couldn't bother.

1 marks · mcq

54. Q4. The idiom "given myself up as a bad job" means (a) tried harder (b) accepted failure and stopped trying (c) taken up a new job (d) apologised

Doris: [wildly] Why? Why? What's the matter with you? Why shouldn't I go out with Charlie Spence if he asks me and I want to? Any objections? Go on — you might as well tell me...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Can't you find anybody better? I wouldn't be seen dead with Charlie Spence. Buck teeth and half-witted...

Doris: He isn't...

Mrs Pearson: When I was your age I'd have found somebody better than Charlie Spence — or given myself up as a bad job.

Doris: [nearly in tears] Oh — shut up!

[Doris runs out left. Mrs Pearson chuckles and begins putting the cards together.]

[After a moment Cyril Pearson enters left. He is the masculine counterpart of Doris.]

Cyril: [briskly] Hello — Mum. Tea ready?

Mrs Pearson: No.

Cyril: [moving to the table; annoyed] Why not?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] I couldn't bother.

1 marks · mcq

55. Q5. Cyril's opening "Hello — Mum. Tea ready?" and his annoyance at "Why not?" show that he (a) is considerate (b) has cooked his own meal (c) takes tea and service for granted exactly like Doris (d) is late for work

Doris: [wildly] Why? Why? What's the matter with you? Why shouldn't I go out with Charlie Spence if he asks me and I want to? Any objections? Go on — you might as well tell me...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Can't you find anybody better? I wouldn't be seen dead with Charlie Spence. Buck teeth and half-witted...

Doris: He isn't...

Mrs Pearson: When I was your age I'd have found somebody better than Charlie Spence — or given myself up as a bad job.

Doris: [nearly in tears] Oh — shut up!

[Doris runs out left. Mrs Pearson chuckles and begins putting the cards together.]

[After a moment Cyril Pearson enters left. He is the masculine counterpart of Doris.]

Cyril: [briskly] Hello — Mum. Tea ready?

Mrs Pearson: No.

Cyril: [moving to the table; annoyed] Why not?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] I couldn't bother.

1 marks · mcq

56. Q1. What had Cyril asked his mother to do that morning? (a) To iron his best shirt (b) To book seats for a match (c) To lend him money (d) To put his things out after checking them for mending

Cyril: Feeling off-colour or something?

Mrs Pearson: Never felt better in my life.

Cyril: [aggressively] What's the idea then?

Mrs Pearson: Just a change.

Cyril: [briskly] Well, snap out of it, Ma — and get cracking. Haven't too much time.

[Cyril is about to go when Mrs Pearson's voice checks him.]

Mrs Pearson: I've plenty of time.

Cyril: Yes, but I haven't. Got a busy night tonight. [moving left to the door] Did you put my things out?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] Can't remember. But I doubt it.

Cyril: [moving to the table; protesting] Now — look. When I asked you this morning, you promised. You said you'd have to look through 'em first in case there was any mending.

Mrs Pearson: Yes — well now I've decided I don't like mending.

Cyril: That's a nice way to talk — what would happen if we all talked like that?

1 marks · mcq

57. Q2. By saying "Yes — well now I've decided I don't like mending", Mrs Pearson (a) apologises for forgetting (b) turns the family's own habit of refusing disliked chores against them (c) promises to mend them later (d) blames the Union

Cyril: Feeling off-colour or something?

Mrs Pearson: Never felt better in my life.

Cyril: [aggressively] What's the idea then?

Mrs Pearson: Just a change.

Cyril: [briskly] Well, snap out of it, Ma — and get cracking. Haven't too much time.

[Cyril is about to go when Mrs Pearson's voice checks him.]

Mrs Pearson: I've plenty of time.

Cyril: Yes, but I haven't. Got a busy night tonight. [moving left to the door] Did you put my things out?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] Can't remember. But I doubt it.

Cyril: [moving to the table; protesting] Now — look. When I asked you this morning, you promised. You said you'd have to look through 'em first in case there was any mending.

Mrs Pearson: Yes — well now I've decided I don't like mending.

Cyril: That's a nice way to talk — what would happen if we all talked like that?

1 marks · mcq

58. Q3. Cyril's "snap out of it, Ma — and get cracking" displays (a) affection (b) politeness (c) arrogance and impatience (d) gratitude

Cyril: Feeling off-colour or something?

Mrs Pearson: Never felt better in my life.

Cyril: [aggressively] What's the idea then?

Mrs Pearson: Just a change.

Cyril: [briskly] Well, snap out of it, Ma — and get cracking. Haven't too much time.

[Cyril is about to go when Mrs Pearson's voice checks him.]

Mrs Pearson: I've plenty of time.

Cyril: Yes, but I haven't. Got a busy night tonight. [moving left to the door] Did you put my things out?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] Can't remember. But I doubt it.

Cyril: [moving to the table; protesting] Now — look. When I asked you this morning, you promised. You said you'd have to look through 'em first in case there was any mending.

Mrs Pearson: Yes — well now I've decided I don't like mending.

Cyril: That's a nice way to talk — what would happen if we all talked like that?

1 marks · mcq

59. Q4. Cyril's insistence that he "hasn't too much time", while his mother has "plenty", shows that (a) in his own eyes his time matters more than hers (b) he is a busy doctor (c) he is going on a journey (d) the mother is unemployed

Cyril: Feeling off-colour or something?

Mrs Pearson: Never felt better in my life.

Cyril: [aggressively] What's the idea then?

Mrs Pearson: Just a change.

Cyril: [briskly] Well, snap out of it, Ma — and get cracking. Haven't too much time.

[Cyril is about to go when Mrs Pearson's voice checks him.]

Mrs Pearson: I've plenty of time.

Cyril: Yes, but I haven't. Got a busy night tonight. [moving left to the door] Did you put my things out?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] Can't remember. But I doubt it.

Cyril: [moving to the table; protesting] Now — look. When I asked you this morning, you promised. You said you'd have to look through 'em first in case there was any mending.

Mrs Pearson: Yes — well now I've decided I don't like mending.

Cyril: That's a nice way to talk — what would happen if we all talked like that?

1 marks · mcq

60. Q5. The stage direction [coolly], applied to Mrs Pearson's replies here, shows her (a) nervousness (b) fear of Cyril (c) excitement (d) calm, unruffled control of the situation

Cyril: Feeling off-colour or something?

Mrs Pearson: Never felt better in my life.

Cyril: [aggressively] What's the idea then?

Mrs Pearson: Just a change.

Cyril: [briskly] Well, snap out of it, Ma — and get cracking. Haven't too much time.

[Cyril is about to go when Mrs Pearson's voice checks him.]

Mrs Pearson: I've plenty of time.

Cyril: Yes, but I haven't. Got a busy night tonight. [moving left to the door] Did you put my things out?

Mrs Pearson: [coolly] Can't remember. But I doubt it.

Cyril: [moving to the table; protesting] Now — look. When I asked you this morning, you promised. You said you'd have to look through 'em first in case there was any mending.

Mrs Pearson: Yes — well now I've decided I don't like mending.

Cyril: That's a nice way to talk — what would happen if we all talked like that?

1 marks · mcq

61. Q1. By "I've joined the movement", Mrs Pearson means that (a) she has entered politics (b) she has started physical exercise (c) she has joined a trade union (d) she will now refuse, like the family, to do chores she dislikes

Mrs Pearson: You all do talk like that. If there's something at home you don't want to do, you don't do it. If it's something at your work, you get the Union to bar it. Now all that's happened is that I've joined the movement.

Cyril: [staggered] I don't get this, Mum. What's going on?

Mrs Pearson: [laconic and sinister] Changes.

[Doris enters left. She is in the process of dressing and is now wearing a wrap. She looks pale and red-eyed.]

Mrs Pearson: You look terrible. I wouldn't wear that face even for Charlie Spence.

Doris: [moving above the table; angrily] Oh — shut up about Charlie Spence. And anyhow I'm not ready yet — just dressing. And if I do look terrible, it's your fault — you made me cry.

Cyril: [curious] Why — what did she do?

Doris: Never you mind.

Mrs Pearson: [rising and preparing to move to the kitchen] Have we any stout left? I can't remember.

Cyril: Bottle or two, I think. But you don't want stout now.

Mrs Pearson: [moving left slowly] I do.

Cyril: What for?

Mrs Pearson: [turning at the door] To drink — you clot!

1 marks · mcq

62. Q2. The single word "Changes.", spoken laconically and sinisterly, creates an effect of (a) relief (b) boredom (c) menace and comic mystery (d) grief

Mrs Pearson: You all do talk like that. If there's something at home you don't want to do, you don't do it. If it's something at your work, you get the Union to bar it. Now all that's happened is that I've joined the movement.

Cyril: [staggered] I don't get this, Mum. What's going on?

Mrs Pearson: [laconic and sinister] Changes.

[Doris enters left. She is in the process of dressing and is now wearing a wrap. She looks pale and red-eyed.]

Mrs Pearson: You look terrible. I wouldn't wear that face even for Charlie Spence.

Doris: [moving above the table; angrily] Oh — shut up about Charlie Spence. And anyhow I'm not ready yet — just dressing. And if I do look terrible, it's your fault — you made me cry.

Cyril: [curious] Why — what did she do?

Doris: Never you mind.

Mrs Pearson: [rising and preparing to move to the kitchen] Have we any stout left? I can't remember.

Cyril: Bottle or two, I think. But you don't want stout now.

Mrs Pearson: [moving left slowly] I do.

Cyril: What for?

Mrs Pearson: [turning at the door] To drink — you clot!

1 marks · mcq

63. Q3. The word "clot" in "To drink — you clot!" is (a) a term of affection (b) an insult meaning a fool (c) a medical term (d) a Welsh greeting

Mrs Pearson: You all do talk like that. If there's something at home you don't want to do, you don't do it. If it's something at your work, you get the Union to bar it. Now all that's happened is that I've joined the movement.

Cyril: [staggered] I don't get this, Mum. What's going on?

Mrs Pearson: [laconic and sinister] Changes.

[Doris enters left. She is in the process of dressing and is now wearing a wrap. She looks pale and red-eyed.]

Mrs Pearson: You look terrible. I wouldn't wear that face even for Charlie Spence.

Doris: [moving above the table; angrily] Oh — shut up about Charlie Spence. And anyhow I'm not ready yet — just dressing. And if I do look terrible, it's your fault — you made me cry.

Cyril: [curious] Why — what did she do?

Doris: Never you mind.

Mrs Pearson: [rising and preparing to move to the kitchen] Have we any stout left? I can't remember.

Cyril: Bottle or two, I think. But you don't want stout now.

Mrs Pearson: [moving left slowly] I do.

Cyril: What for?

Mrs Pearson: [turning at the door] To drink — you clot!

1 marks · mcq

64. Q4. Doris enters looking "pale and red-eyed" because (a) she has been crying (b) she is dressing to go out (c) she is ill (d) she has been cooking

Mrs Pearson: You all do talk like that. If there's something at home you don't want to do, you don't do it. If it's something at your work, you get the Union to bar it. Now all that's happened is that I've joined the movement.

Cyril: [staggered] I don't get this, Mum. What's going on?

Mrs Pearson: [laconic and sinister] Changes.

[Doris enters left. She is in the process of dressing and is now wearing a wrap. She looks pale and red-eyed.]

Mrs Pearson: You look terrible. I wouldn't wear that face even for Charlie Spence.

Doris: [moving above the table; angrily] Oh — shut up about Charlie Spence. And anyhow I'm not ready yet — just dressing. And if I do look terrible, it's your fault — you made me cry.

Cyril: [curious] Why — what did she do?

Doris: Never you mind.

Mrs Pearson: [rising and preparing to move to the kitchen] Have we any stout left? I can't remember.

Cyril: Bottle or two, I think. But you don't want stout now.

Mrs Pearson: [moving left slowly] I do.

Cyril: What for?

Mrs Pearson: [turning at the door] To drink — you clot!

1 marks · mcq

65. Q5. The exchange about the stout is humorous mainly because (a) the mother drinks too much (b) the son presumes to lecture his mother on what she should want (c) Cyril brings the wrong bottle (d) Doris dislikes stout

Mrs Pearson: You all do talk like that. If there's something at home you don't want to do, you don't do it. If it's something at your work, you get the Union to bar it. Now all that's happened is that I've joined the movement.

Cyril: [staggered] I don't get this, Mum. What's going on?

Mrs Pearson: [laconic and sinister] Changes.

[Doris enters left. She is in the process of dressing and is now wearing a wrap. She looks pale and red-eyed.]

Mrs Pearson: You look terrible. I wouldn't wear that face even for Charlie Spence.

Doris: [moving above the table; angrily] Oh — shut up about Charlie Spence. And anyhow I'm not ready yet — just dressing. And if I do look terrible, it's your fault — you made me cry.

Cyril: [curious] Why — what did she do?

Doris: Never you mind.

Mrs Pearson: [rising and preparing to move to the kitchen] Have we any stout left? I can't remember.

Cyril: Bottle or two, I think. But you don't want stout now.

Mrs Pearson: [moving left slowly] I do.

Cyril: What for?

Mrs Pearson: [turning at the door] To drink — you clot!

1 marks · mcq

66. Q1. What explanation do the children hit upon for their mother's strange behaviour? (a) She has won a fortune (b) She is planning a holiday (c) She may have suffered concussion (d) She is practising magic

[Mrs Pearson exits right. Instantly Cyril and Doris are in a huddle, close together at left centre, rapidly whispering.]

Doris: Has she been like that with you, too?

Cyril: Yes — no tea ready — couldn't care less...

Doris: Well, I'm glad it's both of us. I thought I'd done something wrong.

Cyril: So did I. But it's her of course...

Doris: She was smoking and playing cards when I came in. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Cyril: I asked her if she was feeling off-colour and she said she wasn't.

Doris: Well, she's suddenly all different. An' that's what made me cry. It wasn't what she said but the way she said it — an' the way she looked.

Cyril: Haven't noticed that. She looks just the same to me.

Doris: She doesn't to me. Do you think she could have hit her head or something — y'know — an' got — what is it? — y'know...

Cyril: [staggered] Do you mean she's barmy?

Doris: No, you fathead. Y'know — concussion. She might have.

1 marks · mcq

67. Q2. Doris's remark "It wasn't what she said but the way she said it — an' the way she looked" matters because (a) the mother's body and voice are the same but her spirit is different (b) Doris has sharp hearing (c) the mother whispered everything (d) Cyril was not present

[Mrs Pearson exits right. Instantly Cyril and Doris are in a huddle, close together at left centre, rapidly whispering.]

Doris: Has she been like that with you, too?

Cyril: Yes — no tea ready — couldn't care less...

Doris: Well, I'm glad it's both of us. I thought I'd done something wrong.

Cyril: So did I. But it's her of course...

Doris: She was smoking and playing cards when I came in. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Cyril: I asked her if she was feeling off-colour and she said she wasn't.

Doris: Well, she's suddenly all different. An' that's what made me cry. It wasn't what she said but the way she said it — an' the way she looked.

Cyril: Haven't noticed that. She looks just the same to me.

Doris: She doesn't to me. Do you think she could have hit her head or something — y'know — an' got — what is it? — y'know...

Cyril: [staggered] Do you mean she's barmy?

Doris: No, you fathead. Y'know — concussion. She might have.

1 marks · mcq

68. Q3. Doris is "glad it's both of us" because (a) she enjoys Cyril's discomfort (b) two can complain better than one (c) the tea will now be shared (d) it proves she has done nothing personally wrong

[Mrs Pearson exits right. Instantly Cyril and Doris are in a huddle, close together at left centre, rapidly whispering.]

Doris: Has she been like that with you, too?

Cyril: Yes — no tea ready — couldn't care less...

Doris: Well, I'm glad it's both of us. I thought I'd done something wrong.

Cyril: So did I. But it's her of course...

Doris: She was smoking and playing cards when I came in. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Cyril: I asked her if she was feeling off-colour and she said she wasn't.

Doris: Well, she's suddenly all different. An' that's what made me cry. It wasn't what she said but the way she said it — an' the way she looked.

Cyril: Haven't noticed that. She looks just the same to me.

Doris: She doesn't to me. Do you think she could have hit her head or something — y'know — an' got — what is it? — y'know...

Cyril: [staggered] Do you mean she's barmy?

Doris: No, you fathead. Y'know — concussion. She might have.

1 marks · mcq

69. Q4. The word "barmy" in Cyril's question means (a) brilliant (b) bald (c) wealthy (d) mad

[Mrs Pearson exits right. Instantly Cyril and Doris are in a huddle, close together at left centre, rapidly whispering.]

Doris: Has she been like that with you, too?

Cyril: Yes — no tea ready — couldn't care less...

Doris: Well, I'm glad it's both of us. I thought I'd done something wrong.

Cyril: So did I. But it's her of course...

Doris: She was smoking and playing cards when I came in. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Cyril: I asked her if she was feeling off-colour and she said she wasn't.

Doris: Well, she's suddenly all different. An' that's what made me cry. It wasn't what she said but the way she said it — an' the way she looked.

Cyril: Haven't noticed that. She looks just the same to me.

Doris: She doesn't to me. Do you think she could have hit her head or something — y'know — an' got — what is it? — y'know...

Cyril: [staggered] Do you mean she's barmy?

Doris: No, you fathead. Y'know — concussion. She might have.

1 marks · mcq

70. Q5. The audience enjoys the children's guesses about concussion because (a) the guesses are correct (b) concussion is a funny word (c) they alone know the real cause — the exchange of personalities (d) the children are doctors

[Mrs Pearson exits right. Instantly Cyril and Doris are in a huddle, close together at left centre, rapidly whispering.]

Doris: Has she been like that with you, too?

Cyril: Yes — no tea ready — couldn't care less...

Doris: Well, I'm glad it's both of us. I thought I'd done something wrong.

Cyril: So did I. But it's her of course...

Doris: She was smoking and playing cards when I came in. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Cyril: I asked her if she was feeling off-colour and she said she wasn't.

Doris: Well, she's suddenly all different. An' that's what made me cry. It wasn't what she said but the way she said it — an' the way she looked.

Cyril: Haven't noticed that. She looks just the same to me.

Doris: She doesn't to me. Do you think she could have hit her head or something — y'know — an' got — what is it? — y'know...

Cyril: [staggered] Do you mean she's barmy?

Doris: No, you fathead. Y'know — concussion. She might have.

1 marks · mcq

71. Q1. Why do Cyril and Doris begin to giggle at the thought of their father coming home? (a) They are happy he is back early (b) They have bought him a gift (c) They dislike him (d) They anticipate an entertaining scene when he meets the changed mother

Cyril: Sounds far-fetched.

Doris: Well, she's far-fetched, if you ask me. [She suddenly begins to giggle.]

Cyril: Now then — what is it?

Doris: If she's going to be like this when Dad comes home... [She giggles again.]

Cyril: [beginning to guffaw] I'm staying in for that — two front dress circles for the first house...

[Mrs Pearson enters right, carrying a bottle of stout and a half-filled glass. Cyril and Doris try to stop their guffawing and giggling, but they are not quick enough. Mrs Pearson regards them with contempt.]

Mrs Pearson [coldly]: You two are always talking about being grown-up — why don't you both try for once to be your age? [She moves to the settee and sits.]

1 marks · mcq

72. Q2. Cyril's "two front dress circles for the first house" is a metaphor drawn from (a) the kitchen (b) the theatre (c) the law courts (d) the church

Cyril: Sounds far-fetched.

Doris: Well, she's far-fetched, if you ask me. [She suddenly begins to giggle.]

Cyril: Now then — what is it?

Doris: If she's going to be like this when Dad comes home... [She giggles again.]

Cyril: [beginning to guffaw] I'm staying in for that — two front dress circles for the first house...

[Mrs Pearson enters right, carrying a bottle of stout and a half-filled glass. Cyril and Doris try to stop their guffawing and giggling, but they are not quick enough. Mrs Pearson regards them with contempt.]

Mrs Pearson [coldly]: You two are always talking about being grown-up — why don't you both try for once to be your age? [She moves to the settee and sits.]

1 marks · mcq

73. Q3. The irony in "why don't you both try for once to be your age" lies in the fact that (a) the children are infants (b) they are older than their mother (c) it is their birthday (d) the children boast of being grown-up yet behave like spoilt babies

Cyril: Sounds far-fetched.

Doris: Well, she's far-fetched, if you ask me. [She suddenly begins to giggle.]

Cyril: Now then — what is it?

Doris: If she's going to be like this when Dad comes home... [She giggles again.]

Cyril: [beginning to guffaw] I'm staying in for that — two front dress circles for the first house...

[Mrs Pearson enters right, carrying a bottle of stout and a half-filled glass. Cyril and Doris try to stop their guffawing and giggling, but they are not quick enough. Mrs Pearson regards them with contempt.]

Mrs Pearson [coldly]: You two are always talking about being grown-up — why don't you both try for once to be your age? [She moves to the settee and sits.]

1 marks · mcq

74. Q4. When Mrs Pearson enters and regards the giggling pair "with contempt", the children (a) laugh louder (b) leave the house (c) complain to their father (d) try in vain to stop their guffawing

Cyril: Sounds far-fetched.

Doris: Well, she's far-fetched, if you ask me. [She suddenly begins to giggle.]

Cyril: Now then — what is it?

Doris: If she's going to be like this when Dad comes home... [She giggles again.]

Cyril: [beginning to guffaw] I'm staying in for that — two front dress circles for the first house...

[Mrs Pearson enters right, carrying a bottle of stout and a half-filled glass. Cyril and Doris try to stop their guffawing and giggling, but they are not quick enough. Mrs Pearson regards them with contempt.]

Mrs Pearson [coldly]: You two are always talking about being grown-up — why don't you both try for once to be your age? [She moves to the settee and sits.]

1 marks · mcq

75. Q5. The word "guffaw" means (a) a loud, coarse laugh (b) a quiet sob (c) a whisper (d) a yawn

Cyril: Sounds far-fetched.

Doris: Well, she's far-fetched, if you ask me. [She suddenly begins to giggle.]

Cyril: Now then — what is it?

Doris: If she's going to be like this when Dad comes home... [She giggles again.]

Cyril: [beginning to guffaw] I'm staying in for that — two front dress circles for the first house...

[Mrs Pearson enters right, carrying a bottle of stout and a half-filled glass. Cyril and Doris try to stop their guffawing and giggling, but they are not quick enough. Mrs Pearson regards them with contempt.]

Mrs Pearson [coldly]: You two are always talking about being grown-up — why don't you both try for once to be your age? [She moves to the settee and sits.]

1 marks · mcq

76. Q1. According to Mrs Pearson, all the children have ever "done" is (a) worked hard for the family (b) come in, ask for something, go out again, and return only when there is nowhere else to go (c) cared for their mother (d) saved money for the house

Cyril: Can't we laugh now?

Mrs Pearson: Yes, if it's funny. Go on, tell me. Make me laugh. I could do with it.

Doris: Y'know you never understand our jokes, Mum...

Mrs Pearson: I was yawning at your jokes before you were born, Doris.

Doris: [almost tearful again] What's making you talk like this? What have we done?

Mrs Pearson: [promptly] Nothing but come in, ask for something, go out again, then come back when there's nowhere else to go.

Cyril: [aggressively] Look — if you won't get tea ready, then I'll find something to eat myself...

Mrs Pearson: Why not? Help yourself. [She takes a sip of stout.]

Cyril: [turning on his way to the kitchen] Mind you, I think it's a bit thick. I've been working all day.

Doris: Same here.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Eight hour day!

1 marks · mcq

77. Q2. The retort "I was yawning at your jokes before you were born, Doris" conveys (a) that the mother is sleepy (b) that Doris's jokes are new to her (c) a complaint about late nights (d) that the children's humour is stale and trivial to her

Cyril: Can't we laugh now?

Mrs Pearson: Yes, if it's funny. Go on, tell me. Make me laugh. I could do with it.

Doris: Y'know you never understand our jokes, Mum...

Mrs Pearson: I was yawning at your jokes before you were born, Doris.

Doris: [almost tearful again] What's making you talk like this? What have we done?

Mrs Pearson: [promptly] Nothing but come in, ask for something, go out again, then come back when there's nowhere else to go.

Cyril: [aggressively] Look — if you won't get tea ready, then I'll find something to eat myself...

Mrs Pearson: Why not? Help yourself. [She takes a sip of stout.]

Cyril: [turning on his way to the kitchen] Mind you, I think it's a bit thick. I've been working all day.

Doris: Same here.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Eight hour day!

1 marks · mcq

78. Q3. Mrs Pearson's calm "Why not? Help yourself" reverses the old order because (a) she now serves Cyril a meal (b) the mother invites the family to wait on themselves for once (c) Doris cooks the meal (d) George is cooking

Cyril: Can't we laugh now?

Mrs Pearson: Yes, if it's funny. Go on, tell me. Make me laugh. I could do with it.

Doris: Y'know you never understand our jokes, Mum...

Mrs Pearson: I was yawning at your jokes before you were born, Doris.

Doris: [almost tearful again] What's making you talk like this? What have we done?

Mrs Pearson: [promptly] Nothing but come in, ask for something, go out again, then come back when there's nowhere else to go.

Cyril: [aggressively] Look — if you won't get tea ready, then I'll find something to eat myself...

Mrs Pearson: Why not? Help yourself. [She takes a sip of stout.]

Cyril: [turning on his way to the kitchen] Mind you, I think it's a bit thick. I've been working all day.

Doris: Same here.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Eight hour day!

1 marks · mcq

79. Q4. The idiom "a bit thick", used by Cyril, means (a) a large sandwich (b) a strong drink (c) a comfortable bed (d) unfair and annoying

Cyril: Can't we laugh now?

Mrs Pearson: Yes, if it's funny. Go on, tell me. Make me laugh. I could do with it.

Doris: Y'know you never understand our jokes, Mum...

Mrs Pearson: I was yawning at your jokes before you were born, Doris.

Doris: [almost tearful again] What's making you talk like this? What have we done?

Mrs Pearson: [promptly] Nothing but come in, ask for something, go out again, then come back when there's nowhere else to go.

Cyril: [aggressively] Look — if you won't get tea ready, then I'll find something to eat myself...

Mrs Pearson: Why not? Help yourself. [She takes a sip of stout.]

Cyril: [turning on his way to the kitchen] Mind you, I think it's a bit thick. I've been working all day.

Doris: Same here.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Eight hour day!

1 marks · mcq

80. Q5. Cyril and Doris both plead that they have "been working all day", but the mother's dry comment "Eight hour day!" (a) agrees with them (b) praises their industry (c) offers them a job (d) mocks their excuse for demanding service

Cyril: Can't we laugh now?

Mrs Pearson: Yes, if it's funny. Go on, tell me. Make me laugh. I could do with it.

Doris: Y'know you never understand our jokes, Mum...

Mrs Pearson: I was yawning at your jokes before you were born, Doris.

Doris: [almost tearful again] What's making you talk like this? What have we done?

Mrs Pearson: [promptly] Nothing but come in, ask for something, go out again, then come back when there's nowhere else to go.

Cyril: [aggressively] Look — if you won't get tea ready, then I'll find something to eat myself...

Mrs Pearson: Why not? Help yourself. [She takes a sip of stout.]

Cyril: [turning on his way to the kitchen] Mind you, I think it's a bit thick. I've been working all day.

Doris: Same here.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Eight hour day!

1 marks · mcq

81. Q1. What does Mrs Pearson announce about her own working hours? (a) She will work day and night (b) She demands a forty-hour week and two days off like everyone else (c) She has retired from housework (d) She will hire a servant

Cyril: Yes — eight hour day — an' don't forget it.

Mrs Pearson: I've done my eight hours.

Cyril: That's different.

Doris: Of course it is.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] It was. Now it isn't. Forty-hour week for all now. Just watch it at the weekend when I have my two days off.

[Doris and Cyril exchange alarmed glances. Then they stare at Mrs Pearson who returns their look calmly.]

Cyril: Must grab something to eat. Looks as if I'll need to keep my strength up. [Cyril exits to the kitchen.]

Doris: [moving to the settee; anxiously] Mummy, you don't mean you're not going to do anything on Saturday and Sunday?

1 marks · mcq

82. Q2. Doris and Cyril "exchange alarmed glances" because (a) the weekend will mean no cooking and no service for them (b) they fear their mother is ill (c) they want to go on holiday (d) George has arrived

Cyril: Yes — eight hour day — an' don't forget it.

Mrs Pearson: I've done my eight hours.

Cyril: That's different.

Doris: Of course it is.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] It was. Now it isn't. Forty-hour week for all now. Just watch it at the weekend when I have my two days off.

[Doris and Cyril exchange alarmed glances. Then they stare at Mrs Pearson who returns their look calmly.]

Cyril: Must grab something to eat. Looks as if I'll need to keep my strength up. [Cyril exits to the kitchen.]

Doris: [moving to the settee; anxiously] Mummy, you don't mean you're not going to do anything on Saturday and Sunday?

1 marks · mcq

83. Q3. When the children say their eight-hour work is "different" from their mother's, she replies that (a) it was different, but it is different no longer (b) they are quite right (c) they work harder still (d) she will work their hours too

Cyril: Yes — eight hour day — an' don't forget it.

Mrs Pearson: I've done my eight hours.

Cyril: That's different.

Doris: Of course it is.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] It was. Now it isn't. Forty-hour week for all now. Just watch it at the weekend when I have my two days off.

[Doris and Cyril exchange alarmed glances. Then they stare at Mrs Pearson who returns their look calmly.]

Cyril: Must grab something to eat. Looks as if I'll need to keep my strength up. [Cyril exits to the kitchen.]

Doris: [moving to the settee; anxiously] Mummy, you don't mean you're not going to do anything on Saturday and Sunday?

1 marks · mcq

84. Q4. Cyril decides he "must grab something to eat" and "keep my strength up", which shows (a) he is fasting (b) he is training for a sport (c) the kitchen is locked (d) he expects a long struggle against the new order

Cyril: Yes — eight hour day — an' don't forget it.

Mrs Pearson: I've done my eight hours.

Cyril: That's different.

Doris: Of course it is.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] It was. Now it isn't. Forty-hour week for all now. Just watch it at the weekend when I have my two days off.

[Doris and Cyril exchange alarmed glances. Then they stare at Mrs Pearson who returns their look calmly.]

Cyril: Must grab something to eat. Looks as if I'll need to keep my strength up. [Cyril exits to the kitchen.]

Doris: [moving to the settee; anxiously] Mummy, you don't mean you're not going to do anything on Saturday and Sunday?

1 marks · mcq

85. Q5. Doris's anxious question about Saturday and Sunday reveals (a) her love of holidays (b) her plans for a picnic (c) her fear of George (d) that she still cannot believe her mother means it

Cyril: Yes — eight hour day — an' don't forget it.

Mrs Pearson: I've done my eight hours.

Cyril: That's different.

Doris: Of course it is.

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] It was. Now it isn't. Forty-hour week for all now. Just watch it at the weekend when I have my two days off.

[Doris and Cyril exchange alarmed glances. Then they stare at Mrs Pearson who returns their look calmly.]

Cyril: Must grab something to eat. Looks as if I'll need to keep my strength up. [Cyril exits to the kitchen.]

Doris: [moving to the settee; anxiously] Mummy, you don't mean you're not going to do anything on Saturday and Sunday?

1 marks · mcq

86. Q1. On what conditions would Mrs Pearson make a bed or do a bit of cooking? (a) If she were paid wages (b) If the children helped (c) If George ordered it (d) If asked nicely, thanked, and generally made a fuss of

Mrs Pearson: [airily] No, I wouldn't go that far. I might make a bed or two and do a bit of cooking as a favour. Which means, of course, I'll have to be asked very nicely and thanked for everything and generally made a fuss of. But any of you forty-hour-a-weekers who expect to be waited on hand and foot on Saturday and Sunday, with no thanks for it, are in for a nasty disappointment. Might go off for the week-end perhaps.

Doris: [aghast] Go off for the week-end?

Mrs Pearson: Why not? I could do with a change. Stuck here day after day, week after week. If I don't need a change, who does?

Doris: But where would you go, who would you go with?

Mrs Pearson: That's my business. You don't ask me where you should go and who you should go with, do you?

1 marks · mcq

87. Q2. Doris is "aghast" at the idea of her mother going off for the weekend because (a) she fears her mother's safety (b) she has no clothes ready (c) George has forbidden it (d) in her view mothers exist only to stay home and serve

Mrs Pearson: [airily] No, I wouldn't go that far. I might make a bed or two and do a bit of cooking as a favour. Which means, of course, I'll have to be asked very nicely and thanked for everything and generally made a fuss of. But any of you forty-hour-a-weekers who expect to be waited on hand and foot on Saturday and Sunday, with no thanks for it, are in for a nasty disappointment. Might go off for the week-end perhaps.

Doris: [aghast] Go off for the week-end?

Mrs Pearson: Why not? I could do with a change. Stuck here day after day, week after week. If I don't need a change, who does?

Doris: But where would you go, who would you go with?

Mrs Pearson: That's my business. You don't ask me where you should go and who you should go with, do you?

1 marks · mcq

88. Q3. "That's my business", said of where and with whom she will go, marks (a) her secretiveness (b) her guilt (c) her fear of questions (d) a new assertion of independence and privacy

Mrs Pearson: [airily] No, I wouldn't go that far. I might make a bed or two and do a bit of cooking as a favour. Which means, of course, I'll have to be asked very nicely and thanked for everything and generally made a fuss of. But any of you forty-hour-a-weekers who expect to be waited on hand and foot on Saturday and Sunday, with no thanks for it, are in for a nasty disappointment. Might go off for the week-end perhaps.

Doris: [aghast] Go off for the week-end?

Mrs Pearson: Why not? I could do with a change. Stuck here day after day, week after week. If I don't need a change, who does?

Doris: But where would you go, who would you go with?

Mrs Pearson: That's my business. You don't ask me where you should go and who you should go with, do you?

1 marks · mcq

89. Q4. The idiom "waited on hand and foot" means (a) served in every possible way (b) made to stand all day (c) asked to run a race (d) given a pedicure

Mrs Pearson: [airily] No, I wouldn't go that far. I might make a bed or two and do a bit of cooking as a favour. Which means, of course, I'll have to be asked very nicely and thanked for everything and generally made a fuss of. But any of you forty-hour-a-weekers who expect to be waited on hand and foot on Saturday and Sunday, with no thanks for it, are in for a nasty disappointment. Might go off for the week-end perhaps.

Doris: [aghast] Go off for the week-end?

Mrs Pearson: Why not? I could do with a change. Stuck here day after day, week after week. If I don't need a change, who does?

Doris: But where would you go, who would you go with?

Mrs Pearson: That's my business. You don't ask me where you should go and who you should go with, do you?

1 marks · mcq

90. Q5. The adverb "airily", describing how Mrs Pearson speaks, suggests (a) her sorrow (b) her anger (c) her breathlessness (d) a light, careless confidence

Mrs Pearson: [airily] No, I wouldn't go that far. I might make a bed or two and do a bit of cooking as a favour. Which means, of course, I'll have to be asked very nicely and thanked for everything and generally made a fuss of. But any of you forty-hour-a-weekers who expect to be waited on hand and foot on Saturday and Sunday, with no thanks for it, are in for a nasty disappointment. Might go off for the week-end perhaps.

Doris: [aghast] Go off for the week-end?

Mrs Pearson: Why not? I could do with a change. Stuck here day after day, week after week. If I don't need a change, who does?

Doris: But where would you go, who would you go with?

Mrs Pearson: That's my business. You don't ask me where you should go and who you should go with, do you?

1 marks · mcq

91. Q1. Why does Doris ask whether her mother had "fallen or hit herself with something"? (a) She wants to know if her mother is injured (b) She cannot explain the strange behaviour except by imagining an injury (c) She hopes to change the subject (d) She is being deliberately rude

Doris: That's different.

Mrs Pearson: The only difference is that I'm a lot older and better able to look after myself, so it's you who should do the asking.

Doris: Did you fall or hit yourself with something?

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] No. But I'll hit you with something, girl, if you don't stop asking silly questions. [Doris stares at her open-mouthed, ready to cry.]

Doris: Oh — this is awful... [She begins to cry, not passionately.]

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] Stop blubbering. You're not a baby. If you're old enough to go out with Charlie Spence, you're old enough to behave properly. Now stop it.

[George Pearson enters left. He is about fifty, fundamentally decent but solemn, self-important, pompous. He notices Doris's tears.]

George: Hello — what's this? Can't be anything to cry about.

Doris: [through sobs] You'll see.

[Doris runs out left with a sob or two on the way. George stares after her a moment, then looks at Mrs Pearson.]

1 marks · mcq

92. Q2. How does the mother deal with Doris's crying? (a) She comforts her tenderly (b) She cries with her (c) She coldly orders her to stop blubbering and behave properly (d) She sends for George

Doris: That's different.

Mrs Pearson: The only difference is that I'm a lot older and better able to look after myself, so it's you who should do the asking.

Doris: Did you fall or hit yourself with something?

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] No. But I'll hit you with something, girl, if you don't stop asking silly questions. [Doris stares at her open-mouthed, ready to cry.]

Doris: Oh — this is awful... [She begins to cry, not passionately.]

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] Stop blubbering. You're not a baby. If you're old enough to go out with Charlie Spence, you're old enough to behave properly. Now stop it.

[George Pearson enters left. He is about fifty, fundamentally decent but solemn, self-important, pompous. He notices Doris's tears.]

George: Hello — what's this? Can't be anything to cry about.

Doris: [through sobs] You'll see.

[Doris runs out left with a sob or two on the way. George stares after her a moment, then looks at Mrs Pearson.]

1 marks · mcq

93. Q3. Before he speaks, the stage direction paints George Pearson as (a) about fifty, decent but solemn, self-important and pompous (b) young and athletic (c) cheerful and informal (d) timid and shy

Doris: That's different.

Mrs Pearson: The only difference is that I'm a lot older and better able to look after myself, so it's you who should do the asking.

Doris: Did you fall or hit yourself with something?

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] No. But I'll hit you with something, girl, if you don't stop asking silly questions. [Doris stares at her open-mouthed, ready to cry.]

Doris: Oh — this is awful... [She begins to cry, not passionately.]

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] Stop blubbering. You're not a baby. If you're old enough to go out with Charlie Spence, you're old enough to behave properly. Now stop it.

[George Pearson enters left. He is about fifty, fundamentally decent but solemn, self-important, pompous. He notices Doris's tears.]

George: Hello — what's this? Can't be anything to cry about.

Doris: [through sobs] You'll see.

[Doris runs out left with a sob or two on the way. George stares after her a moment, then looks at Mrs Pearson.]

1 marks · mcq

94. Q4. "If you're old enough to go out with Charlie Spence, you're old enough to behave properly." The reasoning here is that (a) Doris should marry Charlie (b) Charlie Spence is well-mannered (c) children should be seen and not heard (d) grown-up freedom brings grown-up responsibility

Doris: That's different.

Mrs Pearson: The only difference is that I'm a lot older and better able to look after myself, so it's you who should do the asking.

Doris: Did you fall or hit yourself with something?

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] No. But I'll hit you with something, girl, if you don't stop asking silly questions. [Doris stares at her open-mouthed, ready to cry.]

Doris: Oh — this is awful... [She begins to cry, not passionately.]

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] Stop blubbering. You're not a baby. If you're old enough to go out with Charlie Spence, you're old enough to behave properly. Now stop it.

[George Pearson enters left. He is about fifty, fundamentally decent but solemn, self-important, pompous. He notices Doris's tears.]

George: Hello — what's this? Can't be anything to cry about.

Doris: [through sobs] You'll see.

[Doris runs out left with a sob or two on the way. George stares after her a moment, then looks at Mrs Pearson.]

1 marks · mcq

95. Q5. Doris's parting words to her father, "You'll see", suggest that (a) she is planning a party (b) he is going blind (c) she forgives her mother (d) something dramatic is about to happen to him too

Doris: That's different.

Mrs Pearson: The only difference is that I'm a lot older and better able to look after myself, so it's you who should do the asking.

Doris: Did you fall or hit yourself with something?

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] No. But I'll hit you with something, girl, if you don't stop asking silly questions. [Doris stares at her open-mouthed, ready to cry.]

Doris: Oh — this is awful... [She begins to cry, not passionately.]

Mrs Pearson: [coldly] Stop blubbering. You're not a baby. If you're old enough to go out with Charlie Spence, you're old enough to behave properly. Now stop it.

[George Pearson enters left. He is about fifty, fundamentally decent but solemn, self-important, pompous. He notices Doris's tears.]

George: Hello — what's this? Can't be anything to cry about.

Doris: [through sobs] You'll see.

[Doris runs out left with a sob or two on the way. George stares after her a moment, then looks at Mrs Pearson.]

1 marks · mcq

96. Q1. What astonishes George most when he looks at his wife? (a) She is playing cards (b) She is drinking stout (c) She is asleep (d) She is reading a newspaper

George: Did she say 'You'll see'...?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: What did she mean?

Mrs Pearson: Better ask her.

[George looks slowly again at the door then at Mrs Pearson. Then he notices the stout that Mrs Pearson raises for another sip. His eyes almost bulge.]

George: Stout?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: [amazed] What are you drinking stout for?

Mrs Pearson: Because I fancied some.

George: At this time of day?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — what's wrong with it at this time of day?

George: [bewildered] Nothing, I suppose, Annie — but I've never seen you do it before...

Mrs Pearson: Well, you're seeing me now.

George: [with heavy distaste] Yes, an' I don't like it. It doesn't look right. I'm surprised at you.

Mrs Pearson: Well, that ought to be a nice change for you.

George: What do you mean?

Mrs Pearson: It must be some time since you were surprised at me, George.

1 marks · mcq

97. Q2. "It must be some time since you were surprised at me, George" implies that (a) George is easily surprised (b) they have recently quarrelled (c) he takes his wife so much for granted that nothing she does has surprised him for years (d) his wife is unpredictable

George: Did she say 'You'll see'...?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: What did she mean?

Mrs Pearson: Better ask her.

[George looks slowly again at the door then at Mrs Pearson. Then he notices the stout that Mrs Pearson raises for another sip. His eyes almost bulge.]

George: Stout?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: [amazed] What are you drinking stout for?

Mrs Pearson: Because I fancied some.

George: At this time of day?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — what's wrong with it at this time of day?

George: [bewildered] Nothing, I suppose, Annie — but I've never seen you do it before...

Mrs Pearson: Well, you're seeing me now.

George: [with heavy distaste] Yes, an' I don't like it. It doesn't look right. I'm surprised at you.

Mrs Pearson: Well, that ought to be a nice change for you.

George: What do you mean?

Mrs Pearson: It must be some time since you were surprised at me, George.

1 marks · mcq

98. Q3. George's complaint "It doesn't look right. I'm surprised at you" shows that he cares most about (a) his wife's health (b) appearances and convention (c) the cost of the stout (d) the children's education

George: Did she say 'You'll see'...?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: What did she mean?

Mrs Pearson: Better ask her.

[George looks slowly again at the door then at Mrs Pearson. Then he notices the stout that Mrs Pearson raises for another sip. His eyes almost bulge.]

George: Stout?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: [amazed] What are you drinking stout for?

Mrs Pearson: Because I fancied some.

George: At this time of day?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — what's wrong with it at this time of day?

George: [bewildered] Nothing, I suppose, Annie — but I've never seen you do it before...

Mrs Pearson: Well, you're seeing me now.

George: [with heavy distaste] Yes, an' I don't like it. It doesn't look right. I'm surprised at you.

Mrs Pearson: Well, that ought to be a nice change for you.

George: What do you mean?

Mrs Pearson: It must be some time since you were surprised at me, George.

1 marks · mcq

99. Q4. "His eyes almost bulge" is a detail used to show (a) George's poor eyesight (b) his amusement (c) his anger at Doris (d) his disbelief and amazement

George: Did she say 'You'll see'...?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: What did she mean?

Mrs Pearson: Better ask her.

[George looks slowly again at the door then at Mrs Pearson. Then he notices the stout that Mrs Pearson raises for another sip. His eyes almost bulge.]

George: Stout?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: [amazed] What are you drinking stout for?

Mrs Pearson: Because I fancied some.

George: At this time of day?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — what's wrong with it at this time of day?

George: [bewildered] Nothing, I suppose, Annie — but I've never seen you do it before...

Mrs Pearson: Well, you're seeing me now.

George: [with heavy distaste] Yes, an' I don't like it. It doesn't look right. I'm surprised at you.

Mrs Pearson: Well, that ought to be a nice change for you.

George: What do you mean?

Mrs Pearson: It must be some time since you were surprised at me, George.

1 marks · mcq

100. Q5. The tone of Mrs Pearson's "Well, you're seeing me now" is (a) apologetic (b) tearful (c) humorous (d) defiant and cool

George: Did she say 'You'll see'...?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: What did she mean?

Mrs Pearson: Better ask her.

[George looks slowly again at the door then at Mrs Pearson. Then he notices the stout that Mrs Pearson raises for another sip. His eyes almost bulge.]

George: Stout?

Mrs Pearson: Yes.

George: [amazed] What are you drinking stout for?

Mrs Pearson: Because I fancied some.

George: At this time of day?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — what's wrong with it at this time of day?

George: [bewildered] Nothing, I suppose, Annie — but I've never seen you do it before...

Mrs Pearson: Well, you're seeing me now.

George: [with heavy distaste] Yes, an' I don't like it. It doesn't look right. I'm surprised at you.

Mrs Pearson: Well, that ought to be a nice change for you.

George: What do you mean?

Mrs Pearson: It must be some time since you were surprised at me, George.

1 marks · mcq

101. Q1. Why does George not want any tea that evening? (a) He is unwell (b) It is a special snooker match night at the club with supper (c) He has eaten too much lunch (d) He is angry with his wife

George: I don't like surprises — I'm all for a steady going on — you ought to know that by this time. By the way, I forgot to tell you this morning I wouldn't want any tea. Special snooker match night at the club tonight — an' a bit of supper going. So no tea.

Mrs Pearson: That's all right. There isn't any.

George: [astonished] You mean you didn't get any ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yes. And a good thing, too, as it's turned out.

George: [aggrieved] That's all very well, but suppose I'd wanted some?

Mrs Pearson: My goodness! Listen to the man! Annoyed because I don't get a tea for him that he doesn't even want. Ever tried that at the club?

George: Tried what at the club?

Mrs Pearson: Going up to the bar and telling 'em you don't want a glass of beer but you're annoyed because they haven't already poured it out. Try that on them and see what you get.

George: I don't know what you're talking about.

1 marks · mcq

102. Q2. His wife exposes the absurdity of his complaint by comparing it to (a) refusing beer at a bar yet being annoyed that it was not poured out (b) missing a bus (c) oversleeping (d) losing a match

George: I don't like surprises — I'm all for a steady going on — you ought to know that by this time. By the way, I forgot to tell you this morning I wouldn't want any tea. Special snooker match night at the club tonight — an' a bit of supper going. So no tea.

Mrs Pearson: That's all right. There isn't any.

George: [astonished] You mean you didn't get any ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yes. And a good thing, too, as it's turned out.

George: [aggrieved] That's all very well, but suppose I'd wanted some?

Mrs Pearson: My goodness! Listen to the man! Annoyed because I don't get a tea for him that he doesn't even want. Ever tried that at the club?

George: Tried what at the club?

Mrs Pearson: Going up to the bar and telling 'em you don't want a glass of beer but you're annoyed because they haven't already poured it out. Try that on them and see what you get.

George: I don't know what you're talking about.

1 marks · mcq

103. Q3. George's aggrieved "suppose I'd wanted some?" reveals that in his view (a) tea must always be ready whether wanted or not (b) his wife is lazy (c) he loves tea dearly (d) the kitchen is closed

George: I don't like surprises — I'm all for a steady going on — you ought to know that by this time. By the way, I forgot to tell you this morning I wouldn't want any tea. Special snooker match night at the club tonight — an' a bit of supper going. So no tea.

Mrs Pearson: That's all right. There isn't any.

George: [astonished] You mean you didn't get any ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yes. And a good thing, too, as it's turned out.

George: [aggrieved] That's all very well, but suppose I'd wanted some?

Mrs Pearson: My goodness! Listen to the man! Annoyed because I don't get a tea for him that he doesn't even want. Ever tried that at the club?

George: Tried what at the club?

Mrs Pearson: Going up to the bar and telling 'em you don't want a glass of beer but you're annoyed because they haven't already poured it out. Try that on them and see what you get.

George: I don't know what you're talking about.

1 marks · mcq

104. Q4. The word "aggrieved" describes a feeling of (a) gratitude (b) relief (c) joy (d) having been wronged

George: I don't like surprises — I'm all for a steady going on — you ought to know that by this time. By the way, I forgot to tell you this morning I wouldn't want any tea. Special snooker match night at the club tonight — an' a bit of supper going. So no tea.

Mrs Pearson: That's all right. There isn't any.

George: [astonished] You mean you didn't get any ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yes. And a good thing, too, as it's turned out.

George: [aggrieved] That's all very well, but suppose I'd wanted some?

Mrs Pearson: My goodness! Listen to the man! Annoyed because I don't get a tea for him that he doesn't even want. Ever tried that at the club?

George: Tried what at the club?

Mrs Pearson: Going up to the bar and telling 'em you don't want a glass of beer but you're annoyed because they haven't already poured it out. Try that on them and see what you get.

George: I don't know what you're talking about.

1 marks · mcq

105. Q5. George's declaration "I don't like surprises — I'm all for a steady going on" tells us that he is (a) adventurous (b) a creature of habit who resists change (c) planning a surprise party (d) afraid of the dark

George: I don't like surprises — I'm all for a steady going on — you ought to know that by this time. By the way, I forgot to tell you this morning I wouldn't want any tea. Special snooker match night at the club tonight — an' a bit of supper going. So no tea.

Mrs Pearson: That's all right. There isn't any.

George: [astonished] You mean you didn't get any ready?

Mrs Pearson: Yes. And a good thing, too, as it's turned out.

George: [aggrieved] That's all very well, but suppose I'd wanted some?

Mrs Pearson: My goodness! Listen to the man! Annoyed because I don't get a tea for him that he doesn't even want. Ever tried that at the club?

George: Tried what at the club?

Mrs Pearson: Going up to the bar and telling 'em you don't want a glass of beer but you're annoyed because they haven't already poured it out. Try that on them and see what you get.

George: I don't know what you're talking about.

1 marks · mcq

106. Q1. What nickname do the club members use for George Pearson? (a) Slow-Coach George (b) Pompy-ompy Pearson (c) Snooker Sam (d) Old Pompous

Mrs Pearson: They'd laugh at you even more than they do now.

George: [indignantly] Laugh at me? They don't laugh at me.

Mrs Pearson: Of course they do. You ought to have found that out by this time. Anybody else would have done. You're one of their standing jokes. Famous. They call you Pompy-ompy Pearson because they think you're so slow and pompous.

George: [horrified] Never!

1 marks · mcq

107. Q2. George is "horrified" by the revelation because (a) he hates nicknames in general (b) he is proud of his speed (c) the club has expelled him (d) his self-importance rests on the belief that he is respected at the club

Mrs Pearson: They'd laugh at you even more than they do now.

George: [indignantly] Laugh at me? They don't laugh at me.

Mrs Pearson: Of course they do. You ought to have found that out by this time. Anybody else would have done. You're one of their standing jokes. Famous. They call you Pompy-ompy Pearson because they think you're so slow and pompous.

George: [horrified] Never!

1 marks · mcq

108. Q3. The phrase "standing joke" means (a) a joke told while standing (b) a permanent subject of ridicule (c) a witty reply (d) a new fashion

Mrs Pearson: They'd laugh at you even more than they do now.

George: [indignantly] Laugh at me? They don't laugh at me.

Mrs Pearson: Of course they do. You ought to have found that out by this time. Anybody else would have done. You're one of their standing jokes. Famous. They call you Pompy-ompy Pearson because they think you're so slow and pompous.

George: [horrified] Never!

1 marks · mcq

109. Q4. "You ought to have found that out by this time. Anybody else would have done" implies that George is also (a) popular and well-liked (b) unobservant of how others see him (c) hard of hearing (d) new to the town

Mrs Pearson: They'd laugh at you even more than they do now.

George: [indignantly] Laugh at me? They don't laugh at me.

Mrs Pearson: Of course they do. You ought to have found that out by this time. Anybody else would have done. You're one of their standing jokes. Famous. They call you Pompy-ompy Pearson because they think you're so slow and pompous.

George: [horrified] Never!

1 marks · mcq

110. Q5. Which of the following is the true position of George at the club, according to his wife? (a) He is club president (b) He is respected by all (c) He is one of their standing jokes (d) He has never visited it

Mrs Pearson: They'd laugh at you even more than they do now.

George: [indignantly] Laugh at me? They don't laugh at me.

Mrs Pearson: Of course they do. You ought to have found that out by this time. Anybody else would have done. You're one of their standing jokes. Famous. They call you Pompy-ompy Pearson because they think you're so slow and pompous.

George: [horrified] Never!

1 marks · mcq

111. Q1. Why does George turn to Cyril for confirmation of what his wife has said? (a) He wants to pick a quarrel (b) He hopes his son will contradict his wife's words (c) Cyril is a club member (d) Doris told him to

Mrs Pearson: It's always beaten me why you should want to spend so much time at a place where they're always laughing at you behind your back and calling you names. Leaving your wife at home, night after night. Instead of going out with her, who doesn't make you look a fool...

[Cyril enters right, with a glass of milk in one hand and a thick slice of cake in the other. George, almost dazed, turns to him appealingly.]

George: Here, Cyril, you've been with me to the club once or twice. They don't laugh at me and call me Pompy-ompy Pearson, do they? [Cyril, embarrassed, hesitates.] [Angrily] Go on — tell me. Do they?

Cyril: [embarrassed] Well — yes, Dad, I'm afraid they do.

[George slowly looks from one to the other, staggered.]

George: [slowly] Well — I'll be — damned!

[George exits left, slowly, almost as if somebody had hit him over the head.]

1 marks · mcq

112. Q2. What does the mother point out about George's club-going? (a) It saves money (b) It is good for his health (c) The club members admire him (d) He leaves his wife at home night after night while they mock him there

Mrs Pearson: It's always beaten me why you should want to spend so much time at a place where they're always laughing at you behind your back and calling you names. Leaving your wife at home, night after night. Instead of going out with her, who doesn't make you look a fool...

[Cyril enters right, with a glass of milk in one hand and a thick slice of cake in the other. George, almost dazed, turns to him appealingly.]

George: Here, Cyril, you've been with me to the club once or twice. They don't laugh at me and call me Pompy-ompy Pearson, do they? [Cyril, embarrassed, hesitates.] [Angrily] Go on — tell me. Do they?

Cyril: [embarrassed] Well — yes, Dad, I'm afraid they do.

[George slowly looks from one to the other, staggered.]

George: [slowly] Well — I'll be — damned!

[George exits left, slowly, almost as if somebody had hit him over the head.]

1 marks · mcq

113. Q3. The stage direction that George exits "almost as if somebody had hit him over the head" conveys (a) that he was attacked (b) his drunkenness (c) the physical force of the blow to his pride (d) his haste to reach the club

Mrs Pearson: It's always beaten me why you should want to spend so much time at a place where they're always laughing at you behind your back and calling you names. Leaving your wife at home, night after night. Instead of going out with her, who doesn't make you look a fool...

[Cyril enters right, with a glass of milk in one hand and a thick slice of cake in the other. George, almost dazed, turns to him appealingly.]

George: Here, Cyril, you've been with me to the club once or twice. They don't laugh at me and call me Pompy-ompy Pearson, do they? [Cyril, embarrassed, hesitates.] [Angrily] Go on — tell me. Do they?

Cyril: [embarrassed] Well — yes, Dad, I'm afraid they do.

[George slowly looks from one to the other, staggered.]

George: [slowly] Well — I'll be — damned!

[George exits left, slowly, almost as if somebody had hit him over the head.]

1 marks · mcq

114. Q4. Cyril's confirmation, "Well — yes, Dad, I'm afraid they do", is given (a) proudly (b) with embarrassment (c) angrily (d) joyfully

Mrs Pearson: It's always beaten me why you should want to spend so much time at a place where they're always laughing at you behind your back and calling you names. Leaving your wife at home, night after night. Instead of going out with her, who doesn't make you look a fool...

[Cyril enters right, with a glass of milk in one hand and a thick slice of cake in the other. George, almost dazed, turns to him appealingly.]

George: Here, Cyril, you've been with me to the club once or twice. They don't laugh at me and call me Pompy-ompy Pearson, do they? [Cyril, embarrassed, hesitates.] [Angrily] Go on — tell me. Do they?

Cyril: [embarrassed] Well — yes, Dad, I'm afraid they do.

[George slowly looks from one to the other, staggered.]

George: [slowly] Well — I'll be — damned!

[George exits left, slowly, almost as if somebody had hit him over the head.]

1 marks · mcq

115. Q5. George's exclamation "Well — I'll be — damned!" registers (a) pious gratitude (b) polite agreement (c) casual indifference (d) stunned disbelief

Mrs Pearson: It's always beaten me why you should want to spend so much time at a place where they're always laughing at you behind your back and calling you names. Leaving your wife at home, night after night. Instead of going out with her, who doesn't make you look a fool...

[Cyril enters right, with a glass of milk in one hand and a thick slice of cake in the other. George, almost dazed, turns to him appealingly.]

George: Here, Cyril, you've been with me to the club once or twice. They don't laugh at me and call me Pompy-ompy Pearson, do they? [Cyril, embarrassed, hesitates.] [Angrily] Go on — tell me. Do they?

Cyril: [embarrassed] Well — yes, Dad, I'm afraid they do.

[George slowly looks from one to the other, staggered.]

George: [slowly] Well — I'll be — damned!

[George exits left, slowly, almost as if somebody had hit him over the head.]

1 marks · mcq

116. Q1. How does Mrs Pearson justify having hurt George's feelings? (a) She says it was an accident (b) She says the truth oughtn't to hurt anybody for long (c) She says he deserved no better (d) She refuses to answer

Cyril: Now you shouldn't have told him that, Mum. That's not fair. You've hurt his feelings. Mine, too.

Mrs Pearson: Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt. The truth oughtn't to hurt anybody for long. If your father didn't go to the club so often, perhaps they'd stop laughing at him.

Cyril: [gloomily] I doubt it.

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Possibly you do, but what I doubt is whether your opinion's worth having. What do you know? Nothing. You spend too much time and good money at greyhound races and dirt tracks and ice shows...

Cyril: [sulkily] Well, what if I do? I've got to enjoy myself somehow, haven't I?

Mrs Pearson: I wouldn't mind so much if you were really enjoying yourself. But are you? And where's it getting you? [There is a sharp hurried knocking heard off left.]

Cyril: Might be for me. I'll see.

1 marks · mcq

117. Q2. What criticism does she make of Cyril's pleasures? (a) He reads too much (b) He works too hard at the office (c) He wastes too much time and good money on greyhound races, dirt tracks and ice shows (d) He spends nothing on his mother

Cyril: Now you shouldn't have told him that, Mum. That's not fair. You've hurt his feelings. Mine, too.

Mrs Pearson: Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt. The truth oughtn't to hurt anybody for long. If your father didn't go to the club so often, perhaps they'd stop laughing at him.

Cyril: [gloomily] I doubt it.

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Possibly you do, but what I doubt is whether your opinion's worth having. What do you know? Nothing. You spend too much time and good money at greyhound races and dirt tracks and ice shows...

Cyril: [sulkily] Well, what if I do? I've got to enjoy myself somehow, haven't I?

Mrs Pearson: I wouldn't mind so much if you were really enjoying yourself. But are you? And where's it getting you? [There is a sharp hurried knocking heard off left.]

Cyril: Might be for me. I'll see.

1 marks · mcq

118. Q3. Cyril's objection that his own feelings have been hurt too reveals his (a) maturity (b) generosity (c) sense of justice (d) self-pity and immaturity

Cyril: Now you shouldn't have told him that, Mum. That's not fair. You've hurt his feelings. Mine, too.

Mrs Pearson: Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt. The truth oughtn't to hurt anybody for long. If your father didn't go to the club so often, perhaps they'd stop laughing at him.

Cyril: [gloomily] I doubt it.

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Possibly you do, but what I doubt is whether your opinion's worth having. What do you know? Nothing. You spend too much time and good money at greyhound races and dirt tracks and ice shows...

Cyril: [sulkily] Well, what if I do? I've got to enjoy myself somehow, haven't I?

Mrs Pearson: I wouldn't mind so much if you were really enjoying yourself. But are you? And where's it getting you? [There is a sharp hurried knocking heard off left.]

Cyril: Might be for me. I'll see.

1 marks · mcq

119. Q4. The pointed questions "But are you? And where's it getting you?" challenge (a) Cyril's honesty at work (b) George's club nights (c) Doris's choice of friends (d) whether Cyril is really enjoying himself and what his pleasures achieve

Cyril: Now you shouldn't have told him that, Mum. That's not fair. You've hurt his feelings. Mine, too.

Mrs Pearson: Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt. The truth oughtn't to hurt anybody for long. If your father didn't go to the club so often, perhaps they'd stop laughing at him.

Cyril: [gloomily] I doubt it.

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Possibly you do, but what I doubt is whether your opinion's worth having. What do you know? Nothing. You spend too much time and good money at greyhound races and dirt tracks and ice shows...

Cyril: [sulkily] Well, what if I do? I've got to enjoy myself somehow, haven't I?

Mrs Pearson: I wouldn't mind so much if you were really enjoying yourself. But are you? And where's it getting you? [There is a sharp hurried knocking heard off left.]

Cyril: Might be for me. I'll see.

1 marks · mcq

120. Q5. The sharp hurried knocking heard at the end of the extract functions as (a) comic relief (b) an omen of disaster (c) the sound of thunder (d) a plot device introducing a new arrival

Cyril: Now you shouldn't have told him that, Mum. That's not fair. You've hurt his feelings. Mine, too.

Mrs Pearson: Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt. The truth oughtn't to hurt anybody for long. If your father didn't go to the club so often, perhaps they'd stop laughing at him.

Cyril: [gloomily] I doubt it.

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Possibly you do, but what I doubt is whether your opinion's worth having. What do you know? Nothing. You spend too much time and good money at greyhound races and dirt tracks and ice shows...

Cyril: [sulkily] Well, what if I do? I've got to enjoy myself somehow, haven't I?

Mrs Pearson: I wouldn't mind so much if you were really enjoying yourself. But are you? And where's it getting you? [There is a sharp hurried knocking heard off left.]

Cyril: Might be for me. I'll see.

1 marks · mcq

121. Q1. Who is the unexpected caller at the door? (a) Charlie Spence (b) A telegram boy (c) George's club friends (d) Mrs Fitzgerald from next door

[Cyril hurries out left. In a moment he re-enters, closing the door behind him.] It's that silly old bag from next door — Mrs Fitzgerald. You don't want her here, do you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Certainly I do. Ask her in. And don't call her a silly old bag either. She's a very nice woman, with a lot more sense than you'll ever have.

[Cyril exits left. Mrs Pearson finishes her stout, smacking her lips. Cyril re-enters left, ushering in Mrs Fitzgerald, who hesitates in the doorway.] Come in, come in, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to left centre; anxiously] I — just wondered — if everything's — all right...

Cyril: [sulkily] No, it isn't.

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Of course it is. You be quiet.

1 marks · mcq

122. Q2. Which of these best contrasts Cyril's description of the visitor with his mother's? (a) Both are respectful (b) He calls her a silly old bag; the mother calls her a very nice woman with more sense than he will ever have (c) Both insult her (d) The mother calls her a silly old bag; Cyril welcomes her warmly

[Cyril hurries out left. In a moment he re-enters, closing the door behind him.] It's that silly old bag from next door — Mrs Fitzgerald. You don't want her here, do you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Certainly I do. Ask her in. And don't call her a silly old bag either. She's a very nice woman, with a lot more sense than you'll ever have.

[Cyril exits left. Mrs Pearson finishes her stout, smacking her lips. Cyril re-enters left, ushering in Mrs Fitzgerald, who hesitates in the doorway.] Come in, come in, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to left centre; anxiously] I — just wondered — if everything's — all right...

Cyril: [sulkily] No, it isn't.

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Of course it is. You be quiet.

1 marks · mcq

123. Q3. The visitor's hesitancy in the doorway and her anxious "I — just wondered — if everything's — all right" show that she is (a) angry with the family (b) worried and nervous about what is happening (c) selling something (d) looking for George

[Cyril hurries out left. In a moment he re-enters, closing the door behind him.] It's that silly old bag from next door — Mrs Fitzgerald. You don't want her here, do you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Certainly I do. Ask her in. And don't call her a silly old bag either. She's a very nice woman, with a lot more sense than you'll ever have.

[Cyril exits left. Mrs Pearson finishes her stout, smacking her lips. Cyril re-enters left, ushering in Mrs Fitzgerald, who hesitates in the doorway.] Come in, come in, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to left centre; anxiously] I — just wondered — if everything's — all right...

Cyril: [sulkily] No, it isn't.

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Of course it is. You be quiet.

1 marks · mcq

124. Q4. Mrs Pearson's sharp order "don't call her a silly old bag either" shows that she now insists on (a) obedience to herself and courtesy to others (b) silence at all times (c) Cyril leaving the house (d) more visitors

[Cyril hurries out left. In a moment he re-enters, closing the door behind him.] It's that silly old bag from next door — Mrs Fitzgerald. You don't want her here, do you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Certainly I do. Ask her in. And don't call her a silly old bag either. She's a very nice woman, with a lot more sense than you'll ever have.

[Cyril exits left. Mrs Pearson finishes her stout, smacking her lips. Cyril re-enters left, ushering in Mrs Fitzgerald, who hesitates in the doorway.] Come in, come in, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to left centre; anxiously] I — just wondered — if everything's — all right...

Cyril: [sulkily] No, it isn't.

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Of course it is. You be quiet.

1 marks · mcq

125. Q5. Cyril's sulky "No, it isn't", when asked whether things are all right, reflects his (a) contentment (b) fear of the visitor (c) hunger (d) resentment at being disciplined

[Cyril hurries out left. In a moment he re-enters, closing the door behind him.] It's that silly old bag from next door — Mrs Fitzgerald. You don't want her here, do you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Certainly I do. Ask her in. And don't call her a silly old bag either. She's a very nice woman, with a lot more sense than you'll ever have.

[Cyril exits left. Mrs Pearson finishes her stout, smacking her lips. Cyril re-enters left, ushering in Mrs Fitzgerald, who hesitates in the doorway.] Come in, come in, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to left centre; anxiously] I — just wondered — if everything's — all right...

Cyril: [sulkily] No, it isn't.

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Of course it is. You be quiet.

1 marks · mcq

126. Q1. Why does Mrs Pearson shout at Cyril, calling him a "silly, spoilt, young piecan"? (a) Because he demands loudly to know why he should be quiet (b) Because he broke a cup (c) Because he insulted Doris (d) Because he stayed out late

Cyril: [indignantly and loudly] Why should I be quiet?

Mrs Pearson: [shouting] Because I tell you to — you silly, spoilt, young piecan.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [protesting nervously] Oh — no — surely...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Now, Mrs Fitzgerald, just let me manage my family in my own way — please!

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — but Cyril...

Cyril: [sulky and glowering] Mr Cyril Pearson to you, please, Mrs Fitzgerald. [Cyril stalks off into the kitchen.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to the settee; whispering] Oh — dear — what's happening?

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Nothing much. Just putting 'em in their places, that's all. Doing what you ought to have done long since.

1 marks · mcq

127. Q2. Cyril's retort "Mr Cyril Pearson to you, please, Mrs Fitzgerald" shows his (a) good manners (b) wounded pride and snobbery (c) sense of humour (d) respect for guests

Cyril: [indignantly and loudly] Why should I be quiet?

Mrs Pearson: [shouting] Because I tell you to — you silly, spoilt, young piecan.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [protesting nervously] Oh — no — surely...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Now, Mrs Fitzgerald, just let me manage my family in my own way — please!

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — but Cyril...

Cyril: [sulky and glowering] Mr Cyril Pearson to you, please, Mrs Fitzgerald. [Cyril stalks off into the kitchen.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to the settee; whispering] Oh — dear — what's happening?

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Nothing much. Just putting 'em in their places, that's all. Doing what you ought to have done long since.

1 marks · mcq

128. Q3. The word "piecan" is used as (a) a term of endearment (b) a compliment (c) a contemptuous name for a spoilt child (d) a family surname

Cyril: [indignantly and loudly] Why should I be quiet?

Mrs Pearson: [shouting] Because I tell you to — you silly, spoilt, young piecan.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [protesting nervously] Oh — no — surely...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Now, Mrs Fitzgerald, just let me manage my family in my own way — please!

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — but Cyril...

Cyril: [sulky and glowering] Mr Cyril Pearson to you, please, Mrs Fitzgerald. [Cyril stalks off into the kitchen.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to the settee; whispering] Oh — dear — what's happening?

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Nothing much. Just putting 'em in their places, that's all. Doing what you ought to have done long since.

1 marks · mcq

129. Q4. "Doing what you ought to have done long since" is addressed to the visitor because she is really (a) Doris in disguise (b) a social worker (c) George's sister (d) the real Mrs Pearson, who should long ago have disciplined her family

Cyril: [indignantly and loudly] Why should I be quiet?

Mrs Pearson: [shouting] Because I tell you to — you silly, spoilt, young piecan.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [protesting nervously] Oh — no — surely...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Now, Mrs Fitzgerald, just let me manage my family in my own way — please!

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — but Cyril...

Cyril: [sulky and glowering] Mr Cyril Pearson to you, please, Mrs Fitzgerald. [Cyril stalks off into the kitchen.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to the settee; whispering] Oh — dear — what's happening?

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Nothing much. Just putting 'em in their places, that's all. Doing what you ought to have done long since.

1 marks · mcq

130. Q5. The visitor's whispered "Oh — dear — what's happening?" shows her (a) amusement (b) curiosity about the game (c) joy (d) alarm and distress at the family's dressing-down

Cyril: [indignantly and loudly] Why should I be quiet?

Mrs Pearson: [shouting] Because I tell you to — you silly, spoilt, young piecan.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [protesting nervously] Oh — no — surely...

Mrs Pearson: [severely] Now, Mrs Fitzgerald, just let me manage my family in my own way — please!

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — but Cyril...

Cyril: [sulky and glowering] Mr Cyril Pearson to you, please, Mrs Fitzgerald. [Cyril stalks off into the kitchen.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moving to the settee; whispering] Oh — dear — what's happening?

Mrs Pearson: [calmly] Nothing much. Just putting 'em in their places, that's all. Doing what you ought to have done long since.

1 marks · mcq

131. Q1. What has Mrs Pearson been telling George about the club? (a) That the members think a lot of him (b) That he has won a snooker prize (c) That the club has closed down (d) That the members do not think highly of him — and now he knows it

Mrs Fitzgerald: Is George home? [She sits beside Mrs Pearson on the settee.]

Mrs Pearson: Yes. I've been telling him what they think of him at the club.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, they think a lot of him, don't they?

Mrs Pearson: No, they don't. And now he knows it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — dear — I wish you hadn't, Mrs Fitzgerald...

Mrs Pearson: Nonsense! Doing 'em all a world of good. And they'll be eating out of your hand soon — you'll see...

Mrs Fitzgerald: I don't think I want them eating out of my hand...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] Well, whatever you want, they'll be doing it — all three of 'em. Mark my words, Mrs Pearson.

1 marks · mcq

132. Q2. Why does the nervous visitor address her companion as "Mrs Fitzgerald" when she herself wears that name? (a) She has forgotten her own name (b) Each woman is calling the other by the name of the body she now wears (c) It is a Welsh custom (d) She is mocking her

Mrs Fitzgerald: Is George home? [She sits beside Mrs Pearson on the settee.]

Mrs Pearson: Yes. I've been telling him what they think of him at the club.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, they think a lot of him, don't they?

Mrs Pearson: No, they don't. And now he knows it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — dear — I wish you hadn't, Mrs Fitzgerald...

Mrs Pearson: Nonsense! Doing 'em all a world of good. And they'll be eating out of your hand soon — you'll see...

Mrs Fitzgerald: I don't think I want them eating out of my hand...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] Well, whatever you want, they'll be doing it — all three of 'em. Mark my words, Mrs Pearson.

1 marks · mcq

133. Q3. The idiom "they'll be eating out of your hand" means the family will soon be (a) hungry at mealtimes (b) completely docile and eager to please (c) leaving the house (d) wasteful with food

Mrs Fitzgerald: Is George home? [She sits beside Mrs Pearson on the settee.]

Mrs Pearson: Yes. I've been telling him what they think of him at the club.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, they think a lot of him, don't they?

Mrs Pearson: No, they don't. And now he knows it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — dear — I wish you hadn't, Mrs Fitzgerald...

Mrs Pearson: Nonsense! Doing 'em all a world of good. And they'll be eating out of your hand soon — you'll see...

Mrs Fitzgerald: I don't think I want them eating out of my hand...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] Well, whatever you want, they'll be doing it — all three of 'em. Mark my words, Mrs Pearson.

1 marks · mcq

134. Q4. The visitor's timid hope "Well, they think a lot of him, don't they?" shows that she (a) knows the truth of the club (b) has not followed what has been happening (c) admires George (d) dislikes George

Mrs Fitzgerald: Is George home? [She sits beside Mrs Pearson on the settee.]

Mrs Pearson: Yes. I've been telling him what they think of him at the club.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, they think a lot of him, don't they?

Mrs Pearson: No, they don't. And now he knows it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — dear — I wish you hadn't, Mrs Fitzgerald...

Mrs Pearson: Nonsense! Doing 'em all a world of good. And they'll be eating out of your hand soon — you'll see...

Mrs Fitzgerald: I don't think I want them eating out of my hand...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] Well, whatever you want, they'll be doing it — all three of 'em. Mark my words, Mrs Pearson.

1 marks · mcq

135. Q5. "Doing 'em all a world of good", said of the harsh treatment, conveys the speaker's (a) regret (b) fear (c) apology (d) confidence that the lesson is benefiting the family

Mrs Fitzgerald: Is George home? [She sits beside Mrs Pearson on the settee.]

Mrs Pearson: Yes. I've been telling him what they think of him at the club.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, they think a lot of him, don't they?

Mrs Pearson: No, they don't. And now he knows it.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — dear — I wish you hadn't, Mrs Fitzgerald...

Mrs Pearson: Nonsense! Doing 'em all a world of good. And they'll be eating out of your hand soon — you'll see...

Mrs Fitzgerald: I don't think I want them eating out of my hand...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] Well, whatever you want, they'll be doing it — all three of 'em. Mark my words, Mrs Pearson.

1 marks · mcq

136. Q1. Why is George "aghast" when the visitor calls him "George"? (a) He dislikes his first name (b) He thinks she insulted his wife (c) He has forgotten her name (d) He expects a neighbour to address him formally as Mr Pearson

[George enters left glumly. He is unpleasantly surprised when he sees the visitor. He moves to the armchair left, sits down heavily and glumly lights his pipe. Then he looks from Mrs Pearson to Mrs Fitzgerald, who is regarding him anxiously.]

George: Just looked in for a minute, I suppose, Mrs Fitzgerald?

Mrs Fitzgerald: [who doesn't know what she is saying] Well — yes — I suppose so, George.

George: [aghast] George!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — I'm sorry...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] What does it matter? Your name's George, isn't it? Who d'you think you are — Duke of Edinburgh?

George: [angrily] What's he got to do with it? Just tell me that. And isn't it bad enough without her calling me George? No tea. Pompy-ompy Pearson. And poor Doris has been crying her eyes out upstairs — yes, crying her eyes out.

1 marks · mcq

137. Q2. Which of these is NOT one of the grievances George pours out in this extract? (a) There is no tea (b) He has been called Pompy-ompy Pearson (c) Doris has been crying her eyes out (d) His pipe would not light

[George enters left glumly. He is unpleasantly surprised when he sees the visitor. He moves to the armchair left, sits down heavily and glumly lights his pipe. Then he looks from Mrs Pearson to Mrs Fitzgerald, who is regarding him anxiously.]

George: Just looked in for a minute, I suppose, Mrs Fitzgerald?

Mrs Fitzgerald: [who doesn't know what she is saying] Well — yes — I suppose so, George.

George: [aghast] George!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — I'm sorry...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] What does it matter? Your name's George, isn't it? Who d'you think you are — Duke of Edinburgh?

George: [angrily] What's he got to do with it? Just tell me that. And isn't it bad enough without her calling me George? No tea. Pompy-ompy Pearson. And poor Doris has been crying her eyes out upstairs — yes, crying her eyes out.

1 marks · mcq

138. Q3. The taunt "Who d'you think you are — Duke of Edinburgh?" mocks (a) George's royal ancestry (b) his love of titles (c) his habit of duelling (d) his inflated sense of his own importance

[George enters left glumly. He is unpleasantly surprised when he sees the visitor. He moves to the armchair left, sits down heavily and glumly lights his pipe. Then he looks from Mrs Pearson to Mrs Fitzgerald, who is regarding him anxiously.]

George: Just looked in for a minute, I suppose, Mrs Fitzgerald?

Mrs Fitzgerald: [who doesn't know what she is saying] Well — yes — I suppose so, George.

George: [aghast] George!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — I'm sorry...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] What does it matter? Your name's George, isn't it? Who d'you think you are — Duke of Edinburgh?

George: [angrily] What's he got to do with it? Just tell me that. And isn't it bad enough without her calling me George? No tea. Pompy-ompy Pearson. And poor Doris has been crying her eyes out upstairs — yes, crying her eyes out.

1 marks · mcq

139. Q4. The direction "[who doesn't know what she is saying]" applied to Mrs Fitzgerald shows that she is (a) confident and in control (b) bewildered, merely echoing what is expected (c) deliberately rude (d) hard of hearing

[George enters left glumly. He is unpleasantly surprised when he sees the visitor. He moves to the armchair left, sits down heavily and glumly lights his pipe. Then he looks from Mrs Pearson to Mrs Fitzgerald, who is regarding him anxiously.]

George: Just looked in for a minute, I suppose, Mrs Fitzgerald?

Mrs Fitzgerald: [who doesn't know what she is saying] Well — yes — I suppose so, George.

George: [aghast] George!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — I'm sorry...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] What does it matter? Your name's George, isn't it? Who d'you think you are — Duke of Edinburgh?

George: [angrily] What's he got to do with it? Just tell me that. And isn't it bad enough without her calling me George? No tea. Pompy-ompy Pearson. And poor Doris has been crying her eyes out upstairs — yes, crying her eyes out.

1 marks · mcq

140. Q5. George sits down heavily, glumly lights his pipe and looks from one woman to the other. His mood is best described as (a) cheerful (b) affectionate (c) sullen and bewildered (d) indifferent

[George enters left glumly. He is unpleasantly surprised when he sees the visitor. He moves to the armchair left, sits down heavily and glumly lights his pipe. Then he looks from Mrs Pearson to Mrs Fitzgerald, who is regarding him anxiously.]

George: Just looked in for a minute, I suppose, Mrs Fitzgerald?

Mrs Fitzgerald: [who doesn't know what she is saying] Well — yes — I suppose so, George.

George: [aghast] George!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] Oh — I'm sorry...

Mrs Pearson: [impatiently] What does it matter? Your name's George, isn't it? Who d'you think you are — Duke of Edinburgh?

George: [angrily] What's he got to do with it? Just tell me that. And isn't it bad enough without her calling me George? No tea. Pompy-ompy Pearson. And poor Doris has been crying her eyes out upstairs — yes, crying her eyes out.

1 marks · mcq

141. Q1. Why does George want the visitor to excuse the family? (a) She has stayed too long (b) She is unwell (c) The household is "at sixes and sevens" (d) There is a death in the family

Mrs Fitzgerald: [wailing] Oh — dear — I ought to have known...

George: [staring at her, annoyed] You ought to have known! Why ought you to have known? Nothing to do with you, Mrs Fitzgerald. Look — we're at sixes and sevens here just now — so perhaps you'll excuse us...

Mrs Pearson: [before Mrs Fitzgerald can reply] I won't excuse you, George Pearson. Next time a friend and neighbour comes to see me, just say something when you see her — Good evening or How d'you do? or something — an' don't just march in an' sit down without a word. It's bad manners...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

Mrs Pearson: No, it isn't all right. We'll have some decent manners in this house — or I'll know the reason why. [glaring at George] Well?

George: [intimidated] Well, what!

1 marks · mcq

142. Q2. What lesson in manners does Mrs Pearson force on George? (a) To bow to guests (b) To offer guests refreshment at once (c) To show visitors the garden (d) To greet a friend and neighbour with words like "Good evening" instead of marching in silent

Mrs Fitzgerald: [wailing] Oh — dear — I ought to have known...

George: [staring at her, annoyed] You ought to have known! Why ought you to have known? Nothing to do with you, Mrs Fitzgerald. Look — we're at sixes and sevens here just now — so perhaps you'll excuse us...

Mrs Pearson: [before Mrs Fitzgerald can reply] I won't excuse you, George Pearson. Next time a friend and neighbour comes to see me, just say something when you see her — Good evening or How d'you do? or something — an' don't just march in an' sit down without a word. It's bad manners...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

Mrs Pearson: No, it isn't all right. We'll have some decent manners in this house — or I'll know the reason why. [glaring at George] Well?

George: [intimidated] Well, what!

1 marks · mcq

143. Q3. The idiom "at sixes and sevens" means (a) in a state of confusion and disorder (b) at six o'clock sharp (c) counting money (d) playing a card game

Mrs Fitzgerald: [wailing] Oh — dear — I ought to have known...

George: [staring at her, annoyed] You ought to have known! Why ought you to have known? Nothing to do with you, Mrs Fitzgerald. Look — we're at sixes and sevens here just now — so perhaps you'll excuse us...

Mrs Pearson: [before Mrs Fitzgerald can reply] I won't excuse you, George Pearson. Next time a friend and neighbour comes to see me, just say something when you see her — Good evening or How d'you do? or something — an' don't just march in an' sit down without a word. It's bad manners...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

Mrs Pearson: No, it isn't all right. We'll have some decent manners in this house — or I'll know the reason why. [glaring at George] Well?

George: [intimidated] Well, what!

1 marks · mcq

144. Q4. "We'll have some decent manners in this house — or I'll know the reason why." This threat shows the new Mrs Pearson's (a) helplessness (b) fear of George (c) love of formality (d) firm authority over the household

Mrs Fitzgerald: [wailing] Oh — dear — I ought to have known...

George: [staring at her, annoyed] You ought to have known! Why ought you to have known? Nothing to do with you, Mrs Fitzgerald. Look — we're at sixes and sevens here just now — so perhaps you'll excuse us...

Mrs Pearson: [before Mrs Fitzgerald can reply] I won't excuse you, George Pearson. Next time a friend and neighbour comes to see me, just say something when you see her — Good evening or How d'you do? or something — an' don't just march in an' sit down without a word. It's bad manners...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

Mrs Pearson: No, it isn't all right. We'll have some decent manners in this house — or I'll know the reason why. [glaring at George] Well?

George: [intimidated] Well, what!

1 marks · mcq

145. Q5. George's intimidated "Well, what!" in reply to her glare shows that (a) he has mastered his wife (b) he no longer rules the house (c) he is delighted (d) he has fallen asleep

Mrs Fitzgerald: [wailing] Oh — dear — I ought to have known...

George: [staring at her, annoyed] You ought to have known! Why ought you to have known? Nothing to do with you, Mrs Fitzgerald. Look — we're at sixes and sevens here just now — so perhaps you'll excuse us...

Mrs Pearson: [before Mrs Fitzgerald can reply] I won't excuse you, George Pearson. Next time a friend and neighbour comes to see me, just say something when you see her — Good evening or How d'you do? or something — an' don't just march in an' sit down without a word. It's bad manners...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

Mrs Pearson: No, it isn't all right. We'll have some decent manners in this house — or I'll know the reason why. [glaring at George] Well?

George: [intimidated] Well, what!

1 marks · mcq

146. Q1. What does Mrs Pearson threaten to do if George shouts at her again? (a) To leave the house (b) To call the police (c) To slap his big, fat, silly face (d) To stop his pocket money

Mrs Pearson: [taunting him] Why don't you get off to your club? Special night tonight, isn't it? They'll be waiting for you — wanting to have a good laugh. Go on then. Don't disappoint 'em.

George: [bitterly] That's right. Make me look silly in front of her now! Go on — don't mind me. Sixes and sevens! Poor Doris been crying her eyes out! Getting the neighbours in to see the fun! [suddenly losing his temper, glaring at Mrs Pearson, and shouting] All right — let her hear it. What's the matter with you? Have you gone barmy — or what?

Mrs Pearson: [jumping up; savagely] If you shout at me again like that, George Pearson, I'll slap your big, fat, silly face...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moaning] Oh — no — no — no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald... [Mrs Pearson sits.]

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Either I'm off my chump or you two are. How d'you mean — "No, no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald"? Look — you're Mrs Fitzgerald. So why are you telling yourself to stop when you're not doing anything?

1 marks · mcq

147. Q2. "Make me look silly in front of her now!" reveals that George's chief concern is (a) Doris's tears (b) his wife's health (c) the missing tea (d) his own dignity in front of others

Mrs Pearson: [taunting him] Why don't you get off to your club? Special night tonight, isn't it? They'll be waiting for you — wanting to have a good laugh. Go on then. Don't disappoint 'em.

George: [bitterly] That's right. Make me look silly in front of her now! Go on — don't mind me. Sixes and sevens! Poor Doris been crying her eyes out! Getting the neighbours in to see the fun! [suddenly losing his temper, glaring at Mrs Pearson, and shouting] All right — let her hear it. What's the matter with you? Have you gone barmy — or what?

Mrs Pearson: [jumping up; savagely] If you shout at me again like that, George Pearson, I'll slap your big, fat, silly face...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moaning] Oh — no — no — no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald... [Mrs Pearson sits.]

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Either I'm off my chump or you two are. How d'you mean — "No, no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald"? Look — you're Mrs Fitzgerald. So why are you telling yourself to stop when you're not doing anything?

1 marks · mcq

148. Q3. The visitor moans "Oh — no — no — no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald..." because she (a) is pleading with the woman she addresses by that name (b) dislikes George (c) wants tea (d) is saying her prayers

Mrs Pearson: [taunting him] Why don't you get off to your club? Special night tonight, isn't it? They'll be waiting for you — wanting to have a good laugh. Go on then. Don't disappoint 'em.

George: [bitterly] That's right. Make me look silly in front of her now! Go on — don't mind me. Sixes and sevens! Poor Doris been crying her eyes out! Getting the neighbours in to see the fun! [suddenly losing his temper, glaring at Mrs Pearson, and shouting] All right — let her hear it. What's the matter with you? Have you gone barmy — or what?

Mrs Pearson: [jumping up; savagely] If you shout at me again like that, George Pearson, I'll slap your big, fat, silly face...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moaning] Oh — no — no — no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald... [Mrs Pearson sits.]

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Either I'm off my chump or you two are. How d'you mean — "No, no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald"? Look — you're Mrs Fitzgerald. So why are you telling yourself to stop when you're not doing anything?

1 marks · mcq

149. Q4. George concludes "Either I'm off my chump or you two are", that is, (a) someone is mad (b) the clock is wrong (c) the house is haunted (d) he is dreaming of work

Mrs Pearson: [taunting him] Why don't you get off to your club? Special night tonight, isn't it? They'll be waiting for you — wanting to have a good laugh. Go on then. Don't disappoint 'em.

George: [bitterly] That's right. Make me look silly in front of her now! Go on — don't mind me. Sixes and sevens! Poor Doris been crying her eyes out! Getting the neighbours in to see the fun! [suddenly losing his temper, glaring at Mrs Pearson, and shouting] All right — let her hear it. What's the matter with you? Have you gone barmy — or what?

Mrs Pearson: [jumping up; savagely] If you shout at me again like that, George Pearson, I'll slap your big, fat, silly face...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moaning] Oh — no — no — no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald... [Mrs Pearson sits.]

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Either I'm off my chump or you two are. How d'you mean — "No, no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald"? Look — you're Mrs Fitzgerald. So why are you telling yourself to stop when you're not doing anything?

1 marks · mcq

150. Q5. The adverb "savagely", describing Mrs Pearson's springing up, suggests (a) playfulness (b) polite restraint (c) fatigue (d) fierce, barely checked anger

Mrs Pearson: [taunting him] Why don't you get off to your club? Special night tonight, isn't it? They'll be waiting for you — wanting to have a good laugh. Go on then. Don't disappoint 'em.

George: [bitterly] That's right. Make me look silly in front of her now! Go on — don't mind me. Sixes and sevens! Poor Doris been crying her eyes out! Getting the neighbours in to see the fun! [suddenly losing his temper, glaring at Mrs Pearson, and shouting] All right — let her hear it. What's the matter with you? Have you gone barmy — or what?

Mrs Pearson: [jumping up; savagely] If you shout at me again like that, George Pearson, I'll slap your big, fat, silly face...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [moaning] Oh — no — no — no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald... [Mrs Pearson sits.]

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Either I'm off my chump or you two are. How d'you mean — "No, no — please, Mrs Fitzgerald"? Look — you're Mrs Fitzgerald. So why are you telling yourself to stop when you're not doing anything?

1 marks · mcq

151. Q1. When George says "I think you must be tiddly", he means his wife must be (a) tiny (b) tipsy or mad (c) tired (d) tidy

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Tell her to stop — then there'd be some sense in it. [Staring at Mrs Pearson] I think you must be tiddly.

Mrs Pearson: [starting up; savagely] Say that again, George Pearson.

George: [intimidated] All right — all right — all right...

[Doris enters left slowly, looking miserable. She is still wearing the wrap. Mrs Pearson sits on the settee.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hello — Doris dear!

Doris: [miserably] Hello — Mrs Fitzgerald!

Mrs Fitzgerald: I thought you were going out with Charlie Spence tonight.

Doris: [annoyed] What's that to do with you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Stop that!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

1 marks · mcq

152. Q2. George is driven to this conclusion by the fact that (a) the visitor pleads with "Mrs Fitzgerald" — the name she herself bears (b) his tea is not ready (c) Doris has gone out (d) his wife is singing

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Tell her to stop — then there'd be some sense in it. [Staring at Mrs Pearson] I think you must be tiddly.

Mrs Pearson: [starting up; savagely] Say that again, George Pearson.

George: [intimidated] All right — all right — all right...

[Doris enters left slowly, looking miserable. She is still wearing the wrap. Mrs Pearson sits on the settee.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hello — Doris dear!

Doris: [miserably] Hello — Mrs Fitzgerald!

Mrs Fitzgerald: I thought you were going out with Charlie Spence tonight.

Doris: [annoyed] What's that to do with you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Stop that!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

1 marks · mcq

153. Q3. When Doris rudely asks "What's that to do with you?", her mother commands "Stop that!" because she (a) dislikes Mrs Fitzgerald's question (b) wants Doris upstairs (c) is answering George (d) will not permit rudeness to a guest

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Tell her to stop — then there'd be some sense in it. [Staring at Mrs Pearson] I think you must be tiddly.

Mrs Pearson: [starting up; savagely] Say that again, George Pearson.

George: [intimidated] All right — all right — all right...

[Doris enters left slowly, looking miserable. She is still wearing the wrap. Mrs Pearson sits on the settee.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hello — Doris dear!

Doris: [miserably] Hello — Mrs Fitzgerald!

Mrs Fitzgerald: I thought you were going out with Charlie Spence tonight.

Doris: [annoyed] What's that to do with you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Stop that!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

1 marks · mcq

154. Q4. Mrs Pearson's menacing "Say that again, George Pearson" makes him (a) repeat his insult (b) laugh (c) leave the house (d) retreat at once with "All right — all right"

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Tell her to stop — then there'd be some sense in it. [Staring at Mrs Pearson] I think you must be tiddly.

Mrs Pearson: [starting up; savagely] Say that again, George Pearson.

George: [intimidated] All right — all right — all right...

[Doris enters left slowly, looking miserable. She is still wearing the wrap. Mrs Pearson sits on the settee.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hello — Doris dear!

Doris: [miserably] Hello — Mrs Fitzgerald!

Mrs Fitzgerald: I thought you were going out with Charlie Spence tonight.

Doris: [annoyed] What's that to do with you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Stop that!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

1 marks · mcq

155. Q5. Doris re-enters "slowly, looking miserable", still in her wrap, which suggests that she (a) has been crying and given up her evening (b) has come from work (c) is going out immediately (d) has been cooking

George: [staring at her, bewildered] Tell her to stop — then there'd be some sense in it. [Staring at Mrs Pearson] I think you must be tiddly.

Mrs Pearson: [starting up; savagely] Say that again, George Pearson.

George: [intimidated] All right — all right — all right...

[Doris enters left slowly, looking miserable. She is still wearing the wrap. Mrs Pearson sits on the settee.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Hello — Doris dear!

Doris: [miserably] Hello — Mrs Fitzgerald!

Mrs Fitzgerald: I thought you were going out with Charlie Spence tonight.

Doris: [annoyed] What's that to do with you?

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Stop that!

Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously] No — it's all right...

1 marks · mcq

156. Q1. Why had Doris called off her evening with Charlie Spence? (a) Charlie had fallen ill (b) Her father forbade her (c) She had to study (d) Her mother's taunts about Charlie had made her miserable

Mrs Pearson: [severely] It isn't all right. I won't have a daughter of mine talking to anybody like that. Now answer Mrs Fitzgerald properly, Doris — or go upstairs again... [Doris looks wonderingly at her father.]

George: [in despair] Don't look at me. I give it up. I just give it up.

Mrs Pearson: [fiercely] Well? Answer her.

Doris: [sulkily] I was going out with Charlie Spence tonight — but now I've called it off...

1 marks · mcq

157. Q2. George's despairing "Don't look at me. I give it up. I just give it up" shows (a) his love of puzzles (b) his hunger (c) his fear of Mrs Fitzgerald (d) the collapse of his authority in the house

Mrs Pearson: [severely] It isn't all right. I won't have a daughter of mine talking to anybody like that. Now answer Mrs Fitzgerald properly, Doris — or go upstairs again... [Doris looks wonderingly at her father.]

George: [in despair] Don't look at me. I give it up. I just give it up.

Mrs Pearson: [fiercely] Well? Answer her.

Doris: [sulkily] I was going out with Charlie Spence tonight — but now I've called it off...

1 marks · mcq

158. Q3. Mrs Pearson insists that Doris must either answer Mrs Fitzgerald properly or (a) be punished (b) apologise to her father (c) iron her own dress (d) go upstairs again

Mrs Pearson: [severely] It isn't all right. I won't have a daughter of mine talking to anybody like that. Now answer Mrs Fitzgerald properly, Doris — or go upstairs again... [Doris looks wonderingly at her father.]

George: [in despair] Don't look at me. I give it up. I just give it up.

Mrs Pearson: [fiercely] Well? Answer her.

Doris: [sulkily] I was going out with Charlie Spence tonight — but now I've called it off...

1 marks · mcq

159. Q4. Doris's wondering glance at her father, met by his refusal to help, shows that (a) the children can no longer rely on George to back them (b) George is asleep (c) Doris loves the visitor (d) George supports his wife fully

Mrs Pearson: [severely] It isn't all right. I won't have a daughter of mine talking to anybody like that. Now answer Mrs Fitzgerald properly, Doris — or go upstairs again... [Doris looks wonderingly at her father.]

George: [in despair] Don't look at me. I give it up. I just give it up.

Mrs Pearson: [fiercely] Well? Answer her.

Doris: [sulkily] I was going out with Charlie Spence tonight — but now I've called it off...

1 marks · mcq

160. Q5. The value Mrs Pearson enforces in this extract is (a) obedience to the father (b) early bedtime (c) saving money (d) courtesy towards guests

Mrs Pearson: [severely] It isn't all right. I won't have a daughter of mine talking to anybody like that. Now answer Mrs Fitzgerald properly, Doris — or go upstairs again... [Doris looks wonderingly at her father.]

George: [in despair] Don't look at me. I give it up. I just give it up.

Mrs Pearson: [fiercely] Well? Answer her.

Doris: [sulkily] I was going out with Charlie Spence tonight — but now I've called it off...

1 marks · mcq

161. Q1. Whom does Doris blame for calling off her outing? (a) Charlie Spence (b) Her father (c) Mrs Fitzgerald (d) Her mother, who has been "going on" at her

Mrs Fitzgerald: Oh — what a pity, dear! Why have you?

Doris: [with a flash of temper] Because — if you must know — my mother's been going on at me making me feel miserable — an' saying he's got buck-teeth and is half-witted...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [rather bolder; to Mrs Pearson] Oh — you shouldn't have said that...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Mrs Fitzgerald, I'll manage my family — you manage yours.

George: [grimly] Ticking her off now, are you, Annie?

Mrs Pearson: [even more grimly] They're waiting for you at the club, George, don't forget. And don't you start crying again, Doris...

1 marks · mcq

162. Q2. The humour of "Mrs Fitzgerald, I'll manage my family — you manage yours" lies in (a) the mention of housework (b) Doris's tears (c) George's pipe (d) the reversal — each woman speaking as if the other were the intruder

Mrs Fitzgerald: Oh — what a pity, dear! Why have you?

Doris: [with a flash of temper] Because — if you must know — my mother's been going on at me making me feel miserable — an' saying he's got buck-teeth and is half-witted...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [rather bolder; to Mrs Pearson] Oh — you shouldn't have said that...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Mrs Fitzgerald, I'll manage my family — you manage yours.

George: [grimly] Ticking her off now, are you, Annie?

Mrs Pearson: [even more grimly] They're waiting for you at the club, George, don't forget. And don't you start crying again, Doris...

1 marks · mcq

163. Q3. How does Mrs Pearson silence both George and Doris at the end of the extract? (a) By leaving the room (b) By touching each on their sore spot — the club and the crying (c) By calling Mrs Fitzgerald (d) By offering them tea

Mrs Fitzgerald: Oh — what a pity, dear! Why have you?

Doris: [with a flash of temper] Because — if you must know — my mother's been going on at me making me feel miserable — an' saying he's got buck-teeth and is half-witted...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [rather bolder; to Mrs Pearson] Oh — you shouldn't have said that...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Mrs Fitzgerald, I'll manage my family — you manage yours.

George: [grimly] Ticking her off now, are you, Annie?

Mrs Pearson: [even more grimly] They're waiting for you at the club, George, don't forget. And don't you start crying again, Doris...

1 marks · mcq

164. Q4. Doris answers "with a flash of temper", a stage direction indicating (a) sudden angry spirit (b) quiet sorrow (c) polite hesitation (d) fear of the dark

Mrs Fitzgerald: Oh — what a pity, dear! Why have you?

Doris: [with a flash of temper] Because — if you must know — my mother's been going on at me making me feel miserable — an' saying he's got buck-teeth and is half-witted...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [rather bolder; to Mrs Pearson] Oh — you shouldn't have said that...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Mrs Fitzgerald, I'll manage my family — you manage yours.

George: [grimly] Ticking her off now, are you, Annie?

Mrs Pearson: [even more grimly] They're waiting for you at the club, George, don't forget. And don't you start crying again, Doris...

1 marks · mcq

165. Q5. George's grim "Ticking her off now, are you, Annie?" shows his (a) approval of the visitor (b) amusement (c) confusion about the time (d) sullen disapproval of his wife's scolding of the guest

Mrs Fitzgerald: Oh — what a pity, dear! Why have you?

Doris: [with a flash of temper] Because — if you must know — my mother's been going on at me making me feel miserable — an' saying he's got buck-teeth and is half-witted...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [rather bolder; to Mrs Pearson] Oh — you shouldn't have said that...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] Mrs Fitzgerald, I'll manage my family — you manage yours.

George: [grimly] Ticking her off now, are you, Annie?

Mrs Pearson: [even more grimly] They're waiting for you at the club, George, don't forget. And don't you start crying again, Doris...

1 marks · mcq

166. Q1. Why does the visitor suddenly declare "That's enough — quite enough"? (a) She is bored with the quarrel (b) She cannot bear to see the family miserable any longer (c) She wants to go home (d) She is angry with Mrs Pearson

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up; with sudden decision] That's enough — quite enough.

[George and Doris stare at her bewildered.]

[to George and Doris] Now listen, you two. I want to have a private little talk with Mrs Fitz — [she corrects herself hastily] with Mrs Pearson, so I'll be obliged if you'll leave us alone for a few minutes. I'll let you know when we've finished. Go on, please. I promise you that you won't regret it. There's something here that only I can deal with.

George: [rising] I'm glad somebody can — 'cos I can't. Come on, Doris.

[George and Doris exit left. As they go Mrs Fitzgerald moves to left of the small table and sits. She eagerly beckons Mrs Pearson to do the same thing.]

1 marks · mcq

167. Q2. How does she get George and Doris out of the room? (a) By ordering them to bed (b) By paying them to leave (c) By asking for a few minutes' private talk with Mrs Pearson, promising they will not regret it (d) By shouting at them

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up; with sudden decision] That's enough — quite enough.

[George and Doris stare at her bewildered.]

[to George and Doris] Now listen, you two. I want to have a private little talk with Mrs Fitz — [she corrects herself hastily] with Mrs Pearson, so I'll be obliged if you'll leave us alone for a few minutes. I'll let you know when we've finished. Go on, please. I promise you that you won't regret it. There's something here that only I can deal with.

George: [rising] I'm glad somebody can — 'cos I can't. Come on, Doris.

[George and Doris exit left. As they go Mrs Fitzgerald moves to left of the small table and sits. She eagerly beckons Mrs Pearson to do the same thing.]

1 marks · mcq

168. Q3. The comic near-slip "a private little talk with Mrs Fitz — with Mrs Pearson" occurs because the speaker (a) has a stammer (b) cannot remember names (c) is being deliberately witty (d) nearly calls her companion by her real name instead of the borrowed one

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up; with sudden decision] That's enough — quite enough.

[George and Doris stare at her bewildered.]

[to George and Doris] Now listen, you two. I want to have a private little talk with Mrs Fitz — [she corrects herself hastily] with Mrs Pearson, so I'll be obliged if you'll leave us alone for a few minutes. I'll let you know when we've finished. Go on, please. I promise you that you won't regret it. There's something here that only I can deal with.

George: [rising] I'm glad somebody can — 'cos I can't. Come on, Doris.

[George and Doris exit left. As they go Mrs Fitzgerald moves to left of the small table and sits. She eagerly beckons Mrs Pearson to do the same thing.]

1 marks · mcq

169. Q4. George's "I'm glad somebody can — 'cos I can't. Come on, Doris" shows (a) his anger at Doris (b) his cleverness (c) his desire to stay (d) his relief and surrender of all attempts to manage the situation

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up; with sudden decision] That's enough — quite enough.

[George and Doris stare at her bewildered.]

[to George and Doris] Now listen, you two. I want to have a private little talk with Mrs Fitz — [she corrects herself hastily] with Mrs Pearson, so I'll be obliged if you'll leave us alone for a few minutes. I'll let you know when we've finished. Go on, please. I promise you that you won't regret it. There's something here that only I can deal with.

George: [rising] I'm glad somebody can — 'cos I can't. Come on, Doris.

[George and Doris exit left. As they go Mrs Fitzgerald moves to left of the small table and sits. She eagerly beckons Mrs Pearson to do the same thing.]

1 marks · mcq

170. Q5. The promise "I promise you that you won't regret it" is made to (a) Mrs Pearson (b) George and Doris (c) the audience (d) Cyril

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up; with sudden decision] That's enough — quite enough.

[George and Doris stare at her bewildered.]

[to George and Doris] Now listen, you two. I want to have a private little talk with Mrs Fitz — [she corrects herself hastily] with Mrs Pearson, so I'll be obliged if you'll leave us alone for a few minutes. I'll let you know when we've finished. Go on, please. I promise you that you won't regret it. There's something here that only I can deal with.

George: [rising] I'm glad somebody can — 'cos I can't. Come on, Doris.

[George and Doris exit left. As they go Mrs Fitzgerald moves to left of the small table and sits. She eagerly beckons Mrs Pearson to do the same thing.]

1 marks · mcq

171. Q1. Why does the visitor insist that they must change back at once? (a) She is tired of the game (b) The family is miserable and she cannot bear it (c) The spell is dangerous (d) George is coming

Mrs Fitzgerald: Mrs Fitzgerald, we must change back now — we really must...

Mrs Pearson: [rising] Why?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Because this has gone far enough. I can see they're all miserable — and I can't bear it...

Mrs Pearson: A bit more of the same would do 'em good. Making a great difference already... [She moves to right of the table and sits.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: No, I can't stand any more of it — I really can't. We must change back. Hurry up, please, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Pearson: Well — if you insist...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — I do — please — please.

[She stretches her hands across the table eagerly. Mrs Pearson takes them.]

Mrs Pearson: Quiet now. Relax.

[They stare at each other. Muttering; exactly as before. Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona... They carry out the same action as before, going lax and then coming to life. But this time, of course, they become their proper personalities.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Ah well — I enjoyed that.

Mrs Pearson: I didn't.

1 marks · mcq

172. Q2. What disagreement precedes the change? (a) The bold woman wants to continue the treatment; the real Mrs Pearson wants to stop (b) Both want to stop (c) Both want to continue (d) They argue over the words of the spell

Mrs Fitzgerald: Mrs Fitzgerald, we must change back now — we really must...

Mrs Pearson: [rising] Why?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Because this has gone far enough. I can see they're all miserable — and I can't bear it...

Mrs Pearson: A bit more of the same would do 'em good. Making a great difference already... [She moves to right of the table and sits.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: No, I can't stand any more of it — I really can't. We must change back. Hurry up, please, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Pearson: Well — if you insist...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — I do — please — please.

[She stretches her hands across the table eagerly. Mrs Pearson takes them.]

Mrs Pearson: Quiet now. Relax.

[They stare at each other. Muttering; exactly as before. Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona... They carry out the same action as before, going lax and then coming to life. But this time, of course, they become their proper personalities.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Ah well — I enjoyed that.

Mrs Pearson: I didn't.

1 marks · mcq

173. Q3. After the second spell the women become (a) each other once more (b) invisible (c) unconscious for good (d) their proper personalities

Mrs Fitzgerald: Mrs Fitzgerald, we must change back now — we really must...

Mrs Pearson: [rising] Why?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Because this has gone far enough. I can see they're all miserable — and I can't bear it...

Mrs Pearson: A bit more of the same would do 'em good. Making a great difference already... [She moves to right of the table and sits.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: No, I can't stand any more of it — I really can't. We must change back. Hurry up, please, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Pearson: Well — if you insist...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — I do — please — please.

[She stretches her hands across the table eagerly. Mrs Pearson takes them.]

Mrs Pearson: Quiet now. Relax.

[They stare at each other. Muttering; exactly as before. Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona... They carry out the same action as before, going lax and then coming to life. But this time, of course, they become their proper personalities.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Ah well — I enjoyed that.

Mrs Pearson: I didn't.

1 marks · mcq

174. Q4. The closing exchange "Ah well — I enjoyed that." / "I didn't." reveals (a) their shared enthusiasm (b) that the spell failed (c) the contrast between Mrs Fitzgerald's relish and Mrs Pearson's discomfort (d) George's arrival

Mrs Fitzgerald: Mrs Fitzgerald, we must change back now — we really must...

Mrs Pearson: [rising] Why?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Because this has gone far enough. I can see they're all miserable — and I can't bear it...

Mrs Pearson: A bit more of the same would do 'em good. Making a great difference already... [She moves to right of the table and sits.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: No, I can't stand any more of it — I really can't. We must change back. Hurry up, please, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Pearson: Well — if you insist...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — I do — please — please.

[She stretches her hands across the table eagerly. Mrs Pearson takes them.]

Mrs Pearson: Quiet now. Relax.

[They stare at each other. Muttering; exactly as before. Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona... They carry out the same action as before, going lax and then coming to life. But this time, of course, they become their proper personalities.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Ah well — I enjoyed that.

Mrs Pearson: I didn't.

1 marks · mcq

175. Q5. The direction that she stretches her hands out "eagerly" shows the real Mrs Pearson's (a) enthusiasm for magic (b) anger (c) fatigue (d) urgency to end the family's distress

Mrs Fitzgerald: Mrs Fitzgerald, we must change back now — we really must...

Mrs Pearson: [rising] Why?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Because this has gone far enough. I can see they're all miserable — and I can't bear it...

Mrs Pearson: A bit more of the same would do 'em good. Making a great difference already... [She moves to right of the table and sits.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: No, I can't stand any more of it — I really can't. We must change back. Hurry up, please, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Pearson: Well — if you insist...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes — I do — please — please.

[She stretches her hands across the table eagerly. Mrs Pearson takes them.]

Mrs Pearson: Quiet now. Relax.

[They stare at each other. Muttering; exactly as before. Arshtatta dum — arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona... They carry out the same action as before, going lax and then coming to life. But this time, of course, they become their proper personalities.]

Mrs Fitzgerald: Ah well — I enjoyed that.

Mrs Pearson: I didn't.

1 marks · mcq

176. Q1. What warning does Mrs Fitzgerald give after they change back? (a) Never to see the neighbours again (b) Not to go soft, explain or apologise to the family (c) To sell the house (d) To give up tea

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, you ought to have done. Now — listen, Mrs Pearson. Don't go soft on 'em again, else it'll all have been wasted...

Mrs Pearson: I'll try not to, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: They've not had as long as I'd like to have given 'em — another hour or two's rough treatment might have made it certain...

Mrs Pearson: I'm sure they'll do better now — though I don't know how I'm going to explain...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [severely] Don't you start any explaining or apologising — or you're done for.

Mrs Pearson: [with spirit] It's all right for you, Mrs Fitzgerald. After all, they aren't your husband and children...

1 marks · mcq

177. Q2. Why does Mrs Fitzgerald regret that the family "had not had as long as I'd like to have given 'em"? (a) She was enjoying their company (b) She believes another hour or two of rough treatment would have made the cure certain (c) She wanted to stay longer in the body (d) The tea was getting cold

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, you ought to have done. Now — listen, Mrs Pearson. Don't go soft on 'em again, else it'll all have been wasted...

Mrs Pearson: I'll try not to, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: They've not had as long as I'd like to have given 'em — another hour or two's rough treatment might have made it certain...

Mrs Pearson: I'm sure they'll do better now — though I don't know how I'm going to explain...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [severely] Don't you start any explaining or apologising — or you're done for.

Mrs Pearson: [with spirit] It's all right for you, Mrs Fitzgerald. After all, they aren't your husband and children...

1 marks · mcq

178. Q3. Mrs Pearson's "It's all right for you... they aren't your husband and children" points to her difficulty, namely that (a) she dislikes her family (b) Mrs Fitzgerald is unmarried (c) George will complain (d) sustained severity towards her own loved ones is harder for her

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, you ought to have done. Now — listen, Mrs Pearson. Don't go soft on 'em again, else it'll all have been wasted...

Mrs Pearson: I'll try not to, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: They've not had as long as I'd like to have given 'em — another hour or two's rough treatment might have made it certain...

Mrs Pearson: I'm sure they'll do better now — though I don't know how I'm going to explain...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [severely] Don't you start any explaining or apologising — or you're done for.

Mrs Pearson: [with spirit] It's all right for you, Mrs Fitzgerald. After all, they aren't your husband and children...

1 marks · mcq

179. Q4. The idiom "or you're done for" means (a) you will be praised (b) you will be paid (c) you will fail and be back where you started (d) you will be promoted

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, you ought to have done. Now — listen, Mrs Pearson. Don't go soft on 'em again, else it'll all have been wasted...

Mrs Pearson: I'll try not to, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: They've not had as long as I'd like to have given 'em — another hour or two's rough treatment might have made it certain...

Mrs Pearson: I'm sure they'll do better now — though I don't know how I'm going to explain...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [severely] Don't you start any explaining or apologising — or you're done for.

Mrs Pearson: [with spirit] It's all right for you, Mrs Fitzgerald. After all, they aren't your husband and children...

1 marks · mcq

180. Q5. The tone of Mrs Fitzgerald's warning, delivered [severely], is (a) playful (b) earnest and stern (c) indifferent (d) apologetic

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, you ought to have done. Now — listen, Mrs Pearson. Don't go soft on 'em again, else it'll all have been wasted...

Mrs Pearson: I'll try not to, Mrs Fitzgerald.

Mrs Fitzgerald: They've not had as long as I'd like to have given 'em — another hour or two's rough treatment might have made it certain...

Mrs Pearson: I'm sure they'll do better now — though I don't know how I'm going to explain...

Mrs Fitzgerald: [severely] Don't you start any explaining or apologising — or you're done for.

Mrs Pearson: [with spirit] It's all right for you, Mrs Fitzgerald. After all, they aren't your husband and children...

1 marks · mcq

181. Q1. What method does Mrs Fitzgerald prescribe for keeping the family in order? (a) Constant shouting (b) Complete silence (c) Leaving the house (d) An occasional look or tone of voice suggesting she might be tough

Mrs Fitzgerald: [impressively] Now you listen to me. You admitted yourself you were spoiling 'em — and they didn't appreciate you. Any apologies — any explanations — an' you'll be straight back where you were. I'm warning you, dear. Just give 'em a look — a tone of voice — now an' again, to suggest you might be tough with 'em if you wanted to be — an' it ought to work. Anyhow, we can test it.

Mrs Pearson: How?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, what is it you'd like 'em to do that they don't do? Stop at home for once?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — and give me a hand with supper...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Anything you'd like 'em to do — that you enjoy whether they do or not?

Mrs Pearson: [hesitating] Well — yes. I — like a nice game of rummy — but, of course, I hardly ever have one — except at Christmas...

1 marks · mcq

182. Q2. What does Mrs Pearson admit she would really like the family to do? (a) Stay at home for once, help with supper, and enjoy a game of rummy with her (b) Go out every evening (c) Buy her expensive gifts (d) Move to a new house

Mrs Fitzgerald: [impressively] Now you listen to me. You admitted yourself you were spoiling 'em — and they didn't appreciate you. Any apologies — any explanations — an' you'll be straight back where you were. I'm warning you, dear. Just give 'em a look — a tone of voice — now an' again, to suggest you might be tough with 'em if you wanted to be — an' it ought to work. Anyhow, we can test it.

Mrs Pearson: How?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, what is it you'd like 'em to do that they don't do? Stop at home for once?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — and give me a hand with supper...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Anything you'd like 'em to do — that you enjoy whether they do or not?

Mrs Pearson: [hesitating] Well — yes. I — like a nice game of rummy — but, of course, I hardly ever have one — except at Christmas...

1 marks · mcq

183. Q3. Mrs Fitzgerald's advice rests on what Mrs Pearson herself had admitted — namely that (a) she hated cooking (b) she wanted wages (c) she spoiled the family and they did not appreciate her (d) the neighbours were unkind

Mrs Fitzgerald: [impressively] Now you listen to me. You admitted yourself you were spoiling 'em — and they didn't appreciate you. Any apologies — any explanations — an' you'll be straight back where you were. I'm warning you, dear. Just give 'em a look — a tone of voice — now an' again, to suggest you might be tough with 'em if you wanted to be — an' it ought to work. Anyhow, we can test it.

Mrs Pearson: How?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, what is it you'd like 'em to do that they don't do? Stop at home for once?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — and give me a hand with supper...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Anything you'd like 'em to do — that you enjoy whether they do or not?

Mrs Pearson: [hesitating] Well — yes. I — like a nice game of rummy — but, of course, I hardly ever have one — except at Christmas...

1 marks · mcq

184. Q4. "Rummy" in this context is (a) a strange person (b) a card game (c) an alcoholic drink (d) a dance

Mrs Fitzgerald: [impressively] Now you listen to me. You admitted yourself you were spoiling 'em — and they didn't appreciate you. Any apologies — any explanations — an' you'll be straight back where you were. I'm warning you, dear. Just give 'em a look — a tone of voice — now an' again, to suggest you might be tough with 'em if you wanted to be — an' it ought to work. Anyhow, we can test it.

Mrs Pearson: How?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, what is it you'd like 'em to do that they don't do? Stop at home for once?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — and give me a hand with supper...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Anything you'd like 'em to do — that you enjoy whether they do or not?

Mrs Pearson: [hesitating] Well — yes. I — like a nice game of rummy — but, of course, I hardly ever have one — except at Christmas...

1 marks · mcq

185. Q5. "Anyhow, we can test it" refers to testing (a) the fortune-telling cards (b) the spell again (c) George's club friends (d) whether the family will now obey the new firmness

Mrs Fitzgerald: [impressively] Now you listen to me. You admitted yourself you were spoiling 'em — and they didn't appreciate you. Any apologies — any explanations — an' you'll be straight back where you were. I'm warning you, dear. Just give 'em a look — a tone of voice — now an' again, to suggest you might be tough with 'em if you wanted to be — an' it ought to work. Anyhow, we can test it.

Mrs Pearson: How?

Mrs Fitzgerald: Well, what is it you'd like 'em to do that they don't do? Stop at home for once?

Mrs Pearson: Yes — and give me a hand with supper...

Mrs Fitzgerald: Anything you'd like 'em to do — that you enjoy whether they do or not?

Mrs Pearson: [hesitating] Well — yes. I — like a nice game of rummy — but, of course, I hardly ever have one — except at Christmas...

1 marks · mcq

186. Q1. How do George, Doris and Cyril re-enter the room? (a) Cheerfully and noisily (b) Apprehensively, looking anxiously at Mrs Pearson (c) Refusing to come in (d) In tears

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up] That'll do then. [She moves towards the door left then turns] But remember — keep firm — or you've had it. [She opens the door. Calling] Hoy! You can come in now. [Coming away from the door, and moving right slightly. Quietly] But remember — remember — a firm hand.

[George, Doris and Cyril file in through the doorway, looking apprehensively at Mrs Pearson.] I'm just off. To let you enjoy yourself.

[The family looks anxiously at Mrs Pearson, who smiles. Much relieved, they smile back at her.]

Doris: [anxiously] Yes, Mother?

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Seeing that you don't want to go out, I tell you what I thought we'd do.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [giving a final warning] Remember!

Mrs Pearson: [nodding, then looking sharply at the family] No objections, I hope?

George: [humbly] No, Mother — whatever you say...

1 marks · mcq

187. Q2. The significance of George's humble "No, Mother — whatever you say..." is that (a) George is leaving home (b) George has lost his hearing (c) the pompous master now accepts his wife's decision without a murmur (d) he is being sarcastic

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up] That'll do then. [She moves towards the door left then turns] But remember — keep firm — or you've had it. [She opens the door. Calling] Hoy! You can come in now. [Coming away from the door, and moving right slightly. Quietly] But remember — remember — a firm hand.

[George, Doris and Cyril file in through the doorway, looking apprehensively at Mrs Pearson.] I'm just off. To let you enjoy yourself.

[The family looks anxiously at Mrs Pearson, who smiles. Much relieved, they smile back at her.]

Doris: [anxiously] Yes, Mother?

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Seeing that you don't want to go out, I tell you what I thought we'd do.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [giving a final warning] Remember!

Mrs Pearson: [nodding, then looking sharply at the family] No objections, I hope?

George: [humbly] No, Mother — whatever you say...

1 marks · mcq

188. Q3. Why does Mrs Fitzgerald repeat "Remember!" so often before leaving? (a) She is forgetful (b) She wants attention (c) She is saying goodbye to the children (d) She fears Mrs Pearson's old softness will return

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up] That'll do then. [She moves towards the door left then turns] But remember — keep firm — or you've had it. [She opens the door. Calling] Hoy! You can come in now. [Coming away from the door, and moving right slightly. Quietly] But remember — remember — a firm hand.

[George, Doris and Cyril file in through the doorway, looking apprehensively at Mrs Pearson.] I'm just off. To let you enjoy yourself.

[The family looks anxiously at Mrs Pearson, who smiles. Much relieved, they smile back at her.]

Doris: [anxiously] Yes, Mother?

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Seeing that you don't want to go out, I tell you what I thought we'd do.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [giving a final warning] Remember!

Mrs Pearson: [nodding, then looking sharply at the family] No objections, I hope?

George: [humbly] No, Mother — whatever you say...

1 marks · mcq

189. Q4. The family's relief when Mrs Pearson smiles at them shows they are now (a) planning revenge (b) indifferent (c) asleep (d) eager to please and anxious for her favour

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up] That'll do then. [She moves towards the door left then turns] But remember — keep firm — or you've had it. [She opens the door. Calling] Hoy! You can come in now. [Coming away from the door, and moving right slightly. Quietly] But remember — remember — a firm hand.

[George, Doris and Cyril file in through the doorway, looking apprehensively at Mrs Pearson.] I'm just off. To let you enjoy yourself.

[The family looks anxiously at Mrs Pearson, who smiles. Much relieved, they smile back at her.]

Doris: [anxiously] Yes, Mother?

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Seeing that you don't want to go out, I tell you what I thought we'd do.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [giving a final warning] Remember!

Mrs Pearson: [nodding, then looking sharply at the family] No objections, I hope?

George: [humbly] No, Mother — whatever you say...

1 marks · mcq

190. Q5. Mrs Fitzgerald's parting words "I'm just off. To let you enjoy yourself" are spoken in a tone of (a) bitterness (b) warning (c) fear (d) cheerful satisfaction

Mrs Fitzgerald: [getting up] That'll do then. [She moves towards the door left then turns] But remember — keep firm — or you've had it. [She opens the door. Calling] Hoy! You can come in now. [Coming away from the door, and moving right slightly. Quietly] But remember — remember — a firm hand.

[George, Doris and Cyril file in through the doorway, looking apprehensively at Mrs Pearson.] I'm just off. To let you enjoy yourself.

[The family looks anxiously at Mrs Pearson, who smiles. Much relieved, they smile back at her.]

Doris: [anxiously] Yes, Mother?

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Seeing that you don't want to go out, I tell you what I thought we'd do.

Mrs Fitzgerald: [giving a final warning] Remember!

Mrs Pearson: [nodding, then looking sharply at the family] No objections, I hope?

George: [humbly] No, Mother — whatever you say...

1 marks · mcq

191. Q1. What does Mrs Pearson propose for the family that evening? (a) A trip to the Clarendon (b) An early night for everyone (c) A visit to the pictures (d) A family game of rummy, with the children getting supper ready

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] I thought we'd have a nice family game of rummy — and then you children could get the supper ready while I have a talk with your father...

George: [firmly] Suits me. [He looks challengingly at the children.] What about you two?

Cyril: [hastily] Yes — that's all right.

Doris: [hesitating] Well — I...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] What? Speak up!

Doris: [hastily] Oh — I think it would be lovely...

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Good-bye, Mrs Fitzgerald. Come again soon.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes, dear. 'Night all — have a nice time.

[Mrs Fitzgerald exits left and the family cluster round Mother as — the curtain falls.]

1 marks · mcq

192. Q2. George's firm "Suits me", followed by a challenging look at the children, shows that (a) he is angry (b) he wants to go to the club (c) he now backs his wife and brings the children into line (d) he dislikes rummy

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] I thought we'd have a nice family game of rummy — and then you children could get the supper ready while I have a talk with your father...

George: [firmly] Suits me. [He looks challengingly at the children.] What about you two?

Cyril: [hastily] Yes — that's all right.

Doris: [hesitating] Well — I...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] What? Speak up!

Doris: [hastily] Oh — I think it would be lovely...

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Good-bye, Mrs Fitzgerald. Come again soon.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes, dear. 'Night all — have a nice time.

[Mrs Fitzgerald exits left and the family cluster round Mother as — the curtain falls.]

1 marks · mcq

193. Q3. Doris's hesitation is ended by her mother's sharp (a) "What? Speak up!" (b) invitation to the club (c) offer of tea (d) silence

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] I thought we'd have a nice family game of rummy — and then you children could get the supper ready while I have a talk with your father...

George: [firmly] Suits me. [He looks challengingly at the children.] What about you two?

Cyril: [hastily] Yes — that's all right.

Doris: [hesitating] Well — I...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] What? Speak up!

Doris: [hastily] Oh — I think it would be lovely...

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Good-bye, Mrs Fitzgerald. Come again soon.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes, dear. 'Night all — have a nice time.

[Mrs Fitzgerald exits left and the family cluster round Mother as — the curtain falls.]

1 marks · mcq

194. Q4. The closing picture of the family clustering round Mother as the curtain falls symbolises (a) the mother's return to servitude (b) the beginning of a quarrel (c) George's escape (d) the family's reunion on new terms, with the mother at the centre

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] I thought we'd have a nice family game of rummy — and then you children could get the supper ready while I have a talk with your father...

George: [firmly] Suits me. [He looks challengingly at the children.] What about you two?

Cyril: [hastily] Yes — that's all right.

Doris: [hesitating] Well — I...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] What? Speak up!

Doris: [hastily] Oh — I think it would be lovely...

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Good-bye, Mrs Fitzgerald. Come again soon.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes, dear. 'Night all — have a nice time.

[Mrs Fitzgerald exits left and the family cluster round Mother as — the curtain falls.]

1 marks · mcq

195. Q5. Mrs Fitzgerald's "'Night all — have a nice time" as she exits shows that she (a) is angry with the family (b) is exhausted by the spell (c) wants to stay for supper (d) departs with warmth, her mission accomplished

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] I thought we'd have a nice family game of rummy — and then you children could get the supper ready while I have a talk with your father...

George: [firmly] Suits me. [He looks challengingly at the children.] What about you two?

Cyril: [hastily] Yes — that's all right.

Doris: [hesitating] Well — I...

Mrs Pearson: [sharply] What? Speak up!

Doris: [hastily] Oh — I think it would be lovely...

Mrs Pearson: [smiling] Good-bye, Mrs Fitzgerald. Come again soon.

Mrs Fitzgerald: Yes, dear. 'Night all — have a nice time.

[Mrs Fitzgerald exits left and the family cluster round Mother as — the curtain falls.]

2 marks · short

196. Q1. What kind of a woman was Mrs Pearson before she changed?

2 marks · short

197. Q2. What advice did Mrs Fitzgerald give Mrs Pearson at the beginning of the play?

2 marks · short

198. Q3. Why could Mrs Pearson not act on Mrs Fitzgerald's advice herself?

2 marks · short

199. Q4. What strange proposal did Mrs Fitzgerald make when Mrs Pearson proved unable to confront her family?

2 marks · short

200. Q5. Where did Mrs Fitzgerald learn the art of changing bodies, and what were its limitations?

2 marks · short

201. Q6. What instructions did Mrs Fitzgerald (in Mrs Pearson's body) give the real Mrs Pearson before the family arrived?

2 marks · short

202. Q7. Why was Doris astounded when she entered the living-room?

2 marks · short

203. Q8. How did the new Mrs Pearson deal with Doris's demand for tea and the ironed yellow silk?

2 marks · short

204. Q9. Why did Doris cry after her conversation with her mother?

2 marks · short

205. Q10. How did Mrs Pearson counter Cyril's complaint that he had been working all day?

2 marks · short

206. Q11. What made Cyril and Doris think their mother had gone "barmy"?

2 marks · short

207. Q12. Why did George Pearson feel hurt when he learnt what the club members called him?

2 marks · short

208. Q13. How did Cyril confirm the truth about his father's nickname?

2 marks · short

209. Q14. What did Mrs Pearson mean by "I've joined the movement"?

2 marks · short

210. Q15. What was George's reaction when he found no tea had been prepared for him?

2 marks · short

211. Q16. Why did the children giggle at the thought of their father coming home?

2 marks · short

212. Q17. How did Mrs Pearson defend her harsh treatment of the family when Cyril called it unfair?

2 marks · short

213. Q18. Why did Mrs Fitzgerald (the real Mrs Pearson) ask everyone to leave the room?

2 marks · short

214. Q19. What warning did Mrs Fitzgerald give Mrs Pearson while leaving?

2 marks · short

215. Q20. What test of the family's reformation do we see at the end of the play?

3 marks · short

216. Q1. Draw a contrast between the personalities of Mrs Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald.

3 marks · short

217. Q2. What was the position of Mrs Pearson in her family before the events of the play?

3 marks · short

218. Q3. How does the exchange of bodies serve as an effective dramatic device in the play?

3 marks · short

219. Q4. How does the play show that the Pearson children were spoilt and self-centred?

3 marks · short

220. Q5. Describe the character of George Pearson as revealed in the play.

3 marks · short

221. Q6. How does the dramatist use humour to convey a serious social message?

3 marks · short

222. Q7. What is the importance of the fortune-telling scene at the beginning of the play?

3 marks · short

223. Q8. How does the whispering scene between Cyril and Doris add to the drama?

3 marks · short

224. Q9. What does the treatment of the word "work" reveal about the family's values?

3 marks · short

225. Q10. "Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt." Do you agree with Mrs Fitzgerald's view in the context of the play?

3 marks · short

226. Q11. How does the relationship between the two women underline the theme of friendship?

3 marks · short

227. Q12. Trace the change in Doris's attitude towards her mother through the play.

3 marks · short

228. Q13. Why do you think the play is titled "Mother's Day"?

3 marks · short

229. Q14. How was the reformation of the Pearson family brought about?

3 marks · short

230. Q15. The play ends on a note of reconciliation rather than revenge. Comment.

5 marks · broad

231. Q1. Draw a character sketch of Mrs Annie Pearson.

5 marks · broad

232. Q2. Draw a character sketch of Mrs Fitzgerald.

5 marks · broad

233. Q3. "The play 'Mother's Day' is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the mother in the family." Discuss.

5 marks · broad

234. Q4. How does the playwright make use of dramatic irony in "Mother's Day"?

5 marks · broad

235. Q5. "The play resolves a genuine social problem through a supernatural device." Do you think the resolution is convincing? Give reasons.

5 marks · broad

236. Q6. What is the message of the play "Mother's Day"? What values does it seek to inculcate?

5 marks · broad

237. Q7. Imagine yourself as Cyril (or Doris) on the evening after the events of the play. Looking back, how would you describe the family's transformation and the lessons learnt?