The lesson “On Saying Please” by A. G. Gardiner begins with the importance of politeness in everyday life. The first two paragraphs mainly talk about manners vs. law – how good manners are not enforced by law but still make life smooth and pleasant.
Here’s a short test based on the first two paragraphs:
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Part A – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. According to the essay, good manners are compared with:
a) Laws of the country
b) Education
c) Rules of games
d) Religion
2. What does the author say cannot be enforced by law?
a) Paying taxes
b) Speaking politely
c) Driving on the left side
d) Paying for tickets
3. What is the main theme of the first two paragraphs?
a) Discipline in schools
b) Importance of manners in social life
c) Role of judges in society
d) Punishment for crime
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Part B – Short Answer Questions
1. Why does the author say that manners are more important than laws in daily life?
2. Give one example from the text that shows the difference between law and good manners.
3. According to Gardiner, what is the “law of the road,” and how does it differ from the law of politeness?
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Part C – Vocabulary & Understanding
1. Explain the phrase “law of politeness” in your own words.
2. What would happen in society if everyone ignored politeness and only followed strict laws?
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t 👍 Here’s the Answer Key / Solutions for the test on the first two paragraphs of “On Saying Please”:
✅ Answer Key
Part A – Multiple Choice Questions
1. c) Rules of games
(Gardiner compares manners to rules of games — both make life smoother, but only one can be enforced by law.)
2. b) Speaking politely
(Politeness cannot be enforced by law, only by goodwill.)
3. b) Importance of manners in social life
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Part B – Short Answer Questions
1. Why are manners more important than laws in daily life?
Ans- Because laws can control only outward actions, but manners affect how people feel about each other and make everyday life pleasant. Without manners, life becomes rough and unpleasant even if laws are followed.
2. Example showing difference between law and manners:
Ans- Example: On the road, law tells us to drive on the left side, but it doesn’t tell us to say “please” or “thank you.” That is guided only by good manners.
3. Law of the road vs. Law of politeness:
Ans - i)Law of the road means strict legal rules, like driving on the left side.
ii) Law of politeness means courtesy, like helping others or saying kind words, which cannot be forced by law
Part C – Vocabulary & Understanding
1. Law of politeness:
Ans:- It means the unwritten social rules of courtesy that make human relations smooth (e.g., saying “please,” “thank you,” offering a seat).
2. What if politeness is ignored?
Ans:- Society would become harsh and unpleasant. People may obey laws, but life would feel cold, rude, and uncomfortable.