Page 116 - Real English 2024 Book 8

REAL ENGLISH 8

MARY: Thank you, sir. [She goes out.]

BOY: I – excuse me – but are you – ?
UNCLE: I’m Ernest’s uncle, if that’s what you want

to know. But sit down and tell me if I can be of any
use.
BOY: Well, you see, it’s about my school report. We
think there’s been some mistake.

UNCLE: Dear me! How did that happen?

BOY: [sitting down and producing report]: You see, it’s
like this. My name is Edward Roger Smith, and I’m
in the same Form as Ernest Ryland-Smith, only I’m plain Smith
and he’s hyphenated. 9

UNCLE: He’s what?
BOY: You know – he’s got a dash between Ryland and Smith.

UNCLE: I see, go on.
BOY: Well, old Jonah, that’s our form-master, never troubles to put
our full names on reports – only E.R.S. you see – so he’s very

likely mixed us up. I hope so, anyhow.
UNCLE: Why? Is your report so very bad?

BOY: It can’t be mine – that’s just what I’m saying.
It was bad enough UNCLE: Well, the one that was sent to you, whoever it belonged to.
for Dad to say he’d BOY [bitterly]: It was bad enough for Dad to say he’d cut my pocket

cut my pocket money money for a month.
for a month.
UNCLE: That’s bad luck. Well, I shouldn’t be surprised if you’re right
about yours getting mixed up with young Ernest’s. Suppose you
show me yours and take a look at his. [They exchange reports.]

BOY [looking quickly at the paper given to him]: This is mine. I’m sure
of it!
UNCLE: What makes you think so?

BOY: Look! I’ve done pretty well in everything except Art and
Woodwork, and those are the only subjects Ryland-Smith is
good at.

UNCLE: H’m. I shouldn’t wonder if you’re right. [Looks at paper.] Yes,
I’m afraid you are right. Well, there’s only one thing for it. We

9. separated by a hyphen must change them over.

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