Do It Right (my first short play)

About the story: There were two schools, namely Memorize System School and Understand System School. Both produced good results in board examinations but Memorize System School usually does better. On one occasion, one student from each school appeared in a Competitive Exam. Both students passed the written test and then at the interview they were both given a story to elaborate. The student from Memorize System School was dumbfounded while the other one from Understand System School had no difficulty at all.

Characters:
1 narrator:–

2 teachers for :–
Memorize System School:–
Understand System School:–

5 students each for two schools:–

2 interviewers (boy and girl):–

Prop:
1. Sign boards for Memorize System School and Understand System School
2. Notice board – with a tag “Written Test Results”
3. 5 chairs and desks for students with books and pens
4. Stick and book for teachers with a chair and table
5. Table and two chairs for interviewers
6. Note book, pen and paper for interviewers
(class-room will be the same, school sign boards will make the difference)

Scene 1: Memorize System School
Narrator: There once was a school called, Memorize System School.
Students are seated in the class chatting;
1st student to classmates – Did you all memorize the home work?
2nd student – Yes, I memorized them all in 20 mins (proudly)
3rd student – That’s nothing, I needed only 15 mins (boastfully)
4th student – (came running in) Our teacher is coming.
Students became silent.
All students – (stand up) Good morning sir. (As the teacher walks in)
Teacher – Morning. Who did not memorize their home work? (After a pause) Good, now take out you bazaar notes (ready made notes) and memorize lesson 22. If you don’t memorize it, my stick will speak to you.
All students – yes sir.
5th student – It’s too much sir.
Teacher – Don’t argue, if you memorize all your notes you will never fail.
All students – Yes sir (they take out their books and started reading loudly)
Teacher takes out mobile phone, calls someone and then … Bell rings
Teacher – on the phone - gimme a minute. (looks at the students) I will give you test on lesson 20 to 22 tomorrow and you have to answer exactly like your notes or my stick will talk again. Class dismissed.

Scene 2: Understand System School
Narrator: There was another school called, Understand System School.
Students are seated in the class and chatting;
1st student – Were you able to understand the home work from yesterday’s lesson?
2nd student – Ahh… I read through it and made a note but I’ll show it to Miss Grace to have a look.
3rd student – As for me, I just don’t understand anything.
4th student – That’s why it is important to pay close attention to the lectures.
Teacher – (as she walks in) Good day children!
All Students – Morning Miss
Teacher – Did you have any problem with your home assignment?
3rd student – Some of us do need a bit more help. May you please explain it again miss?
Teacher – Certainly, I would be glad to do that. If you have any trouble at all in understanding your lessons, please feel free to ask questions. Okay?
5th student – Miss, why don’t you just give us notes to memorize?
Teacher – Because if I do, you will not be able to really understand your lessons. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, I’m here to correct you, okay? Moreover, memorizing system will not help you much in your future.
Let’s get back to the lesson. You were to explain the meaning of …
All students – I build my foundation on the rocks that people throw at me.
Teacher – Good. Well, it means, not to be discouraged or give up because of criticisms but to use criticisms to polish our character. Is it clear?
All students – Yes miss
Teacher – Now it’s your turn to make the notes and remember to use your own words.
Dismissal bell rings.

Narrator: Both the school produced good results in the board examination. The Memorize System School did exceptional well. After 10 years, one student from each school appeared in a Competitive Exam.

Scene 3: The two students were checking out a notice board which read, ‘Written Test Results’
MSS student – I’m in the top ten list. Did you get through?
USS Student – Yes, but not as good as you did. Congrats.
Announcement from the office – All candidates who passed the aptitude tests are to be interviewed at 11 AM tomorrow.

Narrator: The next day at the interview.

Scene 4: Two interviewers are seated at a table, MSS student walks in.
Lady Interviewer – Good morning, how are we doing?
MSS student – (very nervously) I’m fine, thank you.
Lady Interviewer – Please take a seat.
MSS student continues to act nervously and uncomfortable and sat down.
Male Interviewer – Relax (MSS looks even more confused with eyes wide open and a gasp)
Male Interviewer – I need you to read this passage and elaborate it for us. (handing paper to MSS student)
MSS student – (Taking a paper from interviewer, reading and looking rather disturbed scratching his head making his hair untidy)
Male Interviewer – Are you done reading?
No answer from MSS student.
Male Interviewer – Are you done reading?
Still no answer. The 2 interviewers smiled at each other making sarcastic looks.
Male Interviewer – Alright (taking the paper from MSS student, continues to speak) please explain the meaning of the passage.
MSS student – Umm… I think… ahh… it means… umm… we should be … ahh … good… It’s very hard to explain sir. Please give me some more time.
Male Interviewer – That will not be possible but thanks for coming and all the best for your future.
MSS Student – Walks out sadly.

Scene 5: Two interviewers are seated at a table, USS student walks in.
Lady Interviewer – Good morning, how do you do?
USS student – Good morning. I’m fine, thank you.
Lady Interviewer – Please take a seat.
USS student – Thank you. (looking comfortable)
Male Interviewer – I need you to read this passage and elaborate it for us. (handing paper to MSS student)
USS student – (Takes the paper) Thank you
Male Interviewer – (after a brief pause) Can I have the paper back?
USS student – Certainly sir, here (handing interviewer the paper) That’s a very meaningful passage.
Lady Interviewer – I think so too.
Male Interviewer – (nodding his head) Right, please elaborate.
USS student – I believe that the phrase, “A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one” is trying to tell us to be careful with the words we use because words are powerful and can hurt people just as bad as inflicting pain to the physical body. To be gentle with words as gentle as we are to our bodies.
Male Interviewer – Very good, this shows that you are very bright with a good presence of mind, just the kind of person we’ve been looking for.
Lady Interviewer – Welcome aboard.
USS student – Thank you both so much.
(All shaking hands, compliments etc)

Narrator: Memorizing your lessons will get you through exams and understanding will get you through life. This is what the selected student had to say:

"It might be harder but its better. Remember what Miss Grace said, “Memorizing system will not help you much in your future."

Last Scene:
All participants gather on the stage:
To memorize is not the way, do it right and understand. Don’t just do it, do it right.