19
CYNTHIA: Okay.
(The bell sounds and CHARLENE and JO quickly begin
to pack up and prepare to leave.)
MR BENSON: There's no homework tonight. Just revise.
(CHARLENE and JO exit and MR BENSON turns to stop
CYNTHIA from following them out.)
MR BENSON: Cynthia, can I talk to you for a minute, please?
CHARLENE: (sticks her head in) I'll wait for you outside.
CYNTHIA: Okay.
MR BENSON: Listen, I'm not sure how I can help you
but if you think I can help then please ask. You're a smart
girl Cynthia and I know you can do this work. I
just don't understand why you're having so much
trouble with it lately. I mean, you got forty
three percent in the last test. That's the first
time this year you've got below eighty percent in
a test. (pause) Now if you think it would help,
then you're quite welcome to come to class a bit
early or stay back a bit later and I'll see if I
can make whatever you're having trouble with a bit
clearer. But as I said, you're a bright girl, and
you've had no problems with the work up to now so
I suspect there might be something else troubling
you apart from just the work. Would I be correct
in assuming that?
CYNTHIA: I don't know.
MR BENSON: I'm only trying to help you.
CYNTHIA: I know.
MR BENSON: Would you like me to spend some extra time before
or after class, or even during lunch with you to
help you with the work?
CYNTHIA: It probably wouldn't help.
MR BENSON: (pause) Is everything okay at home?
CYNTHIA: Yeah.
MR BENSON: Why don't I make an appointment with the school
counsellor for you. If you talk to him maybe he
can help you with whatever it is that's bothering
you. (pause) What do you think of that idea?
CYNTHIA: I'll be okay.
MR BENSON: Are you sure?
