Speak Chapter 41 Summary

Word Work

• Hairwoman is inspired by the dramatic excuses kids give for how they lose their homework. So, for the next essay, she gives them a fictional topic: "The Best Late Homework Excuse Ever" (41.3)…and everybody has their homework ready on time.
• But now Hairwoman can't stop. She assigns essay after essay. The topics are cool, sure, but it's just too much.
• Now Hairwoman is even trying to slip grammar into the lessons. Melinda finds grammar hideous.
• Hairwoman needs to go on vacation, so that the kids can have a break from all this work and all these words.