Part 1: Basic Understanding (45 points) 1. Mrs. Jones wants Roger to learn how to.... • be tough • behave himself (correct answer) • get a job • trust people 2. Which words best describe Mrs. Jones? • foolish and trusting • tough and ruthless • meek and shy • wise and kind (correct answer) 3. To show that she does not assume Roger will rob her again, Mrs. Jones.... • turns her back on him while she cooks (correct answer) • asks him to go to the store • asks if there is anyone at his house to feed him • tells him he should have snatched her purse 4. After Mrs. Jones brings Roger home, she... • treats him cruelly, as if he were her enemy • coddles him, as if he were a helpless puppy • disciplines him as if he were her own child (correct answer) • watches him suspiciously, as if he were a thief 5. Why do you think the author decides to name the story "Thank you, Ma'm"? Give information from the story to support your answer. (10 points) Part 2: HOTS- the motives we have learnt 1. At the beginning of the story, Mrs. Jones is aggressive towards Roger, and then she changes her behavior. Why do you think she changes? Give information from the story to support your answer. When answering the question use one of the thinking skills we have learnt- inferring/uncovering motives. 2. Mrs. Jones says, "I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son". What can you infer was her purpose when she told him that? Thinking skill I chose: Inferring. I infer that Mrs. Jones wants to teach Roger that people can change if they want to. She tells him that she also did bad things in the past, she probably stole too. However, now she has a decent job and a place to live in. By telling Roger her life story, she teaches him that though he tried to steal, he can change his future, like she did. 3. Why did Mrs. Jones choose to help Roger instead of calling the police? In your answer, refer to their environment of living. 4. Mrs. Jones handles the situation in an expected way. How do you think this experience affected Roger? How do you think the day with Mrs. Jones will change Roger ?Give examples from the story to support your answer. Part 3: Bridging Text to Context 1. “When people care for you and cry for you, they can straighten out your soul.” (Langston Hughes) "Trust and kindness go hand in hand. We need to learn that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a big influence on someone’s life. The only way to make people honest is to show them that you trust them." — Adapted from Henry L. Stimson Explain how this quote relates to the story "Thank you M'am". In your answer mention Langston Hughes's goals 2. Research shows that elderly African-Americans are often involved in the discipline of young people in their community. They sometimes help them with money and often act as parents. They also see themselves as teachers. The lessons they give to young people are about manners, values and morals. – Adapted from an article by Susan Adcox. Make a connection between the above description and the story. In your answer include facts/explanations from the background information about the author
