Name ___________________________________________ Date ________________ Period ___________ BEST EVIDENCE Practice â—˜Directions: Choose the best evidence (quote) to prove the topic sentence below. The evidence should work to prove the claim or stand taken in the topic sentence. Provide your reasoning for keeping or rejecting each piece of evidence. Prompt: What is the most important decision made in the story “Thank You M’am” by Langston Hughes? Why? Topic Sentence: Roger’s decision to steal Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’ pocketbook is the most important decision made in the story Thank You M’am by Langston Hughes, because it lays the foundation for Roger’s growth. Evidence 1 “When she got to her door, she dragged the boy inside, down a hall, and into a large kitchenette-furnished room at the rear of the house” (Hughes 88). 2 “Thank you Ma’m” (Hughes91). 3 “It was about eleven o’clock at night, dark, and she was walking alone, when a boy ran up behind here and tried to snatch her purse” (Hughes 88). 4 “Then we’ll eat,” said the woman. “I believe you’re hungry—or been hungry—to try to snatch my pocketbook” (Hughes 89). 5 “The boy wanted to say something other than ‘Thank you, m’am’ to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but although his lips moved, he couldn’t even say that as he turned at the foot of the barren stoop and looked up at the large woman in the door. Then she shut the door” (Hughes 91). Keep It or Reject It? Why? This quote shows Roger’s growth and change as a person. I have proven my topic sentence with this quote because it shows that Roger has changed as a result of Mrs. Luella Bates’ kindness. He is a better person and that’s why he did not say any thing. The boy could not bring himself to actually say “Thank you, ma’am” because he was so astounded by her kindness. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones had an open heart, and an ability to see the innocence and good in Roger, in spite of his attempt to steal from her. In the beginning of the story the Roger was focused on stealing for unimportant material gain (shoes), but Mrs. Jones taught him about the possibilities awaiting him. She taught him about emotional gain through decency and positive human interaction. His speechlessness at the end of the story suggests that he was in a state of shock and reflection about his experience with Mrs. Jones. His desire to come up with the right words to express his appreciation demonstrates his emotional growth from a boy with a self-centered focus (shoes) to a boy on his way to becoming a young man with a larger focus: another human being’s feelings. The boy could not bring himself to actually say “Thank you, ma’am” because he was so astounded by her kindness. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones had an open heart, and an ability to see the innocence and good in Roger, in spite of his attempt to steal from her. In the beginning of the story the Roger was focused on stealing for unimportant material gain (shoes), but Mrs. Jones taught him about the possibilities awaiting him. She taught him about emotional gain through decency and positive human interaction. His speechlessness at the end of the story suggests that he was in a state of shock and reflection about his experience with Mrs. Jones. His desire to come up with the right words to express his appreciation demonstrates his emotional growth from a boy with a self-centered focus (shoes) to a boy on his way to becoming a young man with a larger focus: another human being’s feelings. “You ought to by my son. I would teach you right from wrong. Least I can do right now is to wash your face. Are you hungry?” (Hughes 89). Roger’s decision to steal Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’ pocketbook is the most important decision made in the story Thank You M’am by Langston Hughes, because it lays the foundation for Roger’s growth.