from I Know Why the Caged Bird Signs by Maya Angelou

Who is the "I" in this selection?

• Momma
• Mrs. Flowers
• Bailey
• the author

Which words or phrases best describe Momma?
I.  a good businesswoman
II.  a good cook
III. an aristocrat
IV. inpatient

• I and II
• II and III
• III and IV
• I and IV

Why did Momma have the Store built in the Negro area of the town of Stamps?

• It was built where the food stand was located
• It was halfway between the lumberyard and the cotton gin
• Because of segregation Momma could have a business only in the Negro area.
• She wanted the Store to be the lay center of activities in town.  

What reward did Marguerite receive when she accurately measured out flour for customers?

• She was allowed to eat canned pineapples.
• The customers praised her for being smart.
• The customers acused her of cheating them.
• Momma introduced her to Mrs. Flowers.

Reread the following passage from the story; then identify its meaning.
For  nearly a year, I sopped around the house, the Store, the school and the church, like an old biscuit, dirty and inedible.  Then I met, or rather go to know, the lady who threw me my first lifeline. 

• Marguerite felt bad about herself for a long time until a lady helped her.
• Marguerite kept getting soaked, until a lady rescued her.
• Marguerite carried an old biscuit everywhere, until a lady taught her not to,
• Marguerite cleaned the house, the Store, a school and church for nearly a year. 

The author describes Mrs. Bertha Flowers as

• the richest white woman in town
• the aristocrat of Black Stamps
• too thin
• always wearing overalls

Which detail about Mrs. Flowers seems the most important to the author?

• She had the grace of control to appear warm in the coldest weather.
• Her printed voile dresses and flowered hats were as right for her as denim overalls for a farmer.
• She was one of the few gentlewomen I have ever known, and has remained throughout my life the measure of what a human being can be...
• I don't think I ever saw Mrs. Flowers laugh, but she smiled often.

Mrs. Flowers talks to Margauerite about what problem?

• Marguerite cheats customers in the Store.
• The teachers cannot get Marguerite to talk in class.
• Marguerite is not doing good work in school.
• Marguerite should not run in the road. 

Which statement is closest to mrs. Flower's meaning in this quotation?
Words mean more than what is set down on paper.  It takes the human voice to infuse them with the shades of deeper meaning.

• Reading aloud can bring more meaning to something that is written.
• Words have no meaning until they are spoken aloud.
• The human voice is more important than the written word.
• Reading to yourself is a waste of time.  

Read this quotation from Mrs. Flowers.  What information does it give the reader?
You see, I had planned to invite you for cookies and lemonade so we could have this little chat.  

• Mrs. Flowers liked to talk.
• Mrs. flowers liked to bake cookies for children.
• Mrs. Flowers wanted Marguerite to carry her provisions.
• Mrs. flowers had planned to talk to Marguerite about her problems.