"Thank You, Ma'am" Comprehension

What happens when Roger tries to steal Mrs. Jones's purse in "Thank You, Ma'am"?

• He changes his mind because he knows stealing is wrong.

• He changes his mind because he is frightened by her large size.

• The purse is so heavy that he loses his balance and falls.

• He runs away but he is caught by another person and brought back to Mrs. Jones.

What can you infer about Mrs. Jones's FIRST reaction to Roger from this sentence?

"The large woman simply turned around and kicked him square in his blue-jeaned sitter."

• She is confused.

• She is scared.

• She is angry.

• She is sad.

What can you infer about Roger from this exchange with Mrs. Jones?

"Your face is dirty. I got a mind to wash your face for you. Ain't you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?"

"No, Ma'am," said the boy.

• He is shy.

• He is neglected at home.

• He has trouble telling the truth.

• He has a good sense of humor.

What can you infer about Mrs. Jones from this remark to Roger?

"But you put yourself in contact with me," said the woman. "If you think that that contact is not going to last awhile, you got another thought coming. When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones."

• She is shy.

• She is easily frightened.

• She has trouble expressing herself.

• She is bossy.

In "Thank You Ma'am," how does Mrs. Jones get Roger to her home?

• She drags him up the street.

• She asks the person who caught Roger to drop off the boy.

• She promises Roger food.

• She tells him he can have money for the blue suede shoes if he comes with her.

In "Thank You, Ma'am," why is Roger scared at first in Mrs. Jones's home?

• He is very hungry.

• Mrs. Jones is a strong, large woman.

• Mrs. Jones talks so fast that it is hard to understand her.

• He fears that Mrs. Jones will turn him over to the police.

In "Thank You, Ma'am," why does Roger try to steal Mrs. Jones's purse?

• to get money for food

• to get back at Mrs. Jones for stealing from his father

• to get money for blue suede shoes

• to show he is tough

In "Thank You, Ma'am," how does Mrs. Jones show she trusts Roger?

• She makes him wash his face.

• She makes sure neighbors keep their doors open.

• She leaves her purse near him when she prepares food.

• She tells him her full name.

Which idea does the theme of "Thank You, Ma'am" deal with or address?

• the value of kindness

• the value of hard work

• the value of a dollar

• the value of city life

How might a reader state the theme of "Thank You, Ma'am"?

• Children should respect their elders.

• A child needs positive attention from an adult.

• Do not try to steal in the neighborhood you live in.

• The city streets are dangerous at night.