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Worksheets"Thank You, Ma'am" Comprehension
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 10mins
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.
In "Thank You, Ma'am," what can you infer about Mrs. Jones's character from this remark?
"When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones."
She respects whomever she speaks to.
She is a conceited showoff.
She is a strong-minded person.
She intends to do physical hard to Roger.
In "Thank You, Ma'am," when Mrs. Jones brings Roger home, what does he first fear she will do?
poison him with the food she serves
hit him over the head again with her purse
bore him to death with her stories and lectures
turn him into the police
How does Mrs. Jones's admission that she did bad things when young reveal a theme of the story?
She brags about her youthful adventures so that Roger will be humble in her presence.
She is old and lonely and needs to confide in someone younger.
She wants to be the adult whom Roger trusts to understand and help him
She wants to prove to Roger that all teenagers are delinquents.
What does Mrs. Jones mean by telling Roger that "shoes by devilish means like that will burn your feet"?
The devil wears hot shoes.
People who buy shoes with stolen money often go to jail.
Shoes that do not fit will pinch your toes.
Get shoes with stolen money and the guilt will burn your feet and your conscience.
Mrs. Jones says that she would have given Roger money for shoes if he had simply asked. Roger pauses for a long time. What can you infer from that pause?
He is surprised, touched, and confused by the offer.
He is growing very suspicious of Mrs. Jones.
He is not used to washing his face so he is taking his time.
He is plotting ways to get more money from Mrs. Jones.
Which statement is a major theme of "Thank You, Ma'am"?
Lonely, older people seek company even from those who harm them.
Kindness and goodwill are stronger than fear and mistrust.
If you are going to steal, do not get caught.
City streets are full of dangers for young and old alike.
By the end of the story, Roger seems to really want Mrs. Jones to...
have trust in him
punish him for his misdeed
offer to take care of him
take him back to his home
Which two character traits best describe Mrs. Jones?
Tough and ruthless
foolish and trusting
Meek and strong
Strict and kind
Why couldn't Roger say anything to Mrs. Jones at the end of the story?
He was just so happy he got the ten dollars he didn't feel he needed to say thank you.
He was scared that she was going to call that police that he ran off before she closed the door.
He was shocked by her generosity and willingness to help him after he tried to steal from her.
He thought is was a test to see if he would take the money.
At the end of the story, when Mrs. Jones bids Roger goodnight, how does Roger probably feel?
Lucky that he got away with his attempted crime.
Angry at Mrs. Jones for making him leave.
Sorry that he met Mrs. Jones that night.
Grateful to her for her kindness and teaching.
