Thank You Ma'am Anticipation Guide

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 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 in Thank You, Ma’am? “The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter.”

• She is puzzled

• She is frightened

• She is angry

• She is deeply hurt

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 he cannot 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 the 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 leaves her purse near him when she prepares food.

• She makes him wash his face

• She makes sure neighbors keep their doors open

• She tells him her full name.

According to Mrs. Jones in “Thank You, Ma'am,” what lesson has Roger not been taught?

• why “early to bed and early to rise” is true

• how to steal a purse without getting caught

• how to apologize

• the difference between right and wrong

In Thank You, Ma'am, why does Roger sit on the far side of the room when Mrs. Jones goes behind the screen?

• He is frightened that she is phoning the police and wants to see what she is doing.

• He wants her to see that he is not taking anything from her purse.

• He does not want to smell the food she is cooking because it will make his stomach growl.

In Thank You Ma’am, Mrs. Jones says 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 and confused by her offer

• He is growing more suspicious of Mrs. Jones.

• He is not used to washing his face, so he is taking his time.

• He is thinking of ways to get more money from Mrs. Jones.

The author of Thank You, Ma’am calls Mrs. Jones “a large woman.” What might large apply to besides her size?

• her large amount of money

• her large heart

• her large number of friends

• her large house

“Um-hum! And your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you. Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?” Identify a trait for Mrs. Jones.

• Mrs. Jones is kind.

• Mrs. Jones is strong.

• Mrs. Jones is bossy and particular.

• Mrs. Jones is easily frightened.