"Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes Close Reading Analysis Questions
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive option is available.)
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Articulate character motivations
Analyze how a character's behaviors reveal their life principles
Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text
Analyze the author's choice of words conveys subtle meaning
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore Roger's emotional and psychological state
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers' reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
A variety of resources are available for teaching young adult fiction:
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive option is available.)
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Articulate character motivations
Analyze how a character's behaviors reveal their life principles
Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text
Analyze the author's choice of words conveys subtle meaning
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore Roger's emotional and psychological state
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers' reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
A variety of resources are available for teaching young adult fiction:
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive option is available.)
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Articulate character motivations
Analyze how a character's behaviors reveal their life principles
Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text
Analyze the author's choice of words conveys subtle meaning
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore Roger's emotional and psychological state
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers' reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
A variety of resources are available for teaching young adult fiction:
Preview this resource:
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included.