“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. 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