Exam: Grammatical Tenses and Luella Bates Washington
Chapter 2
Thank You, Ma’m
L a n g s to n H u g h e s
A P re - R e a d i n g
1.
Think Before You Read
Read the first paragraph of the story once and think of it as describing the opening scene of a play. Then answer the following questions:
1. Who are the characters in this scene?
2. What is happening?
3. Where and when is the action taking place?
4. Why does the action take place?
5. Do you think a chance encounter between people can sometimes change their lives? Think about chance or fate as you read this story.
15
Thank You, Ma’m
2.
Literary Term: Dialect
A dialect consists of words or phrases that reflect the regional variety of a language. An author or playwright will often use a regional dialect to make the dialogue more authentic. Initially, a dialect may be difficult to understand; it is similar to watching a foreign film with subtitles. However, the language will become more comfortable as you continue reading, and the rhythm of the dialect will be as natural as if you were one of the characters.
The following examples of dialect occur in the story: ain’t aren’t gonna going to could of could have late as it be late as it is
3.
I didn’t aim to I didn’t intend to sit you down sit down
I were I was fix us prepare for us
Idioms and Expressions
Note the following idioms and expressions that appear in the story:
I got a great mind to I should get through with finish make a dash for it run away
took care was careful set the table put out plates, glasses, and so forth
B Th e S to ry
About the Author
Langston Hughes (1902–1967) had a varied career that took him far away from his birthplace in Joplin, Missouri. His early love for reading books was encouraged by his mother, who often took him to the library. His mother also wrote poetry and gave dramatic readings. Her work required her to travel extensively.
After his parents separated, his father moved to Mexico and Hughes went to live with his
Thank You, Ma’m
L a n g s to n H u g h e s
A P re - R e a d i n g
1.
Think Before You Read
Read the first paragraph of the story once and think of it as describing the opening scene of a play. Then answer the following questions:
1. Who are the characters in this scene?
2. What is happening?
3. Where and when is the action taking place?
4. Why does the action take place?
5. Do you think a chance encounter between people can sometimes change their lives? Think about chance or fate as you read this story.
15
Thank You, Ma’m
2.
Literary Term: Dialect
A dialect consists of words or phrases that reflect the regional variety of a language. An author or playwright will often use a regional dialect to make the dialogue more authentic. Initially, a dialect may be difficult to understand; it is similar to watching a foreign film with subtitles. However, the language will become more comfortable as you continue reading, and the rhythm of the dialect will be as natural as if you were one of the characters.
The following examples of dialect occur in the story: ain’t aren’t gonna going to could of could have late as it be late as it is
3.
I didn’t aim to I didn’t intend to sit you down sit down
I were I was fix us prepare for us
Idioms and Expressions
Note the following idioms and expressions that appear in the story:
I got a great mind to I should get through with finish make a dash for it run away
took care was careful set the table put out plates, glasses, and so forth
B Th e S to ry
About the Author
Langston Hughes (1902–1967) had a varied career that took him far away from his birthplace in Joplin, Missouri. His early love for reading books was encouraged by his mother, who often took him to the library. His mother also wrote poetry and gave dramatic readings. Her work required her to travel extensively.
After his parents separated, his father moved to Mexico and Hughes went to live with his