Final answer:
Scout reacts to Francis's taunts by initially trying to hold back, but ends up fighting him after he insults Atticus. She is punished for her reaction but doesn't immediately reveal the cause of her anger.
Step-by-step explanation:
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout reacts to Francis's taunts initially by trying to restrain herself, but eventually she loses her temper and fights him. Francis calls Atticus a derogatory term because of his defense of a black man, which deeply upsets Scout.
Despite being told by her Uncle Jack to hold her temper, Scout finds Francis's taunts unbearable and ends up punching him, leading to her punishment - although she doesn't fully explain the cause of the fight at first. She is forced to spend time with Francis during Christmas at her Aunt Alexandra's house, which is when the confrontation takes place.