Letter from Birmingham Jail

What is the main purpose of Dr. King's letter?

• To criticize the actions of the Birmingham police
• To defend his strategy of nonviolent protest
• To announce a new campaign for civil rights
• To request a meeting with fellow clergymen
• To provide a historical account of the civil rights movement

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

How does Dr. King justify his presence in Birmingham?

• By claiming his right to travel freely
• By stating he was invited by local organizations
• By arguing that he was born in Birmingham
• By explaining that he is seeking political office
• By mentioning his desire to visit the city's landmarks

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which of the following best describes the tone of Dr. King's letter?

• Indifferent and detached
• Angry and confrontational
• Objective and dispassionate
• Respectful and persuasive
• Sarcastic and humorous

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

What rhetorical strategy does Dr. King use when he references historical figures like Socrates and Jesus?

• To provide a timeline of historical events
• To compare his actions to those of other leaders
• To argue against the teachings of these figures
• To suggest that his cause is religiously motivated
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of violent protest

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

According to Dr. King, what is the difference between just and unjust laws?

• Just laws are created by the government, unjust laws are not
• Just laws are difficult to follow, unjust laws are easy
• Just laws align with moral law, unjust laws do not
• Just laws apply to minorities, unjust laws to majorities
• Just laws are permanent, unjust laws are temporary

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

How does Dr. King address the clergymen's concern about breaking laws?

• By agreeing to follow all laws in the future
• By distinguishing between just and unjust laws
• By denying that any laws have been broken
• By promising to only break laws nonviolently
• By questioning the validity of the laws in question

What does Dr. King mean by the "cup of endurance running over"?

• The police force being overwhelmed
• The jails being filled to capacity
• The activists reaching their limit of tolerance
• The government enacting too many laws
• The clergymen offering too much support

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What does Dr. King hope to achieve through direct action?

• To create a crisis that forces negotiation
• To cause disruption and gain media attention
• To demonstrate the power of the civil rights movement
• To provoke violent reactions from the authorities
• To discourage further demonstrations

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Why does Dr. King express disappointment with the white moderate?

• For their lack of understanding of racial issues
• For their unwillingness to break laws
• For their support of the police actions
• For their preference for order over justice
• For their failure to participate in protests

What historical analogy does Dr. King use to argue against the idea of "waiting" for freedom?

• The slow progress of technological advancements
• The gradual change in international politics
• The rapid decolonization of Asian and African nations
• The lengthy development of medical discoveries
• The extended periods between major wars

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5