Rhetorical Analysis of Birmingham Letter

Which rhetorical device is used when the author repeats the phrase "when you" to emphasize the urgency of the situation?

• Metaphor

• Anaphora

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

What is the author's primary purpose in writing the letter?

• To entertain the reader

• To inform about historical events

• To persuade the audience of the necessity of civil rights action

• To describe the conditions of the jail

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

Evaluate the effectiveness of the author's argument regarding the need for nonviolent protest. Which of the following best supports the argument?

• The author uses personal anecdotes to illustrate the impact of injustice.

• The author provides statistical data on civil rights progress.

• The author cites legal precedents to justify actions.

• The author uses humor to engage the audience.

Interpret the figurative language in the phrase "the stinging darts of segregation." What does it suggest about the experience of segregation?

• Segregation is a minor inconvenience.

• Segregation is a painful and harmful experience.

• Segregation is a temporary situation.

• Segregation is a beneficial system.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

Summarize the key point of the author's argument in paragraphs 1-15.

• The author argues for the continuation of segregation.

• The author argues for immediate and nonviolent action against racial injustice.

• The author argues for patience and gradual change.

• The author argues for violent resistance.

Compare the perspectives of the author and his critics regarding the timing of civil rights actions. What is the main difference?

• The author believes in waiting for the right time, while critics want immediate action.

• The author advocates for immediate action, while critics believe in waiting for a more convenient time.

• Both the author and critics agree on immediate action.

• Both the author and critics agree on waiting for the right time.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

Identify the rhetorical device used in the phrase "justice too long delayed is justice denied."

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Antithesis

• Alliteration

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

Analyze the author's use of historical references. How do they contribute to his argument?

• They provide entertainment value.

• They establish credibility and context for his argument.

• They distract from the main point.

• They confuse the reader with unnecessary details.

What is the effect of the author's use of vivid imagery in describing the struggles faced by African Americans?

• It creates a sense of detachment.

• It evokes empathy and understanding from the reader.

• It makes the text difficult to understand.

• It provides comic relief.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

Evaluate the argument that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." What reasoning does the author use to support this claim?

• He argues that injustice is isolated and does not affect others.

• He argues that injustice in one place can spread and affect the entire system of justice.

• He argues that justice is only relevant in certain areas.

• He argues that justice and injustice are unrelated.