Rhetorical Devices and MLK "I Have a Dream" Speech

Repeating an grammatical form or the way phrases are worded such as "manacles of segregation" and "chains of discrimination" is an example of what rhetorical device?

• repetition

• prepositional phrase

• parallel structure (parallelism)

• analogy

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1A

Why is the location of King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech significant?

• The Washington Mall has plenty of room for everyone there.

• The steps provided a natural platform, so he could be seen by the crowd.

• Lincoln is referenced in the speech, and he is a hero to the African-Americans in the crowd.

• It was convenient, but not necessarily significant in any way.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.9

As the speech comes to a close, Dr. King makes a significant change in his tone. Which tone words best describe that change in tone from the beginning of the speech to the end.

• from lighthearted to serious

• from defiant to righteous

• from serious and defiant to uplifting and hopeful

• from confident to aggrivated

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

At the end of the speech King lists states from across the country. Then, he lists Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia. What was his purpose in listing those states in particular to "Let Freedom Ring?"

• The president's home state is Mississippi.

• He didn't want to offend Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio by saying they wouldn't let freedom ring.

• Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi have more mountains.

• Those states were Southern states that practiced segregation.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

Example: dark and desolate valley, high plane of dignity and discipline...

• allusion

• alliteration

• rhetorical question

• repetition

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Example: When will you be satisfied?

• allusion

• alliteration

• rhetorical question

• repetition

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

"This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope...

• repetition

• rhetorical question

• alliteration

• metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

"every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain be made low..." Isaiah 40:4-5 (The Bible)

• allusion

• repetition

• metaphor

• rhetorical question

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Now is the time...now is the time...now is the time....

• allusion

• anaphora

• rhetorical question

• metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Example: comparing the struggle for freedom to cashing a check marked "insufficient funds"

• Hyperbole

• antithesis

• metaphor

• allusion

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.4