PRO/CON: O’er the ramparts we watched as athlete were kneeling

What does the author mean by  “hold a mirror up” in the following sentence? (RI 2.4) 

“They have dared to hold a mirror up to the rest of us, urging us to do better as a nation. It is our loss if we refuse to listen.”

• Ask for forgiveness

• Demand self-reflection

• Beware of broken glass

• Look at our appearance

Part A: Select two central ideas of the text “PRO: Pro players got us talking about an important issue.” (RI 1.2)

• Colin Kaepernick is a national hero.

• The Vietnam War caused a lot of controversy in America.

• The Cardinal were a diverse baseball team in the 1960’s.

• Professional athletes have a history of standing up for racial equality.

• As Americans, we should be inspired by these athletes’ message for social change.

Part B: Select two sentences to support the central ideas selected.

• “In 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.”

• “Their roster not only included blacks and whites, but Latinos, too.”

• “Time and again, the sports world’s best athletes have led by example.”

• “Chip Kelly, Kaepernick’s coach, said that his quarterback’s decision was “his right as a citizen.

• “They have dared to hold a mirror up to the rest of us, urging us to do better as a nation. It is our loss if we refuse to listen.”

Part A: What is the author’s purpose for writing the section “Standing on and Athlete’s Stage”? (RI 2.5)

• To explain the disagreement between Gibson and McCarver.

• To explain why athletes should not kneel during the national anthem.

• To give examples of athletes leading by example on controversial issues.

• To show that athletes have always successfully taken a stand against racial inequalities.

Part B: How does the author of the PRO article develop the purpose? (RI 2.6)

• By listing other ways athletes can protest.

• By explaining the reasons athletes are protesting.

• By discussing the injustice that keeps the conversations going.

• By giving examples of specific athletes that have taken a stand against racial inequality.

What does the author mean by “stand a little taller” in the following sentence? (RI 2.4)

If some athletes continue to kneel during the national anthem, those of us who still take pride in America should stand a little taller.

• not slouch

• stand on a chair

• show extra pride

• grow a few inches

Part B: What effect does this word choice have on the author’s tone? (RI.2.4)

• It shows the division of athletes in America.

• It highlights the impact the protests have on Americans.

• It emphasizes the pride that Americans have in their country.

• It displays the importance of the national anthem during sporting events.

How does the viewpoint of the PRO author compare with the viewpoint of the CON author? (RI 2.6)

• Both support Kaepernick’s protest of the national anthem.

• Both support professional athletes’ opposition to racial inequality.

• Both agree that Kaepernick’s protest creates an opportunity for future generations.

• Both agree that professional athletes should donate to charities that focus on racial issues.

In which of the following sentences does the CON author acknowledge two different points of view? (RI 2.6)

• It is true that America has at times failed to live up to its ideals, but it has also made progress.

• If famous athletes want to make a difference, there are better ways than protesting the national anthem

• If some athletes continue to kneel during the national anthem, those of us who still take pride in America should stand a little taller.

• Kaepernick’s position is more high-profile, though and his actions have sparked similar protests everywhere from high schools to professional leagues