Analyzing Central Idea: What Does American Democracy Mean to Me?

Read the sentence from paragraph 6 and answer the question below:

"Perhaps the greatest battle is before us, the fight for a new America: fearless, free, united, morally re-armed, in which 12 million Negroes, shoulder to shoulder with their fellow Americans, will strive that this nation under God will have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, for the people and by the people shall not perish from the earth."

How does the author use this sentence to convey the purpose of the text? (R.2.1)

• She references the Constitution to highlight the success of democracy.

• She emphasizes the necessity of religion within an effective democracy.

• She provides her personal experience of how democracy has impacted her life.

• She gives the intended goal of equality for all within American democracy.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

In paragraph 5, how does the author achieve her purpose by using personification? (R.2.3)

• By showing America as a woman who can continue to grow.

• By depicting America as a woman focused on family values.

• By highlighting the feminine characteristics that America has.

• By comparing America to successful past leaders of Civil Rights.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

How does the author use logical reasoning in paragraph 1 to develop her argument that America is still in need of societal development? (R.2.4)

• By starting with the premise (deductive reasoning) America needs to extend rights to those in the Deep South

• By starting with an observation (inductive reasoning) of civil rights given to all negroes in America

• By starting with a pattern of events that illustrate the need for continued growth in America (abductive reasoning)

• By starting with generalizations of impactful African Americans within society

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Read these sentences from paragraph 1 to answer the question below.

"Under God’s guidance in this great democracy, we are rising out of the darkness of slavery into the light of freedom."

How does the author use a metaphor and an antithesis to appeal to the reader’s emotions? (R.3.4)

• To illustrate the progress America has made regarding African American rights.

• To convey the importance of God to persevere through hardships.

• To emphasize the lack of freedom experienced by Americans.

• To show the different applications of God in other country’s laws.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Select the word from Paragraph 4 that comes from a Latin word meaning "uprightness, equity, impartiality". (V.1.2)

• Justice

• Deprived

• Responsibility

• Constitutional

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

"We have given our blood in its defense—from Crispus Attucks on Boston Commons to the battlefields of France." (Paragraph 5)

• Central Idea 1: Mary McLeod Bethune believes that African Americans play a vital role in the development of American democracy

• Central Idea 2: Democracy cannot take place until all people are united and working towards the American vision according to Mary McLeod Bethune

• Both Central Ideas

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

"... fearless, free, united, morally re-armed, in which 12 million Negroes, shoulder to shoulder with their fellow Americans, will strive that this nation under God will have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, for the people and by the people shall not perish from the earth." (Paragraph 6)

• Central Idea 1: Mary McLeod Bethune believes that African Americans play a vital role in the development of American democracy

• Central Idea 2: Democracy cannot take place until all people are united and working towards the American vision according to Mary McLeod Bethune

• Both Central Ideas

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

"We have fought for the democratic principles of equality under the law, equality of opportunity, equality at the ballot box, for the guarantees of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." (Paragraph 5)

• Central Idea 1: Mary McLeod Bethune believes that African Americans play a vital role in the development of American democracy

• Central Idea 2: Democracy cannot take place until all people are united and working towards the American vision according to Mary McLeod Bethune

• Both Central Ideas

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

"Our faith envisions a fundamental change as mutual respect and understanding between our races come in the path of spiritual awakening." (Paragraph 5)

• Central Idea 1: Mary McLeod Bethune believes that African Americans play a vital role in the development of American democracy

• Central Idea 2: Democracy cannot take place until all people are united and working towards the American vision according to Mary McLeod Bethune

• Both Central Ideas

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2