First They Came... By Martin Niemöller 1950

Which of the following best describes the message of the poem?

• Fear can cause people to stop caring about others or their suffering.

• People should define themselves by their similarities, not by their differences.

• Staying silent while witnessing a crime is the same thing as committing the crime.

• People should speak out when they see injustice, or they may risk experiencing it themselves.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which detail best shows that the speaker feels regretful about his choices?

• "Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me."

• "I did not speak out — Because I was not a Jew."

• "Because I was not a Trade Unionist"

• "First they came for the Socialists"

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

What does the phrase "because I was not" emphasize about the speaker?

• The speaker is lonely and distanced from the rest of society, which is why he did not speak out.

• The speaker is deeply sorry and wants to justify why he did not speak out against the arrests.

• The speaker regrets not speaking out because he was not being targeted and ignored those who were.

• The speaker is a selfish, prejudiced person who did not care about the suffering of other people.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

How does the structure of the text develop the concept of consequences of inaction?

• By repeating the phrases, "they came for us" and "because I was not"

• By using punctuation to set off parts of the sentence

• By giving examples of groups of citizens

• By structuring the paragraph into lines

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the repetition used in the text contribute to its overall meaning?

• It emphasizes key themes.

• It confuses the reader.

• It adds unnecessary length.

• It detracts from the main point.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

In the context of the quotation, what are the effects of following the crowd?

• Loss of individuality

• Increased creativity

• Enhanced leadership skills

• Greater personal freedom

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

Do you think people have a personal responsibility to stand up for each others' rights and safety?

• Yes

• No

• Not Sure

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What is the primary consequence of remaining silent in the face of injustice, as suggested by the text?

• Personal growth

• Social harmony

• Eventual personal victimization

• Increased social status

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the use of specific groups in the text enhance its message?

• It highlights the diversity of society.

• It shows that injustice can affect anyone.

• It emphasizes the importance of unity.

• It distracts from the main point.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What literary device is primarily used to convey the theme of the piece?

• Metaphor

• Irony

• Repetition

• Alliteration

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2