skill based quiz - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speech

What is the central claim of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech?

• America has fully achieved racial equality.

• African Americans are still not free from segregation, discrimination, and poverty.

• Gradual progress is the best way to achieve civil rights.

• The Emancipation Proclamation ended all forms of injustice.

What metaphor does King use to describe America's failure to deliver on its promise of equality?

• A broken chain

• A mountain of despair

• A dark valley

• A bad check

What does King mean when he says, "Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy"?

• The nation should delay addressing civil rights until the economy improves.

• Immediate action is needed to achieve racial justice and equality.

• Gradual progress is sufficient to achieve civil rights.

• The promises of democracy are already fulfilled.

Which of the following is an example of extreme or absolute language in King's speech?

• "This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off."

• "We must conduct our struggle on the high plain of dignity."

• "Let freedom ring from every mountainside."

• "I have a dream today."

What is the significance of the repeated phrase "I have a dream"?

• It emphasizes King's personal aspirations.

• It shifts from a personal dream to a collective vision of racial harmony and equality.

• It highlights the impossibility of achieving civil rights.

• It criticizes the slow progress of the civil rights movement.

What biblical passage does King quote in paragraph 15?

• Psalm 23

• Exodus 14:13

• Matthew 5:9

• Isaiah 40:4-5

What does King mean by "let freedom ring"?

• Freedom should be limited to certain regions of the country.

• Freedom and justice should spread across the entire nation.

• Freedom is only achievable through violent protest.

• Freedom is an unrealistic goal.

What is the antonym of "righteousness" as used in King's speech?

• Justice

• Injustice

• Equality

• Freedom

What does King urge his audience to avoid in their struggle for freedom?

• Creative protests

• Physical violence

• Unity with white allies

• Faith in democracy

What is the ultimate goal of King's dream?

• To achieve economic prosperity for African Americans.

• To create a nation where people are judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

• To establish a separate state for African Americans.

• To eliminate all forms of government.