AP Lang Letter from a Birmingham Jail

In his opening paragraph, King says that he rarely pauses to answer criticisms, but he is replying to the clergymen because

• their actions were unwise and untimely.
• their letter shows them to be extremists.
• he believes them to be sincere and good.
• he wants his letter to bring about change.

What is the basis for King’s argument against the idea that he is an outsider who came to Birmingham?

• He was born in Birmingham.
• He has organizational ties in Birmingham.
• He has many relatives in Birmingham.
• He went to college in Birmingham.

King compares himself to early Christian prophets because they

• died fighting for their cause.
• did not submit to unjust laws.
• believed in civil disobedience.
• did not negotiate with enemies.

What does King mean in lines 37–38 when he says, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”?

• All citizens are equally threatened by justice.
• Discrimination does not exist in rural areas.
• All laws are unfair and should be ignored.
• Everyone is affected when one person is hurt.

According to King, the purpose of direct nonviolent action is to

• end the bombings of homes and churches.
• create tension so that people have to confront an issue.
• halt the activities of both merchants and consumers.
• draw the sympathy of the religious community and moderate whites.

King uses the evidence that other nations are gaining political independence to argue against

• inhumane treatment.
• violent protests.
• waiting for freedom.
• asking for compromise.

In line 210, King alludes to Paul Tillich’s opinion that “sin is separation” to

• identify a supporter who strengthens his credibility.
• illustrate his counterargument against the white moderate
• strengthen his moral argument against segregation.
• provide an example of direct nonviolent action.

What is a MORATORIUM?

• Release from restraint or inhibition
• A temporary prohibition of an activity
• A state of disorder due to lack of authority
• Concerned with practical matters

What does COGNIZANT mean?

• Present.
• Aware.
• Relieved.
• Understood.

To RETALIATE means to

• Take revenge.
• Provide clues.
• Move back.
• Seek justice.