Understanding King's Letter from Birmingham Jail

Why did Martin Luther King Jr. write the "Letter from Birmingham Jail"?

• To announce his retirement from the civil rights movement

• To explain and defend the civil rights movement against criticism

• To request financial support for his legal fees

• To criticize the federal government

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What was one reason King and his followers chose to protest instead of negotiate?

• They wanted to create chaos in Birmingham

• Previous agreements for change were broken

• They were not interested in peaceful solutions

• They wanted to avoid media attention

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

According to King, what is a characteristic of a just law?

• It benefits only the majority

• It is enforced by the military

• It applies to everyone equally

• It is based on historical traditions

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Why was King disappointed with many white church leaders?

• They actively opposed the civil rights movement

• They were more concerned about order than justice

• They supported segregation laws

• They were too busy with their own congregations

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What did King believe about moderates compared to extremists?

• Moderates were more helpful than extremists

• Extremists were less of a problem than moderates

• Moderates were a bigger problem because they did not take action

• Extremists were always violent

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does the word "yearning" mean as used in the study guide?

• A feeling of satisfaction

• A deep longing or desire

• A sense of confusion

• A state of anger

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the word "idly" mean as used in the study guide?

• With great enthusiasm

• Doing something without effort or interest

• In a hurried manner

• With careful attention

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the word "postpone" mean as used in the study guide?

• To cancel permanently

• To delay or move to a later time

• To start immediately

• To finish quickly

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the word "implacable" mean as used in the study guide?

• Easily satisfied

• Not able to be calmed or satisfied

• Very flexible

• Extremely joyful

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the word "placid" mean as used in the study guide?

• Chaotic and noisy

• Calm, peaceful

• Extremely busy

• Full of energy

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4