Rhetoric Letter from Birmingham Jail

Why was King in Birmingham?

• he was invited to help fight the segregation there

• he lived there

• he gave a speech there but drove over the speed limit on his way out of town

• he picked Birmingham as the next place to hold a non-violent protest

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

King challenges other ministers to see the struggle for equality as...

• a moral concern.

• a political concern.

• a personal concern.

• not their concern.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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 many relatives in Birmingham.

• He has organizational ties in Birmingham.

• He went to college in Birmingham.

Why does King compare himself to early Christian prophets?

• Because they died fighting for their cause?

• Because they believed in civil disobedience.

• Because they did not submit to unjust laws.

• Because they did not negotiate with enemies.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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

• All citizens are equally threatened by justice.

• All laws are unfair and should be ignored.

• All laws are unfair and should be ignored.

• Everyone is affected when one person is hurt.

   

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What statement best describes Dr. King’s purpose in writing the letter?

• Dr. King hoped to explain why the discrimination of African Americans is immoral

• Dr. King criticized white Americans who were supportive of his cause but were fearful of the Klan’s terrorism

• Dr. King attempts to encourage all Americans to end racism by joining the cause

• Dr. King responded to the criticism he received from people by addressing each of their claims.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Dr. King sought to respond to the criticism he received from people that he considered to be colleagues by methodically addressing each of their claims.

• It's more important to have a timely response to criticism & prejudice than to maintain moral integrity.

• The presence of injustice necessitates a nonviolent response to repair the harms of prejudice & discrimination

• Peace will only be achieved after white supremacists are transformed by the white moderate.

• The church’s role in the civil rights movement continues to create tension & alienate followers

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In his opening statement, King says he rarely answers criticisms, but he replies to this because

• Their actions were unwise and untimely.

• He believes them to be sincere and good.

• Their letter shows them to be extremist.

• He wants his letter to bring about change.

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

• End the bombings of homes and churches.

• Halt the activities of both merchants and consumers.

• Create tension so that people must confront an issue.

• Draw the sympathy of the religious community and moderate whites.

King expresses his “grave disappointment” with which of the following groups?

• liberals

• white moderates

• conservatives

• teachers

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1