Letter from Birmingham Jail - First Read Comprehension Questions

What have the clergymen done that inspired Dr. King to write Letter from Birmingham Jail?

• They supported segregation.

• They wrote a public statement criticizing his activities.

• They invited him to Birmingham.

• They ignored his civil rights efforts.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.3

CCSS.RI.5.3

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

How does MLK say he normally responds to such criticisms? Why is this time different from how he normally responds to criticism?

• MLK usually responds with patience and understanding, but this time he feels compelled to respond more directly due to the urgency of the situation.

• MLK usually ignores criticisms, but this time he responds because he is in jail and has time to reflect.

• MLK usually writes letters, but this time he decides to give a public speech.

• MLK usually responds with anger, but this time he chooses to remain silent.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Paragraph 2: For which organization does MLK serve as president?

• Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)

• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

• Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)

• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

What has MLK and his group been asked to do? How did they respond?

• They were asked to lead a protest and they agreed.

• They were asked to stop their activities and they refused.

• They were asked to negotiate and they accepted.

• They were asked to leave the city and they complied.

With whom does MLK compare himself when he describes why he is in jail?

• Socrates

• Jesus

• Abraham Lincoln

• Mahatma Gandhi

Paragraphs 3-4: Why does MLK say that, even though he lives in Atlanta, he is concerned about Birmingham? Why is he fighting against the laws in Birmingham?

• Because he believes that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

• Because he has family living in Birmingham.

• Because he wants to run for office in Birmingham.

• Because he was born in Birmingham.

What does MLK say, specifically, in paragraph 4, is the reason the demonstrations still need to take place?

• Because the fight for justice is not over.

• Because the demonstrations are a tradition.

• Because they want to show strength in numbers.

• Because they have nothing else to do.

Paragraphs 7-8: What happened that gave MLK, and those demonstrating with him, the opportunity to talk to leaders?

• A meeting was scheduled with the leaders.

• The leaders approached MLK and his group.

• An event occurred that prompted a discussion.

• MLK and his group requested a meeting.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.3

CCSS.RI.5.3

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

Paragraphs 7-8: What happened to the 'racial signs' as a result?

• They were removed.

• They were replaced with new signs.

• They were ignored.

• They were highlighted.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.3

CCSS.RI.5.3

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

Research who Eugene ‘Bull’ Connor was, and write down what you learn about him.

• Eugene "Bull" Connor was a civil rights leader known for his peaceful protests.

• Eugene "Bull" Connor was a police official known for his opposition to the civil rights movement.

• Eugene ‘Bull" Connor was a famous musician in the 1960s"

• Eugene "Bull" Connor was a U.S. president during the civil rights era.