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.

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.

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.

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.

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.