Letter from Birmingham Jail Reading Comprehension Assessment

What is Dr. King's primary purpose for writing this letter?

• To organize a protest in Birmingham

• To respond to criticism from fellow clergymen

• To document conditions in the Birmingham jail

• To request financial support for his organization

According to the letter, why is Dr. King in Birmingham?

• To cause trouble and create tension

• Because he was arrested without cause

• Because he lives and works there permanently

• Because he was invited and injustice exists there

What does Dr. King mean by "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"?

• Only some injustices matter

• Justice is not important everywhere

• All communities are interconnected in their fight for justice

• Threats of injustice should be ignored

How does Dr. King characterize the white moderate in his letter?

• As helpful allies in the fight for civil rights

• As more problematic than explicit racists

• As violent opponents of integration

• As strong supporters of direct action

What metaphor does Dr. King use to describe the Black community's situation?

• A burning building

• A sinking ship

• An airtight cage of poverty

• A broken ladder

How does Dr. King respond to accusations that his actions precipitate violence?

• He accepts the criticism as valid

• He ignores the accusation completely

• He compares it to blaming a robbery victim

• He advocates for violent resistance

What rhetorical device does Dr. King use when discussing his daughter and Funtown?

• Alliteration

• Personal anecdote

• Statistical evidence

• Historical reference

According to the letter, what is Birmingham's reputation regarding segregation?

• The most thoroughly segregated city in the U.S.

• a model of racial harmony.

• Making progress toward integration

• Making progress toward integrationB

How does Dr. King describe the preferred type of tension?

• Violent and destructive

• Nonexistent and peaceful

• Constructive and nonviolent

• Temporary and minimal

What does Dr. King suggest about the timing of civil rights demonstrations?

• They should wait for a more convenient season

• The time for action is always right

• They should only occur in summer

• Timing doesn't matter at all