Letter from Birmingham Jail - Answer Key

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 by giving specific examples of its harmful effects.

• Dr. King sought to criticize white Americans who were supportive of his cause but who were too fearful of the Klan's terrorism to take action to end racism.

• Dr. King attempts to encourage all Americans to end racism by joining the cause to defend civil rights for African Americans.

• 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.

PART A: Which statement best expresses Dr. King's central argument in the text?

• It is more important to have a timely response to criticism and prejudice than to maintain moral integrity.

• The presence of injustice necessitates a nonviolent response in order to repair the harms of prejudice and discrimination.

• Peace in the South 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 and alienate followers.

Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• "I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." (Paragraph 5)

• "Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was 'well timed' in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation." (Paragraph 14)

• "I had hoped that the white moderate would understand the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace" (Paragraph 25)

• "But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity" (Paragraph 41)

How did direct action in Birmingham, according to Dr. King, develop over time?

• A. After undergoing mental preparation and training, activists made considerations about the timing of holiday shopping seasons as well as the mayoral election.

• B. Activists immediately took hasty action after learning about the bombing of negro churches.

• C. Due to organizational failures, activists have yet to engage in direct action in Birmingham.

• D. Activists focused on training many individuals to participate in the direct action campaign.

Dr. King's perspective on the future of the freedom movement, based on paragraph 43, is:

• He is optimistic about its success.

• He believes it will fail.

• He thinks it will remain stagnant.

• He is indifferent to its outcome.

Dr. King's rhetoric in paragraph 15 advances his purpose in the letter by:

• Emphasizing the moral urgency of his cause and appealing to shared values.

• Focusing solely on legal arguments without emotional appeal.

• Ignoring the concerns of his audience and dismissing their viewpoints.

• Presenting unrelated historical facts without context.

Dr. King develops his claim that "one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws" by providing which type of evidence?

• He distinguishes between just and unjust laws and uses historical and philosophical examples to support his argument.

• He argues that all laws should be followed regardless of their morality.

• He claims that disobeying any law is always justified.

• He provides only personal anecdotes without referencing broader principles.

Dr. King responds to being labeled an "extremist" in paragraphs 27-30 by:

• Embracing the label and redefining it in a positive way to contribute to a determined and passionate tone.

• Rejecting the label and insisting he is moderate, which creates a defensive tone.

• Ignoring the label and focusing on other issues, resulting in a neutral tone.

• Accepting the label as an insult, which adds a bitter tone.

According to the passage, how does Dr. King respond to being called an extremist?

• He accepts the label and repurposes the word, using positive examples from history to show that being an extremist is not necessarily a bad thing.

• He denies the label and insists he is not an extremist in any way.

• He ignores the accusation and does not address it in his response.

• He becomes angry and criticizes those who call him an extremist.

Which of the following individuals does Dr. King mention as positive examples of 'extremists'?

• Jesus

• Amos

• Martin Luther

• All of the above