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WorksheetsLetter from Birmingham Jail
Total questions: 12
Worksheet time: 6mins
How does King introduce his purpose for writing "Letter from Birmingham Jail"?
to fulfill an organizational obligation to the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights.
to challenge segregation laws as morally unjust.
to respond to the call for social justice from the African American community.
to demonstrate his commitment to direct action programs in all states.
This question has two parts. First answer PART A, then PART B. PART A: Select one way in which King develops the central idea of recognizing unjust laws? (R.2.2)
His claim of segregation being a sin.
His claim on the impact an unjust law has on an individual.
His explanation on how segregation impacts a human being
His explanation of Supreme Court decisions supporting unjust laws.
Which phrase from the text best support the answer to Part A?
"Any law that degrades human personality is unjust."
"Paul Tillich has said that sin is separation."
"An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law."
"...obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right;"
Rhetorical Devices - The writing (BLANK) used to (BLANK) the audience.
passages ; entertain
techniques ; persuade
mysteries ; captivate
prompts ; entertain
How does the rhetorical choice of King positioning himself as an "outsider" invited to Birmingham impact his purpose? (R.2.3)
Undermines his credibility and connection to the local community.
Emphasizes his neutrality and objectivity in the situation.
Demonstrates his commitment to supporting local movements
Adds weight to his claim that injustice transcends geographic boundaries.
What is antithesis?
A figure of speech where a part is put for a whole. This is used in a more informal way.
an inverted (reversed) relationship, usually a two- part phrase
a contrast of ideas used to express opposing ideas
None of the above.
Select two reasons why King uses rhetorical questions in paragraphs 5 and 11? (R.3.4)
To lead into his reasoning and rationale which provides information that supports the difference between just and unjust laws.
To emphasize what the clergymen should consider when deciding upon what laws should be upheld.
To express the thoughts and questions that are already felt by people who are currently suffering from unjust laws.
To highlight the lack of logic within the statements made by clergymen regarding peaceful protests against unjust laws.
What is chiasmus?
A figure of speech where a part is put for a whole. This is used in a more informal way.
an inverted (reversed) relationship, usually a two- part phrase
a contrast of ideas used to express opposing ideas
None of the above.
Read the etymology of the word extremist: Origin: Old French extreme - outermost, greatest degree ist - one who does or makes Which is the best meaning of the word extremist as it is used by King? (V.1.2)
die-hard
moderate
practical
revolutionary
What is synecdoche?
A figure of speech where a part is put for a whole. This is used in a more informal way.
an inverted (reversed) relationship, usually a two- part phrase
a contrast of ideas used to express opposing ideas
None of the above.
Read this section from paragraph 10:
"I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace, in which the Negro passively accepted his unjust plight, to a substantive and positive peace, in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human personality."
What is the best meaning of plight as used in the passage?
trouble
solution
misfortune
circumstance
What is zeugma?
A figure of speech where a part is put for a whole. This is used in a more informal way.
an inverted (reversed) relationship, usually a two- part phrase
a contrast of ideas used to express opposing ideas
None of the above.
