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Author's Perspective Analysis

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 8mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Booker T. Washington gave a famous speech in 1895. He said Black Americans should focus on learning jobs and trades: "We can work separately but succeed together." W.E.B. Du Bois disagreed with this idea. He wrote in 1903: "People shouldn't have to give up their rights to get ahead." How does Du Bois acknowledge Washington's perspective while presenting his opposing view?


a)

By completely agreeing with Washington's perspective

b)

By ignoring Washington's perspective

c)

By acknowledging Washington's perspective but presenting his own opposing view

d)

By presenting his view without mentioning Washington

2.

Booker T. Washington gave a famous speech in 1895. He said Black Americans should focus on learning jobs and trades: "We can work separately but succeed together." W.E.B. Du Bois disagreed with this idea. He wrote in 1903: "People shouldn't have to give up their rights to get ahead." Washington is trying to (a)   in his speech.

Choose from the below words
Persuade the audience to take action
Inform the audience about a new policy
Entertain the audience with a story
Criticize the opposition party
3.

Booker T. Washington gave a famous speech in 1895. He said Black Americans should focus on learning jobs and trades: "We can work separately but succeed together." W.E.B. Du Bois disagreed with this idea. He wrote in 1903: "People shouldn't have to give up their rights to get ahead." Washington uses what kind of language to make his point?

a)

Formal

b)

Informal

c)

Persuasive

d)

Descriptive

4.

Rosa Parks said in 1955: "People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was tired of giving in." Some people claimed she was just being difficult. How does Parks respond to what people say about her?

a)

Parks ignores what people say about her.

b)

Parks responds positively to what people say about her.

c)

Parks responds negatively to what people say about her.

d)

Parks is indifferent to what people say about her.

5.

Rosa Parks said in 1955: "People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was tired of giving in." Some people claimed she was just being difficult. What point is Parks making?

a)

Parks is arguing for the importance of civil rights.

b)

Parks is discussing the impact of climate change.

c)

Parks is explaining a new scientific theory.

d)

Parks is narrating a historical event.

6.

In his "I Have a Dream" speech, Dr. King said: "I have a dream that one day... little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." Some people said change was happening too fast. Dr. King responds to those who want to wait by stating that waiting has almost always meant "never." What does he emphasize about the urgency of the situation?

a)

He believes that waiting will lead to progress.

b)

He argues that waiting has historically meant "never."

c)

He feels that waiting is a sign of patience.

d)

He thinks that waiting is a strategic move.

7.

Ruby Bridges wrote about being the first Black student at her school: "Some people were angry about me going to the school. But my teacher, Mrs. Henry, was kind to me. This showed me that not everyone was against us." How does Ruby balance the good and bad in her story?

a)

By focusing only on the good aspects

b)

By ignoring the bad aspects

c)

By acknowledging both the good and bad

d)

By emphasizing the bad aspects

8.

Maya Angelou wrote: "You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies... Still I rise." Some people didn't want her to speak up. Angelou responds to people who try to stop her by (a)  

Choose from the below words
She ignores them
She confronts them
She listens to them
She avoids them
9.

Barack Obama said in 2008: "Yes we can!" Others said America wasn't ready for a Black president. Obama responds to doubts by:

a)

ignoring them

b)

addressing them directly

c)

delegating to his team

d)

avoiding public appearances

10.

In discussing reparations, Ta-Nehisi Coates writes: "Perhaps after a serious discussion and debate... we may find that the country can never fully repay African Americans. But we stand to discover much about ourselves in such a discussion." Critics argue that reparations would be divisive and impractical. How does Coates acknowledge practical concerns while maintaining his position?

a)

By ignoring real concerns entirely

b)

By balancing practical concerns with his ideals

c)

By focusing only on theory

d)

By dismissing opposing viewpoints

11.

Langston Hughes wrote: "I, too, sing America... I, too, am America." This was in response to those who questioned Black Americans' place in society. How does Hughes address opposing views?

a)

By ignoring them

b)

By confronting them directly

c)

By expressing his identity and pride

d)

By agreeing with them

12.

John Lewis said: "Never give up. Never give in. Never lose faith." Some people thought protesting wouldn't work. How does Lewis respond to doubters?

a)

By ignoring them

b)

By proving them wrong

c)

By agreeing with them

d)

By avoiding them

13.

Amanda Gorman wrote in her poem: "We are striving to forge our union with purpose." Some say America can't change. Gorman responds to negative views by:

a)

ignoring them completely.

b)

addressing them with thoughtful arguments.

c)

responding with anger.

d)

seeking legal action.

14.


The Harlem Renaissance changed American culture forever. In the 1920s, Black artists, writers, and musicians transformed New York City's Harlem into a cultural capital. Langston Hughes wrote poetry that sang the Blues. Duke Ellington filled dance halls with new jazz sounds. Painters like Romare Bearden showed Black life in vibrant colors. Writers like Zora Neale Hurston told stories of Black folk culture. The art, music, and writing from this time didn't just entertain – it showed America the richness of Black culture and creativity. Today, the Harlem Renaissance still inspires artists and reminds us that art can change how people think and feel about each other.

a)

To inform the reader about a specific topic

1.

The passage provides detailed information on a subject.

b)

To entertain the reader with a story

2.

The passage tells a captivating tale.

c)

To persuade the reader to adopt a viewpoint

3.

The passage argues for a particular perspective.

d)

To describe a process or event

4.

The passage explains how something happens.

15.

Picture this: A towering figure swoops into a classroom, sending kids into a frenzy of excitement - it's LeBron James, the basketball superhero! Known as "King James" on the court, he transforms into "Principal James" at his I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio. Kids' eyes grow wide as the 6'9" NBA star squeezes into their tiny classroom chairs, his knees practically touching his chin. But the real magic happens when he hands out shiny new bicycles to squealing students, bringing back memories of his own childhood when a bike meant freedom in the streets of Akron. The same guy who soars through the air dunking basketballs now zooms around the school hallways, giving high-fives and spreading joy. Who would've thought that the kid who once missed 83 days of school would grow up to build his very own school? Talk about an amazing plot twist in the LeBron James story! What is the author's main purpose in writing this passage?


a)

To inform the reader about a specific topic

b)

To entertain the reader with a story

c)

To persuade the reader to adopt a certain viewpoint

d)

To describe a personal experience