Name
Date
from Letter from Birmingham Jail
Copy Master
Question Support
5. Examine Elements of an Argument King’s critics suggested that he should not
protest in Birmingham because it was not his home. How does King respond to this argument? from Letter from
Birmingham Jail
Text Analysis
For questions 1–4, see page 1215 of the Student Edition.
Directions: Answer each question. Use a separate sheet of paper if needed.
6. Understand Analogy Reread the analogy in lines 241–244. King compares
injustice with a boil. A boil is a painful skin infection. According to King, what
elements do injustice and a boil share? 7. Interpret Allusions Mark an X next to the reasons why King uses allusions in this
letter. More than one answer is possible.
______ a. to prove that illegal actions are always justified
______ b. to persuade his audience that history is more important than
current events
______ c. to connect his actions with important events in religious history
______ d. to persuade by relating his ideas with those of well-known
Copyright © Holt McDougal, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
philosophers
8. Analyze Persuasive Techniques Complete this chart with one example of each
technique.
King asks for justice.
King proves his own
credibility.
King brings to mind
democratic ideals.
King clarifies his ideas.
9. Compare Texts Compare the message in “Ballad of Birmingham” with the message
in King’s letter. Mark an X beside the argument that appears in both texts.
______ a. Rather than accept injustice, we must take positive action to bring
about change.
______ b. Children should always follow their parent’s advice, even when
it seems wrong.
______ c. Violence often results when people try to avoid conflict and live
safely.
Resource Manager
Unit 6
American Literature
79