Martin Luther King, Jr.
Writing Prompt 2017
Honoring the Dream Today
with Love, Peace, and Unity
Writing Task:
In the “I Have a Dream” speech delivered by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963, he
offered this encouragement to those laboring in the Civil Rights Movement, “I say to you today,
my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a
dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.” What are the best ways to honor
the dream of which Dr. King spoke with love, peace, and unity? Please read Dr. King’s speech
in its entirety and be specific in your response. What would be your call to action for your
audience, a service group of your peers?
It has been 53 years since King wrote his speech. America’s laws and policies certainly reflect
change from 1963. Yet there is still work to do to achieve Dr. King’s vision. When you have
determined your suggested course of action on the question above, write a persuasive essay
defending your answer. Consider that your audience may disagree with you, so be sure to
address any opposing views to your plan. Use specific evidence from history, current events,
and/or your experiences to write a well-organized persuasive essay that expresses your views
and exemplifies this year’s theme, “Honoring the Dream Today with Love, Peace, and
Unity.”
“I Have a Dream”: https://www.archives.gov/files/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf
Checklist for your writing:
o Refer to the California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts,
Writing Standard 4.
o Have a clear purpose and maintain your focus on the topic.
o Use evidence from printed sources and/or from other appropriate, grade-level
sources.
o Use a variety of transitional words, phrases and clauses.
o Use vocabulary that fits your audience and purpose.
o Grades 4-6 need to provide a list of sources to give credit for the information;
(Grades 7-12 should cite sources and include a bibliography page.
o Turn your writing in to your classroom teacher who will then register you online
and upload your school’s winning essays.
For more information, please contact:
Shirley Hargis, [email protected], (559) 265-3060
Pamela McGee, [email protected], (559) 265-3077