Suggestions for Writing

  1. Write an essay analyzing the style of this letter, paying close attention to how the stylistic devices and resources of language contribute to achieving King’s purpose.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - Letter from Birmingham Jail - Suggestions for Writing: Write an essay analyzing the style of this letter, paying close attention to how the stylistic devices and resources of language contribute to achieving King’s purpose.
  2. King spends nearly half of his letter addressing counterarguments before he launches into his main argument to the clergymen. Write an essay analyzing this argument. What are his major claims, his assumptions, the types of evidence he uses?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - Letter from Birmingham Jail - Suggestions for Writing: King spends nearly half of his letter addressing counterarguments before he launches into his main argument to the clergymen. Write an essay analyzing this argument. What are his major claims, his assumptions, the types of evidence he uses?
  3. Compare and contrast the rhetorical strategies King employs in “Letter from Birmingham Jail” with those he uses in another piece, such as the “I Have a Dream” speech or the introduction to Why We Can’t Wait (which appeared on the 1989 AP Language exam). Why are certain strategies more appropriate for a speech than for an essay or a letter?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - Letter from Birmingham Jail - Suggestions for Writing: Compare and contrast the rhetorical strategies King employs in “Letter from Birmingham Jail” with those he uses in another piece, such as the “I Have a Dream” speech or the introduction to Why We Can’t Wait (which appeared on the 1989 AP Language exam). Why are certain strategies more appropriate for a speech than for an essay or a letter?
  4. Select a quotation from King’s letter, and explain (1) why you find it compelling or (2) on what grounds you would challenge it. Cite evidence from your own experience or reading to support your position. Possible quotations to focus on include:

    a. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (para. 4)

    b. “. . . freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” (para. 13)

    c. “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.” (para. 23)

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - Letter from Birmingham Jail - Suggestions for Writing: Select a quotation from King’s letter, and explain (1) why you find it compelling or (2) on what grounds you would challenge it. Cite evidence from your own experience or reading to support your position. Possible quotations to focus on include: a. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (para. 4) b. “. . . freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” (para. 13) c. “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.” (para. 23)
  5. Describe a time when your participation in, or loyalty to, two different communities conflicted. Explain the nature of the conflict and how you resolved it.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 6 - Letter from Birmingham Jail - Suggestions for Writing: Describe a time when your participation in, or loyalty to, two different communities conflicted. Explain the nature of the conflict and how you resolved it.