Unit 2 Writing Task

💡 For a great resource with more primary documents to help students develop an answer to this question, consider this lesson from Learning for Justice: Birmingham 1963: Primary Documents.

The texts in this section focus on the struggle for Civil Rights in the United States. In his "I Have a Dream" speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks of the long struggle of the movement and the need to preserve it. In his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," he writes to the white moderate religious leaders who would have him move more slowly to end segregation. Now, you will use your knowledge of the topic to write an informative text about the topic.

Think about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. chose to address the question of civil rights in the United States and how his listeners would have responded at the time. Conduct research to write an informative essay on this question: 

How did Dr. King's speech affect those who heard it? How did his letter affect those who read it?

Focus Your Research: Now that you have read the selections and thought about how words can inspire change, use the research questions to focus your research. Plan to use a variety of sources. Consider:

• primary sources, which are firsthand or original accounts, such as newspaper articles

• secondary sources, such as encyclopedia entries

• digital sources, or material accessed on the internet

• print sources, such as books or journal articles, which may be editied more carefully than digital material

• original research, such as eyewitness interviews or survey results

For a model of a well-crafted informative essay, see the Launch Text, "1968: The Year That Changed Everything"

Possible Sentence Starters

Introduction: When it comes to the topic of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. most of us would agree that this life has a significant impact ofn society. Where this discussion may end is on the question of how his words affected people at the time: those who heard his "I Have a Dream" speech and those who read his "Letter from Birmingham Jail." (Insert thesis)

Body Paragraph #1: In his "I Have a Dream" speech, King... People who heard this would...

Body Paragraph #2: In his "Letter from Birmingham Jail, King... People who read this would...

Conclusion: As a result of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr...

• The effect of Dr. King's speech and letter on society can be seen through…

• The question of civil rights in the United States was addressed by Dr. King through his powerful speeches and writings in order to…

Exemplary Response:

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and "Letter from Birmingham Jail" had a profound impact on those who heard and read his words. The speech, delivered during the March on Washington in 1963, called for racial equality and an end to discrimination. It inspired hope and unity among African Americans and touched the hearts of many Americans across the nation. Dr. King's passionate words resonated with his audience, conveying a powerful message of love, justice, and equality.

The "Letter from Birmingham Jail," written in 1963 as a response to criticisms from white religious leaders, was a persuasive and thought-provoking document. In the letter, Dr. King eloquently defended the civil rights movement and explained the urgency of the struggle against segregation. His use of logical arguments, historical references, and appeals to morality made a compelling case against the injustices of racial discrimination.

Dr. King's speech and letter had a significant impact on the people who heard and read them. They galvanized support for the civil rights movement, mobilizing individuals to take action and fight for equality. His words sparked empathy, understanding, and a collective desire for change. Dr. King's speeches and writings continue to be studied and celebrated for their powerful message of peace, justice, and equality.

Non-Exemplary Response:

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked about civil rights and stuff. He gave a speech called "I Have a Dream" and wrote a letter from jail. Some people heard the speech and others read the letter. It probably made them think or something. I don't know. Anyway, to write an essay, I guess you could use books or the internet to find information about what happened. Newspapers might be good too. Just write whatever you find and make sure to use big words to sound smart. Oh, and don't forget to use correct punctuation and stuff.