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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. MLK mentions that the nation could not have been more amazed if what type of machines had turned human and stalked the lands?

2. In MLK's description of the "armies" that were marching in Birmingham, who does he say that doctors marched with?

3. MLK states that a person would have come to a startling conclusion if they had visited Birmingham before what date?

4. Who was MLK's executive assistant?

5. When MLK was autographing copies of his book in the Harlem department store, what was he stabbed with?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the introduction of Why We Can't Wait, MLK talks about a young Negro girl. Describe the setting that MLK describes for this girl.

2. Why was the Negro's economic problem compounded by the emergence and growth of automation?

3. What was George Wallace's inauguration vow?

4. What did people have to do after they volunteered and walked up front to shake hands with the leaders of the campaign?

5. What are some of the questions that the girl and boy ask themselves?

6. What phrase did Fred Shuttlesworth use to describe Albert Boutwell and why?

7. In the second section of Bull Connor's Birmingham, what does MLK state that the one threat to the reign of white supremacy in Birmingham was?

8. What were the mass meetings that were held in the Negro community, how many were there, and where were these meetings held?

9. What did Marcus Garvey propose to the Negro race, and why was his plan doomed according to MLK?

10. For years, why did the white segregationists say that the Negro was "satisfied"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think MLK begins the book the way he does? Does that help the reader "dive into" the full meaning? What do you think the purpose of telling us about the Negro boy and girl? What kinds of feelings do these "characters" evoke in the reader? Do you think there was any other effective way of beginning the book? If so, what other ideas do you have for an introduction? Do you think the introduction was perfect in creating the intended mood?

Essay Topic 2

MLK mentions that one of the key elements in the movement was the use of non-violence. He considered non-violence to be the sword that heals and their most valuable weapon. Why was non-violence so important to MLK? Why was non-violence seen as the only means to an end? Do you think the majority of the Negro population felt the same way about non-violence? What does MLK say was the other reason to use non-violence besides knowing they couldn't obtain freedom by physical force?

Essay Topic 3

In "The Sword That Heals," MLK talks about the Negro population accepting nonviolent direct action. Why does he state that this took a certain sophistication on the part of the Negroes? What things does MLK state were ingrained in them and in society as a whole that made it so hard for the resistance of violence? Why do you think Negroes were ready to do anything for freedom? When they marched they did not back down. Why do you think that is? Do you think the guidance of MLK and other strong leaders helped the Negro population believe in what they were marching for? If so, how?

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