Question

read the excerpt from dr. martin luther king’s “letter from birmingham jail.”

if i sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and i would have no time for constructive work. but since i feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, i want to try to answer your statement in what i hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

what is the author’s purpose for including these sentences?

○ to describe the productivity of his daily routine
○ to emphasize the significance of his critics’ letter
○ to establish the impressive credentials of his staff
○ to explain the nature of his profession

Explanation:

The author first notes he cannot answer all criticisms, then specifies he is making an exception for this letter because he views the writers as well-meaning. This highlights that this particular criticism is worthy of his time, setting up why he is responding.

Answer:

to emphasize the significance of his critics' letter