Question

speech excerpt 2: \i have a dream\ by martin luther king jr. (1963)
\when the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the
constitution and the declaration of independence, they were signing a
promissory note to which every american was to fall heir.
this note was a promise that all men—yes, black men as well as white
men—would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.\

1. ri.11-12.7 which central idea is shared by both lincoln’s and king’s speeches?

a. the importance of military strength in preserving freedom
b. the necessity of economic reform to solve injustice
c. the belief that the founding principles of the u.s. must be upheld through equality
d. the idea that civil disobedience is the only path to change

1. ri.11-12.7 how does king’s use of the metaphor “a promissory note” affect his

message compared to lincoln’s historical reference to “four score and seven years
go”?
a. king’s metaphor makes his speech less formal than lincoln’s.
b. king’s metaphor ties the idea of justice to an unfulfilled promise, making it urgent
and relatable. lincoln’s reference roots his appeal in national history.
c. lincoln’s historical reference suggests progress has already been made, while
king’s metaphor implies the past is irrelevant.
d. both rhetorical devices serve to entertain rather than persuade.

1. ri.11-12.7 imagine a visual timeline showing major u.s. events from 1776 to 1963.

based on both excerpts, what would lincoln and king likely agree should be on that
timeline?
a. only wars and military victories
b. the rise of industrialization
c. moments when american ideals of equality were tested or affirmed
d. political party changes in the u.s. government

Explanation:

1. Both Lincoln and King centered their speeches on upholding the U.S.'s founding ideals of equality for all people. Option A is incorrect as neither focused on military strength; B is incorrect as economic reform is not a shared central idea; D is incorrect as civil disobedience is not a focus of Lincoln's speech.
2. King's "promissory note" metaphor frames the unfulfilled promise of equality for Black Americans, making the call for justice urgent and relatable. Lincoln's "four score and seven years ago" references the nation's founding to ground his appeal in history. Option A is wrong because King's metaphor is not more formal; C is wrong as King's metaphor does not dismiss the past; D is wrong because both devices are persuasive, not entertaining.
3. Both leaders emphasized the U.S.'s ideals of equality, so they would prioritize events where these ideals were either tested (e.g., the Civil War) or affirmed (e.g., founding documents). Option A is too narrow; B is irrelevant to their core messages; D is not related to their focus on equality.

Answer:

1. C. The belief that the founding principles of the U.S. must be upheld through equality
2. B. King's metaphor ties the idea of justice to an unfulfilled promise, making it urgent and relatable; Lincoln's reference roots his appeal in national history.
3. C. Moments when American ideals of equality were tested or affirmed