Historical Context
Dr. King delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech in front of this Washington, D.C. landmark.
The Lincoln Memorial
King’s main goal is to achieve racial ____________.
Equality
King compares America’s broken promises to an unpaid ____________.
Check / promissory note
Repeating words or phrases at the beginning of sentences is called ____________.
Anaphora
A word meaning cruel or unfair treatment: ____________.
Oppression
This document was signed about 100 years before King’s speech and ended slavery.
The Emancipation Proclamation
King believes people should be judged by their ____________, not their ____________.
Character; skin color
The phrase “insufficient funds” represents racial ____________ and injustice.
Inequality / racism
The repeated phrase “We cannot…” is an example of this rhetorical technique.
Repetition / parallelism
A word that means holy or sacred: ____________.
Hallowed
King refers to two founding documents to remind America of its promises. Name one.
The Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution
King urges his audience to demand change ____________, not at some future time.
Immediately / now
King uses images of heat and storms to symbolize suffering caused by ____________.
Oppression / injustice
Parallel sentence structure helps create ____________ and emphasis.
Rhythm /momentum
A word meaning long periods of suffering or hardship: ____________.
Tribulation
King delivered this speech during the March on Washington to protest racial injustice and demand ____________.
Equality / civil rights / justice (acceptable paraphrases)
According to the speech, justice should be achieved through ____________ protest rather than violence.
Peaceful / nonviolent protest
What does King mean when he says “the rough places will be made plain”?
Justice and fairness will replace inequality and unfair systems.
Antithesis presents ____________ ideas in a balanced structure.
Contrasting / opposing ideas
If someone feels exalted, they feel emotionally ____________.
Uplifted / joyful / elevated
Why does King believe the promises of freedom in America had not yet been fulfilled for African Americans?
African Americans continued to face segregation, discrimination, and systemic inequality, meaning America’s promises had not been fulfilled.
In 1–2 sentences, explain Dr. King’s main message in the speech.
Sample: Dr. King calls for immediate, nonviolent action to end racial injustice and fulfill America’s promise of equality for all.
Explain how King’s figurative language helps persuade his audience.
Sample: King’s figurative language creates strong emotional images that help the audience understand injustice and feel motivated to demand change.
Identify one rhetorical device King uses and explain its effect on the audience.
Sample: King uses repetition (“I have a dream”) to emphasize hope and unify his audience.
A word meaning success or shared wealth and opportunity: ____________.
Prosperity