Martin Luther King, Jr.
His Life and Times
Informational Texts and
Activities for Grades 4-6 Students
Teacher’s Guide to Martin Luther King, His Life and Times
©DianaBailey2016
Martin Luther King, Jr., His Life and Times is designed as a multi-purpose informational reading and
writing unit for upper elementary students. It can be equally utilized in an ELA class or a Social Studies class. Each of the four texts can be used alone (but in sequence): they could be assigned as you the
teacher wishes: in class over 1-4 days, as homework, as independent projects, etc. Three of the passages
begin with a pre-reading question that can be answered in written form or used as a class discussion
topic. Each text has a page of questions (inference, factual, and opinion) as well as a page of vocabulary
and grammar work. Each of the four passages has a short creative writing assignment.
The four passages are: Part 1: Martin Luther King Jr’.s Early Life; Part 2: Martin Luther King, Jr. as a
Young Man; Part 3: King’s Early Activism; and Part 4: A National Hero.
Information found on Dr. King is from:
Martin Luther King, Jr.: www.biography.com. Retrieved December 30, 2016;
About Dr. King: www.thekingcenter.org. Retrieved December 30, 2016;
Martin Luther King Jr. - Biography: www.nobelprize.org. Retrieved December 30, 2016;
M.L.K., Journey of a King (book), by Tanya Bolden (2007);
Free at Last! The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. (book)by Angela Bull (2000);
Heroes for All Time (book), by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce (2014);
Ten Amazing People (book), by Maura D. Shaw (2002).
Photos are used are from www.wikicommons.com and have been placed in the public domain. Digital papers
(cover) courtesy of http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jax-and-Jake (background) and http://www.
teacherspayteachers.com/Store/DigitalPaperDesigns (frame).
Please respect my copyright on this product and purchase additional licenses from TeachersPayTeachers for
other than your own classroom use. Thank you for having a look at the preview, and if you have purchased this
unit, thank you and I hope you find it a great resource for your classroom. Positive feedback appreciated!
Diana Bailey (B.A. History Hons., Dip. Ed.)
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Diana-Bailey-20
This product aligns with the Common Core Standards for reading Informational Text, grades 4-6
Below are Common Core Standards Alignment for Grade 5:
Key Ideas and Details
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.
Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
Craft and Structure
Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or
subject area.
Compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas,
concepts, or information in two or more texts.
Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view
they represent.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question
quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and
evidence support which point(s).
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Vocabulary
Write a definition for each of the following words:
1. segregation
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. abolished
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. discrimination
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4. inequality
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. nonviolence
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
6. civil rights
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
7. movement
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
8. activism
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
9. opposed
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
10. demonstration
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
©Diana Bailey 2016
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Vocabulary
1. segregation
Keeping one or more groups apart from each other. In many of the
southern states, laws were passed to legally separate blacks and
whites.
2. abolished
To get rid of something, usually in an official way. For example,
slavery was abolished in the United States when the Civil War
ended.
3. discrimination
To treat some people differently than others, based on characteristics beyond their control, e.g. race, religion, sex, disability, etc.
4. inequality
The treatment of people in an unequal way, often based on race,
religion, sex, disability, etc. SImiliar to discrimination but usually
refers to “official” discrimination.
5. nonviolence
6. civil rights
7. movement
8. activism
9. opposed
10. demonstration
©Diana Bailey 2016
The use of peaceful methods to achieve a goal, often related to
people’s rights.
The rights of people granted by their country or state. This are basic
rights that apply to all citizens.
A formal or informal set of actions based on the beliefs of a group of
people who want to create change in a society.
Acting in an organized way in order to change conditions.
To be against an action, idea, or belief. Also: opposition (noun), the
act of opposing something.
An organized event that expresses opposition to something (not
always peaceful, but usually begins in a lawful way).
Martin Luther King, Jr.: His Life and Times
Part 1 - Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Early Life
Before You Read
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in 1929. What do you think life was like
for a young person in the 1930’s as compared to today?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the
son of Martin Luther King, Sr. and his wife Alberta, a former teacher. Martin Sr. was a
church pastor at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Dr. King was given the name
Michael when he was born but when he was five it was changed to Martin Luther. This
was to honor his father who had been named after an important reformer of the Christian
church, Martin Luther. Martin had an older sister and a younger brother and the siblings
were very close in age. Until her death when he was twelve, Martin’s grandmother lived
with the family, and was a beloved and influential person in his life.
Young Martin lived in the south of the United States. Many states
in the south had passed segregation laws in the decades after the
Civil War, which was fought from 1861-1865. Slavery had been
abolished and all slaves were given their freedom but this did not
automatically change the attitudes of many southerners. Martin
grew up in a society where whites and blacks often had little to do
with each other. In fact, black people faced discrimination that
was supported by the law. In most of the communities that
The house in Atlanta where
followed the laws of segregation (known as “Jim Crow laws”) there Dr. King was born in 1929.
It is now a
were separate schools for black and white children and it was no
National Historic Site.
secret that the schools for black students were inferior.
Black Americans had the right to vote but in many cases when they tried to, they were
prevented from doing so. This meant that the black community did not have a voice;
there was no-one to speak for them in government or to support their rights.
As Martin grew up, he was very aware of the inequality he faced as a black person. This
did not prevent him from striving to do well. He was a bright student and skipped several
grades at school, beginning college at the very young age of fifteen. While in high school
he showed his talent for oratory when he represented Booker T. Washington High School
in a public speaking contest for Georgia schools.
1
©Diana Bailey 2016
Understanding the Text: Part 1 - Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Early Life
a. Answer the questions below. All four relate to Part 1.
1. What did you learn about Martin Luther King Jr.’s family by reading Part 1?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Why do you think it was hard to be a black American in the southern states when
Dr. King was growing up?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. What is meant by the “Jim Crow laws”?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. Give evidence from the passage that shows Dr. King was a bright student.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
b. Express Yourself! If you were a young black American living in the South during the
same time period as Dr. King did, what kind of future do you think you might have had?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2
©Diana Bailey 2016
Using Language: Part 1- Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Early Life
a. Write definitions for the words below. Define the words as they are used in Part 1.
1. reformer
______________________________________________________________
2. siblings
______________________________________________________________
3. influential
______________________________________________________________
4. automatically
______________________________________________________________
5. inferior
______________________________________________________________
6. striving
______________________________________________________________
b. Choose one word or expression from the word bank that relates to one of the vocabulary
words #1-6. The words might not be exact synonyms!
Word Bank
3. influential _________________
4. automatically ______________
5. inferior ___________________
unha
enjoying
il
sister
without fa
s
6. striving ___________________
r
ppy
important
se
2. siblings ___________________
rebel
les
1. reformer ___________________
explosive
g
tryin
c. Fun with Figurative Language
In the third paragraph an idiom is used to
express the fact that black people were
not represented in government. What
expression is used to express this idea?
At the end of the second paragraph the
expresion “it was no secret” is used. Explain
what this expression means.
____________________________________
___________________________________
____________________________________
___________________________________
____________________________________
___________________________________
____________________________________
3
©Diana Bailey 2016
Martin Luther King, Jr.: His Life and Times
Part 2 - Martin Luther King, Jr. as a Young Man
Before You Read
Dr. King achieved a high level of education as he became an adult.
How do you think his education helped him as a civil rights leader?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Martin began attending Morehouse College in 1944. He struggled with his studies at first
and was more interested in having fun at parties and buying clothes. When he thought
about his future, he thought he might like to be a doctor or a lawyer. Martin, still in his
teens, was not entirely sure what he would become but he knew the someday he wanted
to be a leader within the black community.
While he was at Morehouse College Martin began to read about the lives of great leaders.
He was particularly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of the people of India. Gandhi
was a politician who lead the movement for independence for his nation, which had been
under British government rule for almost ninety years. Gandhi preached nonviolence
and to not personally attack one’s enemies and his methods worked. India became an
independent nation in 1947 and Martin, still in his teens, was fascinated by the changes
there. Martin was also inspired during this time to follow the footsteps of his father and
grandfather; he decided to become a church minister.
When Martin was nineteen he began classes at Crozer College
in Pennsylvania. He was preparing to become a Baptist church
pastor. Most of the students there were white Americans and
Martin often felt out of place. His study of Gandhi helped him
cope with the discrimination he faced. Over time he made
Crozer College in Pennsylvania.
friends and gained the respect of other students. Martin
became the student-body president, was class valedictorian, and graduated at the top of
his class. He also won a scholarship to continue his studies in Boston where he studied for
a doctorate degree in theology. A doctorate is the highest level of education a student
can aspire to and if successful, he or she can use the title “doctor”.
By 1955 Martin had finished his studies and was pastor of a Baptist church in Montgomery,
Alabama. He had also met and married Coretta Scott and they had become the parents
of a daughter named Yolanda. Martin was happy – he had a job he enjoyed and a young
family he loved. He knew he was contributing to his community in a positive way.
4
©Diana Bailey 2016
Understanding the Text: Part 2 - Martin Luther King Jr. as a Young Man
a. Answer the questions below. All four relate to Part 2.
1. What did Martin Luther King Jr. know for certain he wanted to do?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Who was Mahatma Gandhi and how did he inspire Dr. King?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Martin wanted to “follow the footsteps” of his father and grandfather. What does this
mean and what did he decide to do?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. Describe what Dr. King’s life was like by the year 1955.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
b. Express Yourself! Dr. King had some important role models in his life. Explain how and
why role models can be important to all of us. Support your answer with examples.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
5
©Diana Bailey 2016
Using Language: Part 2 - Martin Luther King, Jr. as a Young Man
a. Write definitions for the words below. Define the words as they are used in Part 2.
1. attending
______________________________________________________________
2. inspired
______________________________________________________________
3. politician
______________________________________________________________
4. methods
______________________________________________________________
5. valedictorian
______________________________________________________________
6. aspire
______________________________________________________________
b. Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct word from the vocabulary list above.
1. My mother likes to watch cooking shows and learn new _____________________ .
2. My older sister was chosen class _____________________ in her senior year of college.
3. Luis wants to become a _____________________ one day; he will run for mayor first.
4. Mrs. Novak encourages all her students to _____________________ to greatness.
5. I will have to buy a new suit before _____________________ my aunt’s wedding.
6. Lily was _____________________ by the novel about soccer to try out for the team.
c. Fun with Words
Change two of the vocabulary words into other words. Hints provided!
1. This word has eight letters. Change the prefix to make a new word
that means “sweated”.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
2. Keeping just the first letter and the suffix of this word, add two letters
to make a new word that describes increasing an amount:
__ __ __ __ __ __
6
©Diana Bailey 2016
Martin Luther King, Jr.: His Life and Times
Part 3 - King's Early Activism
Before You Read
What do you know about the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott of 1955-56?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
As Dr. King took on the responsibilities of husband, father, and pastor, he began to worry
about the problems faced by fellow members of the black community. In the 1950’s there
was an increase in violence against blacks. The old segregation laws of the southern states
were seen as unfair and unjust. Blacks were no longer willing to be treated as second class
Americans and wanted all the rights they had been granted when slavery was abolished.
The events surrounding a bus ride in a Montgomery, Alabama,
where Dr. King lived, sparked a movement that grew and threw
Martin into the nation’s spotlight. On December 1, 1955 a young
woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus
to a white rider. She was taken into custody, fingerprinted, and
charged with breaking a segregation law. Black activists in
Montgomery had finally had enough and called for a boycott of
the buses. This meant that black riders, who made up the majority
of the bus passengers, would refuse to take the city buses. This
would mean a huge loss of money for the bus company.
Rosa Parks, who refused
to give up her seat on
a bus. On the left is Dr.
King. This photo was
taken during the bus
boycott.
The boycott was organized by E.D. Nixon, the local leader of the
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Others helped too,
such as Jo Ann Robinson, a college teacher who secretly printed hundreds of leaflets that
urged people to boycott the buses. E.D. Nixon asked Dr. King to help with the boycott and
the pastor responded by asking his congregation not to take the city buses. The boycott
was successful and played an important part in bringing down the segregation laws.
When the boycott began, Dr. King was asked to form a committee to help improve the
lives of black Americans in Montgomery. The success of the boycott made national news
and helped the fight for equal rights. It was very apparent that King had great leadership
skills and public speaking talent. He soon became the leader of the civil rights movement.
The events of the next dozen years would make Martin Luther King, Jr. very well known at
home and around the world. He was the hope of oppressed people everywhere.
7
©Diana Bailey 2016
Understanding the Text: Part 3 - King’s Early Activism
a. Answer the questions below. Questions 1-4 relate to Part 3 .
1. Why was Dr. King concerned about the black community in the 1950’s?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. What action did Rosa Parks take on December 1, 1955? What then happened to her?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Who were some of the people involved in the boycott of the Montgomery buses?
Explain what they did.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. Why is the Montgomery bus boycott important?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5. In your opinion, which characteristics did Dr. King have that made him a good leader?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
b. Express Yourself! Pretend you are writing a biography about Martin Luther King, Jr.
From what you have read so far, what do you think are two very important events of his
life? Explain why you think they are important.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
8
©Diana Bailey 2016
Using Language: Part 3 - King’s Early Activism
a. Write definitions for the words below. Define the words as they are used in Part 3.
1. unjust
______________________________________________________________
2. custody
______________________________________________________________
3. boycott
______________________________________________________________
4. organized
______________________________________________________________
5. committee
______________________________________________________________
6. apparent
______________________________________________________________
b. Write your own sentences for the vocabulary words listed below.
1. unjust
____________________________________________________________________
2. custody
____________________________________________________________________
3. boycott
____________________________________________________________________
4. organized
____________________________________________________________________
5. committee
____________________________________________________________________
6. apparent
____________________________________________________________________
c. Fun with Figurative Language
List four adjectives that describe Dr. King and explain why you chose each one:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
9
©Diana Bailey 2016
Martin Luther King, Jr.: His Life and Times
Part 4 - A National Hero
In 1957 a new organization was formed to lead the civil rights movement. Dr. King joined
and was elected its first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Black
Americans, and other Americans who supported them, were more determined than ever
that things had to change for blacks all over the country. They were willing to work hard
to make these changes. Dr. King did not abandon his idea that nonviolence was the way
to achieve their goals.
For almost twelve years Dr. King traveled millions of miles, giving more than two thousand
speeches. He wrote books and articles that brought injustices against black Americans to
the public’s attention. King participated in large “protests” that were organized to give the
movement publicity in a peaceful and lawful way. Unfortunately, some of the protests did
not end well for the protesters. Dr. King himself was arrested in 1963 after he participated
in a large demonstration in Birmingham, Alabama. He did not give up though, and later
that year gave a speech that had a great impact on the American public.
Dr. King’s speech is known as the “I Have a Dream” speech. He spoke to a huge crowd of
over two hundred thousand people in Washington, D.C. The speech had a great affect
because it was both emotional and inspiring. Dr. King was able to communicate to
all Americans that they could have a better society by living together in peace and by
treating everyone with kindness and respect.
Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his speech on August 28, 1963.
The next year he won the Nobel Peace Prize, an international
award given to people who have worked hard to bring
peace to the world. King gave the prize money to the civil
rights movement.
Martin Luther King meeting
The 1960’s was a time of great upheaval and change in the
with President Johnson in the
White House in
United States and around the world. Dr. King and his
December, 1963
supporters were part of that change. Not everyone was
happy with change, though, and they opposed the idea that black
Americans were equal to white Americans. Some of this opposition was expressed with
violent attacks on blacks. One man, who hated the civil rights leader and what he stood
for, shot Dr. King while he was standing on a hotel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee. He
died about an hour later. Martin Luther King, Jr. was just thirty-nine years old. Thousands
attended his funeral in Atlanta and millions around the world watched it on television.
Martin Luther King’s birthday is now observed on the third Monday in January. He was a
hero in his time and in the twenty-first century, Dr. King continues to be honored as a hero.
10
©Diana Bailey 2016
Understanding the Text: Part 4 - A National Hero
a. Answer the questions below. Questions 1- 4 relate to Part 4 .
1. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do in 1957?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Dr. King gave many speeches and wrote books and articles in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Why do you think he took the time to do this?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. During which year did Dr. King give his “I Have a Dream” speech? What special award
was he given in 1964?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. Why do you think some people, like the man who shot Dr. King, were so opposed to
black Americans having equality and respect?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5. Why do you think that today, decades after his death, people still honor Dr. King?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
b. Express Yourself! If you could speak to Martin Luther King, Jr. in person, what would
you like to talk about and why?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
11
©Diana Bailey 2016
Using Language: Part 4 - A National Hero
a. Write definitions for the words below. Define the words as they are used in Part 4.
1. determined
______________________________________________________________
2. abandon
______________________________________________________________
3. publicity
______________________________________________________________
4. participated
______________________________________________________________
5. impact
______________________________________________________________
6. upheaval
______________________________________________________________
b. Replace the underlined word or words below with a vocabulary word from the list above
so that the sentences are true. Write the word on the line. #4 has two words to replace.
1. Dr. King segregated in many civil rights demonstrations. __________________
2. The civil rights movements made a great refusal during the 1950’s and 1960’s.
__________________
3. There were a lot of people who disagreed with the civil rights movement but its
supporters were hostile to change things. __________________
4. Dr. King did not adopt his dream of equality in spite of the peacefulness of the time.
__________________ __________________
5. Civil rights demonstrations got a lot of modesty on television. __________________
c. Fun with Words
Change two of the vocabulary words above into other words. Hints provided!
1. One of the words contains a preposition. What is the opposite of that preposition?
__ __ __ __
2. Part of one of the words is a verb that means to dig for ore or another metal:
__ __ __ __
12
©Diana Bailey 2016
Answer Key
Understanding the Text: Part 1 - Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Early Life
a. Answer the questions below. All four relate to Part 1.
1. What did you learn about Martin Luther King Jr.’s family by reading Part 1?
Answers will vary. Example: King was the middle child of Martin Luther King Sr.
and his wife Alberta (Williams) of Atlanta. He had an older sister and a younger
brother. His name was changed from Michael when he was five in honor of his
father. His grandmother lived with the family until he was twelve years old.
2. Why do you think it was hard to be a black American in the southern states when
Dr. King was growing up?
Answers will vary but should include an awareness of the segregation laws and the
fact that many black Americans in the South faced discrimination.
3. What is meant by the “Jim Crow laws”?
The Jim Crow laws (not mentioned in the passage - these laws were passed in the
South in the decades following the Civil War) made segregation legal in many communities.
4. Give evidence from the passage that shows Dr. King was a bright student.
In the passage it is mentioned that King skipped several grades in school and
represented his high school in a Georgia public speaking contest. He began
college at the age of fifteen years.
b. Express Yourself! If you were a young black American living in the South during the
same time period as Dr. King did, what kind of future do you think you might have had?
Answers will vary. Students will probably recognize that young black people
might be less likely to go to college and get good jobs and would face discrimination as they went through life.
13
©Diana Bailey 2016
Answer Key
Using Language: Part 1- Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Early Life
a. Write definitions for the words below. Define the words as they are used in Part 1.
1. reformer
Someone who wants to change the way things are.
2. siblings
Brothers and/or sisters in a family.
3. influential
Having importance or a way of swaying others.
4. automatically
Describing one action that occurs naturally after another.
5. inferior
Of less value than something average or superior.
6. striving
Making a strong effort to improve or change.
b. Choose one word or expression from the word bank that relates to one of the vocabulary
words #1-6. The words might not be exact synonyms!
Word Bank
3. influential _________________
4. automatically ______________
5. inferior ___________________
unha
enjoying
il
sister
without fa
s
6. striving ___________________
r
ppy
important
se
2. siblings ___________________
rebel
les
1. reformer ___________________
explosive
g
tryin
c. Fun with Figurative Language
In the third paragraph an idiom is used to
express the fact that black people were
not represented in government. What
expression is used to express this idea?
At the end of the second paragraph the
expresion “it was no secret” is used. Explain
what this expression means.
Example: it was generally known that the
“The black community did not have a
black schools were not as good as the
voice.”
white schools.
14
©Diana Bailey 2016
Answer Key
Understanding the Text: Part 2 - Martin Luther King Jr. as a Young Man
a. Answer the questions below. All four relate to Part 2.
1. What did Martin Luther King Jr. know for certain he wanted to do?
He knew that one way or another, he wanted to be a leader in the black community.
2. Who was Mahatma Gandhi and how did he inspire Dr. King?
Mahatma Gandhi was a politician from India who played a large part in his country
gaining independence from Britain in 1947. He preached nonviolence and
achieved his goal without violence. He inspired Dr. King to do the same in working
for the rights of black Americans.
3. Martin wanted to “follow the footsteps” of his father and grandfather. What does this
mean and what did he decide to do?
He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather which means he
wanted to do what they had done, become a church minister.
4. Describe what Dr. King’s life was like by the year 1955.
Dr. King had completed his education at Morehouse College and then at Crozer
College in Pennsylvania. He then won a scholarship to further his studies towards
a doctorate. He had also married Coretta Scott and had become a father. He had
also been appointed pastor of a Baptist church in Montgomery, Alabama.
b. Express Yourself! Dr. King had some important role models in his life. Explain how and
why role models can be important to all of us. Support your answer with examples.
Answers will vary.
15
©Diana Bailey 2016
Answer Key
Using Language: Part 2 - Martin Luther King, Jr. as a Young Man
a. Write definitions for the words below. Define the words as they are used in Part 2.
1. attending
Being part of a planned event or going to school, church, etc.
2. inspired
Influenced or encouraged to do something.
3. politician
Someone elected to hold public office.
4. methods
Step by step processes followed to accomplish goals.
5. valedictorian
A student who gives a speech at graduation/commencement.
6. aspire
Hoping to accomplish something, working to succeed.
b. Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct word from the vocabulary list above.
1. My mother likes to watch cooking shows and learn new methods.
2. My older sister was chosen class valedictorian in her senior year of college.
3. Luis wants to become a politician one day; he will run for mayor first.
4. Mrs. Novak encourages all her students to aspire to greatness.
5. I will have to buy a new suit before attending my aunt’s wedding.
6. Lily was inspired by the novel about basketball to try out for the team.
c. Fun with Words
Change two of the vocabulary words into other words. Hints provided!
1. This word has eight letters. Change the prefix to make a new word
that means “sweated”.
perspired
2. Keeping just the first letter and the suffix of this word, add two letters
to make a new word that describes increasing an amount:
adding
16
©Diana Bailey 2016
Answer Key
Understanding the Text: Part 3 - King’s Early Activism
a. Answer the questions below. Questions 1-4 relate to Part 3 .
1. Why was Dr. King concerned about the black community in the 1950’s?
He was concerned about the increase in violence against black Americans.
2. What action did Rosa Parks take on December 1, 1955? What then happened to her?
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white
passenger. She was taken into custody, arrested, and fingerprinted.
3. Who were some of the people involved in the boycott of the Montgomery buses?
Explain what they did.
Rosa Parks - her actions triggered the boycott; E.D. Nixon - local leader of the
NAACP organized the boycott; Jo Ann Robinson, a college teacher who printed
thousands of leaflets publicizing the boycott; Dr. King, who encouraged his church
members to boycott the buses.
4. Why is the Montgomery bus boycott important?
It is important because it brought national attention to the civil rights movement
and gave activists the encouragement to not give up.
5. In your opinion, which characteristics did Dr. King have that made him a good leader?
Answers will vary. Examples: he was respected, he was an excellent speaker, he
was focused on his goals, he inspired others.
b. Express Yourself! Pretend you are writing a biography about Martin Luther King, Jr.
From what you have read so far, what do you think are two very important events of his
life? Explain why you think they are important.
Answers will vary.
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Answer Key
Using Language: Part 3 - King’s Early Activism
a. Write definitions for the words below. Define the words as they are used in Part 3.
1. unjust
In the sense of the law, not treated as the law dictates; unfair.
2. custody
The official holding of someone, e.g. by the police.
3. boycott (n.)
A refusal to do something in order to take a stand or protest.
4. organized
Created in an orderly way, e.g. an event.
5. committee
A group of people officially appointed to make decisions.
6. apparent
Something that is obvious or clear to most people.
b. Write your own sentences for the vocabulary words listed below.
1. unjust
Answers will vary.
2. custody
3. boycott
4. organized
5. committee
6. apparent
c. Fun with Figurative Language
List four adjectives that describe Dr. King and explain why you chose each one:
Answers will vary.
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©Diana Bailey 2016
Understanding the Text: Part 4 - A National Hero
Answer Key
a. Answer the questions below. Questions 1- 4 relate to Part 4 .
1. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do in 1957?
He joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and became its first
president.
2. Dr. King gave many speeches and wrote books and articles in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Why do you think he took the time to do this?
Answers will vary. Example: he wanted to reach as many people as he could to
educate them on the civil rights movement.
3. During which year did Dr. King give his “I Have a Dream” speech? What special award
was he given in 1964?
He gave the speech in 1963. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 (not
mentioned but it was for his accomplishments of 1963).
4. Why do you think some people, like the man who shot Dr. King, were so opposed to
black Americans having equality and respect?
Answers will vary. Examples: they had been taught racism or they just were afraid
of change.
5. Why do you think that today, decades after his death, people still honor Dr. King?
Answers will vary. Example: he was such an important leader of the civil rights
movement that he should be remembered.
b. Express Yourself! If you could speak to Martin Luther King, Jr. in person, what would
you like to talk about and why?
Answers will vary.
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©Diana Bailey 2016
Answer Key
Using Language: Part 4 - A National Hero
a. Write definitions for the words below. Define the words as they are used in Part 4.
1. determined
To be driven to do something; to not give up.
2. abandon
To give up on something or someone, to leave it to its fate.
3. publicity
The spreading of information through the media.
4. participated
Was part of an action, movement, event.
5. impact
The influence of an event/movement on others.
6. upheaval
A widespread and often sudden change.
b. Replace the underlined word or words below with a vocabulary word from the list above
so that the sentences are true. Write the word on the line. #4 has two words to replace.
1. Dr. King segregated in many civil rights demonstrations. participated
2. The civil rights movements made a great refusal during the 1950’s and 1960’s. impact
3. There were a lot of people who disagreed with the civil rights movement but its
supporters were hostile to change things. determined
4. Dr. King did not adopt his dream of equality in spite of the peacefulness of the time.
abandon upheaval
5. Civil rights demonstrations got a lot of modesty on television. publicity
c. Fun with Words
Change two of the vocabulary words above into other words. Hints provided!
1. One of the words contains a preposition. What is the opposite of that preposition?
down (upheaval)
2. Part of one of the words is a verb that means to dig for ore or another metal:
mine (determined)
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