ESL Questions Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King
The dream of equality. These questions explore the life of Dr. King, the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing struggle for justice and peace.
Beginner
Do you know who Martin Luther King Jr. was?
Can you name a famous speech he gave?
How do you help people be kind to each other?
Is it important to have a big dream for the world?
Do you want to live in a place that is fair for all?
Why is peaceful protest better than fighting?
Are you a fan of stories about brave heroes?
Can you find Montgomery or Atlanta on a map?
Is everyone equal in your eyes today?
What makes a person a great and wise leader?
Do you like to listen to powerful speakers?
Is it okay to stand up for what is right?
Can one person change the history of a country?
Do you want to help make the world better?
Are you ready to learn about his life today?
Intermediate
What would you do if you were treated differently just because of how you looked?
How do you feel when you hear the words 'I have a dream' in a recording?
Is it better to use 'non-violence' even when people are being mean to you?
How do you decide what is worth fighting for in your own community?
Why is Dr. King's birthday celebrated as a holiday in the United States?
Have you ever participated in a march or a walk for a good cause?
Do you think that the world is much closer to his 'dream' than it was in 1963?
How do you feel about the fact that he won the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35?
Is it a good idea to read his 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' in school?
What is the most inspiring thing you have learned about the Civil Rights Movement?
Should we have more statues of people who fought for peace instead of war?
How often do you think about the 'content of character' versus physical appearance?
Why was the 'Montgomery Bus Boycott' such a powerful moment in history?
Is it difficult to remain peaceful when you are very angry about an injustice?
How do you feel when you see people of all different colors working together?
Do you prefer a leader who uses words or a leader who uses actions?
What is the best way to teach a child about the history of segregation?
How do you handle a situation where you see someone being bullied or left out?
Should every country have a hero who represents the struggle for equality?
What is the role of 'courage' in the life of a person like Dr. King?
How do you feel when you visit a museum dedicated to civil rights?
Is it possible for one 'dream' to change the laws of a whole nation?
Why do we still talk about his work more than fifty years later?
What is one part of his dream that you want to see come true right now?
How do you feel when a community comes together to serve others on MLK Day?
Advanced
Is 'non-violent resistance' the most effective tool for long-term social change?
How does the 'theology' of Dr. King influence his approach to justice and love?
Should we view the 'Civil Rights Movement' as a finished chapter or an ongoing work?
Is the 'assassination' of a leader a way to kill an idea or does it make the idea stronger?
How does 'systemic racism' differ from individual acts of prejudice in society?
Should we prioritize 'economic justice' as the next phase of the civil rights struggle?
How do 'Malcolm X' and 'Martin Luther King' represent different paths to freedom?
Is 'civil disobedience' (breaking an unjust law) a moral duty for every citizen?
How does the 'media coverage' of the 1960s help us understand the power of images?
Should we move toward a 'colorblind' society or one that celebrates our differences?
How does 'Dr. King's stance on the Vietnam War' show his commitment to global peace?
Is 'intersectionality' the modern version of the coalition-building King practiced?
How do 'Jim Crow laws' from the past still influence the geography of cities today?
Should we implement 'reparations' as a way to fix the damage of past inequality?
How does 'the arc of the moral universe' (bending toward justice) give people hope?
Is 'voting rights' the most essential protection for a minority group in a democracy?
How do 'international movements' (like anti-apartheid) draw inspiration from Dr. King?
Should we focus on 'education' or 'legislation' to end discrimination?
How does 'rhetoric and oratory' (the art of speaking) change the course of history?
Is 'beloved community' a realistic vision for a modern and diverse city?
How do 'socio-economic' barriers prevent people from achieving their full potential?
Should we teach the 'radical' parts of King's message, not just the 'dream' speech?
How does 'empathy' across racial lines happen in a divided society?
Is 'sacrifice' a requirement for anyone who wants to lead a movement for justice?
What will 'equality' look like in a future where we have moved past our current biases?