TOEFL/IELTS Reading Comprehension Practice: MLK and the Civil Rights Movement

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement

[Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an iconic figure in American history, played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience was inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and rooted in Christian beliefs. King's leadership in the struggle against racial segregation and discrimination is a defining feature of this period in American history.

King's most famous moment, the "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered during the March on Washington in 1963, is celebrated for its powerful vision of racial harmony and equality. This speech not only inspired millions but also exerted significant influence on the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These pieces of legislation were crucial in dismantling legal segregation and ensuring voting rights for African Americans.

However, King's journey was marked by numerous challenges, including arrests, violence, and widespread opposition. His nonviolent approach often put him at odds with more radical factions within the movement. Despite these obstacles, King's commitment to achieving civil rights through peaceful means remained unshaken.

Tragically, King's life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1968. His death sparked a wave of mourning and protests across the nation. Today, Dr. King's legacy is remembered as a symbol of hope, justice, and the ongoing fight for equality. His birthday is observed as a national holiday in the United States, honoring his contributions and the enduring impact of his work.]

Questions:

1. What was a central aspect of Dr. King's approach in the Civil Rights Movement?
a) Armed resistance
b) Nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience
c) Political lobbying
d) Economic boycotts
2. What was the significance of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech?
a) It led directly to his assassination.
b) It highlighted the economic disparities between races.
c) It was a turning point in the Vietnam War.
d) It influenced major civil rights legislation.
3. What challenges did Dr. King face in his activism?
a) Widespread support and acceptance
b) Financial prosperity
c) Arrests, violence, and opposition
d) Lack of public speaking skills
4. How did Dr. King's assassination impact the nation?
a) It resulted in the immediate end of the Civil Rights Movement.
b) It led to the establishment of the Nobel Peace Prize.
c) It sparked mourning and protests nationwide.
d) It diminished the significance of his work.
5. What is a legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
a) The decline of nonviolent protest
b) His birthday is observed as a national holiday
c) The end of racial discrimination
d) The cessation of the Civil Rights Movement