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Read the following excerpt taken from the US Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).The case coming on for a hearing before the Supreme Court, that court was of opinion that the law under which the prosecution had was constitutional, and denied the relief prayed for by the petitioner. Ex parte Plessy, 45 La.Ann. 80. Whereupon petitioner prayed for a writ of error from this court, which was allowed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Louisiana.MR. JUSTICE BROWN, after stating the case, delivered the opinion of the court.This case turns upon the constitutionality of an act of the General Assembly of the State of Louisiana, passed in 1890, providing for separate railway carriages for the white and colored races. Acts 1890, No. 111, p. 152.The first section of the statute enacts"that all railway companies carrying passengers in their coaches in this State shall provide equal but separate accommodations for the white and colored races by providing two or more passenger coaches for each passenger train, or by dividing the passenger coaches by a partition so as to secure separate accommodations: Provided, That this section shall not be construed to apply to street railroads. No person or persons, shall be admitted to occupy seats in coaches other than the ones assigned to them on account of the race they belong to." The Supreme Court’s ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson was problematic because

the court was not able to overturn the Louisiana state law that required passengers be separated by race.

the court did not have any Black justices among its members.

it was unclear if Plessy (who was of mixed race) broke the law by sitting in the whites-only coach.

it was based on the belief that segregation was permissible as long as the facilities were equal.

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Read the excerpt from the US Supreme court case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).The statute of Louisiana, acts of 1890, c. 111, requiring railway companies carrying passengers in their coaches in that State, to provide equal, but separate, accommodations for the white and colored races, by providing two or more passenger coaches for each passenger train, or by dividing the passenger coaches by a partition so as to secure separate accommodations; and providing that no person shall be permitted to occupy seats in coaches other than the ones assigned to them, on account of the race they belong to; and requiring the officer of the passenger train to assign each passenger to the coach or compartment assigned for the race to which he or she belong; and imposing fines or imprisonment upon passengers insisting on going into a coach or compartment other than the one set aide for the race to which he or she belongs; and conferring upon officers of the train power to refuse to carry on the train passengers refusing to occupy the coach or compartment assigned to them, and exempting the railway company from liability for such refusal, are not in conflict with the provisions either of the Thirteenth Amendment or of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Which best explains why the Supreme Court’s decision in Plessy v. Ferguson was unconstitutional?

The Supreme Court’s ruling allowed states to deny equal protection to any person within its jurisdiction.

Since the 14th Amendment did not make concessions for people born outside the US, the Supreme Court’s decision could not be applied.

The Supreme Court’s decision gave individual states the freedom to make their own laws in relation to the treatment of people of color.

Since segregation laws did not provide equal protections or liberties to people of color, the ruling was not consistent with the 14th Amendment.

Which type of evidence is subjective and dependent on opinions or experiences?

experiment

testimonial

statistic

photograph

Read this paragraph from a student’s rhetorical analysis essay. Obama also uses logical reasoning to describe the potential effects of inaction. He states that there will be dangerous consequences if the United States does not respond to the use of chemical weapons and uses listing to name them. First, Syria will likely continue to kill innocents with poison gas. Second, Syria’s use of banned weapons will further weaken the international prohibition against chemical warfare, encouraging their use by "other tyrants." Eventually, Obama points out, "our troops would again face the prospect of chemical warfare on the battlefield and it could be easier for terrorist organizations to obtain these weapons."

The picture Obama paints of the consequences of American inaction is sobering and leaves an impression on the audience.

By listing a chain of probable events, Obama provides the audience with logical reasons to support military action to prevent them.

This description of the likely consequences of American inaction explains why Assad’s actions are unacceptable.

Obama’s carefully constructed links between causes and effects shows that American action may make the situation worse.

What is the purpose of the conclusion in a rhetorical analysis essay?

to wrap up the writer’s argument

to connect evidence to the claim

to explain the rhetorical situation of a text

to state the main, overarching claim

Which sentence is an example of a closed thesis statement?

Robinson, using various persuasive techniques, presents a compelling argument that the liberal arts should provide the underpinning for all higher education disciplines.

Using various effective rhetorical techniques, Robinson presents a compelling argument that the liberal arts should provide the basis for all higher education.

Robinson uses statistics, quotes from experts, and a number of anecdotes to argue in favor of the liberal arts as the foundation for all educational disciplines.

Robinson presents a compelling and well-supported argument that the liberal arts should provide the foundation for university education in all disciplines.

Read the excerpt from “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”In our own nation, the Boston Tea Party represented a massive act of civil disobedience.Why does King use this allusion?

to establish historical precedent for his actions

to commemorate a beloved US leader

to appeal to his critics’ sense of moral justice

to forge a connection with modern political figures

What is the fundamental idea behind the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which is mentioned in Brown v. Board of Education?

The Fourteenth Amendment makes slavery illegal in the United States.

The Fourteenth Amendment secures the rights of citizenship to all people in the United States.

The Fourteenth Amendment declares segregation of schools illegal in the United States.

The Fourteenth Amendment offers voting rights to all men in the United States.

Read the paragraph from a student’s rhetorical analysis essay.At the end of his address on Syria, Obama encourages all Americans to support military action against Syria. He acknowledges America’s role as "the anchor of global security." He then asks people of all political parties, "members of Congress and those of you watching at home tonight," to consider the disturbing images from Syria. He uses a rhetorical question to ask what would happen if Americans chose to ignore this horrible violation of international law.

Obama voices his belief that the United States can stop atrocities without incurring too much risk.

Obama ends the speech by stating that the US needs to respond to the violation of international law to maintain power.

By reminding the audience that the US has had a central role in keeping the world secure, Obama builds support to maintain peace.

By naming the different groups he hopes to persuade, Obama builds pressure to support military action and create a unified response to the atrocities.

Read the excerpt from the Supreme Court’s ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson.That petitioner was a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of Louisiana, of mixed descent . . . on June 7, 1892, he engaged and paid for a first class passage on the East Louisiana Railway . . . and thereupon entered a passenger train, and took possession of a vacant seat in a coach where passengers of the white race were accommodated; that such railroad company was incorporated by the laws of Louisiana as a common carrier, and was not authorized to distinguish between citizens according to their race. But, notwithstanding this, petitioner was required by the conductor, under penalty of ejection from said train and imprisonment, to vacate said coach and occupy another seat in a coach assigned by said company for persons not of the white race.How does this relate to the premises of Brown v. Board of Education?

The Brown case addresses whether localities have the authority to label individuals by race.

The Brown case addresses whether the laws of Southern states are racially biased.

The Brown case addresses whether penalties and punishments can legally vary by race.

The Brown case addresses whether facilities separated by race are permissible by law.

In what way are the lines of "The Weary Blues" similar to the lyrics of a blues song?

The poem uses repetition to create meaning.

The poem uses a standard rhyme scheme.

The poem does not use figurative language.

The poem does not offer insight into emotions.

Read the excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham, but it is even more unfortunate that the city's white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative.How does King support this claim?

by providing the names of corrupt public figures

by explaining Birmingham’s segregationists laws

by quoting the racist sentiments of city leaders

by describing Birmingham’s record of injustice

Read the sentence.As the contractor looked at the dilapidated structure that stood on the empty lot, he noticed the cracks and holes in the roof and realized he had a great deal of work to do.Which word is closest in meaning to the underlined word?

enormous

untouched

polluted

rundown

Read the excerpt from the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution.All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.How does the excerpt relate to the premises of Brown v. Board of Education?

The Brown case addresses whether the plaintiffs have been afforded the full rights of citizenship.

The Brown case addresses whether the plaintiffs are informed of their rights as US citizens.

The Brown case addresses whether the quality of education can legally vary from state to state.

The Brown case addresses whether matters of education are under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.

Read the excerpt from a student’s rhetorical analysis essay.Barone and Ware provide a variety of quantitative evidence that suggests that a career ladder for teachers improves teacher retention. For example, they cite exit interviews with teachers leaving the profession. Over 80% of respondents cite that having few opportunities for advancement was a reason to leave the profession.

A career ladder is a system where people can advance to higher levels of responsibility and compensation.

Data collected from exiting teachers provide support for the implementation of new pathways in teaching careers, like a career ladder, to retain teachers.

The authors studied several reasons that people left the teaching profession, including the lack of opportunities for advancement.

The author makes a connection to the audience by writing about the importance of retaining talented teachers through implementing career ladders.

When would an open thesis statement be used in a rhetorical analysis essay?

when the writer wants to state a clear position as the main claim of the argument

when the writer wishes to support many reasons in an argument

when the writer wants to preview the chief reasons that support the thesis

when the writer wants to outline the structure of an argument

Read the excerpt from Jackie Robinson’s letter to President Eisenhower.When you said we must have self-respect, I wondered how we could have self-respect and remain patient considering the treatment accorded to us through the years.This excerpt contains an historical allusion to

civil rights activists that advocated for equal rights in the United States throughout the 20th century.

the discrimination and bigotry faced by Black people throughout history in the United States.

Robinson’s belief that an end to segregation is impossible to achieve in the United States.

Robinson’s belief that President Eisenhower is responsible for ending segregation in the United States.

How does the mention of Governor Faubus in Jackie Robinson’s letter to President Eisenhower strengthen the main argument of the letter?

The reference highlights President Eisenhower’s deep dislike of the governor and shows his willingness to remove him from office.

Robinson notes that Governor Faubus spoke during the Summit Meeting of Negro Leaders and became a symbol of civil rights.

Robinson uses Governor Faubus as a metaphor for racial segregation and therefore provides a strong visual image.

The reference provides a real-life example of a pro-segregationist and his actions, making the need for civil rights more dire.

Read the following excerpt from Jackie Robinson’s letter to President Eisenhower.As the chief executive of our nation, I respectfully suggest that you unwittingly crush the spirit of freedom in Negroes by constantly urging forbearance and give hope to those pro-segregation leaders like Governor Faubus who would take from us even those freedoms we now enjoy. Your own experience with Governor Faubus is proof enough that forbearance and not eventual integration is the goal the pro-segregation leaders seek. To which specific historic event is Jackie Robinson referring to in the letter?

President Eisenhower’s argument over civil rights with Arkansas Governor Faubus at the Summit Meeting of Negro Leaders the day before this letter was written

the riots of Harlem, which broke out in response to African Americans’ frustration at job discrimination, police brutality, poor treatment by the armed forces, and lack of access to economic opportunities

Governor Faubus’s calling of the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine African American students from entering Little Rock Central High School, despite the US Supreme Court’s ruling against segregation

the rumored fatal shooting in August 1943 of a white soldier, which culminated in race rioting across the nation

Read the excerpt from Jackie Robinson’s letter to President Eisenhower.I respectfully remind you sir, that we have been the most patient of all people. When you said we must have self-respect, I wondered how we could have self-respect and remain patient considering the treatment accorded to us through the years.Which best explains why Robinson includes this description of Black people?

to warn the president that Black people are tired of waiting and will soon take action

to point out that Black people have greatly suffered for far too long

to assure the president that Black people would continue to wait patiently

to show that he respects the president and all he has done to help Black people

Which best identifies Jackie Robinson’s reason for writing his letter to President Eisenhower?

He hopes that the president will take immediate action to curb segregation laws at the federal level.

He believes that the president should punish Governor Faubus for his inexcusable actions.

He feels that the president has too much sympathy for pro-segregationists like Governor Faubus.

He thinks that the president should be commended for his remarks at the Summit Meeting of Negro Leaders.

Langston Hughes yearns for equality in the poem “I Dream A World,” while in the poem “Democracy” he

is thankful for the freedoms he has gained.

feels that equal opportunities are within reach.

strongly supports the idea of deferring the fight to a later time.

actively advocates the idea of fighting for equal treatment.

Read the excerpt from “I Dream a World” by Langston Hughes.A world I dream where black or white,Whatever race you be,Will share the bounties of the earthAnd every man is free,Where wretchedness will hang its headAnd joy, like a pearl,Attends the needs of all mankind—Of such I dream, my world!Based on the dreams that the speaker describes, it is reasonable to infer that the speaker

is hopeful all people will experience the same freedoms he enjoys.

will do whatever is necessary to gain equality for all.

lives in a time and place where equality does not exist.

has given up the idea that one day all people will be treated the same.

The speaker in Hughes’s poem “Democracy” encourages people to

bravely stand up for what is right.

peacefully support change.

patiently wait for equality to come.

silently let change take its course.

In Langston Hughes’s poem “I Dream a World,” the repetition of the word “dream” emphasizes

the idea that the action of the poem takes place at night.

the notion that Hughes lives in a fantasy world rather than reality.

the fact that equality is a desired but seemingly unattainable goal.

the belief that dreams often remain unrealized due to oppression.

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