1. MLK VALUES
WHO IS MLK?
MLK is Martin Luther King Jr. He was an American pastor, activist,
humanitarian, and leader in the African American Civil Rights Movement.
He is best known for improving civil rights by using nonviolent civil
disobedience, based on his Christian beliefs and values.
Some of his values were:
EQUALITY: Complete the text. Write ONE word for each space. (Part 7 KET Exam)
Quote: "I have a dream that __________ four little children will __________ day live in a nation
__________ they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but __________ the content of their
character.“
Fact: Martin Luther __________ Jr. is most remembered for leading the African __________ Civil
Rights Movement in the 1950s and '60s to end segregation (the __________ of black people from
__________ people in schools, restaurants, and other public places __________ the U.S.). He
fought __________ equal rights and fair treatment for people __________ all races or skin colors.
What can you do?
Treat __________ people __________ way you want to be
treated — with kindness and fairness.
Think about how we all are different __________ each other
in some ways, but we are the same in so many __________:
Inside we all have feelings and deserve to be __________.
LOVE: Complete the text. Write ONE word for each space. (Part 7 KET Exam)
Quote: "Darkness __________ drive out darkness; only light can do __________. Hate cannot
drive __________ hate; __________ love can do that.“
Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke __________ love and __________, encouraging people
__________ think of __________ — including "enemies" — __________ family. He believed
love, rather __________ violence and hatred, is __________ answer to the world's problems.
What __________ you do?
When __________ treats you poorly, try to treat __________
well in __________.
Use __________ energy to love __________ and help
__________.
2. THREE MORE VALUES: Read the text about Martin Luther King Jr. Are the following
sentences RIGHT (A) or WRONG (B)? If there is not enough information, choose DOESN’T
SAY (C)
FAITH
Quote: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Fact: Growing up the son of a minister, and later becoming a minister himself, Martin Luther
King Jr. was deeply religious. But he also embodied faith in the general, spiritual sense. He
believed in making bold goals, even when he wasn't sure where to begin or how things would
end.
What can you do?
Believe in yourself and your goals and dreams.
Don't give up or let worry take over when something gets difficult.
SELFLESSNESS
Quote: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. became a minister because he said he felt an "inner urge" calling
him to "serve humanity." He knew that becoming a civil rights leader would be dangerous, but
he cared more about helping others than protecting himself.
What can you do?
Volunteer to help a charity.
Invite friends and relatives to come and volunteer with you.
EDUCATION
Quote: "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education."
Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. was a bright student who skipped two grades and started college at
age 15. He went on to earn two bachelors degrees and a PhD. His strong education and love of
reading helped him write many powerful sermons and speeches, including his famous "I Have a
Dream" speech.
What can you do?
Work hard in school, and find subjects you are passionate about.
Find books that interest you to make reading a part of your life.
1. Martin Luther King’s father was a minister.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Doesn’t say
2. Martin Luther King was catholic.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Doesn’t say
3. Martin Luther King wanted to serve humanity.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Doesn’t say
4. He wanted to die for civil rights.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Doesn’t say
5. You can show selflessness by helping a charity.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Doesn’t say
6. Intelligence plus talent is the goal of education.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Doesn’t say
7. He studied to be a teacher at college.
A. Right B. Wrong C. Doesn’t say
3. THREE MORE VALUES: Read the text about Martin Luther King Jr. Are the following
sentences RIGHT (A) or WRONG (B)? If there is not enough information, choose DOESN’T
SAY (C)
NONVIOLENCE
Quote: "Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, which cuts without wounding and ennobles
the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals."
Fact: In 1959, Martin Luther King Jr. traveled to India and learned a lot about Mahatma Gandhi,
a man who led nonviolent protests to help people in India gain freedom from British rule. King
believed nonviolence — avoiding the use of weapons and physical fighting — was the best way
to work toward equality in the U.S. Because of this, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
What can you do?
Solve conflicts peacefully, without ever hitting or hurting someone.
When you feel angry or upset, express your feelings in words and talk about what you
need to make things better.
LEADERSHIP
Quote: "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus."
Fact: Simple acts often transform people into important leaders. In 1955, a black woman
named Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man when the
"whites only" section of the public bus was full. That sparked Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the
Montgomery Bus Boycott — a 13-month protest that helped end segregation on the city's buses
and fueled the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
What can you do?
Be a leader in a club, on a sports team, or in the classroom.
Feel confident in yourself, show good sportsmanship, and help your peers work out
conflicts.
HOPE
Quote: "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed a few times for leading nonviolent protests and boycotts,
and his home was bombed multiple times, but he kept moving forward. He wasn't sure if he
would see the end of segregation in his lifetime, but he still shared his hopes with the world. He
was 35 years old when the U.S. passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing segregation.
What can you do?
Think of others throughout history who endured hard times.
Even if challenges slow you down, don't give up.
1. Which value is said to be a sword that heals?
A. Nonviolence B. Leadership C. Hope
2. What value do you live when you help your peers work out their conflicts?
A. Nonviolence B. Leadership C. Hope
3. What value do you show when solving conflicts peacefully?
A. Nonviolence B. Leadership C. Hope
4. What value inspired Martin to keep moving forward in his fight against segregation?
A. Nonviolence B. Leadership C. Hope
5. Which value has to do with molding consensus?
A. Nonviolence B. Leadership C. Hope
6. What value do you show when you don’t give up?
A. Nonviolence B. Leadership C. Hope
7. What value did Martin learn from Mahatma Gandhi?
A. Nonviolence B. Leadership C. Hope
4. Text retrieved from https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/8-mlk-jr-values-instill-your-kids
Exercises created by Paredes, J.
Image retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/mblgtacc2018/coloring-pages/