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MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY VOCABULARY (ESL)

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January, honouring the civil rights leader's birthday (January 15, 1929). This exercise covers vocabulary related to Dr. King and the civil rights movement.

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1. Martin Luther King Day (notes/marks) the birthday of American (people/civil) rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a federal holiday in the United States, as well as a state holiday in all the individual states.

2. This is a (fairly/fair) new holiday. It only started to be observed in 1986.

3. The idea to create this holiday was not supported by all American politicians. President Ronald Reagan, for instance, initially (opposed/suggested) its creation.

4. Martin Luther King was a Baptist (minister/ministry). He lived in a time when black Americans (African Americans) did not have the same rights as white Americans.

5. MLK Jr. used peaceful (way/methods) to protest inequalities and to bring (over/about) change.

6. In 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for his non- (violent/violated) efforts to end racial discrimination in the United States.

7. Throughout his life, King led many (marshes/marches) for civil rights and participated in many boycotts, peaceful protests, etc.

8. Martin Luther King was a great public speaker (orator). His "I have a dream" speech from the March on Washington in 1963 is well-known both in America and (aboard/abroad).

9. M.L. King Jr. was (associated/assassinated) on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Civil Rights Conversation Questions 1. What do you know about Martin Luther King Jr.? What is he most famous for?
2. What do you think are the most important civil rights in a democratic society?
3. Do you think racism and discrimination are still major problems today? Why or why not?
4. Who are some important civil rights leaders or activists from your own country?
5. What does the phrase "I have a dream" mean to you personally?
6. What can ordinary people do to help fight discrimination and promote equality?

Did you know? Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom — a gathering of approximately 250,000 people. The speech is widely regarded as one of the greatest pieces of oratory in American history.

MLK Day was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, but it was not observed as a federal holiday in all 50 U.S. states until 2000 — 32 years after Dr. King's assassination. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, becoming at the time the youngest person to receive the honour.