“I Have a Dream” Close Reading

This close reading worksheet supports students in Grades 5 and 6 as they develop primary source analysis, reading comprehension, rhetorical awareness, and historical understanding. By examining a key excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, students analyze message, tone, word choice, and emotional impact while learning how powerful language helped shape the Civil Rights Movement and inspire social change.

Learning Goals

• Primary Source Analysis (Grades 5-6) – Closely read and interpret an excerpt from a historic civil rights speech.
• Tone & Purpose – Identify how Dr. King’s language conveys hope, urgency, and determination.
• Rhetorical Understanding – Analyze word choice and phrasing to understand emotional and persuasive impact.
• Historical Context – Connect the speech’s message to the goals and struggles of the Civil Rights Movement.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary ELA and social studies standards.
• Guided Question Format – Structured prompts support thoughtful analysis and text-based responses.
• Builds Rhetorical Literacy – Helps students understand how speeches influence audiences and movements.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for close reading lessons, civil rights units, discussion starters, or formative assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen close reading, analytical thinking, and historical understanding by engaging deeply with one of the most influential speeches in U.S. history. By exploring tone, message, and emotional impact, learners gain insight into how words can inspire action and promote social change. It’s a meaningful, no-prep resource that works well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Civil Rights Movement collection.