Part A
Synthesize and evaluate your thoughts and response. Researching and
preparing for a discussion helps to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of a
group discussion. To start forming your response, write down your initial
thoughts on your chosen topic.
Answer these questions as you develop your thesis and prepare for the small-
group discussion:
B IV x x Font Sizes
2
1. What is the American identity?
2. What is your cultural background?
2. How does your culture fit into the American identity?
How have historical events contributed to the development
of an American identity?
How has the American identity evolved over time?
therican Dream
Synonymous to the American

In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. when the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the constitution and the declaration of independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every american was to fall heir. this note was a promise that all men—yes, black men as well as white men—would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. it is obvious today that america has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. instead of honoring this sacred obligation, america has given the negro people a bad check, a check that has come back marked “insufficient funds.” but we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. we refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. and so we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and security of justice. in this section of the speech, analyze martin luther king’s connection between a defaulted promissory note and the lack of freedom experienced by african americans. which option offers the best analysis? question 3 options: mlk creates this analogy to communicate that america has enough freedom for all, but it needs to live up to its promises. mlk makes the analogy that america has run out of freedom. not everyone deserves to have it. mlk communicates that america should equally distribute funds to all citizens. everyone deserves equal access to the government’s money. mlk demonstrates that america is improving in equality and should keep the forward momentum.