Read this excerpt from a short story. the set committee had labored for weeks constructing a background to recreate a 1950s new york city neighborhood. the students in charge of costumes had scoured thrift shops for well-worn denim and leather. the cast had rehearsed lines and performed their songs until each member could recite their part forwards and backwards. but nobody wanted to perform for an empty house. the only remaining hurdle was the promotion of the play. as pine valley high’s first spring production, the student body would need to be convinced that west side story should not be missed. what complication is introduced in the excerpt? the cast members struggle to memorize lines. the costumes do not reflect the play’s time period. the set committee must repair the background. the students must work to promote the play.

Refer to explorations in literature for a complete version of the text. in “letter from birmingham jail,” martin luther king, jr., presents the idea that american history includes african americans, too; that is, african americans can claim the same historical heritage as white americans. at the time, this was a radical idea. how does king develop this theme? select each correct answer. he points out the many ways that african americans have contributed to the culture of america. he describes how african americans were present “before plymouth rock” and through many key moments in american history. he argues that african americans would have participated in more events of american history if white americans had been willing to include them. he makes connections between the american fight for independence from britain and the civil rights movement.