As January approaches, educators and parents everywhere gear up to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in American history. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a federal holiday; it is a vital opportunity to teach the next generation about civil rights, nonviolent protest, and the courage it takes to change the world.
To help you bring this history into your classroom or homeschool curriculum, we have created a Free Martin Luther King Jr. Quiz. This printable worksheet is designed to test students’ knowledge of Dr. King’s life, his major achievements, and the historical context of his work.
Why Use This MLK Day Quiz?
History can sometimes feel abstract to students. A focused quiz helps ground the life of Dr. King in actual facts, geography, and specific works of literature. This worksheet encourages students to recall specific details about his philosophy, his organizations, and his writings.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Quiz serves as an excellent:
- Pre-Assessment: Find out what your students already know before starting a unit on the Civil Rights Movement.
- Research Guide: Have students use the internet or library books to hunt down the answers.
- Review Tool: Use it at the end of Black History Month to reinforce key learning objectives.
What Does the MLK Jr. Quiz Cover?
This one-page worksheet features 11 comprehensive questions that cover the timeline of Dr. King’s life.
Here is a sneak peek at the topics included in the printable:
1. The Basics of the Holiday
The quiz ensures students know exactly when we celebrate Dr. King.
2. Geography and Origins
Students are asked to identify Dr. King’s birthplace.
3. Family and Profession
Dr. King was a man of faith. The quiz asks about his father’s profession, noting that Dr. King followed in his footsteps as a Minister/Pastor.
4. Philosophy of Nonviolence
One of the most critical questions on the sheet asks which philosophy Dr. King is best known for and whose teachings inspired it. This opens the door for a great discussion about Mahatma Gandhi and the power of peaceful protest.
5. Leadership and Organizations
Dr. King didn’t work alone. The worksheet quizzes students on the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) , asking them to identify the organization Dr. King led and its primary goal: to advance the cause of Civil Rights in America.
6. Famous Speeches and Writings
The quiz covers his most iconic moments, asking where the 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech took place. It also asks students to identify the famous work he wrote after being arrested during anti-segregation protests in Birmingham, Alabama—the historic “Letter from Birmingham Jail”.
7. Global Recognition and Tragedy
Finally, the quiz covers the international honor Dr. King received, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and the tragic details of his assassination, including who was responsible and how old Dr. King was when he passed.
Teacher’s Answer Key
To make your lesson planning easier, here is the answer key provided with the worksheet:
- When is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day? The Third Monday in January.
- Birthplace City: Atlanta, Georgia.
- Father’s Profession: Minister/Pastor.
- Philosophy: Nonviolence (Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi).
- Organization: Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
- Goal of SCLC: To advance the cause of Civil Rights in America.
- “I Have a Dream” Location: The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C..
- Written in Jail: “Letter from Birmingham Jail”.
- Prize Honored With: The Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
- Assassin: James Earl Ray.
- Age at Death: 39 years old.
Skills Supported
This Martin Luther King, Jr. Quiz helps students develop:
- Reading comprehension
- Historical knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Fact-recall skills
- Writing practice
- Understanding of civil rights and American history
Usage Terms
These printable worksheets are provided free for personal and educational use only. By downloading, you agree:
- Not to sell, redistribute, or use commercially.
- Not to claim as your own work.
- Not to host the PDF file on other websites (please link back to this page instead).
Optional attribution is appreciated but not required. Perfect for classroom, homeschool, and personal use.
Please share the link to this article rather than the PDF directly.
Download Your Free MLK Facts: Martin Luther King, Jr. Quiz Printable Worksheet
Getting your free printable is simple! Click the link below to download the PDF file and start the fun today.
