Gregory wrote this essay about a U.S. president and an important historic bill. Read
Gregory's essay and look for the revisions he needs to make. Then answer the
questions that follow.
Johnson and the Civil Rights Act
(1) The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a huge step forward in equality for African
Americans, encompassing voting rights, desegregation of schools, and discrimination in
the workforce. (2) Yet the president who helped pass the bill, Lyndon B. Johnson, has
been criticized by some historians for foot-dragging and a lack of commitment to civil
rights.
(3) One reason some historians question Johnson's commitment to civil rightsts that he
inherited the legislation from John F. Kennedy. (4) When Kennedy was assassinated,
Johnson was left to get the bill passed, and some questioned if he was truly committed
to it. (5) But Johnson had been meeting with civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther
King Jr. when Johnson was vice president. (6) In a private phone call with King.
Gregory wants to include a strong thesis that states the argument presented in the
essay. Which of the following should he add after sentence 2 to provide an effective
thesis statement?
AOIf this had been true, it would be a blot upon his legacy, and the criticism would
be well deserved.
B.
C.
It is the job of historians to question, and hopefully to better understand, the
actions of our presidents.
Whatever Johnson's intentions, his actions made it seem that he was not in
favor of passing the Civil Rights Act.
D. Although Johnson may have not appeared committed, he was always in favor of
the passage of the Civil Rights Act