Prompt Writing - Need in 16 Hours

Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast Mattlin

Pre-Reading : Context

Author Audience

Larger Conversation

New Vocabulary:

congenital neuromuscular weakness (n) : a weakness of the nervous system and muscular system (where the nerves cause muscle failure) that is present from birth. spinal muscular atrophy (n) : Spinal muscular atrophy is a group of inherited diseases that cause muscle damage and weakness, which get worse over time and eventually lead to death. ingesting (n) : the act of taking into the body by the mouth for digestion or absorption legislation (n) : laws considered collectively

Purpose

Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast Mattlin

Commentator Ben Mattlin was born with a physical disability: He has limited movement, and uses a wheelchair. On this Valentine's Day, he reflects on the life he's built with his wife — who's not disabled — and how the world treats them as a couple. Copyright © 2006 NPR. For personal, noncommercial use only. See Terms of Use. For other uses, prior permission required.

STEVE INSKEEP, host: Commentator Ben Mattlin is thinking about his own marriage on this Valentine's Day. Mr. BEN MATTLIN: I've always thought unlikely attractions: Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella and Prince Charming, were the romantic ideal. Some people say my wife and I are an unlikely match. I was born with a severe, progressive neuro-muscular weakness; I use a motorized wheelchair. And I've always relied on other people to help me with all manner of personal care tasks. My wife doesn't have a disability. We had our first date in the summer of 1982. I asked her to an Elvis Costello concert. To me, she was irresistibly attractive; smart, and easy to talk to. She thought I was gentle, funny and good company. Before our date, I worked out a spiel--a good-natured, but frank explanation of what exactly I could and could not do. I tried to imagine the kinds of things that might be on her mind. I have weak muscles, that's all, I said. I have full sensation from head to toe, since I'm not technically paralyzed. And I'm not delicate; so don't worry about hurting me. When news of our relationship broke, my family was pleased. Her mother, however, expressed concern. I felt hurt but not surprised. My mother-in-law and I are friends now, yet other people have a hard time accepting our couplehood. They say I must be rich, or my wife must be an incorrigible do-gooder. Strangers ask in disbelief if we're related. They assume we're brother and sister, or that she's my nurse. We get better reactions when she rides on my lap in my wheelchair. At home, we keep our wedding portrait prominently displayed. That way, visitors don't assume I became disabled after the marriage, and she's only staying with me out of loyalty. When my wife was pregnant with our second daughter, one nurse saw me and abruptly pulled her aside. She wanted to know if it was really mine. I don't know which of us was more insulted. This prejudice about disabled people is deeply ingrained in our society. So deeply ingrained that federal disability benefits programs have rules punishing, even disqualifying, recipients who get married. My wife and I have spent practically every moment together since we first shared an apartment. Perhaps facing obstacles like these have strengthened our resolve, our commitment to each other; and perhaps that is the most romantic ideal of all. INSKEEP: Commentary from Ben Mattlin. He's a writer in Los Angeles and is working on a memoir. (Soundbite of Elvis Costello song "Love FIELD”)

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Audio File - NPR

Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast Mattlin

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Word Word Form

Guess Meaning from Context NOUN VERB ADJ ADV

coerce (par. 2) ————

autonomy (par. 5) ————

optimists (par. 10) ————

aspirations (par. 7) ———— ————

Word Form Guess the Meaning from Context Synonym

scant (par. 3)

notoriously (par. 3)

porous (par. 4)

inadvertently (par. 4)

subtle (par. 5)

invariable (par. 5)

tenuous (par. 7)

untenable (par. 9)

dearth (par. 11)

inexorable (par. 11)

Part 1 : Academic Vocabulary Words

Part 2 : Word Families

Part 3 : Phrases : Guess the meaning of the following phrases:

1) “surgical blunder”

2) “zoned out”

3) “the deck is stacked”

4) Paraphrase the following: “…how thin and porous the border between coercion and free choice is”

Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast Mattlin

Paragraph 1 What is Mattlin’s Call to Action?

What is Mattlin’s Claim?

Paragraph 2-3 What safeguards are put in place to ensure the law would not be abused?

Why does Mattlin “remain skeptical”?

Paragraph 4-5

In your own words, what is a major reason he has for making the claim? (this point could also be called a ‘sub-claim’)

Paragraph 6-8

In brief, describe Mattlin’s health over his life, highlighting the three periods of childhood, adulthood, and recently.

Paragraph 9

He describes “one of many invisible forces of coercion.” What is it?

Who usually does it?

Reading Questions

Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast Mattlin

Reading Questions

Why is it painful for Mattlin?

Paragraph 10-11

What is a second force?

How can it affect the person?

Paragraph 12

What major issue does he have with the language of the law?

How could it be exploited?

Paragraph 13

Does Mattlin think the “thoughtful safeguards” are in place?

Why or why not?

Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast Mattlin

Charting the Text

What does the author SAY? What does the author DO?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast Mattlin

Introduction: Summarize Mattlin’s introduction in your own words. paragraphs _______

Claim: What is Mattlin’s claim/thesis/position?

Evidence Evidence

Conclusion: Summarize Mattlin’s conclusion in your own words. paragraphs _______

Idea #1 : Scant evidence of abuse

paragraphs _______

Idea #2 : No one could understand until they have seen a loved one suffer.
 paragraphs _______

Idea #3 : Invisible Coercion

paragraphs _______

Evidence

Argument Structure

Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast Mattlin

Mattlin argues that …

Because …

He supports his argument with …

Reflection

Personal Response:

1) What do you think about Mattlin’s argument? Do you agree/disagree? Why?

2) Which (if any) of his points are most compelling?

3) Do you think his argument is effective overall? Why or why not?