Euthanasia: Questions

Introduction | Definitions | In favor | Opposed | Internet | Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to read, think, talk, or write about as you explore the resources on this topic:

1. Concept Safari: Search the web for the following concepts. Use the search technique described in the University of Illinois Grammar Safari page to find uses. Find example pages, print them out, and be prepared to share with the class. Be sure to save the exact URL of each example you collect.
   assisted suicide
   terminally ill
   right to die
   Dr. Jack Kevorkian
2. Vocabulary Safari:
   euthanasia
   dignified
   suffering
   lethal
   • Locate 6 examples of the word by using the search techniques described on the Grammar Safari page. Try to locate 3 examples from web pages related to the issue of abortion and 3 from pages related to other topics. Copy the examples to a word processing file to save for later.
   • Paraphrase the example sentences.
   • Write 2 sentences using each word.
   • List and practice: write these words on a small index card. Keep it with you and use each word at least twice a day for the next 5 days.
3. Both Sides: write or prepare for oral presentation a brief summary of the arguments in the euthanasia debate. Support your explanation with references to online resources.
4. Website analysis: Choose a website from among the links on this page, or find another on the topic. Write a short paper or prepare an oral presentation answering the following questions:
   • What is the site's purpose?
   • What is the intended audience of the site?
   • Is the site's information up-to-date; how can you tell?
   • Is the site's information reliable; how can you tell?
   • For what kind of writing would this website be an appropriate source?
5. Essay: choose one of the questions below and write a one- or two-page typed essay which answers it. Use at least two or three references to internet resources, and be sure to cite them correctly (check our guide to citations if you need help):
   • Letter: Write a letter of advice to a terminally ill patient in Oregon who is in pain and is trying to decide whether or not to ask for legal doctor assisted suicide.
   • Comparison essay: In what ways is the debate over euthanasia similar to the debate over abortion; how is it different? In your opinion, are they more similar or different?
   • Analysis essay: Which specific needs of terminally ill patients and their families should physicians (medical doctors) be trained to deal with? How can this sort of training help healthcare providers to make a difference for these people?
   • Argumentative essay: take a position for or against assisted suicide laws in Columbia, Switzerland, Holland, and in the state of Oregon in the United States. Support your opinion with logic.
6. Poster Project: what are some of the alternatives to doctor-assisted suicide? Make a poster that presents doctor-assisted suicide along with to other possible solutions. Present your poster to the group.
7. Your links: Find one or two sites which people who have used this page might want to explore. Note the URLs and write a brief description of why people would like to visit these sites.