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Файл:США. Этические проблемы. Учебное пособие на английском языке.pdf
COMPREHENSION CHECK
I. Answer the following questions:
1. How does the story begin? Are there any signs of the coming
tragedy in the first paragraphs? Quote the text.
2. How is the accident described in the story? Is it a direct or an
indirect description? What is the effect achieved by the author?
3. How did Joni feel right after the injury?
4. Dwell upon Joni’s first days in the hospital: her physical and
mental conditions, her conversations with the doctors, and her parents’
reactions to what was going on.
5. Why was it so difficult for Joni and her relatives and friends to
realize that her life had changed forever? Quote the text to prove your
point of view.
6. Why did Joni want to see her reflection in the mirror? Why was
her friend Jackie reluctant to help her with that?
7. Comment on Joni’s request: “Jackie, you’ve got to help me.
They’re keeping me alive. It’s not right. I’m dying anyway. Why can’t
they just let me die? Jackie ― please ― you’ve got to help.”
8. What did Joni do at Rancho Los Amigos? What did her
rehabilitation course consist of?
9. How did the news that in spite of all her efforts she would
remain a quadriplegic influence Joni? What decision did she make?
What is your attitude to it?
10. What did Joni think of having a relationship with a man
without any disabilities? Comment on her words.
11. How did her disability change her life for the better? Quote the
text.
12. Comment on the last sentence in the story. What new doors did
God open to Joni instead of the old ones that were forever closed?
ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to yield (v) ― 1. to produce a result, answer, or piece of information:
Our research has only recently begun to yield important results.
2. to produce crops, profits, etc.: These investments should yield a
reasonable return. 3. to give up control of, surrender: The military
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has promised to yield power. The hijackers refuse to yield to
demands to release the passengers. 4. AmE to allow other traffic to
go first: Yield to traffic on the left. Cf. Br. give way: 5. to move,
bend, or break because of physical force or pressure: Ideally, the
surface should yield slightly under pressure.
yielding (adj) — 1. able to bend, not stiff or fixed: the yielding
softness of the bed 2. willing to agree with other people’s wishes;
accommodating. Antonym: unyielding.
conscious (adj) — 1. noticing or realizing something, aware: I
was very conscious of the fact that I had to make a good
impression. 2. awake and able to understand what is happening
around: The driver was still conscious when the ambulance
arrived. 3. deliberate and intended: Vivien had made a conscious
effort to be friendly. 4. thinking a lot about or concerned about
something: politically/environmentally/socially, etc. conscious;
health-conscious; fashion-conscious, safety-conscious, etc.
Antonym: unconscious
consciousness (n) — 1. the condition of being awake and able to
understand what is happening around you: David lost
consciousness at eight o’clock and died a few hours later. She
could faintly hear voices as she began to regain consciousness .
2. the mind and thoughts: The painful memories eventually faded
from her consciousness. 3. the ideas, feelings, opinions, etc. about
something: The experience helped to change her political
consciousness. 4. awareness: This will increase public
consciousness of the pollution issue.
to hold one’s breath — 1. to deliberately not breathe out for a short
time: Hold your breath and count to ten. 2. to not breathe out and
try not to make a sound because you do not want to be noticed:
Julie shrank back against the wall and held her breath.
not hold one’s breath — infml used to say that you do not expect
something to happen, even though someone has said it will: He
promised he’d phone, but I’m not holding my breath.
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devoid of something — completely lacking in something: His face
was devoid of any warmth or humor.
to injure (v) — 1. to do physical harm or damage, hurt: Angus injured
his leg playing rugby. Two people have been critically injured in a
road accident. 2. to offend (one’s feelings, pride, etc.): I hope I
didn’t injure his feelings. 3. to weaken or otherwise cause a loss in
value to (a business, reputation, etc.)
injured (adj): an injured bird; an injured knee; injured reputation
injury (n): She was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.
to survive (v) — 1. to continue to live after an accident, war, or
illness: Only 12 of the 140 passengers survived. She survived the
attack. 2. to continue to live normally in spite of many problems:
I’m sure she will survive this crisis. I’ve had a tough few months,
but I’ll survive. 3. to manage to live a normal life even though you
have very little money: I don’t know how you all manage to survive
on Jeremy’s salary. 4. to continue to exist after a long time: A few
pages of the original manuscript still survive. 5. to continue to be
successful: The car industry cannot survive without government
help. A lot of smaller firms did not survive the recession. 6. to live
longer than someone else, usu. a close relative: Mr. Jackson is
survived by his wife, Sue.
survivor (n) ― 1. someone who continues to live after an
accident, war, or illness: Emergency help is needed for survivors
of the earthquake. 2. someone who manages to live normally in
spite of many problems: Don’t worry about Kurt; he’s a survivor.
3. someone who continues to live after other members of their
family have died: She was the last survivor of the family. 4. a
company that continues to be successful in spite of many problems:
The company hopes to be one of the survivors of this recession.
to deposit (v) — 1. fml to put something down in a particular place:
Where can I deposit this load of sand? 2. to leave a layer of a
substance on the surface of something, esp. gradually: As the river
slows down, it deposits a layer of soil. 3. to put money or
something valuable in a bank or other place where it will be safe:
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You can deposit your valuables in the hotel safe. 4. to pay (money)
that will be returned later if certain conditions are kept: Students
are usually required to deposit $100 in case of damage.
deposit (n): I’d like to make a deposit into my savings account. We
ask for one month’s rent in advance, plus a deposit of $500.
tuition (n) — 1. teaching, especially in small groups: I had to have
extra tuition in maths. 2. AmE the price of or payment for
instruction: When I started college, tuition was $350 a semester.
He’s already paid a year’s tuition.
bloodshot (adj) ― (of the eyes) having the white part colored red: His
eyes were bloodshot from too much drinking.
jaundiced (adj) — tending to judge people or things unfavorably, esp.
because of bad experiences in the past: He has a very jaundiced
view of the world.
background (n) — 1. the scenery or space behind the main objects or
people in a picture, photograph, etc.: The background looks a little
out of focus. 2. someone's family, education, previous work, etc:
Cultural background might account for some of the variations
noted in the studies. 3. the situation or past events that explain why
something happens in the way that it does: Without knowing the
background to the case, I couldn’t possibly comment.
amputee (n) — someone who has had an arm or a leg amputated
paralysis (n) — 1. the loss of feeling in or the ability to move all or
part of the body: The snake’s poison causes paralysis. 2. a state of
being unable to take action, make decisions, or operate normally: a
period of political paralysis
paraplegic (n) — someone who is unable to move the lower part of
their body, including their legs
quadriplegic (n) — someone who is permanently unable to move any
part of their b
ody below their neck
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polio (n), also poliomyelitis — a serious infectious disease of the
nerves in the spine, that often results in someone being
permanently unable to move particular muscles
muscular dystrophy (n) — a serious illness in which the muscles
become weaker over a period of time
multiple sclerosis (n), also MS — a serious illness which gradually
destroys the nerves and which may lead to a loss of feeling and an
inability to control movements
rehab = rehabilitation (n) — the process of bringing or restoring to a
normal or optimal state of health by medical treatment and physical
or psychological therapy: a rehab program; I spent three months in
rehab.
determination (n) — 1. the quality of trying to do something even
when it is difficult: Yury shows great determination to learn
English. 2. the act of deciding something officially: the
determination of government policy 3. the act of finding the exact
level, amount, or cause of something: accurate determination of
the temperature
accomplishment (n) — 1. something successful or impressive that is
achieved after a lot of effort and hard work; achievement: The
program has been very successful — what an accomplishment!
2. the act of finishing or achieving something good: the
accomplishment of policy goals 3. an ability to do something well,
or the skill involved in doing something well: Being able to play
the guitar is one of his many accomplishments.
attitude (n) — 1. the opinions and feelings held about someone or
something: positive/negative attitude; people with a positive
attitude to life 2. the way of behavior towards someone or
something in a particular situation: As soon as they found out I was
a doctor their whole attitude changed. Ben has a real attitude
problem (=is not helpful or pleasant to be with).
therapy (n) — 1. the treatment of an illness or injury over a fairly
long period of time: new drug therapies; radiation therapy for
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cancer treatment 2. the treatment or examination of someone’s
mental problems by talking to them for a long time about their
feelings: Rob was in therapy for several years.
blunt (adj) — 1. not sharp or pointed: Sharpen all your blunt knives.
2. speaking roughly and plainly, in a direct honest way, even if this
upsets people: To be blunt, many of the candidates cannot read or
write.
bluntly (adv): To put it bluntly , she’s not up to the job.
commitment (n) — 1. a promise to do something or to behave in a
particular way: Are you ready to make a long-term commitment?
Will the job fit in with your family commitments? 2. the hard work
and loyalty that someone gives to an organization, activity etc: I
was impressed by the energy and commitment shown by the
players. Her commitment to work is beyond question.
to exhibit (v) — 1. to show something in a public place so that people
can go to see it: Her paintings have been exhibited all over the
world. 2. fml to clearly show a particular quality, emotion, or
ability: exhibit signs/symptoms/behavior etc; a patient who is
exhibiting classic symptoms of mental illness
exhibit (n) — 1. something, for example a painting, that is put in a
public place for people to see it: The exhibits date from the 17th
century. 2. an object that is shown in court to prove whether
someone is guilty or not: Exhibit A is the hammer found next to the
victim. 3. AmE an exhibition
EXERCISES
I. Translate the following sentences into Russian paying
attention to the active vocabulary:
1. Each of these fields could yield billions of barrels of oil.
2. Dylan’s latest record is a conscious attempt to break away from
his old image and try out a new style.
3. The man was so drunk that he was barely conscious.
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4. Even the marriage itself was devoid of love.
5. He was about forty-five, and seemed devoid of personality.
6. Firefighters had to cut off the roof of the car, so that the injured
man could be lifted out.
7. He suffered serious injuries in the car crash, and died on the
way to hospital.
8. Doctors predicted that the baby would not survive with such
severe disabilities.
9. Although she’s had an extremely hard life, Tina Turner is a born
survivor.
10. Banks introduced ATMs in the 1970s to automate two
functions: deposits and cash extraction.
11. Computerworld offers personal tuition on the latest equipment.
12. He looked at me suspiciously through bloodshot eyes, then
shrugged and let me pass.
13. Even student teachers, who might reasonably be expected to be
the least jaundiced and most optimistic informants, aren’t happy.
14. Gary always tried to hide his working class background.
15. How quickly kids learn to read will often depend on both their
ability and their backgrounds.
16. In our class we have children of all different religious and
ethnic backgrounds.
17. A tiny, wood and straw stilt hut, it stands close to the ground to
allow easy access for amputees.
18. Such injuries can cause permanent paralysis.
19. His spinal cord was severed, and he became a paraplegic.
20. Derek said her stepson is a quadriplegic.
21. The following year he contracted polio
22. Claim
s must be made within two years of the child’s birth, or
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four in the case of muscular dystrophy.
23. Two women with multiple sclerosis, including a 51-year-old
Oceanside resident, were found dead in Detroit-area hotels yesterday.
24. He will be fine after a few months in rehab.
25. Determination and hard work led Sanders from poverty to
success.
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26. The establishment of full diplomatic relations with China was a
major accomplishment of the Carter administration.
27. The book explains some of the attitudes and values of the
Victorians.
28. A full recovery will require years of physical therapy.
29. Several people bluntly questioned his ability to do the job.
30. It’s a part-time program, but it’s still a big time commitment.
31. Anyone who exhibits extreme anxiety in the face of potential
danger is unlikely to become an effective military leader.
32. The children’s museum has several hands-on exhibits.
II. Find the words and phrases from the active vocabulary in
the text and translate them into Russian.
III. Translate the following sentences into English paying
attention to the active vocabulary:
1. Мужчину привезли в больницу без сознания с глубоким
ножевым ранением в области груди.
2. «Последний герой» — популярное шоу на российском
телевидении, имеющее аналоги во многих странах мира.
3. О социальном положении и происхождении больного
полиомиелитом ничего не было известно.
4. Надо признать, что парализованные больные не были
лишены вни
5. Врачи и медсестры особо тщательно ухаживали за детьми с
мышечной дистрофией и стариками со склерозом.
6. Отношение к половому воспитанию подростков в
образовательных учреждениях сильно изменилось за последнее
десятилетие.
7. Его решимость добиться своего и преданность делу
достойны восхищения.
8. Достижения спортсменов были по достоинству оценены
су
дьями.
9. Многие студенты вынуждены работать, чтобы оплатить
учебу в университете.
мания медицинского персонала.
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IV. Make up short dialogs or situations using the following
words and phrases:
a) therapy, (un)conscious of, to be seriously injured, to hold
one’s breath, commitment;
b) yielding, in rehab, to show great determination, significant
accomplishment for, jaundiced, economic background;
c) to be critically injured in an accident, to be survived by,
multiple sclerosis, bloodshot, to be devoid of;
d) put down a deposit on, muscular dystrophy, exhibit symptoms
of, consciousness;
e) to have attitude problems, to pay tuition, paralysis, blunt,
injury, to have family commitments.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do nearest and dearest have the right to end the sufferings of
terminally ill people? What are the ethical pros and cons of this idea?
2. Do doctors have to be blunt with seriously ill patients or should
they conceal the truth from them?
3. Do people with disabilities have a moral right to form serious
relationships with those who are not “dependent and helpless”?
TEXT 2
DEFINING THE RIGHT TO DIE
by Michael D. Lemonick
U.S. courts open the way to physician-assisted suicide. Doctors
must figure out what that means.
Dr. Bry Benjamin will never forget the first time he helped a
patient commit suicide. It was more than a quarter-century ago. An
elderly couple came to his office, husband and wife both terminally ill
and in terrible agony with cancer. “They told me they would like a
supply of pills. On hand just in case,” recalls the 71-year-old New
York City internist. The law forbade him to agree; his conscience
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dictated otherwise. In the end, his conscience won, but Benjamin had
to wrestle with this ethical dilemma alone. At the time, doctors didn’t
even whisper among themselves about assisted suicide, much less
debate it in medical journals.
Suddenly doctors in the U.S. are talking about little else. In a
decision that took legal scholars and medical ethicists by surprise, the
Second Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a New York State law
that prohibited physicians from helping their patients die. It’s already
legal for doctors to withhold or withdraw treatment at a patient’s
request. Now, as long as a patient is in the final stages of a terminal
disease, mentally competent and able to take a lethal dose of medicine
on his or her own, the state can’t bar a doctor from prescribing that
dose.
Taken alone, the three-judge panel’s decision would be important
enough, but it comes after a similar ruling last month by the Ninth
Circuit Court in San Francisco, also one of America’s most influential
appeals courts. Unless the Supreme Court reverses both decisions—
and there’s no guarantee will even hear the cases — the laws against
physician-assisted suicide now on the books in a majority of states
may be on their way out. “In the past 311 days there have been more
developments in this field than there have been in the previous 20
years,” says University of Michigan law professor Yale Kamisar.
If so, it means the law is finally catching up to what some U.S.
physicians have been quietly doing all along. In a survey of Oregon
doctors published in the New England Journal of Medicine earlier this
year, 60% said they should be able to help some terminal patients die,
and 7% admitted to having done so. The actual number, say ethicists,
may be much higher.
Yet because the practice has been carried out in private, the
medical establishment has yet to develop a consensus on how and
when to help a patient die. Until now, explains Leslie Pickering
Francis, a professor of law at the University of Utah, “patients who are
sophisticated enough to want the aid and physicians who are
sympathetic enough to want to give it often do it in such a way that
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