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ELL students discuss Question 2 (Mass.) - November 2012


Greetings.

Today, I wanted to share some thoughts on the adolescent mind, and its ability to handle and discuss deep and serious topics among peers.  Today, in class, students asked some specific questions in regards to the current ballot questions, for this current election, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (November 2012, USA).  It’s amazing how even when English is not your first language, students’ oral language production skills come out and impress you.  We discussed Question 2 in depth.  For this current election (November 2012), Question 2 pertains to “doctor-assisted suicide,” and the “right to end one’s own life.”

Tomorrow (Nov. 6th, 2012), residents in Massachusetts will go to the polls and be asked whether you support or don’t support Question 2.  In short, it’s like this:  “Should an elderly (old) person who has lived a long life be allowed to take pills to take his/her own life (suicide); while being mindful that the individual may find himself/herself to be in great pain/ discomfort?”  My high school ELL students really impressed me today, and I had to acknowledge their honesty and thoughtful responses.  They engaged in a heated and passionate discussion, with some voices supporting Question 2, and others opposed.

Many thanks to my students for a great class today.
Signing off:  Mista Chocka

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  1. dissertation topicsNovember 6, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    its ability to handle and discuss deep and serious topics among peers.

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