Breaking News English

Home | Help This Site

Belgium to allow euthanasia for children (16th February, 2014)

The Reading / Listening - Level 6

Lawmakers in Belgium have passed a bill that will allow euthanasia for terminally ill children. The bill was passed with 86 votes for the motion, 44 against, and 12 abstentions. It becomes the first nation to allow euthanasia for children. Belgium's controversial law applies only to terminally ill children who are in great pain. There are several conditions that must be met for any act of euthanasia to take place. The child must be in full possession of his/her mental skills and request the act themselves. It requires an adult's consent and the written approval of a medical team, who must submit a psychological report. In addition, there must be no treatment available that would alleviate the child's suffering and distress.

The law has created a storm of opposition worldwide. Opponents called it immoral and said children were not mature enough to make such a decision. One man present at the vote stood up and screamed "murderers" at the lawmakers. The Christian Science Monitor makes the case that: "In the 21st century, when parents the world over worry that children are growing up too quickly, Belgium is poised to hand kids one more responsibility." It adds that: "Allowing children, who aren't even old enough to drive or vote, to decide when it's time to die is one step too far." Last week, 160 Belgian paediatricians claimed the law was unnecessary because modern medicine could alleviate pain.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Level 4 or Level 5

Sources

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26181615
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2014/0213/Slippery-slope-Belgium-moves-to-extend-euthanasia-rights-to-children
http://www.deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws.english/Politics/140213_Euthansie_vote

Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

The 40 Lesson Activities on the PDF Handout

WARM-UPS

1. EUTHANASIA: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about euthanasia. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring.

lawmakers / terminally ill / votes / controversial / mental skills / consent / distress / opposition / immoral / growing up / too quickly / responsibility / one step too far

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. OLD ENOUGH: When are children old enough to do these things? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

	Age?	Why?
Vote
Marry
Smoke
Get a job
Have a credit card
Have a mobile phone

4. IMMORAL: Students A strongly believe euthanasia is immoral; Students B strongly believe it isn't. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

MY e-BOOK

ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers

See a sample

5. RESPONSIBILITIES: What are children's biggest responsibilities? Rank these with your partner. Put the biggest at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

• to pass exams

• to have fun

• to pass on their culture

• to look after old parents

• to protect the environment

• to get a good job

• to help people in need

• to follow rules

6. ILL: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "ill". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

BEFORE READING / LISTENING

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if a-h below are true (T) or false (F).

a.	The voting that passed the bill was very close.	T / F
b.	Belgium is the first country to allow euthanasia for children.	T / F
c.	Children who wish to die need their parents' approval.	T / F
d.	A child can be granted euthanasia even if there are drugs to help them.	T / F
e.	A man accused lawmakers who passed the bill of being murderers.	T / F
f.	A newspaper said it was too much of a responsibility for a child.	T / F
g.	The newspaper said kids should be allowed to vote at a younger age.	T / F
h.	Many doctors said modern medicine made euthanasia unnecessary.	T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.	lawmakers	a.	ease
2.	motion	b.	ask for
3.	controversial	c.	argument
4.	request	d.	proposal
5.	alleviate	e.	adult
6.	opposition	f.	children's doctor
7.	mature	g.	legislators
8.	case	h.	give
9.	hand	i.	objection
10.	paediatrician	j.	emotive

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

1.	86 votes for the motion, 44 against,	a.	enough
2.	several conditions that	b.	report
3.	be in full possession of	c.	too far
4.	submit a psychological	d.	must be met
5.	alleviate the child's	e.	one more responsibility
6.	The law has created a storm	f.	his/her mental skills
7.	children were not mature	g.	and 12 abstentions
8.	children are growing up too	h.	of opposition
9.	poised to hand kids	i.	suffering and distress
10.	one step	j.	quickly

GAP FILL

Lawmakers in Belgium have passed a bill that will allow euthanasia for terminally ill children. The bill was passed with 86 votes for the (1) ____________, 44 against, and 12 (2) ____________. It becomes the first nation to allow euthanasia for children. Belgium's controversial law (3) ____________ only to terminally ill children who are in (4) ____________ pain. There are several conditions that must be (5) ____________ for any act of euthanasia to take place. The child must be in full possession of his/her (6) ____________ skills and request the act themselves. It requires an adult's consent and the written approval of a medical team, who must (7) ____________ a psychological report. In addition, there must be no treatment available that would (8) ____________ the child's suffering and distress.

met
submit
abstentions
great
mental
motion
alleviate
applies

The law has created a (9) ____________ of opposition worldwide. Opponents called it immoral and said children were not (10) ____________ enough to make such a decision. One man present at the vote stood up and (11) ____________ "murderers" at the lawmakers. The Christian Science Monitor makes the (12) ____________ that: "In the 21st century, when parents the world (13) ____________ worry that children are growing up too quickly, Belgium is poised to (14) ____________ kids one more responsibility." It adds that: "Allowing children, who aren't even old enough to drive or vote, to decide when it's time to die is one (15) ____________ too far." Last week, 160 Belgian paediatricians claimed the law was unnecessary because modern medicine could alleviate (16) ____________.

over
step
case
mature
pain
storm
hand
screamed

LISTENING - Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)	The bill was passed with 886 votes for the motion, 44 against, ______
	a. and 12 absent shuns b. and 12 abs tensions c. and 12 abstentions d. and 12 absentees
2)	applies only to terminally ill children who are ______
	a. in great pain b. in greatly pain c. in grate pain d. in grates pain
3)	The child must be in full possession of his/______
	a. her mentally skills b. her mental skills c. her mentality skills d. her mentalise skills
4)	a medical team who must submit ______
	a. a psychology logical report b. a psyche or logical report c. a psychology call report d. a psychological report
5)	treatment available that would alleviate the child's ______
	a. suffer in and distress b. suffering and distress c. suffering and distressed d. suffer in and distressed
6)	The law has created a ______
	a. storm of opposition b. thorn of opposition c. strum of opposition d. stormy of opposition
7)	Opponents called ______
	a. it immortal b. it in moral c. it in morale d. it immoral
8)	parents the world ______
	a. odor worry b. under worry c. over worry d. ever worry
9)	to decide when it's time to die is ______
	a. one step too fast b. one step too far c. one step too fair d. one step truth are
10)	Last week, 160 Belgian paediatricians claimed the law ______
	a. was unnecessarily b. was a necessary c. was one necessary d. was unnecessary

LISTENING – Listen and fill in the gaps

Lawmakers in Belgium have passed (1) ___________________ euthanasia for terminally ill children. The bill was passed with 86 votes for the motion, 44 against, (2) ___________________. It becomes the first nation to allow euthanasia for children. Belgium's (3) ___________________ applies only to terminally ill children who are in great pain. There are several conditions that must (4) ___________________ of euthanasia to take place. The child must be in full possession of his/her mental skills and request the act themselves. It requires (5) ___________________ and the written approval of a medical team, who must submit a psychological report. In addition, there must be no treatment available that (6) ___________________ child's suffering and distress.

The law has created (7) ___________________ worldwide. Opponents called it immoral and said children were not mature enough to make such a decision. One man present at the (8) ___________________ screamed "murderers" at the lawmakers. The Christian Science Monitor makes the case that: "In the 21st century, when parents (9) ___________________ that children are growing up too quickly, Belgium (10) ___________________ kids one more responsibility." It adds that: "Allowing children, who aren't even old enough to drive or vote, to decide when it's (11) ___________________ too far." Last week, 160 Belgian paediatricians claimed the law was unnecessary because (12) ___________________ alleviate pain.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.	How many lawmakers voted to pass the bill?
2.	How many people abstained in the vote?
3.	What must a child be in full possession of to request euthanasia?
4.	Who has to provide their consent to a child's request for euthanasia?
5.	What must there be a lack of before a euthanasia request is granted?
6.	What did opponents of the law call it?
7.	What did opponents say children lacked?
8.	What did a man at the vote accuse the lawmakers of being?
9.	What did a newspaper say parents are worried about?
10.	What kind of doctors said the law was unnecessary?

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ

1.	How many lawmakers voted to pass the bill?	6.	What did opponents of the law call it?
	a) 132 b) all of them c) 86 d) 44		a) stormy b) immoral c) global d) ground-breaking
2.	How many people abstained in the vote?	7.	What did opponents say children lacked?
	a) 12 b) 0 c) 86 d) 44		a) maturity b) time c) opportunities d) support
3.	What must a child be in full possession of to request euthanasia?	8.	What did a man at the vote accuse the lawmakers of being?
	a) his/her mental skills b) a Belgian passport c) his/her medical card d) his/her health record		a) incompetent b) arrogant c) murderers d) Samaritans
4.	Who has to provide their consent to a child's request for euthanasia?	9.	What did a newspaper say parents are worried about?
	a) a euthanasia group b) an adult c) Belgium's leader d) the head of a hospital		a) lawmakers b) doctors c) a lack of medicine d) kids growing up too quickly
5.	What must there be a lack of before a euthanasia request is granted?	10.	What kind of doctors said the law was unnecessary?
	a) reasons b) opponents c) doctors d) treatment to ease suffering		a) paediatricians b) gynaecologists c) neurologists d) cardiologists

ROLE PLAY

Role A – Pass exams

You think passing exams is a child's biggest responsibility. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their ideas. Also, tell the others which of these children are least responsible for (and why): having fun, looking after parents in their old age or protecting the environment.

Role B – Have fun

You think having fun is a child's biggest responsibility. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their ideas. Also, tell the others which of these children are least responsible for (and why): passing exams, looking after parents in their old age or protecting the environment.

Role C – Look after parents in their old age

You think looking after parents in their old age is a child's biggest responsibility. Tell the others 3 reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their ideas. Also, tell the others which of these children are least responsible for (and why): having fun, passing exams or protecting the environment.

Role D – Protect the environment

You think protecting the environment is a child's biggest responsibility. Tell the others 3 reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their ideas. Also, tell the others which of these children are least responsible for (and why): having fun, looking after parents in their old age or passing exams.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words 'controversial' and 'law'.

controversial

law

Share your findings with your partners.

Make questions using the words you found.
Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

Share your questions with other classmates / groups.
Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

12
great
several
full
submit
available

storm
enough
stood
21
drive
modern

EUTHANASIA SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about euthanasia in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

	STUDENT 1 _____________	STUDENT 2 _____________	STUDENT 3 _____________
Q.1.
Q.2.
Q.3.
Q.4.
Q.5.

Now return to your original partner and share and talk about what you found out. Change partners often.

Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

EUTHANASIA DISCUSSION

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

a)	What did you think when you read the headline?
b)	What springs to mind when you hear the word 'euthanasia'?
c)	What do you think of Belgium's new law?
d)	Do you think more countries will follow suit?
e)	What do you understand by the terms 'mercy killing' and 'assisted suicide'?
f)	Are the conditions strict enough?
g)	Do people have the right to choose when to die?
h)	What are the arguments for and against euthanasia?
i)	Is euthanasia a compassionate way for the dying to die?
j)	Could euthanasia ever be allowed in your country?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

a)	Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
b)	Is euthanasia immoral?
c)	Why do lawmakers think children can be mature enough to decide to die?
d)	Is it too much responsibility for a child to choose euthanasia?
e)	Does a family member or a doctor have the right to turn off a life support machine?
f)	What does your religion say about euthanasia?
g)	The Ancient Greek meaning for euthanasia is 'good death'. What do you think of this meaning?
h)	Is there a difference between euthanasia and murder?
i)	Is it crazy that a child not old enough to drive can choose to end his/her life?
j)	What questions would you like to ask one of the Belgian lawmakers?

DISCUSSION (Write your own questions)

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)
1.	________________________________________________________
2.	________________________________________________________
3.	________________________________________________________
4.	________________________________________________________
5.	________________________________________________________
6.	________________________________________________________

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)
1.	________________________________________________________
2.	________________________________________________________
3.	________________________________________________________
4.	________________________________________________________
5.	________________________________________________________
6.	________________________________________________________

LANGUAGE - CLOZE

Lawmakers in Belgium have passed a bill that will allow euthanasia for terminally ill children. The bill was passed with 86 votes for the (1) ____, 44 against, and 12 (2) ____. It becomes the first nation to allow euthanasia for children. Belgium's controversial law applies only to terminally ill children who are in (3) ____ pain. There are several conditions that must be (4) ____ for any act of euthanasia to take place. The child must be in full possession of his/her mental skills and request the act themselves. It requires an adult's (5) ____ and the written approval of a medical team, who must submit a psychological report. In addition, there must be no treatment available that would alleviate the child's (6) ____ and distress.

The law has created a (7) ____ of opposition worldwide. Opponents called it immoral and said children were not mature enough to make (8) ____ a decision. One man present at the vote stood up and screamed "murderers" at the lawmakers. The Christian Science Monitor makes the (9) ____ that: "In the 21st century, when parents the world (10) ____ worry that children are growing up too quickly, Belgium is poised to (11) ____ kids one more responsibility." It adds that: "Allowing children, who aren't even old enough to drive or vote, to decide when it's time to die is one (12) ____ too far." Last week, 160 Belgian paediatricians claimed the law was unnecessary because modern medicine could alleviate pain.

Put the correct words from the table below in the above article.

1.	(a)	motion	(b)	potion	(c)	lotion	(d)	devotion
2.	(a)	abstains	(b)	abstinences	(c)	abstentions	(d)	abstracts
3.	(a)	wild	(b)	dull	(c)	great	(d)	uncomfortable
4.	(a)	encountered	(b)	written	(c)	talked	(d)	met
5.	(a)	consent	(b)	consensus	(c)	consensual	(d)	conscience
6.	(a)	sufferance	(b)	suffering	(c)	suffers	(d)	suffered
7.	(a)	typhoon	(b)	tempest	(c)	whirlwind	(d)	storm
8.	(a)	great	(b)	such	(c)	huge	(d)	so
9.	(a)	box	(b)	container	(c)	case	(d)	file
10.	(a)	via	(b)	over	(c)	on	(d)	under
11.	(a)	foot	(b)	shoulder	(c)	back	(d)	hand
12.	(a)	rung	(b)	step	(c)	stair	(d)	ladder

SPELLING

Paragraph 1
1.	euthanasia for nrtmyaleli ill children
2.	44 against, and 12 tssenatnboi
3.	Belgium's ecrriovatlosn law
4.	in full nosesispos of his/her mental skills
5.	submit a plgyicalocsoh report
6.	the child's fnfguresi and distress
Paragraph 2
7.	created a storm of osoitonipp
8.	Opponents called it ramimol
9.	not tuamre enough to make such a decision
10.	screamed "rermersud" at the lawmakers
11.	Belgium is poesdi to hand kids one more
12.	modern medicine could laevatlei pain

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

( )	paediatricians claimed the law was unnecessary because modern medicine could alleviate pain.
( )	met for any act of euthanasia to take place. The child must be in full possession of his/her mental skills and request the act
( )	ill children. The bill was passed with 86 votes for the motion, 44 against, and 12
( )	at the lawmakers. The Christian Science Monitor makes the case that: "In the 21st century, when parents
( )	The law has created a storm of opposition worldwide. Opponents called it immoral and said children were not mature
( )	abstentions. It becomes the first nation to allow euthanasia for children. Belgium's controversial law
( 1 )	Lawmakers in Belgium have passed a bill that will allow euthanasia for terminally
( )	hand kids one more responsibility." It adds that: "Allowing children, who aren't even old enough to drive or
( )	vote, to decide when it's time to die is one step too far." Last week, 160 Belgian
( )	the world over worry that children are growing up too quickly, Belgium is poised to
( )	report. In addition, there must be no treatment available that would alleviate the child's suffering and distress.
( )	themselves. It requires an adult's consent and the written approval of a medical team, who must submit a psychological
( )	applies only to terminally ill children who are in great pain. There are several conditions that must be
( )	enough to make such a decision. One man present at the vote stood up and screamed "murderers"

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

1.	for terminally ill children A bill that will allow euthanasia.
2.	allow The euthanasia first for nation children to.
3.	are be several met conditions that There must.
4.	and approval requires consent written It adult's the an.
5.	the child's That suffering would and alleviate distress.
6.	opposition The created of has storm worldwide law a.
7.	such a decision Children were not mature enough to make.
8.	children quickly are growing Worry up that too.
9.	kids hand to Poised responsibility more one.
10.	pain alleviate could medicine modern because Unnecessary.

CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORD (20 PAIRS)

Lawmakers in Belgium have passed a bill that will allow euthanasia for terminally / terminal ill children. The bill was passed with 86 votes for the motion, 44 against, and 12 absentees / abstentions. It becomes the first nation to allow euthanasia for children. Belgium's controversy / controversial law applies only to terminally ill children who are in great pain / painful. There are several conditionals / conditions that must be met for any act of euthanasia to take places / place. The child must be in full possession of his/her mental / mentally skills and request the act themselves. It requires an adult's consent / consensus and the written approval of a medical team, who must commit / submit a psychological report. In addition, there must be no treatment available that would alleviate the child's suffer / suffering and distress.

The law has created a storm / tempest of opposition worldwide. Opponents called it immoral / immortal and said children were not nature / mature enough to make such / much a decision. One man present at the vote stood up and screaming / screamed "murderers" at the lawmakers. The Christian Science Monitor makes the base / case that: "In the 21st century, when parents the world over / under worry that children are growing up too quickly, Belgium is poised / poisoned to hand kids one more responsibility." It adds that: "Allowing children, who aren't even old enough to drive or vote, to decide when it's time to die is one step / stair too far." Last week, 160 Belgian paediatricians claimed the law was unnecessary because modern medicine could alleviation / alleviate pain.

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

INSERT THE VOWELS (a, e, i, o, u)

L_wm_k_rs _n B_lg__m h_v_ p_ss_d _ b_ll th_t w_ll _ll_w __th_n_s__ f_r t_rm_n_lly _ll ch_ldr_n. Th_ b_ll w_s p_ss_d w_th 86 v_t_s f_r th_ m_t__n, 44 _g__nst, _nd 12 _bst_nt__ns. _t b_c_m_s th_ f_rst n_t__n t_ _ll_w __th_n_s__ f_r ch_ldr_n. B_lg__m's c_ntr_v_rs__l l_w _ppl__s _nly t_ t_rm_n_lly _ll ch_ldr_n wh_ _r_ _n gr__t p__n. Th_r_ _r_ s_v_r_l c_nd_t__ns th_t m_st b_ m_t f_r _ny _ct _f __th_n_s__ t_ t_k_ pl_c_. Th_ ch_ld m_st b_ _n f_ll p_ss_ss__n _f h_s/h_r m_nt_l sk_lls _nd r_q__st th_ _ct th_ms_lv_s. _t r_q__r_s _n _d_lt's c_ns_nt _nd th_ wr_tt_n _ppr_v_l _f _ m_d_c_l t__m, wh_ m_st s_bm_t _ psych_l_g_c_l r_p_rt. _n _dd_t__n, th_r_ m_st b_ n_ tr__tm_nt _v__l_bl_ th_t w__ld _ll_v__t_ th_ ch_ld's s_ff_r_ng _nd d_str_ss.

Th_ l_w h_s cr__t_d _ st_rm _f _pp_s_t__n w_rldw_d_. _pp_n_nts c_ll_d _t _mm_r_l _nd s__d ch_ldr_n w_r_ n_t m_t_r_ _n__gh t_ m_k_ s_ch _ d_c_s__n. _n_ m_n pr_s_nt _t th_ v_t_ st__d _p _nd scr__m_d "m_rd_r_rs" _t th_ l_wm_k_rs. Th_ Chr_st__n Sc__nc_ M_n_t_r m_k_s th_ c_s_ th_t: "_n th_ 21st c_nt_ry, wh_n p_r_nts th_ w_rld _v_r w_rry th_t ch_ldr_n _r_ gr_w_ng _p t__ q__ckly, B_lg__m _s p__s_d t_ h_nd k_ds _n_ m_r_ r_sp_ns_b_l_ty." _t _dds th_t: "_ll_w_ng ch_ldr_n, wh_ _r_n't _v_n _ld _n__gh t_ dr_v_ _r v_t_, t_ d_c_d_ wh_n _t's t_m_ t_ d__ _s _n_ st_p t__ f_r." L_st w__k, 160 B_lg__n p__d__tr_c__ns cl__m_d th_ l_w w_s _nn_c_ss_ry b_c__s_ m_d_rn m_d_c_n_ c__ld _ll_v__t_ p__n.

PUNCTUATE THE TEXT AND ADD CAPITALS

lawmakers in belgium have passed a bill that will allow euthanasia for terminally ill children the bill was passed with 86 votes for the motion 44 against and 12 abstentions it becomes the first nation to allow euthanasia for children belgium's controversial law applies only to terminally ill children who are in great pain there are several conditions that must be met for any act of euthanasia to take place the child must be in full possession of his/her mental skills and request the act themselves it requires an adult's consent and the written approval of a medical team who must submit a psychological report in addition there must be no treatment available that would alleviate the child's suffering and distress

the law has created a storm of opposition worldwide opponents called it immoral and said children were not mature enough to make such a decision one man present at the vote stood up and screamed "murderers" at the lawmakers the christian science monitor makes the case that "in the 21st century when parents the world over worry that children are growing up too quickly belgium is poised to hand kids one more responsibility" it adds that "allowing children who aren't even old enough to drive or vote to decide when it's time to die is one step too far" last week 160 belgian paediatricians claimed the law was unnecessary because modern medicine could alleviate pain

PUT A SLASH ( / ) WHERE THE SPACES ARE

LawmakersinBelgiumhavepassedabillthatwillalloweuthanasiafort
erminallyillchildren.Thebillwaspassedwith86votesforthemotion,4
4against,and12abstentions.Itbecomesthefirstnationtoalloweutha
nasiaforchildren.Belgium'scontroversiallawappliesonlytoterminal
lyillchildrenwhoareingreatpain.Thereareseveralconditionsthatmu
stbemetforanyactofeuthanasiatotakeplace.Thechildmustbeinfull
possessionofhis/hermentalskillsandrequesttheactthemselves.Itr
equiresanadult'sconsentandthewrittenapprovalofamedicalteam,
whomustsubmitapsychologicalreport.Inaddition,theremustbenot
reatmentavailablethatwouldalleviatethechild'ssufferinganddistre
ss.Thelawhascreatedastormofoppositionworldwide.Opponentscal
leditimmoralandsaidchildrenwerenotmatureenoughtomakesucha
decision.Onemanpresentatthevotestoodupandscreamed"murder
ers"atthelawmakers.TheChristianScienceMonitormakesthecaset
hat:"Inthe21stcentury,whenparentstheworldoverworrythatchildr
enaregrowinguptooquickly,Belgiumispoisedtohandkidsonemorer
esponsibility."Itaddsthat:"Allowingchildren,whoaren'tevenolden
oughtodriveorvote,todecidewhenit'stimetodieisonesteptoofar."L
astweek,160Belgianpaediatriciansclaimedthelawwasunnecessar
ybecausemodernmedicinecouldalleviatepain.

FREE WRITING

Write about euthanasia for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner's paper.

_____________________________________________________________________________

ACADEMIC WRITING

Euthanasia should never be allowed for anyone. Discuss.

_____________________________________________________________________________

HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about euthanasia. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. EUTHANASIA: Make a poster about euthanasia. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

4. CHILDREN: Write a magazine article about Belgium's new euthanasia law. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against it.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

6. LETTER: Write a letter to a children's doctor. Ask him/her three questions about euthanasia. Give him/her three of your opinions on it. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

A Few Additional Activities for Students

Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

Also...

Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

News
Warm ups
Pre-reading / Post-reading
Using headlines
Working with words
While-reading / While-listening
Moving from text to speech
Post-reading / Post-listening
Discussions
Using opinions
Plans
Language
Using lists
Using quotes
Task-based activities
Role plays
Using the central characters in the article
Using themes from the news
Homework

Buy my book

$US 9.99

ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE (p.4)

a

F

b

T

c

T

d

F

e

T

f

T

g

F

h

F

SYNONYM MATCH (p.4)

1.	lawmakers	a.	legislators
2.	motion	b.	proposal
3.	controversial	c.	emotive
4.	request	d.	ask for
5.	alleviate	e.	ease
6.	opposition	f.	objection
7.	mature	g.	adult
8.	case	h.	argument
9.	hand	i.	give
10.	paediatrician	j.	children's doctor

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (p.8)

1.	Terminally ill
2.	12
3.	His/Her mental skills
4.	An adult
5.	Treatment to alleviate suffering and distress
6.	Immoral
7.	Maturity
8.	Murderers
9.	Kids growing up too quickly
10.	Paediatricians

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ (p.9)

1.

c

2.

a

3.

a

4.

b

5.

d

6.

b

7.

a

8.

c

9.

d

10.

a

ALL OTHER EXERCISES

Please check for yourself by looking at the Article on page 2.
(It's good for your English ;-)

Back to the top

Help Support This Web Site

Please consider helping Breaking News English.com

Sean Banville's Book

Download a sample of my book "1,000 Ideas & Activities for Language Teachers".

Breaking News English

Home | Help This Site

Belgium to allow euthanasia for children (16th February, 2014)

PRINT

LISTEN

READ

GRAMMAR

SPELL

WORDS