Winter Break 2016!

I hope everyone has a lovely and pleasant break whether or not you celebrate the holidays. Take some time to relax, get more sleep and recharge your brain. Below is your Winter Break Assignment:

Instructions: Read Chapters 27 “The Secret of Immortality” to Chapter 30 “Zakariyya” (pp. 211-249) of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. For each chapter, answer the below questions:
Chapter 27 “The Secret of Immortality”

1. In your own words, explain how the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer.
2. What are the perspectives that Van Halen and Stevenson have about HeLa cells? Who do you think has the more persuasive argument, Van Halen or Stevenson?

Chapter 28 “After London”

1. Carefully reread the speech Deborah gave at Morehouse College, paying particular attention to her repetition of the word “understanding.” Why do you think understanding HeLa was so important to Deborah? What obstacles does she mention as impeding her understanding?
2. What were the consequences of increased recognition of Henrietta Lacks positive or negative for the Lacks family? Explain in detail.
3. How did the attempt by Richard Kidwell to protect Deborah end up causing her breakdown?

Chapter 29 “A Village of Henriettas”

1. What specific things did Deborah ask Skloot to promise she would do?
2. What information about her mother was Deborah unwilling to share with Skloot? Why do you think she was so protective of this information?

Chapter 30 “Zakariyya”

1. Describe your first impression of Zakariyya.
2. Look back over Skloot’s description of Zakariyya’s apartment. What do the contents of the apartment tell you about his life and personality? What is important to him?
3. . What does Zakariyya blame on Henrietta’s cancer cells? Does Deborah agree with him?

In addition, if you did not physically hand in the Mastery Work on Friday 12/23, it will NOT be accepted. Please do not e-mail me any Mastery, as it will not be checked.

However, you should still submit your paper to www.turnitin.com the check for originality. Instructions for Turn It In are below: