1. The Human Condition

2.  Pre-Reading Activity  Write a list of the first ten things you did when you opened your eyes this morning.  Now imagine if you were unable to remember anything you were supposed to do. Say nothing… LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX

3. 1.Aneurysm: a permanent cardiac or arterial dilatation usually caused by weakening of the vessel wall. 2.Genial: favorable for life, growth, or comfort; pleasantly warm; comfortably mild: the genial climate of Hawaii. 3.Prozac: Prozac is a medication used to treat major depressive disorders, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. This medicine effects chemicals in the brain. 4.Gape: to stare with open mouth, as in wonder. 5.Mental Illness: a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be genetic or caused by a traumatic event. VOCABULARY

4.  What caused Dennis’s accident?  What sorts of things did Dennis forget to do?  What are the side effects of his brain aneurism?  What two activities does he engage in during his rehabilitation?  Who is Barry Tibbett?  What career has Denis chosen?  What three pieces of advice does Dennis offer readers for dealing with people with disabilities? COMPREHENSION & RECALL

5.  What words, phrases and details does the author use to develop sympathy for Dennis? WRITER’S STYLE

6.  What is the difference between physical and emotional rehabilitation? Re-read the article and describe ways that Dennis had to cope with both. ANALYSIS

7. I LIVE IN A LANGUAGE THAT’S NOT MINE

8.  Write your own definition of a Canadian. PRE-READING ACTIVITY

9.  How does the author’s first person point of view telling about her experiences, affect the reader (you)?  Does the personal essay style she uses effectively communicate her message to you? AUTHOR’S STYLE

10.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3_Bb9wGObY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3_Bb9wGObY  Write down one of the major themes of this story and discuss why you think this is a prominent theme.  View the following book trailer and identify what theme(s) are identified.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqkuxT2kBY4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqkuxT2kBY4  Watch this short film and discuss the possible themes.  http://vimeo.com/877053 http://vimeo.com/877053 MAJOR THEMES