H3
text type: novel (excerpt)
Assignments
1.
Describe the design of the research project and the researchers’ observations and interpretations as well as the drug’s effects on Adam.
20%
2.
Examine the means and strategies including the narrative techniques the author employs to make the discoveries a dramatic experience for the reader.
40%
3.
The genetic research company BioGen feels urged to react to Adam’s death when the circumstances become known to the public to prevent possible damage to their reputation. In a statement at a press conference, the company’s spokesperson promotes the benefits of genetic research and red biotechnology for the individual and society and addresses society’s fears. Using your background knowledge, write the script for this statement.
40%
Next (excerpt)
by Michael Crichton Josh Winkler and his assistant Tom Weller, both genetic researchers at BioGen, test a drug supposed to accelerate maturational behaviour in rats. When Josh takes it home and does not pay attention, his brother Adam takes the drug which cures him of his drug addiction within a few days.
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[…] Josh Winkler hurried into the animal facility to see what Tom Weller was talking about. "How many
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rats died?" he said.
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"Nine."
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The stiff bodies of nine dead rats lying on their sides in nine successive cages made Josh Winkler start to
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sweat. "We'll have to dissect them," he said. "When did they die?"
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"Must have been during the night," Tom said. "They were fed at six; no notation of problems then." Tom
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was looking at a clipboard.
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"What study group were they in?" Josh said. Fearing he already knew the answer.
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"A-7," Tom said. "The maturity gene study."
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Jesus.
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Josh tried to remain calm. "And how old were they?"
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"Ummm ... let's see. Thirty-eight weeks and four days."
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Oh God.
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The average life span of a lab rat was 160 weeks – a little over three years. These rats had died in a
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quarter of that time. He took a deep breath. "And what about the others in the cohort?"
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"There were twenty in the original study group," Tom said. "All identical, all the same age. Two of them
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died a few days ago, of respiratory infection. I didn't think much about it at the time. As for the others …
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well, you better see for yourself." He led Josh down the row of cages to the other rats. It was
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immediately clear what their condition was.
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"Ragged coats, inactive, excessive sleeping, trouble standing on their hind legs, muscle wasting, hind leg
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paralysis in four of them ...”
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Josh stared. "They're old," he said. "They're all old."
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"Yes," Tom said. "It's unmistakable: premature aging. I went back and checked the dead rats from two
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days ago. One had a pituitary adenoma25 cord degeneration." 1 and the other had spinal
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"Signs of age ..."
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"Right," Tom said. "Signs of age. Maybe this gene won't be the wonder product Rick2 is counting on after
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all. Not if it causes early death. It'd be a disaster."
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"How am I feeling?" Adam said, as they sat together at lunch. "I feel fine, Josh, thanks to you. I'm a
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little tired sometimes. And my skin is dry. I'm getting a few wrinkles. But I feel okay. Why?"
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"Just wondered," Josh said, as casually as he could. He tried not to stare at his older brother. In fact,
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Adam's appearance had changed dramatically. Where he once had a touch of gray at the temples, he
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now had a full head of salt-and-pepper hair. His hairline had receded. The skin around his eyes and lips
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was noticeably wrinkled. His forehead was deeply creased. He looked much older.
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Adam was thirty-two.
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Jesus.
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"No, uh, drugs?" Josh asked.
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"No, no. That's over, thank God," Adam said. He had ordered a hamburger, but he put it down after a
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few bites.
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"Doesn't taste good?"
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"Got a sore tooth. I need to see the dentist." Adam touched his cheek. "I hate complaining. Actually, I
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was thinking I'd better get some exercise. I need exercise. Sometimes I get constipated."
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"You going to join your old b-ball group?" Josh said brightly. His brother used to play basketball twice a
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week with the investment bankers.
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"Uh, no," Adam said. "I was thinking doubles tennis, or maybe golf."
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"Good idea," Josh said.
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A silence fell over the table. Adam pushed his plate aside. "I know I look older," he said. "You don't need
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to pretend you haven't noticed. Everybody's noticed it. I asked Mom, and she said that Dad was the
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same way; he just suddenly looked older in his thirties. Almost overnight. So maybe it's genetic."
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"Yeah, could be."
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"Why?" Adam said. "Do you know something?"
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"Me? No."
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"You just suddenly wanted to have lunch, urgently, today? Couldn't wait?"
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"I hadn't seen you in a while, that's all."
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"Cut the crap, Josh," he said. "You were always a shitty liar."
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Josh sighed. "Adam," he said, "I think we should do some tests."
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"For what?"
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"Bone density, lung capacity. And an MRI."
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"For what? What are these tests for?" He stared at Josh. "For aging?"
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"Yes."
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"I'm aging too fast? Is it that gene spray?"
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"We need to find out," Josh said. […]
Michael Crichton, Next, New York 2006, pp. 268-271; 732 words
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Note:
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text. It must be noted that our conclusions contain only some of the possible aspects. Students can also find a different approach to argumentation.
1.
- Researchers Josh Winkler and Tom Weller at BioGen are conducting a study on a drug designed to accelerate maturational behavior in rats.
- The study likely involves multiple rat cohorts, with one specific group, A-7, being the focus of their investigation.
- The rats in the study are monitored for various parameters related to their maturation, and data is collected over time.
Research Project Design
- Nine rats in study group A-7 die prematurely; others show signs of rapid aging.
- These rats died at a relatively young age compared to the expected average lifespan of lab rats.
- Tom Weller suspects that the drug they were testing may be responsible for the premature aging and early deaths of the rats.
- This discovery raises doubts about the drug's safety and efficacy.
Researchers' Observations and Interpretations
- Adam, Josh's brother, accidentally consumes the drug meant for the rats, which was taken home by Josh.
- Adam's appearance undergoes dramatic changes
he's aging rapidly
- Despite experiencing these signs of aging, Adam reports feeling fine, although he mentions occasional tiredness, dry skin, and constipation.
- Josh becomes concerned about Adam's condition and suggests conducting various tests, including bone density, lung capacity, and an MRI, to understand the extent of his aging and determine if it's related to the drug he accidentally consumed.
Effects on Adam
The narrative suggests a series of unexpected and alarming events within the research project, leading to concerns about the drug's safety and its unintended effects on both the rats and Adam. Further testing and investigation are needed to unravel the mysteries surrounding the drug's impact on living organisms.
Conclusion
2.
The author employs several means and narrative techniques to make the discoveries in the text a dramatic experience for the reader:
Introduction
- the author uses foreshadowing to build anticipation and tension in the narrative
- reader gets hints of trouble when Josh rushes to the animal facility and asks how many rats have died, setting the stage for an impending discovery
- short, direct and suspenseful exchanges and Tom's slow revelation of the details create a sense of mystery and unease
- reader is kept on edge, waiting for crucial information
- characters' reactions are portrayed vividly
- Josh's fear and concern are palpable when he learns the rats were from the "maturity gene study.
- this adds to the dramatic effect, as the reader can sense the gravity of the situation through the character's emotions
- author employs dramatic irony as the reader knows more than the characters initially
- reader understands the potential connection between the rat deaths and the drug, creating tension as the characters investigate further
- detailed description of the rats' conditions, paints a vivid picture of their premature aging
- sudden and dramatic transformation of Adam's appearance serves as a shock to both Josh and the reader
- by leaving questions unanswered, such as the cause of Adam's aging and the drug's effects, the author keeps the reader intrigued and invested in the unfolding mystery
Main Body
narrative techniques used
narrative techniques used
- In summary, the author skillfully uses foreshadowing, suspenseful dialogue, shock value, character reactions, dramatic irony, vivid descriptions, and uncertainty to create a dramatic and engaging reading experience as the discoveries and their consequences are revealed in the text .
- these techniques draw the reader into the story and heighten the emotional impact of the narrative
Conclusion
3.
- Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us today.
- I would like to address some recent events that have come to light regarding BioGen and the unfortunate passing of Mr. Adam Winkler.
- We understand the concerns that have arisen, and we want to take this opportunity to provide clarity and transparency on the matter.
Greeting and Introduction
- it is essential to emphasize the critical role that genetic research and red biotechnology play in advancing both individual health and society as a whole.
- Over the years, our scientists and researchers have worked tirelessly to unlock the potential of genetics for the betterment of human lives.
- It is through these efforts that we have witnessed breakthroughs in treating diseases, improving agricultural sustainability, and addressing global health challenges
Benefits of genetic research and red biotechnology
- We are aware that society sometimes has concerns and fears about genetic research and its implications. These concerns are entirely valid, and we take them seriously.
- However, it is crucial to remember that our mission at BioGen is guided by ethical principles, stringent safety standards, and rigorous scientific scrutiny. We prioritize the well-being of individuals and the greater good above all else.
Addressing Society's Fears
- Regarding the unfortunate incident involving Mr. Adam Winkler, we are fully committed to transparency and conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
- We will leave no stone unturned in seeking the truth and understanding any potential implications of our research.
Transparency and Investigation
- While we deeply mourn the loss of Mr. Adam Winkler, we are using this tragedy as an opportunity to reevaluate our research protocols, safety measures, and ethical guidelines.
- We are committed to learning from this experience and making any necessary improvements to ensure the safety of our research participants and the integrity of our work.
Learning and Improvement
- In conclusion, BioGen remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing genetic research for the betterment of society.
- We recognize the responsibility we bear in conducting this research ethically, safely, and transparently.
- We will continue to work diligently to address any concerns and maintain the trust of the public.
Conclusion