Testimony Before the Senate

Who is the audience for Michael J. Fox’s (MJF) speech?

• The general public

• Parkinson's patients

• The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee

• Medical researchers

What does MJF mean when he talks about “soldier on” in paragraphs 7 and 9?

• He wanted to join the military

• He wanted to continue his work quietly despite his illness

• He wanted to fight against Parkinson's disease

• He wanted to retire from acting

Why do you think MJF emphasized the hope Parkinson’s patients had when making his argument?

• To show that patients are unrealistic

• To highlight the importance of funding research

• To suggest that hope is enough to cure the disease

• To criticize the government's efforts

In paragraphs 20 and 21, MJF recounts the difficulties of living with Parkinson’s disease. Why do you think this is a powerful part of his argument?

• It shows his weakness

• It highlights the daily struggles of others with the disease.

• It criticizes the medical community

• It praises the effectiveness of current treatments

What does MJF offer as giving hope for a cure for Parkinson’s disease in paragraph 17?

• Increased public awareness

• Significant investment in research

• New medication

• Support from celebrities

What effect does MJF’s personal story in lines 106-116 have on the audience?

• It makes them feel sorry for him

• It personalizes the impact of the disease

• It distracts from the main argument

• It entertains the audience

What was MJF’s purpose for speaking to Congress?

• To announce his retirement

• To request increased funding for Parkinson's research

• To promote his new movie

• To criticize the healthcare system