The article “How Nellie Bly went undercover to expose abuse of the mentally ill” describes how Nellie Bly uncovered problems with the treatment of the mentally ill at an asylum in New York. What problems did Bly uncover with the process for admitting people into the asylum and releasing them? Support your ideas with evidence from the text.(2 points)

Question

Short Answer Rubric (2 points)
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2
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0 The question is not answered.
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Answer 1

In the article “How Nellie Bly went undercover to expose abuse of the mentally ill,” Bly uncovers significant flaws in the admission and release processes at the asylum. One major problem was the lack of thorough assessments for individuals seeking admission; many were committed based on vague or unfounded claims from family members or acquaintances, without adequate evaluation of their mental health status. Bly highlights cases where women were institutionalized simply for being seen as troublesome or for wanting independence, demonstrating how easily someone could lose their freedom without just cause.

Additionally, the release process was problematic, as many patients remained confined indefinitely, with no clear criteria for their release. Bly notes that individuals often stayed in the asylum for years, even after showing signs of recovery, because the process lacked proper oversight or follow-up assessments. This lack of transparency and accountability in both admitting and releasing patients contributed to the widespread abuse and mistreatment they experienced in the asylum.