Is Survival Selfish?

What is the author’s position or main claim of her argument?

• Survival is always a selfish act.

• Survival situations are unique and complex.

• People should always prioritize others in emergencies.

• Survival instincts are the same for everyone.

In paragraph 3, the author states that every survival situation is different. If this is true, it follows that —

• Everyone reacts the same way in emergencies.

• Survival strategies should be standardized.

• Individual responses vary based on circumstances.

• There is a universal rule for survival.

In “Is Survival Selfish?” the author describes how people reacted to an explosion near Grand Central Station. Her description supports her point that...

• People always act rationally in emergencies.

• Crowds are usually calm and organized.

• Panic can prevent effective action.

• Everyone knows how to react in a crisis.

What is a synonym for protocol as the author uses it in this sentence?

• Rule

• Chaos

• Freedom

• Disorganization

The author says that J. Bruce Ismay “was savaged by the media and the general public for climbing into a lifeboat and saving himself.” She uses the word savaged to convey...

• praised

• criticized harshly

• ignored

• supported

To berate someone means to...

• praise them

• ignore them

• scold them

• help them

If a spectacle is guaranteed to transfix viewers, it will...

• bore them

• confuse them

• captivate them

• annoy them

Why does the author include her personal experience about the Grand Central Station incident?

• To provide a humorous story

• To illustrate a point about human behavior

• To describe a historical event

• To criticize public transportation

The author includes rhetorical questions in paragraph 11 to challenge the reader's understanding of bravery.

• True

• False

How does the author support the claim that the “fight or flight” instinct kicks in during survival situations?

• By providing scientific evidence.

• By describing personal anecdotes.

• By citing historical events.

• By analyzing psychological studies.