The Titanic: Voices from the Disaster (Ch. 6-8)

Why does the author include this separate section about “The Titanic’s Watertight Doors?”

• To show that the watertight doors were useless and did not contribute to the disaster.

• To discuss how the watertight doors were a failure during the sinking of the ship.

• To explain the construction of the Titanic and how they allowed for easier access to the ship’s lower levels.

• To highlight the ship’s state-of-the-art safety features and how they were intended to prevent the ship from sinking.

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CCSS.RI.1.5

CCSS.RI.2.5

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How were the watertight doors supposed to keep the boat from sinking?

• The doors were meant to be used as an escape route for passengers in case of emergency.

• They were intended to be used to lock away valuable cargo and keep it secure during the voyage.

• They were designed to keep water from flooding the lower decks, which would help keep the Titanic afloat.

• They were supposed to keep the ship’s engine rooms sealed off and prevent a fire from spreading.

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CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

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Do you think we would have been able to save the people on the Titanic if the same thing happened today? Why?

• Yes, because today we have better technology, more lifeboats, and better training for handling emergencies.

• No, because ships today are still not properly equipped to handle disasters like the Titanic’s.

• Yes, but only because of more experienced crew members and stricter regulations.

• No, because ships today are too large and difficult to evacuate in time.

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Why were boats taking a risk if they were going to help the Titanic?

• The boats risked being caught in the freezing waters, and they were unsure whether the Titanic was actually sinking.

• The boats risked being overturned by the huge waves created by the sinking Titanic.

• The boats risked being caught in a storm and possibly capsizing.

• The boats risked being damaged by the wreckage of the Titanic as it sank.

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CCSS.RI.1.9

CCSS.RI.2.9

CCSS.RI.4.8

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CCSS.RL.4.5

Why was everyone so sure that they would all be saved?

• The passengers had been reassured by the crew that everything was under control and there was no need to panic.

• Many believed that the Titanic was unsinkable, and that no disaster could befall such an advanced ship.

• They had heard of other ships being able to rescue people from disasters quickly.

• The passengers were confident because they could see lifeboats being launched without incident.

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CCSS.RI.2.9

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What did we learn about the boat, the Californian? Why did the author include this information?

• The Californian was a nearby ship that could have helped but did not respond in time. The author includes this to show how missed opportunities contributed to the tragedy.

• The Californian was the first ship to arrive and saved most of the Titanic’s passengers. The author includes this to show the success of the rescue operation.

• The Californian was a ship that had been involved in the disaster before. The author includes this to show the ship’s unfortunate luck.

• The Californian was a luxury liner, and the author includes it to highlight the competition between the ships.

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Why was the decision made for women and children to go first?

• Because women and children were seen as the most capable of helping the crew.

• Because there were fewer women and children, so it was easier to evacuate them first.

• Because women and children had the most valuable possessions on board.

• To follow the belief that women and children were more vulnerable and needed to be saved first.

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What were the men in the boiler rooms trying to do? What does this tell you about these men?

• They were trying to fix the ship's navigation system. This shows they were unaware of the situation.

• They were trying to escape the ship by reaching the lifeboats. This shows their cowardice.

• They were attempting to keep the ship’s engines running as long as possible, despite the sinking. This shows their bravery and dedication to their duties.

• They were trying to sabotage the ship’s systems. This shows their desire to cause chaos.

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CCSS.RF.4.4C

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What were the people on the lifeboats able to see, that wasn’t visible to the people still on the Titanic?

• They could see the ship being towed to safety.

• They could see a nearby rescue ship arriving.

• They could see the Titanic’s luxurious interiors as the ship tilted.

• They could see the Titanic sinking, with people struggling in the water and the ship’s lights fading.

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Why was everyone waiting for orders, even though orders were never really coming? What does this tell us about the preparation for the Titanic sinking?

• The crew was not properly trained for a disaster of this magnitude, which caused confusion and hesitation.

• The passengers were told to stay put until the lifeboats were ready, which led to people waiting.

• There were clear evacuation procedures, but passengers chose not to follow them.

• The crew was waiting for orders from the captain, who was overseeing the evacuation.

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CCSS.RI.4.8

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