5/5/25: Titanic Theories & Revise/Edit Questions

One widely accepted theory claims that a coal fire had been burning deep within Titanic's hull for days, weakening the steel along the starboard side. (a)   , others argue that the fire had little impact and that the iceberg alone caused the disaster.

• For example

• In fact

• However
• As a result

Some experts believe that poor-quality iron rivets were used in constructing the ship, which made certain parts of the hull more likely to fracture on impact. (a)   , the Titanic may have broken apart faster than it should have when it struck the iceberg.

• In contrast

• Because of this, -- correct
• Even so

• Furthermore

Several historians have pointed out that Captain Smith continued full speed despite receiving multiple iceberg warnings throughout the day. Some believe this shows (a)   . Others claim he was following pressure from White Star Line executives to make record time.

• Recklessness
• Pressure

• Indifference

• Caution

Some people believe the nearby ship Californian could have saved lives but failed to respond to distress flares. _______, those who believe the coal fire was to blame think help would have come too late anyway.

• Therefore

• On the other hand

• For instance

• As a result

When introducing new ideas in a compare-and-contrast text, authors often use transitions to guide the reader. Which of the following is the BEST way to begin a new paragraph introducing an alternate theory?

• Also

• Along this same thought process,

• Another possibility as to why the tragedy occurred

If someone listed this sentence as a way to explain how two theories are different from one another, which Bad Grammar Guy would the sentence be an example of? Some believe the fire was to blame others think rivets caused the damage.

• Comma Splice Carl

• Run on Ralph

• Awkward Arthur

• Fragment Fred

What do the "Design Flaw Theory" and the "Fire in the Coal Bunker Theory" have in common?

• Both say Captain Smith was careless.

• Both suggest the ship was already damaged before hitting the iceberg.

• One happened after the crash; the other before.

• They both blame the Californian.

Which of the following is the BEST revision of this choppy, unclear sentence? "The ship was going fast. A fire was burning. They did not stop."

• Despite the fire burning in the hull, the Titanic continued at high speed and did not reduce its pace.

• The ship was fast. They had a fire and didn't stop.

• They had stuff going on. They crashed.

• The Titanic burned. Also, it was fast.

When the Titanic sent up flares, the wireless operator on the nearby Californian had already gone to bed for the night. _______, no one received or responded to the Titanic's final distress signals.

• As a result

• On the other hand

• For instance

• In contrast

The Titanic, a grand luxury liner launched in 1912, is believed to be unsinkable.

• Add a semicolon after liner

• Change Titanic to titanic

• Change is to was

• Change believed to believe