Exploring the Titanic

By Robert Ballard

Before Reading: Connect to Your Life Take out your LNb and label the next available

page “Exploring the Titanic.” Answer the following questions:

What do you know about exploration beneath the surface of the ocean?

What do you know about the voyage of the Titanic? When you finish answering the questions, read

Build Background on page 658 in your literature book.

Before Reading: Understand Vocabulary Using context clues can help you to define

unfamiliar words. Often, unknown words are restated in familiar or

easier language. Restatements may be set off by commas, dashes,

or parentheses, or introduced by the word or. Read the sentences on the next slide and

determine the definition of each bold-faced word. Write these definitions in your LNb. Watch for restatements.

Before Reading: Understand Vocabulary The passengers were intrigued by the novelty of

sending messages– something completely new to them. They thought of a fitting tribute, a perfect way to honor

him. Most passengers were dazzled, or amazed, by the ship’s

splendor. The ship started to list from side to side, tilting first one

way and then the other. The crew worked feverishly, with intense nervous

energy, to try to prevent disaster.

Reading 1: Distinguish between Fact and Opinion Fact: a statement that can be proved Opinion: a statement of personal belief that

cannot be proven Identify the following statements as either fact or

opinion: In 1907, nearly ten years after The Wreck of the

Titan was written, two men began making plans to build a real titanic ship.

The two men certainly dreamed on a grand scale. As we read “Exploring the Titanic,” record

examples of facts and opinions on the worksheet in your packet.

Group Discussion Questions What design elements were supposed to make the

Titanic unsinkable? What details early in the selection foreshadow the

upcoming disaster? What factors contributed to the Titanic hitting the

iceberg? Why was the loss of life so great? Why do you think this disaster still captures

people’s attention?

Reading 2: Sources and Setting Primary sources: original, firsthand accounts and

graphics of events, including diaries, newspapers, photographs, and other documents. Why would Robert Ballard have needed primary

sources to write “Exploring the Titanic”? What primary sources can you identify from the

selection?

Reading 2: Sources and Setting Secondary sources: an account of a story based on the writings

or evidence of people other than the author. Authors of secondary sources usually have not observed or

participated in the events being described. What type of source is being described in each example below?

A book written about the Titanic by a historian using quotes from the diary of a survivor.

A diary written by someone who sailed on the Titanic and survived. What type of source is our selection? Complete the Setting and Sources worksheet with your partner.

Reading 3: Accurate and Reliable Sources Writers of nonfiction need to use sources that are

accurate, meaning they conform exactly to fact. Sources should also be reliable, meaning they have

a reputation for being trustworthy. Why do you think accuracy is important? What would happen if a writer used sources that

were not accurate? How can you tell if the sources used in a piece of

nonfiction are accurate?

Reading 3: Accurate and Reliable Sources Sources that are generally thought to be reliable

are things such as news stories in newspapers and periodicals (magazines), photographs, quotations, and accounts from eyewitnesses. Why would these sources be considered reliable?

Complete the Accurate and Reliable Source worksheet with your partner.