4 . When the Titanic sank, approximately 1, 509 of its 2214 passengers passed away. A majority of them died because the ship carried lifeboats for only half of the people on board. By all accounts, most died either by drowning or of hypothermia, since the temperature of the water was -2° C (28° F), in which death occurs in about fifteen minutes. The survival rate for men was 19%, for women 72%, and for children, 50%. Most survivors were first class passengers, followed by second class, and finally third class. Six of the seven children in first class survived, and all of the children in second class survived, but only about 31 percent were saved in third class.

In short, the available evidence from the Titanic disaster suggests that we often care for others, even at some cost to ourselves. But why? Do we in fact psychologically tend to be altruistical? Or are we blank slates (白板) on which culture and education draws our character, for better or worse? The survival rates of women and children appear to support the former explanation; but the culturally prejudiced explanations of those facts appear to support the latter. Is there a way to judge between them?

The blank slate theory of human nature is related to the seventeenth-century English philosopher, John Locke. He argued that the mind should be considered as a blank sheet of paper until it is furnished by experience, which varies from person to person. Locke’s theory was a particularly effective way to weaken the influence of the church and of king’s right to rule, both of which were held to be self-evidently true.

The belief of the blank slate has proved to be greatly influential, extending far beyond the field of political theory. The social sciences generally have tried to explain human behavior as a product of the socialization of children by culture and education.

Which group has the highest survival rate in the Titanic accident?

5 . A schoolgirl saved her father’s life by kicking him in the chest after he suffered a serious allergic (过敏的) reaction which stopped his heart.Izzy, nine, restarted father Colm’s heart by stamping (踩) on his chest after he fell down at home and stopped breathing.Izzy’s mother, Debbie, immediately called 999 but Izzy knew doctors would never arrive in time to save her father, so decided to use CPR.However, she quickly discovered her arms weren’t strong enough, so she stamped on her father’s chest instead.Debbie then took over with some more conventional chest compressions (按压) until the ambulance arrived.Izzy, who has been given a bravery award by her school, said, “I just kicked him really hard. My mum taught me CPR but I knew I wasn’t strong enough to use hands. I was quite scared. The doctor said I might as well be a doctor or a nurse. My mum said that Dad was going to hospital with a big footprint on his chest.”“She’s a little star，” said Debbie, “I was really upset but Izzy just took over. I just can’t believe what she did. I really think all children should be taught first aid. Izzy did CPR then the doctor turned up. Colm had to have more treatment on the way to the hospital and we’ve got to see an expert.”Truck driver Colm, 35, suffered a mystery allergic reaction on Saturday and was taken to hospital, but was sent home only for it to happen again the next day. The second attack was so serious that his airway swelled, preventing him from breathing, his blood pressure dropped suddenly, and his heart stopped for a moment.He has now made a full recovery from his suffering.

What’s the right order of the events?

①Izzy kicked Colm.       ②Debbie called 999.③Izzy learned CPR.       ④Colm’s heart stopped.