things.

When the Titanic sank, the stories of the courage mainly shown in the face of death moved the world. Sixty years before that, the passengers of another ship had shown even greater discipline and nobility(高尚的品格)in a terrible situation.

The ship was the Birkenhead, a steam-powered troopship transporting British troops to South Africa. On 26 February, 1852, the ship hit an uncharted rock while rounding the Cape of Good Hope. There were about six hundred and eighty on board, of whom fifty were women and children. The remainders were soldiers and officers of the 74th Highlanders, led by Major Alexander Sexton. In addition, the ship was loaded with horses.

The collision(磋撞)had already caused dozens of the troops to drown as they slept below the deck. Major Sexton ordered the survivors on deck, and in one of the more remarkable displays of courage seen, the soldiers stood silently to attention as the women and children were loaded into the life-boats. The ship was sinking rapidly and leaning, but they continued to stand until all the women and horses were driven over-board to give them a chance. Only then, at the order from Major Sexton, did they break ranks and try to save their own lives. But the ship broke up, and four hundred and eighty-eight of the soldiers died.

In complete opposition to this bravery, was the occasion when nearly all the casualties were women and children. This happened on l April, 1873. The White Star liner Atlantic, under the command of the incompetent Captain Williams, was wrecked on rocks off the coast of Nova Scotia. Williams, who knew the dangers of the area, had refused to consult charts or maps and had become utterly lost in the bad weather. In the panic, the male passengers deserted their families and tried to escape ashore. Their behavior was shocking. There were five hundred and sixty deaths. Of the four hundred survivors, not one was a woman.

1. What is the correct time order of the three disasters?

A. The White Star Liner Atlantic, the Birkenhead, the Titanic.

B. The Birkenhead, the Titanic, the White Star Liner Atlantic.

C. The Birkenhead, the White Star Liner Atlantic, the Titanic.

D. The Titanic, the Birkenhead, the White Star Liner Atlantic.

2. Which of the following is true about the Birkenhead?

A. She hit a rock and sank immediately.

B. The crew escaped after the women and children.

C. All the survivors were soldiers, officers and horses.

D. Half of the people on board were women and children.

3. What does the underlined word "casualties" probably mean?

A. Survivors. B. Soldiers, C. Crew. D. Deaths.