SPCH 1311
Prof. Stringer
“The Lifeboat” Worksheet
Instructions:
An ocean liner is sinking. All of the passengers are safely aboard lifeboats except for the
following eight individuals. There is only one lifeboat left, and it will only hold four people.
Quickly rank the following passengers in the order in which you would choose them to
go on the lifeboat. In the column titled “Your rank,” place the number 1 by the passenger
you would save first, the number 2 by the one you would save second, and so on
through number 8, the person you would save last.
After your individual ranking, write down your personal criteria for how you ranked these
individuals. Be prepared to discuss your criteria with the group.
You will have 10 minutes to complete this part of the exercise, after which you will
discuss the matter with your group for 20 minutes and reach an agreement.
Passengers
1. Brenda Jones, age 27, has three children by three different fathers,
none of whom she has married. She loves her children, however, and
has resolved to get her life together for the children’s sake. Her mother
is caring for them so Brenda can attend a six-week training program
for women who lack job skills.
