Critical Thinking and Analysis Flashcards
6 cards from real AQL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Critical Thinking and Analysis flashcards as text
What is a 'counterargument' in academic writing?
Answer: An opposing viewpoint that challenges the main argument
A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint that challenges the writer's main claim; addressing it strengthens the overall argument.
The 'slippery slope' fallacy claims that:
Answer: One event will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without sufficient evidence
The slippery slope fallacy assumes that a small first step will inevitably lead to extreme consequences, without adequate justification for that chain of events.
When analyzing an argument, 'validity' refers to:
Answer: Whether the conclusion logically follows from the premises
Validity is a logical concept: an argument is valid if its conclusion necessarily follows from its premises, regardless of whether those premises are true.
Which of the following is an example of 'circular reasoning'?
Answer: 'The policy is correct because it is the right policy.'
Circular reasoning (begging the question) uses the conclusion as its own support, which provides no real justification for the claim.
What does 'objectivity' mean in academic analysis?
Answer: Presenting information based on evidence without personal bias
Objectivity means relying on verifiable evidence and reasoning rather than personal feelings or biases when presenting or analyzing information.
Which critical thinking skill involves breaking an argument into its component parts to understand how it works?
Answer: Analysis
Analysis is the critical thinking skill of breaking down a complex argument or concept into its parts to examine how they function and relate to each other.