ASET Critical Thinking 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the strongest counterargument to the claim 'Homework should be eliminated because it causes stress'?
- Homework reinforces learning and builds study habits essential for academic success (Correct answer)
- Some students enjoy doing homework
- Teachers assign homework because they are required to
- Stress is a normal part of student life
Correct answer: Homework reinforces learning and builds study habits essential for academic success
This answer directly challenges the implication that stress outweighs the academic benefits of homework.
Question 2: What does it mean to evaluate an argument 'objectively'?
- Assessing it based on evidence and logic, regardless of personal bias (Correct answer)
- Supporting it because it matches your opinion
- Rejecting it if it contradicts popular belief
- Accepting it because an authority stated it
Correct answer: Assessing it based on evidence and logic, regardless of personal bias
Objective evaluation relies on evidence and sound logic rather than personal feelings or biases.
Question 3: A false dilemma presents a situation as having only two options when more exist. Which sentence is an example?
- You either study medicine or you'll never help people (Correct answer)
- There are many career paths for someone who enjoys helping others
- Medicine and teaching are two ways to help people
- You can explore several options before choosing a career
Correct answer: You either study medicine or you'll never help people
Presenting medicine as the only path to helping people ignores all other options, making it a false dilemma.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes an inference?
- A conclusion drawn from evidence that is not explicitly stated (Correct answer)
- A fact directly observed without interpretation
- An opinion stated without any supporting evidence
- A definition found in a reference source
Correct answer: A conclusion drawn from evidence that is not explicitly stated
An inference is a logical conclusion derived from evidence rather than something directly stated.
Question 5: If 'All birds have wings' and 'A penguin is a bird,' what can be logically concluded?
- A penguin has wings (Correct answer)
- A penguin can fly
- All winged animals are birds
- Penguins are not real birds
Correct answer: A penguin has wings
By applying the universal premise to the specific case, we can conclude a penguin has wings.
Question 6: Which critical thinking skill involves identifying assumptions hidden within an argument?
- Analytical reasoning (Correct answer)
- Memorization
- Summarizing
- Paraphrasing
Correct answer: Analytical reasoning
Analytical reasoning involves breaking down an argument to uncover unstated assumptions and logical structure.
ASET Critical Thinking 2
Which of the following is the strongest counterargument to the claim 'Homework should be eliminated because it causes stress'?