CMAS CMAS Research and Critical Thinking Skills 2

Question 1

What is the difference between a primary source and a secondary source?

Accepted Answer

A primary source is created directly by someone who experienced an event; a secondary source analyzes or interprets primary sources

Answer

Primary sources are firsthand accounts (letters, photographs, eyewitness reports) while secondary sources interpret or analyze those primary sources.

Question 2

A student is comparing two informational texts about water conservation. One says 'water usage has increased' and the other says 'water usage has decreased.' What should the student do first?

Accepted Answer

Check the date, source credibility, and specific data each article uses

Answer

When sources conflict, examining publication dates, author credibility, and the specific data and methodology each uses helps determine which is more reliable.

Question 3

What does 'point of view' mean when analyzing an informational text?

Accepted Answer

The perspective or stance the author brings to the topic, which may shape how information is presented

Answer

An author's point of view is their perspective on a topic, which can influence which information they include, emphasize, or omit.

Question 4

Which reading skill involves making a logical conclusion based on information in the text and your own background knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Inferencing

Answer

Inferencing means drawing conclusions that are not directly stated in the text by combining textual clues with prior knowledge.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'works cited' or 'bibliography' page at the end of a research report?

Accepted Answer

To provide a complete list of sources used so readers can verify the information

Answer

A works cited page lists every source used in the report, giving credit to original authors and allowing readers to locate and verify the sources.

CMAS - Colorado Measures of Academic Success Practice Test

CMAS - Colorado Measures of Academic Success Practice Test

CMAS CMAS Research and Critical Thinking Skills 2