Flocabulary Critical Thinking and Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student reads two articles about the same historical event that reach opposite conclusions. What is the BEST critical thinking approach?
- Accept the first article since it was published earlier
- Compare the evidence and reasoning each article uses to support its claims (Correct answer)
- Choose the article written by the more famous author
- Ignore both articles and rely on personal opinion
Correct answer: Compare the evidence and reasoning each article uses to support its claims
Comparing evidence and reasoning allows you to evaluate which argument is better supported rather than relying on superficial factors.
Question 2: Which of the following BEST describes an 'inference' in critical thinking?
- A direct quote from a reliable source
- A conclusion drawn from evidence that goes beyond what is explicitly stated (Correct answer)
- A fact that has been proven beyond any doubt
- An opinion shared by the majority of people
Correct answer: A conclusion drawn from evidence that goes beyond what is explicitly stated
An inference is a logical conclusion reached by interpreting available evidence, extending beyond what is directly stated.
Question 3: When analyzing an argument, what does 'evaluating the source' primarily help you determine?
- Whether the argument uses advanced vocabulary
- How long the argument is
- The credibility and potential bias of the information (Correct answer)
- Whether the argument rhymes or has a rhythm
Correct answer: The credibility and potential bias of the information
Evaluating a source helps you assess whether the information comes from a credible, unbiased authority or has a hidden agenda.
Question 4: A Flocabulary rap says 'the evidence shows.' What critical thinking skill do you use to decide if this evidence is convincing?
- Memorization
- Evaluation (Correct answer)
- Repetition
- Summarization
Correct answer: Evaluation
Evaluation is the critical thinking skill used to judge whether evidence is strong, relevant, and sufficient to support a claim.
Question 5: Which question is MOST useful when trying to identify an author's perspective or bias?
- How many words are in this text?
- What does the author want me to believe, and why? (Correct answer)
- Is this text written in first or third person?
- When was this text published?
Correct answer: What does the author want me to believe, and why?
Asking what the author wants you to believe and their motivation helps uncover perspective and potential bias in any text.
Question 6: If a conclusion does NOT logically follow from the evidence provided, this is called a:
- Strong inference
- Valid deduction
- Non sequitur or logical fallacy (Correct answer)
- Primary source
Correct answer: Non sequitur or logical fallacy
A non sequitur or logical fallacy occurs when a conclusion does not logically connect to or follow from the supporting evidence.
Question 7: Which skill involves breaking a complex topic into smaller parts to better understand how they relate to each other?
- Synthesis
- Analysis (Correct answer)
- Narration
- Recitation
Correct answer: Analysis
Analysis is the process of breaking down a complex subject into its components to understand structure, relationships, and meaning.
Flocabulary Critical Thinking and Analysis 2
A student reads two articles about the same historical event that reach opposite conclusions.
What is the BEST critical thinking approach?