Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which of the following is a FACT rather than an inference? Statement context: A company's annual report shows revenue of $4.2 million and a net loss of $800,000 for the fiscal year.

Accepted Answer

The company had a net loss of $800,000 for the fiscal year.

Answer

The company will need to cut costs to survive.

Answer

The company's management made poor financial decisions.

Answer

The company's products are not competitive in the market.

Question 2

A news article reports: 'Unemployment in the region fell from 8.3% to 6.1% over 12 months.' Which statement is an inference rather than a fact?

Accepted Answer

The government's economic policies caused unemployment to fall.

Answer

Unemployment in the region was 8.3% at the start of the period.

Answer

Unemployment in the region was 6.1% at the end of the period.

Answer

Unemployment fell by 2.2 percentage points over 12 months.

Question 3

Statement: 'The suspect's fingerprints were found at the crime scene, and he was seen in the vicinity at the time of the crime.' Which is a FACT?

Accepted Answer

The suspect's fingerprints were found at the scene.

Answer

The suspect committed the crime.

Answer

The suspect had a motive to commit the crime.

Answer

The suspect is the most likely perpetrator among known individuals.

Question 4

A weather report states: 'Temperatures dropped 15°C over six hours, and snowfall began at 11 PM.' Which of the following is an inference?

Accepted Answer

A cold front moved through the area causing the temperature drop and snow.

Answer

Temperatures dropped 15°C over six hours.

Answer

Snowfall began at 11 PM.

Answer

The temperature and snowfall are unrelated weather events.

Question 5

A school announces: 'Student A scored 95/100 on the mathematics exam; Student B scored 62/100.' Which is an inference?

Accepted Answer

Student A understands mathematics better than Student B.

Answer

Student A scored 33 points higher than Student B.

Answer

Student A scored 95 out of 100 on the exam.

Answer

Student B scored 62 out of 100 on the exam.

Question 6

Report: 'The bridge was built in 1962 and has not undergone major structural repairs since 1988.' Which is a FACT?

Accepted Answer

The bridge has not had major structural repairs since 1988.

Answer

The bridge is structurally unsafe.

Answer

The bridge should be inspected immediately.

Answer

The bridge will require expensive repairs in the near future.