Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A report states: 'The factory released 200 tons of carbon dioxide last year.' Which response best classifies this statement?
- It is a fact because it contains a specific measurable figure. (Correct answer)
- It is an inference because emissions are hard to measure precisely.
- It is an opinion because carbon dioxide harm is debated.
- It is a value judgment about industrial pollution.
Correct answer: It is a fact because it contains a specific measurable figure.
A specific, measurable claim based on observable data qualifies as a factual statement.
Question 2: A student says, 'Because it rained every day this week, it will probably rain tomorrow.' This statement is best described as:
- A fact supported by weather data.
- An inference drawn from a pattern of observations. (Correct answer)
- An opinion about weather preferences.
- A hypothesis requiring laboratory testing.
Correct answer: An inference drawn from a pattern of observations.
Drawing a conclusion about the future based on past observations is an inference, not an established fact.
Question 3: Which of the following is a statement of FACT rather than inference?
- Employees who work from home are more productive.
- The survey collected responses from 1,400 participants. (Correct answer)
- Remote work will become the dominant model by 2030.
- Workers prefer flexibility over higher salaries.
Correct answer: The survey collected responses from 1,400 participants.
The number of survey respondents is a directly verifiable, observable datum.
Question 4: A manager concludes: 'Sales dropped 15% last quarter, so our marketing strategy must be failing.' The phrase 'must be failing' represents:
- A fact because it follows from the sales data.
- An inference because other causes could explain the drop. (Correct answer)
- A value judgment about marketing effectiveness.
- A hypothesis that has been experimentally confirmed.
Correct answer: An inference because other causes could explain the drop.
Attributing the drop specifically to marketing failure goes beyond what the sales data alone establishes.
Question 5: Passage: 'The bridge was built in 1952 and has never been closed for repairs.' A reader concludes, 'The bridge is structurally sound.' This conclusion is:
- A fact directly stated in the passage.
- An inference that may or may not be true. (Correct answer)
- A verified engineering assessment.
- An opinion about infrastructure investment.
Correct answer: An inference that may or may not be true.
The absence of repairs does not confirm structural soundness; the conclusion goes beyond what the passage states.
Question 6: Which feature most reliably identifies a statement as an INFERENCE rather than a fact?
- It includes specific dates or numbers.
- It predicts, interprets, or explains beyond observed data. (Correct answer)
- It uses passive voice construction.
- It references a named authority or expert.
Correct answer: It predicts, interprets, or explains beyond observed data.
Inferences extend beyond the observed evidence to predict, interpret, or explain, making them unverifiable through direct observation alone.
Question 7: A headline reads: 'City council voted 7-2 to approve the new zoning law.' A reader concludes, 'The majority of residents support the zoning change.' This conclusion is:
- A fact because the vote count confirms majority preference.
- An inference because a council vote does not represent all residents. (Correct answer)
- A statistical observation drawn from the vote tally.
- A fact because elected officials represent constituents.
Correct answer: An inference because a council vote does not represent all residents.
Council votes reflect elected representatives' decisions, not necessarily the views of the broader resident population.
Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences 2
A report states: 'The factory released 200 tons of carbon dioxide last year.' Which response best classifies this statement?