Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A report states: 'The factory emitted black smoke yesterday afternoon.' Which of the following is a FACT rather than an inference?

A) The factory's equipment is malfunctioning.
B) The factory emitted black smoke yesterday afternoon.
C) Workers at the factory were burning illegal materials.
D) The factory will be shut down by regulators soon.

Accepted Answer

The factory emitted black smoke yesterday afternoon.

Answer

Only option B directly restates the observed, verifiable event reported; the others add conclusions not supported by the given statement.

Question 2

A manager notes: 'Sales dropped 15% in Q3 compared to Q2.' Which statement is an inference rather than a fact?

A) Sales were lower in Q3 than in Q2.
B) There was a 15% decline in sales between Q2 and Q3.
C) The sales team performed poorly and needs retraining.
D) Q3 sales figures were recorded and compared to Q2.

Accepted Answer

The sales team performed poorly and needs retraining.

Answer

Attributing the sales drop to poor team performance is an inference that goes beyond the stated facts; the other options restate or paraphrase the known data.

Question 3

A news article reports: 'The city council voted 6-3 to approve the new budget.' Which is a fact based solely on this statement?

A) Most residents support the new budget.
B) The three dissenting members will resign.
C) The city council voted 6-3 to approve the new budget.
D) The budget will improve city services.

Accepted Answer

The city council voted 6-3 to approve the new budget.

Answer

The vote count and outcome are directly stated facts; the other options speculate about resident opinion, future resignations, or budget impact.

Question 4

A teacher observes: 'Three students submitted identical homework assignments.' Which of the following is an inference?

A) Three students submitted identical homework assignments.
B) The homework assignments of these three students were the same.
C) The students must have cheated by copying each other's work.
D) The teacher noticed that three assignments matched.

Accepted Answer

The students must have cheated by copying each other's work.

Answer

Concluding that cheating occurred is an inference; identical work could also result from legitimate group work, a template, or coincidence.

Question 5

A hospital record shows: 'Patient was admitted on Monday with a fever of 103°F.' Which statement goes BEYOND the facts given?

A) The patient was admitted on Monday.
B) The patient's temperature was 103°F at admission.
C) The patient likely contracted a serious infection before arrival.
D) A hospital record documents the patient's admission.

Accepted Answer

The patient likely contracted a serious infection before arrival.

Answer

Inferring a serious infection as the cause extends beyond the recorded data; a 103°F fever has many possible causes.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Practice Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences Questions and Answers 3