Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Distinguishing Facts from Inferences Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

A store's sign reads: 'Sale ends Sunday.' A customer concludes the prices will return to normal on Monday. Which best describes the customer's conclusion?

A) It is a fact because the sign states the sale ends Sunday.
B) It is an inference because 'ends Sunday' does not specify what happens Monday.
C) It is a fact because sales always return to regular pricing afterward.
D) It is an inference only if the customer misread the sign.

Accepted Answer

It is an inference because 'ends Sunday' does not specify what happens Monday.

Answer

The sign confirms the sale ends Sunday but does not state what pricing follows; assuming normal prices on Monday is an inference.

Question 2

A witness statement reads: 'I saw the defendant enter the building at 9:00 PM.' Which of the following is a fact based on this statement?

A) The defendant committed the crime inside the building.
B) The defendant was in the building when the crime occurred.
C) A witness reported seeing the defendant enter the building at 9:00 PM.
D) The defendant had planned to enter the building that night.

Accepted Answer

A witness reported seeing the defendant enter the building at 9:00 PM.

Answer

The only verifiable fact is what the witness reported; the other options add conclusions about guilt, presence during the crime, or prior intent.

Question 3

A financial statement shows: 'The company's net profit increased by $2 million from last year.' Which is an inference?

A) Net profit grew by $2 million compared to the prior year.
B) The company earned more profit this year than last year.
C) The company's management made excellent strategic decisions this year.
D) The company's financial records show a $2 million profit increase.

Accepted Answer

The company's management made excellent strategic decisions this year.

Answer

Attributing profit growth to excellent management decisions is an inference; many factors could explain increased profitability.

Question 4

A package label reads: 'Contains peanuts. Manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts.' A consumer concludes the product is dangerous for anyone with any food allergy. This conclusion is best described as:

A) A fact, because the label warns about allergens.
B) A fact, because all food allergies respond to the same triggers.
C) An inference, because the label only specifies peanut and tree nut risks.
D) An inference, because the consumer cannot read labels reliably.

Accepted Answer

An inference, because the label only specifies peanut and tree nut risks.

Answer

The label specifies peanut and tree nut risks; concluding it's dangerous for all food allergies goes beyond what the label states.

Question 5

A school newsletter states: 'Attendance improved by 8% this semester.' Which of the following is a fact based only on this information?

A) Students are more motivated this semester than last semester.
B) The school's new attendance policy is working effectively.
C) School attendance increased by 8% this semester compared to last semester.
D) Attendance will continue to improve next semester.

Accepted Answer

School attendance increased by 8% this semester compared to last semester.

Answer

The 8% attendance improvement is a directly stated fact; motivation, policy effectiveness, and future trends are inferences not supported by the statement.

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 4