test

1. A strong argument requires us to examine our underlying ____________.

• guesses

• assumptions

• beliefs

Answer explanation

Assumptions is a formal term for foundational ideas that an argument is based on.

Beliefs is slightly less formal and more personal.

When evaluating a claim, it is essential to assess the ____________ of your sources.

• source credibility

• identity

• name

Answer explanation

Source credibility is the specific, formal term for evaluating how trustworthy, reliable, and expert a source is.

Identity is too vague.

name is irrelevant to the evaluation of trustworthiness.

To understand the problem fully, we must ____________ all the available evidence.

• think about

• look at

• analyze

Answer explanation

Analyze is a precise academic verb that means to examine something methodically and in detail to understand its nature.

Think about and look at are too casual and passive for a formal context.

A logical ____________ helps structure complex ideas effectively.

• way of thinking

• framework

• series of steps

Answer explanation

A framework is a structured set of ideas or steps that provides support and a guide for thinking.

Way of thinking is vague.

Series of steps is informal.

The researcher did not just state her opinion; she provided compelling ____________.

• stuff

• things

• evidence

Answer explanation

In academic and formal contexts, "evidence" is the correct term for facts, data, or information used to support a claim.

"Stuff" and "things" are vague, informal registers.

The professor ____________ that we verify our information before presenting.

• asked us

• said

• advised

Answer explanation

Advised is a formal and precise verb that means to give expert or formal recommendations.

Said is neutral but less formal.

"Asked us" is informal slang used to report speech in casual conversation.

We should ____________ multiple perspectives before reaching a conclusion.

• consider

• think about

• talk about

Answer explanation

Consider is a strong, formal verb that means to think carefully about something.

Think about is its more casual synonym.

talk about is far too informal for a formal recommendation.

____________, critical thinking provides the tools for reasoned judgment.

• Anyway

• So

• In summary

Answer explanation

In summary is a standard, formal phrase used to introduce a concluding statement.

Anyway is dismissive and informal,

So is a simple conjunction that is too casual to begin a final, powerful conclusion.

The scientific conclusion was accepted once it was supported by solid ____________.

• evidence

• data

• information

Answer explanation

Evidence and data are the precise, formal terms for proof in a scientific context.

Data is also a strong, formal term. It refers to collected facts and statistics, often quantitative.

Information is too general.

The research team will need to ____________ the data before drawing any conclusions.

• scrutinize

• check out

• analyze

Answer explanation

Both analyze and scrutinize are precise, formal verbs meaning to examine something carefully.

Check out is too casual for this context.