Critical Thinking

What is critical thinking? Critical thinking:

a) Summarizes and analyses existing research on your topic

b) Evaluates arguments and information

c) Distinguishes between facts and opinions

d) An honest approach when facing personal biases

e) Ask pertinent questions and seeks new solutions

f) Coherent presentation of information and arguments

g) Evaluation of your own thought process

• a), b), e), g)

• c), e), f)

• All above

• All above except d)

A statement that can be challenged because it lacks reasons is:

• Argument

• Claim

• Counter-argument

• Assumption

An attempt to convince your reader of your point of view; consists of a conclusion and at least one reason. It is:

• Argument

• Claim

• Counter-argument

• Assumption

An argument that seeks to invalidate your conclusion is:

• Argument

• Claim

• Counter-argument

• Assumption

A missing reason in an argument that is accepted without being stated. It is:

• Argument

• Claim

• Counter-argument

• Assumption

Forms of evidence are:

a) Example (Embodies or illustrates what you're talking about)

b) Statistical or numerical data

c) An estimate

d) A statement from a source or witness

e) A factual claim (A statement based on facts that can be verified)

• b), e)

• a), c), d)

• All

• All except d)

Appeal is an attempt to sway your reader by emotional persuasion.

Appeals can be made to:

• Authority

• Popularity

• Emotion

• Tradition or History

• All above

Flaws in reasoning are:

• Missing and irrelevant reasons

• Attacking the opponent

• Jumping to conclusions

• All above