Art of Thinking Assessment Blueprint

Read the text from a news article. "The city of Houston asked residents to reduce their water usage by at least 40% over the next month. Many families are worried about how this will affect their daily life." What relevant information has been omitted from this article in order for residents to understand this challenge?

• Why the city of Houston is asking for a reduction in water usage

• If other cities are asking their residents to reduce their water usage

• What their new water bill will be after the reduction

• The impact of water reduction on the city's economy

Read the text from an article. "Frogs help ecosystems by eating insects that harm plants. People say frogs are the best amphibians because they jump well. Frogs are food for many larger animals. This makes frogs important to the food chain." Which sentence would not be considered objective?

• A. "Frogs are food for many larger animals."

• B. "This makes frogs important to the food chain."

• C. "Frogs help ecosystems by eating insects that harm plants."

• D. "People say frogs are the best amphibians because they jump well."

Read the text from an advertisement. "Super Shine Shampoo makes your hair grow 3 inches in one week! Try it now and have the longest, healthiest hair ever!" Which statement best explains whether the advertisement is true?

• The ad is true because the name says "Super Shine Shampoo."

• The ad might be true because shampoos help hair grow faster.

• The ad must be true because it says the shampoo makes hair healthy.

• The ad is likely untrue because it gives no proof that hair grows 3 inches in a week.

How might this advertisement influence someone’s choice to buy the shoes?

• It explains how shoes are made in the factory.

• It shows the price of the shoes is very low.

• It persuades people to think the shoes will make them fast.

• It gives people a discount if they buy a pair of shoes.

You want to buy a new pair of shoes. Which of the following is the BEST strategy to make an informed choice?

• Buy the first pair of shoes you see in the store.

• Choose the shoes that your friend says are the coolest.

• Pick the shoes with the biggest discount or sale.

• Compare prices, read reviews, and check quality before deciding.

Which persuasive techniques does the advertisement use?

• Offering a reward to encourage buying

• Using bright colors to make the ad look fun

• Claiming that experts approve the product

• Giving scientific proof about the cereal's ingredients

• Explaining how the cereal is made

Which of the following sentences contains an example of exaggeration?

• A. "With this app, you’ll never be bored again in your entire life!"

• B. "Our toothpaste is recommended by 9 out of 10 dentists."

• C. "This backpack will last and it will protect your belongings."

• D. "The cereal contains essential vitamins to start your day right."

Which piece of information is MOST relevant if you want a tablet that works quickly for your schoolwork?

• Comes in 3 stylish colors.

• Fastest speed in its class!

• Buy now and get a free carrying case!

• Perfect for streaming movies or gaming.

What logical fallacy is being used in this advertisement?

• A. Bandwagon

• B. Appeal to Emotion

• C. False Equivalence

• D. Generalization

Why is understanding the target audience important for companies when advertising a product?

• It helps them sell products to everyone no matter what.

• It ensures the product is the cheapest on the market.

• It guarantees the product will succeed and be in all stores.

• It helps them focus on the people most likely to buy.