Critical Thinking and Prison Issues

The video tutorial discusses the role of critical thinking in essay writing, emphasizing the importance of identifying and supporting claims with evidence. It uses the example of prison overcrowding to illustrate how claims can be backed by facts or opinions. The tutorial highlights the need for verifiable data to form informed opinions and concludes by reinforcing the significance of critical thinking in crafting persuasive essays.

What is one of the most important skills developed during college education according to the video?

• Critical thinking

• Public speaking

• Time management

• Teamwork

What is the first step in critical thinking when writing an essay?

• Writing a conclusion

• Identifying the claim

• Gathering evidence

• Editing the draft

Why is it important to back up a claim with facts?

• Facts are easy to find

• Facts are subjective

• Facts are verifiable and reliable

• Facts are opinions

What is the main issue with supporting a claim using opinions?

• Opinions are objective

• Opinions are factual

• Opinions are verifiable

• Opinions are subjective

In the example given, what is the author's claim about prison overcrowding?

• It is a minor issue

• It is not a problem

• It is a national disgrace

• It is improving

What type of evidence did the author initially use to support the claim about prison overcrowding?

• Research studies

• Personal experiences

• Statistical data

• Opinions

What does the author suggest about the relationship between private corporations and prisons?

• They prioritize profits over society

• They follow the Constitution

• They improve prison conditions

• They reduce prison populations

What does the author imply about the use of opinions in supporting claims?

• They are verifiable

• They are factual

• They are subjective and unsupported

• They are always reliable

What is the author's view on the impact of capitalism on prisons?

• It has no impact

• It improves prison conditions

• It prioritizes profits over common sense

• It reduces prison populations

What is one way to support claims in an essay?

• Ignoring evidence

• Relying on assumptions

• Citing verifiable data

• Using personal opinions