Critical Reasoning

What is the purpose of critical reasoning? Choose the best answer.

• Gathering evidence.

• To evaluate a claim (is the claim right or wrong?)

• To make an educated guess

“A penguin is a bird because it has wings.” The phrase “a penguin is a bird” is an example of:

• Evidence

• A claim

• Reasoning

Your research question is “Can anyone predict volcanic eruptions?” Which of the following is an appropriate (acceptable) claim based on your question?

• Volcanoes are dangerous.

• I saw a volcano once.

• There are tools used to study volcanoes.

• Volcanologists can predict eruptions

Evidence is only useful to a argument when it’s:

• Measured in numbers

• In a pretty, pretty graph

• Collected by someone who is professional

• It is relevant (has something to do with) the claim.

A public service announcement claims, “Cigarettes cause lung damage.” Which of the following pieces of evidence is most relevant to this claim?

• Smoke smells bad.

• It can make people cough.

• People who smoke have a higher rate of cancer than people who don't.

• Cigarettes often have added chemicals.

When considering an argument’s reasoning, it’s important to be:

• Positive

• Skeptical ("Prove it")

• Quick

• Trusting

Which of these is an example of a false assumption?

• My brother is taller than my mother.

• My brother is over six feet tall.

• My oldest brother is taller than my sister.

• My baby brother will be the taller than my brother.

Which statement about inference is true?

• If an inference is based on facts, it must be true.

• All opinions are equally good.

• An inference can be wrong even when it relies on facts.

• Inferences are lies.

All plants need water to survive. Which of the following is an acceptable inference about a plant that is not getting any water.

• Maybe it's a cactus?

• The plant needs better soil.

• Without water, that plant will die.

Critical Reasoning is important in the following subjects:

• Math

• Science

• Reading

• All of the above