Critical Thinking and Writing Quiz

Q1: Which of the following is NOT a defining feature of critical thought in academia?

Originality
Brevity
Flexibility
Reflexivity
Curiosity

Q2: Which of the following statements about mobility in African cities ranks highest in terms of clarity and objectivity?

The issue of mobility in African cities has been on research and governance agendas for several decades now
The problem of mobility in African cities has been on research and governance agendas from the immediate postcolonial era to date
The issue of mobility in African cities has been on research and governance agendas from the immediate postcolonial era in the 1960s to date
The problem of mobility in African cities has been on research and governance agendas since the 1960s when many countries gained independence

True or False

True
False

Choose all that apply

Gross domestic product on its own is a reliable measure of the country’s prospects
Strong economic indices will automatically translate into benefits for the country’s citizens
The president of the country is an expert on economic growth
The social and political conditions required for continued economic growth in the country are in place

Choose one

To distance oneself from other viewpoints in the literature
To boost public confidence in the scientific process
To avoid being seen as an authority on a subject
“To acknowledge the possibility of alternative interpretations

True or False

True
False

Choose all that apply

Reading peer-reviewed articles published in reputable journals in your field
Starting your thesis or paper after you have gathered all your data and are ready to write
Seeking regular feedback on your writing from your peers and supervisors
Joining a book club in your neighbourhood
Sharing emerging findings from your research at academic conferences attended by experts in your field

Choose all that apply

Presents its overall argument clearly and convincingly
Outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the methods used in data collection
Is definitive in its conclusions and leaves no room for questioning
Identifies gaps that remain in the knowledge around a given topic
Garners a high citation count in a short time

True or False

True
False

Choose all that apply

Criticise existing positions on the topic based on popular opinion
Assess the validity of methodological choices in relation to the claims made by published authors
Synthesise information from various secondary sources to arrive at an informed position
Be descriptive as well as analytical
Identify and challenge any assumptions underlying the arguments made by different authors

Q7: Which of the following is an essential feature of critical reading?

Select the best option

Accepting the text at face value
Summarizing the text
Evaluating the text’s arguments
Reading for enjoyment

Q8: Writing a critical essay involves which of the following approaches?

Choose the best approach

Avoiding personal viewpoints
Constructing an argument based on evidence
Repeating information from sources
Using as many sources as possible

Q9: Which of these best describes critical thinking?

Choose one

The ability to analyze information and form a reasoned judgment
The ability to memorize facts quickly
The practice of accepting all viewpoints
The skill of reading quickly

Q10: Which elements are vital for a strong academic argument?

Choose all that apply

Evidence
Logical structure
Emotional appeal
Clear thesis
Personal bias

Critical Thinking and Writing Quiz

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