Read each of the following statements carefully. Then decide what question(s), i

Question

Read each of the following statements carefully. Then decide what question(s), if any, a good critical thinker would find it appropriate to ask. a. Television news sensationalizes its treatment of war because it gives us pictures only of injury, death, and destruction. b. My parents were too strict--they wouldn't let me date until I was sixteen. c. It's clear to me that Ralph doesn't care for me--he never speaks when we pass in the hall. d. From a commercial for a news network: "The news is changing every minute of the day, so you constantly need updating to keep you informed.” e. The statement of an Alabama public elementary school teacher who had students recite the Lord's Prayer and say grace before meals: "I feel part of my job as a teacher is to instill values children need to have a good life.”

Explanation / Answer

Critical thinker makes the important distinction between thinking and feeling. They set aside subjective responses that reflects emotion, sentiment, and desire. Critical thinkers evaluate and they search for answers.

a. What are the outcomes of war? Is there any positive outcomes of war? Does a war produce more positive outcomes or more negative outcomes?

Here the critical thinker is trying to find out the answer to what a war achieves. Is it only death and destruction or is peace also established.

b. Is not allowing to date the the only measure of strictness? Were my parents different or all parents did not allow their children to date before they turned sixteen?

Here the critical thinker is setting aside the negative feeling that my parents are strict. Instead probing questions are asked to determine if the parents were really strict i.e strict in the true sense.

c. Why does'nt Ralph speak to me when we pass in the hall? Does he speak to anyone in the hall? How is his behavior and attitude towards me, otherwise?

Here the critical thinker is trying to probe if Ralph does actually speak to anyone in the hall. Also, if Ralph's behavior and attitude towards me is helpful and caring then it cannot be said that Ralph does'nt care for me just because he never speaks when we pass in the hall.

d. Is the change significant and critical? Do we need to constantly update ourselves of even minute changes in news?

Here the critical thinker is trying to determine that the constant change in news is a signficant one or a minute/minor one that can be ignored.

e. What are the values that will lead to good life? Is reciting the Lord's prayer and saying grace before meals part of those values?

Here the critical thinker is seeking an answer as to which values will ensure good life and whether the values being taught by the teacher falls within the category.

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