critical thinking putting it together quiz answer key

Module 5: Thinking and Analysis

Putting it together: thinking and analysis.

As we’ve just learned, one of the key skills every student needs is the ability to think critically. Once you’ve learned to critically examine the content you come into contact with, you can then think creatively to come up with new—and potentially better—solutions to the problems we find in the classroom and, ultimately, in the world.

The following text is an essay by Dr. Andrew Robert Baker, “Thinking Critically and Creatively.” In the first few paragraphs, Dr. Baker underscores how essential critical thinking is to improving as students, teachers, and researchers. Dr. Baker continues by illuminating some of the many ways that college students will be exposed to creative thinking and how it can enrich their learning experiences.

Thinking Critically and Creatively

Critical thinking skills are perhaps the most fundamental skills involved in making judgments and solving problems. You use them every day, and you can continue improving them.

The ability to think critically about a matter—to analyze a question, situation, or problem down to its most basic parts—is what helps us evaluate the accuracy and truthfulness of statements, claims, and information we read and hear. It is the sharp knife that, when honed, separates fact from fiction, honesty from lies, and the accurate from the misleading. We all use this skill to one degree or another almost every day. For example, we use critical thinking every day as we consider the latest consumer products and why one particular product is the best among its peers. Is it a quality product because a celebrity endorses it? Because a lot of other people may have used it? Because it is made by one company versus another? Or perhaps because it is made in one country or another? These are questions representative of critical thinking.

The academic setting demands more of us in terms of critical thinking than everyday life. It demands that we evaluate information and analyze myriad issues. It is the environment where our critical thinking skills can be the difference between success and failure. In this environment we must consider information in an analytical, critical manner. We must ask questions—What is the source of this information? Is this source an expert one and what makes it so? Are there multiple perspectives to consider on an issue? Do multiple sources agree or disagree on an issue? Does quality research substantiate information or opinion? Do I have any personal biases that may affect my consideration of this information?

It is only through purposeful, frequent, intentional questioning such as this that we can sharpen our critical thinking skills and improve as students, learners and researchers.

While critical thinking analyzes information and roots out the true nature and facets of problems, it is creative thinking that drives progress forward when it comes to solving these problems. Exceptional creative thinkers are people that invent new solutions to existing problems that do not rely on past or current solutions. They are the ones who invent solution C when everyone else is still arguing between A and B. Creative thinking skills involve using strategies to clear the mind so that our thoughts and ideas can transcend the current limitations of a problem and allow us to see beyond barriers that prevent new solutions from being found.

Brainstorming is the simplest example of intentional creative thinking that most people have tried at least once. With the quick generation of many ideas at once, we can block-out our brain’s natural tendency to limit our solution-generating abilities so we can access and combine many possible solutions/thoughts and invent new ones. It is sort of like sprinting through a race’s finish line only to find there is new track on the other side and we can keep going, if we choose. As with critical thinking, higher education both demands creative thinking from us and is the perfect place to practice and develop the skill. Everything from word problems in a math class, to opinion or persuasive speeches and papers, call upon our creative thinking skills to generate new solutions and perspectives in response to our professor’s demands. Creative thinking skills ask questions such as—What if? Why not? What else is out there? Can I combine perspectives/solutions? What is something no one else has brought-up? What is being forgotten/ignored? What about ______? It is the opening of doors and options that follows problem-identification.

Consider an assignment that required you to compare two different authors on the topic of education and select and defend one as better. Now add to this scenario that your professor clearly prefers one author over the other. While critical thinking can get you as far as identifying the similarities and differences between these authors and evaluating their merits, it is creative thinking that you must use if you wish to challenge your professor’s opinion and invent new perspectives on the authors that have not previously been considered.

So, what can we do to develop our critical and creative thinking skills? Although many students may dislike it, group work is an excellent way to develop our thinking skills. Many times I have heard from students their disdain for working in groups based on scheduling, varied levels of commitment to the group or project, and personality conflicts too, of course. True—it’s not always easy, but that is why it is so effective. When we work collaboratively on a project or problem we bring many brains to bear on a subject. These different brains will naturally develop varied ways of solving or explaining problems and examining information. To the observant individual we see that this places us in a constant state of back and forth critical/creative thinking modes.

For example, in group work we are simultaneously analyzing information and generating solutions on our own, while challenging other’s analyses/ideas and responding to challenges to our own analyses/ideas. This is part of why students tend to avoid group work—it challenges us as thinkers and forces us to analyze others while defending ourselves, which is not something we are used to or comfortable with as most of our educational experiences involve solo work. Your professors know this—that’s why we assign it—to help you grow as students, learners, and thinkers!

—Dr. Andrew Robert Baker,  Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom

Contribute!

Improve this page Learn More

• Putting It Together: Thinking and Analysis. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Foundations of Academic Success. Authored by : Thomas C. Priester, editor. Provided by : Open SUNY Textbooks. Located at : http://textbooks.opensuny.org/foundations-of-academic-success/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons
• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

5.18: Putting It Together- Thinking and Analysis

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 59498
• Lumen Learning

As we’ve just learned, one of the key skills every student needs is the ability to think critically. Once you’ve learned to critically examine the content you come into contact with, you can then think creatively to come up with new—and potentially better—solutions to the problems we find in the classroom and, ultimately, in the world.

The following text is an essay by Dr. Andrew Robert Baker, “Thinking Critically and Creatively.” In the first few paragraphs, Dr. Baker underscores how essential critical thinking is to improving as students, teachers, and researchers. Dr. Baker continues by illuminating some of the many ways that college students will be exposed to creative thinking and how it can enrich their learning experiences.

Thinking Critically and Creatively

Critical thinking skills are perhaps the most fundamental skills involved in making judgments and solving problems. You use them every day, and you can continue improving them.

The ability to think critically about a matter—to analyze a question, situation, or problem down to its most basic parts—is what helps us evaluate the accuracy and truthfulness of statements, claims, and information we read and hear. It is the sharp knife that, when honed, separates fact from fiction, honesty from lies, and the accurate from the misleading. We all use this skill to one degree or another almost every day. For example, we use critical thinking every day as we consider the latest consumer products and why one particular product is the best among its peers. Is it a quality product because a celebrity endorses it? Because a lot of other people may have used it? Because it is made by one company versus another? Or perhaps because it is made in one country or another? These are questions representative of critical thinking.

The academic setting demands more of us in terms of critical thinking than everyday life. It demands that we evaluate information and analyze myriad issues. It is the environment where our critical thinking skills can be the difference between success and failure. In this environment we must consider information in an analytical, critical manner. We must ask questions—What is the source of this information? Is this source an expert one and what makes it so? Are there multiple perspectives to consider on an issue? Do multiple sources agree or disagree on an issue? Does quality research substantiate information or opinion? Do I have any personal biases that may affect my consideration of this information?

It is only through purposeful, frequent, intentional questioning such as this that we can sharpen our critical thinking skills and improve as students, learners and researchers.

While critical thinking analyzes information and roots out the true nature and facets of problems, it is creative thinking that drives progress forward when it comes to solving these problems. Exceptional creative thinkers are people that invent new solutions to existing problems that do not rely on past or current solutions. They are the ones who invent solution C when everyone else is still arguing between A and B. Creative thinking skills involve using strategies to clear the mind so that our thoughts and ideas can transcend the current limitations of a problem and allow us to see beyond barriers that prevent new solutions from being found.

Brainstorming is the simplest example of intentional creative thinking that most people have tried at least once. With the quick generation of many ideas at once, we can block-out our brain’s natural tendency to limit our solution-generating abilities so we can access and combine many possible solutions/thoughts and invent new ones. It is sort of like sprinting through a race’s finish line only to find there is new track on the other side and we can keep going, if we choose. As with critical thinking, higher education both demands creative thinking from us and is the perfect place to practice and develop the skill. Everything from word problems in a math class, to opinion or persuasive speeches and papers, call upon our creative thinking skills to generate new solutions and perspectives in response to our professor’s demands. Creative thinking skills ask questions such as—What if? Why not? What else is out there? Can I combine perspectives/solutions? What is something no one else has brought-up? What is being forgotten/ignored? What about ______? It is the opening of doors and options that follows problem-identification.

Consider an assignment that required you to compare two different authors on the topic of education and select and defend one as better. Now add to this scenario that your professor clearly prefers one author over the other. While critical thinking can get you as far as identifying the similarities and differences between these authors and evaluating their merits, it is creative thinking that you must use if you wish to challenge your professor’s opinion and invent new perspectives on the authors that have not previously been considered.

So, what can we do to develop our critical and creative thinking skills? Although many students may dislike it, group work is an excellent way to develop our thinking skills. Many times I have heard from students their disdain for working in groups based on scheduling, varied levels of commitment to the group or project, and personality conflicts too, of course. True—it’s not always easy, but that is why it is so effective. When we work collaboratively on a project or problem we bring many brains to bear on a subject. These different brains will naturally develop varied ways of solving or explaining problems and examining information. To the observant individual we see that this places us in a constant state of back and forth critical/creative thinking modes.

For example, in group work we are simultaneously analyzing information and generating solutions on our own, while challenging other’s analyses/ideas and responding to challenges to our own analyses/ideas. This is part of why students tend to avoid group work—it challenges us as thinkers and forces us to analyze others while defending ourselves, which is not something we are used to or comfortable with as most of our educational experiences involve solo work. Your professors know this—that’s why we assign it—to help you grow as students, learners, and thinkers!

—Dr. Andrew Robert Baker,  Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom

• Putting It Together: Thinking and Analysis. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Foundations of Academic Success. Authored by : Thomas C. Priester, editor. Provided by : Open SUNY Textbooks. Located at : http://textbooks.opensuny.org/foundations-of-academic-success/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Translate this page from English...

*Machine translated pages not guaranteed for accuracy. Click Here for our professional translations.

Critical Thinking: Basic Questions & Answers

What is the Critical Thinking Test?

Critical thinking practice test, take a free practice critical thinking test, practice critical thinking test.

Updated November 16, 2023

The Critical Thinking Test is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess individuals' cognitive capacities and analytical prowess.

This formal examination, often referred to as the critical thinking assessment, is a benchmark for those aiming to demonstrate their proficiency in discernment and problem-solving.

In addition, this evaluative tool meticulously gauges a range of skills, including logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and the ability to evaluate and synthesize information.

This article will embark on an exploration of the Critical Thinking Test, elucidating its intricacies and elucidating its paramount importance. We will dissect the essential skills it measures and clarify its significance in gauging one's intellectual aptitude.

We will examine examples of critical thinking questions, illuminating the challenging scenarios that candidates encounter prompting them to navigate the complexities of thought with finesse.

Before going ahead to take the critical thinking test, let's delve into the realm of preparation. This segment serves as a crucible for honing the skills assessed in the actual examination, offering candidates a chance to refine their analytical blades before facing the real challenge. Here are some skills that will help you with the critical thinking assessment: Logical Reasoning: The practice test meticulously evaluates your ability to deduce conclusions from given information, assess the validity of arguments, and recognize patterns in logic. Analytical Thinking: Prepare to dissect complex scenarios, identify key components, and synthesize information to draw insightful conclusions—a fundamental aspect of the critical thinking assessment. Problem-Solving Proficiency: Navigate through intricate problems that mirror real-world challenges, honing your capacity to approach issues systematically and derive effective solutions. What to Expect: The Critical Thinking Practice Test is crafted to mirror the format and complexity of the actual examination. Expect a series of scenarios, each accompanied by a set of questions that demand thoughtful analysis and logical deduction. These scenarios span diverse fields, from business and science to everyday scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your critical thinking skills. Examples of Critical Thinking Questions Scenario: In a business context, analyze the potential impacts of a proposed strategy on both short-term profitability and long-term sustainability. Question: What factors would you consider in determining the viability of the proposed strategy, and how might it affect the company's overall success? Scenario: Evaluate conflicting scientific studies on a pressing environmental issue.

Question: Identify the key methodologies and data points in each study. How would you reconcile the disparities to form an informed, unbiased conclusion?

Why Practice Matters

Engaging in the Critical Thinking Practice Test familiarizes you with the test format and cultivates a mindset geared towards agile and astute reasoning. This preparatory phase allows you to refine your cognitive toolkit, ensuring you approach the assessment with confidence and finesse.

We'll navigate through specific examples as we proceed, offering insights into effective strategies for tackling critical thinking questions. Prepare to embark on a journey of intellectual sharpening, where each practice question refines your analytical prowess for the challenges ahead.

This is a practice critical thinking test.

The test consists of three questions . 

After you have answered all the questions, you will be shown the correct answers and given full explanations.

Make sure you read and fully understand each question before answering. Work quickly, but don't rush. You cannot afford to make mistakes on a real test .

If you get a question wrong, make sure you find out why and learn how to answer this type of question in the future. 

Six friends are seated in a restaurant across a rectangular table. There are three chairs on each side. Adam and Dorky do not have anyone sitting to their right and Clyde and Benjamin do not have anyone sitting to their left. Adam and Benjamin are not sitting on the same side of the table.

If Ethan is not sitting next to Dorky, who is seated immediately to the left of Felix?

You might also be interested in these other PRT articles:

• Create A Quiz
• Relationship
• Personality
• Harry Potter
• Online Exam
• Entertainment
• Training Maker
• Survey Maker
• Brain Games
• ProProfs.com

Critical Thinking Quizzes, Questions & Answers

Top trending quizzes.

Popular Topics

Recent quizzes.

« Previous 1 2 Next »

• Search Search Search …
• Search Search …

Critical thinking puzzles for adults (with answers)

Critical thinking can help to better navigate the information-dense and complex world we live in. By thinking critically we can better identify priorities, take a sensible approach to problem-solving and reach conclusions logically in line with evidence. Puzzles are an excellent way both to learn and practice critical thinking skills.

If you’d like to learn more about critical thinking or simply practice your skills with some puzzles, then this is the article for you. Read a little bit more about critical thinking skills and how to apply them first, or just skip straight to the puzzles and see how you get on.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is a broad approach to problem solving and analysis based on logic and evidence. It brings together a wide range of intellectual competences and the ability to combine and cross-reference them. Some of the most important elements of a critical thinking approach include:

Analytical skills:

• understanding of questions and concepts
• differentiation of relevant / irrelevant evidence and information
• identification of similarities, connections and differences
• use of metaphors or analogies to communicate ideas

Powers of inference:

• extraction of meaning from data using inductive or deductive reasoning
• extrapolation of data or abstraction into concepts and patterns
• correct identification and deployment of analogies and assumptions
• grasp of causal relationships, allowing development of conclusions and theories.

Data and theory evaluation:

• assessment of how strong, important or credible a theory might be
• taking on board new data and new arguments which alter understanding of ideas and theory

Rational decision-making:

– application of all the skills and competences above in order to come to a rational conclusion.

Problem-solving attitude: In addition to being able to think critically, you must also be personally inclined to think critically when facing a difficult or complex challenge. Developing qualities including curiosity and fairness, while distancing yourself from ideologies and group-think, should all help to create the kind of psychological landscape where critical thinking can flourish.

How can I learn critical thinking?

Critical thinking skills are hard to develop from only reading books or listening to lectures. The most effective way to sharpen and deepen critical thinking faculties is to practice critical thinking . Critical thinking puzzles offer a fun way to learn and the eight critical thinking puzzles we’ve chosen for this article should help you make a good start.

The aMAZEing PuzzleBox

Level 7 sequential discovery puzzle box​

Made from original LEGO® bricks​

Find the  GOLDEN BAR  to complete the challenge

CAN YOU HANDLE IT?..

Eight critical thinking puzzles – with answers

Puzzle 1 – letter puzzles.

What common feature do the following words share?

Answer: All of these words begin with a vowel. This type of puzzle may send your mind off in the wrong direction, thinking about the objects or concepts described by the words, and the properties they might share. In fact, the solution lies in a far more simple consideration of the alphabet. Puzzle 1 is a simple example of a common type of letter or word puzzle.

Puzzle 2 – Commonalities and differences

What do the following items have in common and which is the odd one out?

Orange Juice

Answer: These items are all liquids and the odd one out is petrol, since all the others are drinkable liquids.

Puzzle 3 – Falling on his feet

A man who lives in a high-rise building decides to exit through the window one morning rather than using the door. Somehow he survives the fall without a scratch and walks away to work. How did this happen?

Answer: The man lived on the ground or first floor and merely stepped or jumped down to the pavement outside. By stating early on that the building in question was a high-rise building, it’s easy for someone reading quickly to assume that the man jumped from a window on a high store but this it s not necessarily the case.

Puzzle 4 – Walk this way

A group of five people enter a windowless meeting room together. An hour later when the meeting ends, four walk out of the door, leaving the room empty. What has happened to the fifth member of the group?

Answer: The fifth person was in a wheelchair and wheeled out of the room rather than walked. Solving this puzzle requires you to think laterally about the question and the possible solutions. The answer can be found by asking yourself whether the emphasis of the question is on the emptiness of the room or the means by which the other four people left.

Puzzle 5 – Shapes and symbols

When lying on my side, I am everything, but when cut in half, I am nothing. What am I?

Answer: The number 8. This puzzle requires that you think about a shape being repositioned or cut in a way that can change it to “everything” or “nothing”. Number 8 on its side is the mathematical symbol for infinity (i.e. everything) and also shaped like two small number 0s put together.

Puzzle 6 – Three hard options

The hero is escaping the lair of an evil super-villain and is faced with three possible exits:

• Door A leads into a pit of bubbling lava
• Door B leads to a room housing a deadly hitman
• Door C leads to the den full of lions that haven’t had a meal for a year.

Which door should the hero choose?

Answer: Door C. If the lion hasn’t eaten in a year, it will definitely be dead by now. This type of puzzle requires you to consider the full implications of the information given, rather than being drawn into a comparison of the relative dangers of lava, hitmen and lions…

Puzzle 7 – The bus driver’s eyes

You are a bus driver. Today the bus is empty at the start of your route but at the first stop, four people get onto the bus. Eight people get on at the second stop, while three alight. When the bus reaches the third stop, one more gets off, and three get on.

At the fourth stop, two people get off the bus and one gets on. The bus is traveling at an average speed of 30mph and its tires are new.  What color are the bus driver’s eyes?

Answer: You are the bus driver so the color will be the color of your own eyes. This type of puzzle tries to confuse you and obscure the single piece of relevant information by presenting large quantities of irrelevant information.

Puzzle 8 – Losing weight

A man walks into a room, closes the doors behind him and presses a button. In a matter of seconds the man is 20lb lighter. Despite this, he leaves the room at the same weight he entered it.

Answer: The room in question is actually an elevator. When the man gets in and presses the button, the elevator moves downwards with an acceleration that reduces the effect of gravity and makes the man temporarily 20lb lighter. Once the lift stops moving, the man’s weight is subject to normal gravity, just the same as before. Solving this puzzle requires a small piece of general physics knowledge.

A final word…

We hope you’ve enjoyed our critical thinking puzzles for adults and that your critical thinking skills are feeling refreshed and sharpened after reading our article. Whether at school, in the workplace, or in general life, critical thinking can be a valuable tool for success and anyone can learn to use it.

Get more critical thinking puzzles on our Youtube channel:

20 Challenging Lateral Thinking Puzzles That Are Harder Than They Seem

You may also like

How to Overcome Procrastination

About 65% of people surveyed see themselves as procrastinators. A good third of this number profess to be chronic procrastinators. When you […]

Critical Thinking Skills for Managers

Most companies will have managers on their team. There are different types of managers, but they follow a general job description. In […]

History of Critical Thinking

The history of critical thinking stretches all the way back to Socrates, who was around from 470 BC to 399 BC. So, […]

Thinking Critically About Your Personal Finance in a Recession

You don’t have to be a world-renowned economist to see the financial storm clouds brewing all around us.   Inflation is through […]

• Register or Log In
• 0) { document.location='/search/'+document.getElementById('quicksearch').value.trim().toLowerCase(); }">

Chapter 3 Answer Key to Select Chapter Exercises

Select your Country

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• Order Tracking
• Create an Account

200+ Award-Winning Educational Textbooks, Activity Books, & Printable eBooks!

• Compare Products

Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies

• Search by Book Series
• Algebra I & II  Gr. 7-12+
• Algebra Magic Tricks  Gr. 2-12+
• Algebra Word Problems  Gr. 7-12+
• Balance Benders  Gr. 2-12+
• Balance Math & More!  Gr. 2-12+
• Basics of Critical Thinking  Gr. 4-7
• Brain Stretchers  Gr. 5-12+
• Building Thinking Skills  Gr. Toddler-12+
• Building Writing Skills  Gr. 3-7
• Bundles - Critical Thinking  Gr. PreK-9
• Bundles - Language Arts  Gr. K-8
• Bundles - Mathematics  Gr. PreK-9
• Bundles - Multi-Subject Curriculum  Gr. PreK-12+
• Bundles - Test Prep  Gr. Toddler-12+
• Can You Find Me?  Gr. PreK-1
• Complete the Picture Math  Gr. 1-3
• Cornell Critical Thinking Tests  Gr. 5-12+
• Cranium Crackers  Gr. 3-12+
• Creative Problem Solving  Gr. PreK-2
• Critical Thinking Activities to Improve Writing  Gr. 4-12+
• Critical Thinking Coloring  Gr. PreK-2
• Critical Thinking Detective  Gr. 3-12+
• Critical Thinking Tests  Gr. PreK-6
• Critical Thinking for Reading Comprehension  Gr. 1-5
• Critical Thinking in United States History  Gr. 6-12+
• CrossNumber Math Puzzles  Gr. 4-10
• Crypt-O-Words  Gr. 2-7
• Crypto Mind Benders  Gr. 3-12+
• Daily Mind Builders  Gr. 5-12+
• Dare to Compare Math  Gr. 2-7
• Developing Critical Thinking through Science  Gr. 1-8
• Dr. DooRiddles  Gr. PreK-12+
• Dr. Funster's  Gr. 2-12+
• Editor in Chief  Gr. 2-12+
• Fun-Time Phonics!  Gr. PreK-2
• Half 'n Half Animals  Gr. K-4
• Hands-On Thinking Skills  Gr. K-1
• Inference Jones  Gr. 1-6
• James Madison  Gr. 10-12+
• Jumbles  Gr. 3-5
• Language Mechanic  Gr. 4-7
• Language Smarts  Gr. 1-4
• Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving  Gr. 6-9
• Math Analogies  Gr. K-9
• Math Detective  Gr. 3-8
• Math Games  Gr. 3-8
• Math Mind Benders  Gr. 5-12+
• Math Ties  Gr. 4-8
• Math Word Problems  Gr. 4-10
• Mathematical Reasoning  Gr. Toddler-11
• Middle School Science  Gr. 6-8
• Mind Benders  Gr. PreK-12+
• Mind Building Math  Gr. K-1
• Mind Building Reading  Gr. K-1
• Novel Thinking  Gr. 3-6
• OLSAT® Test Prep  Gr. PreK-K
• Organizing Thinking  Gr. 2-8
• Pattern Explorer  Gr. 3-9
• Practical Critical Thinking  Gr. 8-12+
• Punctuation Puzzler  Gr. 3-8
• Reading Detective  Gr. 3-12+
• Red Herring Mysteries  Gr. 4-12+
• Red Herrings Science Mysteries  Gr. 4-9
• Science Detective  Gr. 3-6
• Science Mind Benders  Gr. PreK-3
• Science Vocabulary Crossword Puzzles  Gr. 4-6
• Sciencewise  Gr. 4-12+
• Scratch Your Brain  Gr. 2-12+
• Sentence Diagramming  Gr. 3-12+
• Smarty Pants Puzzles  Gr. 3-12+
• Snailopolis  Gr. K-4
• Something's Fishy at Lake Iwannafisha  Gr. 5-9
• Teaching Technology  Gr. 3-12+
• Tell Me a Story  Gr. PreK-1
• Think Analogies  Gr. 3-12+
• Think and Write  Gr. 3-8
• Think-A-Grams  Gr. 4-12+
• Thinking About Time  Gr. 3-6
• Thinking Connections  Gr. 4-12+
• Thinking Directionally  Gr. 2-6
• Thinking Skills & Key Concepts  Gr. PreK-2
• Thinking Skills for Tests  Gr. PreK-5
• U.S. History Detective  Gr. 8-12+
• Understanding Fractions  Gr. 2-6
• Visual Perceptual Skill Building  Gr. PreK-3
• Vocabulary Riddles  Gr. 4-8
• Vocabulary Smarts  Gr. 2-5
• Vocabulary Virtuoso  Gr. 2-12+
• What Would You Do?  Gr. 2-12+
• Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know!  Gr. 9-12+
• Word Explorer  Gr. 6-8
• Word Roots  Gr. 3-12+
• World History Detective  Gr. 6-12+
• Writing Detective  Gr. 3-6
• You Decide!  Gr. 6-12+

• Special of the Month
• Sign Up for our Best Offers
• Bundles = Greatest Savings!
• Sign Up for Free Puzzles
• Sign Up for Free Activities
• Toddler (Ages 0-3)
• PreK (Ages 3-5)
• Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)
• 1st Grade (Ages 6-7)
• 2nd Grade (Ages 7-8)
• 3rd Grade (Ages 8-9)
• 4th Grade (Ages 9-10)
• 5th Grade (Ages 10-11)
• 6th Grade (Ages 11-12)
• 7th Grade (Ages 12-13)
• 8th Grade (Ages 13-14)
• 9th Grade (Ages 14-15)
• 10th Grade (Ages 15-16)
• 11th Grade (Ages 16-17)
• 12th Grade (Ages 17-18)
• 12th+ Grade (Ages 18+)
• Test Prep Directory
• Test Prep Bundles
• Test Prep Guides
• Preschool Academics
• Store Locator
• Submit Feedback/Request
• Sales Alerts Sign-Up
• Technical Support
• Mission & History
• Articles & Advice
• Testimonials
• Our Guarantee
• New Products
• Free Activities
• Libros en Español

Free Critical Thinking Quizzes!

Award-Winning Critical Thinking Products!

Want More Critical Thinking Quiz Questions? Test your knowledge with questions from our award-winning titles below.

1) You have only an 8-liter jug and a 3-liter jug. Both containers are unmarked. You need exactly 4 liters of water.

How can you get it, if a water faucet is handy? Question from Classroom Quickies •  Show/Hide Solution

2) What can you add to 1,000,000 and always get more than if you multiplied the 1,000,000 by the same value?

Question from Scratch Your Brain  •  Show/Hide Solution

3) Determine the common saying depicted in these verbal picture puzzles.

a. DECI     SION b. ANOTHER     ONE Question from Think-A-Grams  •  Show/Hide Solution

4) What is the 50th number in this sequence?

Explain how you got your answer. 5, 11, 17, 23, 29, 35, 41, … Question from Dr. Funster’s Think-A-Minutes  •  Show/Hide Solution

5) Determine both one-word answers.

The floor of ship or boat, They walk on me at sea; Where there’s a C, make it an S, At school you sit on me. What am I? _______________ Question from Spelling DooRiddles  •  Show/Hide Solution

6) The reason he gave the press for leaving his job was illness and fatigue. That wasn’t exactly the truth and it wasn’t exactly a lie.

Why did he leave? Question from Red Herring Mysteries  •  Show/Hide Solution

7) Determine both one-word answers.

Another word for sick, Your forehead is quite hot; Now put an H in front, A mountain I am not. What am I?______________ Question from Spelling DooRiddles  •  Show/Hide Solution

8) Use the clues to solve the puzzle.

A duck, a goose, a goat, and a horse all entered the barn at different times one day last week. a. A mammal entered the barn first. b. The duck entered before the goose. c. The goose entered ahead of the horse. Who entered the barn first? ____________ Question from Dr. Funster’s Creative Thinking Puzzlers  •  Show/Hide Solution

9) Determine the common term or phrase depicted in these verbal picture puzzles.

a. CHIEDITOREF b. T   2222 Question from Think-A-Grams  •  Show/Hide Solution

10) Use the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division symbols once each to make these equations true.

a. 600 __ 200 __ 400 __ 300 __ 200 = 200 b. 200 __ 300 __ 600 __ 400 __ 200 = 200 Question from Dr. Funster’s Quick Thinks Math  •  Show/Hide Solution

11) While relaxing on the deck outside her cabin one summer evening, Vivian fell into a deep trance-like sleep. When she awoke, she felt as if she had slept only an hour or two, but it was now the middle of winter.

How could this be? Question from Red Herring Mysteries  •  Show/Hide Solution

12) What do you get when a math teacher is a magician? ________________

Answers to Questions: 1) Fill the 3-liter jug three times, each time dumping the water from it into the 8-liter jug. The third time, this will leave one liter of water in the 3-liter jug, and the 8-liter jug will be filled. Dump the water from the 8-liter jug down the drain, and then empty the one liter of water from the 3-liter jug into the 8-liter jug. Now fill the 3-liter jug again and dump the water into the 8-liter jug. The 8-liter jug now contains 4 liters of water. Various answers are possible. 2) zero, or any fraction less than a whole, or any negative number 3) a. split decision; b. one after another 4) 299. The pattern involves a difference of 6 between adjacent terms of the sequence. Add 6 to 5, getting 11, then add 6 to 11, getting 17, then add 6 to 17, getting 23, etc., until 6 has been added 50 times, ending in 299. Answer explanations will vary. 5) Deck, desk 6) He was the coach of a professional ball team. The team’s owner fired him because he was “sick and tired” of the team’s dismal performance. 7) a. ill; b. hill 8) the goat 9) a. Editor in Chief; b. Tea for two 10) a. 600 x 200 / 400 - 300 + 200 = 200; b. 200 / 300 x 600 - 400 + 200 = 200 11) Vivian was on the patio of her first class cabin on a cruise ship. She fell asleep just before the ship crossed the equator on a trip from Hawaii to New Zealand. The equator is the dividing line between the opposite seasons. She fell asleep north of the equator while in the middle of summer and awoke two hours later south of th equator in the middle of winter. 12) Tricky Problems

The Free Critical Thinking Quizzes are promotional quizzes, not be confused with our time tested and academically sound Cornell Critical Thinking Tests .

Are you a critical thinker? Find out with this quiz!

Introduction

Critical thinking skills are essential for navigating our complex and rapidly changing world. Whether we’re making important decisions or evaluating information, the ability to think critically is paramount. But what exactly is critical thinking, and how do we know if we have it?

To find out, take our quiz! This quiz is designed to test your critical thinking skills and analytic reasoning. By answering these ten multiple choice questions, you’ll get a sense of where you stand in terms of critical thinking ability.

So why is critical thinking so important? In today’s world, we’re bombarded with information from a variety of sources, much of which may be misleading or false. Without the ability to think critically, we risk falling prey to misinformation and making poor decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. That’s why it’s more important than ever to develop our critical thinking skills.

Ready to put your critical thinking abilities to the test? Let’s get started with the quiz!

Take this quiz to find out if you have a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytic reasoning. The quiz consists of 10 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options. Choose the option you believe is the best answer based on the information provided in the question.

Instructions:

• Read each question carefully before selecting an answer.
• Choose the option you believe is the best answer based on the information provided in the question.
• Once you have answered all questions, click ‘Submit’ to receive your score and level of critical thinking.

Sample Question: What is the difference between correlation and causation? A. Correlation is when two variables are associated, while causation is when one variable directly affects another. B. Correlation and causation are the same thing. C. Correlation is when one variable directly affects another, while causation is when two variables are associated. D. Correlation and causation cannot be distinguished from one another.

Score Breakdown:

• 0-3 correct answers: Beginner level
• 4-6 correct answers: Intermediate level
• 7-9 correct answers: Advanced level
• 10 correct answers: Expert level

After completing the quiz, you can determine your level of critical thinking based on your score:

• Score of 0-3: Novice Critical Thinker
• Score of 4-6: Intermediate Critical Thinker
• Score of 7-9: Advanced Critical Thinker
• Score of 10: Expert Critical Thinker

Novice Critical Thinker

If you scored between 0-3, you may struggle with basic critical thinking and may benefit from learning more about critical thinking skills and practicing them in everyday situations. Consider taking a critical thinking course or seeking out resources to improve your analytical reasoning.

Intermediate Critical Thinker

If you scored between 4-6, you have some critical thinking skills but may need to work on fully dissecting and analyzing information. Focus on sharpening your skills by practicing challenging critical thinking exercises and discussing complex topics with others.

Advanced Critical Thinker

If you scored between 7-9, you have strong critical thinking skills and can effectively analyze and evaluate information to reach logical conclusions. Continue to hone your skills by engaging with diverse perspectives and exploring new areas of thought.

Expert Critical Thinker

If you scored 10, you have exceptional critical thinking skills and can adeptly analyze and synthesize complex information. Keep up the good work and continue to challenge yourself to push the boundaries of your thinking.

Overall, everyone can benefit from honing their critical thinking skills as it contributes to better decision-making, problem-solving, and overall success in professional and personal life. Consider continuing to practice your critical thinking skills through various means such as reading, taking courses, and engaging in intellectual discussions.

In today’s world, critical thinking is a crucial skill that plays a vital role in both personal and professional development. The ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and make decisions based on evidence-based reasoning can help individuals succeed in their careers and lead a more fulfilling life.

We hope that this quiz has helped you gain a better understanding of your critical thinking ability. Remember, critical thinking skills can be developed and improved upon over time. By consistently challenging yourself to analyze different situations and viewpoints, you can enhance your problem-solving skills and make better decisions.

We encourage you to share this quiz with your friends and family members to see how they score. Together, we can create a community that values critical thinking and encourages each other to develop this important skill.

If you’re interested in learning more about critical thinking, check out our additional resources section. We’ve compiled a list of recommended books and articles that can help you improve your critical thinking skills and take them to the next level.

Additional Resources

Further reading.

• The Art of Reasoning: An Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking by David Kelley
• How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Online Resources

• The Critical Thinking Community
• Logical Fallacies
• The Skeptic’s Dictionary
• TED Ed: The Art of Reasoning

Recommended Articles

• Why Critical Thinking Is Important: Take the Next Step
• Teaching Critical Thinking Skills through Project-Based Learning
• How to Develop Your Critical Thinking Skills
• Six Ways To Strengthen Your Critical Thinking Skills

“Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion. It refers to using cognitive skills such as attention, perception, analysis, inference, and evaluation, to develop possible solutions to problems and to arrive at decisions that are justified by reason and evidence.” - The Critical Thinking Community

The Art of Time Management Storytelling

Addressing current challenges with innovative problem-solving techniques, authentic thinking vs. critical thinking: a side-by-side comparison, thinking bigger: solutions for overcoming self-doubt, the power of storytelling in cultivating authentic thinking, unleash the power of your mind with these words.

Have an account?

Critical Thinking Unit 1: Think About it...

9th - 12th grade, other, life skills.

Critical Thinking Unit 1: Think About it Quiz!

17 questions

Introducing new   Paper mode

No student devices needed.   Know more

Which critical thinking skill is based on logic and reason?

Information Gathering

Open-Mindedness

Which of the following skills is NOT needed for critical thinking?

Open-mindedness

What is the goal of decision-making?

To expand your intuition

To choose a course of action

To take relatively quick action

To define heuristics to use

Which critical thinking skill involves the desire to learn new things?

Information-gathering

What is a shortcut used to make a quick decision called?

What phrase best describes critical thinking?

Using logic and reason to analyze arguments

Evaluation of information to form a conclusion

Using a process to solve an issue

Identifying strong arguments in information

During critical thinking, the evaluation of information should be unbiased.

Which decision-making method usually allows you to make better choices?

During critical thinking, the evaluation of information should use some emotions.

Brian really likes cars. He has a job that is far away from where he lives. Brian is buying a new car. After looking at many different cars, he buys a low-mileage, jet-black sports car . What decision-making method did Brian most likely use?

Which three words best describe the skill of information-gathering?

Logic, reason, and conclusion

Find, record, and organize

Curiosity, care, and questions

Unbiased, unemotional, and factual

Asking tough questions is an important aspect of curiosity

Which of the following is a key to curiosity?

Use logic and reason.

Ask many questions

Analyze information

Draw quick conclusions

Before school, Kyle could not find his cell phone. Kyle tells his mom that he's already looked everywhere. Mom knows that Kyle sometimes looks at his phone in bed before falling asleep. She decides to look under his bed and finds the phone. What decision-making method did Kyle's mom most likely use?

Which critical thinking skill is used to gain new insight into your thinking?

Open-Mindness

I understand how to complete lessons in AES education

Yes I got this!

Kinda of....I am getting there

No I need more help with program

No I am not trying

I need more techichal help

What is your plan to be more professional in the google meets and complete assignments?

Explore all questions with a free account

Continue with email

Continue with phone