Deck 3: Clear Thinking,critical Thinking,and Clear Writing

Question 1

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:Interest is an amount paid for the use of borrowed money.

Answer 1

Analytical.

Question 2

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:Meat that contains larval worms is said to be measly.

Answer 2

Analytical.

Question 3

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:Honor means being willing to lay down your life for a just cause.

Answer 3

Analytical.(Had a specific example of the laying down of a life been mentioned,the proper answer would have been "by example.")

Question 4

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:A diode is a solid-state electronic device that allows the passage of an electric current in only one direction.

Question 5

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:The oud is a stringed musical instrument shaped much like a guitar and played primarily in Middle Eastern countries.

Question 6

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:What I mean by setting a good example is not putting your feet on the table.

Question 7

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:A loquacious person is a talkative one.

Question 8

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Either" is a disjunctive correlative used before two or more words,phrases,or clauses that are joined by "or."

Question 9

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:A deciduous tree is a hardwood tree that loses its leaves during the winter.

Question 10

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Widow" refers to a woman whose husband has died.

Question 11

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Poltroonery" means the same thing as "cowardice."

Question 12

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"An oxymoron? Try 'military intelligence.'"

Question 13

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Dacha" is another word for "Russian country house."

Question 14

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Epistemologist" means a philosopher or other intellectual who studies the nature of knowledge.

Question 15

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Hit me" means the same as "Give me another card."

Question 16

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Congenial" means "companionable."

Question 17

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:A professional bureaucrat is anyone like our present governor.

Question 18

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:Mayonnaise is a thick sauce of egg yolk beaten together with vegetable oil and seasonings.

Question 19

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Foppish" means "dandy."

Question 20

For the following,indicate whether the definition given is by example,by synonym,or analytical:Happiness is having your own DVD burner.

Question 21

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:"Corporate executives outspend working families 11 to 1 in politics."-Center for Responsive Politics & Federal Elections Commission

Question 22

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:The wizard made a pig of himself.

Question 23

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:He went to the store but was held up in the process.

Question 24

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Susan got in trouble for messing up the house with her younger sister.

Question 25

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:San Francisco (AP)-"A group of citizens angry about the lack of public restrooms downtown is planning a sit-in at City Hall,leaving employees no place to go."

Question 26

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Eighteen people have slept in the new hotel's most expensive suite.

Question 27

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:When the head waiter asked whether she had reservations,she said,"Yes,but I'm going to eat here anyway."

Question 28

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:He dislikes her smoking.

Question 29

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:She looks more like her mother than her father.

Question 30

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Sign in a hotel:NO SMOKING ROOMS AVAILABLE.

Question 31

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:A slice occurs when the ball flies in a curve because of lateral spin;the slice curves to the right if the golfer is right-handed and to the left if the golfer is left-handed.

Question 32

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:All snakes are not poisonous.

Question 33

Indicate whether this informal definition is by example,by synonym,or analytical:"Real property? Why,your house and land are real property."

Question 34

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Carlton harassed the man on the motorcycle.

Question 35

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Residents of the continental United States have more pets than those of Alaska.

Question 36

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:People who go shopping often go broke.

Question 37

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:The team was upset.

Question 38

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:He passed out and was later found by a group of stray sheep.

Question 39

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:She watched him dance with intensity.

Question 40

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:If properly frosted,a person shouldn't notice lumps in a cake.

Question 41

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:From an accident report:The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go,so I ran over him.

Question 42

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:"My husband got his project cut off two weeks ago,and I haven't had any relief since then."-From a letter requesting public assistance,as quoted in Ann Landers,Chicago Tribune

Question 43

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Laughter was heard at Grace Cathedral last week when it was announced that next week would be the blessing of the animals followed by a barbeque.

Question 44

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Your hard drive is big enough for most word-processing uses,but it's way too small for graphics files.

Question 45

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:"I can't tell you how much I love you.You make me very happy."

Question 46

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Said at a party:"What did I think of the concert? I thought it was pretty good.You should have been there."

Question 47

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:"Well,let's see.To get to the Woodward Mall,go down this street a couple of blocks,and turn right.Go through several stoplights,turn left,and go just a short way.You can't miss it."

Question 48

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:"A lot of people are living to 100 who never used to."-Herb Caen,San Francisco Chronicle

Question 49

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:My aunt lost most of her possessions when her house burned down last month.

Question 50

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:"I want Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States in the worst way."

Question 51

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Did he tell you what he said in his email?

Question 52

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Headline:Retired priest may marry Springsteen.

Question 53

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:From an accident report:In my attempts to kill a fly I drove into a telephone pole.

Question 54

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:After finishing his term paper,he went out for a beer and left it in his instructor's mailbox.

Question 55

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Headline:Park ends spraying Dutch for elm disease.

Question 56

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:"Police said Sunday that a Lebanese woman arrested in Milan planned to deliver photographs of American hostages to an Italian man who has been linked to arms scandals....The man...was questioned by police after they found the photos and a letter from a hostage hidden in a false bottom of the woman's suitcase Thursday."-From an Associated Press dispatch,Sacramento Bee

Question 57

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:Headline:Pesticide Concerns Blossom

Question 58

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:During his first news conference of the year,the president said today that his administration was going to crack down even harder on international terrorism.

Question 59

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Your chances of winning the grand prize in the lottery by purchasing a single ticket are approximately 1 in 16,000,000.

Question 60

Determine whether the following claim is best classified as semantically ambiguous (and whether this contains grouping ambiguities),syntactically ambiguous,or free from ambiguity:There is a job for everyone.

Question 61

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:The president has determined that tax reform will be his first priority during his second term in office.

Question 62

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:One father,speaking to another:"I read recently that young children who are required to do chores around the house tend to grow up to be happier,more secure adults than children who have everything done for them."

Question 63

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Take two of these pills three times daily before meals.

Question 64

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:From the label of a can of spaghetti sauce:"Made with real meat."

Question 65

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Teacher to student:"How long should your term paper be? As long as it takes to do justice to your subject."

Question 66

Considering the context in which it was most likely uttered,would you say the following claim is ambiguous,too vague,or neither?
"In Los Angeles,a 'humor wagon' makes weekly visits to hospitals to entertain children with cancer."
-UPI article

Question 67

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:From a rebate offer sticker for Johnson's vinegar:"Mail this form,along with a proof of purchase from a one-quart bottle of Johnson's Vinegar to the address below.You'll receive your $1.00 rebate check in about four weeks."

Question 68

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Property owner,showing his property to a potential buyer:"The lot extends back to about where that large oak tree stands."

Question 69

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Instructions for a lawn mower:"For best service,crankcase oil should be replaced at least once each season."

Question 70

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:It seems clear that within the next ten years they'll have produced a machine that can really think.

Question 71

Considering the context in which it was most likely uttered,would you say the following claim is ambiguous,too vague,or neither?
"Now,how would you like your hair cut,Madam?"
"Oh,just make it a little shorter."

Question 72

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:"How many miles to a gallon does it get? Oh,you'll be quite satisfied if you buy this little beauty.It gets really impressive mileage."

Question 73

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Advertisement:"The Aquaclear water filter-it really will improve the taste and odor of your water."

Question 74

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Overheard at a wine-tasting:"This Chablis is just a bit too ambitious for my taste."

Question 75

Considering the context in which it was most likely uttered,would you say the following claim is ambiguous,too vague,or neither?
According to the USDA guidelines,you should eat "two to three servings of vegetables each day."

Question 76

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Property owner,showing his property to guests:"The lot extends back to about where that large oak tree stands."

Question 77

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Renaissance music simply lulls me to sleep.

Question 78

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:From a gardening book:"Horse manure is many times more beneficial to your garden than that from cows."

Question 79

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Watch out for the boss;he's grumpy today.

Question 80

Determine whether the claim in the following is too vague in the context that is stated or implied:Advertisement:"If your house is properly insulated,the Agwar console humidifier should enhance your comfort when the weather turns cold."