Deck 12: Reading and Thinking Critically in Academic Disciplines

Question 1

The first step in the problem-solving process is to

A) consider a variety of potential solutions.
B) predict which solutions will be most successful.
C) identify priorities.
D) state the problem as specifically as possible.

Answer 1

state the problem as specifically as possible.

Question 2

Roberta is trying to decide on an elective to enroll in next semester. She should start the decision-making process by first identifying

A) how much work each elective would require.
B) how useful each elective would be to her major.
C) what available electives interest her and fulfill her degree requirements.
D) what electives are offered at the most convenient times.

Answer 2

what available electives interest her and fulfill her degree requirements.

Question 3

When you are trying to stimulate your ability to think creatively, you should avoid

A) brainstorming by listing ideas.
B) thinking aloud or drawing pictures as you think.
C) seeking different perspectives from others.
D) judging or ruling out ideas as they come to you.

Answer 3

judging or ruling out ideas as they come to you.

Question 4

Of the following courses, the one that is not part of the social sciences is

A) anthropology.
B) political science.
C) economics.
D) biology.

Question 5

When you are reading and studying scientific material, you should

A) plan on understanding the material the first time you read it.
B) preview the assignment as well as the problems at the end of the selection.
C) ignore any gaps in information between your knowledge and the material.
D) try to get through the course without memorizing notations.

Question 6

One approach to avoid when you are working on math problems is

A) focusing on process and procedure.
B) thinking sequentially and logically.
C) verbalizing or sketching out the problem.
D) skipping steps in mathematical operations.

Question 7

A common characteristic of courses in the arts and humanities is that

A) good writing skills are usually required.
B) most literary works have a single, correct interpretation.
C) there is usually only one right answer to questions about themes.
D) instructors expect you to adopt their beliefs.

Question 8

Courses in career fields are most similar to courses in

A) social sciences.
B) life and physical sciences.
C) literature.
D) humanities.

Question 9

The first step in the decision-making process involves

A) thoroughly analyzing the situation.
B) considering possible alternatives.
C) predicting possible outcomes.
D) evaluating potential solutions.

Question 10

An effective approach to problem-solving is to

A) always choose the first solution you think of.
B) recall how you solved similar problems.
C) express the problem in very general terms.
D) place the most importance on immediate results.

Question 11

The best way to stimulate your ability to think creatively is to

A) judge ideas as they come to you.
B) rule out outlandish or impractical ideas.
C) allow time for ideas to incubate.
D) concentrate on your own perspective rather than ask others for theirs.

Question 12

Scientific thinking is characterized by

A) one idea leading spontaneously to another.
B) a free flow of ideas.
C) an orderly, logical process.
D) a variety of alternative interpretations.

Question 13

One characteristic that is not typical of social science courses is

A) a large number of new terms.
B) large amounts of reading.
C) an emphasis on theories.
D) a lab component.

Question 14

An effective strategy for reading and studying scientific material is to

A) make everyday connections with the subject matter.
B) accept scientific information without question.
C) assume that researchers are independent and unbiased.
D) prepare for interpretation, debate, and controversy in class.

Question 15

Ray is working through a sample problem in his math textbook. For his final step, he should

A) try doing the mathematical operations in a different order.
B) practice solving the problem without referring to the text.
C) see if he can skip any steps in solving the problem.
D) try to get as close to the correct answer as he can.

Question 16

The first time you read a literary work, you should focus on

A) understanding its overall content and literal meaning.
B) interpreting the author's themes.
C) examining your reactions to the work.
D) identifying unusual images and abstract ideas.

Question 17

An example of a course in the career fields is

A) geology.
B) finance.
C) physical therapy.
D) political science.

Question 18

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-The academic discipline to which this excerpt belongs is most likely to be

A) life sciences.
B) physical sciences.
C) social sciences and history.
D) career fields.

Question 19

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-The author of this selection, Levi Coffin, can best be described as a

A) reporter.
B) former slave.
C) businessman who helped slaves.
D) historical scholar.

Question 20

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-The purpose of this selection is to

A) explain why Levi Coffin and his wife opposed slavery.
B) tell how the Underground Railroad was established.
C) explain what the Underground Railroad was intended to accomplish.
D) describe how Levi Coffin and his wife assisted slaves to freedom.

Question 21

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-One activity that the Coffins did not engage in as part of their efforts was to

A) let only a few trusted people know the slaves' whereabouts.
B) bribe slave hunters to keep the hiding places secret.
C) conceal fugitive slaves in the upper rooms of their house.
D) go about their business as if everything were normal.

Question 22

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-The most appropriate strategy for learning the material in this selection would be to

A) focus on memorizing specific facts.
B) concentrate on learning unfamiliar terms.
C) summarize the story in your own words.
D) apply the scientific method to the author's claims.

Question 23

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-The author's tone throughout this passage can best be described as

A) angry.
B) sympathetic.
C) suspicious.
D) unconcerned.

Question 24

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-The supporting details in this selection consist primarily of

A) statistics.
B) reasons.
C) descriptions.
D) examples.

Question 25

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-In paragraph 2, the word vigilance means

A) watchfulness.
B) imprisonment.
C) hiding place.
D) discovery.

Question 26

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-In paragraph 3, the word destitute means

A) extremely poor.
B) disappointed.
C) against the law.
D) confident.

Question 27

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow
Levi Coffin's Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad in the 1850s
I was personally acquainted with all the active and reliable workers on the Underground Railroad in the city, both colored and white. There were a few wise and careful managers among the colored people, but it was not safe to trust all of them with the affairs of our work. Most of them were too careless, and a few were unworthy-they could be bribed by the slave hunters to betray the hiding places of the fugitives. We soon found it to be the best policy to confine our affairs to a few persons and to let the whereabouts of the slaves be known to as few as possible. When slave hunters were prowling around the city we found it necessary to use every precaution. We were soon fully initiated into the management of Underground Railroad
matters in Cincinnati, and did not lack for work. Our willingness to aid the slaves was soon known, and hardly a fugitive came to the city without applying to us for assistance.
There seemed to be a continual increase of runaways, and such was the vigilance of the pursuers that I was obliged to devote a large share of time from my business to making arrangements for their concealment and safe conveyance of the fugitives.
They sometimes came to our door frightened and panting and in a destitute condition, having fled in such haste and fear that they had no time to bring any clothing except what they had on, and that was often very scant. The expense of providing suitable clothing for them when it was necessary for them to go on immediately, or of feeding them when they were obliged to be concealed for days or weeks, was very heavy….
Our house was large and well adapted for secreting fugitives. Very often slaves would lie concealed in upper chambers for weeks without the boarders or frequent visitors at the house knowing anything about it. My wife had a quiet unconcerned way of going about her work as if nothing unusual was on hand, which was calculated to lull every suspicion of those who might be watching, and who would have been at once aroused by any sign of secrecy or mystery. Even the intimate friends of the family did not know when there were slaves hidden in the house.

-In paragraph 4, the word lull means

A) provoke.
B) calm.
C) sing.
D) raise.