Question 1

Assess the following as probably true,as probably false,as requiring further documentation before judgment,or as a claim that cannot properly be evaluated.Consider both the nature of the claim and the source.
"Enough is enough! A national survey finds a majority of American adults do not support more restrictive or tougher anti-smoking measures."
-The Tobacco Institute

Accepted Answer

Further documentation is needed here.Once upon a time this was probably true,but things have changed since the clear connection between smoking and serious lung disease has been established.We've noticed a large increase in anti-smoking sentiment in some parts of the country;we expect that will continue.

Question 2

Assess the following as probably true,as probably false,as requiring further documentation before judgment,or as a claim that cannot properly be evaluated.Consider both the nature of the claim and the source.
"Mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade's two little girls always tried to keep her from singing in church because,they said,every time she did,everyone would turn around and stare at her."
-Joseph McLellan,in the Washington Post

Accepted Answer

Probably true.

Question 3

Assess the following as probably true,as probably false,as requiring further documentation before judgment,or as a claim that cannot properly be evaluated.Consider both the nature of the claim and the source.
Remark heard in a coffee shop:"There is a disproportionate percentage of left-handed people in politics."

Accepted Answer

Requires further documentation.This claim would take much more authority before we'd believe it.Much of this sort of casual conversation is based on anecdotal evidence.The claim is also vague: What does the speaker mean by "politics"?

Question 4

Assess the following as probably true,as probably false,as requiring further documentation before judgment,or as a claim that cannot properly be evaluated.Consider both the nature of the claim and the source.
"Warning:St.John [in the Virgin Islands] is very much a 'cash only' island.Most restaurants and car rental agencies accept cash or travelers checks only."
-Janet Fullwood,travel writer for the Dallas Times Herald

Accepted Answer