1

Week 1 Exercises (The answer key is below)

1- Communication is an ______ life requirement.

a. unavoidable
b. inessential
c. unimportant
d. undesired

2- Effective communication depends on the ________ of ideas.

a. amount
b. modernity
c. richness
d. rarity

3- __________ communication is used to provide well-thought and well-planned details. It can easily
be reviewed and cannot be altered right away.
a. Verbal
b. Non-verbal
c. Visual
d. Written

4- An animated GIF is an example of __________ communication.

a. verbal
b. non-verbal
c. visual
d. written

5- ______ communication is the most common type of conversation.

a. Verbal
b. Non-verbal
c. Visual
d. Written

6- Interpersonal communication is used to _______ relationships.

a. end or reconsider
b. maintain
c. initiate
d. develop
e. All of the above
 2

7- The __________ is the means by which the message is expressed to the receiver.
a. channel
b. source
c. noise
d. feedback.
e. context

8- The ________ of a message is the creator of the ideas and feelings expressed.
a. receiver
b. source
c. channel
d. context

9- One of the following is not of the five communication principles.

Interpersonal communication ___________.
a. connects us to others
b. is reversible
c. is complicated
d. governed by rules
e. involves both content and relationship dimensions

10- One of the following is incorrect about interpersonal communication and social media.
a. You can communicate interpersonally with people without meeting them face to face.
b. Social media enables us to both initiate and maintain relationships.
c. Developing interpersonal relationships through social media can be affected by distance.
d. Social media applications are also sometimes called electronically mediated communication
(EMC), which includes e-mails, texts, or any other electronic method of communication.

11- Communication breakdowns result in barriers against your ability to develop both professionally
and personally.
a. True
b. False

12- Non-verbal communication means sending wordless messages by using one’s body language,
gestures, eye-contacts, appearance, and tone of one’s voice etc.
a. True
b. False

13- A person doesn’t have to be careful of the words or expressions to be said. Any word that has been
spoken can be taken back, so it is not important to formulate expressions or sentences carefully.
a. True
b. False
 3

14- Your success or failure in a job often depends on how well you get along with your supervisors and
peers.
a. True
b. False

15- Losing a relationship is considered one of the top-rated sources of satisfaction and happiness in life.
a. True
b. False

16- The inclination among people to interact with others is said to be _________.
a. local and interpersonal
b. basic and universal
c. not necessary
d. national and inessential

17- Talking to a friend, listening to your teachers, shopping, talking to a partner at work, and
meeting for dinner with a partner or talking to your mother are all cases of _________.
a. interpersonal communication
b. intrapersonal relationships
c. professional communication
d. interpersonal relationships

18- Communication can be defined as the art and process of __________ ideas
a. predicting and disrupting
b. hiding and foretelling
c. creating and sharing
d. perceiving and absorbing

19- Communication skills are rated as ________ element used in choosing management staffs.
a. an unimportant
b. the major
c. a minor
d. an ineffective

20- Communication _________ result in barriers against your ability to develop both
professionally and personally.
a. breakdowns
b. skills
c. strategies
d. successes
 4

21- Many people find communication skills to be a block to their progress. They struggle to
convey their thoughts and ideas in an accurate manner. Such will make it ________for them to
progress and nearly _______ to lead well.
a. easy/ probable
b. a barrier/ possible
c. difficult/ impossible
d. non-difficult/ a challenge

22- In verbal communication, the ability to listen and think carefully before speaking is _____.
a. critical
b. usual
c. uncritical
d. All of the above

23- “A person must be careful of the words or expressions to be said.” This sentence is a
concern of ___________ communication.
a. visual
b. verbal
c. non-verbal
d. written

24- ‘The tone of one’s voice’ is an example of ______________ communication.

a. visual
b. verbal
c. non-verbal
d. written

25- Instant messages, e-mail, texts, and other sorts of fast messages appear to be essentially
used to ___________ existing relationships,
a. maintain
b. end
c. reconsider
d. All of the above

26- We are more convincing when communicating non-verbally than when communicating verbally.
a. True
b. False
 5

27- If it happens on- or offline, interpersonal communication helps you control your
relationships.
a. True
b. False

28- If you learn the principles and skills of interpersonal communication, you can develop more
options for replying when family communication challenges come out and be more able to
develop creative, constructive solutions to family conflicts.
a. True
b. False

29- The process of decoding occurs when the receiver puts a message into a code.
a. True
b. False

30- Text messaging, e-mail, phone, video conference, Facebook, or Twitter are examples of
means by which the message is expressed.
a. True
b. False
 6

Answer key
1- a
2- c
3- d
4- c
5- a
6- e
7- a
8- b
9- b
10- c
11- a
12- a
13- b
14- a
15- b
16- b
17- a
18- c
19- b
20- a
21- c
22- a
23- b
24- c
25- a
26- b
27- a
28- a
29- b
30- a
 1

Module (1) Lecture (2) Exercises (Answer key below)

1- The _________ meaning of a word is the literal meaning.

a. connotative
b. denotative
c. symbolic
d. associative

2- People call a word ________ if they can experience its match with one of their senses.
a. concrete
b. abstract
c. individualized
d. culture-bound

3- Powerless speech is characterized by ______________.

a. more frequent use of pauses
b. more hesitation
c. hedging
d. tacking questions on to the end of a statements
e. All of the above

4- __________ is an expression that describes something vulgar or profane (or something people prefer
not to talk about directly) by using less explicit language.
a. An insensitive expression
b. An obscene phrase
c. A euphemism
d. A profanity

5- One reason for misunderstanding is the problem of bypassing, which occurs when the same word or
words mean _________ things to _______ people.
a. the same/ the same
b. different/ different
c. different/ the same
d. the same/ different

6- How do you avoid bypassing and missing someone’s meaning?

a. Be aware of the potential problem.
b. Use the listening and responding skills that enhance communication accuracy.
c. Ask questions if you are uncertain of the meaning.
d. Listen and paraphrase your understanding of the message.
e. All of the above
 2

7- There are many reasons for a lack of clarity. One of the following is not of them.
a. Using words out of context.
b. Using inappropriate grammar or putting words in the wrong order
c. Malapropisms
d. Powerful speeches

8- One of the following is not of the strategies of clarity.

a. Think about what you mean before you speak.
b. When you speak, observe your listener’s reactions.
c. Use inappropriate examples.
d. Ask the other person whether he or she can understand you or has questions.
e. Consider the perspective and background of the person or persons to whom you are speaking.

9- __________ are brief abbreviations for common words or phrases, such as “c u” for “see you” or the
ubiquitous “LOL” for “laughing out loud.”
a. Textisms
b. Malapropisms
c. Euphemisms
d. Static evaluations

10- Describe your feelings rather than evaluate behavior, solve problems rather than attempt to control,
be genuine rather than manipulative, empathize rather than remain detached, etc. are all statements
which show how to _______________.
a. master strategies of clarity
b. manage misunderstandings
c. use words of support and comfort
d. avoid demeaning language

11- ______ is to explicitly admit that we made an error and to ask the person we offended to forgive us.
a. Remorse
b. Apology
c. Empathy
d. All of the above

12- Body Movement and posture, eye contact, touch, space, voice, and gestures are all forms of
____________ communication.
a. verbal
b. non-verbal
c. ineffective
d. online
 3

13- Words are powerful. Those who use them skillfully can have great impact with just a few of them.
a. True
b. False

14- The meaning of a symbol, such as a word, can change from culture to culture. The meanings of
words are shaped by our experiences.
a. True
b. False

15- One way to measure how words reflect culture is to ignore the new words added to dictionaries
each year and focus on the already existing ones.
a. True
b. False

16- The essence of linguistic determinism is that language shapes the way we think. It also reflects our
thoughts and culture.
a. True
b. False

17- Sapir–Whorf hypothesis suggests that language shapes our culture and culture shapes our
language.
a. True
b. False

18- A good conversation has a rhythm, created by both communicators before they start listening and
responding to each other.
a. True
b. False

19- The words we use in our Facebook posts, tweets, texts, and other online messages provide
important information about us in ways we may not be consciously aware of.
a. True
b. False

20- A text message may be more efficient and convenient, but it is not as effective when trying to
convince someone to do something he or she would rather not do.
a. True
b. False

21- If we have people who suffer from “hardening of the categories,” this means that their worldview
is so flexible that they can change or expand their perspective.
a. True
b. False
 4

22- Hate speech is any word or phrase that is intended to offend and disrespect another person because
of his or her race, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, age, disability, social class, occupation,
personal appearance, mental capacity, or any other personal aspect that could be perceived as
demeaning.
a. True
b. False

23- A well-worded apology can help restore luster to a relationship that may have become tarnished.
a. True
b. False

24- Whether or not a word can be considered profane is determined by context and culture.
a. True
b. False

25- Culture consists of the _________ of a group of people, which have been learned and shaped by
successive generations.
a. rules
b. norms
c. values
d. All of the above

26- Evidence suggests that you can influence your emotions by ______________.
a. controlling what you think about
b. selecting certain words to describe your feelings
c. hiding certain ideas and not revealing them
d. All of the above
e. a & b
f. b & c

27- Your posts and tweets will be perceived to be more ____________ if you just state the facts rather
than tell personal stories or provide longer narratives.
a. credible and accurate
b. credible and inaccurate
c. incredible and accurate
d. incredible and inaccurate

28- When we use powerless speech, we are _____ persuasive and exert _____ influence on the actions
of others.
a. less/ less
b. less/ more
 5

c. more/ less
d. more/ more

29- The very way we speak can influence the __________ of others.
a. thoughts
b. actions
c. thoughts and actions
d. dreams and thoughts

30- We help shape our culture’s collective worldview through our use of language—not just the words
we use, but how we use them to develop________.
a. ideas
b. actions
c. deeds
d. conversations

31-_______________ states that each language has distinctive elements embedded within it.
a. Sapir–Whorf hypothesis
b. Linguistic relativity
c. Linguistic determinism.
d. None of the above

32- The essence of _________________ is that language shapes the way we think.
a. Linguistic relativity
b. Sapir–Whorf hypothesis
c. linguistic determinism
d. None of the above

33- “Language shapes our culture and culture shapes our language.”
This statement is suggested by _______________.
a. Linguistic relativity
b. Sapir–Whorf hypothesis
c. linguistic determinism
d. None of the above

34- A good conversation has _____________.

a. a rhyme
b. a rhythm
c. two communicators
d. three communicators
 6

35- Research has found that we find conversations _____________ if we use words with the same
meanings as our partners.
a. less satisfying
b. more satisfying
c. disturbing
d. relatively convincing

36- ____________ is words that people consider obscene, rude, or insensitive.

a. Profanity
b. Malapropism
c. A euphemistic expression
d. Bypassing

37- If your friend is lying and you tell him “you’re not telling the truth” instead of “you’re lying,” this
is called ______________.
a. profanity
b. explicit language
c. a vulgar expression
d. euphemism

38- Politicians use euphemisms to __________ the impact of an event.

a. strengthen
b. toughen
c. soften
d. lengthen

39- One research team found that we communicate _______ negative emotions in our status updates
than we do in our person-to-person messages.
a. more
b. similar
c. fewer
d. different

40- We also tend to be _____ verbally immediate in our online posts—which means we use more
personal pronouns (I, me, my), present tense verbs (am, is, are), conditional words (could, should,
would), shorter words, and fewer articles (a, an, the) than we do in face-to-face conversations.
a. relatively
b. highly
c. minimally
d. mildly
7
 8

Answer Key
1- b
2- a
3- e
4- c
5- b
6- e
7- d
8- c
9- a
10- c
11- b
12- b
13- a
14- a
15- b
16- a
17- a
18- b
19- a
20- a
21- b
22- a
23- a
24- a
25- d
26- e
27- a
28- a
29- c
30- a
31- b
32- c
33- b
34- b
35- b
36- a
37- d
38- c
39- c
40- b
 1

Exercises on Lecture 3 Module 1 (Answer key below)

1- Communication barriers tend to __________ the message that passes from the sender to the receiver.
a. facilitate
b. prevent
c. improve
d. quicken

2- Communication barriers allow us to get and accept the messages others use to communicate their
information, thoughts and ideas __________.
a. incorrectly
b. correctly
c. completely
d. slowly

3- Barriers to effective communication can come in the way because the message sent by the sender
_____________.
a. might be understood exactly as it is meant to be
b. can get distorted during the communication exchange
c. is successfully sent and received
d. All of the above

4- Which of the following is not a technological barrier?

a. The high cost of technology
b. Knowledge of technology
c. Technological ignorance
d. Being technologically skilled
e. b & d

5- Frustration is one of the _____________.

a. language barriers
b. emotional barriers
c. cultural barriers
d. technological barriers

6- Low self-esteem is one of the _________.

a. cultural barriers
b. psychological barriers
c. physical communication barriers
d. physiological barriers
 2

7- Hearing difficulties are considered a kind of ____________.

a. emotional barriers
b. cultural barriers
c. psychological barriers
d. physical communication barriers
e. physiological barriers

8- Which of the following is not a physiological barrier?

a. Shrillness of voice
b. Poor eye sight
c. Linguistic aptitude
d. Dyslexia

9- Different habits, traditions and religions are examples on ______________.

a. language barriers
b. emotional barriers
c. cultural barriers
d. psychological barriers

10- Which of the following is not a characteristic of effective communication?

a. Clarity
b. Conciseness
c. Concreteness
d. Incorrectness

11- ________ message increases the need for follow-up questions.

a. A complete
b. An incomplete
c. A courteous
d. A concrete

12- Effective communication requires specific, tangible and valid information. The message you
transfer must be supported with facts for increased ___________.
a. vagueness
b. doubts
c. bias
d. credibility

13- The correct grammar and syntax of the message increases its ____________.
a. authenticity
b. incredibility
c. courtesy
d. length
 3

14- “If your listener is in a particularly happy mood, do not say anything that will trigger sadness.”
This statement stresses _______ as a way of overcoming communication barriers.
a. clarity
b. the use of understandable language
c. suitable timing
d. All of the above

15- When speaking or writing emails or chatting, _________.

a. avoid any kind of unnecessary information
b. only communicate one idea, thought or feeling at a time
c. do not make your message too lengthy
d. All of the above

16- The motive of _________ is to determine whether the recipient has grasped the significance of the
received information.
a. feedback
b. nonverbal messages
c. verbal messages
d. a grammatically correct message

17- When you use the wrong body language and tone, the subject matter of your message can be easily
____________.
a. conveyed
b. misinterpreted
c. understood
d. grasped

18- To communicate effectively – if you and another person have a different perception of a subject,
_________________.
a. listen and pay attention to the person in order to overcome barriers
b. tell your opinion and ignore the person’s thoughts
c. suggest that you and the person consult a third party
d. explain to the person that he doesn’t know a lot about the subject

19- Interrupting someone while speaking is considered _________ behavior.

a. a polite
b. an acceptable
c. a normal
d. a rude
 4

20- . If you want to say something about a culture, religion, or belief, make sure you say it ________.
a. politely
b. emotionally
c. according to your perspective
d. excitedly

21- Communication is not crucial to the existence of humans. It is the exchange of information between
two entities. Every action of ours can be seen as a means to communicate. This exchange is necessarily
in words only.
a. True
b. False

22- Barriers in communication can exist in the sender, in the transmission of messages, in the receiver,
or in the feedback.
a. True
b. False

23- To communicate successfully in a team or with others, at work or in the community, we don’t have
to understand the communication environment and the barriers which prevent messages being sent and
received successfully.
a. True
b. False

24- A person who is emotionally mature will be able to communicate effectively. On the other hand,
people who let their emotions take over will face certain difficulties.
a. True
b. False

25- Text messages, phone calls, etc. are some of the technological ways of communicating that lack the
effect of a personal meeting and reduce communicating effectively.
a. True
b. False

26- The fact that each country or region has its own language is one of the barriers to effective
communication.
a. True
b. False

27- For effective communication, the language should be inaccurate. Also, the grammar and syntax
should be incorrect.
a. True
b. False
 5

28- The message must be long and to the point. The message must be more about its length rather than
its content. If you add irrelevant information, it will be easier for the receiver to grasp the exact
meaning.
a. True
b. False

29- If you can’t explain your idea in a simple way, this may mean that you yourself don’t understand it
well enough.
a. True
b. False

30- You can always show your language skills when you are delivering a meaningful message or
conversing formally or informally. On the other hand, avoid any complex language or using a different
accent in report or thesis writing.
a. True
b. False
 6

Answer Key
1- b
2- a
3- b
4- e
5- b
6- b
7- e
8- c
9- c
10- d
11- b
12- d
13- a
14- c
15- d
16- a
17- b
18- a
19- d
20- a
21- b
22- a
23- b
24- a
25- a
26- a
27- b
28- b
29- a
30- b
 1

Module 1 Lecture 4 Exercises (answer key below)

1- Writing is a _________ that can be learnt by doing and practicing.
a. method
b. strategy
c. skill
d. project
e. design

2- One of the best ways to become a good writer is to become a good ____________.
a. reader
b. listener
c. speaker
d. communicator

3- Which of the following is not a strategy of effective writing?

a. Use an outline
b. Decide what information you need to include
c. Answer the 5 Hs and W
d. Be simple and direct

4- Effective writing is about conveying your thoughts and purposes in a clear way, and that starts with
____________ showing a clear objective achieved through a beginning, a middle and an end.
a. a brainstorming
b. an outline
c. strong verbs
d. a limited number of adjectives and adverbs

5- Clear, effective writing uses clear, strong verbs. One element of using strong verbs is to write in
_____________.
a. passive voice
b. past simple
c. long sentences
d. active voice

6- Aim for a ‘diction’ that is simple and direct. This means that you should ____________.
a. use short sentences
b. choose simple and strong verbs
c. use simple phrases
d. choose simple and direct words

7- _________ is the process of looking at each sentence's efficiency and identifying and correcting any errors in
grammar, punctuation and spelling.
a. Editing
b. Revising
c. Proofreading
d. All of the above
 2

8- Poems are considered an example of ______________.

a. expressive writing
b. expository writing
c. journalism
d. technical writing

9- Narratives are considered an example of ______________.

a. expressive writing
b. expository writing
c. journalism
d. technical writing

10- Technical writing is a type of writing where the author is writing about a particular subject that requires
_________.
a. direction
b. explanation
c. instruction
d. All of the above

11- __________ are not of the areas included in technical writing.

a. Memos
b. E-mails
c. Letters
d. Reports
e. Short messages

12- People read literature_______, essays_______, and journalism_______. People read technical writing
_______.
a. for enlightenment/ for news/ to accomplish a job/ for pleasure
b. for pleasure/ for enlightenment/ to accomplish a job/ for news
c. for pleasure/ for enlightenment/ for news/ to accomplish a job
d. for pleasure/ for news/ to accomplish a job/ for enlightenment

13- “Technical writing should be concise, using short words, short sentences, and short paragraphs.” This
statement emphasizes how the ________ in technical writing should be.
a. style
b. grammar
c. document design
d. brainstorming process

14- Document __________ refers to the physical layout of the correspondence.

a. style
b. design
c. subject matter
d. outline
 3

15- Which of the following is not a trait of technical writing?

a. Clarity
b. Conciseness
c. Accessible document design
d. Necessity
e. Audience recognition
f. Accuracy

16- Clarity can be achieved through the following questions EXECET:

a. Who is the audience?
b. What do you plan to do?
c. When should the job be completed?
d. Where will the work take place?
e. Why is the task being undertaken?
f. How long does it take to perform the task?

17- Conciseness in technical writing can be achieved through __________.

a. avoiding short words
b. using short sentences
c. using prepositional phrases
d. changing all multisyllabic words
e. All of the above

18- Which of the following is not of the highlighting techniques used to make accessible document design?
a. boldface
b. headings and subheadings
c. varied font sizes
d. bullets
e. varied audiences
f. varied font types
g. italics

19- A medical doctor writing to a staff nurse would be writing ______________.

a. Low Tech to High Tech
b. High Tech to High Tech
c. High Tech to Low Tech
d. Low Tech to Low Tech

20- No matter who the reader is or why the letter has been written, a letter should have ______ essential
components.
a. eight
b. five
c. seven
d. six
 4

21- Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively in writing can help you to perform well and advance
in your study and career.
a. True
b. False

22- Your audience's opinion about your subject matter, as well as their interests, age, personality, location and
education level will all have no effect on how they think and feel about what you communicate to them.
a. True
b. False

23- A sentence that is cluttered with too many adjectives and adverbs makes the readers focus on its main purpose.
a. True
b. False

24- One mistake that effective writers often make is trying to make their language too flowery or worrying
about using bigger words when a smaller one works well.
a. True
b. False

25- Revising is the final step before submitting your work. It is similar to editing but involves going through
your work in even finer detail to ensure that it is completely ready for an audience.
a. True
b. False

26- The main purpose of technical writing is to provide clear information to readers in a way that they can
understand and apply, even if they don't have prior knowledge of the topic.
a. True
b. False

27- professional writers and business people consider grammar as an inessential element for effective technical
writing.
a. True
b. False

28- Grammar is so important in technical writing. Whereas errors often can hide in longer essays, those same
errors loom large and clear in one-page memos or letters.
a. True
b. False

29- Technical writing uses highlighting techniques and graphics for visual appeal to help the reader access and
understand the data.
a. True
b. False
 5

30- If the correspondence is not clearly understood, the reader will either call the writer for further clarification,
or just ignore the information. In either case, the writer’s time is wasted; the reader’s time is wasted; and the
message is lost.
a. True
b. False

31- Which of the following is not a component of memos?

a. Date
b. Sender
c. Receiver
d. Subject
e. Reader’s address

32- A memo is a short official note that is sent by one person to another within the same company or
organization.
a. True
b. False

33- Which of the following doesn’t show the importance of e-mails?

a. Millions of people use e-mails all over the world.
b. E-mail messages outnumber first-class letters.
c. They allow a writer to instantly communicate with a reader.
d. They can be sent to a limited number of readers at the same time.

34- Which of the following is not a component of reports?

a. Introduction
b. Body
c. Conclusion
d. Signature

35- The body of the report explains what exactly you accomplished and what _____________.
a. problems you encountered
b. what procedure you followed and
c. what you learned from the task
d. what options exist as feasible solutions to a problem
e. All of the above

36- A resumé must be _________.

a. unclear
b. concise,
c. inaccessible
d. incorrect
 6

37- Which of the following is not of the components of a resume?

a. Identification
b. Objectives
c. Education
d. Work experience
e. Conclusion
f. References

38- Applicants will use different resumés according to the job they are applying for. The same cover letter, in
contrast, should be written for all job opportunities.
a. True
b. False

39- A _________ is a piece of paper containing an advertisement or information, usually given out to people
walking by.
a. flier
b. brochure
c. newsletter
d. PowerPoint presentation

40- Normally, instructions and fliers include line art, a memo includes a table, and a PowerPoint slide includes a
bar chart.
a. True
b. False
 7

Answer Key
1- C
2- A
3- C
4- B
5- D
6- D
7- A
8- A
9- B
10- D
11- E
12- C
13- A
14- B
15- D
16- F
17- B
18- E
19- C
20- A
21- A
22- B
23- B
24- B
25- B
26- A
27- B
28- A
29- A
30- A
31- E
32- A
33- D
34- D
35- E
36- B
37- E
38- B
39- A
40- A
 1

Questions on Module (2) Lecture (1) (Answer key below)

1- Which of the following is not a standard of critical thinking?

a. Accuracy
b. Relativistic thinking
c. Consistency
d. Logical Correctness

2- Critical thinking is the general term given to a wide range of cognitive skills and intellectual dispositions
needed to _____.
a. effectively identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments and truth claims
b. to discover and overcome personal preconceptions and biases
c. to formulate and present convincing reasons in support of conclusions
d. to make reasonable, intelligent decisions about what to believe and what to do
e. All of the above.

3- What exactly is the problem we’re facing? What exactly are the alternatives? What exactly are the
advantages and disadvantages of each alternative? Such questions in critical thinking reflect _______.
a. relevance
b. consistency
c. precision
d. fairness

4- No matter how brilliant you may be, you’re almost guaranteed to make bad decisions if your decisions are
based on false information. As a critical thinker, this means that you should be __________.
a. accurate
b. relevant
c. consistent
d. fair

5- If a tricky debater raises an irrelevant issue, he is then trying to _______________.

a. distract the audience’s attention
b. attract the audience’s attention
c. be as logical as possible
d. provide realistic examples

6- _____________ involves saying or believing inconsistent things (i.e., things that cannot both or all be true)
about a particular matter.
a. Logical consistency
b. Practical consistency
c. Logical inconsistency
d. Practical inconsistency
 2

7- Thinking is better when it is _____ rather than ________.

a. deep/ shallow
b. shallow/ deep
c. superficial/ thorough
d. superficial/ shallow

8- If you are disposed to prejudge issues, then you are _________.

a. fair
b. unfair
c. impartial
d. openminded

9- Before we can effectively evaluate a person’s argument or claim, we don’t need to understand clearly what
he or she is saying.
a. True
b. False

10- Critical thinkers not only strive for clarity of language but also seek maximum clarity of thought.
a. True
b. False

11- Critical thinkers understand that to cut through the confusions and uncertainties that surround many
everyday problems and issues, it is often necessary to insist on precise answers to precise questions.
a. True
b. False

12- Critical thinkers rarely value the truth; they don’t have a passion for accurate, timely information.
a. True
b. False

13- Practical consistency involves saying one thing and doing another
a. True
b. False

14- To think logically is to reason correctly—that is, to draw well-founded conclusions from the beliefs we
hold. We need to be able to reason from those beliefs to conclusions that logically follow from them.
a. True
b. False

15- Critical thinking demands that we be openminded, impartial, and free of distorting biases and
preconceptions.
a. True
b. False
 3

16- Basic fair-mindedness is an inessential attribute of a critical thinker.

a. True
b. False

17- Critical thinkers prize truth and so are constantly on the lookout for inconsistencies, both in their own
thinking and in the arguments and assertions of others.
a. True
b. False

18- It is easy to see why consistency is essential to critical thinking. Logic tells us that if a person holds
inconsistent beliefs, at least one of those beliefs must be true.
a. True
b. False

19- Critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.
a. True
b. False

20- Lack of clarity occurs sometimes due to _____________.

a. awareness
b. carefulness
c. a lack of skill.
d. All of the above

21- To achieve our personal goals in life we need _______________.

a. an unclear conception of our goals and priorities
b. an imaginary grasp of our abilities
c. a clear understanding of the problems and opportunities we face.
d. All of the above

22- People are often strongly disposed _______ unfamiliar ideas, to prejudge issues, to stereotype outsiders, and
to identify truth with their own self-interest or the interests of their nation or group.
a. to accept
b. to agree with
c. to resist
d. to maximize

23- Poor reading skills, prejudice and superstition are all reasons of _____________.
a. logical thinking
b. fairness
c. critical thinking
d. uncritical thinking
 4

Answer Key
1- b
2- e
3- c
4- a
5- a
6- c
7- a
8- b
9- b
10- a
11- a
12- b
13- b
14- a
15- a
16- b
17- a
18- b
19- a
20- c
21- c
22- c
23- d
 1

Module 2 Lecture 2 Exercises (answer key below)

1- Which of the following is not an impediment that plays a powerful role in hindering critical thinking?
a. Egocentrism
b. Sociocentrism
c. Unwarranted assumptions
d. Objective thinking

2- ______ are selfish, self-absorbed people who view their interests, ideas, and values as superior to everyone else’s.
a. Sociocentrics
b. Egocentrics
c. Wishful thinkers
d. Relativistic thinkers

3- _____________ is the tendency to overrate oneself—to see oneself as better in some respect than one actually is.
a. Self-serving bias
b. Self-interested thinking
c. Socio-interested thinking
d. All of the above

4- Sociocentrism can distort critical thinking in many ways. Of the most important of these ways are ______________.
a. group bias
b. Self-bias
c. conformism
d. All of the above
e. a & c

5- An unwarranted assumption is something taken for granted __________.

a. with proof and conclusive evidence.
b. without good reason
c. because it is clearly reasonable
d. with proved logic

6- Subjectivism is the view that truth is a matter of __________ opinion.

a. individual
b. cultural
c. social
d. All of the above

7- _______ is believing something not because you had good evidence for it but simply because you wished it were true.
a. Relativistic thinking
b. Wishful thinking
c. Objective thinking
d. Reasonable thinking
 2

8- One of the following is not a characteristic of critical thinkers.

a. Are skilled at understanding, analyzing, and evaluating arguments and viewpoints.
b. Reason logically and draw appropriate conclusions from evidence and data.
c. Are aware of the biases and preconceptions that shape the way they perceive the world.
d. Are closed-minded and resist criticisms of beliefs and assumptions.

9- Which of the following is a characteristic of critical thinkers?

a. Pretend they know more than they do and ignore their limitations.
b. Pursue truth and are curious about a wide range of issues.
c. Often base beliefs on mere personal preference or self-interest.
d. Lack awareness of their own biases and preconceptions.

10- Which of the following is a characteristic of uncritical thinkers?

a. Think independently and are not afraid to disagree with group opinion.
b. Are able to get to the heart of an issue or a problem, without being distracted by details.
c. Often think in ways that are unclear, imprecise, and inaccurate.
d. Have the intellectual courage to face and assess fairly ideas that challenge even their most basic beliefs.

11- Self-interested thinking is the tendency to accept and defend beliefs that harmonize with one’s self-interest.
a. True
b. False

12- Critical thinking demands that we weigh evidence and arguments subjectively. It doesn’t demand that we revere
truth – even if it hurts.
a. True
b. False

13- Sociocentrism can hinder rational thinking by focusing excessively on the self.
a. True
b. False

14- Most people absorb group bias consciously, usually from early childhood. It is common, for example, for people to
grow up learning that their society’s beliefs, institutions, and values are better than those of other societies.
a. True
b. False

15- The desire to belong, to be part of the in-group, can be among the most powerful of human motivations; this desire
to conform can seriously cripple our powers of critical reasoning and decision making.
a. True
b. False

16- Cultural relativism is the view that truth is a matter of social or cultural opinion. In other words, it is the view that
what is true for person A is what person A’s culture or society believes is true.
a. True
b. False
 3

17- A gap in your critical thinking can result from a lack of relevant background information about the matter in
argument.
a. True
b. False

18- Good reading skills serve as the most significant barrier to critical thinking. In order to gain proper knowledge about
many of the things, we have to go through a lot of information and data, but good reading skills do not assist us in
understanding the matter easily.
a. True
b. False

19- Fear may prevent you from pursuing a line of questioning or from confronting evidence and facts that may force you
to reevaluate your position.
a. True
b. False

20- Egocentrism is the tendency to see reality as centered on oneself; all of us are affected to some degree by egocentric
biases.
a. True
b. False

21- From a psychological standpoint, it is likely that self-interest plays at least some role in shaping the respective
attitudes and beliefs.
a. True
b. False

22- Which of the following is a barrier of critical thinking?

a. Knowledge of relevant background information
b. good reading skills
c. fear of change
d. open-mindedness

23- Two common manifestations of egocentrism are _________________.

a. self-interested thinking and self-serving bias
b. group-centered bias and group centered thinking
c. egocentric biases and sociocentric biases
d. conformism and immunity to self-interest

24- “Most doctors support legislation making it more difficult for them to be sued for malpractice.” This statement
indicates that ____________.
a. we are almost all immune to self-interested thinking
b. almost no one is immune to self-interested thinking
c. self-interested thinking is supported by doctors and legislations
d. only doctors support self-interested thinking
 4

25- Everyone finds it tempting at times to reason that “this benefits me, therefore it must be good”; from a critical
thinking standpoint, such “reasoning” is __________.
a. acceptable
b. a sham
c. very logical
d. very honest

26- We all like to feel good about ourselves. Nobody likes to think of himself or herself as being “__________” in some
important respect.
a. average
b. below average
c. above average
d. All of the above

27- It is important to be able to look honestly at our personal strengths and weaknesses. We want to set high personal
goals, but not goals that are wildly __________.
a. realistic
b. reasonable
c. unrealistic
d. logical

28- __________ grounded in genuine accomplishment is an important element of success. __________ is an obstacle to
genuine personal and intellectual growth.
a. Self-confidence/ Overconfidence
b. Overconfidence/ Self-confidence
c. Hyper-confidence/ Pro-confidence
d. Underconfidence/ hypo-confidence

29- One of the following is not a characteristic of uncritical thinkers.

a. Fear and resist ideas that challenge their basic beliefs.
b. Are often relatively indifferent to truth and lack curiosity
c. Base their beliefs on facts and evidence rather than on personal preference or self-interest.
d. Are easily distracted and lack the ability to zero in on the essence of an issue or a problem.
e. Tend to engage in “groupthink,” uncritically following the beliefs and values of the crowd.

30- Our attraction for someone might cause us to assume that he or she feels the same way and thus to interpret that
person’s actions incorrectly. This example is a realization of ____________.
a. relativism
b. unwarranted assumption
c. conformism
d. subjectivism

31- Critical thinkers are ____________ to ways in which critical thinking can be skewed by egocentrism, sociocentrism,
wishful thinking, and other impediments.
a. sensitive
b. insensitive
c. irresponsive
d. passionate
 5

Answer key
1- d
2- b
3- a
4- e
5- b
6- a
7- b
8- d
9- b
10- c
11- a
12- b
13- b
14- b
15- a
16- a
17- a
18- b
19- a
20- a
21- a
22- c
23- a
24- b
25- b
26- b
27- c
28- a
29- c
30- b
31- a