FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which activity would require critical-thinking skills?

1. Memorizing vocabulary words

2. Drawing conclusions after reading about global warming

3. Completing math drills

4. Participating in a group discussion

The correct answer is: Drawing conclusions after reading about global warming

Drawing conclusions after reading about global warming is an activity that inherently requires critical-thinking skills. This process involves analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and making inferences based on the material presented. It requires the ability to synthesize various pieces of information from the text, consider different perspectives on the issue, and arrive at a well-reasoned conclusion. Critical thinking in this context involves questioning assumptions, understanding the implications of the scientific data on global warming, and perhaps even reflecting on the broader social and ethical implications of climate change. This skill is essential in navigating complex topics where multiple factors must be considered, and simplistic answers are inadequate. In contrast, memorizing vocabulary words primarily relies on rote memory and does not engage higher-level thinking skills. Completing math drills focuses on repetition and practice to improve speed and accuracy rather than on analysis or evaluation. Participating in a group discussion does encourage interaction and the exchange of ideas, but the critical-thinking skills applied may vary widely depending on the topic and the depth of analysis involved. Thus, drawing conclusions post-reading about a significant global issue best exemplifies the need for critical thinking.