1.
What is one of the 5 ways to address problematic ambiguity discussed
in the text?
A) memorizing
B) debating
C) compartmentalizing
D) contextualizing
Correct Answer: D
2.
Jeremy attempts to answer the question "How are we what
we are?" by analyzing 18th century paintings. Karl attempts to answer the
same question by studying DNA sequences. Given the information presented in the
text, what can we say about Jeremy and Karl's approaches?
A) Science is more relevant that art.
B) Both approaches are valuable.
C) Jeremy and Karl are in similar disciplines.
D) Art is more accurate than science.
Correct Answer: B
3.
Nancy is trying to explain the term "novice" in
the context of being a beginner at something. She explains that she is not
talking about a woman who has just entered a convent (which is another meaning
of novice). What is Nancy doing?
A) excluding her listeners
B) emphasizing vagueness
C) confusing her listeners
D) clarifying her terminology
Correct Answer: D
4.
Professor Jones is lecturing on vagueness in the context of
critical thinking. What is she most likely to say?
A) There is nothing inherently wrong with vagueness and
ambiguity unless it introduces a problem in a real-life context.
B) Vagueness and ambiguity can never be resolved; therefore,
it is important to avoid them at all costs.
C) There are many things that are wrong with vagueness and
ambiguity in the context of critical thinking.
D) Vagueness and ambiguity help to clarify situations in
which the context is unknown or unclear.
Correct Answer: A
5.
According to the text, in order to think critically about a
word, one must consider the
A) difficulty.
B) spelling.
C) cartography.
D) context.
Correct Answer: D
6.
Maria thinks it's important to address problematic ambiguity
in conversations before it becomes a comprehension issue. To do this, she
A) imposes her own meaning on the word.
B) relies on problematic vagueness for comprehension.
C) cuts to the chase by ignoring the context.
D) clarifies the intent of what is being said.
Correct Answer: D
7.
John impresses his friends by accurately interpreting all
sorts of situations. What is the "secret" to his success?
A) He never asks questions.
B) He works to resolve problematic vagueness.
C) He doesn't believe in language communities.
D) He practices telepathy.
Correct Answer: B
8.
Cara is studying for a linguistics exam. Her study partner
says that vagueness is a permanent feature of a word. According to the text,
Cara's study partner
A) is wrong, since vagueness is relative to the context in
which a term is being used.
B) is correct, since some words are inherently vague and
others are not.
C) should not major in linguistics, based on this belief.
D) should not be taking a linguistics course, since critical
thinking cannot be used in this field.
Correct Answer: A
9.
When drawing up a contract, it is important to be very
specific about terminology to make sure that everyone is on the same page. What
concept from the text could be applied to this situation?
A) answering each question
B) encouraging situational vagueness
C) dissipating negotiating stress
D) stipulating the meaning
Correct Answer: D
10.
Gina and Geoff share an office. Gina wants to decorate it
using bright colors and Geoff prefers neutrals. If Gina and Geoff were to
engage in interest-based negotiation, how would they handle this issue?
A) They would find a way to make both of their color schemes
work together.
B) Gina would get her way, since she is the woman.
C) Geoff would get his way, since he moved into the office
first.
D) They would go with a completely different color scheme.
Correct Answer: A
11.
Which of the following sentences about wise judgment is
true?
A) It should not always be used.
B) It is a birthright.
C) It is worth pursuing.
D) It is used by all people.
Correct Answer: C
12.
Jessie, Marcus and Brian have secret code words that only
they understand. The three of them are an example of which concept from the
text?
A) group of pranksters
B) language community
C) propagators of vagueness
D) linguistic tribe
Correct Answer: B
13.
Jeanine is taking a sociology course in which she is
learning about key terms and theories that are used in the field. Given the
parameters presented in the text, she is most likely taking a(n) _________
course.
A) high school
B) introductory
C) advanced
D) text-driven
Correct Answer: B
14.
Professor Wilson tells his students that they should study
the important concepts from the chapter. Student A has a different idea of what
is important than Student B. This is an example of which concept from the text?
A) syntactical impressions
B) studying anxiety
C) problematic vagueness
D) linguistic formation
Correct Answer: C
15.
What is the explanation of "vagueness" given in
the text?
A) a term that is relative to the context in which it is
being used
B) an excuse used by high school seniors and college
freshmen
C) a philosophy created by Plato and studied in universities
D) a community in which things are not as they seem
Correct Answer: A
16.
Wanda is researching an aboriginal group in New Zealand. She
is making a concerted attempt to learn the group's symbols and language. She is
trying to become part of their
A) religious community.
B) critical community.
C) language community.
D) heuristic community.
Correct Answer: C
17.
According to the text, what is the most logical way to
finish this sentence? "Critical thinking within a disciplinary language
community is like_________."
A) critical thinking within any community
B) talking with someone who doesn't speak English
C) using IDEAS without the "E" or the
"S"
D) being surrounded by heuristic thinkers
Correct Answer: A
18.
Jim is in the process of purchasing a new home. He is going
back and forth with the sellers, trying to settle on a price. Jim is engaging
in
A) cold negotiation.
B) interest-based negotiation.
C) positional negotiation.
D) altruistic negotiation.
Correct Answer: C
19.
Jamie is talking to her friend on the phone and says,
"Do you want to come over here?" The meaning of the word
"here"
A) always means the same thing.
B) can vary greatly based on context.
C) should have been spelled "hear."
D) is sophisticated terminology.
Correct Answer: B
20.
Heidi interprets the word "voice" to mean
"singing voice" and Kristine interprets it to mean "writing voice."
What could be said about Heidi and Kristine?
A) They are supporters of vague language.
B) They do not understand the definition of
"voice."
C) They are both singers and writers.
D) They belong to different language communities.
Correct Answer: D
