Critical Thinking Exercise : Question Answers and Grammar

A. Find the words from the text that match with the following meanings.

a. Shuffle – walking by dragging one’s feet along or without lifting them fully from the ground

b. Doodle – drawing pictures or patterns while thinking about something else

c. Plaque – a piece of flat metal with writing on it

d. Precepts – a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought

e. Sneaky – move or go in a furtive or stealthy way

B. Consult your teacher and define the following thinking skills.

a. Convergent thinking Convergent thinking is the type of thinking that focuses on coming up with the single, well-established answer to a problem. It is oriented toward deriving the single best, or most often correct answer to a question.

b. Divergent thinking Divergent thinking is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected connections are drawn.

c. Critical thinking Critical thinking is the analysis of facts to form a judgment. The subject is complex, and several different definitions exist, which generally include the rational, skeptical, unbiased analysis, or evaluation of factual evidence.

d. Creative thinking Creativity is the ability to generate a thought or an idea that is completely new, appealing, and useful. Creative thinking is a skill that enables you to come up with original and unconventional ideas. 

Answer the following questions.

a. Who was Jack? How did he make children laugh?

Jack was a kind of kid other kids like and had a lot of friends. He made children laugh by saying jokes.

b. Why are “Sharks” important to Reid?

Sharks are important to Reid because they keep ocean clean by eating dead organisms.

c. What does Mr. Browne think about the most important thing?

Mr. Browne thinks that the most important thing is to know oneself, or own character’s and evaluate them to bring the best version of someone.

d. What is that has not been noticed by the student?

The thing that has not been noticed by the student is the message in the notice board of the school entrance gate that writes – “Know Thyself”.

e. How did Jack make fun of the English class?

Jack made fun of the English class by saying that they were there to attend English class to the teacher’s question “Why are you here?”.

f. What were the students going to do at the end of the month?

The students were going to write an essay on the basis of the Brownie’s percept at the end of the month.

g. What particular act of students surprised a girl student?

Students used to come up with their very own personal precept, write it on a postcard, and mail it to Mr. Brownie after their graduation, this thing surprised the girl student. 

Write an email to your friend explaining an interesting class you had. 

Subject: You Won't Believe What We Learned in Class Today!

Hey [Friend's Name],

I hope you're doing well! I just had to share with you the most interesting class I had today. It was all about [Subject/Topic], and it really blew my mind.

We started off with a discussion on [specific aspect], and our professor explained it in such a fascinating way. I never realized how [interesting fact or insight]. We even got into a heated debate about [related topic], which made the class super engaging. Everyone had such unique perspectives, and it really opened my eyes to different viewpoints.

The best part was when we did a hands-on activity where we [describe activity]. It was so cool to see the concepts we learned in action. I felt like a real [profession or role related to the activity], and it made me appreciate the subject even more.

I think you would have loved it. The whole experience reminded me of our late-night chats about [related topic you both enjoy], and I wish you could have been there to share the excitement.

I can't wait to catch up and tell you more about it in person. Let’s plan something soon!

Take care, [Your Name]

A. Study the following examples. 

a. You are tired, aren’t you? 

b. He left Kathmandu, didn’t he? 

c. Your father never touched alcoholic drinks, did he? 

B. Rewrite the following sentences adding appropriate question tag.

a. Gill does not know Ann, does he?

b. I’m very patient, aren’t I?

c. They’d never met me before, had they?

d. Listen carefully, will you?

e. Let’s have a break, shall we?

f. Let us invite them, will you?

g. Hari used to live in France as a boy, didn’t he?

h. You’d better not take a hard drink, had you?

i. Sheep eat grass, don’t they?

j. Mr. Pande can speak nine languages, can’t he?

k. She’s finished her classes, hasn’t she?

l. She barely managed to reach the goal, did she?

m. Don’t let him swim in that pond, will you?

n. There are lots of people here, aren’t there?

C. Read the following situations. What do you say in these situations? Use question tags.

a. The sky is full of cloud. You can see lightning and hear thunder.

It’s going to rain soon, isn’t it?

b. You want to pay the taxi fare but you are short by 100 rupees.

Shyam, you have to lend me Rs. 100, haven’t you?

c. You have met a stranger at a party and you want to have a chat with him/ her.

We will talk later, won’t we?

d. You came out of the film hall with your friend. You enjoyed the film.

The film was very enjoyable, wasn’t it?

e. You and your friend listened to a comedian on the stage and felt spellbound by his/her performance.

He gave an excellent presentation, didn’t he?

f. You think your friend’s father has arrived from the US but you are not sure.

Your father has not arrived from US, has he?

g. You think Susan will join the new job tomorrow but you are not sure.

Susan will go to her new job tomorrow, won’t she?

h. Your friend’s hair looks too short.

You have got too short hair, haven’t you?

i. You want to go for a picnic with your friends in class.

Let’s go to picnic, shall we?

j. You want permission from your father to go for a walk.

Let me go for a evening walk, will you?