Diagnostic Test: Critical Thinking & Reasoning (Grade 10)
Instructions: Read each section carefully and answer all questions to the best of your ability. Show
your work or explain your reasoning where prompted.
Time Allotment: 75 minutes
Section 1: Analyzing Arguments (25 minutes)
Instructions: Read each passage and answer the questions that follow.
Passage A:
"A recent proposal suggests extending the school day by one hour to allow for more in-depth
learning in core subjects and to provide additional time for extracurricular activities. Proponents
argue that this extra time would significantly boost academic performance, especially for students
who struggle, by offering more opportunities for one-on-one help. They also claim it would reduce
the need for homework, as much of the work could be completed during the extended day. However,
critics are concerned that a longer school day would lead to increased student fatigue, decreased
motivation, and less time for family and personal interests. Furthermore, teachers might experience
burnout from the extended hours. Therefore, extending the school day is not a beneficial idea for
students or faculty."
1. What is the main conclusion of the passage? (2 points)
○ A) Extending the school day would boost academic performance.
○ B) A longer school day could lead to increased student fatigue.
○ C) Extending the school day is not beneficial for students or faculty.
○ D) Teachers might experience burnout from extended hours.
2. Identify two reasons given in the passage to support the main conclusion. (4 points)
○ Reason 1:
○ Reason 2:
3. Identify one unstated assumption that proponents of the extended school day might be
making, according to the passage. (3 points)
4. The argument states, "Therefore, extending the school day is not a beneficial idea for
students or faculty." What type of reasoning is primarily used to arrive at this conclusion? (2
points)
○ A) Inductive (moving from specific observations to a general conclusion)
○ B) Deductive (moving from a general statement to a specific conclusion)
○ C) Analogical (comparing two different things)
○ D) Causal (identifying cause and effect)
Passage B:
"My neighbor, Mr. Henderson, claims that the new recycling program is a complete waste of taxpayer
money. He says he saw a truck pick up both recyclables and regular trash together last week, which
proves the program is a scam. Clearly, if they're mixing everything, our efforts to sort are pointless,
and the city shouldn't be spending any more money on this initiative."
5. What is Mr. Henderson's main claim? (2 points)
6. What evidence does Mr. Henderson provide to support his claim? (2 points)
7. The argument made by Mr. Henderson contains a logical fallacy. Which of the following
fallacies best describes his reasoning? (3 points)
○ A) Ad Hominem (attacking the person, not the argument)
○ B) Hasty Generalization (drawing a broad conclusion from insufficient evidence)
○ C) Slippery Slope (assuming one action will inevitably lead to a chain of negative
events)
○ D) Red Herring (diverting attention from the main issue)
Explain your choice:
Section 2: Evaluating Evidence (20 minutes)
Instructions: Read the scenario and the pieces of evidence provided. Then answer the questions.
Scenario: The local city council is debating whether to invest in building a new community recreation
center. They claim it will significantly improve the health and well-being of the residents.
Evidence Provided:
● Evidence 1: A survey conducted by a private consulting firm, funded by a sports equipment
manufacturer, showed that 85% of survey respondents expressed interest in using a new
recreation center.
● Evidence 2: Data from a similar-sized city, "Riverside," indicates that after building a new
recreation center five years ago, their reported rates of obesity decreased by 10% among
adults and 5% among children.
● Evidence 3: A passionate speech from a resident at a council meeting stating, "We
desperately need this center! My kids have nothing to do after school, and I know everyone
else feels the same way!"
● Evidence 4: An article from a national health journal, published last year, reviewing multiple
studies, concludes that access to community recreation facilities is positively correlated with
improved public health outcomes, including lower rates of chronic diseases.
● Evidence 5: The city's current budget shows that there is a significant surplus this year,
enough to cover the initial construction costs of the recreation center.
1. Which two pieces of evidence are most relevant and credible in supporting the city council's
claim that a new recreation center will significantly improve the health and well-being of
residents? Explain why you chose these two. (6 points)
○ Most Relevant/Credible Evidence 1:
Explanation:
○ Most Relevant/Credible Evidence 2:
Explanation:
2. Identify one piece of evidence that is less credible or potentially biased. Explain why. (3
points)
3. What additional type of evidence would further strengthen the city council's claim regarding
health and well-being? (3 points)
Section 3: Problem Solving & Inference (15 minutes)
Instructions: Analyze the data and scenario below, then answer the questions.
Scenario: A local bookstore is trying to decide whether to expand its children's section. They tracked
sales data for children's books over the past year.
Children's Book Sales Data (Last 12 Months):
Table
Month Sales (in $)
August $1,200
September $1,150
October $1,300
November $1,800
December $2,500
January $1,000
February $950
March $1,050
April $1,100
May $1,250
June $1,400
July $1,350
1.
Based on the data, during which months do children's book sales typically peak? Propose a
logical reason for this trend. (4 points)
2. If the bookstore decides to expand, what is one potential challenge they might face based on
this sales data? (3 points)
3. Based solely on the provided sales data, would you infer that expanding the children's
section is a good financial decision? Why or why not? (4 points)
Section 4: Synthesizing Information (15 minutes)
Instructions: Read the two viewpoints on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Then
write a brief essay synthesizing the information and stating your own reasoned opinion.
Viewpoint 1: AI as a Transformative Tool
"Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education by personalizing learning
experiences for every student. AI-powered tutors can provide immediate feedback, adapt to
individual learning paces, and identify areas where students need extra support, freeing up teachers
to focus on complex problem-solving and critical thinking. AI can also automate administrative
tasks, allowing educators more time for direct student interaction. While initial implementation may
be challenging, the long-term benefits of AI in creating more efficient, equitable, and engaging
learning environments are undeniable."
Viewpoint 2: Concerns and Limitations of AI in Education
"While AI offers promising possibilities, its integration into education raises significant concerns.
Over-reliance on AI could diminish the crucial human element of teaching, reducing opportunities for
social-emotional development and nuanced guidance that only a human teacher can provide. There
are also ethical considerations regarding data privacy and bias embedded in AI algorithms, which
could perpetuate or even exacerbate existing educational inequalities. Furthermore, access to
advanced AI tools might not be equitable across all schools or socioeconomic backgrounds,
creating a digital divide. We must proceed with caution and ensure that AI serves to enhance human
teaching, not replace it."
Essay Question:
Based on the two viewpoints, discuss the potential benefits and challenges of integrating Artificial
Intelligence into education. Conclude with your own reasoned opinion on whether AI should be
widely adopted in schools, considering both perspectives. (10 points)
