Mock Test

Exam: SSC CGL Subject: General Intelligence and Reasoning Topic: Critical Thinking

Total Questions: 20

Q1. In a debate, one participant dismisses their opponent's viewpoint by misrepresenting it in an exaggerated or distorted way. This is characteristic of which fallacy?

Red Herring Equivocation Straw Man Bandwagon
Q2. You observe a table showing the number of customer complaints per day for a service. If the number of complaints suddenly spikes on a particular day, what is a crucial first step in interpretation?

Assume the service quality has deteriorated. Immediately implement new customer service protocols. Investigate potential external factors or specific events on that day. Conclude that the data is erroneous.
Q3. A sentence like, 'She didn't call, so she must be angry,' assumes what?

She is always angry. Not calling is the only sign of anger. She has a reliable phone connection. Her anger is directed at the speaker.
Q4. Which of the following best describes the practical application of critical thinking in daily life?

Avoiding any form of analysis or evaluation Relying solely on personal beliefs and opinions Questioning assumptions and seeking evidence to support claims Accepting information without any critical examination
Q5. A government subsidizes renewable energy sources, assuming it will mitigate climate change. What is the underlying assumption?

Fossil fuels are not a significant contributor to climate change. The subsidies will make renewable energy cost-competitive or more so than fossil fuels. Consumers will readily switch to renewable energy regardless of cost. Climate change can be entirely solved by renewable energy.
Q6. Critical thinking in negotiation helps to avoid making decisions based on:

Thorough research Objective analysis Emotional triggers Consideration of alternatives
Q7. The relationship in the pair ACERBIC : SARCASTIC :: is analogous to:

BITTER : SWEET POISONOUS : DEADLY WITTY : HUMOROUS IRONIC : SERIOUS
Q8. When evaluating a source's credibility, which factor is LEAST indicative of potential bias or unreliability?

The author's affiliation with a strongly ideological think tank. A publication that relies heavily on advertising revenue from a specific industry. A peer-reviewed journal with a rigorous editorial process. The presence of emotionally charged language and unsubstantiated claims.
Q9. Analyze the pattern: Z, Y, X, W, V, ?. This is a reverse alphabetical order. What is the next letter?

U T S R
Q10. A critical thinker advocating for a particular policy faces an ethical dilemma when their analysis reveals that the policy, while beneficial to the majority, may disproportionately harm a minority group. This situation most acutely raises concerns related to:

Algorithmic bias Confirmation bias Social justice Cognitive dissonance
Q11. A politician claims that a new policy will inevitably lead to economic collapse, presenting it as the only possible outcome. This exemplifies which logical fallacy?

Slippery Slope Bandwagon False Cause Appeal to Emotion
Q12. The 'recency' of information is most critical when evaluating sources related to:

Ancient history. Classical literature. Rapidly evolving scientific fields or current events. Timeless philosophical concepts.
Q13. Consider the argument: "All successful entrepreneurs are risk-takers. Sarah is a successful entrepreneur. Therefore, Sarah is a risk-taker."

This argument is strengthened by providing a statistical analysis of successful entrepreneurs. This argument is weakened by challenging the premise that all successful entrepreneurs are risk-takers. This argument is deductively valid, meaning the conclusion logically follows from the premises, regardless of their truth. This argument is inductively strong, as the conclusion is likely true if the premises are true.
Q14. A time series graph shows a cyclical pattern in sales for a particular product. What is a critical interpretation of this pattern?

The product is experiencing random fluctuations. The sales are influenced by seasonal or recurring factors. The product is approaching the end of its life cycle. The company needs to diversify its product line immediately.
Q15. In assessing the validity of information during problem-solving, a critical thinker would actively seek:

Information that confirms their initial hypothesis. Sources that are easily accessible and widely publicized. Diverse perspectives and corroborating evidence from reputable sources. Arguments presented with the most persuasive rhetoric.
Q16. In a public policy debate, a critical thinker would:

Accept all arguments from their preferred political party. Dismiss opposing viewpoints without consideration. Examine the evidence, logical coherence, and potential consequences of different policies. Focus on emotional appeals rather than factual data.
Q17. Which of the following is a characteristic of creative thinkers?

Resistance to change Adaptability Avoiding new ideas Rigid problem-solving approach
Q18. Active listening involves:

Interrupting frequently Thinking about your response while the other person speaks Paying full attention and understanding the message Looking at your phone
Q19. Which type of reasoning starts with a theory or hypothesis and then tests it through observations?

A. Deductive reasoning B. Inductive reasoning C. Abductive reasoning D. None of the above
Q20. Which of the following is the *least* important consideration for a critical thinker when evaluating the strength of an analogy?

The degree of similarity between the compared entities. The relevance of the comparison to the conclusion being drawn. The number of superficial similarities, regardless of their significance. The presence of significant dissimilarities that undermine the comparison.

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