C168 Critical Thinking Study Guide (2026/2027) | WGU Complete Exam Review & Assessment Prep

Question 1: Anatomy of Arguments

Identify the conclusion in the following passage:

"Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. Therefore, widespread adoption of electric
vehicles will significantly reduce urban air pollution and improve public health."

• A. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions.
• B. Therefore, widespread adoption of electric vehicles will significantly reduce urban air
pollution and improve public health.
• C. Urban air pollution causes respiratory disease.
• D. Public health cannot be improved without electric vehicles.

Correct Answer: B. Therefore, widespread adoption of electric vehicles will significantly
reduce urban air pollution and improve public health.

Rationale: The indicator word "Therefore" precedes the main claim being defended, which is
the conclusion. The premise supporting it is that electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe
emissions.

Question 2: Deductive Logic & Soundness

A deductive argument has true premises and a conclusion that necessarily follows from them.
How is this argument classified?

• A. Valid and Sound
• B. Strong and Cogent
• C. Inductive and Cogent
• D. Invalid and Unsound

Correct Answer: A. Valid and Sound

Rationale: A deductive argument with structural validity and true actual premises is defined as a
sound argument.

Question 3: Logical Fallacies

A political candidate states during a debate: "My opponent wants to reduce military defense
spending by 5%. Obviously, my opponent wants our country to be completely defenseless and
exposed to immediate terrorist invasion." Which logical fallacy is being committed?

• A. Ad Hominem
• B. Straw Man
• C. False Dilemma
• D. Appeal to Pity

,Correct Answer: B. Straw Man

Rationale: The speaker distorts and exaggerates a modest proposal (5% spending reduction) into
an extreme, unreasonable position (total defenselessness) to make it easier to attack.

Question 4: Cognitive Biases

An investor refuses to sell a failing stock because they focus heavily on the original high price
they paid for it years ago, ignoring current market realities. Which cognitive bias is influencing
this decision?

• A. Confirmation Bias
• B. Availability Heuristic
• C. Anchoring Bias
• D. Framing Effect

Correct Answer: C. Anchoring Bias

Rationale: Anchoring occurs when an individual relies too heavily on an initial piece of
information (the original purchase price) when making subsequent judgments.

Question 5: Evaluating Sources

When applying the CRAAP test to evaluate an online health article, checking whether the author
holds an advanced medical degree and is affiliated with a reputable university addresses which
criterion?

• A. Currency
• B. Relevance
• C. Authority
• D. Purpose

Correct Answer: C. Authority

Rationale: Authority evaluates the credentials, expertise, and organizational affiliation of the
author or publisher to ensure credible attribution.

Question 6

Which Element of Thought is represented when a thinker identifies the underlying goal,
objective, or desired outcome of their reasoning?

• A. Information
• B. Purpose
• C. Implication
• D. Point of View

,Correct Answer: B. Purpose

Rationale: Purpose refers to the goal, object, or desired outcome behind any reasoning process.
Critical thinkers regularly clarify their purpose to stay focused.

Question 7

Asking the question, "How can we test or verify whether that statement is actually true?"
evaluates which Universal Intellectual Standard?

• A. Depth
• B. Accuracy
• C. Precision
• D. Logic

Correct Answer: B. Accuracy

Rationale: Accuracy assesses whether a statement is free from errors, mistakes, or distortions,
and whether it can be verified as true.

Question 8

A statement can be clear and accurate, but lack sufficient detail to address the specifics of a
problem. Which Universal Intellectual Standard is missing?

• A. Relevance
• B. Precision
• C. Breadth
• D. Fairness

Correct Answer: B. Precision

Rationale: Precision requires giving exact details, specific numbers, or concrete specifics rather
than vague or general statements.

Question 9

Which Universal Intellectual Standard is directly tested by asking, "How does that detail connect
to the main question or issue under discussion?"

• A. Relevance
• B. Clarity
• C. Fairness
• D. Logic

Correct Answer: A. Relevance

, Rationale: Relevance ensures that thoughts, facts, or evidence bear directly upon the specific
issue or problem being analyzed.

Question 10

When an argument addresses complex intricacies and multiple underlying causes of a problem
rather than offering a superficial solution, it exhibits which standard?

• A. Breadth
• B. Depth
• C. Clarity
• D. Precision

Correct Answer: B. Depth

Rationale: Depth requires dealing with complexities, underlying factors, and difficult nuances
rather than treating an issue superficially.

Question 11

An investigator considers perspective from competing political parties, different socio-economic
groups, and opposing scientific theories before drawing a conclusion. Which standard is being
demonstrated?

• A. Precision
• B. Breadth
• C. Accuracy
• D. Relevance

Correct Answer: B. Breadth

Rationale: Breadth requires taking into consideration multiple viewpoints, perspectives, or
alternative ways of looking at a problem.

Question 12

When all parts of an argument fit together harmoniously without mutual contradictions or logical
flaws, the reasoning satisfies which standard?

• A. Logic
• B. Depth
• C. Clarity
• D. Precision

Correct Answer: A. Logic