, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1: SHORT QUESTIONS
1.1 Describe briefly what critical reasoning is. [3 to 4 sentences]
Critical reasoning is the ability to actively and skilfully conceptualise, analyse, and question ideas
and beliefs (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 10). It is an active, reflective, and informed form of thinking
that involves deliberately questioning, analysing, and evaluating ideas based on reasons or evidence
that support them (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 10). Furthermore, it is the opposite of dogma, as it
encourages one to think for oneself by challenging authority and unquestioned beliefs (PLS2601,
Study Guide. p. 10).
1.2 Identify the type of writings used in these passages (simply state them)
1.2.1 The feast of the New Yam was held every year before the harvest began, to honor the earth
goddess and the ancestral spirits of the clan. New yams could not be eaten until some had first
been offered to these powers. Men and women, young and old looked forward to the New Yam
festival because it began the season of plenty - the new year. On the last night before the festival
yams of the old year were all disposed of by those who still had them. The new year must begin
with tasty fresh yams and not the shriveled and fibrous crop of the previous year. All cooking
pots calabashes and wooden bowls were thoroughly washed especially the wooden mortar in
which yam was pounded (Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe)
Narrative writing (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 20)
1.2.2 In order to combat rhino poaching, rhino dehorning has been proposed as a possible
solution. Rhino dehorning removes the horn of the rhino, thereby removing the reason why
rhinos are poached in the first place. It is definitely not an ideal solution, but at this stage, it is
the best option to protect these rhinos from poaching.
Argumentative writing (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 21)
1.3 Identify the premise indicators in each of the following arguments below (simply state them).
1.3.1 Accordingly, the Food and Drug Administration should stop cigarette sales immediately.
After all, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death.
After all (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 31)
1.3.2 “Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, and
borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.” (Polonius in Hamlet)
For (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 31)
QUESTION 1: SHORT QUESTIONS
1.1 Describe briefly what critical reasoning is. [3 to 4 sentences]
Critical reasoning is the ability to actively and skilfully conceptualise, analyse, and question ideas
and beliefs (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 10). It is an active, reflective, and informed form of thinking
that involves deliberately questioning, analysing, and evaluating ideas based on reasons or evidence
that support them (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 10). Furthermore, it is the opposite of dogma, as it
encourages one to think for oneself by challenging authority and unquestioned beliefs (PLS2601,
Study Guide. p. 10).
1.2 Identify the type of writings used in these passages (simply state them)
1.2.1 The feast of the New Yam was held every year before the harvest began, to honor the earth
goddess and the ancestral spirits of the clan. New yams could not be eaten until some had first
been offered to these powers. Men and women, young and old looked forward to the New Yam
festival because it began the season of plenty - the new year. On the last night before the festival
yams of the old year were all disposed of by those who still had them. The new year must begin
with tasty fresh yams and not the shriveled and fibrous crop of the previous year. All cooking
pots calabashes and wooden bowls were thoroughly washed especially the wooden mortar in
which yam was pounded (Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe)
Narrative writing (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 20)
1.2.2 In order to combat rhino poaching, rhino dehorning has been proposed as a possible
solution. Rhino dehorning removes the horn of the rhino, thereby removing the reason why
rhinos are poached in the first place. It is definitely not an ideal solution, but at this stage, it is
the best option to protect these rhinos from poaching.
Argumentative writing (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 21)
1.3 Identify the premise indicators in each of the following arguments below (simply state them).
1.3.1 Accordingly, the Food and Drug Administration should stop cigarette sales immediately.
After all, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death.
After all (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 31)
1.3.2 “Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, and
borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.” (Polonius in Hamlet)
For (PLS2601, Study Guide. p. 31)
