Answer to Question 1
Taking the example of fracking under residential real estate, as a strong critical thinker, one would first want to know more about this petroleum extraction method. Questions such as What is known about the environmental risks of the chemicals involved in the fracking processes? or What exactly is involved in establishing a new drill site in my community? can be asked to promote interpretation. Questions such as What are the statistics on the frequency and severity of the accidents and safety violations associated with shale gas drilling? can be asked to promote inference. Perhaps questions such as If our community were to permit fracking, what would be the economic impact of that decision, and for whom, and how long would we have to wait before seeing those benefits? can be asked to promote evaluation. Or Do my past statements in support of alternative energy policies, or my financial interests in residential real estate, or my fears for the health and safety of myself and my family bias my review of the information about shale gas drilling? can be asked to exercise our judiciousness habit of mind and our self-regulation skills.
Answer to Question 2
Both categories focus on how well a person or group
Accurately interprets evidence, statements, graphics, questions, and so on.
Offers analyses and evaluations of obvious alternative points of view.
Draws warranted, judicious, non-fallacious conclusions.
Justifies some results or procedures, explains reasons.
Fair-mindedly follows where evidence and reasons lead.
Environemental Issues
Most of the world’s remaining gorillas are western lowland gorillas.
The world’s longest glass-bottomed bridge
Adults around the world living with HIV in 2009
The inequality of per capita emissions between the developed world and the developing world
Dry Shrublands and Woodlands on the world map