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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is often caused by childhood trauma?

2. Many people are numerate despite lack of:

3. Which is not one of the algorithms mentioned?

4. Which is taught in elementary schools?

5. The doctor was convinced about his:

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the story of the student, the professor, and UFOs.

2. What is another commonly overlooked skill in elementary math classes? Why is it an issue?

3. Why is estimation important? Who does it affect?

4. Why is the innumeracy in this case surprising to many?

5. If algorithms are taught in elementary school, why is it difficult for students to learn and use them?

6. What is Paulos' quote regarding innumeracy and pseudoscience?

7. What other fallacies were contributed by Freud?

8. What is the author's opinion of parapsychology as a pseudoscience?

9. Explain Paulos' example about Ronald Regan and the incorrect use of substitution values.

10. What is most frequently taught in elementary school math classes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paulos takes issue with the lack of proper focus on the skill of estimation. Examine Paulos' reasoning about the importance of estimation. In your eyes, is estimating an important skill? Explain. What can be gained by making estimations? How do you know when your sample group is large enough? Is it determined by the activity or question or are all sample groups the same size? What are the most common mistakes made when estimating? Can you prove the answer arrived upon is correct or incorrect? How? Create at least five examples of estimation as they might be found in every day situations.

Essay Topic 2

What is the common practice of teaching logic in elementary school? To what does Paulos compare the study of logic? Do you agree or disagree? How could logic be best employed in the classroom? How does it apply to every day life? How might one make the study of logic fun? How did you learn about logic?

Essay Topic 3

Paulos uses several famous doctors and scientists to prove his points regarding probabilities and coincidences. Explain Paulos' comments and reasoning. Which topics are addressed? What is the difference between probability, coincidence, irony, and synchronicity? Explain each and compare and contrast.

(see the answer keys)

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