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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. Which president is mentioned in the beginning of this chapter?

2. Paulos mentions which famous structure?

3. Which of the following is mentioned as being highly affected by lack of estimating skills?

4. What do people often use to rationalize things?

5. Paulos believes that elementary schools lack ______ in their curriculum?

Short Essay Questions

1. What other fallacies were contributed by Freud?

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

3. Who is used as Paulos' example of educated innumerates? What is the person known for in the scientific world?

4. How is it possible for people to ignore false outcomes in regards to probabilities?

5. How common is innumeracy? What is the opinion of the general population regarding the subject?

6. What is the discussion regarding the number of certainties involved in math?

7. What is Paulos' assertion regarding the principle of threes?

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

9. How does Paulos explain the famous monkey/Shakespeare probability example?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the existence of numerates versus innumerates. Which are you? Explain why you chose that answer. Do you think it is accurate? Why? What proof do you have that you are the one you have chosen? Create an analysis of your closest friends and family members. Are they numerate or innumerate? What do numerates have in common? What do innumerates have in common? What is your theory on the commonalities?

Essay Topic 2

What is the purpose of polling? How is it done? What missteps can cause a poll to be inaccurate? How can the issue be resolved? Give at least three examples of polls, methods, and why they are important.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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