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MEDIUM Sept 21~22

Think for yourself
Don't just accept what others tell!

Part1

Part2

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Imagine a stranger approaches you one day and says: “I can make you rich if you do what I say.” Would you immediately follow his instructions, or start asking questions? Most likely, you would request some evidence from the stranger to prove his claims. By asking questions, you’re using a skill called “critical thinking.”
Critical thinking refers to a special technique that helps you evaluate and judge information. With this skill, you can form your own opinions and make your own decisions. In short, you can think for yourself.
Living in the information age, we receive all kind of information every day. Some comes from people or sources we know and trust. But much of it comes from less credible sources—Web sites, advertisements, television. Critical thinking helps us determine whether this information is reliable or not.
Let’s use an example to illustrate critical thinking. Imagine you’re deciding whether to further your education or not. On a college Web site, you read: “The higher your education, the more likely you will be to succeed.” How would a critical thinker react to this statement?


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Gather more information
First, ask questions. Asking question doesn’t mean you disagree with the statement. It simply means you’re curious. You want to learn more.
You could ask questions like: “Do any studies prove education increases a person’s likelihood for success? What other things help people attain success? What is success, after all?
Next, go and look for answers. By gathering information, you could learn the reasons why education leads to success. Or you might discover that other factors lead to success. This kind of information will help you make a better decision.
Get other perspectives
A critical thinker also considers an issue from different perspectives. Getting different perspectives on an issue can open your mind to new way of thinking. For example, you could ask different people how they become successful. Hearing others’ opinions may cause your own to change. Or become even more solid.
Also, ask yourself why you hold a certain opinion. You might discover personal biases. Everybody had biases. They come from one’s culture, background and experiences. Knowing about them can help you understand your opinions, and the opinions of others.

Word bank
Evaluate (v) 评估
Mr. Smith evaluates his students’ improvement over the semester to decide their grades.
In short (idiom) 简而言之
Tea has little caffeine and many health benefits. In short, drinking tea is good for you.
Credible (adj.)可信的；可靠的
I didn’t believe his story. It wasn’t very credible.
Illustrate (v) 说明；阐明
Miss Ebert showed us a drawing to illustrate how water travels from one place to another.
Likelihood (n) 可能性
There is little likelihood that Dennis will go to college. He doesn’t like to study.
Attain (v) 达到；获得
Peter’s hard work helped him to attain the highest grade in class.
Solid (adj.) 坚定的
Ben had some solid opinions on the matter. You won’t change his mind easily.
Bias (n) 偏见
I think this newspaper has a bias against the current government.

Talk about it:

1.By asking questions, you’re using a skill called “critical thinking.”
介系词by有多种不同的用法和意义，本句中是“通过……方法”的意义，所以by asking questions可以译成：“通过发问”。要提醒您一点，介系词by后面若是个动作，一定要用董名词ing的形式！当你要描述“通过……达成了某种目的”。
1. By walking to work, you not only get to exercise but protect the environment.
2. By having an part-time evening job, John was able to study and work at the same time.
翻译：
1． 通过缝制自己的婚纱，Kathy 省了好多钱。
2． 通过及早完成他的学业，Don总会有一些空闲时间。

2.What are some ways critical thinking could help you in your life?

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