Answer Key
783
Skill A
Practice 1
01
Step 1
Correlation Studies: determine RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
two variables
- researcher doesn’t MANIPULATE variables
- researchers MEASURE RATE at which variables change
naturally
Relationship types:
- Y increases when X increases: POSITIVE CORRELATION
- Y decreases when X increases: NEGATIVE CORRELATION
- sometimes, a CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP can be inferred
Step 2
Main point: Correlation does NOT IMPLY causation
- cannot be certain because investigators don’t
MANIPULATE VARIABLES
- also, a THIRD VARIABLE may be affecting the
correlation
ex. Eating ice cream and drowning have a
POSITIVE CORRELATION
- but a third variable is HOT WEATHER
- Correlations can SUGGEST causal relationships,
but more RESEARCH is needed to prove it
ex. A positive correlation between smoking
and CANCER led to further research that
proved a CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP
Step 3
Reading:

VARIABLE causing both to change. To demonstrate, the
lecturer states that there is a positive correlation between
ice cream consumption and DROWNING. A POSITIVE
correlation means that as one variable increases, so does
the other. So, in this example, as ice cream consumption
increases, the rate of drowning INCREASES as well. It is
a FALLACY, though, to interpret these findings as indicating
that ice cream consumption causes drowning. In
this case, there is a third variable that is affecting both
---
the WEATHER.
Sometimes, it is ACCEPTABLE to infer from a correlation
study that one variable affects the other, such as in the
example in the reading of increased study time being
correlated to HIGHER GRADES. It is very important,
nonetheless, that one is careful to consider which
VARIABLE affects which, and that there is not a THIRD
VARIABLE affecting changes in both variables.
Practice 2
02History
Step 1
Issue: - Historical REVISIONISM: A re-EXAMINATION
of historical facts
Writing
Chapter
1
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Answer Key
Purpose: - Corrects historical IMBALANCES

that favors the powerful.
- Supporting Idea: This helps correct existing imbalances
in historical narratives.
Lecture:
- Main Idea: Revisionism is now often regarded in a
negative light.
- Supporting Idea: Non-experts often present
badly researched work as fact.
- Supporting Idea: Such work often reveals a political
or ideological bias.
Step 4
In the reading, historical revisionism is presented in a
POSITIVE light. The writer explains that revisionism is
an attempt to correct IMBALANCES in biased versions
of the past that EXCLUDE certain groups. The writer
gives the example of the INDIGENOUS Americans that
are ignored when historical texts refer to Columbus as
having “discovered” America. The writer believes that
REVISIONISM is necessary because as societies change,
so do the power structures that govern them. Revisionism
allows historians to include NEW information and
re-examine the way history is written, so that it is told not
exclusively from the perspective of the elite, POWERFUL
ruling groups in a society.
The speaker warns us that there is a particular kind of
historical revisionism that is very dangerous and negative.
This form of revisionism is often practiced by individuals
with no real SCIENTIFIC training or expertise. These
self-proclaimed revisionists make use of CONSIPIRACY
theories and logical FALLACIES in their ill-researched

doubt
- Theory, therefore, remains HYPOTHESIS
EKPYROTIC scenario argues two parallel MEMBRANES
of matter COLLIDED
- Supported by same EMPIRICAL data as Big Bang
Conclusion:
- Await new INFORMATION via technological
advances
Step 3
Reading:
- Main Idea: The Big Bang theory states that the Universe
was created when an atom exploded.
- Supporting Idea: Evidence of expanding universe
supports this.
- Supporting Idea: Discovery of cosmic radiation
supports this.
Lecture:
- Main Idea: There are theoretical holes in the Big Bang
theory.
- Supporting Idea: The evidence is vague and also
supports other theories.
- Supporting Idea: The Big Bang theory has never been
proven.
Step 4
The reading explains that there is a POPULAR and
dominant theory about how the UNIVERSE came into
existence. It is called the Big BANG theory. This theory
argues that the explosion of a primeval ATOM, BILLIONS
of years ago, caused all light, matter, and ENERGY to
form. The reading informs us that the Big Bang theory

Step 2
Key Issue:
- Shakespeare AUTHORSHIP debate: Some
SCHOLARS believe Edward De Vere wrote
Shakespeare
Argument for Shakespeare:
- Little genuine SUPPORTABLE evidence for Earl
of OXFORD
- It is SKETCHY, poorly-RESEARCHED conspiracy
theory
- Plays not considered SERIOUS literature: reason
for no name on play texts
- Numerous EXTANT documents refer to
Shakespeare as actor and playwright
- Why would his contemporaries help nobleman?
No MOTIVATION
Conclusion:
- SHAKESPEARE wrote the plays
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Step 3
Reading:
- Main Idea: Oxford wrote Shakespeare’s plays under a
pseudonym.
- Supporting Idea: Shakespeare had no classical
education and was unfamiliar with aristocratic
manners and sports.
- Supporting Idea: Little documentation proves
Shakespeare worked as an actor.

Shakespeare’s CONTEMPORARIES had no reason to
help an aristocrat like Oxford hide his true identity and
that, therefore, Shakespeare did write his own plays.
He thinks the theory about Oxford is a CONSIPIRACY
theory.
Skill B
Practice 1
Step 1
Main idea: One serious problem facing modern children
is a lack of sleep.
Step 2
A. 1 B. 1
C. Sample answer: Receiving an inadequate amount
of sleep is a serious problem for children today.
Step 3
Main idea: - sleep deprivation is ONE FACTOR in
poor academic performance, but not
the ONLY FACTOR
Other important factors:
- NOURISHMENT (ex. breakfast)
important factor
- CLOTHING such as warm coats and
shoes
- home life; ex. FIGHTING between
parents
Recommendation:
- Educators must CONSIDER other
variables before PRESCRIBING more
sleep to students with LOW GRADES
Step 4

healthy diet, suitable clothing, and a happy life at
home.
Practice 2
Step 1
Main idea: An examination of history shows that
non-violent means have not been as effective as
violent means.
Step 2
A. 1 B. 1
C. Sample answer: It can be seen from history that
violence is an effective tool of social change.
Step 3
Key forms of non-violence are:
Civil Disobedience:
- INDIVIDUAL and government DON’T SUPPORT
each other
- principle of “INDEPENDENCE” is the driving idea
- provides the MORAL advantage of being RIGHT
Passive Resistance:
- PEACEFULLY break the law
- must expect to be ATTACKED by AUTHORITIES
- should quietly RESIST without RETALIATION
Step 4
A. Principle of independence is the driving idea.
synonyms: - principle --- concept, rule
- independence --- self-reliance,
self-sufficiency
paraphrase: - The concept of self-reliance is the
main point.
B. Should quietly resist without retaliation.

C. Sample answer: Some theories on alternative
biochemistry contend that abnormal conditions
could be home to non-carbon-based life forms.
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