Mid Term

Midterm Exam

• Access the Week Four Electronic Reserve Readings located under the materials section of the student website.

• Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

• Write a paragraph of approximately 100 words for each of the following questions.

1. Using the critical thinking skills you have gained and the materials provided for this assignment, identify two possible strategies that Thomas Hutchinson or Samuel Adams, or both, likely used to develop and improve his thinking prior to taking a stand and acting according to his beliefs.

Observation is one of the strategies that both Samuel Adams and Thomas Hutchinson used. Both familiarized themselves with the problems, and made sure the smallest details of the problems were not overlooked. Both Thomas Hutchinson and Samuel Adams faced criticism, they did not let their emotions get to them and were able to be think critically. Another strategy that Samuel Adams and Thomas Hutchinson used was to visualize the solutions, they were able to recognize the opportunity in controversy by exploring new perspectives. Thomas Hutchinson and Samuel were able to weigh the pros and cons of the issue before they made their final decision. This critical thinking allowed them to force uncommon ideas which led them to the decision each of them ultimately made.

2. Explain the importance of building a foundation for critical and creative thinking when evaluating historical events such as the Boston Tea Party.

3. Explain the basis of the moral judgments made by Samuel Adams and Thomas Hutchinson.

4. What steps do you think Samuel Adams and Thomas Hutchinson took toward becoming individuals and which steps ultimately made them such important historical figures?

5. In this class, we have discussed common habits that hinder critical thinking. Which of these habits may have been a factor in how Samuel Adams and Thomas Hutchinson viewed the issues that led to the Boston Tea Party? How could they have overcome...