Download Critical Thinking Exam Past Papers
Q1: What is a Critical Thinking course about?
The Critical Thinking course (also sometimes listed as “Critical & Creative Thinking”, “Thinking Skills”, “Problem Solving & Reasoning”, etc.) trains students to examine assumptions, evaluate arguments, distinguish valid from invalid reasoning, assess evidence, draw inferences, and engage in reflective and logical thinking. For example, one past paper titled Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking (CCM 3113) includes questions on deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, fallacies, inference and Socratic questioning. exampapers.must.ac.ke It’s a foundational course across many disciplines—philosophy, education, business, humanities—because the skill of thinking well is universally valued.
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Q2: What are Past Papers for Critical Thinking?
Past papers are previous years’ exam question-papers from the Critical Thinking or Thinking Skills course at various institutions. For instance, one past paper from Kenyatta University (UCU 111: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving) shows questions like “Critical thinking is instrumental in effective problem solving…Using examples discuss this statement”. Scribd Another example is the UCU 103: Critical and Creative Thinking paper. ir.mksu.ac.ke+1 These past papers provide students with real exam questions, which help familiarise them with exam formats, recurring topics, and expected depth of response.
Q3: Why should students use Critical Thinking past papers?
Using past papers is one of the most effective revision strategies because:
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Exam structure familiarity: You learn how many questions, how they are phrased, what the time allocation is. For example, a CCM 3113 past paper states: “This examination consists of Three Sections … Section I: Short Answer, Section II: Long Answer … Section III: Multiple Choice”. exampapers.must.ac.ke
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Identification of recurring themes: Past papers reveal favourite topics like logical fallacies, reasoning types (deductive/inductive), inference, tools of analysis/evaluation.
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Skill practice under exam conditions: By attempting past papers under timed settings, you improve your ability to articulate arguments, evaluate reasoning, make inferences and structure answers.
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Self-diagnosis: Past papers help you see which topics you are weak in (for instance differentiating deduction vs induction) and allow targeted revision.
Q4: What topics commonly appear in Critical Thinking exams?
Based on the past papers and course outlines, the following topics appear frequently:
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Definitions and characteristics of critical thinking: e.g., What is critical thinking? What traits should a critical thinker have?
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Deductive reasoning vs inductive reasoning: Students are asked to define and differentiate these reasoning types. Eg. CCM 3113 asked: “Inductive reasoning … Deductive reasoning …” exampapers.must.ac.ke
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Inference and argument evaluation: How to derive valid conclusions from premises, how to evaluate arguments and identify weaknesses.
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Logical fallacies and errors in reasoning: A question in CCM 3113: “Giving clinical medicine perspective example, discuss any five types of fallacies.” exampapers.must.ac.ke
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Tools of analysis and tools of evaluation: The frameworks used in critical thinking (e.g., assumptions, implications, point of view) and standards of thinking such as clarity, accuracy, relevance.
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Creativity and critical thinking: Some courses integrate “creative thinking” sections—e.g., generating new ideas, thinking outside the box—alongside traditional critical thinking.
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Application to real scenarios: Students may apply critical thinking to contexts such as clinical settings (as in that CCM 3113 paper), education, or societal issues.
If you prioritise revision on these areas, you’ll cover the majority of recurring question-types.
Q5: How can students use past papers effectively for this course?
Here’s a practical strategy:
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Collect multiple past papers: For example from Kenyatta University (UCU 111/103), Mount Kenya University (Introduction to Critical Thinking) and others. Repositories show multiple entries. exambank.mmust.ac.ke+1
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Simulate exam conditions: Set the same time as an actual exam (e.g., 2 hours), attempt the paper without notes.
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After writing, review your answers: Check for completeness—did you define key terms, illustrate with examples, evaluate reasoning?
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Identify recurring topics: Notice which questions/topics keep coming up across years—e.g., fallacies, inference, reasoning types.
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Structure your answers well: Especially for long answer/essay type questions—introduce term, explain, give example, evaluate/critique, conclude.
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Discuss with peers or tutors: Reviewing your answers in a group can highlight alternative approaches and refine your reasoning.
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Use additional resources: Since critical thinking covers many contexts, supplement past paper practice with logic textbooks, reasoning exercises, or tests online (e.g. the “Test of Critical Thinking” sample) William & Mary School of Education
Q6: What should you keep in mind on exam day?
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Read instructions carefully: know how many questions to answer, whether there are compulsory parts.
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Start with the question you’re confident in—this builds momentum.
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Use examples: When asked about fallacies or reasoning types, illustrate with real-life or context-relevant examples (e.g., from news, school, etc.).
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Manage your time: allocate per question, leave a short revision window at the end.
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Be clear and structured: Use headings where allowed; show definitions, reasoning steps, and evaluation.
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Stay aware of context: Some questions may ask for application to fields like education, business, healthcare—adapt examples accordingly.
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Stay calm: Familiarity from past-paper practice helps reduce exam anxiety and improves clarity of thought.
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