Worked example
A proposal claims a new crossing reduced the mean wait time. Which evidence most directly tests that claim?
Answer & why
Answer: Comparable wait-time measurements before and after.
The claim concerns a measured change in waiting time.
Grade 9 · Social studies
Match civic claims with needed evidence
Distinguish measurable claims, value judgments and evidence relevant to an invented community proposal.
6 authored questions + worked example
Add to plan
All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
A survey about all park users is answered only by one evening sports club. What must be checked before generalizing?
- Whether sports clubs may have opinions.
- Whether the form has an attractive border.
- Whether every response uses a short sentence.
- Whether other users' needs are represented.
A hint
Find exactly what the claim says before deciding which evidence could test it.
Answer & why
Answer: Whether other users' needs are represented.
The recruited group may omit other users and visiting times.
Question 2
A plan says a route is 'best' without naming a goal. What clarification is most useful?
- Is the title the longest available?
- Can the word be printed larger?
- Best according to which criteria, such as time, cost or access?
- Can the plan omit every comparison?
A hint
Find exactly what the claim says before deciding which evidence could test it.
Answer & why
Answer: Best according to which criteria, such as time, cost or access?
A comparison needs a criterion before evidence can support it.
Question 3
A chart shows visits rose after a free event, while opening hours also increased. Which claim is cautious?
- The chart proves all visitors attended the event.
- Longer hours had no possible influence.
- The event alone caused every extra visit.
- Visits rose during a period with both changes.
A hint
Find exactly what the claim says before deciding which evidence could test it.
Answer & why
Answer: Visits rose during a period with both changes.
The chart does not isolate the effect of one simultaneous change.
Question 4
A proposal says a ramp should be tested with people who use mobility aids. What kind of relevant evidence could that add?
- Users' experience of the route's accessibility.
- A guarantee that every ramp design is identical.
- Proof that no maintenance is needed.
- The exact opinions of every future visitor.
A hint
Find exactly what the claim says before deciding which evidence could test it.
Answer & why
Answer: Users' experience of the route's accessibility.
Affected users can provide direct experience of the proposed route.
Question 5
A proposal claims a new crossing reduced the mean wait time. Which evidence most directly tests that claim?
- One person's favorite color.
- Comparable wait-time measurements before and after.
- The crossing's nickname.
- The sign's font size alone.
A hint
Find exactly what the claim says before deciding which evidence could test it.
Answer & why
Answer: Comparable wait-time measurements before and after.
The claim concerns a measured change in waiting time.
Question 6
Which statement is explicitly a preference rather than a count?
- The room has 12 chairs.
- I prefer a quiet reading corner.
- The survey contains 40 responses.
- The path is 200 meters long.
A hint
Find exactly what the claim says before deciding which evidence could test it.
Answer & why
Answer: I prefer a quiet reading corner.
The word prefer reports a value or choice, not a numerical measurement.