Critical Thinking & Analysis
30m: Activity
Solo: 10m
Each team chooses one real-world but controversial current event or narrative from the list below. Your job is to analyze the story critically—either to support or dismantle its validity using the four strategies.
Sample Stories to Choose From:
“AI will eliminate 40% of jobs in the next decade.”
“A new social media app is causing a rise in teen anxiety.”
“Universal basic income will destroy motivation to work.”
“Climate change can still be reversed if we act now.”
“Crypto is dead and will never recover.”
“Banning TikTok is necessary for national security.”
“Remote work is killing company culture.”
“Fast fashion is the biggest environmental threat today.”
“Billionaires should fund all global aid efforts.”
“We’re living in a simulation—and science may prove it.”
Small Group: 10m
Each team applies the four critical thinking strategies to analyze their story. Their goal: build a 2-minute Truth Brief that defends or debunks the claim based on evidence, reasoning, and perspective.
Apply the Strategies:
Slow Down the Snap Judgment
What’s your first reaction—and what might be fueling it?
What do you need to pause and investigate?
Use the Ladder of Inference
What assumptions is this story built on?
What facts are missing or misused?
What other interpretations exist?
Break the Problem Into Parts
Dissect the issue using an “issue tree” or logic breakdown.
Where are the weak points in logic? What holds up under pressure?
Involve Smart Contrarians
Take on the other side’s perspective. Challenge your stance.
What does the opposing argument get right?
Build a brief that includes:
A clear position (support or challenge)
2–3 facts or insights
One opposing view you considered
A final conclusion and why it matters
Debrief: 10m
How did applying the strategies change your thinking—or shift your original opinion?
Where in your real life or work could you apply this level of analysis to improve decisions?
What is one key takeaway from this hour you can apply right now?