Assignment: Vague Statements
1. For this assignment, you will apply critical thinking to avoid the use of vague statements.
Review Ch. 3, "Clear Thinking, Critical Thinking, and Clear Writing," of Critical Thinking (12th ed.).
Part 1
Complete the Vague Statements Worksheet.
Vague Statements Worksheet
**Read and highlight whether each statement is vague or if clarity in language is present. If the statement is vague, rewrite the statement so it is clear. **
1. Advertisement: "The Aquaclear water filter-it really will improve the taste and odor of your water."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present.
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
2. Property owner, showing his property to a potential buyer: "The lot extends back to about where that large oak tree stands."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
3. "Renaissance music simply lulls me to sleep."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite is so it is clear.
4. "It seems clear that within the next ten years, they'll have produced a machine that can really think."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
5. "The president has determined that tax reform will be his first priority during his second term in office."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
6. "Watch out for the boss; he's grumpy today."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
7. Doctor: "The arrhythmia you are experiencing indicates you should lay off jogging for a while."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
8. "Well, let's see. To get to the Woodward Mall, go down this street a couple of blocks and then turn right. Go through several stoplights, turn left, and go just a short way. You can't miss it."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
9. Said at a party: "What did I think of the concert? I thought it was pretty good. You should have been there."
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
10. During his first news conference of the year, the president said today that his administration was going to crack down even harder on international terrorism.
Choose your answer: vague or clarity in language is present
If the statement is vague, rewrite it so it is clear.
Part 2 - Review job boards, such as, but not limited to, Indeed®, Monster®, the Ladders®, etc., for job postings in your chosen field.
• Copy and paste five current job descriptions into a Microsoft® Word document.
• Identify vague statements in each job description by highlighting them with the highlighter tool in Word.
• Rewrite the vague statements so there is greater clarity.
• For example (not to be included as part of your assignment):
Job Description:
Position will provide leadership and development to the entire team at XYZ Company to promote an environment of service excellence. Will have overall responsibility for facilitating, coordinating, and supporting learning programs to include Service Excellence 365, New Hire Employee Orientation; Management Orientation, and departmental specific skills and knowledge.
In addition to facilitating existing curriculum, the position will create new and innovative learning curriculum.
Note: The italicized portion is considered vague.
Rewritten sentence:
Position will have overall responsibility for facilitating, coordinating, and supporting learning programs to include Service Excellence 365, New Hire Employee Orientation, Management Orientation, and departmental specific skills that will develop new hires and current employees to be knowledgeable about XYZ Company. This position will also provide ongoing training to employees on a quarterly basis.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.