Enough evidence and missing information — Critical thinking for kids
One sour mango does not prove the whole box is sour. Good evidence checks many cases — or all of them. Thinkers also notice when a fact is missing: if 5 mangoes and a bag cost ₹270 together, you cannot find the price of one mango, because the bag’s price is not given. Saying “not enough information” is a smart answer, not a failure.
Enough facts, then decide — “one case is not proof; a missing fact means “can’t tell””
Not enough evidence: “One mango was sour, so all are sour.” Enough: “We checked all 40 mangoes; every one was ripe.”
Before you answer, check every fact you need is given. 7 rows with 9 in each → 7 × 9 = 63. “A box has 9 in each row” with no number of rows → not enough info.
Missing facts hide in words like “and a bag”, “older” (by how much?) and “a long film” (how long?).
Use it for: Word problems, surveys, science experiments, rumours about “everyone” and quick judgements.
Worked example: 🧩 Tara bought 5 mangoes and a bag for ₹270 in all. Each mango cost the same. What did one mango cost? → not enough info
The ₹270 also pays for the bag, and its price is not given.
So we cannot find the price of one mango.
Check: Try it: make up one word problem with all the facts and one with a fact missing; swap with a friend ✓
Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.
Right: 0 · Tried: 0
🏁 Lesson 9 test
20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.
🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the
🧩 Evidence Weigher badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 6 lessons of
Part 2 · Check the evidence. You can still take the test without signing in.
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