Rhetorical Devices and Logical Fallacies, part 1

Which of the following is an example of Circular Reasoning (repeating the same information)?

• "The weather is cold because it's winter."

• "We should trust him because he is trustworthy."

• "The cake is sweet because it has sugar."

Identify the Red Herring (shifting attention) fallacy in the following options:

• "The sky is blue because of the ocean."

• "He is a great leader because he is tall."

• "We should not worry about the environment because there are more important issues like the economy."

Which statement is an example of an Appeal to Authority fallacy (cited authority is irrelevant to the topic)?

• "You should eat this cereal because a famous athlete endorses it."

• "Water boils at 100°C because of scientific principles."

• "The car is fast because it has a powerful engine."

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

What is a False Dilemma fallacy (claiming only 2 extreme sides)?

• Assuming that because one event follows another, the first caused the second.

• Distracting from the main issue with irrelevant information.

• Using an authority figure to support an argument.

• Presenting two options as the only possibilities when more exist.

Which of the following is an example of a Causal Fallacy (unprovable cause and effect)?

• "The sun rises in the east because it always has."

• "I wore my lucky socks, and we won the game."

• "The plant grew because it was watered."

• "He is a good student because he studies hard."

What is Direct Address in writing?

• Speaking directly to the reader or audience.

• Comparing two different things.

• Asking a question without expecting an answer.

• Using logic to persuade.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Which of the following is an example of Juxtaposition (comparing and contrasting two contrasting things)?

• "The cat is sitting comfortably on the mat."

• "He is tall and strong because everyone in his family is big."

• "Her laughter filled the room, while outside, the storm raged on."

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

What is a Rhetorical Question?

• A question with an obvious answer, asked to make a point.

• A question that requires a detailed answer.

• A question that is answered immediately.

• A question that is irrelevant to the topic.

Which of the following is an example of Pathos (Appeal to Emotion)?

• "If you care about the safety of your family, you will buy this product."

• "The data shows a 20% increase in sales."

• "The doctor said this is the best method to help lower blood pressure."

• "The equation is solved by using the formula."

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What is Logos (Appeal to Logic)?

• Using emotions to persuade the audience.

• Using a famous person to endorse a product.

• Using an entertaining story to illustrate a point.

• Using facts and evidence to support an argument.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5