Smash, Boom, Best: State of Debate

Smash, Boom, Best

State of Debate: Tips and Logical Fallacies

How to Build a Strong Argument

A strong argument is made up of many different elements. Here are three important things to include in your next debate:

Using Facts to Build a Strong Argument

Facts - Well-cited facts and figures are an essential part of every strong argument.

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Write an example of using FACTS to build a strong argument

Using Expert Opinions to Build a Strong Argument

Expert Opinions - Including expert witnesses gives your argument credibility.

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Write an example of using EXPERT OPINIONS to build a strong argument

Using an Emotional Hook to Build a Strong Argument

Emotional Hook - Appeals to your audience’s empathy makes your argument more persuasive.

How to Spot a Logical Fallacy

Logical fallacies are common mistakes people make when debating. At first glance, they might seem persuasive, but they actually make arguments weaker and easier to pull apart. There are many different types of logical fallacies. We explore the following five:

How to Spot an Ad Hominem Fallacy

Ad hominem – Making a personal attack on your opponent, rather than addressing the topic of debate directly. This doesn’t work because the attack isn’t actually about the topic at hand. Plus it’s not nice.

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Write an example of using an AD HOMINEM to build a strong argument

How to Spot a Straw Man Fallacy

Straw man fallacy – Misrepresenting or exaggerating your opponent's argument, making it easier to attack. This makes it easy for your opponent to point out that your argument is just an exaggeration, not based in reality.

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Write an example of using a STRAW MAN FALLACY

How to Spot a Bandwagon Effect Fallacy

Bandwagon effect – Assuming an argument must be true just because it’s popular. Popular opinion can be based on bad information leaving these arguments open to attack.

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Write an example of using a BANDWAGON EFFECT fallacy

How to Spot a Slippery Slope Fallacy

Slippery slope – Assuming a relatively insignificant action or event will lead to a very significant outcome. This doesn’t work because it exaggerates possible outcomes.

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Write an example of using a SLIPPERY SLOPE fallacy

How to Spot a Hasty Generalization Fallacy

Hasty Generalization – Making bold, generalized claims about a group or phenomenon based on insufficient evidence. A skilled debater can poke holes in these arguments by pointing out that they aren’t based in fact..

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Write an example of using a HASTY GENERALIZATION fallacy

How to Spot a Red Herring Fallacy

Red herring – Changing the subject mid-debate to a topic that’s easier to attack. This is a sign that a person doesn’t have any good points to make, so they want to argue about something else instead.

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Write an example of using a RED HERRING fallacy