Logical Fallacies Final

Which of the following is an example of a hasty generalization?

• I met two people from Italy, and they were both friendly. Therefore, all Italians must be friendly.

• The school should invest in more science labs because students are struggling with science subjects.

• My teacher said the sky is blue, so it must be true.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which of the following best illustrates the bandwagon fallacy?

• Everyone in my class has the latest smartphone, so I should get one too.

• If you keep eating fast food, you’re going to have serious health problems.

• I think it’s going to rain today because it looks cloudy.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Identify the red herring fallacy in the following statements:

• We shouldn’t worry about climate change right now. There are people who don’t even have enough food to eat.

• My parents are always nagging me to study more, but I do fine on my tests.

• If you don’t start saving money now, you won’t be able to afford a vacation.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which of the following statements is an appeal to authority?

• You shouldn’t drink so much soda because my doctor says it’s bad for your health.

• You should read more books because reading improves your vocabulary.

• We need to reduce pollution to save the environment.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.8

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which of the following examples shows a slippery slope fallacy?

• If we allow students to wear hats in school, soon they’ll be wearing pajamas and refusing to follow any dress code.

• People should recycle more because it helps the environment.

• My friend didn’t like that movie, so I probably won’t either.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which of the following contains an ad hominem attack?

• I don’t agree with that politician’s opinion because he’s a terrible person.

• That new restaurant in town is getting great reviews.

• Let’s work together to find a solution instead of arguing.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which of the following represents a hasty generalization?

• I failed the first math test, so I’m never going to pass math.

• If you work hard, you’ll get better results.

• She’s the smartest person I know, so she must be right about everything.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which statement best demonstrates the bandwagon fallacy?

• All my friends are going to the concert, so I have to go too.

• You should try a different study method if your grades aren’t improving.

• The fastest way to get to the mall is by taking the bus.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Identify the red herring fallacy in the following sentences:

• Why are we worried about school uniforms? We should be talking about how expensive college is.

• If you want to do well on the test, you need to study every day.

• That’s not true because I read a book that said the opposite.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which of the following is an appeal to authority?

• We should change the dress code because the principal said it’s outdated.

• I think we need to increase security at the school to keep students safe.

• My friends and I all believe this is the best course of action.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.8

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.8

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5