Understanding the Strawman Argument

What is the strawman argument classified as?

• A rhetorical device

• A scientific theory

• An informal fallacy

• A formal logical fallacy

What is a key characteristic of a strawman argument?

• It supports the opponent's argument

• It ignores the opponent's argument

• It attacks a distorted version of the opponent's argument

• It accurately represents the opponent's argument

In the political example given, how did Politician A use a strawman argument?

• By ignoring Politician B's statement

• By taking Politician B's words out of context

• By quoting Politician B accurately

• By agreeing with Politician B

How did the speaker's son use a strawman argument?

• By agreeing with the speaker's concerns

• By exaggerating the speaker's position

• By ignoring the speaker's argument

• By addressing the speaker's specific reasons

What was the exaggerated point in the healthcare debate example?

• That healthcare is not important

• That private companies should control healthcare

• That healthcare should be free for everyone

• That the government should decide all healthcare choices

How do advertisers use strawman arguments?

• By ignoring competitors

• By exaggerating competitors' shortcomings

• By accurately representing competitors

• By supporting competitors

What was the main point of Wendy's commercial using a strawman argument?

• To accurately compare burger sizes

• To exaggerate the size of competitors' buns

• To ignore competitors' products

• To show the actual size of their burgers

Why is it important to avoid using strawman arguments?

• They strengthen your credibility

• They undermine your credibility

• They are always accurate

• They are easy to refute

What should you do when you recognize a strawman argument?

• Support it

• Ignore it

• Call it out

• Agree with it

What is the ultimate problem with strawman arguments?

• They are always successful

• They argue against a fictional point

• They are difficult to refute

• They reflect reality