Definitions
Common Logical Fallacies
More Common
Logical Fallacies
Common Rhetorical Devices
Misc.
100

A figure of speech in which words are used in
such a way that their intended meaning is different
from the actual meaning of the words.

What is Irony

100

Words that will make you feel strongly
about someone or something

What is Loaded Words

100

The assumption that because two things are alike in some respects, they are alike in others. It is setting up a false comparison in an attempt to prove a point

What is a False Analogy

100

Expressing the same idea using different words

What is Restatement

100

Partway through the argument, the arguer goes off on a side issue that distracts the audience from whats really at stake.

What is Red Herring

200

An exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis

What is Hyperbole

200

A statement suggesting that everyone is using a specific product, so you should, too!

What is Bandwagon

200

an advertising and persuasive technique that targets consumers' desires to be superior by suggesting that a product or service is associated with luxury, exclusivity, or high social standing.

What is Snob Appeal

200

Questions asked for effect rather than answers.

What is Rhetorical Questions

200

Similar grammatical structures expressing related ideas

What is Parallelism

300

A figure of speech in which the writer intentionally
downplays or minimizes the significance or intensity of a situation

What is Understatement

300

The suggestion that only two alternatives exist when in
fact there are more.

What is False Dilemma

300

Words that “glitter” but give no
details about the product.

What is Glittering Generalities

300

Short, catchy phrases

What is Slogans and Saws

300

Falsely accusing that one thing will lead to another.

What is Slippery Slope.

400

A logical fallacy in which the writer, instead of applying
evidence simply restates the point in other language.

What is Circular reasoning, Begging the Question, or Unsupported Assertion

400

An attack on the person proposing an argument rather
than on the argument itself.

What is Ad hominem.

400

The assumption that because one event follows another, the first is the cause of the second.

What is Post Hoc

400

Drawing a comparison that shows a similarity between two unlike things

What is Analogy

400

A word or phrase that mimics the sound it describes (e.g. Wam, Pow, Boom!)

What is Onomatopoeia

500

The fallacy is committed whenever the proponent of an argument attempts to persuade the audience to accept the conclusion... by predicting (or causing) unpleasant consequences if it is not accepted.

What is Appeal to Fear (Ad Baculum)

500

When the speaker/writer/company attempts to appear
relatable to the audience to prove that the
argument/product is for people “just like you.”

What is Plain Folks

500

A generalization based on insufficient or unrepresented evidence DOUBLE JEOPARDY (Double points given and taken)

What is Hasty Generalization

500

The reuse of a key word or idea for emphasis

What is Repetition

500

juxtaposition of strongly contrasting words,
images, or ideas

What is Antithesis

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