A
If we allow one online class, soon the whole university will be virtual and campuses will disappear.
Slippery slope
We’re discussing tuition increases, but have you seen how beautiful the new campus fountain is?
Red Herring
You can’t trust his argument about nutrition—he eats junk food.
Ad Hominem
I started drinking green smoothies, and the next week I got a promotion—those smoothies must work!
Post Hoc
This diet must be healthy because a famous actor recommends it.
Appeal to Authority
Person A: “I think universities should limit homework so students can maintain a healthy work–life balance.”
Person B: “So you’re saying students shouldn’t have to study or work hard at all.”
Straw Man
“Yes, phones are not allowed during exams, but I should be allowed to check mine because I study better with music.”
Special Pleading
“This professor is the best teacher because she teaches better than everyone else.”
Begging the question
“No scientist has proven that extraterrestrial life does not exist, so aliens must exist.”
Appeal to Ignorance
I’ve already spent three years in this major, so I have to finish it—even though I hate it.
Sunk Cost
“Everyone downloads movies illegally, so it’s fine if I do it too.”
Two wrongs make a right.
The sign says “fine for parking here,” so it’s fine if I park here.
Equivocation
“I met one rude tourist from that country, so people from that country are unfriendly.”
Hasty Generalization
Our team will definitely win. We all want them to.
Wishful Thinking
“This university must be the best in the country because it ranks #1 in student cafeteria satisfaction.”
Cherry Picking
Except for rare errors, small glitches, data breaches, privacy concerns, and occasional crashes, this app is flawless.
Overwhelming Exception
“You’re about to hear Maria’s opinion on campus policies, but she’s always complaining about everything.”
Poisoning the Well
“Either you delete social media completely or you’re addicted to your phone.”
False Dilemma
He supports environmental policies, so he must want everyone to stop driving cars forever.
Straw Man
“This phone must be the best on the market because several online reviewers gave it five stars.”
Cherry Picking
“I drank an energy drink before my presentation, and it went well. The energy drink made my presentation successful.”
Post Hoc
“Why are we talking about my late assignment? The real issue is that students already have too much stress.”
Red Herring
“I know everyone has to present today, but I shouldn’t have to because I get nervous speaking in front of people.”
Special Pleading
“Nobody has demonstrated that this app steals personal data, so it must protect user privacy.”
Appeal to Ignorance
“Two students in my group project didn’t work hard. Group projects never work.”
Hasty Generalization