Reasoning
You notice the bell rings at 2:30 every day this week, so you predict it will ring at 2:30 tomorrow too.
Inductive Reasoning
An ad shows a veterinarian explaining why a certain dog food is healthy for pets.
Ethos (Trust/Credibility)
This author’s purpose is used when a text explains facts, gives definitions, or teaches the reader about a topic like volcanoes or ancient Egypt.
Inform
This point of view uses words like I, me, and my and limits the reader to what the narrator personally experiences.
1st Person POV
Instead of addressing an argument, this fallacy attacks the person making the claim.
Ad Hominem
All mammals are warm-blooded. A dolphin is a mammal. Therefore, a dolphin is warm-blooded.
Deductive Reasoning
A speech describes families struggling after a natural disaster to make the audience feel sympathy and concern.
Pathos (Emotion)
If a commercial tries to convince you to buy a product by using strong opinions or reasons, the author’s purpose is to do this.
Persuade
When a story switches from one character narrating in first person to a different character narrating later, this literary technique is being used.
Multiple/Shifting/Different Narrators
When someone distracts from the real issue by bringing up an unrelated topic, they are using this fallacy.
Red Herring
The classroom floor is wet and umbrellas are by the door, so you guess it rained outside.
Abductive Reasoning
A writer argues for longer school lunches by citing studies, statistics, and research findings.
Logos (Logic)
A short story filled with humor, dialogue, and an exciting plot is most likely written to do this for the reader.
Entertain
When a story switches from first-person narration (I) to third-person narration (he or she), the reader must adjust their understanding of this element of the text.
Point of View (POV)
This fallacy happens when someone exaggerates or twists an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack.
Strawman
The school handbook states that students who submit late work lose points. Maya submitted her assignment late, so her grade will be reduced—unless her teacher accepts it as an exception.
Deductive Reasoning
A famous athlete claims a product is effective, shares personal success using it, and includes a few basic facts—but mainly relies on their reputation to persuade the audience.
Ethos (Trust/Credibility)
When an author uses statistics, expert quotes, and logical reasons to change the reader’s opinion about an issue, their purpose is this.
Persuade
A shift from first-person narration to third-person narration changes this element of the story, not the characters’ opinions or beliefs.
Change in Point of View (POV)
“If we allow students to redo one assignment, soon no one will do any work at all!” This argument is an example of this fallacy.
Slippery Slope
After reading several articles by the same author, you notice they often use statistics to support their arguments. Based on this pattern, you expect their next article will also rely heavily on data.
Inductive Reasoning
A persuasive article opens with an emotional story about a student’s struggles, then follows with graduation statistics and expert opinions. The strongest appeal shifts as the argument develops.
Pathos (Emotion) & Logos (Logic)
A nonfiction article explains how hurricanes form using facts and diagrams, then encourages readers to support stronger building codes to stay safe. What are the author’s purposes?
(Ex. Hint - There are two answers)
Inform and Persuade
When two narrators describe the same event differently, the shift in point of view influences the reader by doing this.
Help understand events/Give more details
“Everyone in my class thinks this rule is unfair, so it must be wrong.” This argument uses which fallacy?
Ad Populum (Bandwagon)