Parts of an Argument
This part gives supports like facts, examples, or explanations.
What are reasons?
"All my friends like this show, so it must be the best one."
What is bandwagon?
This fallacy uses too little evidence to make a big claim about a group or situation.
What is hasty generalization?
"School lunches should be healthier."
What is a claim?
This part of the argument answers: "Why do you believe this?"
What are reasons?
This part presents the opposing viewpoint.
What is a counterclaim?
"You want less homework? So you think students shouldn't learn anything at all."
What is straw man?
This fallacy follows the idea: "If a lot of people believe it, it must be true."
What is bandwagon?
"Because of these points, schools should improve lunch quality."
What is a conclusion?
A student says "He thinks school should start later, be he's lazy, so his idea doesn't matter."
What is ad hominem?
This part doesn't introduce new ideas but ties everything together and reinforces the argument's main points.
What is a conclusion?
"I failed one test, so I'm just bad at this subject forever."
What is hasty generalization?
This fallacy attacks a person's character instead of their argument.
What is ad hominem?
"Some people argue that students should not have longer lunch periods because it would reduce learning time."
What is a counterclaim?
A speaker says: "We either have uniforms, or students will dress completely inappropriately."
What is a false dilemma?
This part is what the author/debater is trying to prove.
What is a claim?
"You can't trust her opinion on school rules -- she's always getting in trouble."
What is ad hominem?
This fallacy over simplifies a complex issue into only two choices.
What is false dilemma?
"However, schools can find affordable healthy options with better planning."
What is a rebuttal?
“School should start later because students need more sleep. Some people argue it would interfere with after-school activities.”
What is a counterclaim?
This part explains why the opposing viewpoint is weak or incorrect.
What is a rebuttal?
"Either we cancel homework completely, or students will be overwhelmed and fail."
What is false dilemma?
This fallacy involves twisting someone's words into an extreme or inaccurate version.
What is straw man?
"Many students say they don't like the current options."
What are reasons?
A student says: “You think we should reduce homework, so you must think school isn’t important. Also, I asked two students and they agreed, so everyone must feel that way.” Identify two fallacies.
What are straw man and hasty generalization?