Identify the logical fallacy exemplified in each sentence.
1. ____________________ An activist rallying the troops at a protest: “President
Schmoop has ruined our economy! And let’s not even discuss his repulsive
position on social issues!”
2. ____________________ Your high school class treasurer says: “Please donate
to the zoo’s ‘Adopt an Animal’ fund. Almost everyone in your class has
contributed.”
3. ____________________ A poacher: “Killing elephants is justifiable because
elephants need to be killed if consumers are to have access to ivory.”
4. ____________________ A political ad: “Ethan McThunkle paid no taxes last
year. Yet he wants to be the county’s next dogcatcher? Vote no.”
5. ____________________ A parent: “You can’t go to that kid’s house. His
cousin’s in prison for tax evasion!”
6. ____________________ A playground argument: “Boys are better at math
and science than girls.”
7. ____________________ A contemptuous member of the lunatic fringe:
“People whose politics are opposite to mine want to hurt ordinary
Americans in order to please the special interest groups they serve!”
8. ____________________ A lazy dad: “I don’t think we should plan that
barbecue this year. Every time we plan a cookout, it always rains.”
9. ____________________ Babble overheard at the movie theater: “We have to
see this movie because it’s a can’t-miss film!”
10.____________________ A smiling grandmother comments: “Mr. Jones is the
most experienced candidate for the Senate. He has five children.”
11.____________________ A high school freshman begs the advisor: “Please let
me work on the school newspaper this year. If you don’t, my career as a
journalist will never get off the ground!”
12.____________________ A child begs the Splash Mountain attendant at closing:
“Please let me ride one more time! It’s the last night of my two-week trip!”
13.____________________ A new freshman comments on his new campus:
“Students here are very rude. Yesterday, the people in the next room
blasted their stereos until four in the morning. Today, I almost got run over
by a bicyclist on the way to class!”
14.____________________ A very poor guidance counselor speaks to the parent:
“Bubba’s grades are not satisfactory. Either he lacks intelligence or he’s
slacking off.”
15.
____________________ A majority of doctors think that the morals of our
young people have declined. Therefore, it's reasonable to believe that the
morals of our young people have declined.
16.
____________________ Lady Gaga doesn't approve of US involvement
17.
____________________ As a victim of Parkinson’s disease, I urge you to
in the Middle East. Therefore, the US shouldn't be involved in the Middle
East.
expand funding for embryonic stem cell research—for my sake, and the
sake of all who suffer neurological disorders.
18.______________________ If you’re going to try to disprove my position by
making reference to a Disney movie, we can’t continue this discussion.
Write and identify an original example of three of the logical fallacies we have
studied.
Fallacy: ______________________________
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Fallacy: ______________________________
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Fallacy: ______________________________
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