1. By Tesslyn Mustain 8 th Grade RELA Timberwood Middle School

2. Used to: Sway opinions Gain Support Degrade (like in a political campaign) An example of fallacies are the stories told by people who assume they are true, just because most people believe the stories to be true.

3. DEFINITION: Using words or phrases, that are intended to inspire emotion in the reader or listener. PROBLEM: Derails an argument by getting the reader focused on emotion instead of facts. EXAMPLES: The first term is an example of using loaded language:  Bureaucrat vs. public servant  Pro-death vs. pro-choice  Regime vs. government  Elitist vs. expert  Put up with vs. tolerate  At a loss vs. bewilder

4. DEFINITION: To simplify to the point of distortion, or to ignore essential details. PROBLEM: It is factually incorrect- or weak on facts; therfore the whole argument is weakened. EXAMPLE: “People end up in jail because they are lazy or have weak morals.” This ignores the social influences, mental illness, and many other factors.

5. DEFINITION: If we allow A to happen, then Z will eventually happen too; therefore, A should not happen. PROBLEM: it avoids engaging with the issue at hand, and instead shifts attention to extreme hypotheticals. No real proof is presented. EXAMPLE: Colin Closet says that if we allow same-sex couples to marry, then the next thing we know we'll be allowing people to marry their parents, their cars and even monkeys.

6. DEFINITION: You attacked your opponent's character or personal traits in an attempt to undermine their argument. PROBLEM: They attack somebody, or cast doubt on their character as a way to discredit their argument. EXAMPLE: After Sally presents a solid case for a more fair tax system, Sam asks the audience whether we should believe anything from a woman who isn't married, was once arrested, and smells a bit weird.

7. DEFINITION: You presented two alternatives as the only possibilities, when in fact more possibilities exist. PROBLEM: This tactic looks like it’s making a logical argument, but instead there really are more possibilities than the either/or choice that is presented. It is misleading to the reader or listener. EXAMPLE: While rallying support for his plan to undermine citizens' rights, the Supreme Leader told the people they were either “for me or against me”.

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