Site MapHelpFeedbackRecognizing Fallacies Exercises, Set 1
Recognizing Fallacies Exercises, Set 1
(See related pages)

Review:Fallacies represent various sorts of errors in reasoning. When you read persuasive writing, ask yourself, "Is the author's argument based on faulty reasoning?" Advertisers often base their ads on fallacies."
Directions:Review the fallacies described below. Then identify the fallacy in each of the items that follow. You can refer to the definitions as you complete the exercise. Your instructor may direct you to work alone or to work collaboratively with another student at the same computer.

  • Hasty generalization—the author jumps to a conclusion without providing adequate proof or evidence.

  • False cause—the author assumes that because one thing happens after another, the second event must be caused by the first event.

  • False analogy—the author makes a comparison that is misleading because it is inappropriate or inaccurate.


  • Ad hominem—the author attacks the opponent personally (the person’s character, actions, etc.) rather than addressing the person’s actual views.


  • Either-or—in this trap, the author puts everything into one of two mutually exclusive categories, leaving the impression that there is nothing else and nothing in-between the two positions.


  • Bandwagon—the author says that and because everyone is doing something, it must be a good thing or the right thing.





1"Providing daycare for toddlers is like herding cats."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem


2"We shouldn't even bother to interview that job applicant. He has a beard."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem


3"Pain-Away worked for me, so it's sure to work for you, too."
A)either-or
B)bandwagon
C)hasty generalization
D)false cause


4"In the future, everyone will wear Design Plus sunglasses. Why wait until then?"
A)false analogy
B)ad hominem
C)either-or
D)bandwagon


5Many people who eats meat are overweight. Eating meat causes obesity."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem


6"We shouldn't approve her loan because she once had a drinking problem."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem


7"Becoming a member of the Wildlife Foundation is the best way to show you care about the environment."
A)hasty generalization
B)false cause
C)false analogy
D)ad hominem


8"Don't worry about eating fast food. After all, millions of Americans eat it every day."
A)false analogy
B)ad hominem
C)either-or
D)bandwagon


9"Relaxing in a Ritz hot tub is like a mini-vacation to a tropical island."
A)false analogy
B)ad hominem
C)either-or
D)bandwagon


10"Either finish school or look forward to an unsatisfying life and a low-paying job."
A)false analogy
B)ad hominem
C)either-or
D)bandwagon





To learn more about the book this website supports, please visit its Information Center.
(c)2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.


Exercise Your College ReadingOnline Learning Center

Home > Appendix Three > Recognizing Fallacies Exercises, Set 1